Free bets vs other types of sign up bonuses |
31/05/2022 17:56 -
Different online bookmakers will have different ways to attract new customers to their betting sites. This can vary greatly but it will usually be in the form of sign up bonuses available to you as soon as you create a new account with them. Perhaps the most popular type of bonus offered by bookmakers is free bets, however, while it may sound the most enticing, these are not necessarily the best betting offers for you. So, what are free bets and how do they compare to other sign up bonuses available? Let’s find out.
What is a free bet and how does it work?
As the name suggests, a free bet is essentially a bet that the bookmaker gives to you free of charge, as a reward for signing up with their betting site. It’s not quite as simple as that, however, as free bets can slightly vary in different bookmakers and there can be different terms and conditions attached to them.
For example, free bets can come in the form of a fixed amount of cash credited into your account. Others may simply offer a free bet feature within the website, which will allow you to make a free bet for a specific amount. In some cases, bookmakers will let you place a bet with your own cash and then refund whatever you lost into your account. So, the idea is always similar but the way it’s executed can differ quite a bit.
The other thing to keep in mind is the terms and conditions of the free bet given to you. Some bookmakers will only allow you to use the free bet on a specific event while others will have a staggering amount of wagering requirements. You may also want to consider the different qualifying criteria you will have to meet in order to be given the free bet.
When you add it all up, the free bet is not actually as “free” as it may sound and it can sometimes cause more headaches than benefit. Nevertheless, some free bet offers can be really good value so it is always worth looking out for those.
Other types of sign up bonuses
There are a variety of other kinds of sign up, or welcome, bonuses offered by the bookmakers. Most of them, however, will work in a very similar way as free bets. For example, a cash bonus is essentially a risk-free bet where you are either credited a fixed amount of cash into your account or you receive a refund on a lost bet. Again, these bonuses will also include a list of terms and conditions that you should look into.
It is therefore often concluded that the type of sign up bonus you are offered does not actually matter. Instead, it is most important to look at the staking/odds combinations of your choice, which will determine the expected value as well as the wagering requirements/terms and conditions of the promotion offer.
What you can look out for, though, is a free gift of some kind that comes together with your welcome bonus. Whether that’s a football shirt or a branded mug - we all love to receive a free, tangible gift. So, if you have a few great bookmakers to choose from, the free gift in addition to a good value welcome bonus might help you make the final decision.
