Can I bet on my favourite sports for free?

If you like to take advantage of 'no deposit required' promotions, such as free spins no deposit welcome offers at your favourite online casinos, you may be wondering if these types of promotions are also available at online sportsbooks. In other words, is it possible to bet on your favourite sports for free? The answer to that question is 'yes'. Read on to discover how it all works.

Free bets are a regular feature of all the top sportsbooks

Whether you are keen to have a flutter on the next Premier League match, horse race or Formula 1 fixture, you may be wondering how free bets work when provided by online sportsbooks. As with virtual casinos, free bet promotions are a staple of all major sportsbooks, including such big names as William Hill, Betfred and Paddy Power, to name a very few. These online betting companies regularly offer sports betting promotions to keep their customers interested. But what are the different types of free bet promotions and how do you claim them? Let's find out.

Free bets

Unfortunately, while a free bet on your favourite football team may seem like a dream come true, these promotions are not, in fact, entirely free. They usually require a deposit, often of either Â£5 or Â£10, in order to claim them. Once you've made this deposit, you will be given a certain amount of money - or bet credits - to use within a given time period e.g. the next 7 days. You can then withdraw any winnings that resulted from these bets. The exact terms and conditions will vary from offer to offer, so you will need to read them thoroughly before you claim the promotion. Some sportsbook offers may include certain wagering requirements or other restrictions that need to be followed in order for you to make the most of the bonus.

Bonus cash - also known as the 'risk-free' bet

This kind of offer is slightly different from the standard free bet promotion, and while it may sound tempting, again, a little caution is advised before signing up - in particular, make sure you check out those terms and conditions! Basically, bonus cash (or a risk-free bet, as they are also called) is an offer whereby you place a bet with a sportsbook, and if you win, you claim your winnings - but if you lose, the sportsbook will give you money back. Again, the amount you will receive in return will differ from offer to offer, but it can often be in the region of Â£30 or even Â£50. However, you may need to place a certain number of bets first in order to be eligible for this promotion.

Claiming your sportsbook promotion

Claiming one of these free bet bonuses so you can bet on your favourite sport is usually very straightforward. Simply make an account with your chosen sportsbook, if you haven't done so already, and enter the bonus code for the promotion (if there is one) or make the required deposit. Once you've done this, you will be able to claim your offer, whether it's free bets or bonus cash - and then, if your bet has been well-placed, you'll be able to withdraw your winnings.