Key takeaways about these bonus bets
- Free bets allow you to wager on sports events without spending your own cash.
- The leading platforms that provide these bonus bets are bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, and DraftKings.
- You can compare these leading bookmakers’ free bets to find the right promotion for you.
What are free bets?
As the name suggests, they are bonuses (or betting credits) given by sportsbooks that you can use to place a bet instead of your own cash. You can use them on real sporting events at no cost, beyond meeting a small qualifying wager.
These incentivized bonuses are popular among new betting sites, and they typically offer them to newly registered players. However, they come with a few conditions, the main one being that the bonus funds cannot be withdrawn. You can, however, withdraw the winnings from the bets you placed using these funds.
For example, let’s say you receive a free bet of $10. If you decide to wager on a sports event with a minimum odds of +150 and that wager wins, you'll receive a total payout of $25. However, you’ll only be allowed to withdraw your net winnings ($15). Your $10 bonus bet remains non-withdrawable.
Additionally, most sportsbooks limit free bets to one per person or account. They often have short expiry periods (like 7 days), so it’s best to use them soon after qualifying.
Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win
+10
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
up to 100€ Bet Credits
Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
New Users – Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!
+8
- Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
- Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
- Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds
What sportsbooks offer these free bets
Without a doubt, several top betting sites offer generous bonuses to new and existing players. However, the search can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done our homework and brought to you the best operators that give bonus bets.
Here are the top free bet deals provided by our five recommended betting platforms right now.
| Sportsbooks | Welcome bonus |
| bet365 | Bet $5 and get $200 in free bets (win or lose) |
| BetMGM | Bet $10 and get $150 in bonus bets if you win, or get up to $1,500 paid back in free bets if you don’t win |
| FanDuel | Bet $5+ and get $200 in bonus bets if you win |
| Caesars | Get your first bet matched up to $250 in bonus bets |
| DraftKings | Bet $5 on any event, get $300 in bonus bets if you win |
Let’s have an in-depth review of these sportsbooks below.
bet365: A global sportsbook operator
- Generous welcome bonus
- 24/7 live chat
- Intuitive site interface
- Dedicated mobile app
- No VIP program
Eligible regions: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana (permitted parishes only), Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.
bet365 is a leading sportsbook, known for its extensive range of markets and a user-friendly platform. We like how smoothly the site and app let you bet on different sports, from football to tennis and niche sports.
Interestingly, new players in eligible states (see above) often see a “bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets” offer. This deal provides an avenue to try things out. We also trust bet365’s reputation for fast payouts and strong security. To benefit from this sportsbook’s bonus, ensure your state is eligible before signing up.
BetMGM: A big brand with a generous welcome offer
- Comprehensive sports betting markets
- Regular bonuses and promotions
- Dedicated mobile betting apps
- Not available in all US states
Eligible regions: Bet $10, get $150: Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
Eligible regions: Get up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets: Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Wyoming
BetMGM is another popular US sportsbook backed by the MGM casino brand. We appreciate its strong mobile app and easy navigation. New users often get a first-bet insurance up to $1,500: if your initial wager loses, you get your stake back in the form of bonus bets. That risk-free option makes jumping in feel safer.
In other selected regions, the platform rewards new users with $150 in bonus bets when their first-ever wager (minimum of $5) wins. However, these bonuses cannot be exchanged for one another and are mostly region-specific.
Also, do note that these bonus bets are non-withdrawable. Therefore, simply play through them and withdraw only your winnings if your bets are successful.
FanDuel: Home to a generous free bet bonus offer
- Wide range of sports and bet types
- Includes deep prop markets
- Fast withdrawals with PayPal and Venmo
- Reliable app with quick loading and stable live betting
- Some prop markets can be buried under extra clicks
Eligible regions: DC, Kentucky, or Wyoming, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana (selected parishes), Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
FanDuel is one of the most popular US sportsbooks. Its platform is very easy to use, and it’s available in nearly all states. New players can grab a Bet $5, Get $300 in bonus bets (if your $5 bet wins). You don’t need a sportsbook promo code to grab this deal.
This platform offers a smooth experience and regular promotions. The only drawback we found is that if your first bet loses, there’s no sort of bet insurance. You simply miss out on the bonus.
Caesars: A trusted sportsbook brand
- Generous welcome offer
- Licensed and regulated
- Competitive odds on popular sports
- Live betting with integrated streaming
- Not legal in all US states
Eligible regions: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, DC.
Caesars Sportsbook is backed by the famous Caesars resort and casino brand, which means it has a great rewards program (Caesars Rewards) for bettors. New users usually qualify for up to $250 in matched bonus bets when they place a qualifying wager.
It offers all the major sports and a user-friendly app. The main downside of these free bets is its size. In our opinion, the $250 free bets offer depends on how much your first wager will be since it’s a matched bonus. This means that if you only bet $10, that is the only bet amount Caesars will match. But on the positive side, you’ll benefit from the brand’s reliable customer service and clean interface.
DraftKings: A fantasy giant turned bookmaker
- Legal in 26 US states
- Long A-Z list of sports markets
- Awesome promos
- Limited list of legal states
Eligible regions: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana (select parishes), Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wyoming, West Virginia
DraftKings began with daily fantasy sports (DFS) and now offers a sportsbook to delight users seeking additional sports betting options. New players can take advantage of a Bet $5, Get $300 bonus bet offer (if the $5 wager wins).
The operator offers ongoing promos, parlay boosts and odds boosts to keep regulars engaged. Its DK Cheers loyalty program rewards active users with points, exclusive bets and occasional perks that enhance value over time. Overall, DraftKings combines accessibility and promotional depth, making it an easy first choice for many sports bettors and casual players.
Pros and cons of these free bets offered by our recommended sportsbooks
Here are some perks and drawbacks of the free bets on these platforms.
- Low-entry bets to unlock generous bonuses
- Offered by trusted and regulated brands
- No promo code is required to claim them
- Offers can be state-specific
Types of free bet offers for new and existing users
As you may have noticed in our sportsbook reviews, each bookmaker's free bets do not work the same way. To aid with that understanding, here are the popular ones we have found.
1. Standard free bets
Most betting sites require you to deposit to your account first and wager them on a qualifying minimum odds before releasing the bonus bets. They can either come in the form of matched stake bets, such as the case of Caesars: bet $50 and receive a $50 free bet, and so on.
However, other operators offer better incentives (in the form of a multiplier). For example, bet $10 and get a $200 free bet. Now, these kinds are the go-to standard for free bet deals.
2. Welcome deposit bonus
These types require an initial deposit, typically $10 or more, and are matched up to a maximum amount with bonus funds. Take, for example, “Receive 200% deposit match up to $600.” This offer means you can instantly double your betting balance without wagering on a sports event. Now, you have more to go with.
3. No deposit free bets
As you’d have guessed, these don’t require a deposit. As such, it allows the player to test a new bookmaker and potentially withdraw winnings with no risk. However, you won’t find many of these bonus types around. But they do show up from time to time, so keep an eye out.
4. Cashback
This is another free bet offer that allows you to receive your stake back if your bet loses. Again, customers should be aware of the terms and conditions, as returned stakes are often issued as bonus bets rather than cash.
5. Boosted odds
Also known as enhanced odds, this type of free bet offer occurs when a betting site boosts the odds on certain outcomes as a welcome offer to new customers. This offer, however, comes with certain restrictions. For instance, you may be unable to add or remove from the selection, and there’s a maximum stake limit you must not exceed.
Discover our top-rated bookmakers!
Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win
+10
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
up to 100€ Bet Credits
Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
New Users – Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!
+8
- Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
- Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
- Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
+8
- Bet on 40+ different sports
- Dynamic odds on live, in-play fixtures
- Deposit and bet $5 to receive up to $300 in bonus bets
10 x $100 bet match
+4
- 15+ sports categories
- An extensive range of betting markets
- Supports in-play betting and live streaming
How to claim free bets at sportsbooks
Claiming a free bet is usually straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Click the banners on this page and select your preferred sports betting platform.
- You’ll be redirected to the site’s registration page, where you’re required to input details such as your name, email address, username, password, state of residence, and date of birth
- Depending on your choice of platform, you’d find an attached sportsbook promo code field. You can ignore it, as no action is required here to claim your sign-up bonus.
- You’ll be prompted to verify your account to ensure you’re in an eligible location and meet the age requirement.
- After verification, feel free to log in to your newly created account. Next, make the required minimum deposit.
- Platforms like Caesars will match your first wager (regardless of the outcome).
- Others like bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings will require you to wager first, and when it settles, you’ll receive your bonus bets.
Please note that every free bet has its own rules; therefore, check minimum odds, eligible sports, and expiration times. Remember that free bets also cover the amount of the stake, so only winnings (minus your stake) are withdrawable. Feel free to read our betting bonus guide to understand key terms when using a sportsbook freebie.
Free bets vs. matched deposit bonuses
Sometimes people confuse free bets with deposit bonuses. Both are rewards from sportsbooks, but they work differently. The table below provides the key differences.
| Aspects | Free bets | Matched deposit |
| Definition | Free betting credit | Bonus awarded based on a percentage of your initial deposit |
| Example | Deposit and wager $10 and get $100 in free bets | 100% matched deposit up to $300; if you deposit $150, you get $150 in bonus funds. |
| How you receive it | Often automatically, when you make your first bet | Credited after making your first deposit, as well as subsequent ones |
| Potential payout | If you win via free bets, you can withdraw the winnings only. | Higher, as you can withdraw both the deposit and the bonus amount. However, there are additional wagering requirements you have to follow. |
| Wagering requirement | Simply place a qualifying bet on an eligible sports event | Usually, wager up to 5-50x on the bonus amount before you can withdraw |
| Complexity | Generally easy to claim | Can be complex due to wagering requirements and additional restrictions on how they can be used. |
| Suitability for beginners | Great for beginners | Less suitable for beginners |
The summary here is this: matched deposit bonuses pad your bankroll but usually lock it up with wagering requirements. On the other hand, free bets let you jump right into an event and potentially lock in some winnings and withdraw them without stress.
Free bet wagering tips
Free bets can be a great way to try betting with less risk, but there are a few tips you should keep in mind.
🎲 Always Check the Wagering Requirements
Most free bets come with rules, such as a minimum odds or a requirement to bet the bonus amount a certain number of times before you withdraw.
💰 Treat the Free Bet Credit Like Bonus Money
If you win a bet placed with a free bet, remember that you only keep the profit, not the stake. For example, a $10 free bet on a +100 (even) odds event that wins will return $10 in winnings (not $20).
📈 Plan Your Free Bet Usage Strategically
Since the free bet is provided for free, choose safer, higher-probability wagers to increase your chance of turning the bonus into withdrawable cash.
⏳ Use the Free Bet Before It Expires
Another strategic move is to use your free bets during their validity period, keeping in mind that they have an expiry window.
Choose your preferred betting site and register to obtain a welcome bonus today
Free bets allow you to enjoy your sporting sessions without risking much of your own cash. Throughout this page, we’ve reviewed what they are, how they work, and which bookies offer the top offers. Remember to check all terms, play within your means, and treat these bonus bets as fun perks, not guaranteed cash.
Ready to try a free bet for yourself? Click the banners on this page to visit a top sportsbook and claim one of the featured offers.
Try these top betting bonuses
Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win
+10
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
up to 100€ Bet Credits
Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
New Users – Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!
+8
- Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
- Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
- Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
+8
- Bet on 40+ different sports
- Dynamic odds on live, in-play fixtures
- Deposit and bet $5 to receive up to $300 in bonus bets
10 x $100 bet match
+4
- 15+ sports categories
- An extensive range of betting markets
- Supports in-play betting and live streaming
FAQs about the best free bets
What are free bets and how do they work?
Free bets are betting credits you get from a sportsbook. They let you place a bet without spending your own money. If your free bet wins, you keep the profit (but not the stake).
Do I need a promo code to claim free bets?
No, you don’t. Our reviewed sportsbooks don’t require you to provide a promo code at sign-up or during deposits to activate their offers. Interestingly, these offers are automatically applied once you complete your deposit and place a wager.
Are free bets really free money?
Not exactly. Free bets let you bet without using your own cash, but remember that they aren’t guaranteed cash rewards. You only keep your winnings from the free bet, and the original stake is not returned.
How do I find the best free bet offers?
By considering the five free betting sites we reviewed on this page. They include: bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, and DraftKings. Check if any of them are available in your region and pick a deal that fits your betting style.
What happens if I don’t use a free bet before it expires?
Each free bet has an expiration date (often 7 days). If you don’t use it in time, it simply disappears. You won’t get compensation for an expired free bet. Always check and use your free bet while it’s valid.
