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 However, they come with a few conditions, the main one being that the bonus funds cannot be withdrawn.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.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
+9
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
+6
- 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.
| Sportsbook | Free bet offer | Min. qualifying bet | Paid win or lose? | How it's paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens | $5 | Win or lose | Spread over 5 days |
| DraftKings | Spend $5+, Get $150 in Bonus Bets | $5 | Win or lose | Lump sum within 14 days |
| bet365 | Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets + 50 spins | $10 | Win or lose | Bonus bets plus 50 spins |
| BetMGM | Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if you win | $10 | Only if bet wins | Lump sum on winning bet |
Let’s have an in-depth review of these sportsbooks below.
FanDuel: The best free bet offer available right now
- 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
FanDuel is one of the most popular sportsbooks in the US and currently offers the strongest free bet deal on this page. New users can Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens spread across five days, which gives you far more free betting value than any comparable welcome offer.
The structure is one of the reasons we rank it first. Rather than a single lump sum, the value is delivered over five days, giving you repeated chances to use your tokens on different games and events. You do not need a promo code to claim it, and the low $5 qualifying bet means you unlock the full offer without risking much of your own money.
Beyond the welcome offer, FanDuel is widely regarded as having the easiest app to use and is available in nearly every legal state. It excels in the NBA and offers the original same game parlay builder, giving you plenty of appealing ways to put your free bets to work.
| 🎁 Welcome offer | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens over 5 days |
| 📱 App rating | ⭐ 4.8 App Store / 4.7 Google Play |
| 💳 Payments | PayPal, Venmo, debit card, online banking, Apple Pay, Play+ |
| ⚡ Withdrawal speed | Within 24 hours (PayPal, Venmo) |
| 🚫 Restricted states | [list-restricted-states operator=451] |
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
DraftKings began with daily fantasy sports and has grown into one of the two biggest sportsbooks in the US. New players can Spend $5 or more and Get $150 in Bonus Bets, with the bonus bets paid within 14 days of the qualifying wager.
The offer is one of the easiest to unlock thanks to the low $5 qualifying bet, and the reward lands regardless of whether your first bet wins. DraftKings also offers the deepest overall selection of betting markets of any US sportsbook, so there is no shortage of ways to use your bonus bets once they arrive.
The operator keeps regulars engaged with ongoing promos, parlay boosts, and odds boosts, while its DK Cheers loyalty program rewards active users with points and perks. Overall, DraftKings combines accessibility and promotional depth, making it an easy first choice for many bettors.
| 🎁 Welcome offer | Spend $5+, Get $150 in Bonus Bets (paid within 14 days) |
| 📱 App rating | ⭐ 4.8 App Store / 4.7 Google Play |
| 💳 Payments | PayPal, Venmo, debit card, online banking, Apple Pay, Play+ |
| ⚡ Withdrawal speed | 24 to 48 hours (PayPal, online banking) |
| 🚫 Restricted states | [list-restricted-states operator=453] |
bet365: A global sportsbook operator
- Generous welcome bonus
- 24/7 live chat
- Intuitive site interface
- Dedicated mobile app
- No VIP program
bet365 is a leading global sportsbook, known for its extensive range of markets and a genuinely user-friendly experience. We like how smoothly the site and app let you bet across different sports, from football to tennis and plenty of niche markets.
New players in eligible states can Bet $10 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets plus 50 spins, which adds a casino element on top of the standard free bet value. The bonus bets are credited after your qualifying wager, giving you an easy way to explore the sportsbook.
We also trust bet365's reputation for fast payouts and strong security, and its market-leading live streaming lets you watch and bet on events directly within the app. Just make sure your state is eligible before signing up to claim the offer.
| 🎁 Welcome offer | Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets + 50 spins |
| 📱 App rating | ⭐ 4.7 App Store |
| 💳 Payments | PayPal, Venmo, debit card, Apple Pay, Trustly, PayNearMe |
| ⚡ Withdrawal speed | 24 to 72 hours (Apple Pay listed as instant) |
| 🚫 Restricted states | [list-restricted-states operator=2] |
BetMGM: A big brand with a win-based offer
- Comprehensive sports betting markets
- Regular bonuses and promotions
- Dedicated mobile betting apps
- Not available in all US states
BetMGM is a popular US sportsbook backed by the MGM casino brand, with a strong mobile app and easy navigation. Its current welcome offer lets new users Bet $10 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets if their first bet wins.
This structure is why we rank it below the others here, since you only receive the bonus bets if your opening wager is successful, rather than win or lose. That said, in some states BetMGM runs a second-chance offer worth up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet loses, so it is worth checking which offer is available in your location.
As its own odds provider, BetMGM often has competitive pricing, and it has the most comprehensive customer support of any sportsbook, including 24/7 live chat and phone access to real agents. Do note that bonus bets are non-withdrawable, so you play through them and withdraw only the winnings.
| 🎁 Welcome offer | Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if you win |
| 📱 App rating | ⭐ 4.8 App Store / 4.4 Google Play |
| 💳 Payments | PayPal, Venmo, debit card, online banking, Apple Pay, Play+, PayNearMe |
| ⚡ Withdrawal speed | 24 to 72 hours (PayPal, online banking) |
| 🚫 Restricted states | [list-restricted-states operator=832] |
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
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 qualifying bets unlock generous free bet bonuses, often just $5 to $10
- Offered by trusted, licensed, and state-regulated sportsbook brands
- No promo code required to claim, so the offer applies automatically at sign-up
- Free bets let you try a new sportsbook without risking much of your own money
- A wide choice of offers means you can pick the structure that suits how you bet
- Any winnings from a free bet become withdrawable cash
- Offers can be state-specific and may vary in value depending on your location
- The stake is not returned on a winning free bet, only the winnings
- Bonus bets usually expire within a set period, often seven days
- Some offers only pay out if your qualifying bet wins
- Minimum odds requirements can apply to qualifying bets
Types of free bet offers for new and existing users
As you may have noticed in our sportsbook reviews, not every bookmaker's free bets work the same way. Understanding the different types helps you spot the best value and choose the offer that suits how you like to bet. Below we explain the most common free bet offers you will come across, each with a real-world example.
1. Standard free bets (bet and get)
The most common type. You deposit, place a qualifying bet at minimum odds, and the sportsbook releases your bonus bets in return. Some operators offer a matched free bet, where you receive a bonus bet equal to your qualifying stake, while others offer a multiplier that gives you far more than you wager. The multiplier style is now the go-to standard for US welcome offers because it delivers the most value for a small outlay.
- Matched example: Bet $50 and receive a $50 free bet.
- Multiplier example: Bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets, as offered by DraftKings.
2. First-bet insurance (second chance)
With this type, your first real-money bet is protected. If it loses, the sportsbook refunds your stake as bonus bets up to a set limit, so you get a second chance rather than losing your money outright. If your first bet wins, you simply keep the winnings. This suits bettors who want to place a larger opening wager with a safety net.
- Example: BetMGM offers up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet loses in some states.
3. Welcome deposit bonus
These require an initial deposit, typically $10 or more, which is then matched up to a maximum amount with bonus funds. This instantly boosts your betting balance without needing to place a bet first, giving you more to play with from the start. Deposit match offers are more common at casinos than sportsbooks, but some betting sites still run them.
- Example: Receive a 200% deposit match up to $600, turning a $300 deposit into $900 to bet with.
4. No deposit free bets
As the name suggests, these do not require a deposit. They let you test a new bookmaker and potentially withdraw winnings with no risk at all. However, they are extremely rare at licensed US sportsbooks and none of the top operators currently offer one, though they do occasionally appear, so it is worth keeping an eye out.
- Example: Register a new account and receive a $10 free bet with no deposit required.
5. Cashback
Cashback offers return your stake if your bet loses, softening the blow of a losing wager. As with most promotions, be aware of the terms, since the returned stake is usually issued as bonus bets rather than withdrawable cash. Cashback can apply to a welcome bet or run as an ongoing promotion for existing users.
- Example: Get up to $25 back as a bonus bet if your first wager of the day loses.
6. Boosted odds
Also known as enhanced odds, this type boosts the price on certain outcomes as a welcome offer or ongoing promotion. It gives you a better return than the standard line, though it usually comes with restrictions such as a maximum stake limit and a fixed selection you cannot alter.
- Example: A team priced at +150 to win is boosted to +300 for new customers, with a maximum $10 stake.
7. No sweat bets
A close cousin of first-bet insurance, a no sweat bet refunds you as a bonus bet if a specific qualifying wager loses, often tied to a particular bet type such as a same game parlay. The difference is that these frequently run as recurring promotions for existing users rather than one-time welcome offers.
- Example: Place a same game parlay and if it loses, get up to $25 back as a bonus bet, available daily.
8. Profit boosts
Profit boosts increase the winnings on a bet by a set percentage rather than boosting the odds directly. They are handed out regularly to existing users, often ahead of major events, and are applied to a bet of your choice up to a maximum stake.
- Example: Apply a 50% profit boost to a winning $20 bet and your $20 profit becomes $30.
Discover our top-rated bookmakers!
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
+9
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
+6
- 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 Customer Offer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
+7
- 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 in FanCash
+3
- 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.
Terms and conditions of free bet offers
Free bet offers are genuinely valuable, but they always come with terms attached that determine how you can use the bonus and what you can withdraw. Understanding these conditions before you sign up helps you pick the best offer and avoid losing out on a bonus you thought you had unlocked. The good news is that free bets at licensed US sportsbooks tend to have simpler terms than casino bonuses, but there are still a few key rules to check every time. The table below explains the most common terms you will come across, with real examples from current offers.
| Term | What it means | Typical example |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | The smallest amount you need to deposit to qualify for the offer. | Usually $5 to $10, for example bet365 requires a $10 minimum deposit. |
| Minimum qualifying bet | The size of the first real-money bet you must place to trigger the free bets. | Often matches the deposit, such as a $5 bet at DraftKings or a $10 bet at BetMGM. |
| Minimum odds | The odds your qualifying bet must meet or exceed to count toward the offer. | Commonly around -200 to -500 or longer, so a bet at very short odds may not qualify. |
| Wagering / playthrough | How many times you must bet the bonus before winnings become withdrawable. US bonus bets are usually 1x, meaning you simply play the bonus bet through once. | 1x is standard, so a $25 bonus bet is used on a single wager and the winnings are then cash. |
| Stake not returned | When a bonus bet wins, you keep only the winnings, not the stake amount. | A winning $25 bonus bet at +100 returns $25, not the $50 a cash bet would pay. |
| Expiry period | How long you have to use the bonus bets before they are forfeited. | Typically 7 days from when the bonus bets are credited to your account. |
| How the bonus is issued | Whether you receive one lump sum or several smaller bonus bets over time. | DraftKings issues $150 as several bonus bets over 14 days; FanDuel spreads value across 5 days. |
| Non-withdrawable and single use | The bonus bet itself cannot be withdrawn as cash and is committed to one wager. | Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and cannot be split across multiple bets. |
| Eligibility | Who can claim, based on being a new customer of legal age in an eligible state. | New customers only, 21+ in most states (18+ in DC, NH, PR, WY). |
| State availability | Offers and their value can differ depending on the state you are located in. | bet365 adds 50 spins for new customers in MI, NJ, and PA only. |
These terms vary slightly between sportsbooks, so always read the specific conditions of an offer before signing up. The most important ones to check are the minimum odds on your qualifying bet, the expiry period, and how the bonus is paid, as these have the biggest impact on how easily you can turn a free bet into withdrawable cash.
Are there any no deposit free bets?
No deposit free bets, where a sportsbook gives you a free bet simply for registering without requiring any deposit or qualifying wager, are extremely rare at licensed US sportsbooks. None of the top operators such as FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, or BetMGM currently offer one. Instead, they all use bet-and-get or first-bet style welcome offers that require a small deposit and qualifying bet to unlock your bonus bets.
The reason is straightforward. No deposit offers are costly for operators to run and open to abuse, so regulated US sportsbooks almost always tie their free bets to a qualifying deposit and wager instead. The offers you will find are still excellent value, often giving you $150 or more in bonus bets for just a $5 to $10 qualifying bet, but they are not strictly no deposit.
If any of the top US sportsbooks do introduce a genuine no deposit free bet, we will update this page straight away so you can be among the first to claim it. For now, the best value comes from the low-entry bet-and-get offers covered above, which get you a large amount of bonus bets for a minimal outlay.
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 terms attached, such as a minimum odds requirement on your qualifying bet or a rule about how the bonus bets can be used. Read these before you sign up, since a bet placed below the minimum odds may not trigger the offer at all. Knowing the rules upfront means you avoid the frustration of missing out on a bonus you thought you had unlocked.
💰 Treat the free bet credit like bonus money
When you win a bet placed with a free bet, you only keep the profit, not the stake. For example, a $10 free bet on a +100 event that wins returns $10 in winnings rather than the $20 a cash bet would return. Factor this in when working out the real value of an offer, as it means a free bet is worth slightly less than the same amount in cash.
📈 Plan your free bet usage strategically
Since the free bet costs you nothing, it is worth thinking about how to give yourself the best chance of turning it into withdrawable cash. Some bettors prefer safer, higher-probability wagers to lock in a return, while others use the free bet on a longer-odds selection since there is no real money at stake. Either approach is valid, so choose the one that fits your goals.
⏳ Use the free bet before it expires
Bonus bets almost always come with an expiry window, often as short as seven days from when they are credited. If you do not use them in time, they are forfeited entirely. Check the expiry as soon as your free bets land in your account and plan to use them well before the deadline so you never leave value on the table.
🔍 Compare offers before you commit
Not all free bet offers are equal, so it pays to compare them before signing up. Look at the qualifying bet required, whether the bonus pays out win or lose, how the bonus bets are issued, and the expiry period. A slightly smaller offer with fairer terms can be better value than a bigger headline figure that is harder to actually use.
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
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
+9
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
+6
- 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 Customer Offer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
+7
- 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 in FanCash
+3
- 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.
