Free bets are one of the most popular promotions offered by online sportsbooks in India, providing increased value to the deposits of Indian players. These free bets extend the life of your bankroll and give you the opportunity to try betting on new markets in a lower-risk environment.
Here is a list of criteria that focus their research on a promotion’s key features:
Size & Types of Free Bets
The larger your bets, the more value you receive from your initial deposit. We’ve found that the type of bonus you receive also impacts its value; for example, no deposit bets can be claimed for free but often have stricter T&Cs.
Expiry Date on Bonuses
Expiry dates put a time limit on your bonus, requiring you to use it before it expires. A promotion with short expiration periods is more limiting.
Minimum Odds Requirements
Sportsbooks implement a minimum odds requirement on their free bets. The higher the minimum odds requirements, the more risk you must take while using your free bet, which increases the chance that your bet will lose.
Minimum Deposit Requirements
When claiming your free bets, you must meet the betting site’s minimum deposit requirements. Sites that have a larger minimum deposit requirement are less accessible to casual players, as they require a greater financial investment to claim the offer.
Accepted Payment Methods
Another important consideration when claiming a free bet bonus is the list of eligible payment methods. Some betting sites with free bets only recognize deposits from specific payment methods when claiming these promotions, limiting your options when funding your account. These rules typically exclude payment methods such as e-wallets or prepaid cards, forcing you to use credit/ debit cards or bank transfers.
Bet type restrictions
Some free bets are limited to specific types of wagers, limiting your potential options when using them. For example, some free bets can only be used on parlays of three events or more. This means that you cannot use your bet on a single or double wager, forcing you to add more markets to your ticket.
We look for bonuses that give you the flexibility to place any type of wager, allowing you to execute your bonus strategy without restriction.
How do Free Bets Work?
Free bets act as pre-prepared wagers that allow you to bet on sporting events without risking your bankroll.
For example, you want to bet on the outright winner of the IPL with your ₹10,000 free bet. To do this, simply select the betting market, and you’ll be given the option to use your free bet. Check that the details of the bet are correct, and click the “Bet” button to make your wager.
Note that free bets cannot be split into smaller denominations. In the above example, you can’t split your ₹10,000 free bets into a ₹5,000 bet on the winner of the Orange Cap and a ₹5,000 bet on the winner of the Purple Cap – it must be placed as a ₹10,000 wager.
Sign up by filling out the provided forms with your personal information.
Input any required bonus codes.
Verify your account by uploading any required documentation.
If a real money deposit is required to claim your free bet, follow these additional steps:
Go to the Cashier section and select the Deposit option.
Choose an approved payment method from the list of options.
Input your deposit amount, ensuring it meets the minimum requirements.
Enter any promo codes required to claim the offer.
Input your payment details and confirm the transaction.
Once your deposit has been processed, you’ll receive your free bets.
Popular Types of Free Sports Bets
Online sportsbooks in India offer a variety of sports betting bonuses; each of these options has slight variations in how to claim it and the rewards you receive.
To help you understand your options, we’ve explored the most popular types of free bet bonuses below:
Welcome Bonus
This promotion will offer you a fixed free bet when you make a real money deposit. For example, a site may offer a ₹5,000 free bet when you make a deposit of ₹2,500 or more. If you make the minimum deposit of ₹2,500, you receive a bonus worth 200% your initial investment, giving you great value for money.
No Deposit Free Bets
The rarest type of free bet bonus, this promotion provides free bets without needing to make a real money deposit. To claim these offers, simply create your account, enter any required promo codes, and complete the sportsbook’s verification requirements.
No deposit free bets are a great way to try out a new sportsbook without risking your bankroll.
Money Back as Cash Bets
Rather than providing you with free bets, this promotion gives you money back on a losing bet. This promotion has one key advantage over the traditional free bet bonus – if you win your bet, you’re free to withdraw your winnings without needing to meet any wagering requirements.
Bet and Get Free Bets
Some betting sites will set wagering targets for their existing players to unlock free bets. For example, they may run a promotion that offers a ₹5,000 free bet if you bet ₹25,000 or more on a specific sport. Promotions such as these provide extra value to players, giving them an extra incentive to bet.
Common Free Bet Terms & Conditions
Before claiming a free bet, it’s important to understand its terms and conditions. These T&Cs can impact both the value of your free bets and how you use them. When you next check the T&Cs of a free bet promotion, look out for these conditions.
Wagering requirements
This outlines how much you need to use your bonus before you can access your winnings. For example, your ₹10,000 free bet comes with wagering requirements of 4x. This means that you need to place ₹40,000 worth of sports bets before your winnings become eligible for withdrawal.
Minimum Deposit Requirement
Many sportsbooks require you to make a deposit to claim your free bet bonus. You must meet or exceed the minimum deposit requirement when claiming your free bets. On average, the minimum deposit requirements for a free bet bonus at an Indian online sports book range from ₹500 to ₹2,000.
Expiration Dates on Bonuses
When you claim your free bet bonus it will have an expiration date. You must use your free bet and clear any outstanding wagering requirements before this date. If you don’t use your free bets within the allotted time they will be removed from your account.
The average validity period for a free bet bonus ranges from 7 days to 30 days; however, some promotions have shorter expiration dates, so always check before claiming your bonus.
Valid Payment Methods
Some bookmakers impose restrictions on the payment methods you can use to claim your bonus. We’ve found that e-wallets and prepaid cards are common victims of these restrictions, limiting the number of options you can use to find your account.
Hidden Terms and Conditions
Most free bet bonuses have restrictions on how you use them; for example, they could be limited to specific bet types or have minimum odds requirements. If you don’t follow these conditions while using your free bets, the sportsbook reserves the right to forfeit your bonus.
Pros and Cons of Using Free Bets
While free bets offer a number of positive features, there are some drawbacks to consider.
Pros
No risk bets
Opportunity to try betting on new markets
Chance to win real money.
Cons
Strict wagering requirements
Strong time limits
Some free bets are limited to accumulators, preventing you from placing single bets.
Free Bets FAQs
Yes, it’s possible to win money with free sports bets.
Many free bet bonuses allow you to place wagers on any market across any sporting event; however, some special bonuses may be limited to specific matches, tournaments, or events.
To claim a free bet as a new player, simply create your sportsbook account, enter any required promo codes, verify your account, and make a qualifying real money deposit.
No, most bonuses require you to complete the wagering requirements before you can withdraw your winnings.
Yes, all free bets have an expiry date.
While many free bets let you make any wager you’d like, some are limited to specific types of wagers, such as single bets or parlays.
Yes, many of the best online betting sites offer free bets to their existing players as rewards in their loyalty programs or as reload bonuses that can be claimed by making a real money deposit.