Online sportsbooks are popular for a number of reasons. Apart from the convenience and security they bring, sportsbooks also offer bonuses and promotions to both new and existing players on their platforms. These bonuses can come in different shapes and sizes depending on the online bookie. Among all the offers available, Free bets are one of the most rewarding bonuses to claim. Free bets allow new players to place bets for free. On this page, we'll list the best sign-up bonus betting sites and how to get started with free bets.
Best Free Bet Offers in Canada
Best Free Bets Offers
How to Choose the Correct Betting Site Based on the Free Bets?
Free bets can look irresistible until you try them. Most bookies will lure you with a nice offer but spoil the party with untenable wagering requirements. So before you claim any free bets, here are some factors to consider:
Minimum Deposit
The minimum deposit is the first qualifying requirement to look at when claiming free bet offers. This helps you determine if you need a large or small budget to trigger the free bet. For example, a bookie may set C$30 as the minimum deposit to unlock a C$20 welcome package. Is this amount within your budget and plans? Answer that before claiming the free bet.
Maximum bet amount
The maximum bet or deposit is another standard bonus condition. Bookmakers often set the maximum bet that you can place before activating bonus tokens. Betting even one penny more can lead to losing all your bonus amount and progress. So pay close attention to this!
Market Odds
Interestingly, bookies won't just let you use the free bets on any market odds. Instead, they will specify the odds, with some even highlighting the market.
Valid Date
Any bonus you claim online must have an expiry date that starts from the triggering date. Sometimes, bonus validity can run throughout the entire month. But don't get your hopes high as most bonuses are only valid for a week or two. So, operate within the bonus timeline or risk losing it all.
Playthrough requirement
Although rare, some bookmakers include playthrough requirements or wagering requirements. This is basically the number of times punters must wager the bonus money to cash out any winnings from it. For example, a C$20 welcome reward can have a 10x playthrough requirement. In that case, players must wager at least C$200 (C$20 x 10) to withdraw any bonus winnings.
Country and Game Restrictions
In addition to the bonus conditions above, you should also look at the country restrictions for the bonus bets. Some free bets might be available to Canadian players and unavailable in Europe or Asia. This is why it is important to read the bonus terms and conditions before claiming any offer.
Types of Free Bet Offers
Free bets come in two distinct categories – welcome bonuses and loyalty programs. So, how different are these betting offers?
New Customer Free Bets
As the name hints, a welcome bonus is a sportsbook promotion given to new players after creating an account successfully. Oftentimes, the bookie will reward you with bonus bets after making a minimum deposit. Also, some bookies offer bonuses after depositing with a particular banking method. It's also worth noting that bookmakers can offer a substantial welcome reward but spread it across three or four deposits. For example, the total sign-up offer can be C$500. However, the bonus term can stipulate that you get C$200 on your first deposit, with the rest equally divided on three subsequent deposits.
Unfortunately, finding a player-friendly free bet offer can be an arduous task. But fret not because we’ve already done the dirty work to compile a list of Canada's best free bet offers. Just browse through the list and choose one that suits your style.
Free Bets for Loyal Players
Bonuses are generally designed to attract and keep players. And that's precisely what loyalty programs do. Betting sites use these bonuses to show appreciation to current and loyal players. Some betting apps can offer daily, weekly, or monthly promotions. Others even do it whenever a player meets specific requirements.
A good example is risk-free bets. Here, the bookie will offer to refund a certain amount of cash after you lose a bet. But be careful before claiming the reward because the minimum bet amount can be on the high side.
Rebates or cashback are also common. In this type of promotion, the bookie offers to refund a certain loss percentage. This can be 5% or 10% of your weekend or Friday losses. A bookmaker can also invite high roller players to their VIP program. Here, players pick up points to climb up the ladder. After amassing enough points, they can convert them to bonus money.
So generally, the best betting sites like those listed above will occasionally offer players free bets. But again, remember to read the bonus terms and conditions.
More Free Bets for All Players
In addition to loyalty rewards and welcome offers, a bookie can also offer bonuses tailored for new and loyal players. For instance, you may get free bets for merely installing the Android or iPhone app, although that's not always the case.
Also, you can match right in and join the player referral program. This reward is usually open to all players, including those who just signed up a second ago. The referral program is all about telling your friends or peers to sign up and make a minimum deposit. Normally, the invited player will have to sign up via a specific link or code.
Top Betting Sites with Free Bets
Now that you're familiar with the ins and outs of free bets, let's look at the best free bet offers in Canada:
Shangri La Free Bets
Shangri La offers players a chance to win prize money every day. Simple, log into Shangrilalive and stand a 10% chance to scoop a C$10 free bet. Just make a minimum bet and claim the reward. However, this free bet is available for single bets and can only be used with minimum and maximum odds of 1.5 and 5.0, respectively. Note also that the bonus is only active for three days.
Sports Interaction Free Bet
This is arguably the juiciest free bet you can find on a Canadian bookie. In this case, your first deposit gets matched up to $200 in bonus bets. The minimum deposit? $20. Here is how it works; place a qualifying wager equal to the first deposit and win up to $200 in free bets. Also, the free bets are only eligible on markets with 3.0 odds. What's best? Qualifying bets will expire exactly after 45 days. This is more than enough time to meet all the requirements.
888Sport Free Bet
888Sport allows you to make a triumphant entry into sports betting by awarding you with a $30 free bet. Just bet at least $10 and get the money credited into your betting account immediately. That said, the free bet is applicable on odds of at least 1.50 and expires within 7 days.
How to Claim a Free Bet?
Claiming your first free bet is super-duper simple. In fact, it's arguably the most straightforward sportsbook bonus to claim. Here’s how to go about it:
- Step 1: Visit your favourite bookmaker and open the Menu tab. Then navigate to the "Promotions" section displayed on the homepage.
- Step 2: Choose a free bet reward and then join the casino by creating an account.
- Step 3: Make a minimum deposit at the bookie.
- Step 4: Now place a bet using the deposited money, and you'll get the free tokens once the event is settled.
Free Bets Terms and Conditions
As with all bonuses, free bets come with diverse terms and conditions. Players who fail to meet any of the conditions would lose the offer. Here are the major conditions to take note of:
- Minimum deposit and bet: The minimum deposit or bet is the first thing that appears on any free bet. Based on our experience, the amount ranges anywhere between C$10 and C$50.
- Minimum odds: The bookies also set the minimum betting odds in some instances. This can be 1.30 or higher.
- Validity: How long does the bonus last after triggering it? Well, our experience shows 7 days as the most common, although bigger rewards can go up to 30 or 45 days.
- Wagering requirements: Although this is rare to find on most free bets, some bonuses like rebates and cashback include playthrough requirements. But all in all, you'll withdraw your winnings from the free tokens without any restrictions.
- Game selection: When claiming free bets, carefully check the qualifying selections. Some bookies can allow a single selection, while others might go for a minimum of three.
FAQs
What are free bet offers?
Free bets are tokens or credits given to players to place bets without risking their own money. But always remember that most free bets become active only after a match ends.
Are free bets free?
The reality is that most casinos use the term "free bets" as bait. That's because the token will only be credited to the player's account after they lose/win a bet. Not only that, most have minimum bet amounts. But it's also common to find a no-deposit free bet, especially from new bookies looking for new players.
How long do free bets stay active?
Generally, all free bets have a validity date. However, this primarily depends on the size of the reward and the sportsbook itself. Most free bets usually expire after 7 or 30 days from the date of triggering it.
Are free bets profits yours for keeps?
Yes, most bookmakers allow players to keep all the profits they make from free bets. However, some might attach a small wagering requirement to fulfil before withdrawing the winnings.
Do free bets apply to all sporting events?
Yes, most bookies offer free bets on all sporting events. However, it's also common to find game restrictions on this type of bonus. The most common games are soccer, football, and horse racing.