Free Bet / Free Play
A free bet, or free play, is a voucher-style bonus that lets you place a wager of a set value without staking your own cash. If the bet wins, most operators pay out only the net winnings rather than returning the free bet stake itself, while a loss simply removes the voucher.
We earn a commission when you sign up through our links. It never affects our scores. How we make money
Frequently asked questions
What is a free bet?
A free bet is a voucher, often awarded after you place a qualifying real-money wager, that lets you stake a fixed amount on another bet without using your own funds. It is one of the most common sportsbook promotions and is usually credited automatically once the qualifying wager settles.
Do I get my stake back if a free bet wins?
No, typically not. Most sportsbooks pay out only the net winnings from a free bet and keep the stake itself, known as stake-not-returned pricing. That means a two-to-one free bet that wins actually returns one unit of profit rather than two, so payouts are smaller than a cash bet of the same size.
Do free bets expire?
Yes. Operators almost always attach an expiration window, commonly seven to fourteen days from the moment the free bet lands in your account. If you do not use it within that period it is forfeited, so check the offer's terms summary for the exact deadline that applies.
Can I choose any sport or market with a free bet?
Not always. Some operators let you use a free bet on any market, while others restrict it to specific sports, bet types, or minimum odds thresholds. Always read the offer's terms summary before placing it, since using it outside the allowed markets can void the promotion entirely.