Bonuses run the betting arena, and free bets are the most common bonuses you will find at sportsbooks in Mzansi.
I have researched free bets to give you a perfect understanding of how they work. In this expert review, familiarize yourself with SA free bet bonuses and get personal recommendations for some great offers.
Compare the Best Free Bet Offers in South Africa
I have tested a variety of free bets in South Africa. Under this step, I checked the free bet amount, terms, and usage of each. Afterward, I made informed conclusions for your benefit.
My findings of the best bookmakers with free bets in South Africa are summarized in the below:
What is a Free Bet?
A free bet is a betting ticket that is free of charge. Mostly, you will place your bets, but you will not be using your real cash. Free bets are primarily available for the sportsbook section of gambling platforms.
Free bets can come as a standalone bonus or part of another offer, like a cash deposit bonus. Moreover, it can be either a partly or wholly free offer.
Despite being a free bet, you usually have to wager the bet winnings. Only after this can you withdraw some money from the offer. Thus, the bet cannot be withdrawn as cash immediately you get it. Wagering must strictly be done per the set terms to get the best from the bonus.
How Does a Free Bet Work?
Certainly, you will receive the free bet from the bookmaker and place bets as per the specified odds. If your bet is correct, you get a return per the odds given. However, you will not get the free bet amount as part of the money you can withdraw from the bookmaker.
If you place the bet and lose, you won’t lose any real money, as you use a free betting credit from the bookmaker.
Lastly, meeting the wagering requirement for every win you get from a free bet is critical. It helps you withdraw your returns.
How to Get a Free Bet from a Betting Site?
Get a free bet by opting in for the offer or using a bonus code if you have one. However, it’s important to note that the offer is available for new and existing punters.
Below is the offer guide for you:
- To start with, create a new account.
- Secondly, claim the free bet offer if it’s part of the welcome bonus. If you have a bonus code, you can input it to activate the promotion.
- If it’s a bonus for existing customers, go to the offer and opt in to get it.
- Lastly, free bets are also available as loyalty bonuses. Such an instance requires you to be a member of the VIP Club of your bookmaker to benefit.
Types of Free Bet Promotions in South Africa
Although all free bets bonus work the same way, they come in different types. I have tested these types and would like to share them to prepare you adequately as you choose what works for you.
Below are the free bet types to find at the South African betting sites:
New Customer Free Bets
The new customer free bet is meant for new South African betting site players. Usually, you get this type of free bet immediately after account registration, and it comes as part of a welcome bonus package.
Free bets on registration may come as part of a bigger welcome offer attached to a deposit bonus or free spins for a casino section of the bookmaker you join.
No Deposit Free Bets
As the name suggests, the no deposit free bet comes without a qualifying deposit amount. You create an account and verify it per the FICA requirements, and your account reads some free bet balance.
From my expert observation, no deposit free bets come with significant wagering needs, as it is a free offer.
This free bets no deposit South Africa is extremely rare, making it one of the most sought-after bonuses.
Matched Deposit Free Bet
The matched deposit free bet is the one you get when you deposit some amount. Indeed, the bookmaker will always show the deposit percentage you get as a free bet offer. For example, if the bookmaker says you will get a 50% free bet on your deposit, be sure to get half of your deposit as a free bet.
Free Football Bets
Certainly, there are many sports where you can use your free bets. However, some free bets will be specific about the sport to use them on, and a good example is the free football bet. The bet allows you to stake on any football markets and options.
The football free bet is not usable for any other sport.
Money Back Free Bets
Betting is gambling, and you may either win or lose. When you lose, some South African bookmakers will give you back your money as a free bet. The money-back free bet returns the amount you used when betting on real cash.
Undoubtedly, this free bet offer shows as a percentage. For example, a 50% money-back free bet means you will get back 50% of the amount you lose.
Free Bet Credits
Risk-free credits are also mostly referred to as ‘no sweat credits‘. Certainly, you get these credits when you lose your qualifying wager.. Thus, these credits help you retain some staking potential after a loss.
However, some betting apps with free bets only give you a bonus when the qualifying wager wins.
Bet Builder Free Bets
Are you a fan of accumulators? If yes, Mzansi bookmakers will dish out some free bets to help you build that hustle-free desired accumulator.
Do not place bets on single events or markets when using this offer; it will not work.
What are the Main Terms & Conditions of Free Bets?
Like any other bonus at SA bookmakers, the free bet comes with a few terms and conditions. I have reviewed these terms and conditions critically and documented the most essential ones below:
- Validity: Each free bet bonus is valid for a specified number of days. Check the description to know how long.
- Maximum amount: Depending on the type, the maximum amount for each free bet offer is precise. You can’t get more than the maximum amount.
- Wagering terms: The number of times to play the free bet before a withdrawal is also in the terms. You cannot withdraw the returns before achieving the rollover terms.
- Markets: Some free bets South Africa might have specific markets to play at. For example, the bet builder free bet only works for accumulator bets.
- Qualifying deposit: Clearly, some bonuses come with a minimum deposit. Ensure you deposit this amount.
- Maximum amount withdrawable: While you can withdraw winnings from free bets, there is a limit to the amount. Ensure you observe this clearly.
Undoubtedly, there is a single secret recipe for enjoying free bet bonuses: ensure you follow all the terms of the offer.
How to Choose the Right Free Bet?
Choosing the right free bet requires careful consideration of practicability, affordability, interest, and overall benefit.
SA betting sites free bets are currently many. However, choosing the right one is not a walk in the park, as you should think of the following:
- Can you meet the rollover terms? – Affordability
- Will you manage to raise the qualifying deposit? – Affordability
- What is the validity time? – Practicality
- After wagering, will you get a return on it?-– Overall benefit
- Does it allow you to stake in markets you love? – Interest
The above questions will help you find the best free bet offers at SA betting sites.
How to Use a Free Bet?
It’s time to do things practically! Follow the steps below to stake using a free bet:
- First, claim your free bet either as a new or existing customer.
- Secondly, go to the sports section and choose the markets that you would like to bet on.
- Next, select the odds and apply the free bet before you place it, and confirm the bet.
- Lastly, wait for the results of the bet.
Free Bets vs Bonuses – What’s the Difference?
The difference is in both the structure and usability of the two. You can also spot it in the nature of the offer and usability.
Bonuses are free money to use without spending extra cash. These are the most popular promotions in a sportsbook. They come in different types, but the deposit bonus is the most common. You must deposit some funds, and the bookmaker will match them with a percentage.
For example, a 100% deposit bonus up to Rs 1500. This means depositing the qualifying amount will match the rate but not exceed Rs 1500. Bonuses require you to wager before asking for a withdrawal.
On the other hand, a free bet is a credit or token given with some set rules. Upon settlement, the payout will be minus the initial free bet amount. However, based on the bookmaker’s promotion rule, you can earn free bets when you place bets amounting to a certain amount, or lose bets.
However, both bonuses and free bets are there to make your betting escapades thrilling.
Pros and Cons of Free Bets
After careful review, I went ahead to find out the strong and weak points of the SA online bookmakers free bets. See below as you decide to grab a free bet offer that comes your way.
- Pros
- Free bets no deposit bonus allow you to try different betting strategies while learning markets in the sportsbook.
- It gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the bookmaker and gives you experience of trying out betting features.
- A chance to generate wins if you succeed in the event selection.
- Boosts confidence since the wagering journey helps you interact with betting features.
- Cons
- Free bets, once converted, have the winnings deducted from the initial stake.
- If you over-rely on free bets, you may develop bad betting habits that may lead to irresponsible gambling.
- Free bets have strict wagering requirements that may be hard to convert into cash.
Best Free Bets Offers from South African Bookmakers
From the many available free bets for South African punters, I have gone the extra mile to scout for the best ones. Certainly, I have checked the offer size, wagering ease, and the simplicity of bagging the deposit.
Below are some of the best betting sites with free bets in SA:
Best Strategies for Using Free Bets
Free bonus bets can be helpful in sports betting, as you can win without wasting your money. However, you need to use the best strategy to maximize the value of the free bets.
I have played several times using free bets, and over time, I have mostly figured out what works for me.
See below some tips from my experience:
- Carefully select the predictable events that are low risk but help to keep your bankroll.
- Analyze events, combine multiple selections, and make the best accumulator bet using free bets. Avoid rushing to place a bet, carefully analyze, and place a multibet.
- Use match boosts and other promos, as they may give a good payout.
- Combine the bet with other special betting markets, like handicap, over/under, and BTS.
- Manage your betting patterns and sharpen your skills.
- Additionally, always check your bankroll to ensure you place as many bets as possible without going broke.
Are Free Bets Worth It?
Many SA punters have embraced free bets. This explains why gambling revenues for the country have surged by over 1,400% in the last 5 years, hitting a record R152.6 billion by 2023. (Source)
Free bets allow you to test out betting without using your money. If you utilize them properly, you can get actual cash. If you want the best payouts, combine multiple events and accumulators to make your bet safe.
Moreover, if you find the bookmaker has given promotions like boosts on specific events, consider them to fatten your payouts when using the free bet offer.
However, read and understand free bet wagering requirements to avoid missing out. I found free bets worth it -understand the risks involved and place bets wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cash out a free bet?
No. You cannot cash out free bets. However, you can withdraw wins from the bet provided you meet all the wagering requirements.
Do free bets have an expiry date?
Yes, free bets have an expiration date. Usually, it shows as several hours or days within which you must use the offer.
Can I bet on casino games with a free bet?
No. You can’t bet on the casino with a free bet. Free bets are mainly for the sportsbook section and not the casino.
Can I withdraw my winnings from a free bet?
Yes. You can withdraw winnings from a free bet. However, you must satisfy all the rollover requirements for the free bet before requesting a withdrawal.
Are there wagering requirements on free bets?
Yes, there are wagering requirements for free bets. Mostly, the rollover shows as one of the terms of the free bets. Usually, it is the number of times you have to play the free bet you get at the bookmaker.