With online sportsbooks gaining so much interest in the US, many players are looking for the best welcome bonuses and free bets that can help them get started. Luckily, most of the major US sportsbooks offer free bets and other promotions that can boost your bankroll and help you win real money. However, it’s important to understand the rules and requirements of these offers before you start playing.
The first thing to remember is that any free bet winnings are subject to rollover and wagering requirements. These are designed to prevent you from making one bet and running away with your winnings. While these requirements can be frustrating, they are necessary for the sportsbook to keep their profits in check and ensure that you’re putting your free bet money to good use. Some offshore sportsbooks have predatory rollover requirements at 10x or 20x your deposit, which can be very costly for players. However, most legal U.S. sportsbooks have reasonable rollovers.
Another way that sportsbooks give their players free bets is through refer-a-friend promotions. These are often a combination of cash and bet credit, depending on the sportsbook and the promotion. They are a great way to reward your friends and earn extra bet credits to increase your chances of winning. Some sportsbooks also have ongoing promotions that provide players with free bets, such as parlay insurance and boosted odds.
Some sportsbooks even offer free bets for players who haven’t made a single deposit! These are called no-deposit bonuses and they can be very helpful if you’re new to online betting. They’re a great way to test out the site and see if you like it before committing any of your own money.
While free bets aren’t the most profitable way to place a wager, they can help you build up a bankroll before making a deposit. In addition, some sportsbooks have special promotions that improve free bet value during certain events such as the Super Bowl or March Madness. In general, free bets are best used on a safe bet that has a high probability of cashing, rather than placing a 30-1 underdog.
Almost every online sportsbook has some sort of welcome bonus, but the terms and conditions vary. Most of these offer a free bet that is only available on your first wager, while others will match a percentage of your initial deposit with bonus bets. Most of these are available on PC/laptops and mobile betting apps, but some only work on desktop computers. To find out more about the terms and conditions of each bonus, you should visit the sportsbook’s promotions page. You can also sign up for email alerts or follow their social media pages to stay informed about the latest sportsbook welcome bonuses.