Sports Betting Free Play

  • There are a number of different formats for free-play sports betting Free online betting sites that use real odds and mimic pay-to-play sportsbooks are a great place to practice sports betting skills.
  • First you can enter the Free Play Size (the size of the free play bonus, such as $50, $100, $200 or $1,000). Then enter the Free Play Line (the odds on offer for a particular result).
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Legal sports betting arrived in Michigan in March 2020, with the first of the state’s retail sportsbooks opening for business. Michigan online sports betting apps launched on Janaury 22, 2021.

Browse all available free picks, predictions and matchup analysis for current in-season sports below. The selections here are complimentary plays posted daily from sports betting and handicapping experts. MyBookie.net does not offer any gambling services and does not permit site members to bet on events or stake real money or any other items of value. All activities and contests offered by MyBookie.net are free.

Michigan’s Lawful Sports Betting Act legalized both live and online sports betting in the state. In a situation unique to the legal US sports betting industry, Michigan’s tribal casinos, as well as commercial casinos, own and operate mobile sports betting platforms in the state.

Best Michigan Online Sports Betting Apps

  • BetRivers Sportsbook
  • William Hill Sportsbook
  • FanDuel Sportsbook
  • BetMGM Sportsbook
  • PointsBet
  • DraftKings Sportsbook
  • Golden Nugget Sportsbook
  • FOX Bet Sports

Michigan Sportsbook Apps – Bonus Offers

BetRivers Michigan

Rush Street Interactive is the parent company to BetRivers and SugarHouse, a pair of brands offering legal online sports betting platforms in multiple US states. BetRivers announced a partnership with Little River Casino to operate its retail sportsbook, online sportsbook, and the BetRivers Casino in Michigan.

The retail sportsbook at Little River Casino opened earlier in 2020, and BetRivers online sportsbook went live on Jan. 22, 2021. BetRivers offers one of the industry’s strongest sportsbook bonuses, particularly for casual bettors.

The offer includes a 100% deposit match bonus offer up to $250 with only a 1x playthrough.

William Hill Michigan

William Hill’s status as one of the world’s most influential sports betting brands goes back decades.

A powerhouse in both retail and online sports betting, William Hill partners with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Michigan. The tribe owns both the Leelanau Sands Casino and the Turtle Creek Hotel & Casino.

William Hill MI Sportsbook offers new bettors a risk-free bet up to $500 as a welcome bonus.

FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan

One of the brands leading the pack in the US legal sports betting industry, FanDuel Sportsbook expanded into Michigan with an online sportsbook launch in January 2021.

FanDuel inked a deal with Detroit’s MotorCity Casino Hotel to operate both retail and online sportsbooks. IH Gaming owns MotorCity Casino Hotel. FanDuel also signed an agreement with the Pistons to become one of their sportsbook partners.

New bettors at FanDuel Sportsbook can enjoy a risk-free bet up to $200 as a welcome bonus.

BetMGM Michigan

The BetMGM brand continues to establish itself in US states with legal online gambling. The BetMGM platform is powered by Roar Digital, a partnership between MGM Resorts and British sports betting technology brand GVC Holdings.

The Michigan version of the BetMGM online sportsbook is licensed to MGM Grand Detroit. BetMGM Sportsbook is live or has been announced in close to a dozen states. BetMGM added Michigan to that list in January 2021.

The BetMGM Sportsbook app is strong, with an easy-to-use interface, with competitive odds, and weekly Money Monday promotions. The welcome bonus at BetMGM Sportsbook comes as a $600 risk free bet offer.

PointsBet Michigan

PointsBet is an Australian sports betting company that is making great strides in the US. In July 2020, PointsBet announced a partnership with the Detroit Tigers, the first for an MLB team.

PointsBet launched online sports betting in Michigan in Janaury, 2021, through a partnership with Northern Waters Casino Resort. The PointsBet MI welcome bonus offers a risk-free fixed-odds bet up to $500, as well as a risk-free PointsBetting wager up to $1,500.

DraftKings Sportsbook Michigan

It came as no surprise when DraftKings Sportsbook entered the fray in Michigan’s legal online sports betting industry. DraftKings announced a partnership with the Pistons in late 2020 to be one of the team’s preferred sports betting partners.

DraftKings Sportsbook offers mobile sports betting in Michigan as the licensed operating partner of Bay Mill Resort & Casino. The arrangement pairs the DraftKings brand with the longest-running tribal casino in the state.

New bettors at DraftKings Sportsbook can unlock a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000.

Golden Nugget Michigan

One of the top names in online gaming in New Jersey, Golden Nugget is expanded into the Michigan market in January 2021. With both an online casino and a Michigan sports betting app, Golden Nugget stands to be a major player in the Michigan iGaming market.

New bettors can enjoy a $250 free bets bonus after making a deposit at Golden Nugget Casino.

Barstool Sportsbook by Penn National Gaming

Penn National Gaming stands to be one of the biggest players in the US legal sports betting market. The North American gaming giant has partnerships in place in multiple US states, with an aim to have a piece of the pie in virtually every state with legalized sports betting. In most states, they are launching under the Barstool Sportsbook brand.

Penn National Gaming partnered with Greektown Casino to launch Barstool Sportsbook in Michigan. Barstool Sportsbook welcomes new bettors with a risk-free bet up to $1,000.

TwinSpires

TwinSpires formed a partnership with the Hannahville Indian Community, owners of Island Resort and Casino in Harris.

TwinSpires’ parent company, Churchill Downs, is well-known for its prowess in the horse racing industry. The TwinSpires Michigan sportsbook launched in January 2021.

New players can enjoy a risk-free week of betting, up to $1,000, after making a deposit at TwinSpires Sportsbook.

WynnBET Sportsbook

The track record of internet gaming technology company GAN speaks for itself. FanDuel Sportsbook New Jersey marked the first foray into the US market for GAN, with that platform emerging as one of New Jersey’s most popular online sportsbooks.

The Salut Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which owns five Kewadin Casino-branded properties, partnered with GAN and Wynn Resorts for a mobile sports betting offering in Michigan.

WynnBET MI went live in January 2021. The WynnBET Sportsbook welcome bonus comes in the form of a risk-free bet up to $500.

FOX Bet

The FOX Bet online sports betting platform added Michigan to the growing list of US states in which it’s offered. Although not part of the first 10 sportsbooks to launch in Michigan, it followed the rest just a week later.

The FOX Bet brand is a collaboration between FOX Sports and the Stars Group. It is already a major presence in the US legal sports betting industry. The Stars Group also operates the Stars Casino and PokerStars in Michigan.

The Stars Group is the license partner of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian Gaming Authority, which owns Odawa Casino Mackinaw and Odawa Casino Petoskey.

Other Legal Online Sportsbooks In Michigan – Coming Soon

Four Winds Sportsbook

The Kambi Group has a well-earned reputation as one of the world’s top-tier gaming technology brands.

Four Winds Casino announced a sports betting partnership with Kambi in July 2020. The arrangement will launch an online sportsbook licensed to Four Winds Casino.

Free

FireKeepers Sportsbook

Scientific Games is the software company behind numerous legal online sportsbooks in the US. The Las Vegas-based brand powers the technology behind platforms like Caesars Sportsbook and BetFred in other US states.

FireKeepers Casino will utilize a partnership with Scientific Games to operate a legal online sportsbook in Michigan.

Parx Casino

Parx Casino has done well in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is now scheduled to come to Michigan. Parx Casino is launching both online sports betting and online casinos in Michigan through its partnership with Gun Lake Casino.

For more information see our complete Guide To Michigan Online Gambling.

What Bonuses Are Available At Michigan’s Legal Online Sportsbooks?

Risk-Free Bets

New players at many US legal online sportsbooks can take advantage of risk-free bet promotions. A risk-free bet offer refunds a player on the first bet after a deposit, up to a given amount. The bet is eligible for a refund only if it results in a loss.

Some of the online sportsbook brands operating in Michigan present risk-free bet promotions. For example, WynnBET Sportsbook offers up to a $500 risk-free bet for new players. Using that offer, new players can deposit at WynnBET, and the first bet after deposit, up to $500, is eligible for a rebate in case of a loss.

Deposit Match Bonuses

Players venturing into the world of legal US online gambling sites will notice the deposit match bonus as a commonly offered promotion. Deposit match bonuses award bonus money based on a percentage of a player deposit amount.

BetRivers Michigan offers new players one of the most generous deposit match bonuses in the industry. The sportsbook offers a 100% deposit match bonus, up to $250, with just a 1x playthrough requirement.

This playthrough requirement is commonly 20x to 30x the amount of the original deposit. The BetRivers bonus, however, stands as one of the most player-friendly offers in the industry.

What Sports Can I Bet On At Michigan Online Sports Betting Sites?

Betting On US Pro Sports

The arrival of legal sports betting in Michigan opens up an entire new world of possibilities, in a state with a rich professional sports tradition.

Detroit is on the shortlist of US cities that host teams from all four major US sports leagues.

The NFL’s Detroit Lions, the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, and Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers are at the heart of one of the most passionate sports fan-bases in the US. Both DraftKings and FanDuel announced partnerships with the Detroit Pistons to become their preferred sportsbooks.

Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks present opportunities to wager on all of those teams. Virtually every game on the regular and postseason schedule in the four major sports are open for betting to Michigan players.

Ways To Bet On US Pro Sports In Michigan

Ways to bet include moneyline and point spread betting on single contests, as well as parlay betting on multiple games.

Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks offer futures betting markets on all of the major US sports leagues. Prop bets on events like the NBA draft and the Super Bowl open up even more betting options for Michigan bettors.

In addition to the four major sports leagues, MMA, boxing, golf, tennis, NASCAR, and a host of other US sporting events are available to bet from Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks.

College Sports Betting In Michigan

Michigan’s professional sports tradition is equaled by the legacy of major college sports in the Wolverine State.

The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans rule the college sports landscape in the state. State residents divide their loyalties between these two programs.

College Football

The Wolverines and the Spartans play in the Big Ten Conference, the longest-running college sports conference in the US. The Michigan versus Michigan State football rivalry goes back more than 100 years.

Both programs are perennial powerhouses in the modern era of college football. The annual rivalry game between the two is one of the biggest in-state contests of the year.

Michigan and Michigan State also matchup annually against other Big Ten rivals like the Ohio State Buckeyes, Iowa Hawkeyes, Wisconsin Badgers, and Penn State Nittany Lions. These Big Ten rivalry games are perennially some of the biggest games on the college football calendar.

College Basketball

The Michigan versus Michigan State rivalry is equally tense in college basketball. Both programs lay claim to elite status in the national landscape.

The Big Ten stands as one of college basketball’s top conferences year after year. The conference offers a loaded schedule of big games for Michigan bettors.

The Wolverines and Spartans match up annually against teams like Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Other traditional Big Ten powerhouses include the Indiana Hoosiers, Illinois Fighting Illini, and conference newcomer Maryland Terrapins.

Other College Sports

College baseball, softball, hockey, lacrosse, and others are open for betting when Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks go live. The Lawful Sports Betting Act allows for betting on college sports with no restrictions.

What International Sports Can You Bet On In Michigan?

Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks aren’t just be limited to US professional and college sports. Fans of soccer, rugby, cycling, and other international sports leagues will enjoy a comprehensive menu of betting markets.

International Soccer Leagues

The English Premier League features clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. Massive worldwide fanbases follow these teams, creating some of the world’s biggest sporting events when they face off against each other.

Other major international soccer leagues, like the German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga, are open for betting for Michigan players on the state’s legal mobile sports betting sites.

Other International Sports

Major cycling events like the Tour de France are offered for betting at Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks. Tennis majors like Wimbledon and the Australian Open, as well as golf events like the British Open and Ryder Cup, are also on the menu for Michigan bettors.

International leagues and events in rugby, cricket, basketball, baseball, and auto racing add even more to the betting menus in Michigan.

Can I Bet On Esports In Michigan?

The outlook for potential esports betting at Michigan’s online sportsbooks is unknown. The Lawful Sports Betting Act doesn’t include specific language about esports betting.

The esports industry continues to rise in popularity, with abundant offshore betting markets surrounding competitive events. As the esports industry continues to grow, events surrounding games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Rocket League could eventually be open for betting in Michigan.

What Else Can I Bet On In Michigan?

Michigan’s online sportsbooks offer betting on competitive chess, darts, table tennis, and other non-traditional sports and games. With Michigan’s legal online sports wagering sites live in the state, these betting markets are open to in-state bettors.

Will Michigan’s Online Sportsbooks Offer Mobile Apps?

Michigan’s sports betting platforms offer access through mobile apps, as well as on a desktop computer. Online sports betting mobile apps are optimized for Android and iOS devices. This makes the mobile betting experience intuitive and convenient.

Legal mobile sports betting apps use geolocation technology to determine a user’s location at the time of use. These apps are open to anyone in the state of Michigan, as long as they’re 21 or over and located within state borders.

The ease of access and convenience of mobile sports betting has made it the method of choice for bettors in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Those two states represent two of the biggest sports betting markets in the US. In both states, mobile wagering makes up more than 80 percent of the total statewide sports betting handle.

iOS Mobile Sports Betting Apps

Platforms like BetRivers, William Hill, FanDuel Sportsbook, and BetMGM are all live in Michigan. All of these online sportsbooks are available as apps for iOS devices.

These apps can be found in the App Store on iOS devices. Downloading the apps is free, and can be done from anywhere within state borders.

Android Mobile Sports Betting Apps

Nearly all of the platforms available as iOS apps are accessible as apps for Android devices as well. Android users looking for online sportsbooks like William Hill and BetRivers are in luck.

Mobile sports betting apps for Android can only be downloaded directly from the website of the online sportsbook itself. The Google Play Store doesn’t permit the download of real-money gambling apps. As a result, players won’t find Michigan’s legal mobile sports betting apps there.

What Do I Need To Create An Online Sportsbook Account In Michigan?

New players can start betting in just a few easy steps at Michigan’s online sportsbooks:

  • Download the mobile sports betting app. Apple iOS users access these apps in the App Store. Android users find these apps directly on an online sportsbook’s website. Legal online sportsbooks can also be accessed on a desktop computer, directly from the website.
  • Click “Join Now” and complete the required fields for name, birthdate, valid email address, and username of choice.
  • The mobile sportsbook will ask for email verification, as well as documentation of age and identity.
  • After email and document verification, navigate to the cashier to deposit and begin betting.

Legal Versus Illegal Online Sportsbooks

Michigan players now enjoy unprecedented access to legal sports betting. The number of different platforms slated for Michigan operations offer bettors the opportunity to line shop and find bets among multiple outlets.

Michigan’s Regulated Casino Industry

The agencies that oversee the state’s tribal and commercial retail casinos regulate all of Michigan’s legal mobile sports betting platforms and upcoming online casinos.

The National Indian Gaming Commission operates as the governing body that regulates Michigan’s tribal casinos. The Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees the state’s commercial casinos.

The state’s tribal and commercial casinos own and operate Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks. These retail casinos are held accountable by their respective governing bodies and therefore operate with a vested interest in prompt payouts and fair play.

Placing a bet at a legal online sportsbook in Michigan offers the same level of security as placing that same bet in one of the state’s land-based casinos.

Risks With Offshore And Illegal Gambling

Offshore gambling sites operating in the US are not obliged to offer these same safeguards. Betting at an offshore sportsbook entails a much higher level of risk. This includes the possibility of depositing money and never seeing that money again.

These offshore gambling sites are illegal operations in the US. As such, playing on them could result in a criminal penalty for players.

Michigan Online Sports Betting FAQ

How old do I have to be to place a bet at one of Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks?

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The Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act sets the minimum age for playing at 21. This minimum age requirement applies to sports betting platforms offered by both tribal and commercial casinos.

While tribal casinos may set the gambling age as low as 18 at their respective land-based properties, the legal minimum age for all state-regulated online sportsbooks is 21.

Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. DraftKings works in the Michigan market through a licensing partnership with Bay Mills Casino Resort.

Yes. MotorCity Casino Hotel licenses FanDuel Sportsbook to operate in Michigan. The FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan platform launched in Janaury 2021.

Michigan bettors can access the site and place bets from anywhere within state borders.

Do Michigan online sports betting sites offer credit?

No. Legal online sports betting sites in the US generally do not offer play on credit. To bet, players must deposit funds at a mobile sportsbook.

Some sites offer no-deposit free play bonuses. These bonuses start new players off with an amount of playing credit. Other than these free sign-up offers, credit lines are not offered at legal US online sportsbooks.

Is betting on college sports allowed in Michigan?
Betting

Yes. The Lawful Sports Betting Act permits betting on college sports with no restrictions. Some US states outlaw betting on in-state teams and sports contests, but no such regulations pertain to Michigan.

College sports games involving teams like the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans are open for betting at Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks.

Do I have to visit a casino to create my online sports betting account in Michigan?

No. Michigan players can register and create an account at the state’s legal online sportsbooks from mobile devices and desktop computers from anywhere in the state.

Email verification, as well as documentation of age (21 and over) and identity, is required to start an account at a legal online sportsbook.

Visiting the land-based casino related to an online sportsbook is one way to open an account, but isn’t necessary.

How Sportsbook Bonuses Work

Legal online sportsbooks know that once they sign up a new bettor, they will likely have their business for a while. This is combined with a strong wish to show those who have not bet online for a long time what today’s sportsbooks can offer. They figure once you try live betting, see their apps and check out the huge amount of sports and lines on offer, you’ll stick around!

Free bets are loss-leaders to get you in the door. There are several different types to look out for.

  • No Deposit Bonuses: Typically, a small bet (think $10 to $25) just for registering.
  • Risk Free Bets: Here you’ll bet with your own money, if your selection loses, the sportsbook will refund your stake in the form of a new bet.
  • Matched Bet Offers: Sportsbooks will offer a free bet based on the amount you initially bet at their site.
  • Free Bets: This type of free bet gives you a specific amount of bonus betting based on reaching milestones. For example, wager $500 and get $100 in free bets.

Once you are a regular customer of a book, they will offer even more incentives. This can include loyalty (points based) schemes, special lines or risk-free wagers or promotions – which can be regular or one-off. There are also offers which return your stake on parlay bets where just one of your selections loses.

Who Can Take Advantage of Sportsbook Bonuses?

At the time of writing New Jersey, Indiana, West Virginia and PA has online sportsbooks. Each state has its own regulations surrounding online sports betting. To be able to take advantage of their offers, you need to be physically inside the state borders. While you can’t bet from outside these states, there is no requirement to be a permanent resident.

You’ll also need to be over 21 (Id will be requested). Sportsbook offers are restricted to one per household, device and person.

How to Claim Your Free Betting Offers?

Depending on the sportsbook, you’ll either receive your free bet automatically on registration, or use a bonus code to claim the offer. You will find information on all the free bet bonus codes here at OnlineGamblingSites.com. Head to the page that covers betting in your state for the full list.

Registering for an account at a regulated book is very easy. You’ll supply your e-mail address, plus some personal information like name, address and date of birth. Following an e-mail approval, your account will be created – and your bonus money will follow. You will be asked to supply backup documents as part of the ‘Know Your Customer’ responsibilities of these sites. If you make a deposit to claim your free bets, this will include backup documents for your deposit method too.

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Sportsbook Bonuses & Free Bet Offers Explained

As you will see from the detailed information below, there are plenty of specific terms and rules for the different free bet bonuses. These often have a minimum odds requirement, with -200 the benchmark. This stops people taking advantage of the offers on huge favorites.

With all the examples below, I strongly recommend that you read the terms and conditions before you place your first wager.

1. “No-Deposit Sportsbook Bonuses”

This is the single most popular form of sportsbook bonus for obvious reasons. You get to bet real money for free – and in many cases you keep all of your winnings. These deals range from $10 through to a maximum of about $50. They work by giving you a single bet which needs to be at odds of -200 or better. If your selection wins, then you get the profit from this, though not the stake part.

For example, if you bet $20 of your own money on a money line of 110, then you’d get $22 in profit + your $20 returned = $42 back. That same bet with free money will only see the $22 land in your account.

An important factor with “no deposit bonus” offers is time. These are often very short duration (though this can vary). If your offer only lasts for 7 days, then you can’t use it for futures bets. The offer would have expired by the time the wager is settled. Some books may also restrict the type of bet you can make. Examples include no parlays or only popular lines on major leagues.

Example of a No-Deposit Bonus in Action: Unibet Accepted in PA, NJ & IN

Unibet Sportsbook now has a live sportsbook, and an online site using the popular European brand. You can access this via apps or a website, with the technology powered by Kindred Group – a respected global operator.

Unibet offers a $30 no-deposit bonus for all new sign-ups. Here are the steps:

  • Use this link to register your account via Unibet
  • You’ll receive $30 free, which must be used for a bet within 7 days
  • Odds must be greater than -200 to qualify
  • Winnings from this bet will be credited, though the stake will not be returned

This is a simple bonus, with no additional wagering requirements. What I like best about this free bet is that you can still claim the 100% up to $600 risk free welcome bonus at any time.

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Free Betting Sites with No Deposit Bonus Offers

The list below is a complete list of legal online sportsbooks offering no deposit offers. I’ve sorted the list by legal state. If you’re not in one of the legal states, you can take advantage of either DraftKings or FanDuel DFS offers.

RankSportsbook & CasinoNo Deposit BonusGet Your Bonus
1.DraftKings Sportsbook$25Get Bonus!
2.Unibet Sportsbook$30Get Bonus!
3. FoxBet SportsbookNoGet Bonus!
4. Golden Nugget SportsbookNoGet Bonus!
5. BetMGM SportsbookNoGet Bonus!

2. “Risk-Free Bets”

You will normally need to make a deposit to take advantage of a risk free bet bonus. The idea is simple. You make a bet and get your stake back if it loses. If you win, then there are no further actions required – your bankroll is already off to a great start.

If your first bet loses, then your stake is returned in the form of a new bet. Since this can’t be withdrawn, these offers are not entirely risk-free. Having said that, you can always bet the bonus money on a strong favorite (as long as the odds are better than -200). You will also need to bet this bonus money all at once, splitting it into several smaller bets is not normally permitted.

While these are generous bonuses and removing much of the risk gives new bettors a big boost, there are drawbacks. To get the best from these, your first bet often needs to be big. For example, if your regular ‘fun’ bets are in the $20 range, then betting $200 in one go might be outside of your comfort zone. Once again, time limits will vary between the sportsbooks.

Online Betting Sites with Risk Free Bets

RankSportsbook & CasinoLegal StatesRisk Free BetGet Your Bonus
1.Unibet SportsbookNJ, PA, INUp To $600 Risk Free BetGet Bonus!
2.DraftKings SportsbookPA, NJ, IN, WV, IA, CO, NH, ILRisk Free First Bet Up To $500Get Bonus!
3.Borgata SportsbookNJ$100 In Free Bets When You Bet $20Get Bonus!
4. BetMGM SportsbookNJ, IN, WV, CONoGet Bonus!
5. Golden Nugget SportsbookNJ$100 Risk Free BetGet Bonus!
6.FanDuelNJ, PA, IN, WV, IL, CO$1,000 Risk Free BetGet Bonus!
7.William Hill SportsbookIL$300 Risk Free BetGet Bonus!

Example of a Risk-Free Bet Bonus: DraftKings Accepted in PA, NJ, IN, WV, IA, CO, NH, IL

DraftKings is the company behind the huge DFS brand – and one of the biggest fantasy sports operators. Their online sportsbook, brings innovative bets (cash out betting, in-play betting) and exciting promos.

New depositors get a risk free first bet up to $500 + $25 in 5 x $5 free bets. Here is how it works:

  • Register your account and make a deposit
  • Your first bet (straight bets and parlays only) up to $500 will be risk free
  • If it loses, you are refunded your stake as a free bet
  • You have 90 days to place your initial wager, then 7 days to use your free bet if needed

While $500 risk free is a generous offer, there is still some risk! The offer returns the stake for losing bets as a further free bet. This means you have to gamble it once again to get the benefit. While your risk could be reduced by betting on a strong favorite, minimum odds of -200 are needed – limiting this to an extent.

3. “Matched Deposit Bonus”

Of all the free bet bonuses offered by online sportsbooks – the matched bonuses are the biggest. Some of these will reach 4 figures. Once again, the idea is simple, though the devil is in the details.

You make a deposit at a book, who will offer you free bets that match the amount your deposited. For example, you deposit $500 and get to play with $500 in free bets, as well as your own cash balance.

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What I like about these offers is that you are not usually restricted to a single bet. You have a bonus money balance, which can be used for as many bets as you wish within a certain timeframe. The best sportsbook bonuses only require that you wager your bonus once. Look out for books that require more play-through than this. It will make clearing your bonus a lot more difficult.

Depending on the size of your matched bonus, time can play an important role. For example, if you start your account off-season for your favorite sports, then making enough bets within 30 days might be a stretch. Some books allow 60 or more days to clear this type of free bet offer.

You will usually be able to take advantage of a matched first deposit bonus after enjoying the no-deposit free bets.

Matched deposit offers are also available for loyal bettors at many sites. These are known as ‘reload bonuses’, as they kick in when you reload your account.

Example of a Matched Deposit Bonus: SugarHouse Accepted in PA

SugarHouse operates an online sportsbook in both PA and NJ. They use an in-house platform by Rush Street interactive.

SugarHouse offer an ‘old school’ matched deposit bonus up to $250. The idea is that your first deposit gets matched at 100% with free bets. You then need to wager this bonus money in order to ‘clear’ it into your real money account. Here is how the offer works:

  • Visit Sugarhouse Sportsbook here and use bonus code PLAY250
  • SugarHouse Sportsbook will match your deposit at 100%, up to $250 max
  • You need to wager this bonus money 1x to clear it into your cash account
  • You need to activate and wager your bonus with 30 days of your deposit

Many books have minimum odds, or much shorter durations – making this SugarHouse free bet offer both generous and simple. This book combines sports and casino into a single platform – meaning you’ll get to take advantage of promos from both sides.

4. “Free Bets Based on Wagering”

The final common way in which regulated sportsbooks offer bettors bonuses is to give you free bets as you reach milestones. For example, you make a deposit, wager as normal, then get free bets each time you hit $100 in wagering.

A big advantage here is that you can bet in smaller units. There is no need to have a single huge bet to take full advantage of an offer. If that offer is for $20 in free bets every time you wager $200, then you can make 10x $20 bets to get there (or any other sizing).

Free bets are different to free cash. This bonus does mean you’ll have to wager it at least once before it can be withdrawn. As a rule of thumb, this will need to be at -200 or better and in a single bet. Once again, make sure you have enough time based on your regular betting style to reach the target. With this type of bonus, you will still get a proportion of the bonus if you don’t make it in time!

Example of a Wagering Based Free Bet: FoxBet Accepted in PA, NJ & CO

While the welcome offer is a risk-free bet, free bets every week keep loyal patrons happy! While this free bet is an ongoing promo, many of the big international brands will use this type of promotion for new customers.

At FoxBet, the wagering-based free bet is super-simple. You bet $25 in any given week – and then receive a $5 free bet in your account. The usual rules apply, with this free bet lasting 7 days before it expires. Bets can’t be on huge favorites – with the -200 minimum still in place.

You’ll find that FoxBet Sportsbook look after their regular bettors really well – this is one of many promotions they offer.

Take Full Advantage of Sportsbook Bonus Offers

With the roll-out of regulated sportsbooks underway, it is a great time to take advantage of those marketing offers and get your share of the free bet bonuses on offer.

As you’ll see above, there are 4 main types of free bet offer. These are completely free bets (no-deposit offers), matched deposit bonuses, risk free bets and wagering based free bets.

Which one is best for you will depend on the size of your initial betting bankroll. Your appetite for risk also plays into this. For bettors that would like to see how the new online sportsbooks work, then the completely free bonuses are a great way to start. What I like about those is that you can always take advantage of the bigger deposit bonuses later if you like what you find.