Best Free Bets from South African Betting Websites

Are you a bettor interested in boosting your online betting experience with free bets? Then, you’ve come to the right place! With so many welcome bonuses available online, it's essential to find the best on the market. Free bets are among the most popular and rewarding bonuses at South African betting sites. 

Free bets are the gold standard in bookmaker promotions, available as both a welcome bonus for new bettors and as ongoing promotions for long-standing members. We have created this guide to provide insights on all you need about free bets and how to discover the best offers online.

What Is A Free Bet And How Does It Work?

Most betting sites in South Africa offer welcome bonuses to entice new bettors through their digital doors. This isn't done out of genuine generosity but as a marketing strategy to compete with other bookies in the same market. Bookmakers provide a variety of welcome bonuses and typically test them out in a dynamic manner. However, one of the most popular incentives available to bettors is the free bet offer.

A free bet is also one of many promotional tools betting sites use to retain existing customers. As the name implies, a free bet is a bet that you place for free! The bookmaker pays for the stake, and any subsequent winnings are yours to keep, subject to the terms and conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the winnings don’t include the stake money. For example, if you place an R100 free bet on an outcome with odds of 3/1, you won’t receive R400 – you’ll receive R300 in winnings.

The value of the free bet will vary depending on the promotion and the sportsbook operator. To use a free bet offer, you must first fulfil the bonus requirements. This could include registering as a new player with the bookmaker, depositing funds into your account, or wagering on a specific sporting event.

What Are The Best Free Bets For Existing Customers?

Free bets aren't just for new bettors looking to sign up with a new bookmaker; existing customers can also benefit from the offer, with bookies looking to increase retention and reward loyalty. 

• Loyalty programs - Regular bettors are frequently rewarded with free bets for consistently betting with a sportsbook. These are usually credited once a customer has bet a certain amount, whether they have won or lost!

• Enhanced Odds - Enhanced odds offers for existing bettors are typically given on a smaller scale than new customer offers. It allows bettors to claim a free bet to use on an event with enhanced odds. The enhanced odds available to bookmakers cover a broad range of events rather than just the biggest events in South Africa. This means that bettors can receive free bets on upcoming World Cup matches and the Rugby World Cup.

• Acca Insurance - Many bookies refund your initial stake, sometimes as a bonus bet, up to a specific amount if your accumulator loses. This usually applies to one of Acca's losers, and a certain number of legs are required to qualify for the offer.

How Can You Get A Free Bet?

Players who take advantage of a free bet offer are usually required to open an account with the bookmaker, as these offers are intended to attract new customers. However, existing customers also have access to free bets as part of the sportsbook’s promotional package. To qualify for these free bets, you must meet specific requirements. 

Depending on the type of free bet, players should receive the offer immediately after signing up or after fulfilling the bonus requirements - such as making a deposit or betting on an upcoming sporting event. The bets usually have a validity period during which they can be used. All wagering requirements must be met during this period, or the free bets will be forfeited. 

Understanding The Terms and Conditions     

The most important advice we can give you when taking advantage of free bets is to read the terms and conditions. Bookmakers use these promotions to entice customers; however, they always come with conditions. So it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with everything written in the T&Cs. The key terms to look for are:

Validity Period

There is usually a time limit on the welcome offers, limiting the amount of time that free bets can be used. Free bet bonuses are typically valid for 7 to 30 days and must be used within this time frame to avoid forfeiting the entire welcome bonus. Therefore, players should ensure they use all their free bet funds before the deadline.

Minimum Deposit

When claiming a free bet bonus, bettors are frequently required to make a min deposit to meet the first qualifying criteria. The minimum deposit required is usually between R5 and R10. 

Wagering Requirements

The wagering requirement, expressed as a multiple, specifies how many times the deposit and/or bonus funds must be wagered before making a withdrawal. For example, if an R20 free bet bonus has a 3x wagering requirement, it must be wagered thrice. This means that before you can withdraw any bonus funds, a total of R60 must be used as bets.

Minimum Qualifying Odds

When placing the qualifying bet, sportsbooks will frequently include a minimum odds value that punters must match in order to be eligible for the free bet. This value is typically around 1.5, implying that the initial wager must be on odds of at least 1.5. The entire welcome offer may be jeopardised if bettors do not meet these qualifying odds.

Which Are The Best Sports Betting Sites For Free Bets?

Several sports betting sites are offering free bets. However, not all can be considered reliable. Regardless of how enticing the incentive is, ensure that the sportsbook is licensed and regulated by appropriate authorities in order to ascertain the safety of your funds and information. There are other factors to consider, which will be discussed later in the article.

Best Free Bets Available With Low Deposit

Supabets: Bet R50, get R50 free signup bonus 

Hollywoodbets: R25 Sign Up bonus (No Deposit Required)

Gbets: R25 Sports Bet on Sign Up (No Deposit)

Betway: Bet at least R10, get 100% match up to R1000 as a Free Bet

Playabets: Bet at least R50, get 100% up to R1000 free as a bonus

Free bets are a great way to try out new betting sites in South Africa without putting your money at risk, giving you a little more bang for your buck. However, to take full advantage of the offer, you must be familiar with the terms and conditions, as well as the wagering requirements governing these promotions.

Free bets are very beneficial to punters; hence, we advise you to always be on the lookout for the best free bet offers in order to save money and potentially win some huge cash prizes with the bookies' money.