Nowadays, when nobody is prepared to give you something completely free of charge, online bettors often wonder if free betting is really as enticing as it seems, or if there is maybe something more to it. My mission will, therefore, be to give you an answer to this really delicate question.

Because of the stiff competition on the market, online bookmakers needed to create something special in order to attract new players and this is exactly how free betting came to the fore, and the expression now refers to special welcome bonuses and free bets the bookmakers have for new customers. There isn't a bettor in the world who doesn't like to get extra value for his money, which is why free betting has gained such a good reputation of late.

These new player offers are divided into two categories: match bonuses and free bets. You can either get a first deposit match, with the bookie matching the amount of your first deposit with as much free cash, or be entitled to a free bet to the same value as your first bet there. Either way, you will have the chance to start your betting with some extra cash.

Certain conditions are usually attached to the match bonuses, usually requiring that the total deposit and bonus amount be staked at least few times before requesting a withdrawal, so you should always read bonus terms and conditions before placing your first bet.

Certain requirements are attached to free bets as well, but taking into consideration that stake is usually excluded from the free betting winnings, you should wager it at higher odds than usual, as this will give you the best value.

Free bets have much more favourable requirements than match bonuses, meaning that these are a lot easier to claim, which is exactly why the free bet amount is usually much lower than the first deposit bonus.

With a number of bettors choosing bookies solely on the account of their sign-up offers, the best free betting advice I can give you is to carefully read free bet terms and conditions before even opening an account and see if you can turn that welcome offer into something that works for you.

Getting a rich first deposit bonus would be of little use if it has almost impossible playthrough requirements attached to it, since you would not only spend your bonus money this way but also the money that came from your pocket. Hence, bear in mind that bonuses with favourable wagering requirements are the only ones you should consider.

All things considered, free betting is definitely not a scam, but a good method to get the most of your money, provided you stay true to the aforesaid directives. Play your cards right and free betting can have a very positive effect on your bankroll.