Free bets in Canada are among the most popular online sportsbook promotions. They allow you to increase your potential winnings while betting on your favourite teams. However, just like any other bonus on betting sites, they have terms and conditions that you need to know.
The terms might make it seem like free bets are complicated. In reality, you can navigate these waters with ease once you become more familiar here. That’s what we’re here to help you with. We’ll take a closer look into these rewards and share some tips on managing them effectively.
Online betting free bets are bonuses offered by sportsbooks. They allow you to place a bet without wagering your own real money. At the same time, you’re eligible to win real money rewards. Thanks to the evolution of the online betting industry, you can come across several types of free bets.
The most popular ones are free bets without deposit. They don’t require you to transfer money to receive them. Deposit free bets are also in the mix. Several sub-categories are available and we’ll talk about them later on.
All free bets online have terms of use. If you’re claiming a regular deposit bonus, you’ll have a minimum deposit requirement. This limit might be higher than the minimum deposit of the bookmaker. For example, let’s say that the platform offers a $20 free bet if you deposit $15.
However, you check the payments sector and see that the minimum deposit is $10. This simply means that if you deposit $10, the money will be transferred to your account, but you won’t receive the free bet.
Terms You Need to Know
If you’re wondering how to get free bets and use them, the answer lies in the terms and conditions. Each offer has its own T&Cs. They tell you how to claim them, how to use them, and when you can withdraw winnings. Let’s examine the key terms and conditions:
Term
Explanation
T&C example
Minimum odds
The minimum odds required to use the free bet. If the bet is eligible on singles, the minimum odds are higher. Multi bets come with lower minimum odds requirements.
Single bets: 2.00 minimum odds. Multi bets: 1.50 minimum odds per selection.
Single bet
A single bet means that your free bet must have one selection that features the minimum odds requirement.
This free bet is usable on single bets only. Voided bets, settled bets, and cancelled bets don’t qualify. The minimum odds per singles bet is 2.00.
Parlay bet
Parlay bets allow you to add multiple selections to your free bet ticket. However, the bookmaker might have a minimum requirement in terms of the number of selections.
Use the free bet on parlay bets with at least three selections whose odds are 1.50 or higher.
Expiry date
Timeframe in which a Canadian punter must use the free bet. If you go over this period, the bookmaker will forfeit the free bet and/or the winnings that you made with it.
The validity period of this free bet promotion is 7 days.
Wagering requirements
Real money amount that you need to stake before you can withdraw winnings. Wagering is calculated by multiplying your deposit or bonus amount with the requirements.
Wagering requirements for this free bet promotion are 5x.
Eligible markets
A free bet promotion may be used on football or basketball only. Sometimes, the bookmaker might even restrict it to certain championships/tournaments, such as the Premier League. Other times, the eligible markets are pre-game bets or in-game bets.
This free bet promotion is only usable on pre-game bets on the English Premier League and Championship.
How We Review the Best Free Bets
All Canadians should have access to the best betting sites free bets and that’s what our team wants to make sure of. While reviewing platforms that feature these promotions, we consider several factors. These factors are what bring legitimacy to the free bets themselves and make them worth the reward.
Sportsbook Legitimacy
First off, the bookmaker must be legitimate. To determine that, we inspect whether the platform holds a valid licence from an official regulatory body in provinces where online betting is legal. Those include Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island). Then, we check its security system and see if the site implements responsible gambling policies.
Bonus Amount
While evaluating free bets in Canada, we are aiming for bonuses that give you a decent amount. It doesn’t matter whether the free bet requires a deposit or not. The higher the free bet amount is, the more points we add.
Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements are always troublesome for punters. High wagering means that you need to stake a lot of real money to withdraw winnings from free bets. As such, we’re always looking for free bets that have lower wagering.
Available Markets and Options
The more sports and bet types are available, the better. That way, you’ll have more flexibility in using your free bet. Ideally, the bonus should be eligible for the most popular sports on the platform and you should be able to choose whether you want to use it on single and parlay bets.
Minimum Odds Requirement
Although high odds mean better payouts, that’s not always the case. High odds also mean the outcome isn’t very likely to happen and that your chances of winning decrease. That’s why we’re always aiming for free bets that have lower minimum odds requirements.
Duration of the Free Bet Promotion
The longer the timeframe in which you can use free bets is, the better. That way, you’ll have more time to meet wagering requirements. You won’t even have to rush the process.
Eligible Payment Methods
If you’re wondering how to cash out free bets, the answer is you use one of the payment methods. Of course, you also need to meet all other terms and conditions. For this stage, we check the eligible payment methods of the bookmaker. Apart from having diversity, the sportsbook should also have a fast processing period.
Types of Free Bets at Canadian Sportsbooks
Before you rush to claim free bets, it’s better to know what type of offers there are. Canadian bookmakers feature several types of free bet promotions, including:
No Deposit Free Bets
Just as the term itself suggests, this is a free bet you receive without making a deposit. The platform can give it to you as free bets upon signing up, when you reach a new loyalty level, or simply by entering a promo code on a specific day.
For example, let’s say you’ve registered with a bookmaker that’s known for its free bet promotions. You check the bonuses page and you see that you can claim a free bet every Tuesday. All you have to do is log in and enter the bonus code FREEBET2.
So, you log in on the specified day. You go to the promotions page and find the free bet bonus. You click on Claim Now and enter the code. Then, the bookmaker will transfer it to your account.
Risk-Free Bet
You log in to your account and place a real money bet. If you win the bet, you receive an adequate reward. However, if your bet loses, you receive a portion of your bet back in the form of a free bet.
For example, you register an account and deposit $20. You wager $10, but one of your selections loses. The bookmaker gives you a risk-free bet worth 50% of the amount that you bet. In this case, that’s $5. Keep in mind that in some cases, bookmakers might give you 100% of the sum back in the form of a free bet.
Matched Free Bet
This is one of the simplest forms of free bet promotions. Just like any match deposit bonus, a matched free bet requires you to deposit a certain amount. The bookmaker then gives you a percentage boost to your deposit in the form of a free bet. You can use the total sum to wager on your favourite matches.
For example, let’s say that a sportsbook offers a 50% match free bet bonus. The minimum deposit is $20. That means upon depositing $20, you receive an extra $10 in the form of a free bet. You can now use $30 to wager.
Qualifying Free Bet
Qualifying free bets are usable after you complete a certain condition. In most cases, that condition is playing through with your deposit. For example, the bookmaker might ask you to deposit at least $20 and place real money bets with the money. Once you wager the funds, the platform sends a free bet to your account.
In-Play Bonus
This is a free bet type you receive after you make a bet on specified matches. Once you do so, the platform will give you a free bet that you can use on live events only. For example, the bookmaker might ask you to place a pre-game bet on an NHL game. Once the game finishes, you receive a $5 live free bet.
Money-Back Specials
This promotion is often confused with cashback offers. While it has similarities with it, the reality is that a cashback promo redeems your money. Money-back specials redeem the money but in the form of free bets. For example, a sportsbook might provide you with a 10% money-back in the form of a free bet every week. The amount is based on the real money you lost over the course of the previous week.
Free Bets as VIP Rewards
This type of promotion is available to members of VIP programmes. You receive it as a reward when you progress to the next level. For example, let’s say that you’re a VIP member, currently sitting at level 3. You complete the requirements to reach the next stage and as a reward, the bookmaker gives you a no deposit free bet worth $20. It’s worth noting that the amount of the free bet varies on the policies of the bookmaker and the level that you’re progressing to.
How to Claim Free Bets on Betting Sites
Fortunately, you’ll find it pleasing that the process of claiming free bets in Canada is quite easy:
Choose one of our featured bookmakers.
Click our link to access the website.
Register an account.
Visit the promotions page.
Read the free bet terms and conditions.
Make the required deposit (if required).
Enter the bonus code (if required).
Claim the free bet.
Top Free Bet Strategies
When using free bets at Canadian online sportsbooks, you’re more than welcome to implement strategies. They won’t guarantee you any wins but they’ll help you make more educated decisions, often leading to higher chances of winning.
Focus on events you know well: If you receive a free bet usable on multiple sports, make sure that you bet on events you’re well familiar with. Using a free bet on an unknown sport just increases the chances of losing. This is a major disadvantage if your goal is to get a reward.
Use free bets as opportunities to practice: If you’re not after rewards at the moment, free bets are a great way to practice and experiment. You can use them to place bets that you don’t often choose and see the winning odds in each one.
Read the T&Cs carefully: Every free bet has terms and conditions. Make sure that you pay attention to them, especially the correlation between wagering requirements and the expiry date. If the wagering requirements are high and the expiry date is short, that means that you’ll have to stake a lot of real money in a short timeframe.
Pick your free bets wisely: Some free bets require you to fulfill a condition, like wagering a real money amount, before you can claim it. Check these conditions to see whether the stake is worth the reward. If not, there’s no benefit in claiming the promo just.
Be mindful of loyalty free bets: Loyalty rewards you receive when you level up are appealing, but you must see if they’re worth it. Sometimes the amount of real money you need to stake to reach the new level isn’t quite worth the reward. So, pay attention to these small details.
Can You Withdraw Free Bet Winnings?
The answer is yes, but you need to complete two conditions before you do so.
First, you need to meet the terms and conditions of the free bet itself. This especially concerns wagering requirements. If this is your first withdrawal, you’ll likely need to verify your account as well. In most cases, Canadian bookmakers verify your identity by requiring you to send pictures of your ID and utility bill.
This is how they confirm that you’re of legal age and that you reside in a territory that’s not restricted. As soon as your identity is confirmed, you can proceed to make a withdrawal. The process includes these steps:
Log in to your betting account.
Visit the cashier section.
Go to the withdrawal menu.
Pick your withdrawal method.
Enter the amount you want to cash out.
Enter payment method details.
Confirm the transaction and wait for the funds to arrive.
Keep in mind that some free bet promotions have a maximum withdrawal requirement. The processing period of each withdrawal depends on the policies of the bookmaker and the payment method itself.
Pros and Cons of Free Bets
Our list of free bet bonuses has diverse rewards. Each free bet comes with a multitude of advantages. However, these promotions have certain drawbacks as well.
Pros
Eligible for real money wins
Easy to claim and use
Numerous types of free bets
You can claim them on mobile
Cons
Several market restrictions
Usually short validity periods
Boost Your Online Betting Experience with Free Bets
Free bets are undoubtedly the most desired promotions for Canadian sports bettors. They can provide you with real money rewards with minimal risk. Due to their popularity, there are lots of Canadian bookmakers offering free bets today. However, it can be challenging to find and pick the best ones.
So, we make sure to find the best sportsbooks that feature free bets in Canada. After you get familiar with how this promotion works, all you need to do is browse our list. Compare their features and pick a platform that’s closest to your preferences. Finally, you can register an account, claim the bonus, and use it to bet on your favourite sports.
Free Bets Canada FAQ
Free bets are deposit and no deposit bonuses at Canadian sportsbooks. They allow you to bet for free while remaining eligible to win real money rewards. Just like any other bonus, they come with terms and conditions as well.
Every Canadian bettor can win real money when using free bets. However, if you want to withdraw the winnings, you’ll have to meet its specific terms and conditions, including wagering requirements.
Like other betting bonuses, terms and conditions apply to free bets. These include minimum deposit, wagering requirements, minimum odds, available markets, bet types, expiry date, maximum bonus bet, and more.
The number of available sports depends on the policies of the bookmaker. To verify the available markets, carefully review the specific terms and conditions of the free bet bonus.
Canadian sportsbooks offer various types of deposit and no deposit free bets. These include qualifying free bets, risk-free bets, matched free bets, money-back specials, and loyalty rewards.
Our team compiled a list of the best betting sites that feature free bets. You can browse the list and compare the operators. Then, pick one that matches your taste.
To claim a free bet bonus, you can choose one of our featured bookmakers. Then, register an account, make the qualifying deposit and if needed, enter the required bonus code. Once you do that, the bookmaker will automatically transfer the free bet to your account.
