Free bets. Just the sound of it has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? They are one of the most enticing promotions offered by bookmakers, effectively serving as the cherry on top of your betting sundae. But like all good things in life, free bets come with their nuances. Using them optimally requires a strategy that goes beyond merely placing them on your favorite team or player. Let’s dive into how you can truly harness the power of these promotional gems.
1. Avoid the Tie Trap
At the very top of our list is a rule that, believe it or not, many seasoned bettors overlook: Never use a free bet on something that can tie. The reasoning behind this is simple, yet crucial. In traditional betting, a tied bet might return your stake. However, with free bets, there’s no original stake to be returned. Essentially, if you use your free bet on a market that ends in a tie, you’re left empty-handed. A tie is a loss in the world of free bets. I try to use single game free bets on College Football, College Basketball, or Baseball Money Lines, all sports which cannot result in a tie.
2. Futures Bets: A Perfect Pairing
Here’s a strategy I particularly love: use your free bets on futures. Futures bets, by definition, are wagers on events that will settle in the future (and they cannot push). Think about who will win the next Super Bowl or which player will secure the MVP award next season.
The inherent nature of futures bets means tying up your money for an extended period – sometimes months. However, by using a free bet on these markets, you circumvent this issue. You’re essentially placing a wager on a long-term outcome without any financial commitment. It’s a win-win situation: if your bet comes through, it’s pure profit; if not, you haven’t lost any of your own money.
3. Embrace Underdogs and High Odds
Free bets present an excellent opportunity to take a shot on underdogs or wagers with higher odds. Since you aren’t risking your own money, it’s a chance to go for a potentially significant payout without the typical associated risk. Remember, the primary aim with free bets is to maximize potential returns since there’s no stake being returned.
4. Diversify Across Markets
While it’s tempting to use all your free bets on a single sport or market that you’re familiar with, diversification can enhance your chances of securing a win. Explore unfamiliar sports or markets. With the right research, you could unearth a gem of a bet that you would have otherwise overlooked. The best way to dip your toes into a new sports is with someone else’s money!
5. Stay Informed and Updated
The betting landscape is ever-changing, with odds fluctuating based on a myriad of factors. Make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest news, stats, and trends relevant to the bets you’re placing. An informed bet, even when it’s a free one, is always a smarter bet. Don’t just blindly fire off free bets because you have them, make sure you at least have some intelligent thought behind what you’re betting in order to maximize your return.
