What is a free bet?
To begin, a free bet is a type of sports betting promotion that provides you with betting credits to use across your chosen bookmaker’s platform. Free bets can come in various shapes and sizes and can be released at various stages throughout your time online.
They are often unlocked as part of a welcome bonus, they might be offered to you in return for placing a bet on a specific event with your own funds, or occasionally they may be assigned to you individually, as a reward for your loyalty to the brand.
What can you do with your free bets?
Generally, once you have released your free bet offer, you’ll need to wager it of course. Some free bets have a time limit defined, while the very best free bet offers allow you to keep your bet credits in your account until you feel the time is right to make use of them.
Despite being known as ‘free bets’, it is important to note that you may be expected to make a deposit to release them. As we touched on earlier, it’s likely that you’ll be expected to deposit and bet on your favourite sport initially, and only once that first bet is settled, will you receive your reward.
When it comes to redeeming the best free bet offers, you’ll find that the process is extremely straightforward. In fact, by meeting the betting requirements applied by your bookmaker, which are usually minimal, you’ll be eligible to unlock your free bets.
Basically, all of the
best betting apps
and online platforms available to Irish punters offer you the chance to pick up free bets simply by opting in, and you can take a look at our recommended bookie brands, along with their current promos, right here on the banners on this page.
Free bet offers - The pros and cons
Advantages
- Can be released at any point of your time online
- One of the most prevalent betting offer for Irish bettors
- Simple to redeem with minimal T&Cs attached
Disadvantages
- Certain deposit methods might exclude you
We’ve now established that the best free bet offers allow you to place wagers using bonus credits. But you might come across a few alternative bookie bonuses, too. Let’s take a look at those next and see how they work.
| Bonus type | Overview | Example |
| Matched Deposit | A deposit match bonus will provide you with ‘bonus credits’ to use across the site. However, as the name suggests, this bonus is released by making a deposit. The bonus itself is usually set as a percentage of the initial deposit and will be capped at a certain value. | 200% matched bonus of up to €2,000 |
| No Deposit | The no deposit bonus is the best free bet bonus for new customers, but they are rare. If you do come across one, you won’t need to make a deposit and your free bets will be ready to use as soon as your account has been verified. Just remember to check the eligible betting markets and wagering requirements before placing any bets though. | €30 to use across the site on successful registration |
| First Bet Offer | A first bet offer provides you with the chance to pick up free bets, but with caveats. First, you’ll need to deposit and place an eligible bet. If you win, you’ll walk away with your winnings. Should you lose, that first bet will be reimbursed in the form of bonus credits. | Up to €100 back on your first loss |
| Odds Boost | An odds boost is a relatively straightforward promo, requiring you to bet on a specific selection, or betting market where your bookie has increased the odds. It might apply to specific markets, certain bet types or may require you to wager a specific amount. | Boosting odds from 7/2 to 11/2 for selecting both Shamrock Rovers and Galway United to win |
Check out our reliable bookies
1.
Bet €10 Get a €50 Surprise Bet
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BET €10 GET €50 IN FREE BETS*
4.
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What makes a great free bet offer?
There are some clear signs when you know that you have found yourself one of the best free bet offers in Ireland. From our expert perspective, the whole experience can be conveniently filtered into three simple processes, allowing you to quickly see whether the terms and conditions surrounding the free bet bonus are fair and reasonable.
A simple redemption process
Firstly, you’ll want to consider how you can get hold of your free bets and the requirements that must be met before they are released. As already mentioned it’s likely you’ll need to make a small deposit, and place an eligible bet to release a free bet bonus in Ireland.
Next, you’ll want to consider how you can use your free bet bonus. All credible betting sites will provide you with complete access to the terms and conditions long before your free bets have been added to your account. Of course, the best free bet offers will give you plenty of time and a range of eligible markets to choose between. However, it is also worth paying close attention to the small print if you opt to use a
betting site with the cash-out
feature. Most often, cashing out a wager using free bets will render the bonus void.
A swift withdrawal process
After placing your initial bet, and waiting for it to be settled, you’ll want to feel confident that your account balance will be updated accordingly and that you can now make use of your free bet bonus as you wish. Do bear in mind that any winnings you make will not include the free bet amount, but beyond that, if you want to withdraw instantly, you can make use of credible methods that promise swift payouts at the top Irish betting sites.
What should you consider before using your free bets in Ireland
All new betting sites will allow you to review the terms and conditions of their best free bet offers before you ever commit. To ensure that you know
exactly
what is on the cards, we’ve created this table covering all the basic terminology that you may come across.
| Terminology | Explanation | Example |
| Opt in | An opt in may be required to unlock the best free bet offers. This is often used to help differentiate between the various bonuses that may be available online at any given time and usually requires little more than ticking a specific box. | Opting in to the specific GAA sports betting bonus |
| Promotional code | A promotional code may be required during sign up, or you may be offered personalised promotions that require you to use a code. These codes are sometimes case-sensitive, so be sure to copy them exactly as they are shown. | Entering the promo code: BoNUS to unlock the promotion |
| Wagering requirements | The wagering requirements refer to the number of times you’ll be expected to wager your free bets. Luckily most Irish bookie sites don’t add this to their T&Cs. But I’ve included this just in case… | This means betting a total of €50 if your original stake is €10 and there is a 5x wagering requirement |
| Expiration period | The expiration period refers to how long you have to use your free bets. | Your free bets must be used within seven days |
| Eligible markets | Eligible markets highlight the type of betting opportunities available for you to use your free bets. | The free bet offer can only be used on live GAA markets |
| Minimum odds requirement | A minimum odds requirement is likely to be added to even the best free bet offers. This simply means that your chosen selection must be priced at odds equal to, or greater than, the minimum specified. | The free bets can only be used on odds of 1.6, or higher |
How to use your free online bets
Now you know
all
there is to know about the best free bet offers, it’s time to talk you through the process of finding, redeeming and using them. This step-by-step guide keeps things nice and simple, providing you with a great head start.
- Find a credible online sportsbook:
To get started, you’ll want to find yourself a reliable online bookmaker in Ireland that is packed with perks. We’ve been busy reviewing the very best and have a stream of comparisons waiting for you to view right here in the banners on this page.
- Create your account:
Once you’ve found your perfect match, you can head to the bookmaker’s site or download the app from your preferred app store, and begin creating your profile. After submitting some basic details, you’ll be expected to verify your account by linking your email or phone. Then, you’ll need to send in a copy of your photo ID and a household bill.
- Make your first deposit:
Unless you can pick up a no deposit bonus straight from the off, you’ll be expected to make a deposit into your new account. Most of the top bookmakers in Ireland offer a range of payment methods, with instant deposits, and minimal fees.
- Head to the
Promotions
section:
Deposit made, you can head to the
Promotions
section of your chosen platform and review theT&Cs for the free bet sign up offer.
- Opt-in and meet the requirements:
As soon as you opt-in you can place your initial bet, in accordance with the offer. Bear in mind that this might mean placing a certain type of bet, adhering to the minimum odds prescribed, or wagering on a specific sport/market. Beyond that, sit back and enjoy your favourite sport until that first bet is settled.
- Use your free bet offer:
Finally, once you’ve met the qualifying criteria, you’ll find that your free bets are added to your account. Now, you can begin having fun with them. The very best free bet offers will provide you with a range of markets to wager on, and plenty of time to make the best use of them, too.
The best sportsbooks in September to collect free bets
If you like the sound of adding free bets to your account, then you'll want to check out these top betting platforms. Our mini-reviews act as a great tool to help you on your search.
Bet365
Bet365: Pros & Cons
- Free bets available
- Sold sign-up bonus
- Exceptional market coverage
- Maximum deposit limits added to all accounts
Bet365 is a great choice for any serious punters looking to pick up free bets. As a new member, you can add up to €100 in bet credits to your account by making a minimum qualifying deposit of at least €10. Once you’ve unlocked this welcome offer, you’ll then find that your online activity will release a number of free bets throughout your time online. This can be achieved by building accumulators or placing five qualifying bets throughout the week.
Alongside the potential to pick up free bets, you’ll find that a wide selection of sports, leagues, and competitions come as standard. You’ll notice live streams available on certain sports and esports, too, allowing you to watch the outcome of your free bets unfold in real-time.
Bet365 Highlights
- Up to €100 welcome bonus (T&Cs apply)
- Zero deposit fees
- €5 minimum deposit to qualify
Betfair
Betfair: Pros & Cons
- Free bets available
- Great market coverage
- 24/7 customer support
- Limited number of ongoing promotions
If it is free bets that you are after, then you don’t need to look much further than Betfair. Although first established as a betting exchange, you’ll find that you can now pick up €20 in free bets when you bet €5 across the sportsbook. A range of markets are covered here, too, meaning you can use your free bets on everything from football and tennis to cricket and darts.
The full experience is available online or through the mobile app, allowing you to pick up free bets wherever you may be. Plus, should you have any difficulty redeeming your bonuses, you can always get in contact with the live support team around the clock.
Betfair Highlights
- Fast Markets feature lets you pick the next goal
- Request odds live on X
- Best odds guarantee on football
Boylesports
Boylesports: Pros & Cons
- Excellent selection of free bets
- Inclusive limits
- Competitive welcome offer
- Limited withdrawal options
Boylesports provides you with another great location to pick up free bets. To get yourself started, you will be expected to make a minimum deposit of €5; however, you’ll then have the potential to pick up €25 in bonus bets.
After playing through your welcome bonus, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to add further free bets to your account based on your betting activity throughout the week. Additional promotions also run alongside, including two-goal payouts and odds boosts. Although the sportsbook is packed with popular sports and markets, you’ll want to just double-check the terms and conditions before playing through any promotions.
Bet 10 Get 30 in Free Bets
+ 10€
BoyleSports Highlights
- Wide range of sports markets available
- Competitive odds
- Special deals on big-name sports fixtures
Come and check out some of the best free bets with no deposit today
A free bet offer effectively allows you to obtain brand-specific betting credits to use on your favourite sport. This type of bonus is widely available for Irish punters and can be redeemed at various points throughout your time online, including as part of the welcome bonus, as a reward for meeting the terms of an ongoing promotion, or simply for being loyal to your chosen bookie brand.
The very best free bet offers provide you with a range of betting opportunities, fair and reasonable T&Cs, and plenty of time to make use of your free bets. Although you will not be able to withdraw the value of your free bets, the best betting sites in Ireland will allow you to withdraw any winnings you make from them right away. Be sure to keep tabs on the banners of this page to see all of the best free bet deals that are currently available to Irish punters.
More top betting bonuses
1.
Bet €10 Get a €50 Surprise Bet
Min. Deposit: 10
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400% up to 20€
Min. Deposit: 5€
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BET €10 GET €50 IN FREE BETS*
Requirements (WR): When you stake €20 or more across any sport (minimum odds Evens) between Monday and Sunday.
4.
Bet 10€, get 40€
Min. Deposit: 10
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50€ in Bet Credits
Min. Deposit: 5€
Free Bets FAQ
🔎
When can I use my free bet offer?
Every bookmaker in Ireland will assign its own T&Cs to free bet offers. Check out the banners on this page for the best free bet deals currently available to you, find out more by reading our in-depth brand reviews, and then simply pick out your personal favourite.
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Will free bet offers expire?
As with all types of online promotions, bonus bets will tend to come with a set expiration date attached. Alongside an expiration period, you’ll be expected to meet certain other requirements, such as minimum odds and you also may be expected to bet on specific markets only.
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Where will I find free bet offers?
Regardless of whether you have joined the
best betting exchange
or the latest online bookmaker, bonus bets will be released at some point throughout your time online. Some may release them as part of the sign-up bonus, while others will release them along the way.
