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At ClubSport, our goal is to provide readers with the most accurate and honest information on bookmakers. We have four core values that guide our work:
- Experience. Dedicated experts with years of evaluating UK bookies and their markets. We've seen bookies rise and fall.
- Independence. We're not afraid to highlight flaws regardless of a bookie's status.
- Honesty. We objectively assess sportsbooks as we believe that the numbers don't lie and flashy bonuses tend to evoke losses and jitters for players — we are open and upfront about all this.
- Simplicity. We were once average punters. We know how vital it is to explain even complex topics in clear, simple terms.
Top 5 Ireland Bookmakers with Free Bets: Review
Deposit between €5 to €10 and place a bet that contains at least one selection with odds of 1/5 (1.20) or greater within 30 days of registering your account. You will receive 300% of the deposit amount in bet credits, up to a maximum of €30. You must claim your offer within 30 days of registering your account. Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, paysafecard and all other prepaid cards cannot be used for qualifying deposits. T&Cs apply.
Register at William Hill with the code X60, opt in for 'Vegas'. Deposit €10, receive a €20 Vegas bonus, with 30x wagering. Bet €10+ at odds of 1/2 (1.5) on the sportsbook with cash or Vegas winnings post wagering. After bet settlement, get a €40 sportsbook bonus. The Vegas bonus: use it within 72 hours, and meet its wagering requirements. The sportsbook bonus: redeem it within 30 days.
Open an account with the promo code YSKARZ and deposit a minimum of €5 using a debit card to receive a €20 Sports Free bet. Place a minimum €5 bet on sports at odds of EVS (2.0) or greater within 30 days of account opening. Your Free bet, valid for 30 days, is awarded post the qualifying bet settlement.
Open a new account and deposit at least €10. You must then place a bet of €10 or more at odds of 2.0 (EVS) or higher; for multiple bets, the combined odds should be 2.0 or higher. Note, deposits via Skrill/Moneybookers, Neteller, PayPal, or prepaid cards from Ireland are ineligible. Place your qualifying bet within 30 days of opening your account. You'll receive a €50 free sports bet and a €10 casino bonus within 5 minutes of your first bet's settlement. The sports bet expires in 7 days.
Register at LeoVegas and select the sports Welcome offer. Bet €10 or more at odds of 1.50 or higher to qualify. Your first bet must be placed in cash within 7 days of deposit, excluding Skrill/Neteller. Receive three €10 Free bets after the bet settlement. Such Free bets are valid for 7 days on mobile/app for combo bets with 3+ selections, at min odds of 1.50 each.
How we Evaluate the Best Free Bets
Free bets are not just numbers in Euro - the higher the number, the better. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We encourage you to look at the offer as a whole and determine how it fits with your betting style. Here's what to look for:
Offer Size
While the amount of the free bet is what catches your eye, bigger isn't always better. Consider an offer's feasibility. For instance, a €40 Free bet package from BoyleSports might seem attractive, but if it comes with a casino bonus that implies wagering. A smaller but more flexible offer might serve you better.
Time to Claim
Most Irish bookmakers offer a standard 30-day period from the time of account registration. This seems generous, but it's important to dive deeper into what this means for you. For example, LeoVegas offers a seemingly shorter 7-day window, but significantly, this countdown starts with your first deposit, not account registration, which could better suit your betting schedule.
Additionally, by the end of this period, your qualifying bets must not only be placed but also settled. So, plan accordingly to take full advantage of the offer.
Minimum Deposit
Check the minimum amount required to unlock the welcome offer. A lower deposit requirement makes the offer accessible. Sometimes, however, you can get more Free Bets by increasing the size of your first deposit, for instance at Bet365. Always make sure to deposit using an eligible method. Debit cards are a safe bet, as they're almost always accepted.
Minimum Odds
There is a potential risk/return flexibility depending on what odds you can use with your Free bet. Look for offers with lower minimum odds, giving you a better chance to use your Free bet on a likely outcome.
Validity Period
How long is your free bet valid? Ensure the Free bet period aligns with when you plan to use it. You'll most likely have a week to wager your Free bet before it expires. During this time, the bet must be settled, so you should not use Free bets to place long-term wagers.
Free bets from Sky Bet do not have an expiration date, but this is an exception.
Eligible Methods of Payment
Not all deposit methods qualify for free bets. This info is not always clear from the raw T&C, so pay attention. To avoid disappointment, use universally accepted methods like debit cards.
Paddy Power excels in explaining their terms, making it absolutely clear which methods are eligible, what you'll get and how to claim it. That's a great approach.
Recurring Value
While welcome offers are appealing, ongoing value for regular bettors often provides more worth in the long run. Take Sky Bet's Free Bet Club, for example, where you can earn free bets weekly.
What is a Free Bet?
A free bet is a type of bonus offered by bookmakers as a way to reward new and existing customers. It's a two-tiered mechanism; the first tier involves fulfilling certain conditions set by the bookmaker to receive the free bet. This could be making a first deposit, placing a qualifying bet, or as part of a loyalty program.
The second tier is lower; you use the free bet according to the bookmaker's terms, ideally to secure a win and take home the proceeds.
How to Place a Bet Using a Free Bet
Once you've earned a free bet, placing it is simple. After choosing your bet, you'll notice an option in the bet slip to apply your free bet — this could be a checkbox or a toggle. Simply activate the feature and proceed to place your bet as usual. If your bet wins, the stake is typically not returned, but the winnings are yours to keep.
Are there any no deposit Free bets in Ireland?
Yes, we have one for you. Keep an eye out for those rare no deposit free bets, like the one from HollywoodBets - the only offer of its kind in Ireland we have found during our January 2024 research.
Advantages of Free Bets
Free bets come with unique benefits that can make them more appealing to punters, compared with cash bonuses. The breakdown is as follows:
- Promotional Variety: Bookmakers often offer free bets for various promotions, events, or loyalty programs. The same bonuses can also be awarded in cash, but our analysis of the Irish betting market shows that free bets are more common.
- Lower Wagering Requirements: Free bets usually come with no wagering requirements, unlike cash bonuses, making it easier to turn them into withdrawable winnings.
- Easier to Obtain: Free bets are typically easier to claim and use, as they often don't require large deposits or complex terms and conditions.
- Instant Access: Unlike some cash bonuses that may have delayed access, free bets are typically available for immediate use once they're credited to your account.
- Educational Value: They are a great way to learn about different betting strategies without the fear of losing cash, providing valuable experience at no cost.
Popular Free Bet Offers in Ireland
Ireland's betting scene is vibrant and competitive, with many bookmakers vying for the attention of punters through various free bet offers. Here's a look at some of the popular types of free bet promotions available to Irish bettors.
Bet & Get Free Bets
A frequent offer where you bet a certain amount and get free bets in return. These can be used as a welcome offer, as well as in weekly promotions, as in Sky Bet Free Bet Club.
Biggest Bet & Get Welcome Offers in May 2024
| Bookie | Bonus |
|---|---|
| William Hill | Bet €10 Get €50 |
| Novibet | Bet €10 Get €50 |
| Quinnbet | Bet €10 Get €50 |
| Paddy Power | Bet €5 Get €20 |
| Ladbrokes | Bet €5 Get €20 |
Risk-Free Bets
Offers where your stake is returned if your initial bet loses. These bets allow you to aim for high returns with the comfort of a safety net. Don't forget that these aren't risk-free wagers, they're just free bets, giving you a second chance.
Best Risk-Free Bets in May 2024
| Bookie | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Unibet | Up to €40 moneyback |
| Betway | Get back up to €50 if your first bet loses |
| Lottoland | €5 Free Bet if your first bet fails |
No Deposit Free Bets
Although rare, some bookmakers offer no deposit free bets, where you receive a bet simply for completing the registration process. We mentioned such offer from Hollywoodbets. Also we have an 'almost' no deposit at Sky Bet, where you get €20 in Free bets for any bet. You must deposit any amount, but you are not obligated to do anything else.
Loyalty Free Bets
For the regular punters, bookmakers provide free bets as part of their loyalty programs. Keep an eye on your favourite sportsbook's promotions page. Once again, Sky Bet is our choice here with their Weekly Free Ber Club.
Event-Specific Free Bets
Around big sporting events, bookmakers offer free bets specific to the event, giving you more reasons to get involved in the biggest games and races.
Free Bets - Recommendations
The best free bet is one that aligns with your betting strategy and offers the most value for your preferred betting activities. With the right approach, free bets can significantly enhance not only your betting experience but also your bankroll.
Focus on What You Know
Concentrate on sports that you're familiar with. Free bets are a chance to use your knowledge to your advantage without financial risk. The thrill and excitement of betting is what ClubSport emphasizes again and again: it's not about the money. Yet, there's a certain satisfaction in making smart informed bets - it's a cerebral challenge against the bookmaker.
Balance Risk and Reward
While it might be tempting to use free bets on long shots for the chance at a big payout, we recommend choosing more likely events, perhaps with slightly higher odds than you would with your own money. This approach balances risk and reward, making your betting more about skill than chance.
Pre-Match Over Live Betting
Avoid the urge to place free bets live. Pre-match betting gives you more time to analyse the event and make a considered decision. Live betting, while exciting, often leads to decisions made in the heat of the moment.
Hedge Your Bets
Consider using your free bets to place lay bets against your real money bets on another betting site. This strategy can hedge your risk, ensuring that you either win or break even. It's a savvy way to use the free bet as insurance.
Free Bets Ireland FAQs
How often can I claim free bets from the same bookmaker?
Free bet offers from the same bookmaker are typically limited to one per customer for welcome bonuses. However, many bookmakers have ongoing promotions and loyalty programs that allow for regular customers to claim free bets more frequently. These can include weekly free bet clubs, special event promotions, or individual offers sent to customers based on their betting activity.
What should I consider when choosing an event to place a free bet on?
Avoid long shots solely because it’s a free bet; treat the free bet as you would your own money for a more strategic approach. When placing a free bet, it’s wise to choose an event that you have knowledge of. Consider the odds, the form of the teams or players involved, and any other relevant statistics. Events with slightly higher odds than evens can offer a good balance between risk and potential return.
Are there any strategies for using free bets to maximize potential returns?
One common strategy is matched betting, where you use the free bet to place a wager at the bookmaker and then place a counter wager (lay bet) on a betting exchange. This approach can lock in profit regardless of the outcome. Additionally, some bettors use free bets on accumulator bets with the potential for high returns.