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Free bets in Wisconsin

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To encourage players to sign up at a sportsbook in Wisconsin, some sites are offering free bets to their players. These are part of the sign-up offer or can be included in a loyalty scheme.

There are several types of free bets on offer, and each gambling site has its own rules about how to earn and use free bets. To help you find the best offers, we’ve created an up-to-date list of the freebies currently available. Read on to learn more about free bets in Wisconsin and how to claim them.

How does a free bet work on Wisconsin sportsbooks?

Many gambling websites in Wisconsin offer free bets as a bonus, especially in promotions for new customers. It allows bettors to stake a small sum (typically around $10) without risking their own funds. Free bets may form part of a sign-up offer or be a reward for placing a certain number of wagers on one platform. Placing a free bet is similar to betting with your own funds. The big difference is that your stake is not returned, only your winnings.

Different kinds of free bets offered on WI betting sites

When it comes to free bets, there are several types available with varied rules and requirements. Here are some of the most frequent types you’ll find on Wisconsin betting sites:

  • Free bet on the first deposit: With this type of free bet, the customer deposits funds into an account on the betting site. Then the bookmaker boosts that balance with further funds. Sometimes it’s a straight match. In short, you deposit up to $50 and get up to $50 in free bets. Other times, the free funds are a percentage of your first deposit. These offers are likely to come with wagering requirements. That means you will have to bet your winnings again, perhaps several times over, before you can withdraw your funds.
  • No deposit free bet: As the name implies, this is when the betting site rewards with free bets just for setting up an account. You get a bonus balance to play with even before you deposit any funds. However, it is rare to see this offered for sports betting. Typically, this is a casino offer where players get free spins on signing up. Again, an offer of this type will nearly always come with a wagering requirement.
  • Free bet with a stake not returned: When placing a bet with your own funds, you get the stake back if you win. Otherwise, it would be impossible to back an odds-on favorite without losing money. With a free bet, though, the bettor does not pay the stake. Therefore, only the winnings will be added to your account. So, if you use a $10 free bet to back a hot favorite at -333, you will get $3 back as your winnings, but not the $10 stake.
  • Stake returned as a free bet: To get some free bets, customers have to place a bet of their own first. After accepting that initial bet, the gambling site will credit a free bet for the same stake. Usually, there is a maximum free bet on offer, and there may be restrictions on the type of bet. It’s common to see minimum odds (often +100) or for the site to offer free bets on parlay bets only.
  • Qualifying free bet: Many free bets offer to attract new customers to sign up for the first time. However, qualifying free bets are a reward for existing bettors. To get a free bet, gamblers need to meet certain requirements. For example, loyalty programs may ask for at least five weekly bets, with a minimum stake and odds. Other loyalty programs require customers to make one or more parlay bets to secure their bonus. Another type of qualifying bet depends on events in the game. The bookmaker might offer a free bet for anyone who backs the Packers if a specified player scores a TD in the game.
  • Risk-free bets: This type of free bet usually refers to a specific event, maybe the big TV game this weekend. The betting site will offer to reimburse losing bets with a free bet of the same amount, usually subject to an upper limit. Often, the qualifying bet will be on a specified market — e.g., back the Brewers to beat the Marlins and the site will return your stake as a free bet if they lose. This type of offer does not generally come with any wagering requirements.

How to claim a free bet in WI

It’s easy to find and claim free bets with betting apps licensed in Wisconsin. Just follow our three easy steps to get yours.

  1. Pick a free bet from our list: We keep track of all the best offers for you. Our list will show which free bets are available right now, and where to get them. Just have a read and choose the one that suits your needs.
  2. Sign up for a Wisconsin betting site: Once you’ve chosen, click on the link to the betting site that offers the free bet you want. You’ll need to create an account on that site, and in some cases, you’ll have to use a bonus code when you register.
  3. Claim the free bet & wager on your favorite sport: Once you’re signed up, follow the instructions to get your free bet. Pay attention to the small print and make sure you comply with all the terms and conditions before placing your first wager.

Pros and cons of free bets in Wisconsin

Like other bonuses in Wisconsin, free bets in Wisconsin have various pros and cons. You can find some of them below:

Pros

  • You get to stake more than you would otherwise: A free bet means you can put more on your chosen wager without gambling any more of your funds. For example, if you decide to bet $20 on the Packers to win their next game, you could add the free bet to that stake and, potentially, enjoy a bigger win.
  • Less risk: Another strategy is to hedge bets so that you are guaranteed a small profit. In a market with only two outcomes — e.g., a tennis match — you can stake the free bet on the outsider, then place a cash bet of similar value on the favorite. Whoever wins, you are sure to make a profit. Typically, you can expect to recover about 50% of the value of the free bet.

Cons

  • Free bets tend to be for low stakes and are often a one-time offer: Gambling platforms are in business to make money, not give it away. As a result, free bets are usually small. Typically, bookmakers might offer around $10-20. You can make a profit on it, but it won’t be a life-changing sum.
  • They expire relatively quickly: Very often, there is a time limit on using your free bet. The offer might be open for seven days or less. That means you don’t have a lot of time to decide how to use it. Moreover, many companies give free bets as a one-off rather than a regular promotion. Thus, it becomes difficult to repeat that success after making a one-off profit.

FAQ

Do all WI betting sites have free bets?

No, not all WI betting sites have free bets. Different betting sites have different offers, and this can change from time to time. However, our up-to-date list will always have the latest information about possible free bets for gamblers in Wisconsin.

Do I have to make a deposit to receive free bets on Wisconsin sportsbooks?

You don’t always have to make a deposit to receive free bets on Wisconsin sportsbooks. Many sites will only offer a free bet after you deposit funds and/or place a cash wager. However, from time to time, some sites might offer no deposit free bets. Again, our list is the place to go for the latest promotions.

Can I withdraw what I won from a free bet on a sportsbook in WI?

Yes, you can withdraw what you won from a free bet on a WI sportsbook, but check the fine print. Some free bet offers come with wagering requirements. That means before you can withdraw funds, you might have to stake up to 10x the sum you won with your free bet (the multiplier varies from platform to platform). However, there are many free bets with no further wagering requirement. Just remember that you won’t have your stake returned when you win with a free bet.