Free Bet vs Sign-Up Bonus – What’s the Difference?
So, free bet vs sign-up bonus, have you ever wondered what the real difference is?
Often, bookmakers have deposit bonuses. A good way to maximize your bankroll early on in betting arbitrage career is to deposit just the right amount (no more) to maximize the bonus that can be received at the bookmaker.
An example would be that you get a 100% deposit bonus of maximum $100. A deposit of $100 will then maximize your bonus ($100) at that bookmaker, and if you do this with 10 bookmakers, you effectively will have increased your bankroll with $1000.
Read all there is to know about bonuses in the Ultimate Guide to Sure Betting.
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Sign-Up Bonuses Explained
A sign up bonus is pretty straight forward stuff. You get x amount of money into your account, which you can use straight away. Some of the key things to know about sign up bonuses are:
- You might need to "roll over" the bonus x times before you can make a withdrawal
- They sometimes come with other restrictions, for example that you need to bet on odds over 2.00 for the roll over requirements to count
- They are straight forward to bet with, as they are in your account together with your regular funds
Example of a Sign-Up Bonus
"100% bonus up to €100."
This means if you deposit €100, you get an extra €100 to bet with. Sounds great, right?
Well, here's the catch:
Most sign-up bonuses come with wagering requirements, like needing to bet the bonus amount 5x or more before you can withdraw.
Still, if used correctly, they can offer much more long-term value than a simple free bet.
Free Bets Explained
A free bet is typically offered after you register and make a small qualifying bet. Free bets usually have no wagering requirement, but there might be some restrictions on odds or markets
A free bet is a bit different compared to a regular bonus:
- Before you place a bet, you'll have the option to use your regular funds, or the free bet.
- If you bet using your free bet, and your bet wins, you'll only keep the bet winnings (not the free bet amount itself). This is called a SNR (Stake Not Returned) free bet.
- Since you will only get to keep the winnings, you want to bet on a high odds that maximizes your potential profits. To guarantee a profit, you cover the other side using arbitrage betting or place a value bet.
- There are also SR (Stake Returned) free bets, but they are rare.
Example of a Free Bet
Let's say that you get a SNR free bet of €50, and bet the whole amount on a match with the odds 1.50. If the bet is a winner, you will win €75. But the bookmaker will only pay out your winnings (€25). This makes it tricky to use free-bets within Arbitrage Trading, but there is a pretty good way of doing it anyway. And the best part about free-bets is that you don't even need to bet on a positive arbitrage to release the funds!
Which One Should You Choose?
That depends on your goals.
- Want a quick, simple bonus with little risk? Go with a free bet.
- Ready to invest more time and effort for higher potential value? Try a sign-up bonus.
Many RebelBetting users start their profitable betting career by taking advantage of bonuses, the smart way, to scale up their initial bankroll. Why not reach out to some real RebelBetting users in our community or discord and see how they have used different bonuses?
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Join your sports betting friends in the RebelBetting community. Share and discuss your profit results, betting strategies and get tips from fellow bettors. It's free to join!
How RebelBetting Can Help
With RebelBetting, you'll know exactly how to use these bonuses to your advantage.
- Our software shows you where to place your bets for maximum value
- We help you avoid common traps
- You'll even see how profitable a bonus is before you take it
Thousands of users have boosted their profits using RebelBetting with both value betting and sure betting, especially during their bonus periods.
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WHAT YOU GET
Value bets & sure bets
Bet tracking & auto settlement
100+ bookmakers
Unlimited bets per day
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Higher value & sure bet limits
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Brokers (higher limits)
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Access to betting exchanges
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REBELBETTING STARTER 1 YEAR
Everything you need to profit
WHAT YOU GET
Value bets & sure bets
Bet tracking & auto settlement
100+ bookmakers
Unlimited bets per day
Built for consistent monthly profits
Higher value & sure bet limits
REBELBETTING PRO 1 YEAR
Built for maximum volume & profits
WHAT YOU GET
Higher limits. Bigger profits.
Brokers (higher limits)
Access to sharp bookmakers
Access to betting exchanges
Unlimited profit potential
Can I cancel my subscription at any time?
Yes. You can cancel your future payment at any time, while still continue using the service until the expiration date.
How can I be sure that I will profit?
You are always covered by our Profit Guarantee. If you don't make a profit the first month, you get another month for free – again and again until you profit!
Summary
Final tip: Use both — but smartly.
Start small, learn the ropes, and let RebelBetting guide your way to long-term profit.
Start your free 14-day trial and get the edge from day one.
| Offer Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Free Bet | Low risk, easy to claim, no rollover | Lower potential profit |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Higher value, more betting funds | Rollover requirements, more complex |