Risk-free bets are one of the most common promotions you’ll see on US sports betting apps. They sound like a guaranteed win, place a bet, and if you lose, you get your money back. But is that really how it works? The truth is, these offers come with fine print that many new bettors overlook. Understanding how risk-free bets actually function can help you avoid surprises and make smarter choices with your money.
A risk-free bet is a type of sportsbook promotion that refunds your first wager if it loses. Instead of giving you your cash back, the sportsbook usually returns the money in the form of bonus bets, site credit, or free bets.
Example: You place a $100 bet on the New York Jets to win. They lose. You get $100 in bonus bets to use on future wagers.
But here’s the catch: bonus bets aren’t the same as real money. You can’t withdraw them, and you often only keep the winnings, not the original stake, when you win.
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No, not in the way most people think. The word “free” can be misleading. While you get something back if your first bet loses, you’re still risking your real money upfront. And if you win your first bet, you don’t get any bonus at all.
You only benefit from the promotion if your first bet loses, and even then, you’ll likely be restricted in how you can use the refund:
Big brands like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars often advertise risk-free bets of $500 to $1,000 or more. But they’ve started using new terms like:
Why the shift? US regulators, especially in states like Ohio and Massachusetts, are cracking down on misleading betting promos. So sportsbooks are moving away from “risk-free” language — but the offer structure remains the same.
Also Read: NFL Betting for Beginners: Understanding spreads and moneylines
Before claiming a risk-free bet, read the terms and conditions. Watch for:
Also, check if your refund comes as bonus bets, site credit, or cash back — this makes a big difference.
Risk-free bets are more like insurance than a guarantee. They’re not scams — but they aren’t truly “free” either. Used wisely, they can soften the blow of your first loss on a sportsbook. Just don’t let the word “free” make you take bigger risks than you should.
A risk-free bet is a sportsbook promotion that refunds your first bet if it loses. The refund usually comes in the form of bonus bets or site credit, not actual cash.
No. Most risk-free bets return your stake as bonus bets or site credit. You can’t withdraw it directly, and you usually only keep the profit if the bonus bet wins.
Not exactly. You still risk your own money upfront. If your first bet wins, you get nothing extra. If it loses, you only get a second chance — not a cash refund.
No, bonus bets can’t be withdrawn. You can only withdraw the winnings you earn from using the bonus, and even then, some sportsbooks require additional wagering.
Top US sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM regularly offer risk-free bets — often under different names like “No Sweat First Bet” or “First Bet Insurance.”
Read the terms and conditions. Look for minimum odds, expiry dates, wagering requirements, and whether the refund comes as site credit, bonus bets, or real money.
Use it on a single, simple wager with fair odds. If your bet loses and you get a bonus, avoid chasing losses — instead, spread the bonus across smaller, value-based bets.
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