The concept of sports betting is pretty straightforward: you’re placing a wager on the outcome of a sporting event. The problem is that not all forms of sports betting are created equal. Some places will allow you to bet on just about anything while others will only take bets on certain types of sporting events.
Fortunately, there’s something called “free play” that can be used to gain access to most forms of sporting events. Here’s how it works.
What is Free Play?
Free play is a type of gamble where you don’t need to wager anything. Instead of placing a bet, you’re simply giving the casino or sportsbook some money to act as a ‘bankroll’. In return, you’ll gain access to various sporting events for betting purposes. Typically, you’ll need to create an account with the casino or sportsbook to access this option.
When Do You Need Free Play?
The best time to utilize free play is before the games even begin. Once the games have started, you won’t be able to back out of your wager without risking a huge loss. As mentioned by the name, this option is typically available before the game starts, but it can also be accessed during the game. Just make sure you cancel your bet once the game ends. Otherwise, you’ll be locked in and will need to spend some serious money to get out. Once the games have started, there’s also the issue of the clock. Once the clock runs out, the game stops, and you won’t be able to change your mind and back out.
Which Sportsbooks Accept Free Play?
Anywhere from a few to almost all sportsbooks take free play. The only thing you need to watch out for is a book that charges you a certain percentage of your winnings as a ‘withdrawal fee’. If you win, you’ll need to pay this fee in order to get your winnings. Most of the time, this percentage is between 10% and 15%.
How Do You Use Free Play?
Once you’ve activated your account with a sportsbook or casino, you’ll need to decide on which form of gambling you want to engage in. There are numerous ways to gamble on sports, but if you just want to place a straight up bet, then it’s quite easy. All you need to do is go through the menu on your phone or computer and select the game you want to bet on. Sometimes it’s easier to just search for the sports you’re interested in following and selecting the games accordingly.
How Do You Make Money With Free Play?
The best thing about utilizing free play is the possibility of making money. If you’re fortunate enough to score a winning ticket, you’ll be able to withdraw your money from the casino or sportsbook without any problems. Just make sure you’ve set your wager amount beforehand in order to avoid any unexpected withdrawals due to slippage. Slippage is when the casino or bookmaker takes in more money than they’ve got available in winning bets. This usually happens because of errors and inconsistencies in the books’ software, but it can also be due to external forces like heavy betting or technical issues.
Ultimately, sports betting can be a fun and rewarding experience if you do it the right way. Just remember that there are various risks involved, especially if you’re not fully aware of how the betting process works. Make sure you do your own research before getting started and remember the old adage, “never bet against the house’.