Free bets, also known as risk-free bets, have become wildly popular incentives used by Las Vegas casinos to attract new members and reward existing loyal players. With a free bet, the casino covers the cost of the initial wager, allowing you to place a bet completely risk-free. If you win, you keep all the winnings. If you lose, the casino refunds your bet amount as site credit to play again.
Free bets remove the risk that comes with gambling, letting you take a chance on bigger wagers than you normally would. With the number of Las Vegas casinos competing for tourist dollars, lucrative sign-up bonuses and ongoing free bet promotions can be found across the city.
This insider guide will cover everything you need to know about scoring free bets in Las Vegas, including:
- Types of free bets offered by Vegas casinos
- New member sign-up bonuses
- Ongoing promotions for existing players
- Free bet blackjack
- Tips for maximizing free bet offers
- Recommended casinos for the best free bet deals
Let‘s explore the exciting world of Las Vegas free bets!
What is a Free Bet?
A free bet, as the name suggests, is a wager placed at a casino where you do not have to risk any of your own money. The casino covers the full cost of your initial bet up to a specified amount.
Here is an example:
- Casino sign-up bonus offers a $50 free bet
- You place a $50 wager on blackjack
- If you win, you keep the full $50 payout
- If you lose, the casino refunds your $50 as site credit
With a free bet, you get to keep any winnings if your bet is successful. If it loses, you do not lose any money from your bankroll. The casino simply gives you site credit equal to the amount of your original wager to use on another bet.
The main catch is there are usually wagering requirements attached to free bet credits. This means you must bet through the site credit amount a specified number of times before you can withdraw any winnings.
New Member Sign-Up Bonuses
The most lucrative free bets in Las Vegas are often reserved for new members signing up for a casino‘s rewards program for the first time. Here are some of the best casino sign-up bonuses offering risk-free bets:
The Strat Sign-Up Bonus
New members of the True Rewards players club receive $10 in free slot play. This gives you a nice bankroll to test your luck on the slots risk-free.
The Palms Sign-Up Bonus
The Palms offers new Palms Rewards members $50 in free play that can be used on slots, video poker, or at table games.
The Venetian Sign-Up Bonus
Joining the Grazie Rewards players club at The Venetian gets you a free bet match up to $1,000. The casino will match your initial deposit for slot and table game play dollar-for-dollar.
Treasure Island Sign-Up Bonus
New Club TI members receive a free bet up to $100 that can be used on slots, video poker, or at table games like blackjack and roulette.
Other Notable Sign-Up Bonuses
Many other Las Vegas casinos offer similar sign-up bonuses in the $50 to $100 range. Some examples are Plaza (up to $100 free play), Sunset Station (up to $100 free play), and Santa Fe Station (up to $100 free play).
Be sure to read the fine print and understand the wagering requirements before depositing money to claim sign-up bonuses. Oftentimes, there is a maximum cashout limit applied to free bet winnings.
Ongoing Promotions for Existing Players
While sign-up deals offer a nice bankroll boost, the real value comes from the ongoing promotions. Many Las Vegas casinos give existing loyalty members periodic free bet offers to incentivize them to play more.
These free play bonuses are offered via promotional emails or directly through the casino‘s mobile app. Here are some examples of generous ongoing free play deals:
Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace frequently sends registered members free bet credit offers such as $40 Free Play or a $100 Free Bet for their casino games. These credits can be used on slots, video poker, blackjack, or roulette.
MGM Resorts Casinos
MGM properties such as Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Mandalay Bay offer existing members free play deals multiple times per month. These vary from $20 to $50 free bets that can be used on slots or tables.
Golden Nugget
The 24K Select Club members receive frequent mailer offers from Golden Nugget such as $25 Free Slot Play and a $50 Table Games Free Bet.
The Cosmopolitan
Identity players club members get regular free play offers delivered right to their mobile device. Promos like $20 Free Play Slots or a $50 Free Table Game Bet are common.
The D Las Vegas
The D routinely compliments loyal players with $20 to $50 Free Bets that can be used on slots, blackjack, roulette, or other games. No deposit required to take advantage of the free wagers.
The amount of ongoing free plays, and frequency at which they are offered, will depend on your level of play at each casino. But in general, expect to see regular free bet offers ranging from $20 to $100 if you have a registered players card.
Free Bet Blackjack
An exciting blackjack variant that has exploded in popularity in Las Vegas is Free Bet Blackjack. In Free Bet Blackjack, players do not have to risk any extra money to double down or split. The casino covers the additional wager amount.
Here‘s an example of how it works:
- You make a $10 bet on your first hand
- You get dealt two 8s and want to split
- Instead of placing a second $10 wager to split, you split for free
- The casino covers the second $10 double down bet
Being able to double and split for free adds great value for blackjack players. In exchange for the free splits and doubles, all pushes (22) go to the dealer.
Many Las Vegas casinos now offer Free Bet Blackjack, but there are two important rules to look for:
3:2 vs 6:5 Blackjack Payout
Most Free Bet Blackjack games pay 6:5 on blackjack wins. However, you can still find 3:2 payouts, which is preferable. Some casinos offering 3:2 Free Bet Blackjack include:
- Circa
- The D
- Golden Gate
- Orleans
- Plaza
- Santa Fe Station
Number of Decks Used
Single or double deck Free Bet Blackjack has lower house edge than 6+ deck games. Check for single/double deck games at:
- Golden Gate
- Plaza
- El Cortez
So look for the rare single deck or double deck Free Bet Blackjack games that pay 3:2 on blackjack wins for the best odds.
Tips for Maximizing Las Vegas Free Bets
Here are some proven tips for getting the most value from Las Vegas casino free bet offers:
Join rewards programs at multiple casinos to take advantage of sign-up bonuses and ongoing offers.
Opt-in to promotional emails and install casino apps to get notified of free play deals.
Ask casino staff if they can provide any unadvertised free bet offers for you. Politely noting you are a loyal player and interested in free play can go a long way.
Review all terms for bonuses carefully – seek out free bets with the lowest wagering requirements.
Compare value of competing offers before depositing funds and claiming bonuses.
Take advantage of stackable deals when possible, such as a deposit match and risk-free bet from the same promotion.
Use free plays for maximum advantage. Play optimal strategy blackjack and video poker, or high RTP slot games.
Set a gambling loss limit and stick to it. Free bets still risk encouraging overspending.
Top Recommended Casinos for Free Bets
If you are looking for the best casinos in Las Vegas for lucrative sign-up bonuses, frequent free play deals, and Free Bet Blackjack, here are my top recommendations:
1. Circa – Great overall value between new member bonus, ongoing promos, and 3:2 single deck Free Bet Blackjack.
2. Golden Gate – Generous sign-up bonus and regular free play offers, along with rare 3:2 double deck Free Bet Blackjack.
3. The D – Solid new member free bet and frequent free play promotions, plus 3:2 Free Bet Blackjack.
4. Caesars Palace – Large $1,000 first bet match and consistent free play bonuses for existing members.
5. Golden Nugget – 24K Select members get quite frequent free slot and table play offers after sign-up.
6. Orleans – Decent new member bonus and periodically offers generous free play to loyalty members. Has 3:2 Free Bet Blackjack as well.
Conclusion
The heavy competition between Las Vegas casinos to attract gamblers leads to some very lucrative promotional offers. Take advantage of new member free bets along with ongoing free play deals and the exciting Free Bet Blackjack variant for maximum value. Just make sure to be disciplined by setting a budget and gambling responsibly.
With the right strategy, you can minimize risks and stretch your gambling bankroll much further thanks to the plethora of Las Vegas casino free bets.
