Online gambling, whether it’s casino games, sports betting or poker, requires a certain amount of skill. In order to make a profit you need to know how to bet, what to bet on and why that’s the case and much of this knowledge can be gleaned from the some of the .

However, the route to riches in the virtual world is a little different to the same pursuit in the live arena. Although the games and skills are essentially the same, the number of ways to make money is better on the internet for one simple reason: bonuses.

Online casinos are known for giving away free cash to customers at any opportunity. Whether it’s when they first create an account or after they’ve reached a certain milestone, the biggest online outlets will reward customers with bonuses of varying sizes throughout their virtual careers. Indeed, all of the free bets available through our partner rooms are the mere tip of a very lucrative iceberg. Although these cash injections are a great way to start you off, they are simply the first in a string of free bets.

To give you an idea of the free bets on offer at the industry’s top casinos, let’s break down the most common types:

Welcome Bonuses: This is a free bet or free cash given to a new player when they first join an online sportsbook.

Matched Bets: This type of free bet is one which is based on a punter’s previous wager. For example, if someone placed ?30 on Manchester United to beat Arsenal then they would be given another ?30 to bet on either the same game (via an in-play bet) or on another Premier League fixture.

No Lose Bets: Sometimes known as refund bets, no lose bets give punters the opportunity to get their stake back on certain sporting encounters. Although reserved for special occasions, this type of free bet is often a great way for someone to bet on an outsider with large odds but avoid the risk.

Seasonal Offers: Depending on the time of year or the sporting event in progress, many operators will offer seasonal free bets. For example, during the Grand National many sportsbooks will give away free wagers that can range from anywhere between ?5 and ?50. Usually dependent on certain staking conditions, these free bets are a great way for regular punters to add some EV points to their bottom-line.

VIP Bets: If you’re a high volume player, you can often make some additional cash when you exchange VIP points for bonuses. Every online casino will reward players for placing bets. Over time these points can rack up and the more you collect, the more free money you can receive.

Online gambling might not be an easy way to make a living, but if you’re aware of the industry’s hidden secrets you’ll find that making cash isn’t as tricky as you might expect. Cash bonuses and free bets can come in all shapes and sizes and, regardless of your skill level, they are freely available to everyone. Of course, in order to receive something for nothing, you need to work for it. However, if you’re smart about it and know where to find the best deals, there’s a lot of money to be made in the online casino world.