Stake returned vs stake not returned
See why two free bets with the same headline amount can have different practical values.
The key distinction
With a stake-returned free bet, a winning settlement may include both the profit and the promotional stake. With a stake-not-returned free bet, only the profit is credited. The second structure is common and means the headline amount is not equal to withdrawable cash value.
A simple example
At decimal odds of 3.00, a $20 stake-returned free bet may settle at $60 under a simplified example. If the stake is not returned, the promotional $20 is removed and the result may be $40. Actual settlement and withdrawal rules vary by operator.
Other terms still matter
Minimum odds, expiry, eligible markets, maximum winnings and wagering requirements can materially change practical value. The Free Bet Value Calculator separates the two stake treatments, but it cannot replace the operator's final terms.