I don’t think I understand what it means to “return the stake” nor how to determine if that is happening.
Certain sites give you bonus funds in free bets that don’t return the stake (like MaximBet and PlayMaverick). Like with site credit earned through risk-free first bet promotions, that credit should be used on events with long odds. Other sites give you credit that does return the stake (like BetRivers, and TVG). Credits of this type should be used on events with shorter odds to reduce variance and lower tax liability.
If a free bet returns the stake, it will pay you the principle of the bet plus your profit when you win. If a free bet does not return the stake, it will only pay you your profit.
Example: A $1,000 free bet that returns the stake won at +100 or 1-1 odds pays back $2,000 (the $1,000 you bet, plus the $1,000 you won).
A $1,000 free bet that does not return the stake won at +100 or 1-1 odds pays back only $1,000 (just the $1,000 that you won).
Certain sites will list whether a free bet returns the stake in their promo terms. For other sites, you can read reviews or talk to customer support. Since it sounds like you’re close to CO, you can also check out my spreadsheet where I summarize the promo terms of each book I used on the trip.
I don’t think I understand what it means to “return the stake” nor how to determine if that is happening.
If a free bet returns the stake, it will pay you the principle of the bet plus your profit when you win. If a free bet does not return the stake, it will only pay you your profit.
Example:
A $1,000 free bet that returns the stake won at +100 or 1-1 odds pays back $2,000 (the $1,000 you bet, plus the $1,000 you won).
A $1,000 free bet that does not return the stake won at +100 or 1-1 odds pays back only $1,000 (just the $1,000 that you won).
Certain sites will list whether a free bet returns the stake in their promo terms. For other sites, you can read reviews or talk to customer support. Since it sounds like you’re close to CO, you can also check out my spreadsheet where I summarize the promo terms of each book I used on the trip.