The Best Free Bets UK 2023

By Daniel Bennett & others on Fact checked by Adam Dickinson
Check out the list of bookies with the best free bets in the UK. Compare free bet deals and sites, learn more about this popular offer, and find your ideal free bets betting site. Compare offers, read expert reviews, and click the sign up link for your chosen site!
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Expertly Reviewed Expertly Reviewed
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Betting Site Score New Customer Offer Expert Review Secure Sign Up Link Sports iOS App Android App Streaming Terms
1. Parimatch
92%
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"You can withdraw your funds from Parimatch within 30 minutes using the Visa FastFunds service available at selected banks. "
Get Bonus
32
No
No
No
New Customer Offer 18+, New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on any sports (odds 2.00+) in 7 days. No cash out. Get 4x£5 sports free bets for set markets (odds 2.00+), which expire in 7 days. Offer is valid from 10:00 UK time on 16/01/2023. Card payments only. T&Cs Apply. begambleaware.org | Please Gamble Responsibly 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
2. 32Red
80%
100% Profit Boost

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"The Know Your Customer check is easy to complete and free bet welcome bonuses are easy to claim right after you sign up. "
Get Bonus
33
Yes
Yes
Yes
New Customer Offer Opt in. Min. Odds Evs, Max. £10 stake, Max. additional profit £100. Skrill and Neteller deposits are not eligible 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
3. HeySpin
79%
Bet £15 Get £10

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"Enjoy this new sportsbook with its slick platform and huge range of sports betting markets "
Get Bonus
45
No
No
Yes
New Customer Offer New Players only. Max. Free Bet Token amount: £10.Minimum Deposit: £15. Minimum wagering on Sport to activate the Free Bet Token: £15 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
4. Bet Storm
71%
Bet £10, Get £30 with Code 'Bet30'

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"Enjoy fun competitions such as 'Wage Wars' and collect cash prizes while climbing up competition leaderboards "
Get Bonus
39
No
No
Yes
New Customer Offer New Players Only. Minimum stake $/€/£ 10, minimum odds1.5, stake not returned.1X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Max conversion: $/€/£ 200. Excluded Skrill deposits. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Full Terms Apply 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
5. Unibet
85%
Money Back As a Bonus Up To £40 + £10 Casino Bonus

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"The easy to access odds boost option on racing bets makes this a solid option for those wagering on the horse. "
Get Bonus
38
Yes
Yes
Yes
New Customer Offer Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first sports bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. Visit Unibet.co.uk for full T&C's. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
6. 10bet
87%
50% up to £50

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"The 10Bet experience was extremely smooth, verification was instant and my withdrawal was processed within 48 hours"
Get Bonus
32
Yes
Yes
No
New Customers Offer Min. deposit £15; Bonus amount 50% of deposit up to £50; Wager deposit and bonus 8x within 60 days; 4/5 Min. single odds or 2/5 min. acca selection odds; Max. stake contribution equal to the initial bonus; Certain bet types and payment methods excluded 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
7. Luckster Sport
78%
Bet £10 Get £10

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"Try this brand new sportsbook which has a particularly strong section on football & e-sports "
Get Bonus
41
No
No
No
New Customer Offer New customers only. Max one free £10 bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds required. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. T&Cs apply. 18+ 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
8. Quinnbet
Free Bet Up To £35 + 10 Spins

Reviewed & verified by our team

"If you have recorded an overall loss over the course of a week at Quinnbet, you can claim 25% of them back as a free bet up to £50. "
Get Bonus
32
Yes
Yes
No
New Customer Offer If your account has Sportsbook losses at the end of your first day's betting, QuinnBet will refund 50% of your losses as a Free Bet up to £35 (min 3 bets) Plus 10 Free online casino spins at QuinnCasino. Even if your account is up, you're guaranteed a £5 Free Bet Plus 10 Free Spins provided you place at least 1 bet of £10 or greater at the minimum odds. T&Cs apply | 18+ New UK Customers Only | BeGambleAware.org 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
9. Grosvenor
82%
Double the odds

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"Know Your Customer check easy to complete - simply scanned in my documents and the confirmation was received instantly "
Get Bonus
38
Yes
Yes
Yes
New Customer Offer Double the odds. Bet must be placed using real money in combination with the Odds Boost Token. Offer applies to Sport bets only. £10 Max stake. Each way bets are a maximum of £5 each way (£10 total stake). Extra winnings are paid in cash. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
10. Bwin
82%
Sign up to get your £20 Backup Bet

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"Use Bwin's multi-generator to create interesting accumulators from around the globe at a fast pace"
Get Bonus
38
Yes
Yes
No
New Customer Offer 18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 2/1 (3.0) | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
11. Tebwin
71%
Bet £10 Get £30 with Code 'SB30'

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"Offering in-depth markets and cashback on a multitude of sports, Tebwin is a perfect new sportsbook for the sports-mad fan "
Get Bonus
39
No
No
Yes
New Customer Offer New players only. Min $/€/£ 10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of $/€/£ 200, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: $/€/£ 200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Full Terms Apply 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
12. Boyle Sports
84%
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"Really strong website, easy to navigate between sports, competitions, accumulators. Withdrawals also processed within 48 hours. "
Get Bonus
35
Yes
Yes
No
New Customer Offer New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Payment method restrictions. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
13. Bet365
92%
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets

Reviewed & verified by our team

"Bet365 are one of the biggest online bookies and offer players a Bet Builder, Acca Boost and Early Payout on multiple markets"
Get Bonus
37
Yes
Yes
Yes
New Customer Offer New customers only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
14. Coral
91%
Bet £5, get £20 in free bets

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"Verification was instant with quick & easy deposit. Wide range of markets & good odds. Paid out within 24h."
Get Bonus
53
Yes
Yes
Yes
New Customer Offer Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cash-out, restrictions & T&Cs apply. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
15. Ladbrokes
88%
Bet £5, get £20 in free bets

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"This is a great bookie for cashing out, offering the feature immediately after I placed my bet. Withdrawals were processed within two days as well."
Get Bonus
38
Yes
Yes
Yes
New Customer Offer Paypal and certain deposit types and bet types excluded. Min £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days on sports, stake not returned, restrictions apply. T&Cs apply, 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
🏆 Best Overall Score:
92%
🎁 Largest Free Bet:
£50
🤝 Highest Deposit Match:
100%
💷 Minimum Deposit:
£5

If you’re searching for the best free bet offers, then you’ve come to the right place. It might sound too good to be true, but this betting bonus really does give you the chance to make wagers without using your own bankroll. Household names and new betting sites alike offer this bonus deal, and we’ve highlighted the very best in our top-rated list of online sportsbooks, where you can easily compare the key terms of each deal. We’ve also written expert sportsbook reviews, covering everything from betting markets to payment methods, to help you find the best betting site for you. Simply check out our list of the best betting sites with free bet offers to get started.

Want to learn more about free bets, including how they work and how exactly you can get your hands on one? Whether you want to use free bets to wager on football, horse racing or any other sport, we’ve got you covered. Read on for all you need to know about free bet bonuses.

Review of the Best Free Bet Offers

  • Unibet offers players a hefty free bet from a pretty small outlay, offering £40 for just a £10 deposit. The bonus lasts for seven days and is split into £30 worth of football free bets and a £10 casino bonus. Members of Unibet also have access to a dedicated stats and live scores page across more than 30 sports, which will help you make a more informed wager.

    pros icon Pros:
    • Dedicated statistics and livescore page
    • App for both iOS and Android
    • Great collection of sports
    • Live streaming
    cons icon Cons:
    • Minimum deposit for PayPal users is £10
  • The HeySpin site is clear to navigate and provides both sportsbook and casino betting opportunities. In terms of promotions, there’s a great range to choose from, including a regular free bets offer that provides a £10 free bet on any sport when you first deposit and wager £15. The free bet is eligible for 14 days, which is a plus, as many others expire after only seven days. There are also no wagering requirements attached to your winnings, so you’re not tied to wagering a certain amount before being allowed to withdraw from your account. However, deposit payment options are a little limited with several of the most popular options – PayPal, Neteller, Paysafe, Skrill and Skrill 1-Tap – rendered ineligible.

    pros icon Pros:
    • All sports are eligible against your free bet welcome offer
    • No wagering requirements attached to the free bet offer
    • Clear in-play betting options
    cons icon Cons:
    • No live streaming
    • Minimum deposit of £15 is quite high for a free bet offer
    • Limited payment options for deposits
  • When you land on the Slots n Sports site, one of the first things you’ll notice is the £5 free bets offer for new customers when you deposit £20. This might not be the biggest of welcome offers, but nevertheless it gives you £5 extra to play with and the chance to explore a new site, or even a new market. Plus, you get 50 free spins on Legacy of Dead, which may be a nice introduction to the casino side of the site if you aren’t so familiar with it.

    As the name suggests, Slots n Sports provides both casino and sportsbook betting, and it’s easy to navigate between each of these sides. This is a great site all round, with all the main sports you’d hope to find plus some more niche options like futsal and beach football.

    pros icon Pros:
    • Clear and easy to use site
    • Great selection of sport specific promotions
    • The site has an easy to follow live calendar of events which makes tracking potential sports to bet on simple
    cons icon Cons:
    • No live streaming
  • 10bet is a UK betting site that regularly offers players some of the most unique free bets around. For example, the sportsbook regularly applies promotions to some of the most noteworthy upcoming football matches, such as ‘Atletico Madrid v Manchester United: £5 free bet if a Goalkeeper punches the ball’. On top of these bonuses, 10bet also provides a helpful bet calculator that players can use to work out their potential winnings. All of this is offered on a website that is intuitively designed and easy to use.

    pros icon Pros:
    • Regular free bet promotions
    • Bet calculator
    • Well designed website
    • Maximum of two day withdrawal times for debit cards
    cons icon Cons:
    • No live streaming
Our Selection Criteria

How We Choose the Best Free Bets in the UK

We’ve recommended a variety of free bet offers and ranked them. Want to know how we chose our favourites? Let’s take a look at the ranking criteria.

Qualifying Wager

We tend to favour bookies that offer a good bonus amount without requiring a large qualifying wager. Coral, for example, rewards a relatively low first deposit of £5 with £20 in free bets. Parimatch offers £20 in free bets when you wager £10 of your own money.

Time Limits

When you claim a free bet bonus, you will have to use it within a specified time. These limits can often be pretty generous, lasting up to seven days from claiming the promotion. Other sites, however, may have shorter time limits of just 24 hours.

Available Markets

The number of markets you can use a free bet on may sometimes be limited by the betting site. In the cases of event-specific free bets, you may even be restricted to placing the wager on just one market from one particular game.

Stake Contribution

Stake contribution is effectively how much you’ll need to wager in total at the sportsbook to unlock any free bet winnings. It’s much like wagering requirements at online casinos, where bonus cash can only be withdrawn once you meet these requirements. Stake contributions or wagering requirements are rare when it comes to free bet T&Cs, but it’s worth being aware of them just in case — they’ll usually be much lower than wagering requirements attached to casino offers, just one or two times the value of the free bet. 

Money Back Bet

Some of our top UK free bets take the form of a ‘money back bet’ — sometimes called a bet refund — which is much like a regular free bet. The main difference? You place your qualifying bet with real money as usual, but you’ll be given a refund in the form of a free bet credit if you lose. That means winning punters will take home their stake and profit with no free bet given, so it’s essentially just a risk-free bet. As such, some players might like to take a punt at a wager with longer odds, safe in the knowledge they’ll get their stake back if it fails to come good.

Payment Method Exclusions

In an ideal world, your deposit method wouldn’t matter when it comes to claiming a free bet, but at some sites, it does. The most commonly excluded payment methods are e-wallets like Skrill, PayPal, and Neteller — betting sites with free bets do this to protect themselves from bonus fraud and abuse. 

Before making your qualifying deposit, always check to see if there are any payment method restrictions as you won’t receive your free bet if you use one. Debit cards are generally your best option if you’re in any doubt, as it’s very rare for them to be excluded when claiming a free bet offer.

Betting Site Features

While the provision of free bets and other bonus offers is important to us, we also want to see a variety of betting site features. The more a bookie provides to its punters, the less likely they’ll need to go elsewhere to meet all their sports betting needs. Some of the features we look for include:

  • Live Streaming – can punters tune in to the action as it unfolds, directly from the sportsbook? UK and Irish horse racing is livestreamed at many free bets betting sites, but we love to see bookies providing coverage for a wide range of events.
  • In-Play Betting – the ability to make in-play bets gives punters greater flexibility when wagering on sports. With live betting, you can respond to events throughout the match and make more accurate predictions based on player form. Some of the best free bet deals can be used on in-play bets, but always check the T&Cs first. 
  • Early Cash Out – hand in hand with in-play betting is early cash-out. This feature lets punters settle their bet early, either while it’s winning to guarantee a smaller profit, or to minimise a loss if it’s losing. Free bets are often ineligible for early cash-out.
  • Bet Builder – bet builder features let bettors combine multiple wagers into one on their bet slip. Essentially, a bet builder lets you create doubles, triples, and larger accas on the fly simply by selecting several markets straight from the sportsbook. 
  • Best Odds Guaranteed – if you’re a horse or greyhound racing fanatic, watch out for Best Odds Guaranteed promotions. These mean you’ll always be paid at the best possible odds, no matter whether you took an early or starting price. 
  • Casino Games – while sports betting is usually the main event if you’re hunting for the best free bets, many sports bettors also enjoy casino games. Bookies that feature online casinos are a fantastic choice in that case, as you won’t need to sign up for a separate account. Just head over to the games library and you’ll find slots, roulette, blackjack, live casino games, and more. You might even land some free bets to use in the casino!

Payout Speed

Fast payouts are an important factor for many of our readers. After all, it’s your money — so you don’t want to be left waiting once you decide to cash it out. Whether your six-leg acca has won you big or you’ve landed a small profit from one of our best free bet deals, prompt withdrawals come down to two factors. First, does the betting site support the fastest payment methods like e-wallets and Trustly? Once the site releases your money, your chosen banking option can make the difference between a same-day payout or waiting up to a week. For Visa debit card customers, we particularly like to see support for Visa Fast Funds.

Secondly, how quickly does the betting site process withdrawal requests? The best sites have a dedicated team confirming payouts around the clock, while others may take a couple of working days. Even the fastest payment methods can be drastically limited by a bookmaker that drags its feet. Before claiming one of our best free bets, it’s a good idea to check the sportsbook’s withdrawal policy if quick payouts are important to you. 

Personal Experience

Last but not least, multiple members of our team test out the sites so we can provide an honest, well-rounded assessment of the user experience. As bettors ourselves, we know from personal experience what customers are looking for in a new betting site, so rest assured that all aspects of the site we’re reviewing have been thoroughly checked and verified by members of our in-house team, including free bet bonuses. 

Best Free Bets

Best Free Bets UK

Sportsbook Free Bet Min Stake Min Odds Min Deposit Time Limit Valid Markets
BetTarget £10 £15 1/1 £10 14 days All
Bet Storm £10 £10 1/2 £10 7 days All
Luckster Sport £10 £10 1/1 £10 14 days All
Mr Play £10 £10 1/1 £10 14 days All
Unibet £40 £10 1/1 £10 7 days Football
Tebwin £10 £10 1/2 £10 7 days All
Parimatch £20  £10 1/1 £5 7 days All
Coral £20 £5 1/2 £5 7 days All
BritainBet £10 £10 n/a £10 7 days All
Ladbrokes £20 £5 1/2 £5 7 days All
BetVictor £10 £5 1/1 £5 7 days All
Bet365 £30 £10 1/5 £5 90 days All
Betfred £30  £10 1/1 £10 7 days All
The Basics

Free Bets Explained

Free bets is a bonus offered to players, usually in the form of a token of some sort that allows you to place a wager without using any of your real money balance.

Free bets can be claimed by both new and old players. When you set up a new account, you can get your hands on a free bet bonus as part of a sign-up offer, such as a ‘bet £10, get £10’ deal, which would reward players with a £10 free bet following their first £10 deposit. Existing players, on the other hand, are often offered free bets as an incentive to remain with the same bookie.

Free Bet Welcome Bonuses

Choose from a Range of Different Free Bet Bonuses

Every free bet offer does more or less the same thing – award you bonus betting funds to use on a range of markets – but how you claim and use them varies depending on the bonus type. From matched bet deals and promotional free bet tokens to loyalty rewards, there’s plenty of opportunities to get your hand of a free punt. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular free bets bonuses to help you pick out the best offer for you.

Free Bet Welcome Bonus

Many of the UK’s best betting sites offer free bet welcome bonuses to new punters when they sign up. These promotions are a great way to get settled in at a new bookie and learn the ropes of the site. Free bet welcome bonuses come in different forms so here’s a rundown of the types of deals on offer.

Best Free Bet Bonus
Bet Regal
Bet Regal
Our score: 82%
Bet £20, get a £10 freebet token
New Customer Offer Bet £20, get £10. £10 minimum deposit and wagering. Void/cancelled or cashed out bets don't count towards wagering to activate the free bet. Must be used within 14 days . Neteller, Paysafe or Skill deposits not eligible. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org

First Bet Bonus

Most free bet welcome deals reward free bets when you make your first real money wager, provided it meets the qualifying requirements. Some top online bookies offer matched bet offers, such as ‘bet £10 get a £10 free bet’, while other gambling sites offer deals like ‘bet £5 get £20 in free bets’. The way in which you can use your free bet bonus varies depending on the offer – some sites may award a set £20 bet, while others will award four £5 free bets.

Free Bets

Most top bookmakers allow you to use your free bets on a wide range of sports, including football, horse racing and boxing.

Money-Back Free Bet

This free bet welcome bonus sees betting sites offer players a free bet if their first bet doesn’t come in. Think of this offer as a consolation prize should your first bet lose. The free bet may be equal to your stake, but only up to a certain amount. As such, a money-back free bet bonus would often look like, “free bet up to £40 on your first losing bet”, for example. This is a great way to have a punt on longer odds as you know there will be some insurance should your bet not come it.

Some money back free bet promotions may only return a portion of your stake.

Free Bets with Enhanced Odds

Plenty of betting sites offer free bets, so it’s worth looking out for free bets with enhanced odds. These are usually available in the build-up to a marquee sporting event, like the next round of Champions League fixtures. Enhanced odds free bets are bonuses offered to players that payout higher rewards should your bet win. They are almost always tied to specific events, such as upcoming football matches, and will look something like, ‘Boosted Odds of 10/1 if Harry Kane scores against Arsenal.’ The size of the free bet is usually pretty small, rarely above £10, but with higher odds on offer, there is always a chance that you can take home some sizable winnings.

Bonus Code Free Bets

Some free bets can only be received through the use of a bonus code. Unlike a free bet sign up offer, these can generally be claimed at any time while you’re a customer at the site. Many sportsbooks send out free bet bonus promo codes via email newsletters or social media, so opting into marketing might prove beneficial. Using promo code free bets is simple — just enter the code in your account and you’re good to go. You could then receive a single bet to a specific value, several free bet tokens, or a matched free bet on your next deposit. 

As with all other free bet types, you should always check the terms and conditions. There may be a minimum deposit amount to meet in order to be eligible, and there may be restrictions on what you can use your free bet on. For example, it may not be valid for spread bets or accumulators. 

Want to understand the value of an each-way horse racing bet? Then check out our each-way betting calculator.

No Deposit Free Bet

A no deposit free bet does what it says on the tin by giving you bonus funds to spend without needing to pay anything. While this is a great opportunity to try out a betting site before investing any money in it, don’t expect the bookies to break the bank here. No deposit free bets are rarely worth more than £10, and they may come with stricter terms and conditions. What’s more, they are quite rare, popping up at online bookies pretty infrequently. 

Bet and Get Offers

Most Common ‘Bet and Get’ Offers in the UK

There are plenty of sportsbooks offering free bets in the UK. Below, we’ve compared a few of the most common ‘bet and get’ free bet offers found at some of our favourite sites. 

Bet £5 Get £20 Free Bet

Kicking things off on the lower end, we have two offers where you’ll net a £20 free bet when you bet just £5, courtesy of Coral and Ladbrokes.

  • You’ll get a £20 free bet as soon as you deposit and bet your first £5 with Coral. This free bet balance won’t come with any wagering requirements — so any potential winnings will be yours to keep — but must all be used on one bet, meaning you can’t distribute your £20 free bet balance across multiple bets. Also, bear in mind that deposits made with prepaid cards, Apple Pay, Paypal, Neteller or Skrill won’t be eligible for the bonus, so you must make your first deposit with a debit card. Once you’ve done so, however, you’ll find plenty of different sports and markets to bet on at Coral, but as you only have one shot at this free bet, be sure to choose your selection wisely!

    pros icon Pros:
    • Only requires a £5 deposit
    • No wagering requirements
    • Can be used on all sports and markets
    • No minimum stake requirements on the free bet
    cons icon Cons:
    • Have to use the entire £20 in one bet
    • Only have 7 days before the free bet expires
    • Can only qualify with a debit card deposit
    • Qualifying bet must satisfy minimum stake requirements of 1/2 or greater.
  • At Ladbrokes, you’ll be credited with four separate £5 free bets when you deposit and spend your first £5. This will no doubt suit a different type of bettor than Coral’s welcome offer, but we personally think it’s a better way of getting used to a new site, as it allows you to place four comparatively modest bets on a range of different sports and markets before you start to play with your own money. Like Coral’s offering, you’ll have seven days to make these bets, and you’ll also need to make your £5 deposit with your debit card — but there’s less pressure riding on where you place that free bet, and a better chance that at least one of them will come through.

    pros icon Pros:
    • £20 spread out over 4 free bets
    • Big reward for just a £5 bet
    • Free bets can be used on all sports
    • No wagering requirements
    • No minimum stake requirements on free bets
    cons icon Cons:
    • Qualifying bet must have odds of 1/2 or greater
    • Free bets expire after 7 days
    • Free bets can’t be used on the same markets
    • Only a debit card deposit will qualify you for this bonus

Bet £5 Get £30 Free Bet

At BetVictor new customers can get £30 in free bets when they bet just £5 on the site.

  • Despite owning Parimatch, BetVictor’s welcome offer works slightly differently. BetVictor gives new players three separate £10 bets when they deposit and bet £5 at a minimum odds requirement of evens (or 2.00): one £10 pre-event free bet, one £10 in play bet, and one £10 acca. Each of these bets can be used on any sport and market, except virtual sports. These free bets must also be placed within seven days of receiving them, and can’t be used with any Void bets, BetBoosts, Special Markets and Enhanced Accas. Like with the majority of other free bet offers, users must also deposit with a debit card in order to qualify. 

    pros icon Pros:
    • Only requires a small £5 bet
    • Three separate £10 bets to be placed on any sport or market
    • No wagering requirements whatsoever so winnings are yours to keep
    cons icon Cons:
    • Minimum qualifying bet has to satisfy minimum odds requirements of evens (2.00)
    • All free bets expire after seven days
Existing Customer Offers

Best Free Bets for Existing Customers

Of course, once you’ve been with a site long enough to get through any sign-up offers, you might be wondering what’s next. Fortunately, many of our top sportsbooks offer ongoing free bets for existing customers. These can take several forms — let’s look at a few of the different types below. 

Free Bet Club

If you’re a regular sports bettor, it’s worth getting involved at a site with a free bet club — that’s where you’ll get regular access to free bets when you opt in and meet any requirements. Many free bet clubs reward members with a weekly free bet, typically £5–£10 in size. In order to qualify, you’ll usually need to have bet a certain amount at the site that week.

For example, at Grosvenor, you can earn a weekly £5 free bet if you wagered £25 the previous week. 

While free bet clubs offer great value if you regularly stake the required amounts, it’s important not to feel compelled to gamble just for the sake of unlocking a free bet. As always, keep responsible gambling in mind when you play and never bet more than you can afford to. 

Reload Bonus

A reload bonus is a term that can apply to any offer designed to ‘reload’ a player’s balance at a site — so you could probably consider most offers to existing customers as reload bonuses. Sportsbooks often hand them out to players when there’s a big event coming up, sometimes requiring qualifying bets or free bets to be placed on said event. 

Reload bonuses come in many different shapes and sizes, with examples including:

  • 100% deposit match up to £50 when you deposit at least £20.
  • £30 free bet when you deposit £30.
  • Two £10 free bets when you bet at least £5 on the Premier League.

As with any bonus, it’s essential you check the full terms and conditions before accepting the offer so you understand the value you’re getting, along with any rules and requirements. 

Loyalty Bonus

Just like reload bonuses, loyalty bonuses cover a wide spectrum of offers. They’re given to punters who regularly bet or deposit at a site in recognition of their patronage, sometimes requiring you to meet staking minimums in order to trigger the bonus. While free bet clubs themselves are a type of loyalty bonus, there are plenty of other offer types too, including:

  • Deposit matches
  • VIP points which can be exchanged for free bets and other perks
  • Cashback 
  • Odds boosts
  • Additional casino bonuses and free spins

Check if the betting site offers a specific loyalty scheme and opt in if it’s required. Sometimes it’s worth signing up for email updates or push notifications via a mobile sportsbook app — that way, any loyalty offers you qualify for won’t slip through the net. 

Insurance Free Bets

We’ve all been there — just as your acca is about to come good, the final leg lets you down and you walk away with nothing. One way to avoid this disappointment is with acca insurance. While you won’t take home any profit, you’ll get your stake refunded with a free bet credit instead, should just one leg of your accumulator fail. 

Make sure you know the maximum insurance free bet offered by the sportsbook — the limit is usually set somewhere between £10 and £25. That should suit most players: the appeal of placing an acca is often a high pay-off in comparison to a relatively low stake. Check if there are any rules around how you use your insurance free bet too, as some must be used to place another acca or are restricted to certain markets. 

Price Boosts

Price boosts aren’t strictly free bets, but you’ll frequently find them offered at betting sites with the best free bets. They’re sometimes called odds boosts or enhanced odds. Essentially, they’re a way to increase the payout on a given bet by lengthening the odds.

Here’s an example. Let’s say you’re betting on a horse race, and Horse A is favourite to win at odds of 2/1. In this instance, a £10 stake will net you £20 profit if the bet comes good. While that’s by no means bad, applying a price boost will let you take the bet at longer odds — say 4/1. Of course, Horse A is just as likely to win as it was before, but you’ll get a larger £40 profit thanks to the boosted odds. 

Using a price boost when betting on the favourite is a strategy employed by many punters, as the wager is reasonably likely to win but may not otherwise come with a substantial return. By boosting the odds, the reward becomes more worthwhile in relation to the risk. With that said, it’s essential to have a good look at the terms and conditions before claiming one of these offers, as there may be restrictions on which markets and odds are eligible. 

Free Bet Promotions

Enjoy Regular Free Bets Thanks to Sportsbook Promotions

Free bets are a great way of attracting new customers, but many of our handpicked top bookies offer the best free bets promotions to keep existing players coming back too. While some sportsbooks reward players with free bets when they put money on certain markets, others offer event-based promotions. These are some of the types of free bet promotions you can expect from sports betting sites.

Free Bet Clubs

Weekly Free Bet Clubs

Several of our recommended online bookmakers run a weekly free bet club, where you’ll be able to snag a free bet every seven days if you meet the requirements. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • If in-play betting is your thing, you’ll be right at home with Unibet, who offers a free £10 in-play bet every week. To qualify, you’ll need to: 

    • Make at least five in-play bets of £10 or more on football, darts, cricket, basketball or tennis.
    • Each bet must be at minimum odds of evens (1/1). 
    • Multiples count too but each leg must also be a minimum of evens. 
    • Bets must be placed between Monday and Sunday.

    If you qualify, you’ll get your free bet every Monday at 4pm and it can be used on any in-play event with the exception of horse racing, greyhounds, and trotting.

  • Paddy’s Rewards Club gives punters up to £10 in free bets every week plus one Power Up which can be used to boost your odds. There are three tiers of weekly reward:

    • Place one bet of £5 or more to get a Power Up
    • Place five bets of £5 or more to get a £5 free bet plus a Power Up
    • Place five bets of £10 or more to get a £10 free bet plus a Power Up

    Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/2 or more to count, and you’ll get a full seven days to use your free bet.

Most of the top betting sites have a steady stream of regular free bets promos for existing customers. Deals range from simple matched bets to money back bets where your stake is returned in certain situations. For example, you might receive your first goalscorer stake as a free bet if a football match ends scoreless or if a horse fails to finish a race. Of course, there will always be limits to how much you are eligible to receive, but this will be clearly stated beforehand.

The biggest sporting events present a huge number of betting opportunities and of course, the top online betting sites want to prevent their existing customers from heading elsewhere. To keep punters coming back, top online bookies often offer event-based free bets promotions for big occasions like the Champions League final, major boxing matches and the Grand National. Let’s say the Rugby World Cup Final is coming up, “Bet £20 and get a £5 free bet” is an example of such an offer.

Many of the best online gambling sites reward frequent bettors with some sort of VIP or loyalty scheme. These generally work on a points system, whereby you accumulate points by making bets. Loyalty schemes often have different levels, and you can work your way up the levels by collecting more points. You can then exchange your points for bonuses and rewards like free bets, and the higher the level, the better the prizes.

Pros and Cons

The Pros and Cons of Free Bet Bonuses

pros-icon

Pros

  • You can get familiar with a new site without spending your own cash – While free bets are usually quite low in value, they can give you a great opportunity to get a feel for a new site before wagering your own money.
  • They allow you to try out a different betting market or sport – It’s a free bet, so why not try something a little different?
  • You can make wagers on longer odds without fear of losing your own money – When you aren’t betting with your own money, you can enjoy trying out wagers on odds you might not usually go for.
  • The majority of free bet bonuses are free from wagering requirements – You will find that the majority of free bets are not restricted by wagering requirements, but be sure to read through the terms and conditions for the site you are using.
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Cons

  • Certain free bets may be restricted to certain markets – From first glance it may not be immediately apparent, but many free bets are restricted to certain betting markets. Always read the T&Cs.
  • Wagering requirements may apply – Free bets can be restricted by terms and conditions such as wagering requirements, so be sure to read through the details before you start.
  • Some payment methods may be excluded from free bet bonuses – Always check the terms and conditions, as you may find that certain payment options, such as e-wallets like Neteller, are ineligible for use with free bet bonuses.
Use Your Free Bet

How to Use Your Free Bet

Once you’ve picked up a free bet as part of a sign up bonus or existing customer promotion, putting it into action is usually a quick and easy process. There’ll be differences between free bets sites on the exact steps of how to use them, but generally it’ll play out as follows:

  1. Check out the T&Cs – a good place to start is a quick check of the main terms and conditions. These will be listed as part of the info for the sign up bonus, or if you’re an existing customer, any maximum win caps or market restrictions should be listed in your messages where you first received the free bet.
  2. Browse and choose a market – now you’re aware of any restrictions, you’ll need to go ahead and choose where to place your free bet. Some free bets are targeted at specific markets, such as the weekend’s upcoming Premier League games, so you can head straight there to get started. Other free bets are more flexible — if you’re not aware of any market restrictions, have a browse and pick out something that takes your fancy.
  3. Set up your bet –  next, choose a selection and add it to the betslip. It’s here you can select your stake and check out the potential returns. However, if your selection is eligible, you’ll instead be able to select the option to use your free bet instead of a real money stake. Free bets act like a token and are fixed to a particular value, so all you’ll need to do is click the button to activate it. The potential payout will also update — remember that you won’t receive any stake back with a free bet.
  4. Confirm your free bet – now, there’s nothing left to do other than click confirm and wait for the result of your bet — good luck!
Free Bets vs Matched Deposits

How Free Bet Bonuses Differ to Matched Deposit Deals

At first glance free bets and matched deposit deals can seem fairly similar, but there are some important differences to keep in mind. The first difference is how you claim them; free bets offers require you to make a qualifying bet, whereas matched deposits are awarded when you make your first deposit. Some bookies award free bets based on the size of your initial deposit, but still require you to make a qualifying bet to activate the bonus, whereas matched deposits don’t require a qualifying bet at all.

The two bonuses also differ in how you use them. Whereas free bets bonuses usually award set bet amounts, matched deposits generally award larger sums which you can use with more freedom. For example, a bookie may award a £100 matched deposit funds, which you could use to make ten £10 bets or five £20 bets. This may sound more attractive, but keep in mind that matched deposit deals often come with wagering requirements which makes it harder to turn your bonus into withdrawable winnings.

We’ve lined up the best bookies offering matched deposit bonuses if you want to check out this deal.

Free Bet Sports

Top Sports for Free Bets

Free bets are available for use on a range of different sports. As such, a broad selection of sports fans can make use of them to wager on their favourite events. Let’s have a look at some of the key sports punters can use their free bets on. 

Football

Free football bets are a common promotion available at online bookies. With so many football matches played around the world, there are plenty of betting opportunities. Some free bet offers will be tied to high-profile sporting events, such as the Manchester derby or the World Cup final. Others, however, can be used on a far greater range of games. 

Horse Racing 

Horse racing fans are another group who can make the most of the best free bet offers available at online bookies. There is a myriad of horse racing events held each year, with some of the most high-profile held in the UK. From the Grand National, to Cheltenham, to Epsom, there are sure to be a range of free bet offers available to players. What’s more, there are also plenty of races from across the world to bet on, including the Kentucky Derby, the Melbourne Cup and the Dubai World Cup. Just as with football, free bets can be used on a range of different events, or they may be tied to specific events. 

Boxing

Big boxing clashes are often the highlight of the sporting calendar, so it’s no surprise that bookies will often offer free bets for these big fight nights. Some betting sites may even offer free bets on specific methods of victory, such as ‘£5 Free Bet on Anthony Joshua to Win by Knockout before the 6th Round,’ for example.

Tennis

There are numerous big tennis tournaments that take place throughout the year, namely the Grand Slams — the Australian Open, French Open, US Open, and Wimbledon. Thanks to the relatively short games that make up each set and match, tennis is a fast-paced sport that’s ideal for an in-play free bet. Nonetheless, if you’d prefer to stick on your free tennis bet ahead of time, you can choose from a range of markets like who’ll win the tournament, who’ll win a particular game, and what the score will be.

Golf

Golf is another great choice for when you’ve got a free bet in the bag. You can take your pick on who’ll win the top competitions, like the 2023 US Masters. At most betting sites with free bets you can also opt for an each way selection, where you’ll be putting a bet on the golfer to win the tournament, and another bet for them to place. Which positions constitute ‘placing’ depends on the size of the tournament, but for the 2023 US Masters, Paddy Power have this down as the top six.

Basketball

The NBA springs to mind for most people when they think of basketball — North America’s elite league features famous teams like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. You can place straight up bets on which team will win a particular match, or make your predictions on the performances of particular players, such as how many rebounds LeBron James will get in one game. If you’re less familiar with basketball but are interested in watching more of it and potentially having a punt, a free bet is a great place to start rather than risking any of your own cash.

American Football

American football is another popular sport that you’ll regularly find is eligible for using your free bets – with the main focus being on the NFL and the NCAA college football league. The NFL season runs from September to January and consists of over 270 games, so there’s plenty of opportunity to place a bet within this timeframe. And, thanks to the wide range of prestigious matches and tournaments throughout the season including the NFL playoffs, there’s a great deal of options for American football betting fans. At present, BetStorm offers a £10 free bet when you deposit £10, for which American football is one of the eligible sports markets. If you haven’t bet on American football before then using one of these free bets can be a great way of testing the water before wagering your own money.

Mobile

Claim Free Bets on Your Smartphone

If, like many punters, you prefer to do your betting on your mobile, you’ll be glad to know that you’ll have access to the same free bet offers as desktop players. This means you can sign up, claim your bonus and wager free bets using your smartphone.

All the top UK betting sites on our list have mobile-friendly websites, and some have even developed mobile sports betting apps for iPhone and Android. If you download a mobile betting app, you’ll have the added benefit of push notifications. These alert you every time a new free bet bonus is available, meaning you’ll never have to worry about missing out on a great deal!

Best Mobile Betting Site
Bet Storm
Bet Storm
Our score: 71%
Bet £10, Get £30 with Code 'Bet30'
New Customer Offer New Players Only. Minimum stake $/€/£ 10, minimum odds1.5, stake not returned.1X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Max conversion: $/€/£ 200. Excluded Skrill deposits. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Full Terms Apply 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
Terms and Conditions

Get to Know the All-Important Free Bet Terms and Conditions

Free bets are great, but there are a few factors to bear in mind before you sign up to claim. The biggest free bet offer isn’t always the best deal, as it’s the terms and conditions that determine how you use your bet and how much you can potentially win. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for when you’re looking for free bets bonuses:

Win Limits

Pretty much all free bets offers have win limits that prevent betting sites from making huge losses, which is understandable. The win limits vary from bookie to bookie – some have fairly low limits, while others allow big wins. Make sure to check this beforehand, as it will help you decide which markets to use your free bets on.

Minimum Odds

Pretty much all free bets offers have minimum odds requirements that generally apply to the qualifying bet. The minimum odds vary depending on the bonus, but they generally range from 1/2 to 3/4. So if the minimum odds for the qualifying bet are 3/4, you’ll have to wager on a market with those odds in order to qualify for the free bet promotion.

In some instances, you may find that the minimum odds requirement applies to the free bet bonus itself, as well as the qualifying bet.

Wagering Requirements

Whereas wagering requirements are a staple of online casino bonuses, they don’t apply to the majority of free bets bonuses. Still, it’s important to keep an eye out just in case – some free bet deals have low wagering requirements, such as 2x or 3x the bonus amount. Let’s take a look at an example of how wagering requirements work:

  1. You claim a £5 no deposit free bet with a 3x wagering requirement
  2. You'll have to wager £15 in total to complete the requirement
  3. If you do this without losing your bet, you can then withdraw real money bonus winnings

Time Limits

As with all betting bonuses, free bet offers usually come with time limits. This means you’ll need to use your bonus bets in a specified amount of time before it expires. While some online betting sites will give players just a couple of days to use this bonus, others allow you 30 days to use your free bet offer. If your free bet bonus comes with a wagering requirement attached, you’ll also need to complete the wagering within the allotted time frame.

Excluded Payment Methods

To bag yourself a free bet, you’ll often need to place a qualifying bet with your own cash first. UK customers have access to a whole host of payment methods when depositing at free bets sites, but some of them may be excluded when claiming a sign up bonus. e-Wallets, such as PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill are often excluded, but you’ll always be able to use a debit card, such as Visa or Mastercard. Check the T&Cs for the free bet offer before you get started to avoid any hassle.

Market Restrictions

Some free bets can be used on any sports markets across a site — in this case, you can simply browse what’s on offer and take your pick. In other cases, the free bet may only be available for a particular sport, or one specific match. If you’re having to place a qualifying bet in order to claim the free bets, ensure you check the market restrictions beforehand to avoid any disappointment further down the line.

Other Promotions

Other Promotions at Betting Sites with Free Bets

The best free bets sites offer a whole host of promotions for new and existing customers which have the power to enhance your betting experience and get more value out of each of your selections. Check out some of the other promotions up for grabs at betting sites with free bets below.

Matched Deposits

Matched deposits are a popular type of sign up bonus at free bets sites. The bookmaker will ‘match’ your first deposit up to a certain amount with bonus credit. So, if the promotion offers a 100% bonus up to £200, the maximum bonus you can obtain is £200, and you’d need to deposit £200 to do so. This effectively doubles your money and leaves you with £400 in total. 

Matched deposit bonuses can work to other percentages too — for example, a 50% bonus on a £10 deposit would give you an extra fiver to play with. Be sure to check any associated wagering requirements before you deposit – they are always part of the deal, with a typical bonus play through requirement standing at 35x before you’re able to withdraw any remaining cash. 

Acca Insurance

Accumulators are one of the most popular and exciting ways to bet. Punters pick multiple selections they think will come up trumps and combine them to increase the potential payout. The bet only wins if every selection is successful, so the win can be tantalisingly out of reach if just one leg of the acca lets you down. 

With acca insurance, you’ll get your stake back if this happens and just one of your selections loses. This’ll either be in the form of a free bet, or as cash that you can withdraw right away. That said, there’ll usually be a maximum refund you can obtain, so be sure to check the T&Cs before placing the bet.

Best Odds Guaranteed

Best odds guaranteed is a popular promotion aimed at horse racing punters, but you’ll see it offered for other sports markets too. It addresses the fact that odds often fluctuate in the run up to an event, leading bettors to analyse when the best time is to place the bet.

With this promotion, if you place your bet ahead of time and the race’s starting odds offer a higher payout, you’ll be given the new and improved odds. If the potential payout doesn’t increase from when you placed your bet, you’ll stick with the original odds. Either way, you won’t miss out.

Loyalty and VIP Schemes

Most betting sites with free bets offer some form of loyalty scheme to provide an extra incentive to returning customers. These come in various forms — many loyalty programs see you collect points as you bet, which can then be exchanged for prizes, such as free spins for slot games and free bets. 

Some VIP programs are more exclusive and work on an invite-only basis. They’ll often be tiered, with punters gaining access to perks, like faster withdrawals, as they rank up. Many betting sites even offer personal account managers and tickets to exclusive events and holidays. It’s worth noting, however, that loyalty schemes are completely optional to take part in, and it’s important to only bet what you feel comfortable with.

Cashback

Cashback is a great way to make some money back when you bet with no strings attached. In most cases, you’ll receive a percentage of your net losses back as withdrawable cash on a daily or weekly basis. 

The cash will be credited to your betting account and can usually be withdrawn straight away with no wagering requirements attached. Some punters prefer promotions that don’t centre around them losing money, but for others cashback is a welcomed bonus when a few bets haven’t gone their way.

Payment Options

Free Bet Payment Options

Debit Cards

Debit cards are one of the most popular payment options used by online sportsbook members. Deposits from Visa or Mastercard cards are almost always instant and it is very rare to come across any restrictions when claiming a free bet. Withdrawal times can be quite long, however, typically taking between one to five working days.

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E-wallets

If you’re looking for consistently quick withdrawal times, then an e-wallet may be the payment method for you. E-wallet options such as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller offer players withdrawals in as little as 24 hours in some cases, alongside instant withdrawals. You may find, however, that some restrictions apply when it comes to claiming a free bet at particular sites. This means you will have to use a different method to claim the promotion. We recommend reading the terms and conditions before signing up to make sure you’re eligible for a free bet if you use an e-wallet. 

paysafecard logo
Prepaid Cards

Prepaid card options, such as Paysafecard, are fast becoming one of the more popular deposit methods used by online players. These options provide players with a lot of security as none of your bank details need to be shared with the betting site when you make a deposit. You won’t be able to make withdrawals using Paysafecard, so you will have to use a different method in order to claim your cash. 

Trustly

An alternative to traditional payment methods and e-wallets is Trustly, a payments intermediary that runs on Open Banking. There’s a multitude of benefits to choosing Trustly. For one, you don’t need to sign up for an additional account. Instead, all you need to do is log into the secure payment portal with your usual online banking credentials. Once you’re connected, you can make payments directly to and from the betting site.  Thanks to the Open Banking tech on which Trustly runs, deposits are instant and withdrawals are speedy too. This is because the betting site’s usual checks can be bypassed due to rich KYC data provided by Trustly — so the betting site instantly knows the withdrawal request is legitimate. Generally speaking, the service is free to use, although it may be worth checking with your bank beforehand. Most major high street banks support the use of Trustly. Another benefit of Trustly is it’s usually valid for claiming the best free bets. As to the drawbacks, you might not find it available at every betting site with free bets UK.

AstroPay

One of the newer payment methods on the UK scene, AstroPay started life as a digital prepaid voucher solution but now offers a digital e-wallet and debit card too. There are many reasons to opt for AstroPay as your deposit and withdrawal method, such as the security it provides, and how easy it is to manage your finances through your online account or via the app. Being a relatively new payment method, AstroPay isn’t available at all online casinos, so be sure to check before registering if you think this will be your favoured payment solution. While you can make withdrawals into your AstroPay account, online casinos usually only offer AstroPay as a deposit payment method.

Payment Restrictions 

The UK’s top betting sites offer a range of secure payment methods, but not all deposits are eligible for free bets bonus deals. It’s common for some of the best betting sites to exclude deposits made with Neteller and Skrill from free bet offers, so you may need to use alternative banking options. Similarly, if you’re looking for sites that accept PayPal deposits, keep in mind that some bookies state that you need to use a different banking method to PayPal to claim free bet promotions.

How to deposit with PayPal

Debit cards are your best bet when it comes to claiming sportsbook bonuses – these deposit options are universally accepted for free bet offers.

How To Choose the Best Free Bet Offer

Looking for the best free bets around? We’ve looked far and wide for top deals — follow the steps below and find your next match.

STEP 1
Compare UKGC Licensed Sites
All our recommended sports betting sites with free bets are fully licensed by the UKGC.
STEP 2
Sign Up & Opt In
Complete the sign-up process by entering your details, and don’t forget to opt into the bonus — sometimes you’ll need to enter a promo code.
STEP 3
Deposit
Check the bonus T&Cs for the minimum deposit and any excluded payment methods, and add funds to your sportsbook wallet in line with these requirements.
STEP 4
Claim Free Bet
The free bet will be added to your account — you should now be able to select it on your bet slip when placing a wager.
Responsible Gambling Tips

Responsible Gambling Tips

Although free bets are often regarded as a low-risk form of sports betting, it’s easy to let bad habits develop. Here’s a list of our top tips on how to gamble responsibly:

  • Never bet what you can’t afford to lose – This may go without saying, but you should never make a bet that feels uncomfortable. If you can’t afford to lose, simply don’t make the bet.
  • Never chase your losses – Similarly, if you’re on a bad run of luck or form, then call it quits. Never go chasing after your losses, as it only makes things worse.
  • Set your own budgets – UK betting sites will give you the option of setting your own spending limits, and we highly recommend you do so. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford.
  • Make use of responsible gambling tools – Self-exclusion tools like GAMSTOP restrict your access to gambling sites for a specified period of time. This can be helpful if you feel you need to take a break from gambling or stop completely.
  • Only bet on sports and markets you’re familiar with – Sports betting requires a degree of familiarity and expertise, so only bet on the sports and markets that you’re knowledgeable about. Betting on something unfamiliar is not only unwise, but might be an early sign of problem gambling.
  • Be honest with yourself and with others – Be honest with yourself and with those close to you about your gambling habits. Keeping your habits secret is never a good sign. If they’re getting out of hand, talk to those around you or visit Begambleaware.org.
Ready to Play

Claim your Free Bet!

Whether you’re a new customer looking for a top free bet offer, or a returning punter after a freebie, our top list of bookies is sure to give you what you’re looking for. We’ve scoured the internet for the best free bet offers at the most reputable licensed bookies, each with competitive odds, amazing promotions and outstanding market depth on major sports. All that’s left for you to do is compare free bet deals, sign up and claim your free bet today!

Frequently Asked Questions

If I win my bet, do I get my free bet stake returned with my winnings?

No. In almost every instance, your free bet stake will not be returned with your winnings. For example, if you place a £5 free bet on a market with even odds (2.0), you will receive £5 in winnings if the bet comes in.

Can I use multiple free bet tokens on the same wager?

No. There are rules surrounding the use of free bets, which state that you can’t use two free bet tokens on the same wager. For example, if you have four £5 free bets, you’ll usually have to use each one separately. Most bookies usually also state that free bets can not be used in conjunction with other free bet deals or any other bonus betting offers.

Can I use my free bet on an accumulator?

Usually, yes. Many of the best betting sites allow free bets to be used on accumulators, though you should always read the small print to be sure. If you plan on wagering your qualifying bet on an accumulator, keep in mind that the minimum odds may apply to each individual selection as well as the bet as a whole.

Can I use my free bet on in-play betting markets?

Yes. You’ll often be able to use free bets on live betting markets, providing they meet the minimum odds restrictions. Of course, you should always double check the small print of betting bonuses just to make sure this is the case.

Can I cash out when using a free bet?

No, in most cases this is not an option. While each bookie has its own rules surrounding cash out, you can’t usually cash out on wagers made with free bets bonuses. It’s also rare that bookies allow cashed out bets to qualify for free bet offers, so check the terms and conditions before you make your wager.

What is a free bet?

A free bet is a type of bonus where you can place a wager without using your own money. Instead, you use the free bet stake — but you still have a chance to win real cash. If your free bet wins, you usually keep the profit only and the stake isn’t returned. 

Free bets are given out for a variety of reasons. They’re often part of a welcome bonus, but may be offered to existing customers by way of a free bet club or reload promotion. Risk-free bets or bet refunds are commonly given as free bet tokens as well, as opposed to as withdrawable cash.

Can I trust free bets betting sites?

As long as a site offering free bets holds an up-to-date licence from the UK Gambling Commission, it’s safe and trustworthy. Gambling licences are a legal requirement for all sportsbook operators in the UK. The conditions of the licence involve stipulations around fair play, data protection, and player safety.

Non-compliant operators risk large fines or could even lose their licences altogether. As such, bettors get a degree of protection when they play at licensed betting sites. All our recommendations at Compare.bet are fully licensed, and we blacklist any names that aren’t. Furthermore, we strongly advise all our readers to avoid all unlicensed betting sites and casinos.

Can I use a free bet on any sport I want?

It depends on the terms and conditions of the free bet. Some offers are geared towards specific sports, such as Unibet’s football free bet offer where it can only be used on eligible football matches. However, many free bets can be used on a wide range of sports — you can compare the best free bet deals right here to find one that meets your needs. Don’t forget there may be a minimum odds requirement for any free bets you claim. 

Is a free bet real money?

A free bet isn’t real money and can’t be withdrawn as cash. The good news is that most free bets offers in the UK come without wagering requirement, so anything you win with a free bet can usually be withdrawn immediately. Always check the terms and conditions.

How do I get free bets?

Free bets are offered at UK betting sites as part of a welcome bonus or existing player promotion. You may also receive free bets as compensation through acca insurance. Free bets are usually claimed by making a qualifying deposit or minimum bet.

Can you win money on free bets?

Yes, you can win real money with free bets. Generally speaking, anything you win with a free bet can be withdrawn as cash, although this does vary from site to site. Always read the terms and conditions before claiming an offer so you understand the ins and outs of the promotion.

How can I get free bets without deposit?

It is extremely rare for a betting site to offer a no deposit free bet, although many sites offer no deposit free spins to new users. These free spins can only be used on slot games, with PaddyPower Sport offering such bonuses at the time of writing.

References

See our references & visit related external links

Please note that Compare.bet is not responsible for the content of third-party websites.

  1. gamblingcommission.gov.uk – ‘Understanding the cashout option’ 

The people behind this page

Compare.bet's online gambling content experts helped write, edit and check this page:

Daniel is Head of Operations at Compare.bet. He has half a decade of experience writing on topics including sports betting, online casino and the NBA. Daniel also covers Premier League football for Compare.bet news and has interviewed Louis Saha, Richard Dunne and Gary Pallister. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys film photography and making Spotify playlists.
Robbie joined us in 2022 as a staff writer. He's involved in all content across the site, from detailed guides and reviews to responsible gambling advice, and puts his detailed sports knowledge to good use across our betting pages. Outside work Robbie plays football most weekends, tempers his resilience as a West Ham fan, and keeps up to date with the latest cinema releases.
Alice is an Editor at Compare.bet, having joined the company from Gambling Insider in 2022. She's a dab hand at all things online gambling, from expertise in payment methods to her commitment to responsible gambling promotion. Outside of work, Alice is a huge sports fan who closely follows Arsenal and plays lacrosse in her spare time, to name just a couple of her sporting pursuits.

The following external expert(s) contributed to ensure this page provides maximum value, accuracy and insight:

Adam Dickinson
Adam has almost a decade of experience working in the gambling industry, including various content and marketing roles at the likes of PlayOJO, Betway and Entain He is currently the Head of Marketing at Arena Entertainment. Adam puts his vast experience to use as a fact checker for Compare.bet.
James is a betting and casino expert at Compare.bet who specialises in writing and editing in-depth guides and reviews. As well as producing copy for the site, James is instrumental in making tweaks that keep our pages at the cutting edge of gambling comparison.