Betting Bonuses – All You Need to Know

By Alice Soule & others on
Nearly all bookies offer a betting bonus to entice new customers through the door. In this expert guide, we’ll be walking you through the ins and outs of these deals, including choosing, claiming, and using a betting bonus of your own — along with any pitfalls to watch out for. Let’s jump in!
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1. 10bet
87%
100% Up To £50

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

Liam Hoey Headshot
"The 10Bet experience was extremely smooth, verification was instant and my withdrawal was processed within 48 hours"
Get Bonus
32
Yes
Yes
No
New Customer Offer New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+ 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org
2. Parimatch
92%
Bet £10 Bet £50 In Bonuses

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"You can withdraw your funds from Parimatch within 30 minutes using the Visa FastFunds service available at selected banks."
Get Bonus
32
Yes
Yes
No
New Customer Offer 18+ New Customers Only. Opt in and bet £5 on sports (odds 2.00+) within 7 days. No cash-out. Get 4x£5 Free Bets for set markets, which expire in 7 days. Selected payment methods only. T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly  18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org
3. BetMGM
92%
Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets

Reviewed & verified by our team

"One of the US market leaders has brought over a great product to compete in the UK Marketplace"
Get Bonus
34
Yes
Yes
No
New Customer Offer #AD 18+ New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x Free Bets: x1 £10 Football, x1 £10 Acca, x 1 £10 BetBuilder, x1 £10 Horse Racing. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+. Exclusions Apply. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org
4. Betano
92%
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

"Betano offers everything you need in a UK sportsbook, plus extras like an excellent bet builder and partial cash-out options."
Get Bonus
No
No
No
Welcome Offer AD 18+ New Customers Only, opt in and bet £10 on any EPL market (odds 1/1+) within 3 days of sign up. No cash-out. Get 5x£5 Free Bets for set markets (odds 1/1+) and a £5 Slots Bonus on Age of the Gods: God Of Storms, 30x wagering, max redeemable £125. Bonuses expire in 14 days. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.org. Please gamble responsibly. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org
5. Sky Bet
87%
Bet 5p Get £30 in Free Bets

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"The Sky Bet club offers a choice of weekly rewards including free bets and free spins "
Get Bonus
Yes
Yes
No
New Customer Offer NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. 5P MINIMUM STAKE. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 3 X £10 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS EXCLUDE VIRTUALS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS EXPIRE AFTER 30 DAYS. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY. 18+. BEGAMBLEAWARE.ORG 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org
6. Paddy Power Sport
91%
Bet £10 Get £50 In Bet Builder Bets

Reviewed & verified by our team

"Bet with PaddyPower for the best money back specials on the market, live streams and custom bets with #WhatOddsPaddy"
Get Bonus
32
Yes
Yes
Yes
New Customer Offer #AD 18+ New Customer Offer. Place a min £10 bet on Football on odds of min 1.5 (1/2), get £50 in Free Bet Builders after the qualifiying bet has been settled. Rewards valid for 90 days. Only deposits via cards & Apple Pay will qualifiy. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org
7. All British Sports
91%
Get 100% Up To £100+ Up to 10% Cashback

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"This brilliant casino now has a brilliant sportsbook, offering 10% cashback on all lost deposits"
Get Bonus
32
No
No
No
New Customer Offer #AD Cashback is cash without restrictions. Full T&Cs apply. No Max cashout. Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly. T&Cs apply. 18+ only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org
8. Pub Sports
87%
£100 Bonus To Use On The Casino Games Section

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"Early payouts are included on this brand new sportsbook "
Get Bonus
33
No
No
No
New Customer Offer 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org
9. 32Red
80%
100% Profit Boost

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

Liam Hoey Headshot
"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. GambleAware.org
10. Hyper Sports
£100 Bonus To Use On The Casino Games Section

Reviewed, rated & tested by our team

George Edwards Headshot
"Try this new sportsbook alongside an established casino"
Get Bonus
31
No
No
No
18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org
🏆 Best Overall Score:
92%
🎁 Largest Free Bet:
£100
🤝 Highest Deposit Match:
100%
💷 Minimum Deposit:
£5
Betting Bonuses Explained

How Betting Bonuses Work

If you’ve ever spent any time at an online bookmaker, you’ll have likely seen the large banners advertising various promotions on offer. While bookies use these to encourage bettors to sign up and spend money at their sites, they can also present an opportunity for you to get a bit of extra value from your bankroll.

A betting bonus can come in all shapes and sizes, from free bet stakes to use in place of your own cash, to odds boosts that maximise your winnings, or even a casino bonus to use on the slots. 

To unlock your bonus, you’ll need to fulfil the qualifying requirements. This could be a minimum deposit, a qualifying bet, entering a promo code, or simply just signing up for an account. Once this is done, you’ll receive your bonus which can then be used in line with the terms and conditions. 

Ultimately, every bonus is different, and can deliver more or less value depending on the bonus terms and your preferences as a bettor. Keep reading and we’ll dive in deeper. 

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Claiming a Betting Bonus

pros-icon

Pros

  • Get extra value from your betting budget;
  • Place bets without staking your own money;
  • Increase payouts on winning bets with odds boosts;
  • Enjoy loyalty rewards if you’re a regular bettor;
  • Sports betting bonuses usually don’t have high wagering requirements;
  • Nearly all sites offer a welcome bonus package;
  • Use a bonus to familiarise yourself with a sportsbook platform.
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Cons

  • Terms and conditions can restrict how you use your bonus;
  • Most bonuses require a minimum deposit or bet to qualify;
  • Welcome offers can only be claimed once;
  • Betting bonus offers might encourage unhealthy betting habits.
How to Choose

Choosing a Betting Bonus

There’s a vast range of betting bonuses up for grabs at our recommended sites. When you’re picking which to go with, there are several factors to think about:

  • Size – How big is the bonus? This is often the first consideration when comparing offers. Of course, bigger doesn’t always equal better. But if you’re simply looking for a free bet, you’ll likely prefer a £30 bonus over a £20 bonus, all else being equal. 
  • Qualifying requirements – What do you have to do to claim the bonus? Most will require a bet of at least £10 to be made at minimum odds, but some offers can be claimed with just a deposit.
  • Eligible markets – Think about what you’d like to use your bet for. Markets like in-play bets and accas aren’t always included, so be sure to check if this is a priority for you. Likewise, some free bets are for use only on specific sports such as football or horse racing.

Want more detail on the different types of betting bonuses you might find? We’ve broken them down below.

Welcome Offers

Most bookies bestow new bettors with some kind of welcome offer, which will likely take one of the following shapes:

  • Free bets – These bet credits can be used in place of a real money stake, and if your bet wins, you’ll keep the profit. Most bettors prefer this type of welcome bonus as it’s a fixed value that doesn’t depend on whether your qualifying bet wins or not. 
  • Money back bets – With these offers, your first bet at the site will be refunded as a free bet credit if it loses, up to a certain value. 
  • Matched deposits – Here, you’ll get bonus bet credit proportionate to your first deposit, say a 100% match up to £20. 
  • Profit boosts – If your first bet at the site wins, the profit will be increased by a certain percentage, such as a 100% boost up to a maximum of £100.

Ongoing Promotions

Once you’ve exhausted your welcome offer, you’ll want to check out what else the betting site has to offer. This will likely include:

  • Reload bonuses – Bag some extra betting bonus credit when you make your next qualifying deposit.
  • Event-specific offers – In the lead-up to popular events like the World Cup or Grand National, bookies may dish out extra betting bonuses. 
  • Free bet clubs – If you’re a regular bettor, taking advantage of this offer can mean bagging extra free bet tokens. To qualify, you’ll need to stake a certain minimum within a given period, say £25 in a week. 
  • Acca insurance – If accumulators are your wager of choice, you can safeguard a total loss with acca insurance. Here, your stake is refunded as a free bet if you lose by just one leg. 
How to Claim

Claiming Your Betting Bonus

Taking advantage of a betting bonus is a simple process. Follow these easy steps:

Red Man Magnifying Glass STEP 1
Compare Bookmakers
First things first is identifying a betting site with the features that align with your needs. Each site we recommend has been reviewed against a range of criteria so you can make an informed choice. Looking for fast withdrawals? Specific niche markets to bet on? A site focused on live streaming and in-play bets? Just check out our comparison lists and click through for a detailed review.
Blue Man Checklist STEP 2
Review Welcome Bonus
Before claiming any offer, you should have a thorough look through the terms and conditions so you know what you’re getting, and what’s required to make the most of your offer. You should also check if any payment methods are excluded from claiming.
Blue Sign Up Download Phone STEP 3
Sign Up and Deposit
Click through to the bookmaker homepage via our link and create your new account by entering the required information. You might need to provide ID as part of the Know Your Customer requirements. Then, make your qualifying deposit — don’t forget to enter a promo code or opt in if required.
Red Man Playing Games STEP 4
Enjoy Your Bonus
If the offer requires a qualifying bet, this needs to settle before you receive your betting bonus. It will then appear in your account. Once you’re ready, simply head to the markets to use your bonus.
Using Your Bonus

Making the Most of Your Betting Bonus

When it comes to actually using your bonus, there are a few tips and tricks when it comes to getting maximum value from the offer. Here are some of our suggestions.

Betting Strategy

When using a betting bonus, you might consider a betting strategy a little different to what you’d normally do. For example, taking a punt on longer odds could seem more attractive, seeing as you’re not wagering your own money. The same is true if you’re using a money back bet. 

For things like profit boosts, you might want to choose a wager that has a decent probability of coming good to make the most of the offer. Enhanced odds tokens are similar — you’ll need the bet to win to see the benefit, so it may be more worthwhile to go for shorter odds. In any case, be sure to stick within your means when you return to betting with real cash. 

Wagering Requirements

If your offer comes with wagering requirements, these need to be completed before you can withdraw any bonus-related winnings. These are usually pretty low when it comes to sports betting bonuses, and often much more impactful against casino offers. Say the wagering requirements on a £10 bonus are 4x — you’ll have to bet £40 of your own cash before winnings resulting from the bonus can be withdrawn. Never let this sway you into spending more than you otherwise would. 

Time Limits

Make sure you’re aware of any time limits attached to your offer — once you claim the bonus, the clock will be ticking. While sites like bet365 won’t remove your bonus credit as long as your account remains active, some bookies will give you just 24 hours to use your free bet. Always check before you claim so you’re not caught unawares!

Eligible Markets

It’s important to choose a bonus that aligns with your betting preferences. Take a look through the smallprint so you know what’s available when betting with bonus credit. Some free bets are for specific sports or events, while others might be designed to give you a taste of live betting or accumulators.

Other T&Cs

We know they’re boring, but terms and conditions set out the limitations of your betting bonus so they’re a must-read. Some main things to consider include winnings limits (the maximum you can win from a betting bonus) and payment exclusions (using a disqualified deposit method will render you ineligible for the bonus). 

Staying Safe

Responsible Gambling

While a betting bonus can add to the enjoyment of your gambling experience, it’s important to stay in control — even when you’re betting with bonus credit and not real cash. Furthermore, you shouldn’t bet more than you ordinarily would for the sake of claiming a bonus or clearing wagering requirements. 

Before you start betting, make sure you understand how to gamble responsibly. We’ve got you covered here at Compare.bet with our responsible gambling guide. This guide provides plenty of advice to help keep things enjoyable, such as setting a budget, using on-site limiters, and taking time-outs. If you feel like you need further help with your betting, or gambling is affecting you negatively, visit GamCare or BeGambleAware.org for more support and advice. 

Sigh Up & Play!

Compare Betting Bonuses and Sign Up

Now you’re an expert on all aspects of betting bonuses, all that’s left to do is try one for  yourself. Here at Compare.bet, our job is to make it easy for you to find the best gambling deals. With that in mind, we’ve collated top betting bonuses and reviewed each site to help you find the perfect bookmaker. Simply check out our betting bonus page to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What betting sites give free bets?

Nearly every bookmaker gives out free bets in some capacity. Here at Compare.bet, we’ve selected the best offers to make it easy for you to find one that suits your needs. Check out our betting bonus page to compare promotions and sign up. Need some quick inspiration? A few of our favourites include Bzeebet, HeySpin, 32Red, and Grosvenor

Can I withdraw free bets?

No, but profit from a winning free bet can usually be withdrawn. Check the T&Cs for any wagering requirements, as these must be completed before you can cash out any free bet winnings. 

What is the biggest free bet bonus?

Unibet has one of the largest free bet bonuses — when you sign up and bet £10 at the site, you’ll get £40 in free bets plus a £10 casino bonus. Parimatch and BetStorm both offer Bet £10 Get £30 deals, but you can find a full list on our betting bonus page. 

Are betting sites safe?

Yes, as long as they’re licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. As part of such a licence, the bookmaker must meet requirements around fairness, security, and responsible gambling. Those who don’t comply risk large fines or even loss of licence. You should never play at an unlicensed site but thankfully all the betting sites we recommend at Compare.bet are fully licensed. 

How do I know a betting bonus is legit?

Any bonus offered by a licensed bookmaker will be legitimate, but it’s essential to check the terms and conditions so you fully understand what you’re getting. Betting bonuses often come with certain restrictions around minimum odds, winnings caps, and occasionally wagering requirements. 

The people behind this page

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

Alice is a contribtor at Compare.bet, having previously worked with 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:

James Langley headshot
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.