If you’re looking for the top free betting offers, you’re in the right place. The sportsbooks we feature on this page offer the best free bets in the UK. We’ve tested all the offers in the UK for your convenience, coming up with a guide that lists their advantages and disadvantages.
The UK betting market is satiated with free bets from numerous bookmakers, so it can be a bit challenging to find the right ones. Thanks to this page, you’ll find top-rated UK bookies sign-up offers to start your betting journey the right way. We use important and consistent criteria during the review process, so you don’t have to.
Many new bettors might be wondering what a free bet is upon signing up at an online bookmaker. Free bets are a special type of promotional offer used by sports betting sites to encourage punters to sign up for their services. While most of them are on offer for new bettors, you’ll also find free bet offers for returning customers.
The reasoning behind free bets is simple. Essentially, the sportsbook funds the bet for the punter. While the name might imply that they come for free, it isn’t always so. Depending on the type of free bet, you may or may not need to make a deposit before you claim it. No deposit free bets exist, but they are less likely to appear at bookmakers.
By using a clever strategy, you can profit from this promo offer. This is what makes it attractive to UK punters, although it’s fair to say that most of these betting offers come with a slew of terms and conditions. More on that further below.
How We Rate UK Bookies Offering Free Bets
When rating free bet offers, we rely on our experience in the sports betting industry to provide clear and concise information regarding the best of these offers. There are different criteria to look through, and it can be overwhelming for new bettors to get everything in consideration.
The following criteria we use are also suggestions for your own evaluation of the top betting sites with free bets.
Licence and Security Measures
The first thing we consider when rating bookies is the security and licensing. The UK market features a long list of trusted bookmakers, all licensed properly by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). Our featured bookmakers have a proper and valid licence as well as the latest security features that keep your data under lock and key.
Free Bet Size and Value
Not every free bet offer is worth it. Especially if it’s too large, it will likely have implications when you wager it later. The best free bets on registration offer solid sums to get you started, providing much better value than large free bets with high wagering requirements.
Bonus Terms and Conditions
UK bookmakers with free bets are as good as the bonus terms and conditions. While some punters focus on the size or value, we prioritise free bets that have fair terms. This means lower wagering requirements, trusted eligible payment methods, high or no winning caps, and minimum restrictions when it comes to odds and eligible events or sports.
Eligible Betting Markets
Not all bookmakers or betting apps with free bets will allow you to use the bonus across all available markets. Some are focused on the Premier League; others are eligible for cricket bets. It doesn’t make sense to get such an offer on football if you’re betting on cricket. We evaluate this criterion thoroughly, ensuring that the free bets cover a wide range of markets instead of a single one.
Accepted Payment Methods
When selecting a bookmaker for free bets, it’s important to check the available payment methods. Some bookies may restrict bonus eligibility based on the deposit method used. For example, deposits made via e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller might not qualify for certain promotions. Therefore, we prioritise bookmakers that offer a variety of secure, trusted, and widely accepted payment options.
What Sports and Events Can I Use Online Free Bets On?
UK punters can use most betting offers on a variety of sports. Football is one sport where bookies focus their free bets efforts, and so is horse racing. These sports are the most popular ones when it comes to free betting offers, although you can find such bonuses on other options such as:
Tennis
MMA/UFC
Motorsports
Cycling
Golf
Boxing
Darts
If you check the bookmakers we feature on this page, you’ll find that most of these offers are aimed at the Premier League, the Grand National, Wimbledon, and similar big events. It depends on the season you’re betting in, as they all play out in different periods. Football free bets are the most common, allowing punters to bet on the PL with bonus funds.
New punters will likely stick to sign-up free bets available across a range of sports. Of course, you can also browse our selection of online sports betting sites and find free bets for existing customers that are available on all sports or a specific one.
Once again, we must stress the importance of reading the bonus T&Cs. This will tell you which sport the offer is specifically available on or whether it’s free to use on all the betting markets.
How to Get Free Bets at Online Sportsbooks
Claiming UK free bets should be simple enough. How you claim them depends on the type of offer. For example, some might be activated from your profile; others require a promo code, and they may or may not require a deposit.
New free bets usually require a deposit upon sign-up. You’ll need to cover the minimum deposit as specified under the terms. A free bet on registration is available to new punters only, so you can’t claim it if you already have an account.
Further, returning customers can activate free bets from the promo page with a bonus code or without. The banner and terms will specify the exact conditions for claiming these offers.
Let’s cover the typical steps below:
Choose a trusted and legal UK betting site with free bets. Feel free to check out our top list.
Register for a new account if you’re a new bettor or log in with your credentials if you already have an account at that bookmaker.
If required, you should make a deposit. Otherwise, the free bet might be claimed upon activation.
Check the terms for the qualifying bet and place it.
Claim your free bet and spend it per the requirements.
The claiming process might slightly differ from one bookmaker to another or depending on the format of the bonus. Check the terms in detail to claim betting sign-up offers or free bets for existing customers and you’ll learn what you need to do.
Types of Free Bet Offers in the UK
Similar to other betting bonuses and promotions, you can claim different free bets at UK bookmakers. They differ in size and value, as well as their specific terms and conditions. The most common free betting offers are matched free bet sign-up offers, while no deposit offers are generally the most anticipated ones.
Matched Deposit Free Bets
If you check the promo pages of the top UK bookies, you’ll find that most of them have matched free bets on offer. This is the most common free bet type and is usually available to new bettors. With this type of offer, a betting site matches the first qualifying bet or bets you make. For example, if the requirement says you need to place a £10 qualifying bet at specified odds, you’ll receive that amount in return, double, or even more.
Enhanced Odds Free Bets
An enhanced odds bonus is just what it says on the label – boosted odds on a particular selection. This offer can boost specific odds on a predetermined sports event from 20/1 to 100/1 and is usually common across UK bookmakers. The stake limits the enhanced odds, and the returns take the form of free bets instead of immediate withdrawals.
Risk-Free Bets
Also known as money-back free bets, they will give you money back when you place a bet on the specified minimum odds. This type of offer activates only if you lose, giving you free bet credits so you can continue placing bets. Risk-free bets help minimise losses for new bettors.
No Deposit Free Bets
No deposit free bets are the most desirable type of offer at UK sports betting sites. As the name suggests, this type of offer doesn’t require a deposit or covering a qualifying bet. You can usually claim this type of offer with a promo code. Please note that you’ll most likely still need to wager the winnings a certain number of times before withdrawal.
Free Bets for Loyal Members
The top bookmakers in the UK have a range of special promotions to claim besides new customer free bets. There might be special free bet promotions for specific events, such as a time-sensitive offer for a Premier League derby. Existing customers might also find exclusive free bet bonuses in the VIP programme. In addition, loyalty rewards usually come with better terms and conditions than other bonuses.
Terms and Conditions for Free Bets in the UK
When it comes to free bet offers in the UK, it’s crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions. Granted, they’re often lengthy and a bit legal in style, but if you want to keep what you win, you need to go through them.
Read on to learn more about the most important terms you should check right before claiming a free bet offer.
Terms and Conditions
What It Means
Eligibility
Shows you if the offer is for new or returning bettors
Minimum deposit required
The minimum amount you must deposit to qualify for the offer (e.g., £5 or £10)
Minimum stake
The minimum stake you must cover (£5, £10, or more)
Minimum odds requirement
Shows the minimum odds you must bet on with the qualifying bet (typically 1/2)
Betting market restrictions
Determines which betting markets are ineligible for the qualifying bet
Wagering requirements
The number of times you have to play the deposit and winnings over to qualify for a withdrawal (typically around 5x)
Maximum winning cap
Possible cap on the amount you can win with the offer (usually around £100)
Bonus validity period
The expiry date for a bonus that is typically between 7 and 14 days
Free bet release timing
Usually after the qualifying bet or deposit is settled
Eligible payment methods
Some payment methods, such as e-wallets, might not qualify for a deposit free bet offer (usually Skrill and Neteller)
Tips to Make the Most of Your Free Bets Offers
You must use a smart approach when using free bet offers at UK bookies. While some punters might splash the cash and be done with it, you should always look to get the most out of your betting bonuses.
It all begins with choosing a proper free bet and understanding the terms and conditions. We’ll share a few tips and tricks on choosing the top free bets and maximising your winnings with each offer.
Read the Terms Carefully
This goes for all betting site bonuses, not just free bets. If you don’t read and understand the rules for using the offer, you won’t be able to get the most out of it. As mentioned earlier, there are some key terms you must go through before you claim a free bet, not after.
Make sure you understand them all, as you may miss out on the opportunity to claim this bonus if you make a deposit and bet with a restricted payment method, or you don’t meet the wagering requirements on time. In this case, you won’t be able to capitalise on the best free bets in the UK.
Choose Offers with Lower Qualifying Deposit or Bet Requirements
When going through free bets on UK betting sites, you should choose the ones with lower qualifying bets or deposits. Why is this important? Because you won’t be spending a lot of money to claim the offer. Qualifying bets can be as low as a few quid, but they might also be high for new punters.
If the qualifying bet is £50 and you’re getting that much in return, there’s not a lot of reason to claim such an offer. Always choose free bet offers with lower qualifying bets, so you’re not overspending in claiming a bonus that might not pay decently in return.
Stick to Sports & Markets You Know
Using free bets on sports and markets you’re familiar with increases your chances of making a smart, informed prediction. If you closely follow a league like the Premier League or a sport like horse racing, you’ll have insights into team form, player injuries, and tactical trends.
Beyond just the sport, understanding different betting markets is key. For example, in football, betting on Both Teams to Score or Over/Under Goals might offer better value than simply picking a match winner. Similarly, in horse racing, track conditions and jockey performance play a big role.
Maximise Returns by Choosing the Right Odds
Unlike a normal bet where your stake is included in the payout, free bet winnings only consist of the profit. For example, a £10 free bet offer at evens (1/1) would return just £10 in profit, while the same bet at 3/1 would return £30—making it a smarter way to use your free bet.
That said, going for extreme longshots isn’t always the best strategy, as they have a very low chance of winning. At the same time, short odds bets provide little value since the profit is minimal. The key is finding a balance between risk and reward, opting for bets with reasonable odds (e.g., 2/1 to 5/1) where there’s a solid chance of winning while still getting a good return.
Don’t Neglect Responsible Gambling
When betting online, you should always make sure to do it responsibly. Free bet or not, setting deposit limits for yourself and taking a time-out if needed is important to stay in control.
The best UK bookies feature responsible gambling programmes you can use whenever needed. They offer useful tools like deposit limits, bet limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion.
You can also consult professional organisations such as GamStop and GambleAware if you think your betting is turning into a bad habit rather than a fun activity.
Boost Your Wagers with Free Bets Offers
Free bets are among the most common and most popular types of promotions at UK bookmakers. That’s not by chance, but for more than a few good reasons. They’re often available on specific events and on sign-up, allowing you to bet with extra funds and still win.
Currently, numerous bookies in the UK, along with some up-and-coming ones, offer free bets on fair terms. Feel free to join the top betting sites from our list today and don’t miss out on the best free bet offers in the UK.
UK Free Bets FAQs
Free bets are a type of online betting bonus that allows punters to place a wager without using their own funds. This way, operators encourage punters to sign up or keep returning. Most betting sites will have a free bet on registration unlocked by a qualifying bet or a deposit.
Yes, you can withdraw your free bet winnings, but not the free bet stake itself. However, most bookmakers require you to meet wagering requirements, minimum odds, or other conditions before withdrawing. Always check the terms and conditions to understand any restrictions.
Yes, they do. It’s often a short one, especially if the free bet applies to a specific event. Check out the terms to ensure you don’t miss the expiration date.
The process varies by bookmaker and depends on the type of free bet on offer. Sometimes, you might need to use a bonus code. Some free bets are available only with a qualifying deposit or a bet.
As soon as you receive your free bet, it should be available to use on your betting slip. It should say use a free bet bonus or something similar – click on this option before you place your bet.
Yes, most betting apps with free bets offer the same promotions as desktop sites. Some bookmakers even provide app-exclusive free bets as a reward for mobile users.
Most popular UK betting sites have free bets on sign-up or free bets for existing customers. It’s rare to see a bookmaker that doesn’t offer it. Even if you don’t find one at your favourite spot, there’s a great chance it’ll be available later.
No deposit free bets are rare. Still, that doesn’t mean you’ll never see one. Whenever there’s a good no deposit offer, we’ll add it to our top list. Bookmark this page and check back regularly to find the best deals.
