Free bets are a great way of earning extra cash at your favourite online bookmakers with minimal risk. Sign up and deposit, then receive free bet credits for gambling on football, racing, or cricket. Some of the best bookie offers for free bets don’t require a deposit first.
In our guide, you’ll get a full lowdown on how to claim free bet deals when you join online bookies. We’ll also show you how to find the best promotions for existing customers. Claim the best free bet offers every week just by maintaining your balance or gambling activity.
What are Free Bets?
Bookmakers offer free bet credits as part of a sign-up offer or ongoing promotion. You may have to make a deposit first or place a bet. After that, you receive free bet tokens in your account.
For example, you sign up for a Bet £10, Get £50 free bet promotion online. You place a minimum bet worth £10 to receive £50 in free bet credits. Some deposit options may be restricted, and minimum odds requirements will also apply.
Bookmakers’ free bet deals are a great way to win extra cash without risking your bankroll. You can take riskier gambles on those first-goalscorer markets, or bet hard on Manchester City to dispatch another hapless EPL side. In addition, the free bets in bookies’ sign-up offers are sometimes bigger than ones for regular customers.
Free bets are among the most popular bookies offers for gamblers. In a 2023 report by the Gambling Commission, nearly 60% of punters claimed free bet deals when offered.
In our personal experience, we prefer taking free bet offers over deposit match bonuses. You have more freedom on what to gamble with, and the wagering requirements are usually lower. Some free bet sign-up offers carry rollover terms as low as 1x.
How do Free Bets Work?
The best free betting sites award credits to attract new customers and keep loyal ones happy. You start by opening an account and completing the sign-up form.
Next, enter promo codes when making a first deposit from your card or bank account. You then receive free bet credits in your account as soon as your first wager is settled.
Now you can use your credits to make free football bets or gamble on any eligible sport. You simply select the free bet credits as currency when confirming your wager on the betting slip. The value of the free bet is deducted from any winnings you make.
Let’s take bet365’s popular sign-up bonus bet as an example:
- You open a new account at bet365 and deposit £10
- Bet365 awards 300% (three times the deposit) in Bet Credits up to £30. By depositing and betting £10, you receive the full £30 in free bets in your account
- Select the ‘Use Bet Credits’ option on your betting slip to use your tokens
What are the Rules for a Free Bet?
Free bets for UK gamblers come with a few strings attached. Whether it’s a small deposit match or a Bet £10 Get £10 promotion, typical rules will apply:
To Qualify for Free Bets:
- An initial deposit or wager is required first
- Alternatively, a losing bet is required before you get free bets
- Qualifying bet must be at the stated minimum odds
- You must settle your first qualifying bet within 20–30 days, depending on the betting site
- Some payment methods may be ineligible for a first qualifying deposit
Free Bets Restrictions:
- Cash Out/Partial Cash Out is usually ineligible on free bets
- Free bet credits are not withdrawable nor included on your returns
- Backing both sides will be considered bonus abuse
- Free bets normally expire after a few days
- Free bets to be placed at minimum odds
- Some sports (e.g. Tote racing) are exempt
What Makes a Good Free Bet?
The best gambling website offers include free bets with a few strings attached. Not all free bet deals are created equal, so it’s important to know what makes a good bonus.
Free Bet Value: Start by looking at the size of the free bet itself. bet365 offers a Bet £10 Get £30 promotion, for example. However, each free bet is worth £10 and you can’t break the credits into smaller chunks.
Qualifying Deposit: Most free bet offers for UK customers require you to make a qualifying deposit. The smaller the deposit, the better the offer is for casual punters.
Rollover Terms: Look for wagering requirements attached to the free bet bonus. The best betting promos let you withdraw all your winnings without rolling it over first. That is, gambling your profits 1–2 times through on other markets before cashing out.
Expiry Period: Many new customer betting offers carry an expiry period. For instance, we found many UK bookmakers impose a 30-day limit on claiming your free bet after sign-up. Then, you may have just 7 days to use and clear your free bets.
Minimum Odds: Betting sites with free bets usually apply minimum odds. That applies both to your qualifying wager and/or the free bet itself. Restrictions on qualifying odds aren’t too strict, however. Often, you can release free bet credits with a bet at odds of just 1/5.
Exclusive Sports: Some of the best free bet offers are geared toward specific sports. For example, horse racing free bets focus on big races and usually consist of refunds if your wagers lose
Ineligible Wagers/Sports: Don’t fall foul of the bookmaker’s bonus abuse terms. The best new betting offers won’t restrict the types of wagers you can make. However, in our experience, most UK bookies won’t let you place bets on the Tote. Plus, any free bets used with boosted odds or acca boosts will be made void.
Types of Betting Offers
Free betting and new customer offers come in a variety of flavours. Here are some of the popular bookies offers you can find in the UK.
The Bet & Get is the most common type of free bet sign-up deal. You receive bet credits by opening an account and making a qualifying deposit and bet.
For example, in a Bet £10 Get £10 offer, you’d receive £10 in free bet tokens just for making a first wager. You receive the free bets whether your first wager wins or loses.
Bookmakers like bet365 and BetVictor offer new customer offers for betting provided you make a deposit. The Bet £10 Get £20 deal is offered by BetVictor, with credits expiring after 7 days.
The Bet £10 Get £40 promotion is even more generous. You receive £40 in bet credits in return for making a qualifying £10+ wager. We found that Unibet offered a £40 welcome bonus but only as money back on a first losing bet.
Less rare is the welcome free bet with no deposit required. The bookmaker awards a small free bet credit in return for your registration. The value of the free wager will be small, as will the playthrough requirement.
One of the best bookmaker offers for free bet fans is the money-back deal, sometimes known as a “risk-free bet”. The difference with a money-back free wager is that you must make a losing bet first to receive credits.
Imagine you sign up at an online bookie and place a qualifying wager on football with your own cash. The bet loses but you receive a free bet credit to the same value.
The benefit of a money-back deal is that you can make slightly riskier choices with your qualifying bet. Plus, you only receive a free bet if your first wager loses. A money-back free bet is a good option if you’ve done your research on a game and want to back the underdog.
Betting Bonuses vs Free Bet Offers
Bookmakers tend to offer a mix of betting sign-up offers to new customers. The temptation of “free” bets is hard to ignore, but it’s important you know which promotion is best for you. For some punters, a deposit match bonus might be better.
Some bookie sign-up offers reward you with matched funds after you deposit. A deposit match bonus gives you access to bonus funds equal to your deposit. You can use your bonus funds on any sport and withdraw winnings provided you satisfy the rollover requirements.
The downside to a deposit match is that the playthrough requirement can be pretty high. For example, 10bet offers a 100% matched bonus up to £50. You receive matched funds to the same value of your first deposit. The bonus is valid for 60 days – longer than the 7 days for free bets – but you must playthrough your bonus funds 8x.
However, your maximum stakes with a deposit match bonus can often be larger than your free bets. In the 10bet example, your max. stakes are equal to your initial bonus amount. That means you could receive £50 in bonus funds and place single bets worth up to £50.
What are the Advantages of Free Bets?
The biggest advantage of free bets is it’s an exclusive bonus for signing up to a bookmaker. The best betting sign-up offers guaranteed free bet tokens provided you meet the terms and conditions.
Free bets are a good way to try out a bookmaker or make slightly riskier wagers. However, always be aware of the terms and conditions before you place your bet.
Risk-free betting when you open your account
Bet on longer shots with your free bet credits
Wagering requirements can be very low
Withdraw winnings immediately or put towards an additional promotion
Widely available at the best UK bookmakers
Ready to use on a variety of sports, inc. football and horse racing
Claim the best new customer offers from multiple bookmakers
Maximum withdrawal limits may apply
Quick turnaround of 7 days usually applies
Minimum qualifying odds apply
Free bet credits non-withdrawable
What If I Have A Betting Offer Dispute?
You can resolve disputes with your bookmaker over betting offers via IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Service). This is a completely independent body that aims to mediate between the customer (that’s you) and the betting site. IBAS resolutions usually cover issues such as non-payment of winnings and disputed bonus terms.
According to IBAS’s 2021 annual report, the provider resolved nearly half of all disputes. In most cases where the dispute was rejected, it was down to the customer not exploring all options with the bookmaker.
Therefore, we do recommend doing everything you can to resolve the problem via customer support first. In most cases, a trained customer service agent is the best option for sorting out any issues.
Making a complaint is easy to do at the IBAS website. You can log a complaint on the submission form or request a print claim form to complete. A dedicated adjudication panel may get involved to sort disputes. The Panel can even arrange for automatic payments to be made to you if they rule in your favour.
Best Betting Sign Up Offers in 2024
Best Overall Bookmaker
bet365
bet365 is our best-rated online bookmaker for payments, bonuses, and overall customer satisfaction. The range of loyalty free bet bonuses isn’t always the best compared to other bookies, but the Bet £10 Get £30 welcome bonus is perfect.
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. Registration required. 18+.
Best for Welcome Offers
Betfred
Betfred outdoes most bookmakers for welcome bonus free bets. You can claim £50 in free bet credits by signing up and depositing just £10. That’s nearly double the value of some rivals’ welcome bonus.
New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.
Best for Horse Racing Free Bets
BoyleSports
BoyleSports is an Irish bookmaker with a firm focus on horse racing and football. The free bet bundle for new customers is split into £5 tokens, making it ideal for small-stakes bettors.
*New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min Deposit £10. 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. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply. T&Cs apply
Best for Football Free Bets
QuinnBet
QuinnBet is another Irish bookmaker that goes hard on money-back deals. You can claim 50% back as a refund in free bets when you sign up and bet. Plus, you can claim 25% of weekly sportsbook losses back in free wagers.
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 | GambleAware.org | Gamble Responsibly.
Best for Low Deposit Free Bets
10bet
10bet is one of the newer online sports betting sites on our list. You can claim up to £50 in matched bonus funds. However, it’s the £10 minimum deposit limit that will appeal to casual bettors.
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+
Top for Customer Support
BetVictor
Not only is BetVictor one of the most well-established bookmakers in the UK, it also boasts a full range of customer service options. BetVictor supports UK live chat, email, and manned phoneline. Plus, you can enquire about free bets via Facebook messenger, X, or text.
18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on the UEFA Euro 2024 at minimum 1/1 odds. No cash out. Get £30 in Free Football Bets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Offer valid from 15:00 UK Time on 11.06.2024 until 20:00 UK time on 14.07.24. Debit card / Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Best for Weekly Betting Promos
William Hill
William Hill offers regular Bet & Get deals to loyal customers across a range of sports. You can claim £5 free bets on sports like NFL and football. Plus, you can claim free bet tokens by correctly predicting the scores and results in the weekend’s footie games.
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets (mobile only)
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad
Best for Loyalty Offers
BetUK
BetUK is our go-to online bookmaker for regular free bets. You can join a racing Free Bet Club to earn free bets when you wager over £15 on the horses. BetUK also awards free £1 wagers to customers to use on Bet Builders.
New customers, Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 free bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. Stake not returned. T&Cs Apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.
Best for Overall Deposit Options
MrPlay
Mr Play gets the nod from us for its easy range of payment options. You can deposit from as little as £10 instantly via VISA, MasterCard, and Trustly. MrPlay also supports e-Wallets such as PayPal and Skrill, paysafecard, and quick bank transfers. We found that MrPlay withdrawals via bank transfer took, on average, 3-4 working days.
No offers available
Best for Low Wagering Requirements
Kwiff
Kwiff offers some of the friendliest free bet welcome bonus terms. You may claim £30 in free bet tokens by signing up and depositing £10 or more. There are no turnover requirements or other restrictions on winnings from your free bets.
New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £/€10. Qualifying real money bet of £/€10. Min odds greater than or equal to 1.5 required. E/W bets excluded. Offer credited within 48 hours. Additional T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly
How We Review New Customer Betting Offers
At Punters Lounge, the criteria that go into how we review bookmakers and offers are pretty strict. Here are some of the areas we explore when reviewing the best betting sign-up offers:
We start by examining the fine print on all free bet offers. We examine the size and quality of the bonus and check for minimum deposit limits, rollover terms, and restricted bet types.
Our team always checks the overall range of sports and betting markets available. A bookmaker with good football betting offers, for example, is more likely to offer money-back deals and ‘Bore Draw’ free bets.
Good bookmakers allow you to make deposits with a range of safe and protected banking methods. We also check whether the betting sign-up offers are exempt for certain payment options, such as PayPal and Paysafecard.
Beyond the sign-up offer for betting, top bookmakers must run free bet deals regularly. These can include free bets for losing racing wagers, bore draws, or reloads.
At Punters Lounge, we only rate and recommend the safest licensed bookmakers with online gambling offers. We immediately check that bookmakers are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and offer SSL encryption to ensure safe banking.
Good customer support is essential if you get into problems with your bookmaker sign-up offers. We only award top marks to bookmakers who offer a mix of live chat, phone, and email solutions.
Are Free Bets Actually Free?
Free Bets implies that betting sites are offering something for nothing. However, there are usually a few terms and conditions applied before you can get your hands on your winnings.
We always recommend checking the terms and conditions of all betting offers for new customers before you gamble. That way, there are no nasty surprises from the betting sites with free bets.
Plus, don’t forget that the value of the free bet is deducted from any winnings. For example, imagine you won £50 with a £10 free bet token via the best betting apps. You would be able to withdraw £40 from your account once the bookmaker had retrieved its £10 credit.
How to Find the Best Betting Sign-Up Offers for You
Looking for some tips on finding the best betting sign-up offers and free bet deals? Don’t register with anyone until you consider some of our top strategies.
Do Your Free Bet Research First
Start by reading up on our team’s latest sports betting site reviews. Welcome bonuses change all the time, so check out our reviews and stay ahead of the pack. We’ll tell you who has the biggest free bet offers going with the friendliest wagering terms and odds.
Choose Which Sports to Bet On
It’s important to decide what sports you’re likely to gamble on before you claim a sign-up offer for betting. If racing is your thing, a bookmaker with a focus on Beaten-By-A-Head free bets or Grand National freebies is recommended. However, bookies that go heavy on money-back deals for the Premier League are ideal if football is your preferred sport.
Time Your Registration for Big Sporting Events
Some of the best free bet offers are timed to coincide with large sporting events. That’s when it’s good to open accounts with multiple sports betting sites offering special free bet promotions.
In many cases, you have 30 days after registering to claim your welcome bonus. From there, you may only have 7 days to use your best betting site offers. You may miss free World Cup football bets or bookie offers for the Olympics if you join at the wrong time.
Use the Punters Lounge Forum
The Punters Lounge forum has been running for over 20 years. Our 1000s of members share daily information, tips, and advice.
You can chat with fellow PL members to share tips on the 3.30 at Doncaster or the best betting offers going down that week. We also have an excellent football betting forum offering the latest predictions.
You can download a dedicated PL forum app to browse the biggest reviews and tips on your smartphone.
How to Claim Free Bet Sign-Up Offers
Get started now and claim online betting offers with our easy how-to guide. We’ve chosen bet365 as our best free bet bookie.
Visit Your Chosen Betting Site
Check out our list of recommended betting sites on this page. Click on the review of your preferred online betting site to follow the registration link. You can also install a betting site mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
Complete the Sign-Up Form
You will then be taken to a registration form to sign up to the betting site of your choice. Fill in your personal details and create a log-in username and password. This will then create a new account for you with the betting site.
Log In and Make a Deposit
Log in to the betting site using the log-in username and password that you have created. Open the Cashier tab and make a valid qualifying deposit. Note any payment method restrictions (e.g. PayPal/Skrill) when making this deposit.
Place a First Qualifying Bet
Navigate to your chosen betting market. Select the market you wish to bet on. Add selections to your betting slip, enter your stake, and confirm the bet. This will then trigger the free bet. Ensure you check the offer’s terms and conditions to avoid disappointment.
Use Free Bet Credits on Sport
If you have met the qualifying criteria of the free bet offer, you’ll receive free bet credits in your account once your first wager settles. Use the credits in place of real money when you place your bets on any eligible markets at the betting site.
Can I Withdraw My Free Bet?
Even the best free bet offers have restrictions on what you can and can’t withdraw. In most cases, the value of the free bet token is not included in your winnings. So, if you won £50 with a £10 free bet, you’d be eligible to withdraw £40 (£50 winnings minus £10 stake).
Top 5 Bookmakers for Football Free Bets
Looking for the best bore-draw money-back offers or free football bets when you sign up? Our team has explored all options to recommend the best bookmakers for football free bets.
| Category | Bookmaker |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Football Free Bets Bookmaker | Bet365 |
| Best for Football Free Bets Welcome Offers | William Hill |
| Best for Bore Draw Free Bets | Quinnbet |
| Best for Low-Deposit Free Bets | Kwiff |
| Best for Acca Insurance Free Bets | Boylesports |
Top 5 Bookmakers for Horse Racing Free Bets
Enjoy free bets if your SP favourite gets beaten, or claim bet credits if your pick gets beaten by a head. These are the top bookmakers for horse racing free bets.
| Category | Bookmaker |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Horse Racing Free Bets Bookmaker | Boylesports |
| Best for Horse Racing Welcome Bonus Free Bets | Quinnbet |
| Best for Weekly Horse Racing Free Bets | BetVictor |
| Best for Low-Deposit Free Bets | Kwiff |
| Best for Loyalty Free Bets | William Hill |
Casino Free Bets
You can also claim free bets to use on casino games, such as slots and roulette. The best casino bonuses can be found at casinos attached to our top-rated sports betting sites.
Casino free bets usually take one of two forms: free spins on slots or free casino credits. You may use free spins on selected slots provided you have made a qualifying deposit after sign-up.
Any winnings you make are available to withdraw once you clear the wagering conditions. However, maximum stakes are usually limited (e.g. £0.10–£0.50 per spin), as is the maximum you can withdraw.
Casino free bet credits work in a slightly different way. You may receive £10–£20 in credits to use on a range of games. Typically, slots and low-edge table games are permitted. However, you’ll be restricted from playing high-return games like progressive slots.
Free Bets for Existing Customers
Many bookmakers offer free bet promotions for existing customers throughout the year. For instance, the Grand National, World Cup, or new football season usually bring out the free bet offers at many bookmakers.
Existing customers can claim free wagers on football and horse racing free bets just by making a deposit or placing a wager. In our experience, these are the best promotions for existing customers at top UK bookies.
Responsible Gambling
We at Punters Lounge, and reputable bookmakers, take responsible gambling seriously. It’s important to manage a bankroll responsibly and take regular breaks.
You can use deposit limit tools at many bookmakers and restrict your betting session time. Plus, you can request a short time-out or complete self-exclusion. Here are some useful resources if your sports betting gets out of control.
Final Thoughts
Bookmakers’ free bets are an easy way to earn extra cash or claim money back on losing wagers. The rollover terms are often quite low, plus you can continue the adventure with weekly free bets.
Our recommended online gambling offers guarantee a level playing field and clear-cut conditions. You can even use your free bet credits on many sports of your choice. Sign up with one of our best-rated bookies today and claim your first free bet.
Free Bets FAQ
Are free bets risk-free?
Yes. You can claim risk-free bets just by depositing or placing a losing bet. However, 50% money-back deals will only refund half your losing stake with a free bet token. Read the terms and conditions of any risk-free bet promotion first.
Can free bets be cashed out?
You can’t cash out the free bet token itself. However, you can withdraw any winnings from a free bet provided you have met the relevant wagering requirements. Always check the free bet terms and conditions before you opt in.
Do free bets pay real money?
Absolutely. The free bet itself carries no monetary value. However, you can win real money with your free bet credits and withdraw winnings. Simply play through your winnings according to the terms and conditions before cashing out.
Is there a catch to free bets?
Most free bets in the UK come with one or two strings attached. You must make qualifying bets at minimum odds to satisfy the bonus terms. Some accas or sports may be restricted, and you may not be allowed to make in-play bets.
Can you turn free bets into cash?
Of course. Free bet tokens work just like cash. You use the free bet credit on your betting slip when you place your bet. You can top up your stake with your funds if the free bet doesn’t cover the bet.
What is the best thing to do with free bets?
We recommend using free bets on favourites in a 3+ leg acca. That way, you can improve your odds of winning free money without risking any of your own cash. Always check the eligibility terms of the free bet before you place your bet.
Why do bookies give free bets?
Over half of UK gamblers join up for online gambling offers because of free bets. Bookmakers know they are attractive to new customers, and minimum deposits and stakes are low. Plus, the small rollover requirements mean many gamblers aren’t priced out.
What happens if you lose a free bet?
You won’t receive another credit if your free bet loses. You must use your own cash to make further bets. However, the best bookmaker offers regular promotions such as weekly free bet clubs and money back.
Can you make money from free bets?
Absolutely. You can make a profit from free bets if you choose the right wagers and don’t abuse the bonus. Ensure you research your sport bets first and choose high-value accas to maximise your free bet returns.
How do I get the most out of free bets?
To make the most out of free bets, start by choosing an online bookmaker that offers a generous welcome bonus. Also check the bookmaker’s retention bonuses, including money back on horse racing or bore-draw free bets on football.
How do you get a risk-free bet?
You can claim a risk-free bet by opening an account at one of our top-rated bookmakers. Complete the registration form, then make a qualifying deposit and place a bet. You may receive a free bet either by making a deposit or by placing a bet. Some bookies refund part of your first bet if it loses.
Can you get free bets without a deposit?
Some bookmakers offer free bets without the need to deposit first. However, these types of sports betting deals are pretty rare. A good alternative is to find online bookmakers with low minimum deposit limits. Make a small deposit and receive free bets in return.
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