We are Your Guide to the Best Free Bet Offers in the UK

Types of Free Bets

Bookmaker free bet offers can be categorised as follows:

• Deposit from new customers
• Non-deposit for all customers
• Event specific
• Mobile Specific
• Enhanced odds

 

All the leading online major bookmakers are competing in this area. Much of the advertising activity centres on major soccer matches in the Premier League and Champions League that are televised live. The new model targets a customer watching a football match in a social environment with the desire and technology to place a bet in-play. Fun and engagement are the latest buzzwords reflected in the following types of free bet:

Deposit Free Bets

This type of free bet is generally specifically on offer for new customers who must make a deposit. Usually stringent terms and conditions apply and it really is a case of not ignoring the small print. Any deviation from the documented procedure will result in the free deposit bet being invalid. Generally the amount will correspond to the initial deposit and there is a range of allowable funding of the new account from a minimum to a maximum.

No Deposit Free Bets

Stake not returned (formatted free bet): the stake is not included in the return; the free bet itself is not the cash.

Refund / money-back offers: If you lose your first bet, you'll receive a free bet as a refund. E.g., BetGoodwin's 50% loss cashback.

Token bundles: the bookie divides the free bets into tokens and credits them to your account over a given number of times. E.g., Coral divides £20 free bets into four tokens (£5 x 4) after making a qualifying bet of £5.

Accumulator boosts & acca insurance: more reward for multiple selections or a refund for one losing leg.

This is a rare type of free bet that is credited without a deposit. No deposit offers are sometimes available to new users who sign up and complete verification.

Non-deposit free bets are usually valid for new and existing customers. They are not dependent on funds being transferred into a betting account. These formats are much less widespread than the deposit specific type. The potential profit is hence much lower as the risk to the online bookmaker is higher. Betting margins mean turnover is paramount so the downside of easily achievable conditions is that non-deposit free bets are relatively low in value but can be utilised more often.

Event Specific Free Bets

The industry sector for these offers becomes more competitive for the major racing festivals and races and soccer tournaments. The quest for new and existing business is most intense during the Cheltenham Festival. This is the most popular meeting of the year and usually produces lucrative free bet promotions for the punter. The Grand National is the standalone race that generates most betting turnover but, surprisingly, free bets and promotions are actually reduced by the bookies for this event due to the nature of new customers being the householder, rather than the seasoned bettor, who will register and take the introductory funds but then never return again. The bookmaker ruthlessly regards this type of customer as "Low Value" and so can often withdraw the free bet for the Grand National event only. Specific live televised football matches in the Premier League and Champions League generate free bets and the soccer World Cup and European Championships both on a four year cycle lead to them being made available to new and existing customers.

Mobile Specific

More bets are now placed on mobile devices than on desktops so bookmakers are striving to get customers to use betting apps. All the major devices are covered and mobile versions can be accessed through a download or website link. However, only selected bookmaker apps are available on Google Play which does not allow all betting related applications. Some free bets are only available using the mobile version of a bookmaker’s betting products but they can be accessed through Android and iPhone.

Stake not returned (formatted free bet): the stake is not included in the return; the free bet itself is not the cash.

Refund / money-back offers: If you lose your first bet, you'll receive a free bet as a refund. E.g., BetGoodwin's 50% loss cashback.

Token bundles: the bookie divides the free bets into tokens and credits them to your account over a given number of times. E.g., Coral divides £20 free bets into four tokens (£5 x 4) after making a qualifying bet of £5.

Accumulator boosts & acca insurance: more reward for multiple selections or a refund for one losing leg.

Enhanced Odds

Live televised football matches generate enhanced odds because they attract large audiences including the casual and committed customers.

You get boosted returns on a particular selection (often limited to one market).

Our guides provide further explanation and recommendations on the types of free bets suitable for casual players, accumulator fans, and value hunters.

Where can you use free bets?

You use free bets on eligible sports markets at the bookie who gave them. Most sports coverage includes football, horse racing, tennis, rugby, and more.

Bookmakers often highlight eligible events on their promo pages. Therefore, always confirm if there are exclusions, such as virtual games or lotteries.

Common ones include:

Casino / Slots: sportsbook free bets rarely work on casino games unless otherwise stated.

In-play: Some free bets cannot be used in live betting markets.

Certain markets (e.g., matches within minutes, cash-out, political bets, or exotics).

Accumulators: many sites limit the number of selections or set minimum odds for each leg.

Check the promotion page on FREEbets.org.uk for quick summaries, then consult the bookmaker's T&Cs for precise restrictions.

Using the free bet that delivers the best expected value is smart. For instance, using it on a market where the bookie prices are slightly softer may let you stretch the value.

Specific examples

Bet365 will let you wager on almost anything, as long as the odds hit the minimum. Football gets heavy use during the Premier League when you back a team to win or a player to score. Horse racing also shines during festivals like Cheltenham.

William Hill restricts free bets to sportsbooks, no virtuals.

Betfred allows American leagues like basketball.

Parimatch only allows free bets on football at 2.00+ odds.

Better odds are often associated with :

1. a player to score
2. a player to score and his team to win
3. one team to win and both teams to score

These offers are often only available during a limited amount of time and staking restrictions apply. Double and treble odds are offered for specific events to take place such as a goal early in a match or a headed goal.  Bets are void if a player named for the purposes of enhanced odds does not play.

What Freebets UK offers — A quick tour

FREEbets.org.uk is a UK-focused site that lists and explains current free bet offers, sportsbook promos, and bookies' welcome offers. We organise bonuses into tidy pages.

For example, we have separate lists for £10, £15, £20, £25, £30, £50, £60, and £100 free bets. Additionally, there is a "Specials" page for unique or event-led deals. That makes it easy to pick the new customer free bets you're looking for.

You will find recommendations for the Premier League, The Championship, Formula One, World Grand Prix and other famous events.

If you're comparing new betting sites UK or checking new online bookmakers, our site is a valuable starting point.

We tailor everything for UK free bets, always pushing licensed operators, and never forget to nudge you to bet responsibly. It's all about the fun, not getting in over your head.

Our front page showcases standout deals, from free bets at bet365 to straightforward cashbacks at QuinnBet. We don't stop at listing them; we break down the hows and whys, helping you avoid nasty surprises.

New to betting? Our beginner guides walk you through odds, stakes, and how to keep your spending in check. Seasoned players? We offer deeper insights, such as spotting rugby trends and using data for sharper football bets.

Sure, we make a bit from those affiliate clicks, but that motivates us to stay straight-up. We only recommend what we'd bet on ourselves. Curious about what's on tap? Let's unpack it all.

The Free Bet Journey and using FREEbets.org.uk

We've watched bet promotions change over time. In the beginning, a basic free bet was a big deal. These days, with apps that let you bet from your sofa and streams that bring the action live, the offers have gotten more inventive. 

In light of this, we refresh our selections every day, syncing with major happenings such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup and European football nights. Our mission stays simple: guide you to the best without the fluff. 

We cover everything from new customer hooks to ongoing perks for loyal users. And while we're at it, we stress the importance of tools like deposit limits and time-outs. 

As we roll into the rest of the year and beyond, expect more focus on events like the summer Olympics or cricket series, with promotions tailored to those.

How to use FREEbets.org.uk to find the best betting sites sign up offers

To find the deals you want:

• Select the free bet size you prefer from the top of our homepage (e.g., £10, £30, £100).
• Or select a popular sporting event on our homepage
• Compare the qualifying odds, T&Cs, and whether the bookie is UK licensed.

Use our guides if you aren't sure what a term means (e.g., formatted free bets, stake not returned, matched free bets). 
Bookmakers Offers for New Customers

At Freebets UK, we only recommend the best free bet offers that UK punters can trust. Here are some of the best sports betting promotional offers for new customers:

Betfred sets a high bar with their "Bet £10 Get £50" package, activated by code BETFRED50. Deposit £10, bet it at evens within a week, and unlock £30 in sports free bets plus £20 for games like accumulators. They expire after seven days, so time your play around upcoming fixtures.

Stack that against William Hill's "Bet £10 Get £30" offer, using code R30. You need odds of 1/2 or better, and you must sign up using a mobile device or tablet. The free bet lasts 30 days, giving more breathing room than usual.

Coral chimes in with the "Bet £5 Get £20" deal, divided into four £5 chunks that last just four days. You can qualify within two weeks at even odds, but it doesn't apply to tote betting or pool games.

Offers on new betting accounts are frequently linked to seasonal highlights. For the 2025 summer slate, operators like Sportingbet dangle up to £50 through a series of challenges. Each free bet segment expires in three days, primarily for football fans.

Netbet blends worlds with "Bet £20 Get 25 Free Spins" on slots like Big Bass Splash. No wagering is required, which is rare.

LeoVegas also brings a 100% profit boost capped at £100 on your first £10 in-play wager at odds of 2.0 or above, with a seven-day window.

Some bookies' welcome offers are perfect for short bursts. An example is Bwin's "Bet £5 Get £20" deal, split into £5 tokens. They last seven days, with 14 days to qualify.

If football's your thing, prioritise sites with league-specific boosts. Rugby enthusiasts can find deals during the Six Nations or Lions tours.

We've noticed more offers, including acca builders, that let you chain bets for higher potential. Moreover, some tie in with loyalty schemes right from sign-up, earning points on your qualifier.

Always scan the terms, as some deals may not allow cash-outs or may not be granted if you use specific deposit methods like prepaid cards. When making comparisons, factor in withdrawal fees. Most sites waive these fees for bank transfers, but charge some for cards.

Additionally, you must be over 18 years old to use any bookie offers. These packages set the tone for your time at a site, so choose wisely.

The following tick list should be worked through in order to complete the free bet journey:

1. Identify a free bet
2. Open an account
3. Specify the bonus code if applicable
4. Deposit funds
5. Place qualifying bet
6. Claim bonus
7. Calculate staking and odds for counter bets
8. Place counter matched bets
9. Complete turnover requirement
10. Withdraw funds 

Bookmakers compete for new customers and try to keep existing customers by offering free bets. Dedicated websites highlight the best offers with banners and affiliate links to online operators. Bonus and promotional codes are used by these sites to ensure they can claim commission for converting new customers. The affiliate area is now well developed but free bets are increasingly taking over from content in establishing the links between affiliate and bookmaker. Other sites document the journey that customers take from being attracted by a free bet offer to placing a bet and maximising winnings or minimising losses.

Current Trends with Free bets

Betting is now a type of commerce that is being increasingly conducted online. Engagement is constantly evolving with a shift away from the desktop to mobile and tablet devices. There is also a greater emphasis on live sport and more spontaneous betting, especially on football. In 2015 75% of bets taken by one of the biggest names in the industry were football related.

Branding is important when customers are considering opening a new account. The niche is dominated by a small number of leading brands who are competing with less well established operators. The sector is becoming consolidated with some major mergers pending which will spread costs and allow more of the budget to be spent on free bets. William Hill is seen as the most trustworthy operator in the UK. Advertising improves brand awareness and Paddy Power are particularly strong in this area. Both these companies offer free bets to new customers.

Customer loyalty is fundamental to business success and online betting is massively competitive. The key factors in choosing which online bookmakers to engage with were recently highlighted in a prominent Horse Racing paper with reference to research conducted in this sector. The most important factors were identified as follows:

• Free bet offers: 46%
• Brand reputation: 37%
• Best odds: 27%
• Quality of website: 25%
• Others

The majority of mobile customers have more than one account. However, 38% of existing account holders have the propensity to open one more account. That suggests there is still scope for growth and justifies the cost and investment of offering free bets. Marketing has a key role to play and bookmakers spend millions on promoting free bets on television and in the national and betting specific Press. Most national newspapers have collaborations with bookmakers.

The attractiveness of one particular sport is linked to the scope for live betting and event-specific free bet offers. Football bets and to a lesser degree other free bets on sports like tennis, cricket and both codes of rugby can take advantage of the limited nature of the live horse racing product. In an admittedly limited survey using a site that highlights free bets about four times as many were associated with football than racing. The offline market is centred less around racing and more about free bets on football and numbers games, lotteries and Fixed Odds Betting Terminals. Free sports bets are prevalent in the online market.

The typical Free bets offers from New Betting Sites UK by size

Below, we summarise typical features of the free-bet pages on FREEbets.org.uk and what you should expect when you click through.

£10 free bets (The low-risk entry point)

Many bookies use a bet £5/£10 get £10/£20 model. These are common because they're easy to qualify for and appeal to new customers who want to test a site.

They're great for trying a new betting account and learning the ropes without a significant outlay. Always check the minimum qualifying odds, which are often 1.5 (1/2) or evens (2.0). Moreover, check whether the free bet comes as a single stake or split tokens.£15 free bets (A small step up)
£15 offers bridge the gap between micro and mid-tier sign-up deals. They're often used mid-season by sites promoting narrow margins but practical value.

Watch whether the £15 arrives as a single free bet or multiple smaller tokens; multiple tokens can force you into numerous bets and limit how you deploy the funds.

£20 free bets (The common "sweet spot")

£20 sign-ups are widespread and often provide better long-term value than the very smallest offers. These are a good choice for new betting account offers when you want a reasonable balance between stake and risk.

£25 free bets (Slightly more generous)

£25 deals can include a mixture of free bet tokens, enhanced odds, or partially matched bets. These suits cautious players who want a little more flexibility when staking, enabling a few small accumulator trials or single bets across an event.

£30 free bets (Popular mid-tier offers)

These are among the most common mid-range offers. They are often presented as bet £10 get £30 and can include tiered or timed bonuses. Such offers balance value with reasonable qualifying requirements and are usually a good first port of call when looking at bookmakers offers.

£50 free bets (Strong sign-up offers)

The £50 category is where the more substantial welcome deals start to appear. These require a larger qualifying stake or a suite of steps (e.g., first deposit + a certain bet).

They can be excellent value if the minimum odds and wagering demands are fair. Always check for time limits and whether winnings from free bets are subject to playthrough.

£60 free bets (Higher value offerings)

A £60 new customer offer is significant and commonly used by larger or newer bookies trying to attract a larger customer segment.

These may include enhanced odds selections, extra acca insurance, or multiple free bet tokens. £60 free bets are a tempting choice if you plan to place several bets and spread risk

£100 free bets (The headline grabbers)

This category contains the largest standard new customer offers you'll usually find. A bookie offering £100 in free bets often requires a larger qualifying deposit. They may also require sustained activity, such as making multiple qualifying bets.

£100 free bets can provide the best value if the qualifying conditions are straightforward, but they can also be the most complex. Always check the small print.

Specials (Event-driven or unique promotions)

This page is beneficial when a significant match or tournament is approaching, as bookies may want to push extra value to attract customers.

Specials sometimes include exclusive partner links and enhanced odds for a particular market. Read the details before you act

A Simple Explanation of How free bets actually work

A free bet is a bonus the bookmaker credits to your account after you meet specific criteria. Usually, the requirement is to make a qualifying deposit and stake. The core points to remember are:

• You usually must place a qualifying bet at minimum odds (e.g., 1/2 or 2.0, depending on the offer).
• The stake of most free bets is not returned with winnings. If a £10 free bet wins and returns £40, you usually keep the £30 profit (not the £10 stake).
• Free bets often expire after a short window (48 hours to 30 days — check T&Cs).
• Some offers have wagering or turnover requirements, though UK rules are tightening to limit excessive wagering.

Free bets are credited to your account as bonus funds. They're not a straight cash withdrawal until all conditions attached to them are cleared.

EXPERT INSIGHTS : Since the exact words are used in different ways, always read the promotion's small print before you accept a bookie's free bet.

Why you should compare free bets and how we help

Not all betting offers UK are equal. A "£30 free bet" could be better or worse than a "£50 free bet" depending on these conditions:

• Minimum stake and qualifying odds required.
• The number and size of wagering requirements.
• Whether winnings from the free bet are withdrawable, and how quickly.
• Exclusions (some markets or bet types excluded).
• Is the bookie a trusted UK-licensed bookmaker?

At FREEbets.org.uk, we help by grouping offers into handy pages (e.g., £10 free bets, £30 free bets) and showing which bookmakers are offering them. That way, you can compare top betting promotions side by side.

Can You Withdraw Free Bets?

Straight up, no. You can't pull out free bets as cash. They appear in your account as credits or vouchers, designed purely for placing more bets, not for direct withdrawal. It's like getting a shop coupon: you spend it there and keep what you win.

Take bet365's £30 free bets: Bet one on a 2.00 odds pick. If you win a £30 profit, it is yours to withdraw, but the stake itself remains in place. William Hill's £30 token works the same way. You can keep the profits but not the stake.

This setup encourages actual betting rather than quick cash grabs. The terms of free bets often label them "non-withdrawable," and you can see them in your balance section, separate from real money.

Avoid the mistake of cashing out too soon, as this could cancel the lot. Fully settle your initial bet first. UK regulations support this transparency, ensuring sites explain terms upfront without tricks.

Free bets vs Other betting bonuses

Free bets are a unique type of betting promotion offered by bookmakers as a reward for playing on their sites. Yet, not all bonuses or bookies' welcome offers are free bets. Here's a comparison of the common types:

Free bets vs matched deposit

Matched deposits require you to fund your account; free bets may be conditional on a minimum stake. Matched deposits can offer greater long-term play value but often come with higher play-through requirements.

Free bets vs extra odds (enhancements)

Enhanced odds offer higher returns on specific picks, but they often come with a single-use limitation. Useful for one-off big value plays.

Free bets vs cashback

Cashback returns a percentage of losses as cash or free bets. Cashback can be particularly beneficial for frequent bettors who anticipate some losses.

Free bets vs loyalty bonuses

Loyalty rewards are designed for ongoing players, offering better cash-out flexibility but with lower headline value.

When you compare new betting offers, think about how you plan to use the bonus. A £50 free bet with tight restrictions might be worse than a £20 free bet you can use freely across markets.

Here at FREEbets.org.uk we organise the offers to make these comparisons easier.

Rules and common pitfalls to withdrawing winnings from free bets

It's easy to get caught up in T&Cs. Here are the most common traps and how to avoid them:

• Minimum odds that invalidate your bet — many offers require qualifying bets at or above a stated minimum. Placing a lower odds wager will disqualify you.
• Play-through or wagering multiples — some free bets require you to stake bonus funds multiple times before withdrawing winnings. New UK guidance is capping excessive wagering, but some requirements remain. Always calculate if the expected value overrides the wagering cost.
• Expiry windows — if your free bet expires in 7 days, you must use it in time. Missing the window means you will lose the offer.
• Market or bet exclusions — some markets (e.g., cash out, in-play, specific prop bets) are excluded.
• Partial tokens — if the free bet is split into several smaller tokens, you may not be able to combine them on one large wager.
• Account restrictions — if a bookmaker restricts stakes or markets on your account, it must still honour promotions you've already started qualifying for. Still, restrictions can reduce the ability to place big qualifying bets. The Gambling Commission requires transparency on this.

EXPERT INSIGHT: Before you claim, decide how you'll use the free bet and run the numbers. The real value is in the odds and conditions, not the headline amount.

What the law asks of operators regarding Safety and Responsibility of Free Bets

The UK regulator (the Gambling Commission) expects operators to treat customers fairly, publish transparent terms, and avoid misleading claims about "free" offers. Key legal points:

1. Operators must display all relevant promotion terms upfront and make them accessible.
2. They are not allowed to vary promotion terms after a customer has signed up to the offer.
3. If an account is restricted after a player has started qualifying for a promotion, the operator must allow that player to complete the qualification process and receive their free bets.
4. Advertising standards require that "free" is not misleading — if customers must risk their own money to get a so-called free bet, that must be made clear.

These rules exist so customers can compare offers sensibly and be confident they understand what they are getting. FREEbets.org.uk uses these transparency requirements to summarise offers and point you at the full terms. 

Discovering New Bookies and New Betting Sites UK

New bookies keep the betting scene lively, introducing fresh approaches that appeal to UK punters looking for something different. These emerging sites often roll out generous incentives to build their user base. In some cases, users who join these platforms get boosted odds on niche markets or exclusive apps with quick payouts.

Consider Parimatch, a standout among new betting sites UK in 2025. Their "Bet £10 Get £20" promotion keeps it simple: you sign up, deposit, and place a £10 bet at odds of 2.00 or higher on football, then receive four £5 free bets. You have seven days to use them. Remember, you can't cash out your qualifying bet, or it'll void the deal. It's a simple way to dip your toe in without much commitment.

What draws people to new online bookmakers? They push harder to stand out from giants like William Hill or bet365. So, their sign-up offers on betting sites often pack more punch.

BetGoodwin, for instance, refunds 50% of your first-day losses up to £25 as a free bet. To qualify, make at least three £10 bets at evens or better, and it all settles by the end of the day. This acts like a cushion for those exploring a new platform, reducing the sting if your bet fails.

Lately, QuinnBet has caught attention with its UK and Irish splits: Brits get 50% back (up to £25) on losses, needing three bets at evens. On the other hand, Irish players earn a "Bet €10 Get €40" offer. The free bets last seven days and are flexible across various sports, including golf and darts.

Sportsbook promos from these newcomers often include bonuses like price boosts during key events. In the early 2025 Premier League rounds, we noticed new sports betting sites offering extras on goal scorers or halftime results. Bookies free bets in this space typically require a minimum deposit of £10, usually made using a debit card.

Once you have them, apply to popular events such as football matches or rugby internationals. Our advice? Start with low-stakes games to get a feel for the site's interface, and consider trying their live betting options. Although most sites process payouts within a day or two after ID checks, we include details on payout speed in our overviews.

A common drawback with new bookmakers is less polished support. While big players offer instant chat around the clock, startups might stick to emails or limited-hours live chat. On the flip side, you often get better odds or unique features, like integrated stats tools.

We present side-by-side comparisons, showing how a new UK bookmakers package stacks up against established favourites.

Take 10 Bet as an example: their 50% match on deposits up to £50 requires eight times wagering, but it's versatile for events from tennis to boxing. Grab these deals while they're fresh, as they may change based on feedback or regulations.

We've seen new sites like these grow quickly by listening to users and adding things like virtual sports or esports markets. If you're switching from an established bookie, check for any perks for account migration. Some even offer bonuses for bringing your history over.

Overall, exploring new betting sites UK offers can help you learn about their promotional offers.

Expert Tip: Look for sites with easy navigation. There's nothing worse than fumbling during a live game.

How new bookies use free bets and why that benefits you

New sports betting sites use free bet offers UK to grab attention. That works in your favour because these sites often provide more generous headline offers to build market share.

However, new betting sites UK may be less established, and their customer service or reliability can vary. So, balance headline value against the comfort of betting with a long-standing licensed operator. We list both new and established bookies to help you choose.

Practical example: Using a £30 new customer free bet

Here's a simple worked example to show how value plays out:

Offer: Bet £10, get £30 in free bets (stake not returned).

You place £10 on a selection at odds 3.0 (2/1). If it wins, you get £20 profit plus your stake back from the qualifying bet, not counting the free bet tokens.

You then receive the £30 free bet tokens. You use a £30 free bet at odds of 2.5. If it wins, your return will be £75, but you'll keep £45 (profit) because the stake doesn't return.

Net outcome depends on whether your qualifying bet won or lost and on the minimum odds required for qualifying bets. Be sure you're happy with the likely scenarios before you claim.

This kind of example, along with others, is shown on the relevant FREEbets.org.uk pages for each size of free bet, so you know what to expect.