Best Free Bets & Betting Offers In the UK March 2023

Free bets are among some of the most popular and sought-after bonuses by bettors joining UK bookmakers. Check out our best free betting offers from our partner bookmakers below. 

Available as both a welcome bonus for new bettors and as existing promotions for long-standing members, free bets are the gold standard in bookmaker offers. But there’s a huge number of questions to consider when signing up and claiming the advertised free bets at an online bookmaker.

Why do betting sites give new customers free bets, how can free bets be used and what should bettors look out for when searching for the best free bet offers?

The Best Free Bet Offers 2023

 

 

Bookmaker	Free Bet Offer	Claim Free Bet Offer	Offer Terms
Bet365	Bet £10, get £50 In Free Bets	Claim Here	18+ | T&C’s Apply | BeGambleAware
William Hill	Bet £10, get £40 In Free Bets	Claim Here	18+ | T&C’s Apply | BeGambleAware
Paddy Power	Bet £10, get £40 In Free Bets	Claim Here	18+ | T&C’s Apply | BeGambleAware
Betfair	Bet £10, get £40 In Free Bets	Claim Here	18+ | T&C’s Apply | BeGambleAware
SBK	Bet £10, get £30 In Free Bets	Claim Here	18+ | T&C’s Apply | BeGambleAware
Kwiff	Bet £10, get £20 In Free Bets	Claim Here	18+ | T&C’s Apply | BeGambleAware
Grosvenor	Double The Odds	Claim Here	18+ | T&C’s Apply | BeGambleAware

How to use Betfair’s new customer offer this week

Betfair is one of the biggest Bookmakers out there, with a broad offering in their Sportsbook with various sports and markets covered, along with great new customer offers and rewards for existing customers. Once you have an account with Betfair, you can also use the Exchange, a different product from the Sportsbook, but it is a great option to have in your betting armoury. Here is how we plan to use their offer this week.

Selection	Stake	Odds & Returns
Liverpool vs Bournemouth – Mohamed Salah to score in the first 20 minutes	£10	£10 returns £65 at odds of 11/2
Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest – Harry Kane anytime assist	£10	£10 returns £23 at odds of 23/10 (free bet stake not returned)
Leicester vs Chelsea – Over 6.5 Away Corners	£10	£10 returns £20 at odds of 2/1 (free bet stake not returned)
Crystal Palace vs Man City – Joel Ward to be shown a card	£10	£10 returns £25 at odds of 5/2 (free bet stake not returned)

New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.

Why do Betting Sites give New Customers Free Bets?

The majority of betting sites in the UK offer welcome bonuses to entice new bettors through the digital doors of the online bookmaker. 

This isn’t done in an effort of genuine generosity, but rather as a marketing technique to compete with other bookies in the same space. The UK sports betting market is one of the most competitive in the world and in an industry that spends more than £1.5 billion on marketing, an edge in the space is a huge benefit. 

Bookmakers offer a range of different welcome bonuses and typically trial these out with a dynamic approach. However, one of the most popular new bettors offers that can be accessed by bettors is the free bet offer. 

These are offered in a number of different forms, ranging from simple free bets and acca insurance policies to enhanced odds options. Bookmakers do ultimately offer these promotions to entice players, but that doesn’t mean bettors can’t take advantage of the offers. Quite the opposite is true!

How Can I Use My Free Bets?

Free bets can typically be used however bettors would like with minimal restrictions on the sports, markets and events available. 

There is, however, a pair of terms that are typically enforced when bettors place a free bet: a minimum odds requirement and bet size requirement. The bulk of bookmakers requires bettors to place their free bets on a selection with minimum odds, typically rated at 1.5. Additionally, free bets are typically required to be used in full with any unused bet forfeited when the remainder is placed. 

Although free bets can be used in whichever way bettors please, there are a number of strategies that bettors use to make the most of the free bet offer. One of the most popular strategies used by bettors is to hedge their free bet with a real money wager.

This ensures that bettors will walk away a winner, regardless of whether or not their real money or free bet settles as a win. Bettors will typically use the free bet counterpart on the less-certain outcome decided upon.  

Where to use your free bets in 2023

2022 may have come to a close with the World Cup but fear not, 2023 is set to be a stunning year of sport, not least in football as the 2022/2023 season comes to a close and we find out who will be crowned champions of the Premier League, Champions League and all of Europe’s top divisions – plus which teams will be promoted and relegated in the EFL, plus more international action in the Nations League.

But you don’t have to limit your free bet plays to the football. In Racing,  the world famous Cheltenham Festival takes place in March and all of the usual action in both the jumps and the flats will occur at Ascot, Epsom and of course Aintree, where the Grand National takes place each year.

Bookending the year as always will be the World Darts Championship. The 2023 version of the event will draw to a close on January 3rd and the action will start again the following December at London’s Alexandra Palace. Of course, between those two there will be the usual big events to follow including the World Matchplay, the Premier League and Grand Prix.

And speaking of the Grand Prix, the 2023 Formula One World Championship will get underway in Bahrain on March 5th and culminate at Abu Dhabi in November, with Silverstone hosting the British GP on July 9th.

The first Grand Slam event of the year in Tennis will be the Australian Open in January, before the big summer events in France, the United Kingdom and the USA and we are all set for a huge festival of Rugby Union in the Autumn as France also plays host to the Rugby World Cup.

In Cricket, there will be an ODI World Cup to enjoy in India in October and November, while England have a jam-packed schedule over the summer as expected with a huge Ashes series with Manchester, Birmingham, London and Leeds hosting test matches.

How Squawka Reviews Free Bet Offers 

The size of a free bet offer isn’t everything and although it’s often nice to look at the bigger numbers, the small print can often let the bonuses down. 

The terms and conditions of the welcome offers are important and we always look for the best deals with the lowest wagering requirements. We also zoom out from the welcome offer and look at the big picture. There is a huge amount of different bits and pieces that go into making a competitive welcome offer from a competent sportsbook. 

We ensure that we cover all bases, looking not just at the shiny banners, but the reputation and customer experience of the bookmaker. The reputation of a betting site is one of the most important factors to consider with the overall safety and experience of the brand weighing heavily on our criteria. 

Similarly, the additional features offered by a sports betting site are vital to consider. Bettors can find a huge number of great betting features when they look in the right direction. With live streaming and in-play betting options to enhanced odds and bet builders, looking at the bigger picture offers the best possible betting experience. 

What to Look out for When Choosing a Free Bet Offer 2023?

Taking a welcome offer at face value, there are a number of details that a bettor should keep an eye out for when searching for the best promotions. 

The first area to consider is the minimum deposit value compared to the size of the free bet offer available at a bookmaker. This is the golden ratio when searching for high-quality free bet bonuses and highlights just how good of an offer any given promotion really is. For example, a minimum deposit of £20 for a £5 bonus is much less impressive than a minimum £10 deposit to claim a £10 free bet. 

Next up, bettors should check out the wagering requirements on the free bet available. A low wagering requirement is one of the key indicators that a bonus is of good quality and increases the likelihood that a bettor will be able to withdraw a percentage of the free bonus funds following successful sports bets. 

Finally, bettors should look at the exclusions of the free bets available in the promotion. A good free sports bet is one that can be used in a variety of different markets and offers good flexibility. Once a bettor is pleased with the welcome offer, they are then ready to complete the sign-up process which typically looks a little something like: 

• Click the welcome offer link to visit the landing page 
• Choose the “Join Now” button to open the onboarding form 
• Enter personal details to quickly open and verify an account 
• Upload additional verification documents (if necessary)
• Place the first deposit, the first sports bet and claim the free bet offer

Once complete, bettors will be able to use their free bet however they see fit. 

Naturally, the free bet welcome offers are only the first piece of the puzzle as to what makes a competent and competitive bookmaker. There is a whole host of different things to consider when choosing the best overall bookmaker, most of which should be catered to the individual. 

All UK bookmakers offer different strengths with these strengths best suited to different bettors. For example, a football betting fan may be spoiled for choice for bookmakers with 888Sport and Bet365 all offering great football tools. However, Formula 1 fans will struggle to get the most out of sports betting on any bookmaker outside of Sky Bet. 

In addition to the available markets, the features and ongoing promotions available at any given UK bookmaker should be considered. Key features such as live streaming, in-play betting, bet builders and more can be found at different online bookmakers. It’s all about finding and combining the best ingredients to build the best possible experience for individual bettors. 

Event Specific Free Bets & Sign Up Betting Offers

Looking for some Free Bets on the latest big sports events? Well, many bookmakers tend to produce event-specific free bets or sign-up offers around the biggest and best fixtures and tournaments across the world, allowing you to get the best possible value on your bet – be that on the Cheltenham Festival or the Champions League Final.

These event-specific offers can take many different forms. For example, the standard sign-up offers that you see that allow punters to earn a certain amount of free bets after making their first deposit of a minimum amount may be enhanced around the time of a large event. Perhaps a Bet £10, get £20 offer may become a Bet £10, get £30 offer for the World Cup, for instance.

Some brands will change their offer completely for a large tournament or event. For example, a bookmaker may change their free bets offer to allow you to get a free bet for each day of the Cheltenham Festival, or a free bet on each of England’s games at a major international tournament.

The most common kind of event-specific sign-up offer though is a price boost that will give huge odds on a team to win, such as 50/1 when the normal on-site price is 7/10. These are usually paid out in free bets and will always have a maximum bet, but they still provide a terrific opportunity to get your hands on a raft of free bets to get your account up and running with.

Free Bet Terms and Conditions Explained

The terms and the conditions hold the answers to almost all of our questions when looking at a free bet.

Packed with legal jargon, the terms and conditions aren’t always the easiest to understand. To better get to grips with exactly what kind of free bet you’re looking at, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with exactly what the language in the T&Cs is trying to tell us. 

Refer back to the following terms and their definitions if you ever find yourself stuck in the small print. 

Bonus code

A bonus code, also often known as a promo code, is the name given to the word, phrase or number required to enter to claim a promotion. 

Not all promotions require a bonus code to claim the offer and if there’s no mention of one in the terms and conditions, chances are that one isn’t needed. However, if there’s a small portion of text informing of the bonus code, it’s important not to forget it when claiming the offer. 

Bonus codes can be entered either on account creation or on deposit. A free-text box labelled “bonus code” or “promo code” is your clue that it’s time to enter that “FREEBONUS10” (or similar) code to claim the offer.

Value of free bets

Although free bets cannot be exchanged for cash in any circumstance, the value of the free bets gives bettors a figure of exactly how much these would be worth as a cash equivalent. 

The value of the free bets can be used much in the same way as the cash equivalent, although the stake will not be returned when placing a wager.

Where the free bet can be used (sportsbook/casino etc)

The majority of betting sites in the UK offer multiple betting types often including, but not limited to, sports betting, casino, live casino and poker.

When issued with a free bet by a betting site, the terms and conditions of the offer often limit exactly where the bonus funds can be used. The bulk of free bets will be able to be used in the sports betting markets. 

However, it is not uncommon for betting sites to offer a free bet in a different area of the online betting business. An example of this would be a promotion in which new bettors are awarded 10 free casino spins as part of the sports betting welcome offer. 

Qualifying terms

Free bets are rarely simply handed out to bettors at bookmakers – there is often a small amount of qualifying criteria that must be met before a free bet is awarded. 

The qualifying terms come in a variety of different forms ranging from the minimum deposit and requirement payment method to the minimum odds and wagering requirements enforced. 

Minimum deposit amount & payment methods that are valid for the free bet bonus

When claiming a free bet bonus, bettors are often required to deposit a minimum amount to trigger the first of the qualifying criteria. 

The minimal deposit required will often be around the £5 to £10 mark and must be met in order to claim the free bet bonus. How bettors add funds to their account is just as important as the amount deposited and bookmakers often have restrictions on which banking methods can be used. 

UK bookmakers will usually require initial deposits to be made by debit card or bank transfer and prohibit PayPal, Skrill, Neteller and others when claiming a welcome offer. Additional payment information will be verified in the terms and conditions of each welcome offer. 

Minimum qualifying odds to place or unlock the free bet

The minimum qualifying odds required to unlock the free bet is the section of the terms and conditions that catches the majority of people out. 

When placing the initial qualifying sports bet, bookmakers will often include a minimum odds value that bettors must match to unlock the free bet. Typically, this value is around a minimum of 1.5, meaning that the initial wager must be on odds of at least 1.5. If bettors fail to match these qualifying odds, they could compromise the entire welcome offer.

Additionally, a minimum odds requirement is often required on the free bet issued to bettors. A minimum odds value of 1.5 is usually the threshold and requires bettors to place their free sports bet in full with the minimum odds of 1.5. 

Wagering requirements

The wagering requirement, given as a multiple, informs how many times the deposit and/or bonus funds must be wagered before a withdrawal can be made.

For example, if a £10 free bet bonus comes with a 2x wagering requirement, the bonus must be wagered in full twice. This means that a total of £20 should be used and cycled as sports bets before any of the bonus funds can be withdrawn from the cashier.

The wagering requirements of free bet bonuses are typically low, between 0x and 5x the bonus funds. These are particularly low when considering the value of casino bonuses which are often between 30x and 40x the bonus funds. 

The period for the free bet bonus 

The free bet bonuses don’t last forever and a time limit is enforced on the welcome offers, restricting the amount of time that free bets can be used.

Free bet bonuses are usually valid from 7 – 30 days and must be used within this time to avoid forfeiting the welcome bonus in full. Bettors should ensure that their free bet funds are used in their entirety before this deadline approaches. 

Geographical restrictions

The geographical restrictions enforced on free bets are some of the biggest restrictions enforced on a free bet. 

The rules and regulations in online betting are notorious for wildly varying depending on geographical location. Depending on the country, or even the state, of access, the rules surrounding online gaming can vary dramatically. 

It’s for this reason that the free bet offers are typically country-specific with bettors from outside of the region unable to claim the offer. Further details surrounding the geographical restrictions can be found in the terms and conditions of the sportsbook of choice. 

What Types of Free Bet Offers Are There?

There are a range of different free bet welcome offers that bettors may find when looking to claim a free bet from a UK bookmaker.

From no deposit free bets and free bet insurance to free bet bundles and matched bet free bets, below we highlight all of the main free welcome bet offers available at the best UK bookmakers.

No deposit free bets

A no deposit free bet is one of the rarest welcome offers available in the UK, transferring all of the risk away from the bettor. 

As the name suggests, to qualify for this free bet welcome offer, bettors are not required to make a deposit with the bookmaker. Instead, an account can be quickly created and a free bet received. 

Due to the nature of these free bet bonuses, the terms and conditions of these promotions are often strict with minimal chance to win large sums. 

Free bet insurance

The offer of free bet insurance is not quite the same as a free bet, but gives bettors the chance to claim a free insurance policy on bets placed. 

This type of betting insurance is often used when bettors create accumulators (also commonly referred to as acca’s). Acca insurance allows bettors to receive a payout if one leg of their accumulator lets them down. 

These are particularly popular in football betting and allow for bettors to receive compensation when close to potential large payouts. 

Enhanced odds free bets

An enhanced odds free bet is one of the most common free bet welcome offers available in the UK, often launched during popular events.

Enhanced odds give bettors the chance to wager on an event with highly inflated odds. For example, if Anthony Joshua is the clear favourite to win on fight night, a bookmaker may offer an enhanced odds bonus with the odds of winning at 20/1.

These free bet enhanced odds are almost too good for bettors to pass up on, leading to countless new member sign-ups at bookmakers. 

Free bet bundles

A free bet bundle is a free bet offer that can be repeated multiple times to create a larger bet offer. 

A great example of this is a recent promotion from Betfair. The welcome offer gives a free bet bundle worth up to £100 by offering bettors the chance to claim a £20 free bet when they place £50 worth of bets. The bet offers can be repeated as many as 5 times, translating to a total of £100 available in free bets.

Free bet bundles can be found in a number of different configurations with different sized free bets available in a bundle. The free bet bundles are typically only available to new bettors creating their account with a bookmaker for the first time. 

Matched deposit/bet free bets

By far the most popular form of free bet offered as a welcome bonus in the UK is the matched deposit free bet. 

This form of free bet is issued following either an initial qualifying deposit or an initial qualifying bet at a bookmaker. Bettors should expect their free bet to be issued immediately following the settlement of their initial qualifying deposit/bet. 

Bettors should be mindful of the terms and conditions associated with the matched deposit/bet free bets as these often include qualifying terms including the minimum deposit/bet value and minimum odds requirements. 

What are ‘Bet & Get’ Offers?

Bet & Get offers are some of the most popular free bet offers available at UK sportsbooks and follow a simple pattern of qualifying and reward. 

To qualify for the bet & get offers, bettors are simply required to place a sports bet to receive a free bet from their welcome offer. These types of welcome offers do typically require bettors to satisfy some qualifying criteria when making these initial sports bets with a minimum amount and minimum odds required. 

Once the qualifying bet has been placed, bettors will either receive their free bet immediately or immediately following the settlement of the wager. 

How do I Withdraw my Winnings when I’ve used my Free Bets?

Withdrawing winnings from free bets can be a little confusing, depending on the chosen bookmaker. 

Ultimately, the ease of withdrawal depends entirely on the wagering requirements enforced on the free bet bonuses. For the majority of free bet offers, the stake value of the free bet will not be returned in any winnings. 

The best free bet bonuses come with absolutely no wagering requirements and winnings can be withdrawn once the free bets have been used. These can be found in UK bookmakers, but bettors should note that the free bet value cannot be withdrawn without original wagering. 

Free bet bonuses that do come with a wagering requirement will often be expressed in the form of a multiple. The wagering requirements on free bets are usually low, between 1x and 5x the bonus value and denotes the number of times the free bet value must be “cycled” through the bookmaker. For example, for a £5 free bet with a 2x wagering requirement, bettors are required to cycle the winnings from the £5 free bet until the total amount wagered equals £10 before withdrawing. 

Free Bets for Existing Customers 

Free bets aren’t just for fresh bettors looking to sign up with a new bookmaker, existing bettors are also able to benefit from free bets from select sports betting sites.

The free bet promotions available from different betting sites can range from simple free bets and acca insurance to enhanced odds free bets. 

Free Bets

A simple free bet is one of the top offers available for existing bettors that are already signed up to a sportsbook. 

A free bet is exactly what it says on the tin, a bet that existing customers are awarded and do not have to fund themselves. The way in which bettors can receive a free bet differs between sports betting sites, with various qualifying options available. 

One of the most common ways in which bookmakers award free bets is by adding a minimum weekly wagered amount. For example, if a bettor is to wager a minimum of £50 within a 7 day period (Mon-Sun), they may be awarded a £10 free bet to use on any sports market. 

Acca Insurance

Accumulator insurance, also known as acca insurance, is another key feature offered to existing bettors by sports betting sites.

Acca insurance is commonly used by football fans when creating an accumulator and offers a safety buffer against the outcome of each selection. If all but one of the selections settles as a win, bettors are awarded free bets, bonus funds or cash as consolation. 

For example, if a bettor places an accumulator with selections and only one settles as a loss, the entire accumulator wager would traditionally be forfeited. With acca insurance, bettors are able to receive consolation for the single selection let-down. 

Enhanced Odds

Although this form of free bet promotion is typically reserved for new customer offers, the occasional free bet enchanted odds promotion can be claimed by bettors. 

The enhanced odds offers for new bettors are typically offered on a smaller scale than the new customer offers, but allow for bettors to claim a free bet to use on an event with enhanced odds. 

The enhanced odds available to bookmakers are focused on a wide breadth of events as opposed to just the largest events in the UK. This means that free bets can be awarded to bettors on upcoming football matches as well as the largest events such as the Cheltenham Festival or the Grand National. 

888Sport Up for 8

One of the most interesting free bet promotions available for existing players looking to claim free bets is the 888Sports Up for 8 promotion. 

The offer, available to all bettors at 888Sport, gives bettors the chance to win as much as £8,000 by predicting the win-draw-win result of 8 chosen football matches. Bettors that don’t manage to claim the grand prize and predict all 8 outcomes won’t leave empty-handed and a £1 free bet will be awarded for each correct prediction. 

The promotion is available weekly, although bettors will be required to meet a weekly wagering requirement of £25 (with the minimum odds of 1/2) to receive the free bets at 888Sport after their first 2 plays. 

Which Bookmakers have ‘Free Bet Clubs’

There is a range of free bet clubs available in the UK across a range of available bookmakers, each with its own unique selling points. 

A betting club holds a loose definition but can be thought of as exclusive benefits, often on an opt-in basis, granted to bettors that satisfy certain criteria. Free bets are typically the rewards in these bet clubs, although this is not the only benefit available. 

Some free bet clubs offer additional benefits including power-ups, free spins and additional exclusive benefits and are available to all bettors. 

Paddy Power

Paddy’s Rewards Club is one of the most popular free bets clubs in the UK with the famous tagline “Loyalty’s dead. Live for rewards.”.

Bettors that qualify for a reward by placing bets online or in-store are able to claim a free bet up to the value of £10. There are three main ways in which a bettor can qualify for the £10 free bet bonus: 

• Place 1 bet of £5 or more on Sports, Lotteries, Virtuals or a shop betting machine – rewarded with a Power-Up the following Monday
• Place 5 bets of £5 or more on Sports, Lotteries, Virtuals or a shop betting machine – rewarded with a £5 free bet the following Monday
• Place 5 bets of £10 or more on Sports, Lotteries, Virtuals or a shop betting machine – rewarded with a £10 free bet the following Monday

Paddy’s Reward Club can be used in conjunction with the welcome offer available.

Sky Bet

The Sky Bet Club gives bettors the chance to choose their own benefits – allowing customisation of the bookmaker rewards to suit individual players. 

The weekly rewards that can be selected include a £5 free bet, a £2.50 free bet +25 free spins, 50 free spins and a £6 in-play free bet. The qualifying criteria for each of these available bonuses are the same – to bet £25 during the Mon-Sun week. 

Bets can be made in any increments with all bet sizes counting towards the £25 minimum, although the minimum odds for each bet must be a minimum of 1/1 (2.0) to qualify. Any sports can be wagered on when looking to qualify for the weekly offer. 

Free Betting Offers FAQ’s

Have a question about the best free bet betting sites? Check out our frequently asked questions (FAQ) below where we try and answer the most popular questions about the betting sites offering free bonus bets. 

Are free bets actually free?

Although free bets do not cost the bettors any additional funds, the qualifying criteria that allow bettors to claim these free bets do often require an initial deposit/bet. 

For the bulk of available free bets, bettors are required to place a minimum initial sports bet with a minimum odds requirement. For example, a free bet may be gifted to a bettor when they sign-up, deposit and place a minimum sports bet of £10 on the odds of 1.5 or greater. The free bet will typically be issued regardless of the outcome of the initial bet.

Once a free bet has been issued, no further charge is incurred by a bettor. Instead, the free bet can be placed (often with a minimum odds requirement), and winnings returned (often with the stake omitted).  

Which betting sites offer free bets with no deposit?

It’s rare to find an online betting site that offers a free bet with no deposit as it’s the bookmaker that takes all of the risk. Occasionally, you’ll find an offer that doesn’t require a deposit and we will list those here when available.

How can I get free bets?

There are a handful of ways in which bettors are able to claim free bets from different sportsbooks in the UK. 

The first method is by claiming free bet welcome offers. These are the type of offers that typically follow the “deposit £10, receive a £10 free bet” structure. All new bettors signing up to a sportsbook for the first time are able to claim these free bets, although they are limited to one per player. 

The second method to claim free bets from a UK sportsbook is by viewing and claiming the ongoing promotions available at a site. Bookmakers such as Paddy Power, Unibet and SkyBet all offer a free bet club that gives existing players the chance to claim free bets after satisfying criteria. For example, free bets may be issued after bettors wager a set amount inside of a 7-day period. 

It’s this second method of claiming free bets that is the most sustainable way for bettors to claim a free bet from a betting site. With so few UK bookmakers offering a free bet welcome offer, it doesn’t take long to complete the list and claim all bonuses!

Which betting site has the best free bet offer for 2023?

Each of the UK betting sites that offer free bet promotions to their existing members typically focuses on different areas of sports betting or utilises different qualifying methods.

For example, where one bookmaker may offer a free £10 bet on football, another may offer the same value free bet on Formula 1. Naturally, the first promotion is best suited to football fans whereas the second is perfect for motorsport fanatics. 

Finding the best free bet offer is all about what each individual bettor is looking for in a sports betting site. A brief overview of the free bet clubs and the individual benefits can be found in the above article. 

Can I withdraw any winnings from my free bets?

The terms and conditions of each free bet welcome bonus will inform new bettors on exactly how winnings can be withdrawn from the sportsbook. 

As a general rule, when bettors receive a free bet at a sportsbook, they will find some restrictions enforced on how they are able to use this wager. For example, a £10 free bet may be required to be used in full with the minimum odds of 1.5. 

The free bet stake is typically not returned to the bettor with any winnings, although withdrawals can often be made on any returned funds. Wagering requirements on these winnings may apply, although these do tend to be low (1x to 5x). 

Which betting site offers the best odds?

Quite simply, it depends on the event and in some cases even the market you’re betting on. You can use our odds comparison matrix to discover the best odds on the bet you’re looking to place. Simply navigate to your chosen fixture, select the bet you want and the tool will show you what the best available odds are from the selected bookmakers.

While some bookmakers provide the best odds on English football, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will offer better value on continental games or on other sports such as horse racing and tennis.

How can I get free bets without a deposit in UK?

It’s rare that you can find bookmaker offers that don’t require you to make a deposit. In the majority of cases, you will be required to set up an account and deposit money into it in order to place a qualifying bet. Some casino brands may offer a no deposit bonus, but be sure to read the terms and conditions before you utilise any such offer.

What is Arbitrage betting?

Arbitrage betting allows punters to make profit by betting on conflicting markets when the odds allow for a profit either way. To take an extreme example, if one bookmaker has priced ‘both teams to score’ in a football match at odds of 11/10, and another bookmaker has priced ‘no on both teams to score’ at 11/10, then placing a bet on both of those markets with each bookmaker means that regardless of the score, your bet will be a winner and you will make profit as your winnings would cover the price of the other bet.

Be wary that these bets often require large stakes in order to make any money as the difference in odds is never likely to be too large. This is similar to ‘matched betting’, where punters use different sign-up bonuses to take advantage of ‘arbing’ opportunities.

What is Each way betting?

An each way bet means that you’re placing a bet on your chosen team, horse or competitor to win an event – but also to ‘place’ in one of the highest positions in the rankings. So for example, if you’ve backed Manchester City to win the Premier League each way and the bookmaker you have chosen is offering four places, this means that half of your total stake will go on Manchester City to win, and another half of it will go on Manchester City to finish within the top four places of the Premier League – which will obviously return less due to significantly shorter odds.

Be aware though that a £5 each way bet will actually require a £10 stake, as you will need to place £5 on both of the bets. Each way bets are generally more popular in horse-racing, where you can back an outsider to win or to place close to the winner depending on how many places the bookmaker is paying on the race.

How do fixed odds bets work?

Fixed odds mean that the odds on your bet will not fluctuate before the event starts. Often when there is an influx of bets on a particular market, the bookmaker will protect themselves from a huge loss by shortening the odds, but if you take a fixed price bet, then you will receive the odds as they were when you placed the bet.

It helps to know your own preferences when it comes to fractional, decimal and american odds and it’s important to check with your chosen bookmaker whether the odds they offer are fixed or could ‘drift’ and ‘shorten’ depending on the market.