Free bets are widely available on UK betting sites for new and existing customers.
At The Independent, our experts have done the hard work to find the best free bet offers on the market through our impartial, detailed analysis focusing on providing you with optimum value.
This in-depth research involves first-hand testing to assess everything from odds requirements to free bet key terms and conditions, ensuring our recommendations are reliable and up to date.
What Are Free Bets?
Free bets are promotions offered by betting sites that allow you to place a bet without risking your own money.
Free bets come with terms and conditions. Usually, you must deposit or stake a qualifying amount to receive a free bet, which can be used on selected sports and events.
UK betting sites may apply wagering requirements, meaning winnings must be played through a set number of times before you can withdraw, but this is more common on casino sites.
How Do Free Bets Work?
Free bets are simple to use. Betting sites attach either a box or toggle on the bet slip that users need only to tick or move to enable free bets on their wager.
If your bet wins, you keep the profit, but the free bet stake itself isn’t returned.
Some bookmakers may require you to use free bets in precise portions, such as £5 or £10, while others will allow you to bet with amounts of your choosing until you’ve used up your balance.
Free Bets UK Breakdown
Free bets come in two main forms: betting sign up offers for new customers and ongoing betting offers for existing bettors.
There are certain types of free bet offers that are commonly available on betting sites including:
- Matched free bets: Sometimes referred to as ‘bet and get’. Here users are required to bet a certain amount and wager on minimum odds set by the bookie to unlock the corresponding free bet. This is common for betting sign up offers.
- Matched deposits: Not as common on betting sites, but can still be prevalent. With this betting offer, bookmakers will match the value of your deposit in free bet credits. Usually the value of the deposit will be capped at a certain threshold.
- Moneyback: These betting offers provide a refund in either cash or free bets if your selection loses. Free bet offers are usually capped at a certain amount and bettors must meet the terms of the offer to qualify.
- Rewards: Free bet clubs are very popular on betting sites. Here, bettors place a series of qualifying wagers over a week or longer to unlock a free bet the following week.
- No deposit free bets: The holy grail for bettors and almost always reserved for existing customers. Betting sites reward loyalty with no deposit free bets that can be claimed to use on a variety of markets and sports.
- Enhanced odds: Bookies such as Parimatch and talkSPORT BET are known to boost the price of a market for high-profile football, boxing, UFC and other events for new customers that sign up and bet. Customers receive a portion of funds in cash for the value of their bet, while the rest is made up of free bets to use on the sportsbook.
Free Bets UK: How Our Experts Rate and Review
Before a bookmaker makes our list of free bet offers, they must meet key criteria to ensure a high-quality betting experience.
1. Licensing
Only sites with a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence are considered on our list of recommended operators.
It is non-negotiable. The UKGC ensures fair play and consumer protection, working alongside independent testing agencies like eCOGRA, whose rigorous standards all our recommended bookies have met.
If a bookmaker isn’t regulated, it’s not safe – anyone can verify a licence via the UKGC register.
2. Security
Security is a top priority when evaluating betting sites. Every bookmaker we recommend must implement high-quality security measures such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect customer data.
3. Reputation
Reputation also plays a role – established brands like Betfred, William Hill and Bet365 consistently rank highly with us, but we also highlight new, reputable operators such as BetMGM when their free bet offers meet our expectations.
With most bets now placed on phones and tablets, mobile betting functionality is essential.
Bookmakers with dedicated betting apps that mirror the desktop experience are given preference, and we also consider user app reviews from the Apple and Google Play stores.
5. Experience
The customer experience is equally crucial – we rigorously test bookmaker support channels, favouring those that provide fast, effective resolutions.
Ultimately, our rankings focus on the quality of the free bet offers – how rewarding, flexible and accessible they are to the average punter.
We also take into account matters including odds restrictions, timeframe to both unlock free bet offers and use your bonus funds, wagering requirements and what payment methods are available.
Operators that provide valuable betting sign up offers, competitive terms, and ongoing free bet promotions for returning customers get the highest ratings and we constantly review our top betting offers.
Today’s Free Bet Offers
Here are the latest betting sign up offers and free bets available for today’s major sporting events.
Tote: Bet £20 on the Champions League and get a £5 free bet
Tote are giving customers the chance to claim a £5 free bet builder bet on both Tuesday and Wednesday this week when they wager on the Champions League.
There’s no need to opt in to the promotion, just head to Tote’s football betting section and stake a minimum of £20 on a bet builder for a Champions League game. The bet builder must have a minimum of five legs and combined odds of 3/1 or greater.
Bettors can claim this offer once per day, meaning there’s a total of £10 in free bets up for grabs during the latest round of UCL games.
Any free bets earned will be credited to customers on Thursday and must be used on a bet builder within seven days.
Betfred: Money back on losing Champions League bet builders
Betfred are refunding losing bet builder bets on this week’s Champions League games with punters eligible to receive up to £10 in free bets if their wager doesn’t win.
Head to Betfred’s promotion page and opt in before putting together a bet builder on any Champions League game. Pre-built bet builders won’t be eligible for the offer and all wagers must have at least three selections and minimum combined odds of 3/1.
If your bet builder doesn’t win, Betred will isse a free bet refund up to a maximum of £10. Any free bets received can only be used on future bet builders.
JeffBet: Get £20 in free bets to wager on the Champions League
JeffBet punters have the chance to claim a £20 free bet to wager on this round of Champions League games with the firm’s latest deposit offer.
Bettors who deposit £50 or more into their account using the JeffBet promo code CHAMPIONS and then wager £50 on any sport will recieve the free bet token to use on Tuesday or Wednesday’s UCL league phase matches.
The free bet must be used at odds of 1/2 (1.5) and will expire if they aren’t used on this week’s Champions League games.
Unibet: US Bet Builder Refund
Unibet are offering customers that place bet builders on US sports £10 in free bets if their selection loses.
Bettors that place a minimum £1 bet builder on the NFL or NBA or MLB games with three selections or more and odds of evens or greater before selecting the Bet Builder Refund box on the bet slip.
If your selection loses, you’ll receive your stake back up to £10 in free bets within 24 hours of your qualifying wager settling. Free bets can be used across the sportsbook and are active for up to seven days.
Best Betting Sign Up Offers
We’ve looked at the betting sign up offers provided by many of the best betting sites to bring you our top two betting offers on the market for new customers.
|
Ranking |
Betting Site |
Betting Sign Up Offer |
Bonus Code |
|
1 |
Betfred |
Bet £10 Get £50 Free Bets |
BETFRED50 |
|
2 |
Ladbrokes |
Bet £5 Get £30 Free Bets |
N/A |
1
Betfred
Bet £10 Get £50 Free Bets UK
Offer rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Promo Code: BETFRED50
In our view, Betfred’s Bet £10, Get £50 is the standout betting sign up offer on the market. No other betting site can come close to matching its value for new customers, who can claim the betting sign up offer with minimal fuss.
New users simply need to enter the Betfred promo code BETFRED50 when signing up before depositing at least £10 with a debit card, and placing a £10 bet on any sports market at minimum odds of 1/1.
Once your qualifying bet settles, you’ll receive a massive £50 in free bets, split into three £10 free bets for any sport and two £10 accumulator bets, all of which are valid for seven days.
|
Betfred Betting Sign Offer Pros |
Betfred Betting Sign Offer Cons |
|
Best value welcome offer on the market |
Two free bet tokens can only be used on accumulators |
|
The five £10 tokens can be used on any sport |
Bet tokens have to be used within seven days |
|
Free bets credited to account within 10 hours of qualifying bet being settled |
Bets on Totepool or Virtual Sports are not eligible |
2
Ladbrokes
Bet £5 Get £30 Free Bets UK
Offer rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Promo Code: N/A
Ladbrokes are one of the standout betting sites on the market, and delivers argubaly the best value betting sign up offer online.
Customers on a smaller budget will love using Ladbrokes compared to other bookies given that new users only need to deposit £5 to claim the Ladbrokes sign up offer.
Ladbrokes is the best £5 deposit betting site on the market, allowing users to deposit and bet £5 to unlock £30 in free bets after signing up online.
The 1/2 odds threshold is one of the lowest available for welcome offers, while new users can bet on any sport on its vast sportsbook. So, there’s plenty of flexibility where to place your qualifying bet, which must be made within 14 days of signing up.
Once that qualifying bet settles, you’ll receive £30 in free bets paid out in 6 x £5 installments within 24 hours. There’s also flexibility regarding these free bets with 4 x £5 free bets available to use on any sport on Ladbrokes, while 2 x £5 free bets are reserved for football bet builders.
New users get seven days to use their free bets, which is standard across the industry. Beyond that, existing customers have plenty of promotions at hand.
But in terms of betting sign up offers, you’ll struggle to find better value from such a low deposit and qualifying bet, which is why we rate it as the second best betting offer on the market.
|
Ladbrokes Betting Sign Up Offer Pros |
Ladbrokes Betting Sign Up Offer Cons |
|
Low £5 deposit and bet threshold |
Not a huge amount of time to claim offer |
|
Qualifying odds 1/2 also lower than rivals |
Portion of free bet reserved for bet builders |
|
Flexbility regarding most of free bets |
Betting Offers: Top Free Bet Clubs This Week
Free bet offers are widely available on the best betting sites for existing customers that place regular bets online. Depending on your chosen betting site, these can be called rewards, loyalty bonuses or free bet clubs.
|
Ranking |
Betting Site |
Free Bet Offer |
Bonus Code |
|
1 |
Betway |
£10 Free Bets |
N/A |
|
2 |
Virgin Bet |
£5 Free Bets |
N/A |
1
Betway
Bet £25 Get £10 in Free Bets
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Available to: New and existing customers
Betway’s free bet club rewards customers that place regular accumulators with £10 in free bets.
Customers must opt-in on the promotion before staking £25 or more on trebles, accumulators or bet builders with at least three selections.
We like that the qualifying terms are straightforward, with a reasonable minimum odds requirement of 2/1 for bets, making it accessible for all punters.
Once qualifying wagers are settled, customers receive £10 in free bets paid in two £5 installments. Free bets are credited one at a time – one on Saturday and another on Monday.
|
Betway Free Bets Pros |
Betway Free Bets Cons |
|
Available every week with modest qualifying amount |
System bets such as Lucky 15s and Yankees are excluded |
|
Available to both new and existing customers |
Staggered release of £5 free bets may not suit everyone |
|
Bet builders count towards the qualifying stakes |
Esports bets are excluded from qualifying bets |
2
Virgin Bet
Bet £20 Get £5 Free Bets
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Available to: New and existing customers
Virgin Bet rewards club is straightforward to use and is available on a weekly. Customers that place four qualifying acca bets worth £5 are rewarded with a £5 free bet to use on an acca bet.
Users only need to opt-in on the promotion before placing four £5 accas with odds of 2/1 or greater between Monday to Sunday.
After the qualifying bets have settled, customers will receive a £5 free acca bet to use across the Virgin Bet sportsbook.
The minimum odds to use your free bet are 1/100, so you’re spoiled for choice and there are no restrictions where you can use your bonus.
Better yet, bettors have seven day to use their free bets.
|
Virgin Bet Free Bets Pros |
Virgin Bet Free Bets Cons |
|
Available on all sports |
Lower free bet amount than rivals |
|
Lower stake requirement than rivals |
Slightly higher odds requirement for qualifying bets |
|
Solid timeframe to use free bets |
Free Bet Offers: Best Moneyback Specials This Week
Moneyback specials are one of the most intriguing betting offers available for existing customers. It protects customers’ stakes if their selection loses and are most commonly found on leading football betting sites and horse racing betting sites.
|
Ranking |
Betting Site |
Free Bet Offer |
Bonus Code |
|
1 |
Bet365 |
Moneyback special £10 free bets |
N/A |
|
2 |
BoyleSports |
Free bet up to £20 if second to SP favourite |
N/A |
1
Bet365
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Available to: New and existing customers
Sports: Football, Horse Racing
Bet365 are relative newcomers to moneyback specials, but have expanded their free bet offers to include this feature for bets on a number of sports, including football and horse racing.
Bet365 moneyback specials are most common on football, and notably the Premier League where the game of the week will be covered with a moneyback special, although Champions League and Europa League midweek games have also featured with this betting offer.
To qualify, customers simply have to place a qualifying bet builder on the eligbile game.
What we love about the offer is the low odds threshold for qualifying bet builders, requiring odds of evens or greater. Bet365 also include their ‘Sub Play On’ promotion for bet builders giving your wager that extra chance to succeed.
Bettors can wager up to £10 and will receive their stake back in free bets back if their bet fails, while you must tick the ‘Money Back As Free Bets’ box on the bet slip to ensure you qualify for the betting offer.
Free bets are credited with 24 hours and bettors can use their credits anywhere on one of the best betting sites in the business.
Horse racing has also been added to the repotoire recently, with customers being able to claim their moneyback as free bets if their horse loses on eligible races.
|
Bet365 Free Bets Pros |
Bet365 Free Bets Cons |
|
Offer is regularly available |
Not widely available across all sports |
|
Low odds threshold for qualifying bet builders |
Offer is limited to £10 free bets |
|
Free bets can be used anywhere on sportsbook |
2
BoyleSports
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Available to: New and existing customers
Sports: Horse Racing
BoyleSports provides a this promotion for horse racing punters looking for an extra safety net on bets on the horses.
Bettors placing wagers on selected horse races will receive a refund on their stake up to £20 if their selection finishes runner-up to the Starting Price (SP) favourite.
Moneyback specials are available every day on BoyleSports and applies to both win and each-way singles. The free bet refund is credited within 24 hours and is valid for seven days.
However, bettors must bear in mind there are restrictions with this promotion. Ante-post, in-play and void bets are not eligible, and there must be at least five runners in the race you bet on.
|
BoyleSports Free Bets Pros |
BoyleSports Free Bets Cons |
|
Great maximum refund amount of £20 |
No free bet return if the race has fewer than five horses |
|
Available to both new and existing customers |
Ante-post, in-play and combined odds bets don’t qualify |
|
Each-way bets qualify for the promotion |
If there’s a dead heat for the win, you won’t get the refund |
Free Bet Offers: Top Bet and Get Offers This Week
Bet and get promos are extremely popular betting offers. These are regular promotions that are offered around major events, notably football matches.
|
Ranking |
Betting Site |
Bonus Code |
|
1 |
William Hill |
N/A |
|
2 |
NetBet |
N/A |
1
William Hill
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Available to: New and existing customers
Qualifying odds: Evens
William Hill are one of the relative newcomers to bet and get deals, but the veteran bookmaker has started to come to the fore with a range of impressive betting offers across its sportsbook.
We’ve spotted bet and get deals based on The Masters, PGA Championship, World Snooker Championship, tennis Grand Slams and football matches. It’s no slouch either on horse racing bet and get deals either.
Customers need to opt-in on the promotion before placing a qualifying wager, which in our experience requires bets at odds of evens or greater to claim their free bet.
|
William Hill Free Bets Pros |
William Hill Free Bets Cons |
| Regular offers on several sports |
Not as valuable as other betting sites |
|
Simple to claim free bet offers |
Requires opt-in for existing customers |
|
Low odds threshold |
2
NetBet
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Available to: New and existing customers
Qualifying odds: 2/1
We always find regular bet and get offers on NetBet for a wide range of sports and betting markets, particularly for acca bets and bet builders.
Free bet offers are offered on a regular basis, but more commonly around major events including football, horse racing and UFC events.
NetBet is the UFC’s official betting sponsor, so users can expect to see numerous bet and get deals for fight nights.
In our experience, the odds thresholds are extremely fair for acca bets and bet builders at around 2/1 for qualifying wagers, while it only requires three or more legs, much lower than many of its competitors.
Waiting for a qualifying wager to settle is usually the standard practice before receiving free bets, but NetBet have been known to credit free bets after the confirmation of qualifying wagers.
|
NetBet Free Bets Pros |
NetBet Free Bets Cons |
|
Available on a wide selection of sports |
Not as valuable as other bookmakers |
|
Low odds threshold and legs for acca bets |
NetBet app not as user friendly as others |
|
Known to payout on confirmation of qualifying bet |
Free Bet Offers: Casino Free Bets UK This Week
Casino free bets can be combined with betting sign up offers to offer both free bets and casino bonuses to use on a gambling site online.
|
Ranking |
Betting Site |
Free Bet Offer |
Bonus Code |
|
1 |
BetVictor |
Bet £20 Get £40 Bonuses |
N/A |
|
2 |
Coral |
Bet £10 Get £20 Free Bets + 50 Free Spins |
N/A |
1
BetVictor
Bet £20 Get £40 Bonuses
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Available to: New customers only
BetVictor uses its sportsbook expertise and combines it with a quality online casino product to offer one of the best casino free bet offers.
The betting offer is only available for new customers signing up for BetVictor. Users need to register, deposit £20 before placing a £20 bet on the sportsbook on any market with odds of evens or greater.
After your qualifying wager settles, you’ll receive £20 in free bets to use on the sportsbook and a £20 casino free bet paid out in two £10 installments to use on select slot games and BetVictor’s live casino.
Wagering requirements are attached to the casino free bets, meaning users have to playthrough 40x before funds can be withdrawn, but not the free bet portion. The diversity of the offer is perfect for bettors that want to sample everything BetVictor has to offer.
|
BetVictor Free Bets Pros |
BetVictor Free Bets Cons |
|
Good value free bet and casino bonus |
40x wagering requirement on casino free bets |
|
Easy to qualify for new customers |
Short timeframe to fulfil wagering requirements |
2
Coral
Bet £10 Get £20 Free Bets + 50 Free Spins
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Available to: New customers only
Coral, one of the most notable betting brand in the business, and combine their outstanding sportsbook with its impressive casino site to offer customers £20 in free bet and 50 free spins.
A number of operators combine their sportsbook and casino products with their welcome offer, but Coral delivers tremendous value on its sign up offer requiring only a £5 deposit and bet to unlock the full tranche of bonus funds.
There’s no Coral bonus code required to claim the bonus, new customers only need to click a link, deposit and bet £5 on any sports market on its sportsbook. The 1/2 odds threshold gives users plenty of freedom over which market to pick, and gives you a great chance to start with a winning bet along with your betting sign up offer funds.
Once your qualifying bet has settled, Coral will credit your account with £20 in free bets paid out in four £5 installments to use on the sportsbook as well as 50 free spins on the popular slot titles Big Bass Splash or Big Bass Vegas Double Down Deluxe.
Free spins are no wagering free spins, meaning that customers can withdraw these funds immediately from their account. There’s also ample time to use the free bets and free spins with a seven-day window.
|
Coral Free Bets Pros |
Coral Free Bets Cons |
|
No wagering requirements on free spins |
Free spins restricted to two slot games |
|
Low deposit and bet requirements |
|
|
Low odds threshold for qualifying bet |
Why Trust Us?
Chris Wilson is a betting content producer and sports reporter who has been working at The Independent since 2023.
He writes betting tips across a range of sporting events as well as reviewing dozens of betting sites and casino sites across the UK.
Chris has extensively tested and reviewed offers from established operators and new betting sites to find the best free bet offers for readers of The Independent.
Responsible gambling is always at the forefront of his research, ensuring customers have a fair and secure experience claiming and using betting offers online.
Gamble Responsibly
If you decide to engage with any of the online betting sites highlighted on this page, remember to gamble responsibly, even when using free bets and betting sign up offers.
When betting, always assume you’ll lose and therefore, only bet what you can afford to lose.
The same applies if you’re using new casino sites, slot sites, poker sites or any other form of gambling.
Make sure you use the responsible gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits and time outs. These can stop gambling from getting out of hand.
If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:
Free Bet Promo Codes and Welcome Bonuses
Free Bets FAQs
We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.









