What Are Free Bets?
What are free bets? Free bets are free betting tokens that can be used to place bets online. They can be used to cover bets in full or in part and are gifted by most UK betting sites. Each betting site will have its own take on a free bet offer, meaning no two offers are the same. This is why comparing your promotions and customer offer, options is always a good idea. Comparing options allows players to decide which is best from them. The idea is that these bonuses allow players to limit their risk. When placing bets on the markets that interest them, their money is protected.
Free bets remove some or all of the financial risk involved in gambling. This allows bettors to place bets while protecting their bankroll. Betting sites commonly use these deals to entice new customers onto their site and register an account. This is why most bonuses are available to newbies at the point of registration.
Betting sign up offers have been around since online betting became popular. But, they have gotten better! With so many UK betting sites now in operation, the bonus options available are extensive! Now, betting sites promote different types of free bets for all to enjoy!
Different Types of UK Free Bets
All bettors have different risk appetites and markets that they wish to bet on. This is why there are so many different kinds of free bets, and bookmakers want to offer something for everyone. Since free bets are the most common type of betting promotion, it's important to know what they are and how they work.
Below, we look at the most common betting promotions you'll find on UK betting sites:
| Free Bet Variations | |
|---|---|
| No deposit | No deposit free bets are bonuses that are just that; free! Players are not required to deposit or spend any of their own money. This unlocks a free bet which can be used to place a wager. No deposit free bets are the most in-demand of all betting deals, and it is easy to see what! |
| Matched deposit | Matched deposit bonuses, or 100% matched free bets uk as they are commonly called, are a type of free bet bonus. The amount of the bonus is equal to the punter's deposit. For example, a £100 matched deposit bonus would need a player to deposit and bet £100. Then, the £100 free bonus is added to their account. Matched deposit free bets meet players in the middle, giving them back what they have wagered in the form of betting bonuses. |
| Risk-free | Free bets are made to limit or even get rid of risk. But, in many cases, there are still risks associated with claiming free bets. When claiming a risk-free bet, players will be awarded free bets if they lose their initial bet. When placing the bet, players can feel safe knowing that if they lose, they will receive all or part of their stake back. Risk-free bets are often promoted to new players. But, it is not uncommon for these promos to be made available to existing customers. |
| Event | Free bets are regularly offered in the lead-up to high-profile, popular sporting events. This allows both players and betting operators to maximise on key sporting events. The majority of UK betting sites will promote Grand National, FA Cup Final, Wimbledon free bets and the like. Sport-specific: Although bonuses can be used on a wide range of sports, some can only be used on one market. These are most commonly football, horse racing, rugby and tennis. |
| Mobile | UK punters are now mainly using smartphones and tablets to place and monitor bets. In response, betting sites have adjusted their sports betting products and promotions to be compatible with all types of mobile devices. This has seen a spike in mobile deals being offered. In some cases, online betting sites will offer mobile free bets, encouraging players to bet on their mobile or download applications. |
| Loyalty | Whether you are new to betting or not, you will that many sports betting sites reward loyal players. Loyalty rewards are enhanced offers to players that bet with them regularly. Rewards Programs are how these loyalty bonuses are given out. Such programs make free bets, bonuses and other incentives available in exchange for regular activity from the bettor. Basically, the more money you bet, the more you will be rewarded. Loyalty bonuses are not only available on the most popular and established betting sites. In fact, new betting sites are leading the way when it comes to loyalty free bet promotions. |
| Bonus bundles | To stand out, many operators are giving players access to free bet bundles. These are essentially promotions that encompass numerous free bets in one deal. These are most commonly spread over 3-5 deposits. This gives players a way to bet for free not just once, but several times. |
| Acca | An Acca is a bet type where players can put various selections into one bet. Acca bets are commonly placed on football and horse racing events. Recently, they have been used across multiple other sports and alternative betting markets. With many predictions having to be correct, there are a lot of risks involved in this betting style. However, with risk comes reward and huge sums can be won when an acca bet is on the money. For this reason, acca bonuses are highly in demand across the UK sports betting community. In some cases, betting sites will combine acca free bet deals and acca insurance offers. This means players can place the bet for free. If one leg loses, the bet is still successful and will be paid out. |
| In-play | As online betting technology has matured, so have the offers being promoted by betting sites. This can be seen in the new wave of in-play free bets being promoted. In short, these are free bonuses that can be placed on live events. |
| Refer a friend | Bookmakers will go to great lengths to encourage new players to register with them over rival sites. One way is through Refer a Friend deals. This is a promotion where a bookmaker will offer an existing player free bets for them recommending the site to a friend. This can be actioned by sending an email/text with a link. Once the 'friend' has signed up and made a deposit, the initial player will receive free bonuses as a way of thanks. |
Advantages of Free Bet Offers
There are many advantages to claiming and making use of betting bonuses. Not only do they help you reduce your spending on gambling, but they give players confidence when placing big odds selections, seeing players place bets that they may not usually place.
- Try before you buy: The most advantageous quality of free bets is their ability to save you money, effectively giving you the chance to try before you buy when joining a new betting site.
- Explore different betting tactics: Bettors bet differently when using someone else’s money, taking more risks that could potentially pay off and result in that life-changing win. For instance, if a free bet offer allows you to place an acca for free, you may well place a multiple bet where you would usually find them too risky.
- Bet with different operators: By claiming free bets from different bookmakers, players naturally spread their gambling time over various platforms, getting a taste for what each site offers. This in turn allows them to find the betting operator that best suits their betting requirements and bankroll.
Disadvantages of Free Bets
Where there are evident advantages to claiming online free bets, like anything, there are some negatives that you will need to be aware of and consider. Below are a few:
- Withdrawing free bets: In many cases, the free bet cannot be withdrawn. For instance, if you receive a £10 free bet from a bookmaker, you can withdraw the money you win from betting with it, but not the £10 itself. This is a common misunderstanding, as most players think that the free bet can be withdrawn and put into their bank account.
- Qualifying criteria: All free bet bonuses will come with qualifying criteria/conditions, some of which can be difficult to meet. These can be with regards to age, location and much more.
- Free bet limitations: Free bets are usually not a free-for-all, so there are many rules and limits that need to be thought about. Free bets can quickly become limited, either because of restrictions on the market, what kinds of bets can be made, or when they have to be used.
What to Look for When Claiming Betting Offers
There are many things to think about when claiming betting promotions. With all types of features and restrictions, it can be hard to separate the good free bets from the great ones. Below, we look at the most important features, covering the factors you need to look out for when comparing promotions that are paid out in free bets:
| Free Bet Features | |
|---|---|
| Bonus amount | The value of the bonus is important, with the larger the sum, the more a player can bet for free. But it's important to keep in mind that promotions with bigger free bet amounts can require bigger deposits. |
| Deposit requirements | The lower the deposit requirement, the better. This is because the less you as a player have to spend, the lower the risk you face of losing money. |
| Wagering requirements | A free bet wagering requirement refers to the number of times a punter must "play through" their bonus. Only then they can withdraw their winnings. The lower this requirement, the better the bonus. Different betting offers will have different requirements for how many times you have to bet. |
| Market coverage | If you have a particular market that you want to bet on, you must check it is covered. In more cases than not, there will be market restrictions. The more markets covered, the better. |
| Bet types covered | Bonuses that cover a variety of bet types are worth looking into. This is due to the fact that they give you the option to place a single, multiple, each-way or acca bet. By having the option to bet the way you want, you are not swayed from your usual style of betting. This helps you to remain in control and focus on the fun. |
| Speed | Only the best free bets are issued quickly. In most cases, bonuses are issued instantly into a player’s account. All offers worth considering will be issued within 24 hours. This policy around issuing times will be featured in the deal’s terms and conditions. |
| Expiry dates | All betting promotions will have an expiry date. In our opinion, the longer the date the free bets are valid for, the better. This is because you do not want to feel rushed to spend your bonus money and end up making the wrong selection. |
| Reputation | Unless a bonus is being offered by a reputable betting site, it is not worth claiming. To validate a betting site’s trustworthiness, you should first ensure that it holds a relevant UK gambling licence. UK gambling licences are issued by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. Any betting site with a licence will feature the UKGC logo on its homepage. |
Free Bets: Terms and Conditions Explained
The terms and conditions of bonuses have a lot to do with how helpful and rewarding they are. Each betting offer has its own terms and conditions, so no two offers are exactly the same.The most important elements to review when reading through the terms and conditions of are:
- Age restrictions: In the UK, nobody can legally gamble online unless they are at least 18 years old. This is why betting sites will only offer bonuses to players that can prove their age.
- Location restrictions: Because each country has its own laws about gambling, free bet bonuses are often only good in certain places. For instance, new player free bets may well be available to UK players only. Please note that betting sites will use geo technology to verify where a player is visiting a betting site from.
- Deposit requirements: Most bonus bets will require you to put money into your account first. Players will need to make an initial deposit and place a bet with their own money before accessing funds. The deposit requirements can range from £5 to £1000. It is always worth educating yourself on these terms.
- Minimum odds requirements: When looking at free bets, it is important to pay attention to the minimum odds section. This will stipulate at what odds you can spend your free bets. These minimum odds usually range between 1/2 (1.50) and Evens (2.00).
- Deposit methods: When you use a free bet promotion, betting sites often put limits on the ways you can make a deposit. These rules can be used for both the first deposit and the way winnings are taken out.
- Market restrictions: The terms and conditions will feature the betting markets that the bonus can be used on. Making yourself aware of these is advised if you have a sport in mind that you wish to place a bet on. For instance, if you are looking for horse racing offers or premier league bonuses, check the tc's and c's or the bookmaker’s offer.
- Bet type restrictions: Before claiming free bets, it’s important to understand what bet types can be placed. A full list of the eligible bet types will be made evident in the terms and conditions of the offer. Playthrough requirements: The playthrough number represents how many times you will need to put your free bet at risk.
- Cap on winnings: Nine times out of ten, a freebet promotion will state a cap on winnings in its terms and conditions. It is important that you check the terms and conditions of the offer to know whether or not the free bets are worth claiming.
- Expiration dates: Free bets come with expiry dates. Most free bets must be used within 7-30 days. Our advice would be to research all of the above before entering a free bet promotion.
The Best Betting Sites for Free Bet Offers
Although more than 90% of UK betting sites now offer free bets of some variety, there are a number of operators that go above and beyond when creating their betting deals. Below, we profile the top betting sites for free bet bonuses.
Ladbrokes
With roots dating back to 1886, Ladbrokes is a respected name in the world of gambling. As well as winning awards for its safe gambling resources and innovative betting products, Ladbrokes is a trusted supplier of online free bets, having masterfully curated its list of promos for its punters.
Ladbrokes provides its ever-growing community of players with various ways to boost their betting stakes, with free bets and bonus offers coming in thick and fast on the site’s ‘Promotions’ page. The first of many free bets made available is the new player free bet, which commonly switches between no deposit free bets and risk-free bets. Ladbrokes is also renowned for offering healthy free bets on high-profile events, with Grand National free bets, Premier League free bets, Six Nations free bets and many other enticing promotions featured on the site.
Bet365
Bet365 was founded in 2000 by Denise Coates, who remains the majority shareholder of the gambling business. The betting brand is headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent and is the frequent recipient of the Operator of the Year Award.
Licenced by the UK Gambling Commission, Bet365 is a legal online betting site with a heap of promotions to offer new and existing players alike. From odds boosts and football free bets to bonus reloads, Bet365 knows how to keep its players happy and engaged. In recent months, Bet365 has rolled out a number of event and sport-specific free bets, with tennis free bets and MLB free bets now readily available on the site. This is in addition to the enhanced odds deals on horse racing markets.
Therefore, if you are looking for Bet365 free bets, you won’t struggle to find them! Once signed up to Bet365, you can access free bets by selecting the ‘Extras’ tab. This is featured on the main menu.
32Red
32Red was established in 2002 and has since made a name for itself as a leading supplier of online sports betting products.
32Red free bets are commonly available through the 32Red website as well as the brand’s numerous mobile betting apps. This ever-growing catalogue of promotions comprises all types of free bets and betting promos. These include welcome bonuses, profit boosts on football bets as well as price boosts on horse racing selections.
What’s more, 32Red is a lively and fun betting site to place and monitor bets on, with its sense of community and unique collection of betting features only complementing the wonderful promotions to be had. When choosing 32Red as your bookmaker, you can utilise features such as in-play betting, live streaming and the quick bet slip, enjoying a seamless betting experience with each visit.
Unibet
With close to 5 million customers across the globe, Unibet is a betting force to be reckoned with, having been supplying betting and casino services in the UK since 1997.
As one of the first major online betting brands, Unibet has long been associated with high-value promotions, with Unibet free bets being available all year round. Although offering a vast selection of free bet variations, Unibet is arguably best known for its risk-free bets on sports, giving players 100% refunds on losses via these promotions. Unibet free bets commonly feature low rollover requirements too, meaning the free bets are high in value and are made up of favourable, easy-to-meet terms.
Betfair
Since launching in June 2000, Betfair has forged a great relationship with the bettors of the UK.
Covering both popular and niche sports betting markets, Betfair has become a betting site that every type of player can make use of. This is only enhanced by the Betfair free bets on offer. Taking an all-encompassing approach to its promotions list, Betfair offers a constant stream of new and exciting free bet promotions. These are in addition to the attractive new player free bets made available at the point of sign up.
Whether you are interested in popular sports such as football, rugby, boxing and horse racing or prefer betting markets such as esports, handball or even table tennis, Betfair will have a way for you to bet your way and protect your bankroll simultaneously.
10Bet
10Bet came online in 2003 and has grown significantly to assume a top position in the UK gambling industry.
10Bet is now an online betting operator famed for its competitive odds, quick payouts and wide range of betting promotions. The 10Bet sign up offer always comes in the shape of a free bonus, with free bets readily available to all new players. The value of the free bets on offer commonly exceeds £50, making 10Bet a great option for those that wish to make their deposits stretch further.
Worried 10Bet free bets are just for new players? Well don’t! If you do sign up to 10Bet, you will see lots of references to the ‘Ten Club’. This is a VIP club designed by 10Bet to give loyal players enhanced free bets and rewards.
William Hill
William Hill has been providing gambling services in the UK since 1934.
As one of the most famous UK betting sites, you would expect big free bets from William Hill - and you wouldn’t be wrong. Whether it be new player free bets or bonuses for established customers you are looking for, William Hill has the best free bets on the market!
With multiple betting features and markets galore, William Hill promotes a vast range of betting opportunities through the use of free bets. So, whether you are seeking cricket free bets, Grand National free bets, free football bets or virtual sports free bets, William Hill will be able to assist.
Grosvenor Sports
Grosvenor was established in 1970 and is affiliated with many responsible gambling organisations, making it a safe betting organisation that places the safety of its players as a priority.
Grosvenor Sports, the online sports betting arm of the brand, promotes more than 30 sports betting markets for players to enjoy. With a lengthy track record in the UK gambling industry, Grosvenor Sports enjoys a constant stream of new players registering with them. This is partly due to the free bets and tremendous bonus deals featured on the site. These include welcome free bets, football free bets as well as the brand’s famous ‘Double the Odds’ promotion.
Why Use Freebets.ltd.uk?
A quick Google search reveals that many websites list UK free bets. So, why use freebets.ltd.uk to source your gambling promotions?
Unlike many websites in our niche, we are a registered Limited Company that follows strict regulatory guidelines set out by UK lawmakers, including the UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission). The UKGC dictates the terms in which gambling businesses can operate, placing a particular focus on gambling and young people. By working with such organisations, we ensure that we can offer the most comprehensive inventory of betting offers from reputable UK operators.
As well as featuring the best free bet bonuses in the industry, we are borderline obsessed with responsible gambling, with freebets.ltd.uk boasting a devoted compliance team dedicated to vetting our partner betting sites, online casinos and poker operators. This means whether you are looking for the latest new player offers from established bookies or deals from new betting sites, you can rest assured that the brands listed on freebets.ltd.uk are licensed and regulated by the industry's regulatory bodies.
Having been operating in the free bet space for decades, our business comprises a seasoned team of gambling professionals with a shared passion for providing enhanced gambling experiences. The freebets.ltd.uk Responsible Gambling Policy complements our safe gambling measures, where we provide invaluable advice and information on safe gambling strategies. On the Responsible Gambling page, users can access information on support techniques, signs that they are forming a problematic relationship with gambling and contact details for charities committed to helping those affected by problem gambling. These include BeGambleAware, GamCare, Gambling Therapy and Gordon Moody.
Our users can also access useful content via our Blog section, including our guide to using free bets responsibly.