Best free bets: best betting offers in the UK | June 2024
EVERYBODY loves a good free bet. As sports bettors, free bets are the holy grail of bonuses, providing us with a chance to boost our accounts and, hopefully, secure some winnings courtesy of the bookies.
With new betting offers appearing all of the time, it can be tricky to know which ones are worth claiming, and which are best avoided. In this guide to the best UK free bets and betting offers, I look at all of the major free bets available from our partners in 2024 and let you know which you should claim.
Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here
Best free bets and sign up offers from our betting partners
- Betfred
- bet365
- Vbet
- BoyleSports
- SBK
- Star Sports
- BetVictor
- BetMGM
- Ladbrokes
- 10bet
- Copybet
- Coral
- bwin
- Betway
- Betano
- Kwiff
- BetUK
- LiveScore Bet
- Planet Sport Bet
- AK Bets
- Fafabet
- Jeffbet
- Betgoodwin
- Betzone
- Luckster
- Parimatch
A closer look at 10 of my favourite platforms with free bets
We have narrowed down the best UK free bet promotions in this article to ten from the operators we work with
In this section, I am going to explore each of the promotions in detail, letting you know exactly why they were chosen.
As part of my reviewing process, I have checked everything from the range of sports betting markets to customer service.
I also considered the wagering requirements and terms and conditions of each bonus, as well as other bonuses you might want to claim on the site at a later date.
1. bet365
- Year established: 2000
- Free bet: Bet £10, get £30 in free bets
- Payment methods: 10+
- Mobile app: Yes/No
- Customer support: Live chat, phone number, email
Like most sports bettors, I am a huge fan of bet365 as it is one of the best betting sites in the world. The operator is one of the most established sportsbooks in the world and is renowned for its excellent selection of sports betting markets, market-beating odds, and innovative betting features.
Its cash-out features are second to none, and the range of promotions for existing customers is very strong compared to many competitors. If you are a new player, you can claim £30 in free bets with your first £10 bet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Fantastic betting features, including 2+ and acca boosts. | ❌ Customer support could be improved. |
| ✔️ One of the biggest sports betting catalogues in the UK. | ❌ Horse racing odds are not as strong as some competitors. |
| ✔️ Massive price boosts for football. |
2. BetVictor
- Year established: 2006 (online) 1946 (founded)
- Free bet: Bet £10, get £30
- Payment methods: 5
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, phone number, email
BetVictor is one of my favourite places for free bets. The site boasts a really user-friendly design, and it is often ahead of the pack in terms of sports betting options, offering competitive odds, a variety of betting markets and a good selection of bonuses.
Online bookie usually offers a generous offer which is bet £10, get £30 in free bets welcome offer. Most of the time, this welcome bonus is available for use on football matches, with players needing to place a qualifying money bet at odds of evens or above to qualify.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Excellent catalogue of sports betting options. | ❌ A small number of payment methods. |
| ✔️ Easy sign-up process. | ❌ Poor live-streaming options. |
| ✔️ Very competitive football odds. |
3. BetUK
- Year established: 2018
- Free bet: Bet £10, get £30
- Payment methods: 4
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, phone, email
If you’re a fan of football betting, BetUK is one of the best operators for free bets for football, particularly in the realm of the Premier League. I have always found the operator to be leagues ahead when it comes to football betting options, covering a wide range of leagues and providing some of the best odds on the market.
I also enjoy the site’s selection of bonuses and betting features. The welcome bonus provides players with £30 in free bets when they make a qualifying deposit and bet £10 on a selection at minimum odds of 4/5.
One of my favourite aspects of this bonus is that it is split into three £10 bets, each to be used on different markets. The first bet is for horse racing, the second is for a bet builder, and the third is for football. As always, I advise reading through the terms & conditions associated with the bonus funds to ensure you are eligible and that you understand the wagering requirements.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Variety of free bets rewarded as part of the welcome bonus. | ❌ The website can be a little difficult to navigate. |
| ✔️ Some of the best football odds on the market. | ❌ Limited payment methods. |
| ✔️ Good selection of bonuses. |
4. Parimatch
- Year established: 2020
- Free bet: Bet £10, get £30
- Payment methods: 4
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, email
Parimatch debuted in the UK market in 2020 and wasted no time establishing itself as a major player. Therefore, I have no doubt that the operator belongs at the top of the table of UK free bet promotions.
Parimatch offers an excellent selection of betting markets, a user-friendly interface on desktop and mobile, and some fantastic sports-betting promotions. The welcome bonus of ‘bet £10 get £30’ is one of the best on the market in terms of percentage returns and is an offer I would highly recommend claiming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ One of the best free bet welcome bonuses on the market. | ❌ Limited live-streaming. |
| ✔️ User-friendly website. | ❌ Strict terms & conditions. |
| ✔️ Brilliant mobile app. |
5. Unibet
- Year established: 1997
- Free bet: Up to £40 cash back.
- Payment methods: 10+
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, phone, email
Unibet is one of the most diverse sportsbooks available in the UK. I personally enjoy the site’s collection of novelty and entertainment-based markets, with the operator being head and shoulders above the competition in this area. Away from this, it also offers a comprehensive catalogue of sports to bet on, as well as a stacked casino section.
If you enjoy mobile betting, Unibet has an excellent mobile app that is one of the best on the market. The mobile website is also a joy to use and provides plenty of live-betting action for punters.
New customers at Unibet can claim up to £40 in money back and a £10 casino bonus when they bet £10 or more on selections of 2/5 or higher. This is great if you enjoy casino games, and would like to take a few slots for a spin, such as Big Bass Splash.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Brilliant mobile app. | ❌ Limited promotions for existing customers. |
| ✔️ Excellent selection of entertainment and novelty markets. | ❌ Price boosts are not as good as other bookies. |
| ✔️ Generous welcome bonus. |
6. Spreadex
- Year established: 1999
- Free bet: Bet £10, get £40 in bonuses
- Payment methods: 5
- Mobile app: Yes/No
- Customer support: Live chat, email
If you enjoy generous free bet offers, Spreadex is the one I recommend. The site specialises in both spread betting and fixed-odd betting, providing punters with a huge catalogue of sports markets to use your free bets on. Users can claim up to £40 in free bets when they bet £10. While the qualifying bet is bigger than most other offers online, the bonus is also bigger.
If you place a £10 sports bet at odds of 1/2 or greater, you will receive a £10 fixed odds bet, a £5 free total goals spread bet, and a £5 racing winning favourites spread bet. You'll get another round of those same bets, 24h later.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Excellent spread betting options. | ❌ Smaller number of sportsbook markets compared to other UK bookmakers. |
| ✔️ Competitive odds. | ❌ Limited promotions for existing customers. |
| ✔️ Generous welcome bonus. |
7. Ladbrokes
- Year established: 1999 (online) 1886 (founded)
- Free bet: Bet £5, get £20
- Payment methods: 10
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live-chat 24/7 (bot), phone, email
Ladbrokes often lead the way in terms of innovative features and bonuses. Features like Boost That Bet and 2UP are among my favourites as a football bettor, while the site’s price boosts, especially during big events, always grab my attention.
New players are able to settle in with £20 in free bets when they sign-up and stake £5 on sports. The bet needs to be at 1/2 or higher. Once the bet is placed, you will receive four £5 free bets instantly. If you do not use these within seven days, they will expire.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Easy to navigate website with a user-friendly interface. | ❌ Customer support could be improved. |
| ✔️ Good range of sports betting features and price boosts. | ❌ Odds not always as strong as some competitors. |
| ✔️ Over 50 sports to bet on. |
8. Betfred
- Year established: 2004 (online) 1967 (founded)
- Free bet: Bet £10, get £50
- Payment methods: 6
- Mobile app: Yes/No
- Customer support: Live chat, phone, email
As a new customer at Betfred, you can claim £50 in free bets when you bet £10 at the site.
The bonus can be claimed using the Betfred welcome bonus SUMMER50 and can be claimed by new customers signing up any day of the year except for Grand National Day. It is worth noting that only players making a debit card deposit can claim the offer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Excellent live-betting options. | ❌ Only debit card deposits can claim the welcome bonus. |
| ✔️ Brilliant horse racing markets. | ❌ Website navigation could be improved. |
| ✔️ Strong range of promotions and betting features for existing customers. |
9. Coral
- Year established: 2001 (online) 1926 (founded)
- Free bet: Bet £5, get £20
- Payment methods: 5
- Mobile app: Yes/No
- Customer support: Live chat, email
If you take a trip down any British high street, there is a strong chance you will bump into Coral - a betting staple in the UK.
It has a stand-out promotions section, with free-to-play promotions like Football Super Series instantly grabbing my attention. New customers can claim a £20 free bet when they stake £5 or more at odds of 1/2.
When you visit Coral online, you will be greeted by a plethora of sports betting options, with the operator covering everything from football to esports while also offering excellent casino and bingo options for punters who are looking for something different.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Excellent football betting markets. | ❌ No phone support is available. |
| ✔️ Brilliant mobile app. | ❌ Odds not as good as some competitors. |
| ✔️ Good cash-out options and features. |
10. Planet Sport Bet
- Year established: 2021
- Free bet: Bet £10, get £10
- Payment methods: 5
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Phone number, email, social media,
Planet Sport Bet burst onto the UK sports betting scene in 2021 and quickly cemented its place as a go-to free bets operator for thousands of sports fans.
If you are a new customer at Planet Sport Bet, you can get your hands on an excellent welcome bonus. New players can claim up to £25 free bet back if their first bet loses if they use the Planet Sport Bet promo code PSB50. The qualifying bet must be at odds of evens or higher.
As a new site, it should be no surprise that the operator has a stylish website design, which has also been optimised perfectly for mobile use. If you are a football or horse racing fan, Planet Sport Bet should be a priority.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Brilliant live-betting options. | ❌ Slightly high qualifying odds for the welcome bonus. |
| ✔️ In-depth tips and blog pages. | ❌ Customer service options could be improved. |
| ✔️ Excellent horse racing odds and markets. |
My pick for the best free offer in the UK
After weighing up all of the free bets, bet365’s bet £10, get £30 in free bets is my pick for the best free bet offer in the UK. As well as the sheer size of the bet being attractive, the conditions are generous, and bet365 has a huge range of betting markets for players to enjoy.
Meet our betting expert
I am an experienced sports betting journalist with over a decade's experience in the industry. In that time, I have worked with some of the UK’s most established bookmakers and casinos, learning everything there is to know about sports betting.
Throughout my career, I have covered a range of sports, including football, boxing, rugby, UFC, and darts. Football has always had my heart, though, and when I am not working, you will be able to find me on football terraces up and down the country.
In my reviews, I want to share my industry insights with readers and point them in the direction of the best offers, bookmakers, and bets.
Liam Hoofe
🔎 How I choose the best free bets
There are plenty of free bets available in the UK, so how do you know which ones are worth claiming? You would think that, given the fact they are free, all of them are worth claiming, but that is not always the case. In this section, I will break down the key factors to help you determine whether or not to claim a free bet.
📋 Value of the offer
Firstly, the value of the bet is important. All free bets are going to come with some terms & conditions, such as a minimum deposit requirement, so you will want to ensure the potential returns for you are worth the hoops you might have to jump through to claim them. In most cases, bookies will ensure that there is some value on offer, but it is also entirely possible to get a £1 free bet that comes loaded with terms & conditions and simply isn’t worth your time.
Wagering requirements/terms and conditions ✔️
So what terms and conditions should you be paying attention to? Wagering requirements are one of the first things I look for when deciding the credentials of a bet. A bet can be tempting, but if it comes with stupidly high wagering requirements that feel unachievable, then I will avoid it.
Minimum odds ✔️
Likewise, I would also check out the minimum odds of a free bet. While these are often okay, in some cases, your free bet may only be valid when placed on specific bets/odds, and this can be a nightmare. For example, some free bets may only allow you to bet on multiple bets with long odds on each selection. These are best avoided. Instead, look for free bets that have good minimum odds that actually have a chance of winning.
Bet settlement ✔️
Bet settlement is a vital aspect, ensuring clarity on when your qualifying bets will be finalized and winnings credited. A sportsbook may offer a risk-free bet, instead of free bets, meaning that you'll get bonus bets or bet credits if your wager loses.
Payment method exclusions ✔️
Keep an eye out for any payment method exclusions that might be in place, as some brands may enforce certain transaction method restrictions from qualifying for free bets. Most often bonuses aren't available with wallets like Skrill and Neteller and are only eligible with debit card deposits.
Minimum deposit ✔️
Additionally, consider the minimum deposit required to activate the free bet. Most operators have specific criteria regarding the initial deposit to unlock the offer. Take note of the customer offer eligibility, as certain promotions may be reserved for new members or specific demographics.
Other restrictions ✔️
It's also worth mentioning that sportsbook bonuses for newly registered individuals, come with an additional set of terms such as one welcome offer per user, household, and IP address, specific bet stake, bet types, and specific market (e.g. Premier League, Cheltenham Festival, etc.).
💱 Deposit/withdrawal options/times
There is no point in claiming a free bet if you are going to have issues getting the money out of your account. Payments are less of an issue, but withdrawal requests may still be a problem you might run into from time to time. I recommend just checking the eligible withdrawal methods before you claim a free bet, as well as the time it will take for the money to appear in your bank.
🕵️ Bookmaker reputation
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the bookmaker’s reputation. Safety and security are paramount when gambling online, and the first thing I do when I visit a new site is scroll to the bottom and check it is certified by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. It's worth mentioning that on April 27, 2023, the Betting and Gaming Council welcomed the Gambling White Paper, indicating their dedication to collaborating with the Government and Gambling Commission to enhance player protection.
After this, I check reviews to ensure the site has a good reputation, looking at everything from its payment methods to its customer service options. I have thoroughly researched and reviewed each of the bookmakers listed in this guide and would recommend claiming a free bet from any of them.
👨⚖️ Why you should trust my recommendations
I have worked in and around the gambling industry for years, but more importantly, I am an experienced sports bettor myself. I have tried just about every free bet offer in the UK, and know what to look for when it comes to a quality sports-betting experience.
My reviews are 100% unbiased, with no external influence from any of the bookmakers involved. I put my wealth of knowledge and experience to good use when reviewing these casinos, ensuring I examine every detail from the website’s usability to the small print in the terms & conditions.
As a sports bettor, I would never recommend any bookmaker or casino that I would never use myself.
All of my reviews are fact-checked by the gambling team here at The Sun, which comprises industry experts and insiders.
Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here
Understanding free bets and how they work
Free bets do exactly as they say on the tin: provide punters with a bet free of charge. Of course, there are restrictions in place, with bookies not allowing you to simply place the bet on anything you want. Customers will also only get the winnings from the free bet, and not just the betting amount. As much as I would love to put a £50 free bet on Man City to beat Burnley at home and then collect the stake and the winnings, that is not going to be the case.
Different types of free bets
Free bets are one of the most popular types of betting bonuses available, and they can come in all different shapes and sizes, you can easily calculate your winnings and wagering requirements with online bet calculators. If you are going to claim a free bet, chances are it will be one of the following types:
Free bets
Of course, the most common type is simply a standard free bet that is credited to your account. In many cases, as you will see with the promotions listed above, you will need to place a qualifying bet to get your hands on these. For example, with BetUK’s ‘Bet £10, get £30’ promotion, you must wager £10 before you receive £30 in free bets.
Money back as a free bet
Another popular type of free bet bonus is the ‘money back as a free bet’ bonus. In this instance, players will need to place a qualifying bet, and, if this bet loses, they will then receive their money back as a free bet, effectively providing them with a type of insurance.
Loyalty programs
Loyalty programs are another way bookies will reward customers with free bets. In these instances, punters will often need to wager a certain amount over a period of time to be rewarded. For example, you may need to wager £20 a week to receive a £5 bet at the end of the week.
🙋 Q&As about free bets offers
If you have any questions or concerns about claiming free bets, the following questions may hold the answers.
1. What's the difference between free bets and deposit bonuses?
Free bets are given to the player free of charge. In some cases, you may need to meet certain requirements or have unlocked the bet through previous bets. However, with deposit bonuses, you will need to place a direct qualifying bet to unlock the bonus amount.
2. How do I get a free bet?
Free bets are often featured as part of the sign-up process for new customers. The terms and conditions around each free bet will differ. In some cases, you may need to use a bonus code, while in others, they may be automatically credited to your account.
3. Can existing customers claim free bets?
Yes. Existing customers will be eligible for some free bets. If you are interested in free bets and other promotions, we have a dedicated guide available.
4. Can I withdraw a free bet?
No. Free bets can only be used to place a bet. Once the bet has been used, you will be able to withdraw any winnings, but you will need to work through the wagering requirements first.
5. Can a free bet expire?
Yes. In many cases, players will have specified time limits in which to use their free bet. It is also not uncommon for free bets to only be for specific events, so if you miss the event, your bet will expire.
6. Can I combine multiple free bets on a single wager?
No. Free bets can only be used in isolation and can not be combined with other bonuses.
7. Are there restrictions on the sports events or markets where I can use my free bets?
This depends on the promotion. In most cases, free bets will have some restrictions in place regarding the markets, payment exclusions, set markets, deposit methods (most of the time debit cards), specific bet stakes, and min. odds you can bet on.
8. Can I withdraw the winnings directly from my free bets?
It depends. In most cases, there will be wagering requirements and other terms & conditions that you will need to fulfil before you can withdraw any free bet winnings.
My personal opinion about free betting offers
Like most sports bettors, I love bet offers such as free bets. They are an excellent way of giving your account a boost and are a great way for brands to foster loyalty among their customers.
However, I can not stress enough how important it is to read the terms & conditions for bonuses. All of the ones recommended in this guide have reasonable T&Cs, but that is not always the case, and some free bets will be extremely difficult to claim and use.
All of the free bet offers I have reviewed in this guide proved to be excellent free bets. In most cases, these extend beyond their initial welcome bonuses too, with existing customers being rewarded for their loyalty.
For me, when I am identifying the best free bets, I look for the ones that have a consistent flow of promotions for me to take advantage of. This is an excellent situation for everybody involved, with my account balance being regularly boosted, and the bookies getting my loyalty in return.
Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here
About the author
Liam Hoofe
Liam is an experienced iGaming and sports betting journalist based in Cardiff. He has worked in the sports betting industry since 2017 and has provided content for some of the biggest casino and betting brands in the UK. He has also covered football and other sports for both regional and national newspapers.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk
