Risk-free betting and online betting bonuses are great for giving your sports gambling bankroll a welcome boost. Online betting free bet offers can be claimed at all good UK-friendly sports betting sites. In 2024, the hardest job you'll have is finding a promotion that works for you.
From money back on losing bets when you join to regular VIP promotions, there's something for everyone. For a good sports betting bonus where you can earn real cash, just read our top reviews and choose a site. You can even claim a free bonus for online betting where no deposit is needed.
T&Cs Apply
New UK & Ireland customers only. £10. First deposit matched up to £30. 1x wagering at odds of 1.75 to unlock Free Bet. Credit Card, Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. Full Terms apply.
T&Cs Apply
New customers only – Minimum deposit of £10 using deposit code 30F - A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 placed on any sports market - Minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5) - Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days - Free bet stakes not included in returns - Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time. General deposit method & withdrawal restrictions apply & Full Terms apply.
T&Cs Apply
18+ only, new customers only, gamble responsibly. Full Terms apply.
T&Cs Apply
New online customers only, min £10 stake, win only, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 3x £10, 30 day expiry, free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. Full Terms apply.
T&Cs Apply
New customer offer. Place 5 x £10 or more bets to receive £20 in free bets. Repeat up to 5 times to receive maximum £100 bonus. Min odds 1/2 (1.5). Exchange bets excluded. Full Terms apply.
T&Cs Apply to All Bonuses. 18+ only. Gamble Responsibly.
Using the best free bets and the variety of promotions available at online bookies in the UK is a great way to bump up a bankroll and get a feel for sports betting online if you're not used to the way it works. Our experts have broken down Britain's most common free bet online betting offers for you below:
Free Bets
These often have a time limit and minimum wagers to meet. You'll need to find applicable bet types at the right odds (usually 1.40 or higher) and wager your full deposit amount (say, £10 or £30) to unlock the offer. You will also need to do so within the stated time frame, which could be a few weeks or days.
Bonuses
These often require a minimum wagering amount before you can withdraw any of your promotional winnings. Always check the amount in the Ts and Cs, as 5x your deposit is a lot easier to play through than 30x. You will also need to pay attention to which markets and betting options count towards the required play through.
When it comes to selecting a sports betting promotion, look out for offers that suit your preferred budget and schedule. Allow yourself enough time to play through the required amount, and don't trap yourself into betting more than you'd normally spend on real money wagers.
Make sure a free bet or online betting promotion is useful for the sports markets you prefer to bet on. It's easy to find offers linked to upcoming events and matches on any providers' offers page.
Pay attention to the odds and bet types an offer is applicable for. If you're a fan of tricast or forecast bets, you might find a free bet offer won't accept these as part of the play through requirements.
While most UK sites offering free bets for online betting are trustworthy, and will offer a quality gambling experience, be careful of accepting sports betting promotions from unknown sites you've not seen reviewed or recommended online. There are a few rogue operators out there who don't deliver on free bets or bonus offers, or who don't pay out on winnings or respond to bettors. We've detailed three of the worst offenders below:
BetOnline
A suspect licence has left scores of bettors frustrated by the site's poor record at delivering on promotions and winnings. Customer service generally leaves you in the cold, too.
12BET
After some bad business practices, this online bookmaker started to struggle making payments to users, and there were reports of long delays for collecting winnings. Steer well clear.
CarbonGaming
It only took a few bettors to report that the site had 'lost' all record of their bets and refused to pay out on their wins for the traffic to drop rapidly. Those still using the site do so at their own risk.
Internet gambling bonuses guarantee free real cash if you meet the stipulated wagering requirements. Normally, you will have to wager a certain amount in bets and winnings to win free money.
Yes. Many bookies give you free bets to play with if you wager an initial sum. Alternatively, some sites will give you a cash refund or risk-free bets if your first wager loses.
Yes. If you successfully clear your bonus, the money will be credited to your account in instalments. You are free to withdraw it to your bank or e-Wallet.
Yes. Mobile sign-up offers let you start off a new account the same way as a traditional desktop/online one.
Yes but not more than one welcome bonus. If you clear a best deposit bonus for online betting through the required amount of real money play, you can go on to claim further offers or join a VIP scheme.
Yes. Many gaming websites offer a free bonus for online betting that requires no deposit. You will be credited with several free bets to make as many wagers as you want. Any "winnings" must be wagered according to the terms in order to have them withdrawn.