If you're looking to get a grip on how free bets work, then you're in the right place.
Below, you'll find a constantly updated list of the best free offers available from UK betting sites.
Any site that we recommend is fully licensed and regulated in the UK by the UK Gambling Commission.
Our guide will explain everything you need to know about free bets, including how to use them, how they work and how to maximise their value.
Free bets are promotional credits offered by online bookies and betting apps that let you place a bet without using your own money.
They are widely used as welcome bonuses or as ongoing promotions for existing customers.
When you place a free bet and it wins, you typically receive only the profit (the winnings), not the stake itself.
If it loses, you lose nothing from your own balance. This makes free bets a valuable way to explore betting opportunities with reduced risk.
Example: A bookmaker might offer 'Bet £10, get £30 in free bets'.
You place the initial £10 bet from your own funds. Once it settles, you receive £30 in free bet tokens to use on future bets.
If one of these free bets wins at 4/1 odds, you’ll receive £40 in profit - but not the £10 free stake.
Understanding the types of free bet promotions can help you choose and use the right offers.
These are the most common promotions: 'Bet X, Get Y'.
You place a qualifying bet with your own funds, and the bookmaker credits your account with one or more free bet tokens of equal or greater value.
With this offer, if your first bet loses, the bookmaker refunds your stake as a free bet credit.
You still use your own money for the initial bet, but the risk is reduced, as you get a second chance if it loses.
Deposit match bonuses give you free bet credit based on the amount you deposit.
For example, a bookmaker might offer a 100% match up to £50 - meaning if you deposit £50, you receive an additional £50 in free bet credit.
50% bonuses are also relatively common, so you'd get £25 in free bets if you deposited £50 in this case.
Claiming a free bet is generally straightforward, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to ensure you qualify.
Always read the terms and conditions before using a free bet. The following points are commonly included:
Understanding the terms ensures you don’t miss out on your bonus or make an ineligible bet.
Here are some expert tips to make the most of your free bets:
Free bets can offer a chance to take a punt at higher odds, as you aren't risking your own money with the bet.
So, if you have a long-odds fancy, free bets provide you with an ideal time to strike.
Set a reminder to use your free bets in time. It’s easy to forget about them if you don’t bet regularly - and once they expire, they’re gone.
Using your free bets on familiar sports improves your chances of making informed decisions and turning the free credits into actual profit.
Most of the time, yes - free bets provide a cost-effective way to try out a new bookmaker or betting strategy.
While they’re not a guaranteed way to profit, they reduce your exposure to risk and can deliver real value when used smartly.
The key is to understand the terms, use the free bets strategically, and treat them as a bonus rather than a sure win.
With responsible betting practices, free bet offers can enhance your experience and even lead to meaningful returns - without dippingtoo far into your own funds.
Be sure to explore the offers listed at the top of this page. They represent the best free bet promotions currently available to UK bettors - giving you multiple ways to enjoy bonus bets.
The betting landscape is constantly changing and it's up to our experts to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
We review all of our betting sites at least once a month, often more regularly if there are new updates to popular sites.
This includes finding the latest free bets and promotions on offer to both new and existing customers.
Recently, we've updated our Coral review, and we were impressed with the range of free bets, prediction games and odds boosts that were regularly on offer.
Alongside bookmarking this page to find the latest updates, it's worth reading the our reviews of any site you are interested in to see a more in-depth look of the promotions on offer.
Free bets are bonus credits from bookmakers that let you place a bet without using your own money. If your free bet wins, you keep the profit, but not the stake. They're usually given after placing a qualifying bet as part of a welcome offer.
No, with free bets, you only receive the profit if your bet wins. The original free bet stake is not returned to your account - only the winnings are paid out.
Yes, you can withdraw profits from a winning free bet. However, you can’t withdraw the free bet credit itself. Terms may vary, so always check before placing your bet.
Free bet tokens often expire within 7 to 30 days after being credited. You need to use them within this time frame, or they will be removed from your account.
Free bets are promotional offers that don’t cost you extra, but often require a qualifying bet to unlock. They let you place a bet without using your own money, so they're considered free for that reason.