Almost all betting sites offer free bets or some type of betting bonus to their players. However, each bonus comes with different utility policy and there are several other factors to examine when signing up to a betting site. With so many options, finding the best free bets and betting bonuses involves sorting through the top offers and comparing various critical aspects.
However, looking through all the bookmakers in search of the right bonus can be an overwhelming, time-consuming task. The simplest way to find the best free bets and bonuses is through comparing reputable offers from top betting sites. Hello, I’m Bernie here with a comprehensive review of free bets, including tips to help you identify good and bad offers. You can also pick a favourite from our list of top free bets to enjoy some of the best betting bonuses available for UK punters.
Best free bets and betting bonuses in January 2024
What are Free Bets?
As the name suggests, a free bet is an opportunity for the player to enjoy their favourite slot or game for free. In this case, the bookmaker offers to pay the stake of a specified value and the player can bet and withdraw any amount they win. However, since you are not responsible for the free bet, the amount isn’t refunded along with the amount you win.
Free bets are common in welcome packages where betting sites use them to attract more punters to join their platform. Most bettings sites that offer free bets in the UK require players to sign up for an account, complete payment information or wager real money on a game to qualify for the free bet. Some free bets also come with a play through requirement, also known as a wagering requirement that restricts the utility of the bonus.
You can still find free bets without a wagering requirement. Nonetheless, it is recommendable to review the bonus policy and other critical aspects before joining.
What is a betting bonus?
A betting bonus refers to a free bonus the bookmaker offers the player to be used as a stake for making bets. The bonus can be for a specific game or any game the player desires. It can also come with play through requirements that the player must fulfil before they can withdraw winning from the bonus.
There are several types of betting bonuses available for punters in the UK and bookmakers use them for specific goals.
A good example is the deposit bonus betting platforms use to encourage players to make a deposit. Once you receive a betting bonus, you can use it to place a wager on your favourite games with a fair chance of winning real money from the betting site. Usually, the betting bonus appears separately from the player’s deposits. If you lose the bet, you don’t lose any of your money. What’s more, only the profit is rewarded when you use the bonus.
Different types of free bets & Betting bonuses
It is recommendable to visit the best bonus betting sites to compare top free bets and betting bonuses available in the market. Many betting sites offer betting bonuses and free bets to their players. There are various types, often aimed to achieve specific goals like prompting sign up or deposits.
Here is a look at six common types of free bets and betting bonuses:
Risk-Free bets
Risk-free bets are some of the popular free bets offers you will come across on betting sites. You can qualify for a risk-free bet, usually as a sign-up bonus betting offer. In this case, the bookmaker offers to refund the stake a player use for their first wager on the platform, should the bet lose. I
f the player wagers £20 on a game and loses, the bookmaker will refund a betting bonus of $20, which the player can use to bet on another game. Most bookmakers use risk-free bets to lure players into making their first bet.
The refunded bonus may feature a playthrough requirement, so it is crucial to review the bonus policy before accepting the offer. It is also worth noting that if the player wins their first bet, they get no bonus. However, you can find bookmakers that offer a risk-free bet on the first losing bet, or randomly.
Matched Deposit bonus
A matched deposit bonus is another common bonus that casinos and bookmakers offer to players. As the name suggests, a matched deposit bonus is a bonus that the bookmaker offers when a player makes a certain deposit.
It is usually part of welcome packages where the betting site offers to match the first deposit a player makes up to a specified amount. For instance, if the bookmaker offers a matching deposit bonus up to £100, if you deposit £50, you will get a £50 matching bonus. If you deposit £100 or more, you will get a £100 matching bonus.
Bookmakers can also offer matched deposit bonuses to their loyal players at their discretion. This free betting bonus is often used to incentivise players to make bigger deposits that can max out the total bonus they get. You can find platforms offering high matched deposit bonuses up to £500 or more.
Matched Free Bets
A matched free bet is one of the most used bonuses available to online punters. Unlike most free bets bonus, you will come across this much more often. This bonus allows the player to bet against their first bet by cancelling out the risk or back bet. The player is guaranteed a win regardless of the result.
Matched free bets can come as a betting welcome bonus and are premium risk-free bets that players can work up to enjoy bigger profits. Nonetheless, a matched bet often favours the underdog, which means winning chances are already low from the start.
However, when the bet wins, players can benefit from the favourable odds. Some bonuses are available for specific games, while others are free to use for any game. Qualifying for matched free bets is also slightly different, considering the more time you spend, the bigger the bonus you will attract.
Profit Boost
The profit boost is another bonus UK punters can enjoy from online bookmakers. This unique bonus often comes as a percentage and can be awarded for specific games or randomly. For instance, a bookmaker may offer a profit boost of 20% on in-game live betting, which boosts your profits by 20% if you bet live games.
The profit boost is often used in promotions and awarded when a player completes a specified number of bets to enter the promotion. The profit boost is rarely part of new customer free bets, but you can find welcome packages that include such bonuses for completing specific milestones. Profit boosts are also widely sought among seasoned punters, especially since they can translate to massive profits.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to read the terms and conditions of the bonus as most come with expiry dates and other playthrough requirements. Make sure you play incredible, licensed online platforms with a good reputation among punters.
No Deposit betting bonus
A no deposit betting bonus is one of the most popular bonuses you can qualify for. As the name suggests, this bonus does not require the player to make any deposit, so it is the exact opposite of deposit bonuses. This free bet often comes as part of a betting sign up bonus, although you can qualify for no deposit free bet bonuses randomly during your time at the platform.
A no deposit bonus will most likely come with a play through requirement, so it is crucial to review the bonus terms before accepting the offer. You can find no deposit free bet bonus codes and coupons for popular betting sites.
Some betting sites also offer no wagering, no deposit bonuses that you can use without fulfilling any play through requirement. Nonetheless, you should ensure the operator is trustworthy, especially if the deal sounds too good. Most no deposit bonuses are used to invite new players and incentivise existing ones to continue playing.
Cashback bonus
Cashback bonuses are other options available at many reputable bookmakers. For this bonus, the betting site offers to refund the player the stake used to wager on a losing bet. It is a unique, risk-free betting bonus that the player can use to wager on other games.
However, unlike typical risk-free bets where the full stake is recovered from a losing bet, cashback can be part of the stake or a full refund. Most cashback bonuses do not feature a playthrough requirement. However, some, especially where the cashback bonus is a fraction of the original stake, may have tying wagering requirements, so it is always recommendable to inquire.
The bookmaker may also choose to give cash rewards to loyal players and cashback are common in VIP reward programs. There are several other betting bonuses UK punters should keep tabs with, although it is important to play on betting sites with a license.
Best new bookmaker offers in January 2024
Guide: How to find and pick one the best free bets and betting bonuses
Why should you choose a free bet or betting bonus
There are several types of betting bonuses available to modern punters and free bets are some of the most attractive offers. The merits of choosing a free bet or betting bonus are straightforward. It simply gives you a chance to double your bankroll or make real cash profits without necessarily depositing money on your account. However, it is crucial to review the betting bonus and make sure you play in reputable bookmakers.
Some of the benefits of choosing a free bet or betting bonus include:
Try out a new bookmaker
Taking advantage of free bets and betting bonuses is a great way to try out a new bookmaker. Most new platforms use these bonuses to attract new players and you can find amazing risk free offers without wagering requirements and utility challenges. From no deposit welcome bonuses to matched deposit, free games and cashback, punters can take advantage of lucrative bonuses offered by new bookmakers that draw growing reputation in the market. However, it is essential to compare and review new bookmakers carefully before signing up.
The platform should be licensed, safe and secure with a user-friendly interface and fast payment methods. With so many scams offers in the market offering hefty bonuses, you should focus on finding trustworthy platforms above everything. Several reputable bookmakers offer incredible free bets and betting bonuses in the UK. You can pick a favourite from our list, use up the bonus and compare the experience with other top platforms.
Have some extra quid for the big game
The obvious benefit of a free bet or betting bonus is a chance to make real money for free. Betting bonuses like the no deposit free bet offer a chance to wager on a game and make a profit. You can use the bonus to accumulate your bankroll while preparing for a big game or simply use it to bet on your favourite matches.
A free betting bonus is most attractive whenever you are strapped for cash to wager on your games. Cash back and profit boost, for instance, can provide an extra stake to use for your next games. More stake also translates to bigger potential profits. It is essential to read the bonus terms and policies before accepting them.
Some bonuses have play through requirements that can be difficult to fulfil, especially if you are looking for big fast wins. Nevertheless, free bets and betting bonuses offer extra wagering money you can use to bet and win real cash online.
Getting Free Bets & Betting bonuses: The good and the bad
Free bets and betting bonuses are quite attractive for a punter as it offers free stake to wager on a game that can potentially result in hefty profits. It is still essential to have a betting strategy if you want to increase your odds of winning in online bookmakers.
Pros
- Free money to bet on your favourite game
- Low minimum qualification and requirements
- You can win significant profits
- You can qualify for multiple free bets and bonuses
- You do not always have to deposit money
Cons
- There are wagering requirements to fulfil
- Can be used to mask other shortcomings of the platform
- Some require deposits
- Bookmakers can withdraw bonuses at their discretion
Read the terms and conditions
Before accepting any free bookie bets, it is important to read all the terms and conditions that come with the bonus. There are various tiers that bookies impose on bonuses to prevent players from abusing the bonuses. However, not all requirements are desirable. Some can make it difficult to utilise the bonus, leaving you vulnerable to violating the bonus policy and risking getting penalised.
Some of the crucial aspects to review when reading bonus terms and conditions include:
Wagering requirements
Wagering requirement simply refers to the number of times a player has to wager the bonus before they are allowed to withdraw what they have won from the bonus. For instance, if a bookmaker offers a wagering requirement of 10x, the player must bet for a total of ten different times to withdraw the win. The best free bets do not include wagering requirements, although almost all betting bonuses have play through rules.
Cap on winnings
Some free bets and betting bonuses come with a cam on the maximum amount you can win from the bonus. This measure is put in place to prevent players from making fast big wins and exiting the platform in search of new bonuses. It also protects the bookmaker from suffering significant losses.
Minimum Odds
Some free bets, especially cash betting bonuses, require the player to bet on markets above a specific odd. This measure prevents players from using the bonus on markets with small risks. However, the minimum odd may be too risky, so it is crucial to check this limit if you want to bet games with specific odds.
Specific events
Event-specific free bets and betting bonuses are simply awarded for being utilised in the specified game. These bonuses are usually provided to incentivise players to bet on big games and fiercely contested matches and main events. Make sure you check the deadlines since the bonus expires as soon as the event begins.
Conclusion: What to expect of Free Bets and Bonuses in UK
Free bets and betting bonuses are popular offers among bookmakers. You can easily spot betting bonuses at any online bookmaker. However, while landing one is effortless, there are various things to review before accepting a free bet.
Expect to fulfil wagering requirements before you are allowed to withdraw you winning, although you can still find bonuses without wagering requirements. When comparing the best free bets and betting bonuses, you should focus on finding trustworthy bookmakers that can guarantee safe and secure betting experience as well as efficient payment methods.
You should also read the terms and conditions of playing on the platform as well as the bonus policy. The easiest way to find top free bets and betting bonuses is through our free list, which compares the best offers in the UK market. You can quickly compare the best bonuses and review information about the betting site. Read the FAQ-section for more answers about free bets and betting bonuses provided by UK online bookmakers.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about betting bonuses
No. Free bets and bonuses offered by credible licensed bookmakers are legitimate and offer a fair chance of winning real money. However, if you accept offers from unlicensed bookmakers, you might fall for a scam.
It is, therefore, recommendable to choose reputable platforms governed by the UK Gambling license.
You can qualify for various types of free bets and each has a different utility policy. A welcome bonus free bet may become available as soon as you complete the sign-up, payment information or after you make the first bet.
You can inquire with customer support if there is any process involved in activating your bonus.
Yes. Several platforms offer free bets for football and this is a popular betting bonus among sports bookmakers.
You can qualify for event-specific football free bet or event-free bonus that you can wager on any football match you desire. Make sure you read the terms, expiry and playthrough requirements.
Free bets and betting bonuses are different, but they are all used to place bets on markets offered by the bookmaker.
Event-specific free bets, for instance, must be used to wager on the specified game. Simply read the bonus terms and conditions to determine what to use it for and how to use it.
Yes. You can withdraw any winning you get from your free bet. Usually, the winning does not include the bonus used to make the stake, so you can't withdraw the bonus.
Free bets can also come with wagering requirements that you must fulfil before you are allowed to withdraw the winning.
Anyone can get free bets and betting bonuses. Bookmakers award bonuses randomly and there are various types of betting bonuses available for both new and seasoned punters.
However, some might involve completing specific milestones or making a deposit before qualifying. The minimum requirement for getting free spins and betting bonuses is signing up with one of the online bookmakers that provide such bonuses.
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