- Introducing Free Bets: What Are They?
- What are the Best Betting Sites with Free Bets?
- Free Bets For New Customers
- Betting Apps with Free Bets
- Free Bets For Existing Customers
- Free Bets vs Matched Deposits: Everything You Need to Know
- Free Bets vs Free Spins
- Free Bets for All Bettor Budgets
- General Steps on How to Claim the Best Free Bets
- Where to Find Your Free Bets
- Key Terms And Conditions When Using Free Bets
- How To Get Free Bets
- How Free Bets Today Work: SNR
- The Best Free Bets Today: How to Choose the Right One for You
- Tips For Using Free Bets
- Betting Sites With Free Bets – FAQ
Introducing Free Bets: What Are They?
Free bets are exactly what they say on the tin. They are a free bet that the house gives you that you can place. They come with far fewer terms and conditions as well as wagering requirements than other types of bonuses, which makes them much more popular with casual bettors.
Free bets tend to crop up as welcome bonuses, part of VIP programmes, regular bonuses, and also as a special way to celebrate a holiday or a big sporting event.
As you’ll see from the top betting sites with free bets, however, even free bets can vary drastically from one to another in terms of what you have to do to claim them, use them, and clear them. This is why it’s a good idea to go through our comprehensive guide ahead of time, so you know the ins and outs of free bets. Once you have a good grasp on what they are and how to use them, you can then go through our top-rated betting sites that are offering free bets today.
What are the Best Betting Sites with Free Bets?
There are so many great online betting sites that offer free bets to new and existing players. If you want to skip the search for the sites with the best free bets, however, just start with our winning shortlist.
Vulkan.bet – A Big Matched Deposit with a Free Bet Perk
- Free Bets Included with Matched Deposit Bonus
- Sports Betting Bonus of up to €500
- Low Deposit Needed
- Can Use the Bonus on eSports
- High Wagering Requirement
Vulkan.bet is definitely one of the newer brands out there (having launched in 2015), but what it does offer is a large sportsbook and a big sports welcome bonus that includes free bets.
The current bonus is a two part bonus – 200% matched first deposit up to €250, with a minimum deposit of €10, and then another 150% match of a second deposit (at least €10) up to €250. Each part comes with a €5 free bet as a perk. You have five days to claim it, then five days to clear the wagering requirements. To use the free bets, you’ll need to place them on single bets with 1.96 odds or higher, or in accumulator bets with at least two events that have 1.4 odds or higher. The sports betting bonus, however, does have a higher than average 10x wager requirement.
These aren’t the only free bets that you can claim on Vulkan.bet. There’s also a ‘risk-free’ bet of €15 , which gives those bettors who’ve lost five bets on consecutive games in a week. To use it, you need to make a stake sum worth €15 on a single bet of 1.75 odds or higher. If you want a purely free-bet-focused welcome bonus, however, you’re better off at Bet365.
Bet365 – A International Operator with a Big Free Bet Welcome Bonus
- Free-Bet Focused Welcome Bonus
- Plenty of Time to Use Your Bet Credits
- Low Deposit Needed
- Payment Restrictions on Bonus
- Limited Regional Availability
New customers to Bet365 get up to 300% in free bets up to £30 that can be used on prematch or in-play markets. This means that if you bet £10, you get £30 in free bets for you to use. To claim this bonus, all you need to do is select the Claim button when you make your deposit or claim it later within the first 30 days of opening your account in the My Offers section. This deposit should be between £5–10.
To release the free bets credits, you need to make a bet that matches your deposit amount. Once that initial bet is settled, you’ll release your free bets that are worth 300% in value of your original bet. If you bet £5, you get £15; if you bet £10, you’ll get £30 in free bets. You’ll find these free bets in your bet credits. To use them, you’ll need to make an accumulator bet where at least one selection has 1.20 odds or greater. However, you have up to 90 days to use them, so there’s no rush.
One problem with this offer is that you can’t use some deposit methods, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal and any prepaid card. Bet365 also varies its bonuses from region to region so you might find that this bonus isn’t available where you are based – but they are likely to still have a great one for you to try out. If you want even more free bets than £30, you’ll want to head to Unibet.
Unibet – Home to the Highest Free Bet Bonus Offer Around
- High Free Bet Value
- Low Deposit Needed for Free Bets
- Low Wagering Requirement on Sportsbook
- Short Time to Use Offer
- Complex Offer Across Sportsbook and Casino
Unibet offers one of the biggest free bet offers around. New customers can get up to £40 in free bets at the sportsbook, plus £10 in free spins for the casino. However, these free bets don’t operate quite the same as Bet365’s. Once you sign up and make a minimum £10 deposit, up to £40, it’s up to you to then make a bet. You get money back only if your first sports bet loses, so how much you get in free bets depends on how much you lose. A £10 lost bet gets £10 in free bets; a £40 lost bet gets £40 in free bets.
For free bets, you need to wager at least 3x their amount on bets with at least 1.4 odds, and for the casino spins, you’ll need to meet a 50x wager. You have 7 days from start to finish and must clear both sections’ wagering requirements to transfer any wins to your wallet.
As you can see, the Unibet free bets offer is complex, with both pros and cons. On one hand, the free bets are conditional on your first losing bet, are subject to wagering requirements, and are linked to your casino spins. On the other hand, the upper threshold on how much in free bets you can claim is higher, plus you get to try out their casino.
Free Bets For New Customers
We all like to be offered free things, and it is the same when it comes to sports betting, Free bets are a promotional tool set up by the bookmakers in order to entice new customers to join their betting site.
The bookmaker free bets is an inspirational marketing method to boost membership numbers. It’s genius when you think about it. Bettors are always looking for betting sites to sign up and place bets.
If they are met with an offer that sees them receive a special bonus for depositing an amount they were more than likely to do anyway, then both the punter and bookmaker win.
It is not just a select few that are offering free bets for new customers. It is mainly done all across the board. Being honest, bettors will more than likely swerve a bookmaker nowadays if they do not have new customer free bets.
You will know yourself when the best time to sign up to become a new member of a betting site, but we recommend looking at the welcome offers when a big tournament is on the horizon.
Most bookmakers will focus their bonus offers around a major event like Euro 2024 or the World Cup. It would be beneficial to check out each site for the best free bet offers to see what offers are available for the major sporting events taking place.
Betting Apps with Free Bets
Just because you prefer to use a mobile betting app rather than a website, it does not mean you miss out on any of the free bets or welcome offers.
The majority of bookmaker mobile apps mirror what you see on a betting site. They are just more condensed and everything is available at a click of a button.
The side menu will always have a separate section just for offers or promotions. Nothing is hidden from the bettor. We prefer using a mobile app because you know it is specifically designed to fit your phone.
Some sites are not mobile friendly – although a lot are catching up – there is no unnecessary scrolling left or right to view the different sections. Everything is right there for the bettor.
Free Bets For Existing Customers
On the surface it looks like new customers get all the fun when it comes to welcome offers and bonuses. The truth is, existing customers get rewards as well. You just need to know where to find them.
The free bets for existing customers could be as simple as say bet £5 on the Champions League Final and get a free £5 bet to use on any football market. These are known as ‘Bet to Get’ offers. They feature a lot in welcome offers, but are also used for existing customers when it comes to the big events.
Existing customers can get rewards in other ways as well. A loyalty bonus scheme is very popular with online bookmakers. The loyalty schemes or bet clubs will see bettors receive weekly bonuses as long as they activate it correctly by following the betting requirements of each site and offer.
Free Bets vs Matched Deposits: Everything You Need to Know
Free sports bets are just one of the common online betting bonuses that you’ll see online. The other big contender is the matched deposit. As you can see from our selected free bet operators, many free bets are even tied with a matched deposit bonus offer. Use the table below to help you understand the differences.
| Free Bet | Matched Deposit Bonus | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Free betting credit | Bonus awarded based on a percentage of your initial deposit |
| Example | $10 in free bets when you deposit $5 | 100% matched deposit up to $100; Deposit $100 and get $100 in bonus funds, for a total of $200 |
| How You Receive It | Often automatically upon completing specific requirements; may require signing up, making a specific bet or deposit, or using a promo code. | Credited after making your first deposit, or on other qualifying future deposits |
| Where You Will Find It In Your Account | Bet credit wallet | Separate bonus wallet |
| Potential Payout | Limited: if you win, the original stake is returned. (SNR – Stake Not Returned) | Potential payout is higher, as it can include both your deposit and bonus amount. However it’s harder to clear the wagering requirements and still have winnings left over. |
| Wagering Requirements | Must place on a qualifying bet. Exclusions apply. | Usually must wager up to 50x bonus amount on qualifying bets. Exclusions apply. |
| Expiry Date | Some free bets are always available. Others have an expiry date. | Almost always has an expiry date. |
| Complexity | Generally straightforward to claim and use. | Can be more complex, with wagering requirements to meet and more restrictions on how you can use them. |
| Suitability for Beginners | Good for beginners due to straightforward wagering requirements. | Less suitable for beginners due to complex wagering requirements. |
Free Bets vs Free Spins
You may have noticed that some operators, like Unibet, may throw in some free spins with their free bet offers. You do need to be careful, however, as although they are both forms of free gambling money, there’s a big difference between free bets and free spins – namely where you get to use that money.
If you want to place bets on sports teams, you’ll want free sports bets. Free spins, on the other hand, give you free goes in the casino side of things (think playing on virtual slot game machines). If you get both free bets and free spins, they most likely are non-exchangeable funds, so don’t think you’ll be able to trade your spins for bets, or vice versa.
Free Bets for All Bettor Budgets
The good news is that there are betting sites out there, like Bet365, that let you claim free bets with a very small deposit. If you’re a casual or budgeted bettor, then look through our top-reviewed betting sites with low minimum deposit. This way, you can still take advantage of bonuses like free bet, but stay in line with your betting budget. You’d be surprised at how many of the best free bets are available on sites that let you deposit as little as £5. Follow up by setting all the responsible betting tools, and you’ll be ready to unlock the free bet bonuses while keeping your budget in check.
Claim the best betting bonuses of 2026
General Steps on How to Claim the Best Free Bets
Free sports bets are one of the most popular sign up offers from betting sites, and as sign up offers, they are relatively easy to claim and for the most part use universal steps that should work from operator to operator:
- Find your favourite free bet offer at an active bookie.
- Create an account.
- Select the bonus you want to claim. Enter the promo code, if called for.
- Make a qualifying deposit.
- Make a qualifying bet, if necessary.
Where to Find Your Free Bets
If you don’t accept the best free bets online right away, you’ll be able to find them again on your Promotions or My Offers page. You usually have around 30 days to accept and use the bonus offer, so you have time to work out your budget, but sometimes you may have to accept them within 7 days of registering.
Always consult the terms and conditions and don’t make assumptions.
Key Terms And Conditions When Using Free Bets
Every betting site or mobile betting app will have visual terms and conditions that can be viewed by anyone at any time. It is important to check out these terms and conditions to see how everything world and how they relate to the best free bets.
Below are a few of the terms and conditions you will need to be aware of when you are using free bets online.
Qualifying Bets
All the best betting sites with free bets will have their own list of what makes a qualifying bet. On Bet365, this is just a bet with 1.20 odds or higher. Other operators, like Unibet, need you to bet 3x the free bet amount on bets with 1.40 odds or higher. Since each operator is slightly different, it’s vital that you read through the terms and conditions, so you know which sport and odds you can bet on in advance. Here’s just a few of the restrictions you’ll likely see:
Welcome online free bets are usually available for any sport, with some potential exclusions, such as virtual sports, but there may also be sport or tournament-specific free bet promotions that are locked to those specific events.
Some free bets can be bet on straight bets, others must be in accumulators with a minimum number of legs.
Betting sites with free bets will usually each have their own odds requirement, like 1.20 or 1.40 or greater. Though you might get lucky to have zero odds restrictions too. Also remember that if you are dealing with accas, usually some if not all of your selections within that acca will be subject to the odds.
Minimum Bet
All the free bet offers will have a minimum amount allowed that will activate the free bet. This can vary from £5 to £10, but as long as the qualifying amount has been reached, then the punter will receive the free bet.
Each bookmaker sets their own requirements, so it is vital for you to read the terms and conditions before placing any bets.
Odds Requirements
We have mentioned about the amount of money you need to deposit in order for the free bet to be activated. That is not all you need to know. It is important to know what the lowest odds you are able to use in order for the free bet to be valid.
Expiration Date
Most free bets must be used within a certain time period or might even need to be used on a specific game. Always find out the expiration date to avoid disappointment. However, the best free bets don’t have an expiration date, and simply require you to have an active account. These might be harder to find, but an example of this might be a birthday free bet.
Excluded Markets Or Sports
You should just not assume that all sports are available to bet on with your free bets or bonuses. If the offer does not state what sport they can be used on, then it is safe to say that all sports are valid.
Some offers and free bets will officially state that the bet is used for soccer or horse racing. This means those two sports are the only ones on offer for the free bet.
If the free bet is just available on certain sports, then there is a good chance there is a limit on the markets as well. If you can only bet on soccer for example, it is common to see that the free bet will only be used on bet builders and accas.
Always ensure you know what you can bet on with the free bets, or you could end up depositing the correct amount but you will not qualify for any free bet or bonus.
How To Get Free Bets
Free bets and bonuses are part and parcel of betting life.If you know how to get your free bets then you can have some fun.
Here are some of the best ways to get the online free bets.
Sign Up Offers
These are available for new customers once you have signed up as a new member to an online bookmaker. Once you have deposited and wagered the relevant amount, your welcome offer will be credited to your account.
Loyalty Programmes
A lot of online bookmakers have loyalty awards or bet clubs that existing customers can take advantage of. These normally work by placing bets worth a selected amount of money inside a week to claim a free bet offer.
Ongoing Promotions
If you look hard enough you will find plenty of special offers for existing customers. They are not necessarily free bets, but they do benefit the bettor. One of the next ongoing betting promotions has to be Bet365’s 2 Goals Ahead Early Payout Offer.
Whether you are betting as a single or an acca, your selection will be classed as a winner if they go two goals ahead at any time during the 90 minutes.
Insurance Offers
Some betting websites offer bettors some form of insurance when placing certain bets. You might have added insurance in a five-team acca whereas if one leg lets you down, you receive a free bet.
How Free Bets Today Work: SNR
Most of the best free bets online work very similarly under a betting concept called Stake Not Returned, or SNR for short. If you win, the house gets its initial stake back, and you get any winnings left over. If you lose, you don’t owe anything. This makes most free bets very simple to use, and also popular amongst casual bettors and high rollers alike.
Cash Out Conundrum
There are many betting sites offering cash out, and you’ve probably considered using this betting tool on one of your own free bets at some point to ensure that you walk away with at least some winnings.
Unfortunately, at the majority of bookies, early cash out can only ever be used on your real money funds, never on bonus credits. You can often place those free bets pre-match or in-play, but you can’t cash out those online free bets,without voiding the free bet. So while it would be ideal to be able to use it, just let the free bet play out and settle.
The Best Free Bets Today: How to Choose the Right One for You
The best free bets are the ones that work with how you naturally bet on sports. If you feel like you have to make a significant number of changes to how much you bet, or what sports you bet on, then the offer isn’t for you and you’re free to ignore it. That said, free bets are usually very straightforward, and allow customers to expand their bet strategy with minimal financial risk, making them a popular offer.
Now that you’ve gone through this in-depth guide, you’ll be ready to claim one of our recommended offers or use our expert tips when exploring operators on your own. Just remember to bet responsibly and always read through the terms and conditions before you accept any free bet bonus offer, so nothing gets in your way when placing bets.
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Tips For Using Free Bets
It is not just the case of choosing the site with the best free bet offers. You really need to know the ins and outs of each offer and fully understand what you are staking your money on in order to get the free bet.
You Do Not Get Your Stake Back
When you place a bet with your free bet, you need to realise that you will not receive your free bet as cash.
Normally when the odds are set with a placed bet, your stake is included in the potential winnings. That is not the case with a free bet.
If you have a £5 free bet, your potential winning will be £5 less than if you placed it with your own money. If the bet you have placed has the cash out option, then the amount you can win has to surpass the free bet before you can actually cash out.
Target Higher Payout Opportunities
You have a free bet at your disposal, there is no real sense in being conservative. Why not choose a bet with higher odds. It gives you the opportunity to potentially win big and it has not cost you anything as it would have been your free bet.
Select Markets you Know And Understand
Why not bet on a market that you have a lot of knowledge and understanding about. Do not waste your free bet on something just because it has good odds.
Construct a bet that has good odds, but use your knowledge of the sport to give it a better chance of winning.
If cricket is your main sport, do not blow the free bet on horse racing. Use your cricket knowhow to win.
Betting Sites With Free Bets – FAQ
🤑 Are Free Bets Better Than Matched Deposit Bonuses?
Free bets are easier to use than matched deposit bonuses, but whether they’re better depends on your personal preferences.
❓Why Can’t I Use The Free Bet Bonus?
Free bets are usually restricted to a specific sport and must be placed on a qualifying bet. Other reasons why you may not be able to use the free bet is if it’s actually a free spin or casino-related bet, which isn’t valid for sports betting.
😥 Why Can’t I Claim The Free Bet Bonus?
You may not be able to claim a free bet bonus if you’re an existing customer, and the bonus is a welcome offer. You may also not be able to create an account and claim the bonus if someone else in your household has already claimed it as well, since accounts are limited to one per household.
🤔 What Happens If I Don’t Use The Free Bets?
Most free bets expire after a given time frame, so you need to be aware of their terms and conditions. Others might sit in your account so long as you fulfil certain requirements. On Bet365, for example, you must access your account at least once every 90 days to keep your free bets active.
🪪 Why Don’t I See The Free Bet In My Wallet?
Free bets are kept in a separate wallet from your main funds. They’re usually seen as Bet Credits.
