Free Bets & New Betting Offers in the UK [May 2025]

By Steve Madgwick - Editor-In-Chief 

Each week, new betting offers, and promotions appear from UK operators. Our team at OLBG continuously monitors and evaluates these using a rigorous set of criteria. Only the most trustworthy and beneficial to you the punter make it onto our recommended list.

✅ Pros and Cons of New Free Bets & Betting Offers

New free bet offers and promotions from UK bookmakers can be very enticing, often designed to grab your attention:

• ⚡ Generous sign-up incentives not always available to existing users
• 🎯 Targeted promotions tailored to specific sports or events
• 💷 Enhanced odds and risk-free bets that maximise early value
• 🆕 Innovative bet types or features introduced to stand out from the competition

However, these deals can also come with a few drawbacks:

• 📄 Complex terms and conditions - including tricky wagering requirements
• 🕒 Short time limits to claim or use the offer
• 🚫 Restrictions on payment methods or eligible markets
• 🧾 Verification and affordability checks that could delay access to winnings

We recommend making the most of standout offers, especially when they’re with well-established, fully licensed brands. Just be sure to read the small print, and consider keeping a few trusted bookmakers on hand for smoother, more predictable betting.

🎯 Why Choose a New Free Bet or Betting Offer?

Exploring new free bets and betting promotions can be highly rewarding, especially if you're on the lookout for better value, more flexibility, or sport-specific deals that go beyond the usual welcome bonuses. Many offers today include features like bet boosts, early payout options, or bet insurance, giving savvy punters more control and choice.

For smart bettors, mixing your trusted bookmakers with newer offers can deliver the best of both worlds: reliability and fresh opportunities to profit.

🔐 Verified, Safe, and Reviewed

At OLBG, our team carefully reviews every bookmaker offer to ensure it comes from a licensed, regulated, and reputable operator. Whether you're chasing enhanced odds, free bet bundles, or money-back specials, our expert-vetted listings help you bet with confidence and maximise your returns, safely and smartly.

New Free Bets & Betting Offers Today.

Our commercial manager, Sam Darkens, collaborates daily with partners to secure top free bets and event-specific offers, providing exciting deals and events each week.

A Note from Sam Darkens

Hi, I’m Sam, and I lead the commercial partnerships here at OLBG. My role is to ensure that every betting offer you see on this page delivers real value, is fair, and comes from a bookmaker we trust. With so many promotions out there, some genuinely great, others a little less so, my job is to work closely with licensed betting operators and handpick offers that are not only competitive, but also transparent and player-friendly. If it doesn’t meet our standards, it doesn’t make the cut. Simple as that. I also keep a close eye on what matters to you, whether that’s low minimum odds, faster withdrawals, or more flexible free bet structures, and use that feedback when negotiating new deals or reviewing existing ones. Ultimately, I want you to feel confident that anything listed here has been thoroughly reviewed and approved with your best interests in mind.

- Sam Darkens, Commercial Manager

<>When opening a new betting account online, you’ll find a variety of free bets and sign-up offers available—each with different terms and benefits. Here's a closer look at the most common types of UK betting offers you’re likely to come across:

• Free Bets – Simple stake-and-get promotions offering bonus bets after your first qualifying wager.
• Matched Deposit Bonuses – The bookmaker matches your first deposit up to a set amount.
• Cashback Welcome Offers – Receive your stake back (often as a free bet) if your first bet loses.
• First Bet Matched Offers – Your initial bet is matched with a free bet of equal value.
• Risk-Free Bets – If your first bet loses, the stake is refunded in cash or free bet form.
• Free Betting Credits – Bonus funds credited to your account for use on selected markets.
• Enhanced Odds & Price Boosts – Boosted odds on popular markets for new customers.
• Profit Boosts – Increase your potential winnings on a qualifying bet.
• Money-Back Specials – Get a free bet refund if a specific condition is met (e.g., your horse finishes second).

With so many offer types and terms used across different betting sites, it’s easy to get confused. That’s why we’ve created this guide—to help you understand the most common bookmaker sign-up offers and how to make the most of them.

🎁 Matched Deposit Bonus – Explained

A matched deposit bonus is a popular betting sign-up offer where your first deposit qualifies you for extra betting funds—credited as bonus cash rather than a free bet token.

For example, with a 100% deposit bonus, depositing £50 would give you an additional £50 in bonus funds. The match percentage varies from 25% to 100%, depending on the bookmaker.

🔁 Turnover Requirements

These offers usually come with wagering requirements, which can be significant—often up to 15x the combined deposit and bonus amount. That means a £50 deposit and £50 bonus could require up to £1,500 in wagers before withdrawal is allowed.

Andy Powell

Content Editor

Matched Deposit bonuses used to be the favoured welcome offer, but the demand for these along with the ease of turning the bonus into cash has seen them become less prevalent in recent times making them less viable for bookmakers to offer. Along with the addition of larger wagering requirements taking away much of the value, they have lower appeal now - Oh for the good old days!

⚠️ Always read the full terms and conditions. Avoid changing your usual betting habits to unlock a bonus—if you're not a high-stakes bettor, some offers may not suit your style.

If you place larger bets, a matched deposit can offer an excellent value by boosting your starting balance.

🧾 Examples of Matched Deposit Free Bets:

• 100% Deposit Match Up to £100
• Deposit £20 Get £20
• 100% Deposit Match Up to £50
• 50% Deposit Match Up to £50
• 25% Deposit Match Up to £100

These offers are commonly found among top UK free bets and can provide new customers with a solid bankroll boost.

🎁 Cashback Welcome Offers – What You Need to Know

Cashback welcome offers are a unique type of betting sign-up bonus where a portion of your losses is returned as bonus funds. While sometimes grouped with deposit bonuses, cashback is slightly different—and the term can be misleading, as the refunded amount often isn't instantly withdrawable.

These offers are especially popular with betting exchanges and spread betting sites, and they can be highly rewarding for active bettors. However, it’s vital to review the full terms and conditions, including how cashback is calculated and whether it's credited as withdrawable cash or a free bet.

💡 Examples of Cashback Welcome Offers:

• 10% Cashback on Net Losses for 4 Weeks
• £300 Cashback During Your First 28 Days
• 50% Cashback on Your First Day
• 25% Cashback on First Week Losses
• 10% Cashback on Losses – Ongoing Forever

These cashback betting offers can help reduce early risk when trying out a new bookmaker, particularly if you’re betting regularly during the qualifying period.

🎁 First Bet Matched Offers – How They Work

Matched free bets—also known as first bet matched offers—are one of the most common betting sign-up offers in the UK. These promotions reward new customers by matching the value of their first qualifying bet with a free bet.

It’s crucial to read the terms carefully. In many cases, your first bet after registration is the one that determines eligibility. For instance, if the offer is Bet £25 Get £25 in Free Bets, placing a £5 bet won’t qualify—you must bet the full £25 to receive the maximum reward.

Some bookmakers offer flexibility with “up to” amounts, such as Bet up to £25, Get a Matched Free Bet, meaning any qualifying bet up to that value will be matched.

You may also see promotions where the matched free bet is higher than your stake, giving extra value on your initial wager.

🔥 Examples of First Bet Matched Free Bet Offers:

• Bet £10 Get £10 in Free Bets
• Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
• Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
• Bet £20 Get £10 in Free Bets
• Bet £25 Get £25 in Free Bets

These offers are an excellent way to test a new UK betting site with reduced risk and boosted rewards from your very first bet.

🎁 Free Betting Credits – What to Expect

Free betting credits are a popular variation of deposit-based sign-up offers, where instead of receiving a traditional deposit bonus, new customers are awarded bet credits to use on the site.

While the structure is similar to matched deposit offers, the terminology and conditions differ slightly. In most cases, you’ll receive bonus funds or free bets credited to your account after making a qualifying deposit and placing a qualifying bet.

These bet credits often come with specific wagering requirements or usage restrictions, so it's important to check the terms before claiming.

💬 Examples of Free Betting Credit Offers:

• Up to £100 in Free Credits for New Customers
• £50 in Bet Credits
• Up to £100 in Bet Credits on Sign-Up
• £25 in Free Bet Credits
• £60 Bet Credits Welcome Offer

These offers are commonly featured among the best UK free bets and can provide excellent value for new players looking to explore a betting site with bonus funds.

🎁 Enhanced Odds Sign-Up Offers & Price Boosts

Enhanced odds offers—also known as price boosts—have become a popular type of sign-up promotion, especially around high-profile sports events like the Premier League, Grand National, or major golf tournaments.

These offers give significantly increased odds on selected outcomes for new customers, often with small stake limits. If successful, winnings are typically paid as a combination of cash and free bet credits.

For example, if a horse’s odds are boosted from 4/1 to 24/1 for a £1 stake, you may receive £4 in cash and the remaining £20 as free bet tokens.

These boosted odds offers are ideal for casual or low-stakes punters looking for a high potential return from a minimal outlay.

🧾 Examples of Enhanced Odds & Price Boost Sign-Up Offers:

• Double the Odds on Any Sport
• 11/1 Arsenal or 15/1 Man Utd to Win
• 50/1 Constitution Hill to Win the Champion Hurdle
• Odds Boost: 10/1 Man City to Win
• 50/1 Tiger Woods to Make the Cut

Always check if enhanced winnings are paid in withdrawable cash or free bet credits, and read all qualifying terms before placing your first bet.

🎁 Profit Boosts – Maximise Winnings on Your First Bet

Profit boosts are a less common but potentially valuable form of betting sign-up offer, allowing you to increase the profit from your qualifying bet by a set percentage—often 100% or more.

Unlike enhanced odds or price boosts, which target specific events or markets, profit boosts apply more broadly and can be used across a range of sports or bet types. Some offers are in-play specific, adding flexibility for live bettors.

Payouts are usually calculated on net profit and may be credited as cash or free bet tokens, depending on the bookmaker.

🔥 Examples of Profit Boost Offers:

• 100% In-Play Profit Boost
• 100% Profit Boost on Your First Bet
• 200% Profit Boost on Any Bet
• Get 100% Boost on Any In-Play Bet Today
• 300% Profit Boost if You Bet on Man City to Win Today

While less predictable than other UK free bet offers, profit boosts can significantly increase returns—particularly for bettors placing confident selections with competitive odds.

🎁 Money Back Special Free Bets – Conditional Refund Offers

Money back special free bets offer a safety net if a specific event happens—like a horse falling, a player scoring, or a match ending in a bore draw. These promotions are available to both new and existing customers, making them a popular ongoing feature at many UK betting sites.

Instead of receiving cash, your original stake is refunded as a free bet, which means you’ll need to place a winning bet with the bonus to recoup value.

These offers are ideal for punters looking to reduce risk while betting on unpredictable or high-profile outcomes.

🧾 Examples of Money Back Free Bet Offers:

• Money Back as a Free Bet if Your Horse Falls
• Money Back as a Free Bet if Kane Scores
• Money Back on All Bets if It’s a Bore Draw
• Money Back if the Favourite Wins the 2.30 at Cheltenham
• Money Back as a Free Bet if Man Utd Win

Always check if there’s a minimum odds requirement or stake limit, and remember that free bet refunds are not withdrawable unless successfully wagered.

🎁 No-Deposit Free Bets – Try Bookmakers Risk-Free

No-deposit free bets are highly sought-after because they let you place a bet without risking your own money—ideal for trying out a new bookmaker completely risk-free. However, these offers are rare in sports betting due to the higher cost for bookmakers.

You're more likely to find no-deposit casino offers, where small bonus funds or free spins are awarded upon registration.

For the latest no-deposit casino bonuses, visit our dedicated casino offers page to explore current promotions available without needing to deposit.

At OLBG, our dedicated team of sports betting experts brings years of hands-on industry experience to ensure every piece of content is accurate, insightful, and easy to understand.

From reviewing the latest UK free bet offers to analysing wagering terms and bookmaker conditions, each team member plays a vital role in helping you make informed betting decisions.

Discover the invaluable contributions of our editorial and commercial team, including in-house analysts, experienced content writers, and trusted reviewers—all working together to keep our free bets section up to date, transparent, and genuinely useful for all types of bettors.

🧠 The Experts Behind OLBG's Free Bets & Betting Offers Content

Our team’s deep industry knowledge and editorial rigour ensure OLBG remains a trusted resource for free bets and betting offers. Every piece of content is carefully crafted to deliver accurate, up-to-date, and user-friendly insights—something our audience relies on.

Explore our sports betting section to discover expert-led content that breaks down complex terms, compares bookmaker promotions, and helps you find the best UK betting offers.

👨‍💻 Content Strategists

Our content strategists shape OLBG’s editorial direction. By monitoring betting trends and user search behaviour, they ensure our content remains relevant, helpful, and aligned with what real bettors are looking for.

Richard Moffat

CEO & Gambling Industry Expert

Richard Moffat has been contributing to OLBG since 2004 with a passion for seeking out value betting opportunities on any market the bookies price up.

Sam Darkens

Commercial Manager

Sam is OLBG's Commercial manager but also a keen sports betting and eSports fan.

✍️ Writers

Our skilled writers specialise in simplifying complex free bet sign-up procedures into clear, easy-to-follow guides. Their detailed analysis ensures each article is accessible to novice and experienced bettors, helping users understand offer terms and claim bonuses confidently.

Jake Ashton

Senior News Editor

With over 8 years of experience in Journalism, Jake is an expert on all things Football, Entertainment and Reality TV

James Banting

Tipster Competition Assistant

James is a knowledgeable sports betting specialist with over 20 years experience in the sports betting and horse racing industry. Today James focuses on producing informative betting content on the major sporting events throughout the year.

Andy Powell

Content Editor

Contributing to OLBG since 2005 and have been covering racing trends for several years looking to find betting angles in the big races both in the UK and abroad, interested in numerous sports for which I do previews and look for betting strategies.

📊 Analysts

Analysts dig deep into OLBG’s extensive free bets comparison database, identifying trends, evaluating offer structures, and supporting the content team with data-driven insights. Their work ensures we highlight the best betting offers for every type of user.

Dan Tracey

Data Scientist and Football Editor

Dan is our data scientist, collating millions of data points monthly and finding the angles and stats that matter to our users when choosing where to bet. Our writers benefit greatly from this information, which they can then share with our readers to decide which betting site they should choose based on their needs.

🧐 Editors

Editors uphold the quality of every article published on OLBG. They meticulously review each guide for clarity, accuracy, and readability, ensuring our content remains engaging, trustworthy, and aligned with our readers’ needs.

Luke Bradshaw Lee

Senior Sports Betting Editor

Luke is our Sports Content manager and heads up the sports betting brand reviews, free bets pages and betting guide articles. If it is sports betting, you need to find out about it. Luke is our go-to expert with years of professional experience in the industry

Steve Madgwick

Editor-In-Chief

Steve is our Editor-In-Chief with more than 17 years of experience creating and managing high-quality sports betting content for OLBG & multiple other industry publications. Today, Steve uses his extensive expertise to manage the content teams and ensure every published word on OLBG is helpful, honest and valuable for our visitor

In addition to their industry backgrounds, our contributors are regular sports bettors with extensive first-hand experience signing up to and using multiple online betting sites. That real-world knowledge helps us deliver content that’s not only expert-led but genuinely helpful.

Free bets are promotional offers used by bookmakers to attract new customers and reward existing ones. Typically offered as a fixed bonus (e.g., Bet £10 Get £30) or a percentage of your first deposit (e.g., 100% matched up to £50), free bets allow you to place wagers without risking your own money—though terms and conditions apply.

They are one of the most common types of betting sign-up offers in the UK and often come with specific qualifying requirements, such as minimum odds or deposit method restrictions.

To make the most of any free bet or sign-up offer, it’s essential to understand the terms and conditions—as they vary significantly between bookmakers. Most offers require:

• A minimum deposit (often £5 or £10)
• A qualifying bet placed at minimum odds (e.g., “minimum odds of 4/5”)
• Use of a specific payment method (some e-wallets may be excluded)

In many cases, your first bet after registration is the qualifying one, and its value will be matched with a free bet up to a stated maximum. For example:

• Bet £10 Get £10
• Bet £10 Get £20
• Bet £10 Get £30
• Bet £20 Get £10

While some of these offers are straightforward, others include wagering requirements and market restrictions or apply only to specific sports, such as horse racing or football.

We break down the details of each free bet offer and welcome bonus here at OLBG, but we strongly recommend you click through to the bookmaker and read their full terms and conditions before claiming.

🔐 Bonus Codes & Promo Codes – What You Need to Know

Promo codes, bonus codes, offer codes, or promotional codes are sometimes required when registering with a UK bookmaker to unlock a free bet or sign-up bonus.

When you click through from OLBG, any required promo code is usually automatically applied during registration. However, if a code is needed, be sure to enter it during the sign-up process—missing it may result in not qualifying for the offer.

While some offers still require a code, promo codes for free bets are becoming less common. Most promotions are now triggered by simply meeting deposit and qualifying bet conditions.

🎁 Free Bets vs. Sign-Up Deposit Bonuses – What’s the Difference?

Understanding the distinction between free bet offers and sign-up deposit bonuses is key to choosing the right offer for your betting style:

• Free Bets: You place a qualifying bet, and the bookmaker gives you a separate free bet token, usually for the same amount. For example: Bet £10 Get £10 in Free Bets.
• Sign-Up Deposit Bonuses: The bookmaker matches your deposit (e.g., 100% up to £100), boosting your account balance with bonus funds. You can then use those funds on qualifying markets.

Deposit bonuses are growing in popularity as they offer more flexibility and potential value, but they may have higher wagering requirements.

In betting promotions, free bets are commonly used to attract both new and existing customers. However, it’s important to understand how they work, particularly in comparison to deposit bonuses.

When using a free bet, the stake is not returned in your winnings. For example, if you place a £10 free bet at odds of 2.0 (evens), you would receive £10 in winnings, but not the £10 stake—effectively making the profit lower than if you'd bet with your own cash.

This differs from deposit bonus offers, where the bonus funds are part of your betting balance and any winnings typically include the stake amount.

⚠️ Always Read the Terms & Conditions

As always, please take the time to carefully review the full terms and conditions of any free bet or sign-up offer before registering. Make sure you fully understand the qualifying requirements, and that you’re both able and willing to comply with them.

Reading the small print helps ensure a smoother experience—and prevents surprises when it comes to wagering, withdrawals, or offer eligibility.