Complete Beginner's Guide to Free Bets in 2026

Free bets are one of the most common and appealing promotions in sports betting. If you’ve ever seen an offer like “Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets”, you’ve already come across one.

But what are free bets?, how do they work?, and what should you know before claiming them?

This beginner's guide to free bets explains it all - what free bets are, how to claim them and maximise profits, and the common traps and pitfalls to be aware of.

What Are Free Bets? (Complete Explanation for Beginners)

A free bet is a type of promotion offered by an online bookie that essentially lets you place a bet without risking any of your own money.

A bookie will basically add a set amount of betting credit to your accounts balance (typically £5 - £50) that you can use to place a bet, usually limited to sport.

If your free bet wins, you'll get the profit - but not the stake back. That’s the big difference between the risk free bets that bookies offer, and using real money.

With a real money bet, if you win the bet, you'll receive your stake back as well as the profit. With a free bet, you’d only get the profit as stakes aren't returned. For example:

Regular £10 bet at 2/1 = £20 return (£10 stake + £10 profit)
Free £10 bet at 2/1 = £10 return (profit only)

So, while they're called "free bets" due to the fact that you’re not actually risking any of your own money, there are limits to what you'll receive when a free bet wins.

Types of Free Bet Offers (2026 Guide)

Free bets come in several different forms, with the most common types of free bet being:

1. Welcome Bonus or Signup Offer

This type of free bet offer is the most common, and is usually given to customers who register a new account, and then place a qualifying bet. For example: Bet £10, get £30 in free bets.

With this offer, you'll need to bet £10 of your own money, to get £30 in free bets. These signup offers are a great way to experience betting at a new bookie, without much outlay.

2. Money Back as a Free Bet

Money back as free bet offers are different, as you'll only receive a free bet if you bet on a specific market, and it loses under certain conditions (e.g. your backed team loses in extra time).

For example: Place a £10 Correct Score or First/Last Goalscorer bet on Man Utd v Man City, and get money back as a free bet on losing bets if Haaland scores at any point in the game.

With this offer, you'll get your stake of £10 returned to you in the form of a £10 free bet.

3. Event-Specific Free Bets

In the lead up to major sporting events like the World Cup or the Grand National, bookies might offer free bets to customers that place certain bets on the market.

This could be a specific market that a bookie is keen for customers to experience, or they offer a free bet should you place an In-Play bet whilst the event is taking place.

For example: Place a £10 bet on the Outright Winners market on the upcoming World Cup, and once the tournament is over, the bookie credits your account with a free bet of equal value.

4. Free Bets for Loyalty

Although quite rare, some bookies have been know to reward loyal customers with free bets. It's basically their way of trying to ensure that you continue betting with them over rival bookies.

These types of free bets usually come after extensive betting, and are offered to customers via email, a popup on a bookies website when you login, or via a notification in their App.

One bookie that regularly offers great promotions for new signups is bet365. The free bets that they credit to your account are called bet365 Bet Credits, but they're essentially the same.

As well as their signup offer, there are plenty of bet365 betting offers that you can take advantage of once you've joined one of the World's favourite online sports betting brands.

How to Claim Free Bets: Step-by-Step Tutorial

With bookies offering so many free bets to entice you to signup, finding the right offer for your needs and betting budget is key to ensuring it's an enjoyable experience.

We've broken down the process of how to claim and place free bets below:

Step 1: Choose a Free Bet

Most of the bookies we feature offer a free bet once you've registered as a new customer. Compare the latest free bets and select a deal that's most suitable for your needs.

Step 2: Register an Account

Next it's time to visit the bookies website to setup your account. Provide your personal details including a valid email address, and then verify your identity and age (18+).

Step 3: Make a Deposit

You'll need to make a deposit using a valid payment method. Avoid PayPal, Skrill and Neteller as they often don't qualify. We recommend using a debit card/bank transfer for best results.

Step 4: Place a Qualifying Bet

This will depend on the terms of the free bet offer, but it usually requires placing a single bet of a minimum amount (e.g. £10), with odds above a certain level (e.g. evens or greater).

Step 5: Receive Your Free Bet

Again, it varies with each bookies free bet offer, as some credit free bets as soon as you've placed a qualifying bet, while others don't release free bets until your first bet has settled.

Step 6: Place Your Free Bet

Next simply select the free bet option in your betslip when you go to place your next bet. Just make sure you're aware of any restrictions it may have prior to betting.

Plus, just be aware that most free bets need to be placed within a certain timeframe. This is usually within 7 days of the free bet being credit to your account but can vary.

Important Free Bet Terms to Know

Free bets always come with some form of terms and conditions attached. We recommend that you always check them, but here are some of the most common terms used:

Minimum Odds: You may only be allowed to use your free bet on selections with minimum odds (e.g. Evens or greater).
Expiry Date: Free bets often expire within 7 to 30 days of them being credit to your account. Use them before they disappear!
Limited Markets: Some free bets can only be used on specific sports, events, or types of bets (e.g. only singles, not ACCA's).
Stake Not Returned: This means that you'll only receive the profit from a winning free bet, as free bet stakes aren't returned.
One-Time Use: Some free bets must be used in full, whereas others can be split up into separate bets (e.g. two £5 bets instead of one £10).

Smart Strategies for Using Free Bets

It's always a good idea to employ some form of strategy when deciding how to use the free bets that bookies offer. Here are smart choices for beginners and regular bettors.

For Beginners:

Start with familiar sports you understand
Use higher odds (2.0+) to maximise potential profits
Research your selections - don't waste free bets on random picks
Set reminders for free bet expiry dates

For Regular Bettors:

Matched betting techniques for increased profit potential
Arbitrage opportunities across multiple bookies
Value betting on underpriced selections
ACCA strategies (where permitted)

Common Free Bet Mistakes to Avoid:

Using wrong payment methods - Avoid e-wallets for qualifying deposits
Betting below minimum odds - Check T&C's carefully
Rushing your selections - Take time to research bets
Forgetting to select free bet - Always check your betslip
A free bet isn’t cash and you won’t get the stake back

Maximising Your Free Bet Value

You won’t get rich from free bets, but you can turn them into small wins, especially if you understand how they work in order to maximise the value you get from them.

Calculate Expected Value:

Higher odds = higher potential profit
Research selections thoroughly
Consider each-way bets for place returns

Timing Your Bets:

Use free bets before major events for better odds
Avoid last-minute bets that lead to poor selections
Monitor line movements for value opportunities

Responsible Gambling with Free Bets:

Claiming and placing free bets should enhance your enjoyment of sports betting, not create problems. Follow these tips to ensure that it remains a pleasant experience.

Set deposit limits on your account
Never chase losses with real money
Treat betting as entertainment, not investment
Use self-exclusion tools if needed
Seek help if gambling becomes problematic

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Bets

Here are some of the most common questions surrounding free bets. If you have any queries that aren't listed below, get in touch and we'll do our best to answer your question.

Q: Are free bets really free?
A: Yes, you don't risk your own money, but you only receive profits if you win.

Q: Can I withdraw free bet money immediately?
A: No, you must use free bets to place bets. Only winnings from free bets can be withdrawn.

Q: What happens if my free bet loses?
A: You lose nothing - that's the benefit of free bets. Your own money isn't at risk.

Q: Can I use multiple free bets on one selection?
A: Usually no, most bookies limit one free bet per selection or event.

Q: Do free bets work on live betting?
A: This varies by bookie - check the specific terms and conditions.

Q: Do I get the stake back from a free bet?
A: No. Most free bets are "stake-not-returned", only the winnings are paid out if they win.

Q: Can I withdraw winnings from a free bet?
A: Yes you can, but only the profits from a free bet are yours to keep, not the stake.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Free Bets

Although not truly “free”, free bets do offer a low cost, risk-free way to see what it's like betting at a new bookie, and are a super popular part of sports betting these days.

By understanding how bookies free bet offers work, reading the terms carefully, and using smart betting strategies, you can maximise their value while minimising risk.

Key Takeaways for Beginners:

Always read the terms and conditions
Use free bets on markets you've researched
Don't expect to get rich - treat them as bonuses
Practice responsible gambling habits

This beginners guide to free bets covers everything you need to know about free bets, from claiming bookies offers to advanced strategies to maximise their value.

Remember to gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.