The basic mechanic
Most UK free bets follow a "bet and get" pattern: deposit and place a qualifying bet at the minimum stake and minimum odds. Once the qualifying bet settles, the bookmaker credits your account with the free bet amount.
Stake not returned
On almost every UK sports free bet, if your free bet wins you receive the profit — but not the free-bet stake itself. A free bet of, say, £10 at 3/1 returns the £30 profit, not £40.
Minimum odds and expiry
Most qualifying bets require odds of at least evens (2.0) or 1/5 (1.2). Free bets usually expire within 7 days of being credited — set a reminder.
Wagering on sports vs casino
Standard sports free bets typically carry no wagering on winnings — win once and you can withdraw. Casino bonuses usually attach wagering requirements (bet the bonus 20x, 30x or more before withdrawing). See our wagering guide.
Compare like-for-like
A £30 free bet you can use across multiple selections is often better than a nominally larger single-stake bonus. Check whether the free bet is paid in one chunk or split into smaller selections, and whether it's restricted to specific markets.
How to compare current offers
Every offer on this site links straight to the operator page where you can read the authoritative current terms. Bonus values and conditions change frequently — always confirm on the operator site before depositing.