Free bets: The best sign-up offers for August 2023

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The 10 best free bets offers for August 2023

We have studied the best offers for August 2023 and created a table listing our favourite 10, which can be found below.

1. bet365

T&Cs: Bet £10 and get £30 in free bets for new customers at bet365. Minimum deposit requirement. Free bets are paid as bet cedits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

bet365, renowned worldwide for its exceptional services, stands out as a highly esteemed operator that has earned a remarkable reputation. In the 2022 UK Bookmaker Awards, its welcome offer garnered the highest accolade, further cementing its standing.

One of the most alluring aspects of this offer lies in its remarkable flexibility. With £30 in free bets at your disposal, you possess the freedom to utilise them according to your preferences. This feature makes it an enticing choice as you can opt to place a single bet worth £30, distribute it across 30 bets of £1 each or select any other combination that suits your betting style. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor your betting experience to your exact liking.

Click here to claim the bet365 sign-up offer.

Sky Bet

T&Cs: New customers only. First single and each-way bet only; 5p minimum stake; 3 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply. 18+. BeGambleAware.org.

Sky Bet, another highly esteemed bookmaker, presents an exceptional welcome offer that is unparalleled in the industry. When it comes to the bonus-to-stake ratio, this deal from Sky Bet reigns supreme, setting a new benchmark for others to strive towards.

By placing a minuscule 5p wager, you will be generously rewarded with a staggering £30 in free bets. This unmatched value presents a truly enticing opportunity for bettors, allowing them to maximise their potential returns. With just a small initial stake, you can unlock a substantial amount of free bets, elevating your betting experience with Sky Bet to new heights.

Click here to claim the Sky Bet sign-up offer.

Betfred

T&Cs: New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on sports (cumulative odds of evens+) within seven days of registration. First bet must be on sports. £30 in free bets and £10 in free spins (50x 20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have seven-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or proof of ID and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply.

If you’re searching for a generous bonus that only requires a modest £10 deposit, then Betfred’s new customer offer is an exceptional choice. By depositing this industry-standard amount, you will receive an impressive package of £40 in free bets and bonuses, making it an enticing proposition.

This enticing deal comprises £30 in free bets, providing ample opportunities to explore the world of sports betting. Additionally, you will also receive an extra £10 in free spins, allowing you to delve into the exciting realm of online casino gaming. With this comprehensive package from Betfred, you can make the most of your deposit and fully experience everything their platform has to offer.

• Click here to claim the Betfred sign-up offer
• Read our Betfred review

Parimatch

18+ new customers only. Opt in, bet £5 at odds 2.00+ within seven days. Get £15 in free bets (odds 2.00+) + £5 casino bonus, set games, 20x wagering, +23 free spins, no wagering. Bonuses expire in seven days. Offer valid from 10.00 UK time on June 20, 2023. Card payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly.

Parimatch, although a relatively new player in the industry and not ranked in the UK Bookmaker Awards, has secured a place in the top five on our list. By making a standard industry deposit of £5, you can benefit from £20 in bonus funds – a highly favourable deposit-to-bonus ratio. 

What sets Parimatch apart from other operators in our top 10 list is an additional bonus of 23 free spins. This adds an extra layer of excitement, making Parimatch a standout choice for players looking for a unique and rewarding betting experience.

• Click here to claim the Parimatch sign-up offer
• Read our Parimatch review

Paddy Power

T&Cs: New customers only. Place your first bet on any market at odds of a minimum 2.0 (evens) and if it loses we will refund your stake in cash. Maximum refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply.

Paddy Power is well-known for its light-hearted ad campaigns on TV and social media but its free bet offer is worth taking seriously. In the event that your first bet doesn’t go as planned, Paddy Power will refund it as cash up to a maximum value of £20, making it an entirely risk-free initial wager.

This unique offering sets Paddy Power apart from other bookmakers and provides an excellent opportunity for new users. You have the freedom to decide whether to withdraw the bonus as cash or keep it in your account for future bets, giving you the flexibility to tailor your betting experience according to your preferences.

Click here to claim the Paddy Power sign-up offer.

Coral

T&Cs: 18+ New UK and Ireland customers only. Minimum deposit £5. Minimum first bet of £5 at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x 20 free bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Free bet valid for seven days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply.

If you’re looking for a betting offer that rewards you with free bets upon depositing and placing a £5 wager, Coral’s offer is definitely worth considering. The operator holds a prominent position on the UK Bookmaker Awards list, thanks to its low deposit requirement, which grants you £20 in free bets.

However, it is essential to note that the free bet credited to your account is a single £20 punt, which limits your ability to explore the platform. While the offer is generous, multiple free bets would provide a more well-rounded and comprehensive approach to your betting experience.

• Click here to claim the Coral sign-up offer
• Read our Coral review

Unibet

T&Cs: 18+ BeGambleAware.org. New customers only. Minimum deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first sports bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at minimum odds of 1.4 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires seven days after opt-in. Visit Unibet.co.uk for full T&Cs.

Unibet sets itself apart from the six bookmakers that precede it on the list with its unique free bet offering. While other bookmakers demand a fixed deposit amount to access free bets, Unibet refunds up to £40 on your first sports bet if it doesn’t go your way, effectively giving you a nearly risk-free bet. However, it’s imperative to note that this offer comes with certain wagering requirements. These are less stringent than those for the casino bonus, but it’s still advisable to take them into account before signing up.

• Click here to claim the Unibet sign-up offer
• Read our Unibet review

William Hill

T&Cs: 18+. Play safe. From 00:01 on October 18, 2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad

The William Hill mobile-only new customer offer is very respectable as you get £40 in free bets from an industry-standard deposit of £10. The free bets are credited as four separate £10 bets and some other offers will not limit you in this way. However, you have a high amount of free bets to use and it should give you a great opportunity to explore the firm’s offering.

It is also worth noting that you can only take advantage of this offer by signing up via the link on this page on a mobile device.

• Click here to claim the William Hill sign-up offer
• Read our William Hill review

888sport

T&Cs: 18+. Play safe. Minimum deposit £10. A qualifying bet is a “real money” stake of at least £10. Minimum odds 1/2 (1.50). Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after seven days. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Casino bonus must be claimed within seven days and expires after 14 days. Bonus valid on selected casino games only. Bonus wins capped at £500, excluding jackpot wins. You must wager bonus amount x40 – this requirement varies by game. T&Cs apply. #ad.

By opting for 888sport’s new customer offer, you can receive more bonus funds than other deals that follow the “bet and get” pattern. A deposit of £10, which is standard in the industry, can unlock £40 of bonuses and free bets. This bundle consists of £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus, providing enough scope to explore all facets of 888sport’s offerings.

• Click here to claim the 888sport sign-up offer
• Read our 888sport review

SBK

T&Cs: New UK, IE and Malta customers only. Minimum £10/€10 first deposit using debit card. Place a bet of £10 at minimum odds of 1.5 and get £10. Further £10 credited after seven days and a further £10 credited after 14 days. Full T&Cs apply.18+. begambleaware.org. £5 free bet terms: new and existing Telegraph users only. Minimum £10 first deposit. Opt in and place £25 of multiples at minimum odds of 2/1 (3.0) during the week and get a £5 free bet. Full T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org

SBK is a newer bookmaker and less well established, as shown by the fact it was not included in the UK Bookmaker Awards. However, the app-only firm should be seriously considered if you are looking for a new bookmaker. You can get £30 in free bets from a £10 deposit, an offer we have seen before, but the free bets do take two weeks to hit your account, which is why SBK is down in 10th.

Click here to claim the SBK sign-up offer

What are free bets?

Betting sites frequently employ free bets as a means to attract new customers, often with initial offers that may seem too good to be true.

By meeting the qualifying criteria, such as placing qualifying bets or making deposits, you can avail yourself of these free bet deals throughout the year. This allows you to try a bookmaker’s services with minimal risk.

Once you have fulfilled the qualifying requirements, any further bets made with your free bets will not result in a loss of your own funds.

Additionally, as there are no wagering requirements, any winnings generated from your free bets can be withdrawn to your bank account.

It is important to note, however, that the free bet stake does not contribute to your cashable winnings, and there may be a minimum odds requirement.

Although less common than other offers, free bets can also come in the form of a matched percentage of your initial deposit.

Before accepting free bet deals, it is crucial for customers to thoroughly review all the terms and restrictions that apply and ensure they meet all the qualifying criteria.

How do free bets work?

Before committing to any bookmaker, it is crucial to thoroughly comprehend the specific terms and conditions associated with each free bet offer and make an informed decision. It is important to note that these terms and conditions differ for each individual free bet offer and are not standardised.

Typically, you will be asked to make a deposit of a specified amount, which is often £5, £10 or £20, to access the free bets. In some cases, the offer may require more than just a deposit, and you may also need to place wagers at specific odds, usually at least evens, to qualify for the free bets.

Types of free bets

Free bets

When unlocking free bet offers such as the William Hill sign-up offer of “bet £10 and receive £30 in free bets”, it is common to be required to wager £10 from your own funds with the bookmaker. However, it is crucial to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of the deal.

These terms and conditions may include minimum odds limits for your qualifying bet. This is to prevent you from backing a highly probable winner and then withdrawing the winnings with minimal risk. It is important to understand and comply with these requirements.

Once you have met all the requirements of the offer, you will receive the free bets. These punts can be used to potentially earn real money, giving you a chance to profit from your betting activities.

While these offers are typically available year-round, they may be particularly enticing for major betting events such as the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National or Glorious Goodwood. Taking advantage of these offers during these events can provide enhanced opportunities for betting and potential winnings.

Matched deposits/bets

Matched deposit welcome offers are less common than the usual free bet deals. These types of offers provide bonus funds that are usually subject to wagering requirements, normally because of the significant amount (often over £100) that customers receive.

Meeting the wagering requirements can be demanding, often necessitating customers to bet a fixed amount (for example, £4,000 for £100 in bonus funds with a 40x wagering requirement) to access the real money linked with the bonus funds.

It is important to understand the terms and conditions of any new offer, particularly those concerning wagering requirements.

As there are no uniform terms and conditions, it is essential that you understand the specific terms of the offer that you plan to use. To gain more knowledge about how wagering requirements (also known as play-through requirements) function, refer to our guide below.

Money back as cash bets

Bookmakers frequently attempt to distinguish themselves from regular free bet offers by providing customers with a cash-back offer after signing up, depositing and placing a bet.

To be eligible for the offer, you'll need to place a bet with a specific stake amount and odds.

If your bet is unsuccessful, you'll get back the same sum of money as cash, up to a defined limit, such as £20. Essentially, the bookmaker is offering you a bet that entails no risk.

Enhanced odds/boosted odds

Another very popular free bet offer is the enhanced or boosted odds on specific one-off games or events. Bookmakers such as 888sport and William Hill will offer huge odds boosts on certain outcomes to encourage new customers to sign up. The stake will be limited to between £1 and £5 but odds will be enhanced to prices of, say, 50/1 on popular events, for example big football finals such as the Champions League and FA Cup. You are paid out winnings on regular odds as cash before the boosted odds are paid as free bets. Again these offers will have specific terms and conditions.

Loyalty rewards

Bookmakers do not simply focus on new customers with their offers and promotions. They all have various existing customer promotions and some, such as Sky Bet and Paddy Power, have loyalty reward clubs.

Sky Bet is the industry leader in rewarding loyal customers through a formalised scheme known as the Sky Bet Club. You can choose from five weekly rewards and these include a £6 in-play free bet or a £6 horse racing bet.

Opt-in required. Cash stakes only before 23.59 on Sunday. Cashed-out and Tote bets excluded. Staking requirements apply. Odds and market restrictions apply. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.

Some of the best loyalty reward offers worth taking advantage of:

Paddy Power (free bets dependent on how much staked per week)

Paddy Power continues to do a lot for its existing customers using the site, including offering you free bets depending on how much you stake throughout the week.

For every five £10 bets staked, you can earn a £10 free bet to use on any sports market, and for every five £5 bets stakes, you can earn a £5 free bet.

T&Cs: Qualify for rewards online when you a) Sports: place minimum one qualifying bet of £5 or more. Maximum free bet is £10 per week when you wager 5 x £10+ in a week, minimum odds 1/2 (1.5) per qualifying bet. Free bet valid for seven days. Max Power Up is one per week, valid for seven days, and maximum stake is £50. For slots, wager a minimum of £20+ on any slot. Maximum free bet is £5 per week (1x wagering requirement) when you wager £100+ in a week. Bonuses/spins valid for seven days and awarded on channel you wagered most on. Free spins can be used on eligible games. Rewards credited by 12noon on Monday following the qualifying week. Cashed-out bets and bets placed with free bets will not count.

Join Paddy Power

Betfair (free bets dependent on how much is staked per week)

Betfair’s existing customers can get the exact same rewards as on Paddy Power, which can lead to more free bets when signed up to the bookmaker.

It should be noted that these free bets have an expiry date that should be noted down to ensure you do not miss out.

Join Betfair

Sky Bet Club

Sky Bet has one of the very best weekly rewards clubs in the industry to subscribe to. If you place £30+ in bets a week, you can earn a £5 free bet, credited to your account every Monday of the year. There are also a number of other options for your free, such as a £6 in-play bet, so you have a great choice of rewards.

Free bet stakes are not returned. Free bet is non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions apply. Further T&Cs apply. 18+.

They can be used on any of the array of sports markets across Sky Bet and the best part is they don’t have an expiry date, making them excellent for future bets and events, something that not many bookmakers have for their free bets.

Join Sky Bet

Insurance offers

Insurance offers mean that you have an opportunity of at least breaking even when placing bet builders or accumulators. Paddy Power offers your stake back as a free bet on accumulators and bet builders of at least four selections if they are let down by just one leg. This means there are £20 worth of free bets to earn per day – with a maximum of £10 to be unlocked by both insurance offers.

Free bets vs bonus offers: What’s the difference?

When signing up with a new bookmaker, it’s possible to receive incentives such as free bets and bonuses, but there’s a significant difference between the two.

Free bets should be uncomplicated for customers to use and understand, with options available for popular sporting events as well as more niche markets.

Bonuses, on the other hand, are distinct in that they frequently take the form of “bet boosters” and may only be applicable to the bookmaker’s casino or slot section. As a result, they are likely to come with wagering requirements, so it’s prudent to get familiar with those before agreeing to an offer.

How to claim free bets

All the new customer offers shown on this page come from fully licensed and regulated bookmakers so you should have no issues claiming your free bets.

After exploring various sign-up offers, you need to evaluate if a particular offer aligns with your personal requirements.

If you have made your decision, click on the table buttons to proceed. Once you have fulfilled the stated prerequisites, the free bets will automatically appear in your account.

The free bets table above is constantly being updated so it is worth checking back regularly to see what you can take advantage of.

Can you withdraw free bets?

Free bet promotions are used by bookmakers to attract and retain users. However, winnings from these promotions cannot be directly withdrawn into a user’s bank account.

Nevertheless, customers can win actual money from their free bets provided that they fulfil the specified criteria, such as minimum stake and odds. Should a user place a winning bet, they can claim their winnings, excluding the free bet stake.

One critical consideration is the minimum odds of a free bet, while checking for any additional wagering requirements is also advisable, although these are generally more applicable to bonus offers than free bet promotions.

Due to bookmakers’ lack of a uniform approach to terms and conditions, it’s important to carefully read and understand the specific ones provided by the bookmaker with whom you have an account.

Is there an expiry date for my free bets?

The expiry date of free bets will be different among bookmakers but the general rule is that you will have seven days to claim and use your free bets. That should give you enough time to decide how you would like to use them and if no specific event catches your eye, remember you can use them on outright/ante-post markets.

Some free bet offers will stand out from the crowd as they have no expiry date or it will be very far in the future. An example of this is Sky Bet, as the free bets you receive from them have no expiry date. There are big betting events such as the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National next year, so you may choose to save your free bets until then.

Best free bets available with low deposit

There are lots of free bet options available for really low deposits that are designed to entice customers to join a bookmaker and keep them punting on its site.

Sky Bet’s current new customer offer is the best on the market in terms of the deposit amount. You have to wager just 5p to unlock £30 in free bets and you will not find a better wager-to-bonus ratio than that.

Click here to claim the Sky Bet sign-up offer

T&Cs New customers only. First single and each-way bet only. 5p minimum stake. 3 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply. 18+. BeGambleAware.org.

Other bookmakers normally hover around the £10 mark in order to claim free bets with a one-time deposit needed from the customer.

Existing customer free bets

The best deposit-to-bonus ratio typically applies to free bet offers reserved for new customers, making them the most attractive.

owever, free bet promotions are also free bets for existing customers, which you can find on our list of the best free bets for them.

While not as frequent, outstanding free bet boosts for in-play betting are still worth noting.

Additionally, taking advantage of free bets on accumulators with offers that reward them for placing a particular sum on accas in a week can prove favourable.

Bet clubs, such as that run by <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/betting/sports-guides/betway-sign-up-offer-new-customer-promotion/">Betway</a> are also offered by some bookmakers. With these you can receive free bets weekly if you have placed a certain amount of money with them in the preceding seven days. A significant advantage of these rolling offers is you can receive free bets every week.

Existing customers can also earn free bets through free-to-play games like William Hill’s Free or Four and bet365’s Goals Giveaway, which are among the other options.

Top 7 best casino free bet offers

_{1. 18+. New casino players only. Deposit required. Minimum bet £10 on qualifying games. 40x wagering requirements (bonus only) on selected games. £50 bonus + 30 free spins for a selected game. Accept within 14 days. Valid for 30 days. Spins value £0.25 each. Certain deposit types excluded. Player restrictions and T&Cs apply.}

_{2. 18+ BeGambleAware.org New accounts only. Minimum £10 deposit, debit card only. Up to 50x wagering, game contributions vary, maximum stake applies. Seven-day expiry. T&Cs apply.}

_{3. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. New customers only. Minimum deposit £10 and get £40 in casino bonus funds. Debit card only. Up to 50x wagering, game contributions vary, maximum stake applies, new customers must opt in and claim offer within 24 hours and use within 30 days. Further T&Cs apply. #AD}

_{4. Welcome bonus for new players only | Maximum bonus is 100% up to £100 | Minimum deposit is £20 | No max cash-out | Wagering is 35x bonus | Maximum bet with an active bonus is £5 | Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse | Cashback is cash with no restrictions | Skrill and Neteller deposits excluded | Cashback applies to deposits where no bonus is included | T&Cs apply. Gambling can be addictive, play responsibly. 18+. #AD}

_{5. 18+. Opt in. Runs until December 31, 2023. Selected UK and Ireland players only. Qualifying players will be excluded from other casino welcome offers. Minimum cash wagering of £/€10 (cumulative). 48 hours to wager, 24 hours to play, 168 hours to play with bonus. Maximum redeemable £/€500 from bonus. 40x wagering on bonus. Until wagering requirement of bonus is completed, stakes on other game will be taken from the cash balance. Once per player. Game, game weighting, player restrictions apply. T&Cs apply.}

_{6. New UK and Ireland customers only. Deposits through debit cards only. 40x wagering requirement on bonus, within seven days, on eligible slot games. Winnings from bonus capped at £500. Spins available upon completion of bonus. Full T&Cs apply.}

_{7. 18+. New UK customers only. Opt-in required. 20 bonus spins on ‘Sahara Riches Cash Collect’ and 100 per cent deposit bonus up to £100 on first deposit. Minimum deposit £10. 30x wagering requirement for bonus spins and 30x wagering requirement for deposit bonus (game-weighting applies). Maximum £5/spin or £0.50/line or £10/round (live casino). 30 days expiry. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly • www.BeGambleAware.org • #AD}

For a full list of online casino bonuses visit our dedicated page here.

What are play-through requirements for free bets?

It’s not uncommon for even experienced bettors to not fully understand the different play-through requirements of bookmakers in the industry. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure you know what these requirements are before signing up with a new company.

A play-through requirement, also referred to as a wagering requirement, entails placing a specific sum of additional bets with a bookmaker before you can withdraw any winnings from your free bets.

Wagering requirements are generally less frequent for free bets than they are for bonuses, but it’s still advisable to check for them.

Unibet is an example of a bookmaker whose free bets have such requirements. Its new customer offer provides up to £40 in free bets, but there’s a wagering requirement of three times. Thus, if you use the full offer, you'll need to bet £120 before you can withdraw any winnings generated from your free bets.

Frequently asked questions regarding free bets

Who is offering free bets?

Almost every online bookmaker has a free bet offer to entice new customers and get them to sign up. An extensive list of the very best free bet offers can be found in this article.

Are free bets risk-free?

Once you have deposited and placed your initial wager, your free bet is essentially risk free as you do not have to deposit any more to unlock it. Occasionally, bookmakers will run promotions that offer you an entirely risk-free bet where you will be refunded in cash.

Do you actually win money from free bets?

Once you meet all the requirements after signing up, you should be able to withdraw any winnings without much hassle. However, it’s worth noting that some bookmakers may have their own wagering requirements, so make sure to check those out beforehand.

Can you get a free bet if you’re already signed up?

If you would like to use one of the free bet offers listed here, you must be a new customer to the platform. However, almost all bookmakers will have really good year-round promotions for existing customers, such as loyalty reward schemes, so you can earn free bets every week.

Do I need to use free bets quickly?

While it will vary from offer to offer, you will usually be allowed a week (seven days) to take advantage of the free bets. It is vital that you read and understand all the terms and conditions so you know the precise expiry date of your free bets. Notably, Sky Bet does not impose an expiry date on the free bets it awards to customers.

Commercial content notice: Taking up one of these offers may result in a payment to The Telegraph. Over 18s only.