Making the Most of Free Bets

Free bets are an offer you’ll frequently come across at the best horse racing betting sites, but it’s not always easy to extract the maximum value from these popular promotions. 

In this guide, we’ll explain all you need to know in order to make the most of free bets, from the different types of offers available to the various terms and conditions — and any pitfalls these might present!

Whether it’s your first time claiming a free bet or you’re simply looking to get the most out of your next reload, read on for our tips and tricks. And once you’re clued up, why not take advantage of our fantastic horse racing free bets?

Choosing a Free Bet Offer

First things first, it’s helpful to understand the different types of free bet offers available. That way, you can pick a bonus that suits your needs and preferences. Think about the requirements in order to claim — do you need to make a bet of a certain value or on a particular market to unlock the free bet? And once you’ve got your mitts on it, is it highly flexible or restricted to specific sports? 

Of course, size will be on most punters’ minds too. Most welcome bonus free bets are in the range of £10–£30, while free bet clubs or ongoing promos are typically smaller at around £5. In any case, it’s important to weigh things up with the terms and conditions — there’s no point claiming an enormous free bet if it’s restricted to markets you have no interest in. We’ll touch on the different T&Cs to consider further down the page. 

Types of Free Bets

At their core, free bets share one thing in common — a bet you can place without staking your own cash. But there’s a whole host of different free bet offers available. Here’s a quick primer on what you might find at our top horse racing bookies:

• Bet X Get Y – A common welcome bonus, these free bets are unlocked when you make a qualifying bet on an eligible market at minimum odds. Bet £10 Get £30 is a frequent offer you’ll see bookmakers hand out to new customers.
• Bet Refunds – Also known as money back bets, these offers refund your stake as a free bet if your qualifying bet is unsuccessful. For example, you might get a free bet up to £30 should your qualifying bet lose, effectively refunding the stake. 
• Deposit Free Bets – These free bet tokens are credited to your account once you make a qualifying deposit. They’re not so common and are usually only available to new customers.
• No Deposit Free Bets – Free bets may also be dished out without having to make a deposit. They’re often made available to existing punters who have placed a bet in the past, and in the run-up to big matches.
• Free Bet Clubs – If you’re a regular bettor, free bet clubs are a way to get a bit more for your money. They’re usually ongoing and reset after a certain period. For example, you could get a £5 free bet token in return for betting at least £15 on horse racing in a given week. 

Free Bet Terms and Conditions 

It’s essential to take a good look at the terms and conditions before you accept any free bet offer. Here are the key ones to take note of:

• Minimum Deposit or Bet – This is the amount you’ll need to deposit or bet to unlock your free bet tokens. Make sure it’s in line with your budget.
• Payment Exclusions – Not all payment methods can be used when claiming a bonus. e-Wallets are sometimes excluded, but debit cards are always eligible. 
• Market Restrictions – Qualifying bets may need to be placed on specific markets. Likewise, you may be restricted when it comes to using your free bet, which could only be valid for specific sports or bet types.
• Minimum Odds – Your qualifying bet usually needs to be placed at minimum odds of even or greater. Free bets typically have a minimum odds requirement too.
• Time Limits – Sadly, nothing lasts forever, and you’ll have to use your free bet tokens within a given window or they’ll expire.
• Winnings Caps – Some offers come with an upper limit on what you can win from your free bet. Be sure you’re happy with this before you claim.
• Wagering Requirements – These terms are more often associated with casino offers, but you do see them attached to free bets from time to time. They stipulate the amount of your own cash you’ll need to bet to unlock any winnings resulting from a free bet.

Using Your Free Bet

So, you’ve jumped through all the necessary hoops and the free bet is safely in your account — what now? 

Before you place your free bet, it’s a good idea to set the right expectations. At HorseRacing.net, we take the attitude that any betting offer should be treated as a bit of additional fun, or a way to test out the bookmaker and its platform — not as a way of making money or turning a profit. 

With that said, there are a variety of ways to approach free bets. Think about your preferences, and consider the options below.

Bet on the Favourite

If you want a decent chance of winning your free bet — albeit with a rather small return — you might consider betting on the favourite. This is certainly no guarantee, but it’s usually the horse the bookies think is most likely to cross the line first. Keep in mind that the favourite to win may not meet the minimum odds requirements for your free bet token. 

Take a Chance on Longer Odds

Some bettors like to take a punt on longer odds, seeing as it's not their own real money they’re putting on the line. In the less likely event the bet wins, great — you’ve bagged a bigger return. And if not, no harm done. 

Try an Accumulator

If you’re new to accumulators, free bets are a great way to try one out if they’re eligible. Here, you’re combining multiple legs into one wager, but all must succeed for the bet to come good. Due to their often long odds, accas can yield large payouts for relatively small stakes, so they’re sometimes a popular option when using free bets.

Enhanced Odds and Price Boosts

If such markets are eligible, it could be worth saving your free bet to use on a market with enhanced odds or a boosted price. That way, you’ll get slightly more bang for your buck if the bet does win. 

Free Bets for Specific Events

Many bookies dole out free bets for the biggest horse racing events, such as the Grand National. You’ll only be able to use them on that specific meeting, so be sure to check the racing schedule in advance or you could miss out!

Finding More Free Bets

Once you’ve taken advantage of a bookie’s welcome bonus free bets, what else is up for grabs? While you’ll often find ongoing promotions on the relevant page of your chosen site, there are a few other tips and tricks to unearth some extra bonuses.

Take Advantage of Loyalty Programmes

Some horse racing betting sites run loyalty programmes where you’ll accrue points each time you place a bet at the site. Earn enough and you’ll be able to trade these in for free bets and other rewards. We recommend checking if your bookie runs such a scheme as soon as you sign up.

Follow Your Bookie on Social Media

Bookmakers have been known to hand out free bets — usually in the form of promo codes — via their social media accounts. If you hold an account with Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, it could be worth following your chosen horse racing betting site and keeping your eyes peeled.

Subscribe to the Mailing List

As annoying as marketing emails can be, they’re another avenue where you might pick up some extra free bets from your bookie. You’ll usually need to opt in when signing up or by altering your account preferences.

Responsible Gambling

No matter whether you’re placing a bet with your own cash or a free bet token, keeping responsible gambling front and centre is essential. There’s a high risk of addiction associated with the activity, but maintaining healthy habits is the best way to ensure it remains safe and enjoyable.

When it comes to free bets, it’s particularly important that you don’t let these offers dictate your behaviour. You shouldn’t spend beyond your budget in order to claim a free bet or fulfil wagering requirements. Additionally, it’s a bad idea to treat these offers as a way to make a profit — gambling is not a source of income and you’re never guaranteed a win. 

Here are some other tips to help you stay on track:

• Set a budget based on what you’re happy to lose, and stick to it. Once you hit your limits, it’s time to call it quits.
• Make use of on-site limiters to ensure you stay within your designated budget. 
• Take regular breaks from gambling. You can set up reality checks within your account, which periodically alert you when it’s time for a breather. 
• Don’t hide your gambling from others. If gambling makes you feel anxious or ashamed, it’s a good idea to get some advice. 
• Only gamble when of sound mind. If you’re under the influence or feeling emotional, you may end up taking bigger risks or betting beyond your means. 

Where to Get Help

If you feel like gambling is having a negative impact on yourself or those around you, there are plenty of places to seek support:

• BeGambleAware.org has a plethora of responsible gambling knowledge and advice.
• GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and provides a range of useful tools to keep you on track.
• The NHS operates a number of gambling addiction clinics around the country. Make an appointment with your GP to get started if you’re having problems with gambling. 
• GamAnon runs regular support groups up and down the country, where those dealing with gambling problems or addiction can share their experiences and seek fellowship.

Claim a Free Bet at a Top Bookmaker

Now you’re well and truly up to speed on how to make the most of free bets, you’re ready to claim an offer for yourself. Head on over to our list of top horse racing free bets to get started. Found a deal that suits your needs? Simply click through using our link to register your account and claim your bonus.