Cheltenham Free Bets: Top Cheltenham Betting Offers Updated September 2025
This page lists the latest Cheltenham free bets and sign-up offers for all meetings at Prestbury Park — from autumn fixtures to the Cheltenham Festival in March. Updated September 2025, we track extra places, Best Odds Guaranteed and other racing-specific promos from trusted UK bookmakers. Read More
- Payout Speed
- Payment Options
- Bet Builder
- Free Bet Club
- Streaming
What to Expect at Cheltenham Meetings
- Autumn Trials / November Meeting: Frequent extra places on big handicaps; targeted price boosts.
- International Meeting (December): Wider Best Odds Guaranteed coverage and selected money-back offers.
- Festival (March): Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) appears ahead of the meeting; wall-to-wall extra places all week.
- New Year’s Day / Trials Day: Early BOG cut-ins and occasional specials on feature races.
Best Cheltenham Free Bet Offers: Our Top Picks
Most UK bookmakers push special sign-up offers around the Cheltenham Festival and other big meetings at Prestbury Park. Below are our top three picks for value and usability — with full details of each welcome bonus and why they stand out.
Sky Bet – Bet 5p, Get £30
Sky Bet’s Cheltenham offer is one of the most generous for such a small outlay. New customers who stake just 5p at minimum odds of 1/1 (2.0) receive £30 in free bets. Tokens are valid for 30 days and can be split across any sports market, including Cheltenham races. Sky Bet are also renowned for extra places at the Festival, often beating rival firms by one or two spots on big handicaps.
#AD 18+ New customers only. First single & E/W bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 X £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.New customers only. First single & E/W bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 X £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.
bet365 – Bet £10, Get £30
bet365’s long-standing welcome bonus remains a Festival favourite. Place a qualifying £10 bet at odds of 1/5 (1.2) or greater and you’ll unlock £30 in free bets, credited instantly. bet365 excel at Cheltenham with deep markets, industry-leading bet builders, and daily offers such as their 2 Goals Ahead early payout. Free bets expire in 30 days, giving plenty of time to use them across the four days of action.
#AD. 18+ New customers only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required.
Paddy Power – Bet £5, Get £30
Paddy Power’s Cheltenham deal gives new customers £30 in free bets after a £5 qualifying wager. Known for their money-back specials, Paddy Power frequently run Festival promos like refunds if your horse finishes second, third, or even fourth depending on field size. Free bets are valid for 30 days and can be spread across racing or other sports, but their Cheltenham concessions are the biggest draw.
#AD 18+ New Customer offer - Use promo code YSKAST. Place a min £5 bet on the sportsbook at odds of min EVS (2.0) and get £30 in free bets. Free bet rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via Debit Cards & Apple Pay will qualify for this offer. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly
Types of Cheltenham Betting Offers
Bookmakers run a wide range of promotions during the Cheltenham Festival and other big meetings at Prestbury Park. Here are the main types of Cheltenham offers to look out for:
Cheltenham Free Bets
Welcome free bets are the most common type of offer, but existing customers are rewarded too. Free bet clubs and daily refunds are especially popular during the Festival, with tokens credited if your horse finishes just outside the places or your qualifying bet loses.
Enhanced Odds
Odds boosts are everywhere at Cheltenham. Bookmakers will boost selected runners or give tokens you can use on a market of your choice. A price might jump from 2/1 to 3/1 — giving you a bigger return if your bet wins.
Money Back Specials
Money back if your horse finishes second (or even third or fourth in big fields) is a Festival favourite. These refunds are usually given as free bets and provide a valuable safety net in the ultra-competitive Cheltenham races.
Promo Codes
Some sign-up deals at Cheltenham require a promo code when you register or deposit. These can unlock free bets, profit boosts, or other rewards. Always check the small print before claiming to ensure your bet qualifies.
Key Cheltenham Festival Races
The Cheltenham Festival runs over four days each March and is packed with betting opportunities. Here are the standout races where bookmakers often attach their biggest free bet offers and extra place promotions:
- Day 1 – Champion Hurdle: The feature of opening day, often supported by extra places on the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
- Day 2 – Queen Mother Champion Chase: A key betting heat for two-mile chasers, with price boosts common across major firms.
- Day 3 – Stayers’ Hurdle: A test of stamina that regularly sees money-back specials if your pick finishes second or third.
- Day 4 – Cheltenham Gold Cup: The pinnacle of jump racing — and the race where bookmakers push their biggest sign-up deals and earliest NRNB concessions.
How To Claim a Cheltenham Free Bet
Getting your Cheltenham free bets is straightforward. Here’s the simple process:
- Choose an offer: Use our toplist above to find the bookmaker sign-up deal that suits you best.
- Register and deposit: Open an account, add your details, and make a qualifying deposit. Some bookies may require a promo code, which will be clearly shown.
- Place your qualifying bet: Wager the minimum required stake at the stated odds to unlock your free bet tokens.
Once credited, you can use your free bets across Cheltenham in whichever way suits your style:
- Back an outsider: Use a free bet on a long-shot in a Championship race for a potential big return.
- Build an acca: Combine several Festival favourites into a single bet to boost winnings.
- Spread your stakes: Split tokens across different days and races to stay involved all week.
Pros and Cons of Cheltenham Free Bets
Free bets are a popular way to add value at the Cheltenham Festival. The upside is obvious — you can win without risking your own cash. Downsides include that stakes aren’t returned, some offers only apply to certain markets or minimum odds, and free bet tokens usually expire within 7–30 days.
How to Use Your Cheltenham Free Bets
Once your free bet tokens are credited, you can use them on a wide range of Festival markets. Here are three popular ways punters put their Cheltenham free bets to work:
- Back a Festival favourite: Many use free bets on short-priced stars in Championship races, turning tokens into reliable returns.
- Each-way on a big-field handicap: Free bets are ideal for chasing bigger payouts on outsiders, especially with extra place offers running.
- Build a multiple: Combine a few Cheltenham selections into an accumulator for the chance of a larger win from a free token.
Always check the terms before placing your wager — some free bets may exclude certain markets or bet types.
Free Bets Terms and Conditions Explained
Always check the small print before claiming Cheltenham free bets. Key terms can vary by bookmaker and may affect how useful an offer is. Here are the main points to look for:
Win Limits
Some free bet offers cap the maximum winnings that can be withdrawn. Always check the upper limit before staking.
Minimum Odds
Qualifying bets must usually be placed at a minimum price (commonly 1/2, evens, or higher). Bets below this won’t trigger the free bet.
Wagering Requirements
Sportsbook free bets rarely carry heavy wagering, but some may require you to play through winnings once or twice before withdrawal.
Time Limits
Free bet tokens often expire within 7–30 days. Make sure you use them before they vanish.
Market Restrictions
Some tokens are limited to horse racing, others can be used across multiple sports. Always confirm eligible markets before betting.
Eligibility
Welcome offers are for new customers only. If you already hold an account with a bookmaker (or a related brand under the same group), you won’t qualify.
Payment Method Restrictions
E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller are often excluded. Debit card or Apple Pay deposits are usually safest to qualify.
Promotional Abuse
Bookmakers may exclude customers who attempt to abuse offers through arbitrage or matched betting tactics.
Cheltenham Bookies Offering Best Odds Guaranteed
Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) is one of the most valuable Cheltenham concessions. If you back a horse and its SP (Starting Price) is bigger than the odds you took, you’ll be paid at the higher price. Below are the leading UK bookmakers currently offering BOG on Cheltenham races:
Bookmaker | BOG Available? | Time Applied | Works With Extra Places? |
---|---|---|---|
bet365 | Yes | 8am | Yes |
Sky Bet | Yes | 9am | No |
William Hill | Yes | 9am | Yes |
Paddy Power | Yes | 9am | Yes |
Betfred | Yes | 8am | Yes |
Ladbrokes | Yes | 9am | Yes |
Coral | Yes | 9am | Yes |
BoyleSports | Yes | 8am | Variable |
BetMGM | Yes | 11am | Yes |
Unibet | Yes | 8am | Yes |
Cheltenham Bookies Offering Extra Each-Way Places
Extra places are one of the most valuable Cheltenham Festival concessions — they can be the difference between collecting on an each-way bet and going home empty-handed. Here are the leading bookmakers known for running extra place races during the Festival:
Bookmaker | Extra Place Terms at Cheltenham |
---|---|
bet365 | 5 places standard on big-field handicaps; up to 7 or 8 on feature races |
Sky Bet | Industry leader; regularly 2 places more than rivals on handicaps |
William Hill | 5 places on most handicaps; enhanced places on selected Grade 1s |
Paddy Power | 5 places daily; specials with 6–7 places on marquee handicaps |
Betfred | Extra places across handicaps; often boosts on Saturday & Gold Cup day |
Ladbrokes | 5 places standard; enhanced each-way terms on selected Festival races |
Coral | Matches Ladbrokes; 5–6 places common during the Festival |
BetMGM | Extra places daily; strong on handicaps and Championship races |
BoyleSports | 5–6 places across major Cheltenham handicaps |
Unibet | 5 places on handicaps; extra place promos around feature days |
Other firms such as Virgin Bet, BetUK, BetVictor, QuinnBet and RhinoBet also run extra place races, though terms vary daily. Always check the racecard on the morning of each race to confirm the exact place terms.
Cheltenham Bookies Offering Live Streaming
Most major UK bookmakers stream Cheltenham races direct to your phone or desktop. For some, all you need is a funded account; others ask for a small qualifying bet on the race. Here’s how the leading bookies compare:
Bookmaker | Live Streaming | Requirements |
---|---|---|
bet365 | Yes | Funded account or bet in last 24h |
Sky Bet | Yes | £1 bet on the race |
William Hill | Yes | £1 bet on the race |
Paddy Power | Yes | £1 bet on the race |
Betfred | Yes | £1 bet on the race |
Ladbrokes | Yes | £1 bet on the race |
Coral | Yes | £1 bet on the race |
BetMGM | Yes | Funded account |
BoyleSports | Yes | £1 bet on the race |
Unibet | Yes | £1 bet on the race |
Other firms such as Virgin Bet, BetUK, BetVictor and LiveScore Bet also stream Cheltenham races. Typically these follow the same rule: either a funded account or a £1 qualifying bet. Other sites like CopyBet and RhinoBet do not currently provide live streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheltenham Free Bets
Can I get free bets on the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Yes. Most welcome offers can be used on the Gold Cup, and some bookies run Gold Cup–specific promotions in the build-up to the race.
Do all betting sites offer Cheltenham Festival free bets?
Pretty much. Almost every major UK bookmaker runs a Cheltenham sign-up offer, though terms like minimum odds and market restrictions may apply.
What is Non Runner No Bet?
This Cheltenham concession refunds your stake if your ante-post selection doesn’t run, giving extra security when betting in advance.
What are Cheltenham Money Back Specials?
These promotions refund your stake (often as a free bet) if your horse loses under certain conditions — for example, finishing second or losing by a narrow margin.
Can I open accounts with more than one bookmaker?
Yes. You can sign up with multiple bookies and claim several Cheltenham free bet offers, as long as you haven’t registered with them before.
What is the best way to choose a Cheltenham Free Bet Offer?
Match the offer to your betting style. Big-stake punters may prefer larger bonuses, while casual bettors often go for low-qualifier, high-reward deals.