The Top Bonus Bets in the UK 2025

This guide covers everything you need to know about bonus bets, including how to claim them, the different types available, and the key terms to look out for. Whether you are looking for a simple bet and get offer or a more generous matched deposit bonus, we will help you identify the best options and use them effectively.

What is a Bonus Bet?

A bonus bet is a promotional offer from a bookmaker that allows you to place a wager without using your own money. These bets are exclusive to the betting site that provides them and cannot be withdrawn as cash to your bank account.

Most bonus bets come with certain restrictions, such as being limited to specific sports or requiring minimum odds. Always check the terms and conditions before using a bonus bet to avoid any surprises.

In most cases, bonus bets must be used in full and cannot be divided into multiple, smaller wagers. However, if the bonus is awarded as bet credits or bonus money, you may have the flexibility to use it in smaller amounts and spread it across multiple bets.

There are several ways to receive a bonus bet, all of which are explained in detail on this page.

How Do I Get Bonus Bets?

There are several ways betting sites offer bonus bets to punters, giving you plenty of opportunities to claim these promotions.

Higher-value bonus bets are typically provided by top bookmakers, as they have larger budgets for promotions. However, that doesn’t mean you should overlook smaller bookies, always check their offers before making a decision.

In some cases, you may need to enter a promo code to unlock the bonus bet fully. This should be clearly stated on the offer page.

Register

This is the most common way to receive bonus bets at almost any bookmaker. Many betting sites offer a welcome bonus, providing you with bonus bets after you register and place a qualifying bet as your first wager.

The required qualifying bet and the value of the bonus bets can vary significantly between bookmakers. You may need to stake as little as £5 or as much as £20, while the bonus bet reward could range from £5 to £60.

These welcome bonus bets often come with more restrictions than other types, so always review the terms and conditions carefully before claiming the offer.

Money Back Offers

Money-back offers, also known as ‘insurance’, refund your stake as a bonus bet under certain conditions.

The most generous money-back promotions simply return your stake as a bonus bet if your selection loses. Some bookmakers also run specific offers, such as awarding a bonus bet if a football match ends in a 0-0 draw.

Always check the terms and conditions to understand the requirements for these promotions.

Loyalty Clubs

Loyalty clubs are one of the most popular ways to receive regular bonus bets, rewarding you for placing bets as usual throughout the week.

The qualification criteria vary by the bookmaker. Some are straightforward, such as placing £30 worth of bets in a week to receive a £5 bonus bet the following Monday. Others may be more complex, requiring accumulators or bet builders to qualify.

Most loyalty clubs require you to opt in, so be sure to check before you start betting. Also, review the terms to understand which wagers count towards the bonus bet.

Bet and Get

Bet and Get is the most common type of bonus bet, requiring you to place a qualifying bet before receiving the bonus. The bonus bet is awarded either when the qualifying bet is placed or once it has been settled.

The value of these offers varies between bookmakers, with some being more generous than others.

Many welcome offers for new customers follow the Bet and Get format, as this is when the bonuses tend to be at their highest. However, existing customers can also access this type of promotion regularly.

No Deposit bonus Bets

No deposit bonus bets are the most sought-after type of bonus bet. These offers do not require a deposit or any other qualifying conditions, meaning the bookmaker simply credits you with bonus money to use.

Since they come with no financial commitment, their value is usually lower than other types of bonus bets. However, no deposit bonus bets remain the crème de la crème of betting promotions.

Matched Deposit Bonus

Matched deposit bonuses are not very common, but they offer great value when available. With this type of promotion, the bookmaker matches your next deposit in bonus bets up to a specified amount. The maximum value and percentage match, typically ranging from 25% to 100%, depends on the betting site.

These bonuses are often awarded on a case-by-case basis and may be sent directly via email or as a message in your account.

Some payment methods may be excluded from matched deposit bonuses, so always check the terms to ensure you are using an eligible deposit option.

Bonus Bet Terms and Conditions

You should always read the terms and conditions of any betting bonus, and the same applies to bonus bets.

Even the most flexible bonus bets come with some conditions that you must follow to use your reward.

The key terms are usually highlighted in the main details of the bonus bet, so you will not need to sift through the fine print to understand the requirements.

Expiry Date

You must use a bonus bet before its expiry date, or you will lose it. Most bonus bets remain valid for a few days, so there is usually no immediate rush. The best offers may be available for up to 30 days.

The only exception is when a bonus bet is tied to a specific event. In this case, it will expire either just before the event starts or just before it finishes if it can be used for in-play betting.

Minimum Odds

Bonus bets come with minimum odds requirements, usually set at Evens (2.0) or greater. This is not necessarily a drawback, as you do not receive the stake back in any winnings.

For example, if the minimum odds are Evens (2.0), you can use the bonus bet on a selection with odds of 2/1 (3.0) but not on one with 8/11 (1.73).

Sports Restrictions

Some bonus bets can be used on all sports, while others are limited to specific ones. Bonus bets earned through bet and get promotions are often restricted to a particular sport.

If there are any restrictions, they typically apply to football or horse racing. This means you are unlikely to receive a bonus bet only eligible for a niche sport.

Market Restriction

Some bonus bets come with market restrictions, meaning you must use them on a specific type of bet within a sport. This could include markets like match result or anytime goalscorer.

If a market restriction applies, the bonus bet may also be limited to a particular match or event. Always check the terms to ensure you use the bonus bet correctly.

Bet Type Restriction

A bookmaker may require you to use a bonus bet on a specific type of wager, such as a bet builder or an accumulator. This is often done to promote these betting options.

Alternatively, some bookmakers impose restrictions by excluding certain bet types. For example, a bonus bet might be valid for any wager except system bets like a Yankee, Patent, or Trixie.

Always check the terms to ensure you use the bonus bet correctly.

Maximum Winnings

The amount you can win from a single bonus bet may be capped, which can be frustrating. However, the limit is usually high enough that it will not affect most punters.

If you are using a bonus bet on a longshot accumulator or bet builder, be mindful that adding too many legs could push your potential winnings over the cap. Always check the terms to ensure your bet remains within the limits.

Payment Methods

Payment method restrictions apply when qualifying for a bonus bet. Most bookmakers require deposits to be made using specific methods, typically debit cards or Apple Pay.

E-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill are often excluded from bonus bet promotions, so always check the terms to ensure your deposit method is eligible.

How Do I Use a Bonus Bet?

Using a bonus bet is straightforward. Once you have registered a new account or logged into an existing one and claimed the bonus bet, follow these steps:

• Locate your bonus bet - Find it in the promotions section of the betting site and claim it.
• Choose your event and market - Decide which sport and betting market you want to use it on.
• Add your selection to the bet slip - Click on the event and add it to your slip.
• Apply the bonus bet - Either select the bonus bet from the bet slip, or enter the stake as normal and tick the box that says “Use bonus bet” or a similar option.
• Place your bet - Confirm the wager and wait for it to settle.

If your bonus bet does not appear in the bet slip, check the terms and conditions to ensure your selection is eligible. Remember, the bonus bet stake is not included in your winnings if the bet is successful.

Choosing the Best Bonus Bet

There are several key factors to consider when selecting a bonus bet, beyond the terms and conditions outlined above. Ensuring you are happy with the offer before claiming it can help you maximise its value.

Below are some important questions to ask yourself before committing to a bonus bet, particularly if a qualifying bet or deposit is required to receive it.

• Will you get value from it? Make sure you can use the bonus bet effectively rather than claiming it just for the sake of it.
• Is the amount worth it? The bonus bet should be rewarding enough to justify the eligibility requirements. If the value does not match the deposit or wager needed to qualify, it may not be worth taking.
• Do you care about the sport? Many punters jump at the chance to claim a bonus bet without considering whether they have any knowledge of the sport it applies to.

The only exception is a no deposit bonus bet, as these require no qualification. Even if you are unfamiliar with the sport, there is no harm in using it.

Is a Bonus Bet Really Bonus?

The bonus bet itself is a genuine bonus. When you place a wager using a bonus bet, no money is deducted from your balance, as the stake is covered by the bonus bet token up to its full value.

However, receiving a bonus bet is rarely completely free. As outlined on this page, most bonus bets require some form of qualification.

This usually involves either:

• Making a deposit and receiving a bonus bet on top
• Placing a bet as normal and earning a bonus bet as a reward or a refund if your original bet loses
• Always check the terms to ensure you understand the requirements before claiming a bonus bet.

Conclusion

Bonus bets are among the most popular promotions offered by bookmakers, allowing punters to place wagers without risking their own money. Whether you’re a new customer claiming a welcome offer or an existing player benefiting from ongoing promotions, bonus bets provide a risk-free way to try out a bookmaker or potentially turn a profit. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly check the terms and conditions, including expiry dates, minimum odds requirements, qualifying deposits, and market restrictions. By selecting your offers carefully, understanding the rules, and betting responsibly, you can fully capitalise on bonus bets and enhance your betting experience.