The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest week of the year for horse racing fans, free bets and betting firms alike.
With four days of top class Grade 1 racing action and millions of pounds wagered, it is no surprise that bookmakers across the UK roll out some of their most generous free bet offers to attract both new and returning customers.
How to get a free bet Cheltenham
For Cheltenham punters, it is the perfect time to take advantage of sign up bonuses and race day price boosts.
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Most major betting sites, including Bet365, Paddy Power, William Hill, and Sky Bet, are expected to offer a variety of free bet deals in the days leading up to Cheltenham.
These often come in the form of bet £10, get £30 style offers for new customers.
The aim is to encourage sign ups before the first race on Tuesday and give new users a chance to get involved with little upfront cost. These free bets can typically be used across any Cheltenham race, which adds to their appeal.
For existing customers, loyalty promotions are just as important. Bookmakers often reward regular users with daily free bets, a horse superboost, extra places, and money-back specials.
Some firms offer “non-runner no bet” guarantees in the run-up to the Festival, which give punters more freedom to place early wagers without the risk of losing out if a horse is withdrawn.
This has become a major factor for those looking to lock in early value.
One of the most popular types of free bet promotions during Cheltenham is the “refund if you lose” offer.
This usually means that if your horse finishes second or falls at a certain fence, you’ll get your stake back as a free bet. These kinds of offers create a bit more confidence among bettors, especially when punting on big-field handicaps where the outcome can be unpredictable.
Many bookmakers also introduce special offers tied to specific races.
For instance, you might find a free bet offer for the Gold Cup if you place a qualifying bet on the earlier races that day. These promotions tend to drop early each morning and are often available for a limited time. Keeping a close eye on your chosen bookmaker’s promotions page during Cheltenham week is a must.
With so many deals available, it is important for punters to read the terms and conditions of each offer. Some free bets are only valid for 24 hours, while others require minimum odds or specific types of bets.
The best strategy is to sign up early, claim any welcome offers before the Festival begins, and keep an eye on daily promotions across the four days.