As you probably know, betting bonuses come in many different shapes and sizes. That’s why opting for one might be a little intimidating for an online sports betting novice. But, based on our experience, we have come to the realisation that these bonus offers mainly fall into several prominent categories.
Of course, we have provided you with a detailed explanation of all of them, including useful info on bonus codes, odds, and lots more.
Welcome Bonuses
Sports betting welcome bonuses are a prominent occurrence on the majority of online sports betting UK sites. Online bookmakers provide them as a nice way to greet newcomers and show the appreciation that the number of their customers is increasing.
As you can imagine, there are many different sports betting welcome bonus offers that you can find. Some might entail matched deposits or free bets, risk-free bets or cashouts, etc. In any case, you will see that all of them include a list of obligatory terms and conditions you will need to meet in full.
The three most important ones will be the following:
- You will need to open a betting account on the online site offering a welcome bonus.
- To do this, you will need to be 18 or older.
- Also, you will need to be a new customer, meaning that you cannot open another account using the same email address, personal and contact details, etc.
Of course, there will be more terms that you will need to meet to collect your bonus, but if you do not check these three important boxes, you better start looking for another operator and bonus you can collect.
Bonus Codes
You might have come across the phrase betting bonus codes but were unsure what it actually meant. Bonus codes are the same as promo or promotional codes – they are number and letter combinations that you can provide at signup or when opting for an online bonus.
Sometimes these bonus codes do not add value to the promotional offer, but they provide the operators with info on where you came from. This is the case with affiliate codes, for example. Other times, applying codes can bring you added value to the otherwise regular promotion.
Also, you can come across referral bonus codes too. You can send them to your friends in an invitation to join a particular sports betting site. If they accept the invitation and meet the appropriate terms, you can receive a reward for increasing the operator’s customer base.
Looking for the best football betting offers? Check out our Football Betting Promo Codes page for the latest bonuses and promotions tailored for football enthusiasts. Whether you’re a new or seasoned bettor, find top deals from reputable bookmakers to enhance your betting experience.
Matched Deposit Bonuses
A matched deposit bonus is a very common sight on online sports betting UK websites. Here’s what this offer can look like – “100% Deposit Match up to £100.” Such a promo offer is likely to entail a minimum required deposit, among other things. So, to collect the bonus, you will need to make an eligible deposit. However, there are other requirements which you must fulfil.
Risk-Free Bet Offers
You can also find risk-free bet offers on various best online bookies in the UK. So, what are risk-free bets? Actually, they are very simple to grasp. All you need to do is place your bet on one of the eligible markets. If the bet wins, you will receive your return. However, if it doesn’t, you will get the bet amount in the shape of a free bet or site credits that you can use to place an additional wager.
Normally, the amount you receive will be identical to the amount you have staked as your initial bet. Make sure to check the full terms if you come across this offer type to ensure that you are familiar with all of them and that you will successfully collect the bonus.
Free Bet Offers
Another popular bonus type involves free bets. For example, you get a certain amount (e.g. £10) in free bets after meeting the appropriate terms. Normally, you have to place a minimum required deposit as well as your first wager at minimum specified odds.
Additionally, you will need to do this within 7 or 14 days of making an eligible deposit. After that, the bonus will be released in increments in the form of free bets.
Enhanced Odds
You might have come across terms like enhanced odds, boosted odds, or enhanced prices but were not really sure what they meant. Well, we are here to shed some light on this topic. Many sports betting sites contain special enhanced odds sections where you can find various betting markets that are offered with higher odds than they would normally have.
Typically enhanced odds are available on a specific event, such as a football game, or a specific bet type, for example, over/under markets, etc.
For more information on how to better understand odds and calculate them, feel free to check our comprehensive guide on betting odds.
Cashback for Losses
Have you ever wondered how cashback works in sports betting? A cashback promo is incredibly popular in the UK. Essentially, you get a portion of your losses in the form of free bets, betting funds, or something similar.
This promo type is usually reserved for existing customers and is not too frequent to come by. So, what does it entail? Normally, you will get the percentage of your stake back. Depending on the operator, it is usually between 10% and 20%. This means that if your bet loses, you will receive the specified amount in your betting account, and you will be able to use it according to the bonus terms.
How to Claim Online Sports Betting Bonuses
Claiming a bonus on an online sports betting platform involves a few straightforward steps. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth process and maximize your betting experience.
- Start by creating an account on the online betting site that offers the bonus. This typically involves providing your personal information, such as your name, email address, and date of birth. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid any issues during the verification process.
- After registration, you’ll need to verify your account. This often involves confirming your email address and possibly providing additional documentation to verify your identity. Verification is a crucial step as it ensures that the bonus is awarded to the rightful account holder.
- Once your account is verified, proceed to make your first deposit. The amount you deposit may influence the bonus you receive, especially if you are claiming a matched deposit offer. Be sure to check the minimum deposit requirements to qualify for the bonus.
- Some bonuses require a bonus code during the signup or deposit process. Make sure to enter the correct code if prompted, as this will activate the bonus. If no code is needed, the bonus may be applied automatically.
- Before you can withdraw any bonus funds or winnings, you must meet the specific terms and conditions. These can include wagering requirements, specific betting odds, or time limits within which the bonus must be used. Carefully review these terms to ensure compliance and avoid losing the bonus.
By following these steps and paying close attention to the bonus terms, you can successfully claim and enjoy the benefits of online sports betting bonuses. Remember, each betting site may have slightly different processes, so always refer to the specific instructions provided by the operator.
Pros and Cons of Using Online Betting Bonuses
The table below brings you an overview of what we believe are some advantages to pursuing bonus offers. As we always do, we aim to be as objective as possible. So, we have noted a negative side of some bonus promotions, too.
| Pros | Cons |
| An excellent way to begin your online betting with an operator. | Some bonus terms can be too demanding. |
| The terms are usually more than reasonable. | Some bonuses may appear more attractive than they are. |
| Lots of bonus offers to choose from. |
Betting Bonuses in the UK – Final Thoughts
We have almost reached the end of our article on online sports betting in the UK. We have tried to give you as much information that you might need if you are interested in joining one of the best online bookies.
We have explained what you should consider when opening an online betting account, choosing a welcome bonus and what you should pay attention to. In our opinion, you should make sure that you are joining a legal betting site that covers the markets you are interested in, has a solid bonus offer variety, and offers competitive odds – among other things.
Online betting bonuses can be a valuable tool for enhancing your betting experience, provided you approach them with a clear understanding of their terms and conditions. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced bettor, these promotions offer opportunities to explore various betting markets with added value.
However, it’s crucial to stay informed and cautious, ensuring that you choose offers that align with your betting strategy and goals. By carefully evaluating each bonus and its requirements, you can make the most of what online sportsbooks have to offer, while avoiding potential pitfalls.
FAQ
Even though we have tried to be as comprehensive and detailed as possible, we might have missed something you were interested in learning more about. That’s why we hope that you can find the answers to your additional questions answered below.
When evaluating an online betting bonus, consider factors such as the wagering requirements, minimum deposit, and eligible markets. Ensure that the terms align with your betting habits and that the offer is from a reputable, licensed bookmaker.
Yes, you can claim bonuses from multiple betting sites as long as you meet the individual terms and conditions for each offer. However, remember to read each bonus’s requirements carefully to avoid any conflicts or misunderstandings.
If you don’t meet the bonus terms and conditions, you may forfeit the bonus and any winnings derived from it. Always ensure that you understand and can fulfill the requirements before opting into a bonus.
While many bonuses are aimed at new customers, many betting sites also offer promotions for existing users, such as reload bonuses, cashback offers, or enhanced odds. Check your bookmaker’s promotions page regularly for the latest offers.
No, most bonuses cannot be withdrawn immediately. You will usually need to meet specific wagering requirements before you can withdraw the bonus amount or any associated winnings. Always check the terms for details on these conditions.
In our experience, all the most prominent and the best online betting sites UK offer them. When we do our online bookmaker review, we consider whether the operator in question has available bonuses on offer. In case they do not, they will not receive the highest mark in our books.
