Latest news with #UKGC-licensed


Copts Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Copts Today
Most Trusted Licensed UK Bookmakers
Looking at over 80 licensed bookmakers in the UK can feel overwhelming. The sort of thing I love is how bet365 stays at the top with more than 35 million customers worldwide. Of course, Ive wondered about this too. The betting world has changed drastically over the last several years. Since 2018, betting shops have seen a 91% closure rate - that means 3,072 fewer shops on UK high streets! The best UK betting sites have stepped up to bridge this gap. They now provide detailed services from football markets to horse racing specials. Our team spent months looking at top bookmakers. We checked everything from their UKGC licensing credentials to how fast they respond to customers. The best betting websites need more than just good odds - they must prioritize security, fairness, and responsible gambling features. This piece will show you what makes a trustworthy bookmaker. Youll discover the best betting sites UK bettors can use today, and learn to open a safe betting account in just 2-5 minutes. Weve got everything covered, from specialized football betting options to the best new bookmakers with innovative features. A UKGC licensed bookmaker isnt just another betting site. Its one that has made it through the tough screening process that Britains gambling watchdog demands. The gap between licensed and unlicensed operators is huge when it comes to your protection. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission serves as the backbone of Britains betting industry. This 16-year old regulatory body took over from the Gaming Board for Great Britain in 2007. It now watches over everything gambling-related in the UKfrom sports betting and casino games to bingo and lotteries. The UKGCs mission is crystal clear: keep crime out of gambling, make sure gambling stays fair and open, and protect children and vulnerable people. These three goals are the foundations of how they regulate. The UKGC stands out as one of the strictest regulatory bodies in the global gambling world. Theyre so strict that some in the industry have tried to get them to ease up. But this toughness is exactly what makes the best bookmakers trustworthy. For players looking for reliable options outside the UK, there are also safest betting sites in the USA that follow strict regulations. Why licensing ensures safety and fairness UKGC-licensed best UK betting sites give you complete protection. Your deposits stay separate from the companys operating money, which keeps your funds safe even if the company hits rough times. This money separation isnt optionalevery licensed site must do it. The Commission requires all top bookmakers to have strong responsible gambling tools. These features help you stay in control of your betting. Licensed sites face regular checks and audits. The Commission has real power to enforce rules too. They showed this in March 2023 by hitting William Hill Group with their biggest fine ever19.2 millionfor failing on social responsibility and anti-money laundering. Players get real benefits from this alertness: guaranteed winnings, fair games with clear odds, protected personal and financial data, and ways to complain if things go wrong. How to verify a bookmakers license Finding the best betting websites with proper licenses is simple if you know what to look for. Heres what I do: Look at the site footergood bookmakers show their license details clearly at the bottom of their homepage Find the UKGC logo and license number Check the official registerthe Commission keeps a public list where you can verify a sites license status and allowed activities Checking is straightforward. You can type the license number into the UKGCs licensee hub. Many sites also link directly to their Commission profile. Stay away from sites that dont show clear license information. More illegal overseas websites now target British customers without proper safeguards. A site that hides its license details or avoids questions about regulations should raise alarm bells. Licensed sites must display their license information on their gambling websites and apps, with links to their public register details. This openness helps you spot the best new bookmakers operating legally. The sort of thing I love about licensed operators is the peace of mind they offer. Gambling with unlicensed sites isnt just riskyit means dealing with businesses outside UK law. Thats why I always stick to UKGC-licensed betting sites. Key features of the most trusted betting sites What makes the best UK betting sites stand out from the rest? At the time I started looking into this, I found it wasnt just about having a licensecertain features make these sites safer, fairer, and better to use. Secure deposits and fast withdrawals The best bookmakers excel at handling your money efficiently. Top betting sites give you plenty of secure payment options. You can use debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller, plus modern choices like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Many platforms now use Visa Fast Funds technology that processes withdrawals between 30 minutes to 4 hours. These sites protect your financial information with SSL encryption and two-factor authentication. The best platforms handle identity checks smartlythey complete Know Your Customer (KYC) checks right away instead of holding up your withdrawals later. If youre looking for reliable gambling options, you can also find trusted platforms in Chile at Clear bonus terms and fair wagering The best betting websites set themselves apart from sketchy operators through transparent bonus offers. The UK Gambling Commission has taken action against unfair terms recently. They target rules that let bookmakers take away deposits or cancel winnings when players accidentally break staking rules. Reliable sites explain their wagering requirements clearlythey tell you how many times you need to play through bonus funds before withdrawing. The best operators avoid high rollover requirements that could lead to problem gambling. My review of several platforms showed odds restrictions between 2/5 and 1/1 for bonus bets. You should know these limits before taking any offer. Strong customer support A bookmakers true nature shows in how they handle problems. Betsafe leads the industry with just a 30-second live chat response time. The best support teams work 24/7 and you can reach them through live chat, email, phone, and social media. Speed isnt everything though. Matchbook ranks highest by solving issues within 6 minutes. Top bookmakers invest in knowledgeable staff who understand their platform and solve problems effectively. Mobile-friendly platforms Most betting happens on phones now, so the best UK betting sites offer smooth mobile experiences. Leading operators have optimized mobile sites and dedicated iOS and Android apps. These apps feature clean designs with sharp graphics that work perfectly during intense in-play betting moments. Security remains strong on mobile too. Many top betting apps let you use face and touch recognition not just to log in but also to approve payments. Responsible gambling features The most trusted bookmakers take player safety seriously. They provide practical tools such as: Deposit limits for daily, weekly, or monthly maximums Time-out periods from 24 hours to several weeks Self-exclusion options through individual sites or GAMSTOPa free service that blocks access to all UKGC-licensed gambling sites for 6 months to 5 years Its worth mentioning that 84% of GAMSTOP users feel safer and more in control of their gambling. The best new platforms make these tools easy to find and use through dedicated responsible gambling sections. These features are the foundations of trustworthy betting platforms. They ensure fair money handling and keep your experience safe and enjoyable. Top bookmakers in the UK ranked by trust Let me share my review of the most reliable bookmakers based on their licenses, security, and how well they protect their customers. 1. bet365 bet365 stands at the top with 35 million customers worldwide - a number that shows how much people trust them. They excel at in-play betting options, reach markets globally, and provide excellent cash-out features. Their security setup is rock-solid. bet365 holds multiple regulatory licenses from tough regulators like the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority. They use top-tier encryption to keep all transactions and personal information safe. When it comes to responsible gambling, bet365 goes beyond simple requirements. They give players real control with deposit limits and self-exclusion options. A clean, easy-to-use interface and quick customer service make them the UKs most trusted betting platform. 2. William Hill William Hill is one of Britains oldest bookmakers, but they faced some tough challenges recently. The company had to pay 19.2 million in fines in 2023 - the biggest penalty ever from the Gambling Commission. This came after they failed to meet social responsibility and anti-money laundering standards. They were quick to fix these issues. With 1,344 betting shops across Britain and their online platforms, William Hill remains a key player in UK betting. Theyre working hard to rebuild trust by making customer protection better. 3. Betfair Betfair gives bettors something special - its both a regular sportsbook and the worlds biggest betting exchange. Users can bet against each other on their exchange platform, which opens up more options than standard bookmakers. Their security basics are solid with proper licenses and data protection. Customer reviews tell different stories - some say their accounts got limited after big wins, while others love how fast they process payments. Betfairs loyalty program is a standout feature. Customers can pick packages that match how they bet. Their "Acca Edge" feature leads the industry in accumulator insurance. 4. Sky Bet Sky Bet makes betting simple and available to everyone. You can sign up in minutes and use popular payment methods like Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit, and Maestro. They take security seriously with strict KYC checks to verify all bettors. Their customer service team responds right away on live chat, and email replies usually come within an hour - much faster than their promised 72-hour window. Their free-to-play games are a big hit. Super 6 has become so popular that only the Premier Leagues fantasy football game has more players. 5. Betfred Known as the "Bonus King," Betfred has created exciting promotions since 1968. They operate under UK Gambling Commission license 39544 and have extra licenses from Gibraltar regulators. Beyond standard SSL encryption, Betfred uses FredBot - a smart AI chatbot that handles most customer questions without human help. Real support staff are always ready when needed. Betfred shows their steadfast dedication to player safety through complete responsible gambling tools. They fully work with the UK GAMSTOP self-exclusion system to protect vulnerable players. Best UK betting sites by category The best UK betting sites excel in different areas beyond their general reputation. My extensive platform testing reveals where each bookmaker really shines: 1. Best for football Bet365 Bet365 leads the pack with coverage of 137 different leagues as of August 2024. The platform goes beyond top-tier competitions to include Finlands lower divisions, Gibraltar matches, and U19 Bundesliga games. Their position as UEFAs official betting partner for the Champions League brings exclusive markets and promotions. My experience shows their in-play options stay responsive without lag - a vital feature when you need to place quick bets during matches. 2. Best for horse racing Sky Bet Racing enthusiasts love Sky Bet because of its industry-leading each-way terms. Your horse finished just outside the places on an each-way bet? Sky Bet often gives seven or eight places on major Saturday handicaps with 20+ runners. This greatly improves your chances of a return. Their racing specials and RequestABet feature let you create custom bets with a simple message. Sky Bet also accepts PayPal - a convenience that regular bettors value. 3. Best for in-play Unibet Unibet creates an immersive live betting experience with immediate updates and dynamic odds. The platform keeps up with fast-moving events, making it perfect for in-play wagering across multiple sports. Their live streaming covers everything from Spains La Liga and Italys Serie A to lesser-known leagues in Brazil, Australia, and Japan. This mix of detailed streaming and responsive live betting markets creates an unmatched in-play experience. 4. Best for new users BetMGM BetMGM, just a year old in the UK market, welcomes newcomers with open arms. Their tiered welcome bonuses feature a "bet 10 get 40" offer split across different bet types. The platform spreads these bonuses across multiple betting formats10 for football, 10 for racing, and 10 for accumulators. New users can try different betting styles. Their Golden Goals game offers up to 1 million for six correct score predictions, adding excitement even at modest stakes. 5. Best for mobile Betfair Betfairs mobile app, launched in 2010, now boasts what many call the markets quickest interface. The clean design loads naturally, and you can find odds on major events without endless scrolling. The app blends traditional sportsbook and exchange betting, so users switch between fixed-odds and peer-to-peer markets easily. Mobile users get a special "Get 50 in free multiples when you bet 10" welcome offer, making it perfect for on-the-go betting. How to open a safe betting account Want to bet with confidence? Opening a safe account with the best bookmakers is simple but needs careful attention. Heres a guide to help you through the key steps. Choose a UKGC-licensed site Your first priority should be signing up with a bookmaker licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This regulatory body makes sure betting sites follow strict legal standards. You can verify a sites credentials by checking their homepage footer for license details. The UKGCs public register is also available for direct searches. Licensed operators must display their status clearlymissing or unclear information should raise a red flag. Complete identity verification UKGC-licensed sites will verify your name, address, and date of birth before allowing any gambling activity. This Know Your Customer (KYC) process helps stop fraud and underage gambling. Youll need these documents: Photo ID (passport, driving license, national ID card) Proof of address (utility bills, bank statements) Payment verification (bank statement, card photo with numbers partially hidden) Bookmakers should tell you upfront what documents they need and when you might have to provide them. The verification process shouldnt delay your withdrawals if the operator could have asked for this information earlier. Set deposit and time limits Starting October 31, 2025, UK betting sites must ask you to set financial limits before your first deposit. This helps you manage your spending responsibly. You can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits. Limit reductions take effect right away, while increases need a 24-hour cooling-off period. Most sites now provide "net deposit limits" that track both deposits and withdrawals, which gives you better control over potential losses. At we keep you updated on the latest welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions to enhance your betting journey. Understand bonus terms The terms and conditions of welcome offers from top UK betting sites need careful review. The Gambling Commission will limit wagering requirements to ten times the bonus amount by 2025. This change will make it easier to turn bonuses into real money. Look for minimum odds requirements (usually around 2.00 or 1/1), eligible markets, and validity periods. A smaller bonus with reasonable terms often brings more value than a larger one with strict conditions.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2024/25 Europa League Odds: Latest Europa League Betting Odds & Prices
The Independent has pulled together the best Europa League odds, including the top prices for the outright winner and the next round of fixtures. We offer Europa League betting odds from the best betting sites, which are collated and revised automatically so punters can stay up to date with any changes. Check out the latest Europa League odds from UKGC-licensed operators, providing both a fair and safe betting experience online. Below you'll find the Europa League outright winner odds with the best prices from football betting sites. The winner not only claims one of the most prestigious honours on the continent but will also earn a spot in the Champions League for next season. There have been 30 winners of the Europa League with Spanish side Sevilla leading the way with seven crowns. Sevilla have been the dominant force over the last decade, triumphing in five out of the last 11 season. Their recent success has distanced themselves from the field with Inter, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Juventus next on the list with three titles apiece. Recent seasons have seen a number of fascinating duels in the Europa League final. In 2024, Atalanta dramatically won their first-ever European trophy when Ademola Lookman's hat trick gave them a 3-0 win over a previously undefeated Bayer Leverkusen side. Hitting form at the right time makes all the difference in the Europa League, regardless of how you've performed in the league that season. The form guide can go out the window, with experts in knockout football more often than not prevailing in the final. Year Winner 2024 Atalanta 2023 Sevilla 2022 Eintracht Frankfurt 2021 Villarreal 2020 Sevilla Below, you'll find the latest Europa League odds for the next round of fixtures, with the prices from betting sites. Betting sites provide optimum Europa League odds throughout the competition, and any changes will be reflected in our live table. We are down to the final two teams in this season's competition with Manchester United and Tottenham both hoping to save their season by winning the Europa League final on May 21st. Both sides have endured disastrous domestic campaigns, losing a combined 39 Premier League games to leave them languishing just outside the relegation zone. However, the final in Bilbao offers a chance at salvation that both managers may need to save their jobs with the winner not only picking up silverware but also securing a lucrative Champions League spot for next season. Here, readers will find the best Europa League odds on the market for a wide range of bets on the competition through our recommended betting sites. We only recommend established operators and new betting sites that are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring readers can rest assured that they are using reputable online bookmakers offering the best prices and a secure experience. Europa League odds can change quickly depending on a range factors, including injuries, suspensions, transfers and more. Check back regularly to find the best prices. Look out for free bet offers that meet your personal preferences before betting on the Europa League and more. Bettors should always gamble responsibly online. Always remain within a budget and never exceed it. Never chase your losses. Gambling should always be for entertainment purposes only, never as a guaranteed way to make money. That's a rule that should apply whether you are using online bookmakers, casino sites, slot sites, new online casinos, or any other gambling medium. Anyone can lose a bet even if they know a lot about football or Uefa Europa League odds. Remember to remain in control of your time and betting. Bettors can use responsible gambling tools available on betting sites and betting apps, such as deposit limits, loss limits and self-exclusion among others. Healthcare providers and charities are also available. If you feel you need to seek help for problems related to gambling, below are several links to recommended providers and charities: GamCare GambleAware Gamblers Anonymous NHS We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2024/25 Europa League Odds: Latest Europa League Betting Odds & Prices
The Independent has pulled together the best Europa League odds, including the top prices for the outright winner and the next round of fixtures. We offer Europa League betting odds from the best betting sites, which are collated and revised automatically so punters can stay up to date with any changes. Advertisement Check out the latest Europa League odds from UKGC-licensed operators, providing both a fair and safe betting experience online. Europa League Odds: Europa League Winner Odds Below you'll find the Europa League outright winner odds with the best prices from football betting sites. The winner not only claims one of the most prestigious honours on the continent but will also earn a spot in the Champions League for next season. There have been 30 winners of the Europa League with Spanish side Sevilla leading the way with seven crowns. Sevilla have been the dominant force over the last decade, triumphing in five out of the last 11 season. Their recent success has distanced themselves from the field with Inter, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Juventus next on the list with three titles apiece. Advertisement Recent seasons have seen a number of fascinating duels in the Europa League final. In 2024, Atalanta dramatically won their first-ever European trophy when Ademola Lookman's hat trick gave them a 3-0 win over a previously undefeated Bayer Leverkusen side. Hitting form at the right time makes all the difference in the Europa League, regardless of how you've performed in the league that season. The form guide can go out the window, with experts in knockout football more often than not prevailing in the final. Europa League Winners: Last Five Years Year Winner 2024 Atalanta 2023 Sevilla 2022 Eintracht Frankfurt 2021 Villarreal 2020 Sevilla Europa League Odds: Match Betting Below, you'll find the latest Europa League odds for the next round of fixtures, with the prices from betting sites. Advertisement Betting sites provide optimum Europa League odds throughout the competition, and any changes will be reflected in our live table. We are down to the final two teams in this season's competition with Manchester United and Tottenham both hoping to save their season by winning the Europa League final on May 21st. Both sides have endured disastrous domestic campaigns, losing a combined 39 Premier League games to leave them languishing just outside the relegation zone. However, the final in Bilbao offers a chance at salvation that both managers may need to save their jobs with the winner not only picking up silverware but also securing a lucrative Champions League spot for next season. Europa League Odds Explained Here, readers will find the best Europa League odds on the market for a wide range of bets on the competition through our recommended betting sites. Advertisement We only recommend established operators and new betting sites that are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring readers can rest assured that they are using reputable online bookmakers offering the best prices and a secure experience. Europa League odds can change quickly depending on a range factors, including injuries, suspensions, transfers and more. Check back regularly to find the best prices. Look out for free bet offers that meet your personal preferences before betting on the Europa League and more. Responsible Gambling Bettors should always gamble responsibly online. Always remain within a budget and never exceed it. Never chase your losses. Advertisement Gambling should always be for entertainment purposes only, never as a guaranteed way to make money. That's a rule that should apply whether you are using online bookmakers, casino sites, slot sites, new online casinos, or any other gambling medium. Anyone can lose a bet even if they know a lot about football or Uefa Europa League odds. Remember to remain in control of your time and betting. Bettors can use responsible gambling tools available on betting sites and betting apps, such as deposit limits, loss limits and self-exclusion among others. Healthcare providers and charities are also available. If you feel you need to seek help for problems related to gambling, below are several links to recommended providers and charities: Advertisement We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.


The Independent
07-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Top 20 Betting Sites for The Masters 2025: Best Masters Bookmakers
April marks the start of majors season in golf, and it begins with the sport's showpiece event – the Masters. The tournament, held every year at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA, is the most prestigious in the sport, with winners awarded the famous Green Jacket – the most coveted award in golf. This reputation, combined with the location as the first major of the year, means that the Masters is a big event in the world of sports betting too, with the range of players and varied circumstances attracting plenty of wagers. It's vital that punters choose the top UK bookmakers for the Masters, so we've compiled a guide to the best Masters betting sites for 2025. Below, punters will find our recommended sites, as well as a guide to Masters golf betting, information on promotions and the latest US Masters golf betting odds. Top Masters Betting Sites for 2025 The table below details our recommendations for the best Masters betting sites, that includes both established operators and new betting sites, with consideration given to their welcome offers, existing golf-related promotions and the overall functionality and usability of the site and betting app. B est Masters Betting Offers for 2025 In this section, we run through the most common Masters betting offers that punters are likely to come across: Sign-Up Bonuses: Welcome offers from golf betting sites include bet £10 get £30 bonuses and more, with free bets available for use on the Masters. Free Bets: Bookies will provide bet and get deals for placing bets on the Masters, offering free bets after placing qualifying wagers. Also look out for rare no-deposit free bets that can be available from certain bookmakers. Each-Way Extra Places: Bookmakers will offer extended places for Masters betting. Look out for the best options, including top eight and top 10 places. This promotion is great for bettors placing each-way bets to get optimum value on the Masters. Odds Boosts & Enhanced Prices: Daily specials on top players, groupings and more, with enhanced betting odds for the Masters. Bookies will often isolate one betting market for a Super Boost, providing outstanding value for bettors. MoneyBack Specials: Moneyback specials are common on Masters betting. Circumstances around these Masters betting offers can include if your player finishes second behind the favourite. Free-to-Play Games: Betting sites offer free-to-play games where customers can unlock free bets to use on the Masters and more. Other prizes are also available such as free spins. Loyalty Rewards: By placing five or more bets on the Masters, bettors can unlock free bets and other prizes for loyalty. How We Rate Masters Betting Sites Here are the factors we consider when ranking and recommending the best Masters betting sites: Licensing: We only recommend Masters betting sites that are licensed by the UK Gambling Commision (UKGC). UKGC-licensed operators ensure that customers' details are protected and that sites are regulated. Welcome offer: Value is imperative for all betting sites, especially when betting on The Masters. It starts with the welcome offer that should at least match the rest of the industry for rewarding new customers. Promotions: We only recommend Masters betting sites that offer a complete collection of the best promos for new and existing customers. Using our recommended operators, users can expect to find free bets, moneyback specials, price boosts, acca boosts, acca rewards, super boosts, extra places, and much more. Value: We strive to find operators that provide optimum value on your Masters betting odds. You'll struggle to find Masters betting sites that provide better value than our recommended betting sites, but customers should always shop around to ensure you find the best price before placing a bet online. Markets: The Masters is the signature golf betting event of the year and as such, there should be ample markets to reflect the importance of the major. There should be extensive options for bettors based on players, groupings, national, props and specials. Usability: Betting sites are not effective unless they have sound usability and functionality for all features. Our recommended operators tick all the boxes when it comes to usability, providing a sound online betting experience. App: The best US Masters betting sites should offer a quality native betting app for both Apple and Android devices. Operators should provide ease of use for navigating, placing bets, cash outs and more when using betting apps. Payment options: These betting sites should offer a wide range of payment methods to reflect modern day transactions. Debit card and bank transfers should be a staple, but methods should also include options for PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and pre-paid cards. H ow to Bet on The Masters Below, we've given punters some detail on the most common markets to use for betting on Masters golf. Outright Winner Market: This is simply bet on who will win The Masters. Each-Way Betting: This is essentially making two bets – one on your chosen player to win, and one on them place. Masters betting sites offer extra places for each-way bets. Look out for the best extended Masters offers before placing your bet as well as the each-way odds price that are usually a 1/5 of the outright price. Top 5/10/15/20 Finish: This is a straightforward wager on players to finish in the top positions. The odds lessen in value with the more places you add, although your chances of winning are increased. Bear that in mind before wagering. Regional Betting: Betting on the Top American, Top European, Rest of the World, player groupings and similar. Match Betting: This is betting on head-to-head player matchups. Bookmakers either select two players or allow you to select your own based on the pool of players in the tournament. Make The Cut: A simple wager on whether the player will make the score for the cutdown after the second round of action. You can also bet for a player to miss the cut. Prop Bets & Special Markets: These markets are more specific, and include first-round leader, a player to get a hole-in-one, the winning margin and many others. The Masters 2025 Betting Tips Below, we have included a few relevant Masters golf betting tips for this year's tournament. The top contenders on betting sites for the 2025 Masters include Rory McIlroy, 2023 winner Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler. The American, who won in 2024 and 2022, is the favourite in the Masters golf betting odds at 11/2. 25-year-old Swede Ludvig Aberg is also backed for a high finish having hit form at the right time, while Colin Morikawa rounds off the top five favourites, with golf betting sites offering 16/1 on the American winning the Green Jacket. Elsewhere, the American quartet of Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth and Bryson DeChambeau range from 19/1 to 33/1 (Spieth) on win-only markets. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other relevant markets that punters can wager on, including Top 5 and Top 10. For example, Scheffler is offered around 23/20 for a top-five finish and 20/35 for a top-10. Further down, Schauffele may be 19/1 to win, but he's 19/10 for a top-10 finish. Several players could provide value on each-way bets too. Placing an E/W bet is essentially wagering twice – once on that player to win, and once on them to place in the top positions (with the threshold set by the betting site). In addition, bettors can find value on alternate markets such as top American, top European and similar offers. Though Masters betting tips are always handy, there may be some longshots who are worth considering for the Green Jacket. Past years have seen winners emerge from nowhere, from Danny Willett in 2016 to Trevor Immelman in 2008. Joaquin Neimann has been performing well on the LIV Tour and is at 27/1 at the moment, while home-favourites such as Max Homa and Will Zalatoris could finally deliver on their talent – the Americans are priced at 150/1 and 40/1 respectively. When having a bet, it's vital to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive and it's important to stay in control of your betting. Never treat gambling as a way to make money, never bet more than you can afford and when the fun stops, stop. Gambling sites offer punters tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self-exclusion options, to help them stay in control. But if you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don't hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below.


The Independent
14-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Free Bets UK: Where To Claim Free Bet Offers For Cheltenham
Cheltenham Festival remains arguably the most significant event in the horse racing calendar, capturing the imagination in a way that few events can. And although the Festival is drawing to a close there's still plenty of races and free bet offers available to sink your teeth into. UK bookmakers continue to run bonuses and free bet offers as the festival enters its final hours and taking advantage of such offers is key to getting the most out of Cheltenham Festival. As such, we've compiled a guide to today's best free bets, including Cheltenham Festival tips, a rundown of the best offers and a brief look at the latest Cheltenham odds. Free Bet Site Free Bet Offer Ladbrokes Ladbrokes cater to those on a small budget with a bet £5 get £20 free bet sign up offer. They also give out free spins for every £10 you bet on Cheltenham. Betfred For those with a slightly bigger budget, Betfred's bet £10 get £50 in free bets is hard to beat as a betting sign up offer. They also hand out no deposit free bets via their BeatFred free-to-play Cheltenham prediction game. Tote Use the free bet promo code B10G40 to get £40 in bonus funds after your first £10 bet with Tote. Furthermore, Stayers Club members get a 50p free daily Placepot bet each day at Cheltenham 2025. CopyBet CopyBet have a 300% deposit match offer of bet £20 get £60 in free bets for Cheltenham. They also provide free betting tips and extra places daily during Cheltenham. BetMGM BetMGM give new customers £40 in free bets in exchange for their first £10 bet. The free bets come as two £10 acca bet tokens and two standard £10 free bets, all of which can be used on UK or Irish racing. How We Rate Cheltenham Free Bet Sites Licensing: Our recommended Cheltenham bookies are licensed by the UKGC. We only recommend UKGC-licensed operators, ensuring that customers' details are protected and that the operators are regulated. Welcome offer: We recommend free bet promos that offer the best value for customers when signing up. The offer should be valuable compared to other operators and have a straightforward sign-up process. Promotions: Cheltenham free bets should offer the best promotions, including free bets, moneyback specials, best odds guaranteed, non-runner no bet, price boosts, acca boosts, extra places and many more. Value: Our recommended promos provide the best value Cheltenham Gold Cup odds in the industry. You'll struggle to find better value odds, but always shop around to ensure you find the best price for your wager. Markets: Cheltenham Festival is one of the gambling events of the year and our recommended bookies ensure that there are a catalogue of options to satisfy your betting needs, including new types of betting such as racing bet builders which have been introduced by Unibet. Usability: Betting apps and sites are not effective unless they have sound usability and functionality for all features including bets and live streaming. Our recommended operators tick all the boxes when it comes to usability, providing a sound online betting experience. App: The best Cheltenham free bet offers should be available on quality betting apps for both Apple and Android devices. Our carefully selected bookies all deliver a sound experience for mobile users with their dedicated betting apps. Payment options: We scoured the available payment options across UK bookies and only considered the ones that offered a wide variety of options, including PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and more. Tips for Maximising Betting Sign Up Offers Understanding Promotions: Read terms and conditions carefully to fully benefit from offers such as non-runner no bet (NRNB). Odds: Utilise our Cheltenham odds comparison tools to ensure the best value. Look for odds boosts on different free bet sites to get the most out of your bets. Welcome Offers: Use Cheltenham week sign up offers to your advantage. Welcome offers tend to rise for the week so ensure you use different bookies' offers to get the most out of the Cheltenham experience. Free Bets: Use free bets wisely and don't throw them away on long shots. Read the terms to use these offers before they expire. Responsible Gambling Bettors should always follow responsible gambling practices. Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. When using gambling sites be aware that horse racing betting can be addictive so please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies whether you're using online bookmakers, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, or any other gambling medium. It's particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having: We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.