Menu

A YouGov survey highlights the popularity of free bets and promotions among bettors.

{5}

Findings from a recent YouGov study reveal that sports bettors strongly support the continuation of free bets and promotional offers, worried that their removal might lead them towards unregulated, black market gambling sites.

Following the end of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, where an astonishing £1 billion is believed to have been wagered over 28 races, it was observed that many online bookies altered their introductory promos, often at a loss for customers to curb bonus misuse. Nonetheless, some bookmakers continued to lure bettors with offers like money-back specials, better odds, and additional places. free bet offers In an effort to capture bettor's interest, these online platforms compete by offering enticing incentives.

For a long time, free bets and other promotional offers have been viewed as a beneficial exchange for both bettors and bookmakers. Bettors receive something extra, perhaps a gratuitous bet, or a chance at refund or favorable odds, while bookmakers gain or retain customers. However, these offers are now under the microscope as gambling watchdogs strive to combat problem gambling.

The online betting scene has seen a fair share of regulatory changes recently, influenced by the UK Gambling Commission to heighten the safety of online gambling. Some measures include the need for quicker identity and age verification, affordability assessments, and the introduction of responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits and self-exclusion options, among others. bookies A significant portion of the UK adult population—around 22.5 million out of 53 million—gambles at least once a month. Activities range from sports betting, casino play, lottery purchases, to bingo games. This epitomizes the ubiquity of gambling among UK residents, underscoring the necessity for stringent regulation and safeguarding.

Are Free Bets & Promotions A Good Idea?

The UK Gambling Commission reports that 0.2% of UK adults are categorized as problem gamblers, which equates to roughly 106,000 individuals. This is a reduction from the previous year's 0.3% or about 159,000 individuals.

While enhanced regulations and the potential removal of free bets are seen as steps towards minimizing the number of problem gamblers in the UK, there’s concern that such moves might drive bettors to unsafe, unregulated gambling venues abroad.

What role does the UK Gambling Commission play?

An arm's-length body, the UK Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to oversee commercial gambling activities in the UK. Its core duty involves ensuring that all gambling is performed fairly and transparently, shielding minors and vulnerable groups from gambling-related harm or abuse, and averting gambling from becoming a breeding ground for criminal activities. The Commission licenses gambling operators and can impose sanctions or withdraw licenses for regulatory non-compliance. It also advises the government on gambling policies and collaborates with law enforcement to address illegal gambling.

Concerns surround bettors opting for unregulated betting platforms.

The regulated UK betting and gaming sector is responsible for around 110,000 UK jobs while contributing £4.2 billion in tax from the £7.1 billion it earns for the economy.

Unregulated black market betting entities, not overseen by the UK Gambling Commission, offer no economic benefits nor protection for punters in cases of disputes related to funds, unfair wagering, or safe gambling initiatives.

According to the YouGov survey, 54% believe that outlawing free bets and promotions could push more bettors towards unregulated gambling websites . Such opinions appear to be substantiated by the rise in unregulated site users from 210,000 to 460,000 over recent years, with billions gambled in the process. A study by RacingTV found that 15% admitted to using or knowing someone who used an unregulated bookmaker .

What lies ahead for the future of UK's betting industry?

The regulated gambling market undeniably brings forth several advantages. Besides generating billions in tax for indispensable services, it creates numerous employment opportunities for UK citizens. Punters can also rest assured that licenced operators are adhering to the UKGC's legal requirements.

However, the YouGov survey respondents made a valid point that excessive restrictions might inadvertently encourage people to wager with unregulated and potentially unsafe sites.

Gambling has been ingrained in UK's culture for hundreds of years, and it's unlikely to fade away soon. However, the gambling landscape remains in flux, whether through operational changes among bookmakers or evolving regulations enforced by the Gambling Commission. As for the fate of free bets and promotions, while they exist for now, their future is yet to be determined.

At WhichBookie, our aim is to provide top-tier content and exciting offers daily. Please note, some links on our page bring us compensation.

Advertising Disclosure
Fact To File’s Ryanair Reckoning—Will Cheltenham 2025 Crown it a Hype or Hero?

Top Casinos

100 Free Spins - No Deposit!
Visit
150 Free Spins + Up to £500 in Bonuses
Visit
150% up to £150 + 75 Free Spins
Visit

Top New Bookmakers

BetMGM
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=3259637 ★★★★★
Visit
Bet442
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=4237684 ★★★★★
Visit
Tote.co.uk
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/tote-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
MonkeyBet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=4938958 ★★★★★
Visit
MrLuck
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=5441347 ★★★★★
Visit
PricedUp
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=4566795 ★★★★★
Visit
CasinoKings
https://www.fansbet-online.com/online-casinos/casinokings/ ★★★★★
Visit
NRG.bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=3924790 ★★★★★
Visit
talkSPORT BET
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=2018021 ★★★★★
Visit
Vbet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/vbet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
Highbet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/highbet/ ★★★★☆
Visit
Betrino
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=4499812 ☆☆☆☆☆
Visit
Fafabet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/fafabet/ ★★★★★
Visit
Gentleman Jim
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=3933385 ★★★★★
Visit
BetGoodwin
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=1498342 ★★★★★
Visit
BresBet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=2039219 ★★★★☆
Visit
Lottoland
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=91925 ★★★★☆
Visit
CopyBet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=2039539 ★★★★★
Visit
LiveScore Bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/livescore-bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit

Top Offers

Bet £10 & Get £40 in Free Bets
Visit
Bet £20 & Get £20 in Free Bets
Visit
Bet £10 Get £40 in Bonuses
Visit
100 Free Spins - No Deposit!
Visit
Bet £10 Get £50 Free Bet
Visit
Bet £20 Get £20 in Free Bets
Visit
Bet £40 Get £20 Free Bet
Visit
Bet £20 Get a £10 Free Bet
Visit
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
Visit
Bet £10 Get a £10 Free Bet
Visit
Bet £20 Get £20 in Free Bets + £10 Casino Bonus
Visit
Bet £20 Get £60 in Free Bets
Visit
Corners Betting Tips
Read
Liam Johnson
Liverpool over
Liverpool vs Southampton

Player expected to receive a card - Conor Bradley.

Date published: March 8, 2025

Top Rated Bookmakers

Tote.co.uk
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/tote-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
bet365
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/bet365-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
Coral
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/coral-bookmaker-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Ladbrokes
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/ladbrokes-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Betfred
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/betfred-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
William Hill
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/william-hill-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
BetUK
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/betuk-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
10bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/10bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
BetVictor
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/betvictor-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
Virgin Bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/virgin-bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
Card Betting Tips
Read
Liam Johnson
Find detailed football card betting strategies from our expert Liam Johnson. All of WhichBookie’s card and booking points tips are absolutely free.
Liverpool vs Southampton

Access your Lucky 15 horse racing insights here, from WhichBookie’s esteemed analysts. The tips we publish are all complimentary along with the use of our convenient Lucky 15 Calculator found further down.

Date published: March 8, 2025
Lucky 15 Tips
Read
Will Smith
Narragansett
13:15 Sandown
7/2

Explore our recommended picks for the Ryanair Chase occurring at 15:20 on Thursday, 13th March, during the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

Date published: March 8, 2025
Ryanair Chase Tips
Read
Will Smith
Heart Wood
EW 3 Places

The tips come from our expert horse racing analysts, Will Smith and David Young. Remember to check out our other Cheltenham betting suggestions for additional races. Copyright 2025. fansbet-online.com is a part of Better Media Ltd, United Kingdom, Company No. 07151866.

Date published: March 7, 2025

Best Football Bookies

bet365
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/bet365-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
Ladbrokes
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/ladbrokes-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Coral
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/coral-bookmaker-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Virgin Bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/virgin-bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
LiveScore Bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/livescore-bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
Betfred
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/betfred-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
CopyBet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=2039539 ★★★★★
Visit
10bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/10bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit

Best Racing Bookies

bet365
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/bet365-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
Coral
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/coral-bookmaker-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Ladbrokes
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/ladbrokes-review/ ★★★☆☆
Visit
Virgin Bet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/virgin-bet-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
William Hill
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/william-hill-review/ ★★★★☆
Visit
Betfred
https://www.fansbet-online.com/bookmakers/betfred-review/ ★★★★★
Visit
CopyBet
https://www.fansbet-online.com/?post_type=bookmaker&p=2039539 ★★★★★
Visit