Best Betting Bonuses in the UK

Find out which sports events you can use the betting bonus on

Most bonuses are available to use on specific sports events. Some bookmakers will add more restrictions such as excluding certain markets, while some may only allow you to use the bonus on one type of sport (such as football). It sounds as though we are being vague, but this is because bookmakers change this for each promotion and it is solely at their discretion. It is important to know what markets you can bet on so that you can make sure it fits in with your betting strategy.

Check the payment methods

Bookmakers may only accept certain payment methods for bonuses. Most sportsbooks will accept debit cards for all promotions, but the likes of Skrill and Neteller are often excluded. We have noticed that fewer payment options are becoming available for bonuses, so do be sure to check before depositing to avoid any disappointment. In our experience, bookmakers rarely make exceptions once the deposit has been made.

View the other betting bonus terms

There are other terms to look at when evaluating a bonus. The time limit, minimum odds and payment methods are also important. Time limits determine how long you have to use your bonus before it expires. Most bonuses come with a 30-day expiry period but this can vary. Minimum odds dictate that any bet must meet or exceed certain odds, while payment method restrictions may also be in place.

Make sure the bookie is fully licenced and regulated in the UK

Making sure a bookie is secure and has the correct licence is essential. At Gambling Zone, we only recommend sites that have the right licences, such as the UKGC for the UK, AGCO for Canada and the MGA for the rest of the world. The UKGC is widely regarded as the most prestigious licence, and all sites in the UK must have this to operate legally.

The AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) regulates all online gambling services in Ontario. They are responsible for ensuring that all operators comply with strict regulations to guarantee fair play and protect players.

Similarly, the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) is responsible for regulating gaming in Europe and beyond.

Check the Wagering or Rollover Requirements

The wagering requirement of a bonus is arguably the most important term. It is the amount of money you must bet to be able to withdraw any winnings made from the bonus. While some bonuses may have no wagering requirements, most do. The higher the wagering requirement, the harder it is for players to achieve and therefore less likely that they will make a withdrawal. The most common wagering requirements are between 5-20x your initial deposit or bonus amount. In our sports betting reviews, we examine all welcome offers and clearly state the wagering.

Look at the free bet or bonus amount

The actual bonus amount is an important factor, as bonuses with larger amounts often mean that players have the potential to play more. For example, if you sign up for a sports welcome bonus, you may get a free bet worth £20 or £50. The £50 seems more appealing, however, the terms may show that the £20 free bet offers more value.