Each-Way AtlasExtra places and offers on horse racing
What is a free bet?
A free bet is a stake that a bookmaker pays for you on stated conditions, while bonus funds are a sum added to your account that comes with a wagering requirement. The exact definition is in each operator's terms, which on 7 November 2026 are Not verified here. The Gambling Commission caps bonus wagering at 10 times.
Editorial team of Each-Way Atlas · Checked
Facts to record
We compare the definitions as the operators print them, and we quote them word for word with the date.
| Item | What we record | Value on 7 November 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Operator's definition of free bet | Quoted wording, three operators at least | Not verified |
| Operator's definition of bonus funds | Quoted wording | Not verified |
| Wagering cap, SR 5.1.1 | In force from 19 January 2026: 10 times at most, no mixed-product bonuses | Cap stated by the Gambling Commission; scope for free bets to be confirmed with a lawyer |
The short version: the definition belongs to the operator's terms, and the cap belongs to the regulator.
How the two differ
With a free bet, the operator pays the stake. If the bet wins, you receive the profit, and your stake is not returned.
With bonus funds, the operator credits an amount that you must bet a set number of times before withdrawing. That number is the wagering requirement.
The practical effect is that a free bet is used once, while bonus funds stay in play until the requirement is met.
The short version: a free bet is a single stake, and bonus funds are a balance with a condition.
What the UKGC rule says
From 19 January 2026, social responsibility code SR 5.1.1 limits wagering requirements on bonuses to 10 times and bars a single bonus from mixing betting, casino, bingo and lottery.
Terms must also be clear, fair and easy to find. Details are on the wagering cap rule.
We have not confirmed whether the cap applies to free bets, so we do not claim it.
The short version: the cap is 10 times on bonus wagering, with its reach for free bets still to be confirmed.
Example
A £10 free bet is placed on a horse at 6/1, and it wins. The return is £10 × 6 = £60, because the stake is not returned.
Bonus funds of £10 with a 10 times wagering requirement mean £10 × 10 = £100 of bets must be placed before withdrawal. The offer turnover calculator does the same sum for your figures.
The short version: one is a £60 return on a win, and the other is a £100 turnover to clear.
Where to go next
If you plan to use a free bet each way, read can you use a free bet each way. For any offer, the list of things to read covers the conditions in order, and wagering requirement defines the term.
Before you bet
18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). More on responsible gambling.
How we checked
We read the UKGC rule summary in our research notes on 6 November 2026. We have not yet read operators' definitions, and the application of SR 5.1.1 to free bets is a question for a lawyer. The examples are our own arithmetic.
What changed
7 November 2026: page created with definitions, the cap and examples; operator wording pending.
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