Top New Betting Sites for Cheltenham Festival 2026: Offers and Tips
The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. If you click links to other sites on this page, we may earn commission.
Best New Betting Sites for Cheltenham Festival
Day two of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival features key races such as the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Coral Cup, and Champion Bumper. As the biggest betting event in the UK, online bookmakers capitalise on heightened interest with a range of free bet offers. Our betting writer, Chris Wilson, has tested the best new bookmakers for Cheltenham, providing a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the options.
Ranked List of Top New Betting Sites
- 247Bet: Get £30 in free bets when staking £10 as part of the welcome offer. Acca boosts provide bigger returns on winning Cheltenham accumulators, with enhanced odds boosts available throughout the week.
- EasyBet: Welcome offer of £40 free bet after placing qualifying bets worth £20. Bet and get offers on selected races, plus live streaming via dedicated apps for Apple and Android devices.
- BetMGM: Welcome offer worth £40 in free bets, competitive odds, acca boosts, extra places, boosted odds, live streaming, and Cheltenham specials.
- talkSPORT BET: Free bet welcome offer, money back specials on racing, best odds guaranteed, racing acca price boosts, Lucky Dips, Cheltenham specials, live streaming, free Cheltenham bets from acca loyalty scheme, and extra places.
- QuinnBet: 50% back up to £25 on your first day losses as a new customer. Features include best odds guaranteed, free bet if second to the favourite, extra places daily, acca bonuses up to £50, and cashback on weekly losses.
Best Free Bet Offers from New Betting Sites
- JeffBet: Cheltenham specials each day; use promo code FESTIVAL when depositing £20-25 for free bets and cashback, or deposit £30, bet £30 with the code for a £30 free bet.
- LiveScore Bet: Get a free bet when betting on the first race of the day during Cheltenham.
- BetMGM: Claim £40 in free bets, with £20 usable on horse racing, by signing up, depositing £10, and betting £10 on any market at odds of evens or greater.
- Midnite: New customers get £30 in free bets for Cheltenham when signing up and betting £10 at odds of evens or greater.
- BetGoodwin: Money back special up to £100, offering free bets if your horse loses by a nose, is beaten by a 50/1 shot, loses a chase by half-a-length, or falls at the last while leading.
How We Rate New Cheltenham Betting Sites
- Licensing: All recommended sites are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring customer protection and regulation.
- Welcome Offer: We prioritise sites with valuable, straightforward sign-up offers compared to competitors.
- Promotions: Top promotions include free Cheltenham bets, money back specials, best odds guaranteed, non-runner no bet, price boosts, acca insurance, acca rewards, and extra places.
- Value: Recommended sites provide the best value odds across all 28 races, though it's wise to shop around.
- Markets: A plethora of markets are available for each race, catering to the event's significance.
- Usability: Sites must have sound functionality, including live streaming, for an effective online betting experience.
- App: Quality native betting apps for Apple and Android users are essential for mobile betting.
- Payment Options: A wide variety of payment methods, such as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, are considered.
Tips for Choosing Cheltenham Sign-Up Offers
- Read the Terms and Conditions: Understand all terms before wagering to ensure your bet is valid for promotions.
- Get the Best Value: Compare prices using odds comparison tools and stay updated on price boosts for selected runners.
- Research: Use betting tips and form guides to make informed decisions, especially if new to horse racing.
- Free Bets: Use free bets wisely, check validity, and note expiry dates to maximise opportunities.
Odds on Next Three Races at Cheltenham
For the latest odds, consult our odds comparison tool to quickly compare prices and make informed betting choices.
Please Gamble Responsibly
Bettors should always follow responsible gambling practices. Even knowledgeable punters can lose, so stick to a budget and never chase losses. Sports betting can be addictive, so control your time and budget, whether using betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, or apps. Approach free bets and casino offers with caution, and use tools like deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion, and time-outs. For support, visit organisations such as NHS Help, GambleAware, or Gamblers Anonymous. We may earn commission from links, but this never influences our content, funding unbiased journalism. Always play responsibly, bet only what you can afford, and seek advice if needed. Offers and odds are correct at publication but subject to change; terms and conditions apply.
