As the 2026 Cheltenham Festival draws near, racing enthusiasts and punters across the UK are eagerly anticipating the return of world-class jumps action to the iconic Prestbury Park. This prestigious four-day event stands as one of the most significant betting occasions in the sporting calendar, with online bookmakers typically reserving their most attractive promotions specifically for the festival.
Top Cheltenham Free Bet Offers for 2026
The Independent's team of gambling specialists has meticulously researched and compiled a detailed guide to the finest Cheltenham free bets available from leading online bookmakers. This analysis explores the various types of promotions on offer and provides practical advice on how to utilise them effectively.
Leading Bookmaker Promotions
Here is a breakdown of some standout Cheltenham betting offers for the 2026 festival:
- Tote: Members of Tote's Stayers Club can secure up to £10 in Cheltenham free bets. To qualify, opt in and place six wagers of either £2, £5, or £10 on Cheltenham races, whether as singles, multiples, or other horse racing bet types. Tote will match your wager with free bets, capped at a maximum of £10.
- BetGoodwin: This bookmaker provides money back in free bets up to £100 under specific circumstances: if your horse loses by a nose, is defeated by a 50/1 outsider or half-a-length in a chase, or falls at the final fence while leading at Cheltenham.
- Unibet: Offers money-back specials up to £20 if your horse finishes second or third in selected Cheltenham races. A minimum bet of £1 is required to participate.
- 10bet: Claim a £10 free bet by wagering £75 or more on horse racing markets, including those for Cheltenham. Opt in and place a minimum bet of £75 at odds of evens (2.0) or greater to unlock the offer. Members can claim four £10 free bets each month.
- Virgin Bet: Provides money back on selected ITV-televised races, encompassing Cheltenham events. Place a wager on chosen races (requiring seven or more starters) and if your horse does not win, Virgin Bet will issue a refund in free bets, up to a maximum of £10.
Varieties of Cheltenham Betting Promotions
Cheltenham Festival offers come in numerous forms, with horse racing betting sites running a diverse array of promotions throughout the meeting. Free bets represent just one category of Cheltenham betting offer; below we examine the different types of promotions bettors can anticipate during the festival.
- Free Bets: Cheltenham free bet offers may form part of a welcome bonus or be accessible to existing customers via bet-and-get schemes. These typically require a punter to wager a specified amount on a selected event to unlock a free bet.
- Enhanced Odds/Price Boosts: These are simply Cheltenham odds that have been improved ahead of races. Bookmakers might boost the price of a single horse or enhance the odds on a multiple bet.
- Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB): A feature provided by some bookies that voids your bet and returns your stake if the horse you wagered on fails to run for any reason. This is particularly popular for those placing ante-post bets on Cheltenham.
- Best Odds Guaranteed: Available from most online bookmakers during Cheltenham, this guarantees that if you take an early price on a horse and the starting price (SP) is higher, the bookmaker will pay out at the better odds if your horse wins.
- Money-Back Specials: Cheltenham offers various forms of money-back specials. These can involve a bookmaker refunding all losing bets on a certain race, or may require a punter's selection to finish in a particular position to qualify for reimbursement. The most common type is the 2nd to the SP favourite promotion, available during Cheltenham and throughout the year in the UK and Ireland.
Best Cheltenham Sign-Up Offers for Free Bets
For those seeking welcome bonuses, several bookmakers provide attractive sign-up offers that can be used on Cheltenham markets:
- Betfred: Bet £10 and receive £50 in free bets (comprising 3 x £10 sports free bets & 2 x £10 acca free bets) which can be wagered entirely on Cheltenham.
- talkSPORT BET: Wager £10 on any horse racing market and get £40 in horse racing free bets, divided into 4 x £10 free bet tokens.
- bet365: Obtain up to £30 in free bets to use on Cheltenham by betting £10 on any sports market with bet365.
- Coral: Bet £10 at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on any sport and receive £50 in free bets for selected sports markets.
- Betway: Wager between £5 and £30 on a racing multiple (three or more selections) with Betway and get a 100% matched free bet, up to £30, plus a £30 Uber Eats voucher.
Key Terms and Conditions for Cheltenham Betting Offers
Bettors should always thoroughly read the terms and conditions of any Cheltenham free bet offer before opting in. Here are some crucial T&Cs to monitor:
- Minimum Deposits: These can range from as low as £5 up to £50, depending on the betting site and the specific promotion.
- Odds Requirements: Free bets for Cheltenham may have a minimum odds requirement, or a minimum number of selections if you're required to place a multiple bet.
- Wagering Requirements: Some bookmakers have introduced wagering requirements for free bet offers. This means punters may need to wager any winnings from free bets a certain number of times before they become withdrawable cash.
- Free Bet Types: Verify which bet types you receive from a free bet offer. Some bookmakers restrict free bets to certain sports or bet types, such as bet builders.
How to Choose the Best Cheltenham Betting Offer in 2026
While bettors are spoilt for choice during Cheltenham regarding betting offers, some promotions are undoubtedly superior to others. Follow this guide to identify the most suitable Cheltenham Festival offers:
- Individual Preferences: Different bettors will seek different types of offers. You might prefer a bookmaker that runs regular free bet promotions, or one that provides a steady stream of enhanced odds and winnings offers. Select the bookmaker that aligns with your specific needs.
- Welcome Offers: For those seeking a Cheltenham welcome offer, ensure it includes free bets that can be used on Cheltenham markets or bet types you are comfortable with. Some betting sites impose restrictions on their welcome bonus, such as offering only football free bets to new customers.
- Terms and Conditions: Prioritise offers with the least restrictive terms. Favourable conditions include no maximum win cap, a longer timeframe to use any rewards, a wide range of available payment methods, or a reasonable qualifying wager amount.
- Wagering Requirements: The best offers carry no wagering requirements, allowing you to withdraw winnings without being forced to re-stake them. While more common on casino sites, some new betting sites impose these on sportsbook offers.
- Offer Validity: Confirm the offer is valid for a reasonable period – for Cheltenham, this might be until the final races of the festival or until the end of the day.
Essential Tips for Cheltenham Betting
Learning how to bet on horses effectively requires time and practice. Bettors are reminded to wager only what they are prepared to lose and to maintain a fun, responsible approach to Cheltenham betting. For those planning to bet on Cheltenham, consider these five key factors:
- Horse: Examine the horse's recent form and its past performances at Cheltenham or over the distance it will be running.
- Trainer: Research the trainer's record at Cheltenham and in specific races. Some trainers, like Willie Mullins, boast excellent track records for producing Cheltenham winners.
- Jockey: Assess the jockey's record and relationship with the horse, as well as their prior experience at Cheltenham with other horses and trainers.
- Weather and Course Conditions: Weather can significantly influence a horse's performance. Some horses excel on firm ground, while others prefer softer conditions. Check the going at Cheltenham and review a horse's record in those conditions.
- Type of Bet: Determine which bet types you are comfortable placing. Inexperienced bettors may wish to stick to single or each-way bets for Cheltenham, while others might opt for multiples or system bets, such as placepots. These offer larger potential returns but carry greater complexity and risk.
Cheltenham Betting Offers: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you bet on Cheltenham?
The Cheltenham Festival is the premier betting event of the year, with every bookmaker providing odds and markets on the races, accessible via both desktop sites and betting apps. Bettors are advised to explore the available Cheltenham betting offers to potentially maximise their wagers and to conduct thorough research before placing any bet.
Which bookmakers offer non-runner no bet (NRNB) on Cheltenham?
BetVictor, Parimatch, and Betfred have already confirmed they will offer NRNB terms for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. More bookmakers are expected to follow suit, with bet365, Ladbrokes, and Coral among those providing NRNB for Cheltenham in 2025.
Who is providing free bets for Cheltenham?
A substantial number of betting sites are running free bet offers for Cheltenham, including Virgin Bet, Unibet, Tote, and 10bet. Additionally, online bookmakers are offering various other types of Cheltenham betting promotions, such as enhanced odds and money-back specials.
Responsible Gambling Reminder
Betting should only ever be regarded as a form of entertainment – it is never a guaranteed method to make money. When utilising Cheltenham Festival betting offers, operate under the assumption that you may lose, and therefore, only bet what you can afford. Gambling can be addictive, so please take proactive steps to maintain control over your time and budget.
Ensure you utilise the safer gambling tools offered by betting companies, such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion. This advice applies equally if you're gambling on casino apps, poker sites, bingo sites, or any other type of betting platform. If you have concerns related to gambling, seek independent help. Several UK charities and institutions provide support, advice, and information, including:
- Gamblers Anonymous
- NHS
- GamCare
- GambleAware
Always remember that gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites offer various tools to help you stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you believe you may have a problem, advice and support are available immediately from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.
Please note: Any offers or odds mentioned in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.
