With the 2025 Grand National just around the corner, many of our featured bookmaker partners are giving new customers some mouthwatering offers and foremost amongst these is BetVictor who are going ‘Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets plus 100 Free Spins’ to all new players. Terms and conditions apply.
How to Use Free Bets to Your Advantage on the 2025 Grand National
The Grand National is one of the biggest betting events of the year, attracting millions of bets from both seasoned punters and once-a-year gamblers alike. With such a huge interest in the race, bookmakers compete fiercely to attract customers by offering free bets, enhanced odds, and other promotional offers.
Understanding how to maximise free bets can help you get the best possible value from your Grand National wagers, whether you’re backing the favourite, taking a punt on a long shot, or playing it safe with an each-way bet. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of free bet promotions, how they work, and how you can use them to boost your chances of making a profit (or at least minimising risk!) on the 2025 Grand National.
Why Bookmakers Offer Free Bets for the Grand National
The Grand National is the biggest betting race in the UK, with millions of pounds wagered on the event. Given its popularity, bookmakers use free bet offers as a way to attract new customers and encourage existing ones to place bets.
Many betting sites enhance their promotions specifically for the Grand National, meaning that there are often better deals available compared to other race meetings. These offers are designed to:
- Encourage new sign-ups – Many bookmakers offer free bets for new customers, requiring them to deposit and place a qualifying bet to unlock a free wager.
- Reward loyal customers – Existing customers may receive free bets, particularly if they have placed a bet on the Grand National in previous years.
- Compete with rivals – With multiple bookmakers competing for business, offers are often improved or adjusted in the days leading up to the big race.
By taking advantage of these offers, you can significantly increase your betting value, whether you’re a serious punter or just having a flutter for fun.
Types of Free Bets Available for the Grand National
Before placing any bets, you need to understand the different types of bonuses and bookmaker free bet offers available. Each different comes with its own terms and conditions, so knowing how they work will help you use them to your advantage.
1. Welcome Bonus Free Bets
These are typically offered to new customers as an incentive to sign up. The standard structure for a welcome free bet is:
- Register for an account with a bookmaker.
- Deposit and place a qualifying bet (e.g., “Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets”).
- Receive free bets once the qualifying bet is settled.
How to use it to your advantage:
- If you’re opening a new account for the Grand National, choose a bookmaker with the most generous free bet offer.
- Since you have to place a qualifying bet, consider using this on a short-priced favourite in another race to ensure your bet wins and you get your free bets.
- Use the free bets to back bigger-priced runners in the Grand National for a chance at a big return without risking your own money.
2. No Deposit Free Bets
Some bookmakers offer free bets without requiring a deposit, though these tend to be lower in value (e.g., a £5 or £10 free bet).
How to use it to your advantage:
- Since there’s no financial risk, use the bet on a long-shot in the Grand National, potentially landing a big win if it comes in.
- Read the terms carefully—some no deposit free bets have high wagering requirements before you can withdraw winnings.
3. Bet and Get Free Bets
These offers reward customers for placing a bet on the Grand National, often in the form of “Bet £20 on the Grand National, Get £10 in Free Bets”.
How to use it to your advantage:
- If you were planning to bet £20 on the Grand National anyway, this adds extra value by giving you free bets to use on other races.
- Consider using the free bets on different horses in the Grand National to cover multiple selections without extra cost.
4. Enhanced Odds Free Bets
Bookmakers sometimes boost the odds on a particular horse, but instead of paying out in cash, they pay the extra winnings in free bets.
For example, if a horse is 10/1, a bookmaker might offer it at 20/1 for new customers, with any winnings above the standard price paid as free bets.
How to use it to your advantage:
- If you fancy a favourite, an enhanced odds free bet can provide better returns than normal.
- Be aware that some offers cap your stake, meaning you might not be able to bet more than £1 or £5 at the boosted odds.
5. Money-Back Free Bets
These offers refund your stake as a free bet if your horse:
- Finishes second or third
- Falls at the first fence
- Fails to complete the race
How to use it to your advantage:
- These are great for backing horses at shorter odds, as you’ll either win or get your money back as a free bet.
- If available, consider placing your bet with a bookmaker that offers money-back free bets for fallers, given how many horses fail to complete the Grand National.
Maximising Your Free Bets on the Grand National
Now that you know about the different types of free bets, here’s how to make the most of them.
1. Spread Your Bets Across Multiple Bookmakers
Since different bookmakers offer different promotions, opening accounts with multiple sites allows you to claim multiple free bets.
For example:
- Use one bookmaker’s welcome offer to back a favourite.
- Use another bookmaker’s enhanced odds on a long shot.
- Claim a money-back offer in case your horse falls.
2. Use Free Bets on Longer Odds Selections
Since free bets come with no financial risk, they are perfect for backing outsiders in the Grand National.
For example:
- If you get a £10 free bet, instead of using it on a 4/1 favourite, why not place it on a 50/1 outsider?
- If the outsider wins, you’ll land a huge return without spending a penny.
3. Don’t Forget the Each-Way Option
Since bookmakers offer 4–6 places for the Grand National, using free bets on an each-way wager increases your chances of getting a return.
For instance:
- A £10 free bet each-way on a 33/1 shot gives you returns if the horse finishes in the top six.
- This strategy is great for minimising risk while still chasing a decent payout.
Final Thoughts
Using free bets wisely can make the Grand National even more exciting and, more importantly, increase your chances of walking away with a profit.
By understanding the different types of free bets available and how to strategically use them, you can maximise your chances of landing a winner or securing a return, all while minimising your own financial risk.
Whether you’re backing the favourite, a long-shot, or hedging your bets across multiple selections, making the most of free bet offers can turn Grand National day into a winning one—without spending a fortune!
