The highlight of the flat racing calendar is here - Royal Ascot.
Five days of top-quality racing action take place from Tuesday, June 18 until Saturday, June 22, 2024, and we check out the best Royal Ascot free bets and horse racing offers from the top bookmakers.
Best Royal Ascot Free Bets & Betting Offers
How Do You Claim Royal Ascot Free Bet Offers?
Claiming Royal Ascot free bets is simple and easy to do, especially as we have five days of action to enjoy across the whole meeting.
- The first step is to choose which Royal Ascot free bet offer from those we have listed above you would like to take advantage of.
- Click on your chosen free bet bonus, which will take you to the bookmaker’s landing page for that deal, then, sign-up for a new account, which typically requires an email address and mobile number, and on occasion a bonus code.
- Check out the terms and conditions of the free bet offer you are claiming. Normally, you will have to deposit funds into your account and place a qualifying bet at specified minimum odds. Note that not all deposit methods will be valid for an offer, so again, check the terms.
- After your qualifying bet has been settled, you should receive the free bets from the bookmaker, allowing you to spend them on the rest of Royal Ascot.
How to Use Your Royal Ascot Free Bets
With five days of racing and seven races each day, there are plenty of Royal Ascot races to spend your free bets on.
With a feature race every day of the meeting, punters with a free bet available may choose to use them on the feature race each day at Royal Ascot.
Alternatively, you could use the free bets all together in one day, so you can bet through the card at Royal Ascot but using free bet tokens.
Lastly, don’t forget about the action elsewhere. We are now in the summer, which means regular evening racing, so when the action is done at Royal Ascot, there are other meetings for you to look at if you have free bets and want to spend them that day.
Types of Royal Ascot Free Bets & Offers
With an ever-expanding list of different free bets and offers available for punters, here is a look at some of the most commonly used.
Free Bets
Undoubtedly, the most common is receiving a free bet from your bookmaker. Free bets offer you the chance to land a winner without risking any of your own money.
Free bet tokens may have terms and conditions attached to how they are used, particularly regarding qualifying bets and expiry dates, so always ensure you check when any free bets expire.
Some deposit methods may not be valid for a free bet bonus, so again, check the terms and conditions when you sign up.
Enhanced Offers
Enhanced offers are another popular offer type, and this is when you receive bigger odds from your bookmaker or, in some cases, bigger place terms on your each-way bet.
These are certainly worth looking out for, especially for existing customers. They give you something that is simply unavailable with others, potentially giving you additional winnings if you have a winner while using an enhancement.
Money Back Offers
Money back offers can be great but depends on the stipulations in place for it. For example, if it’s money back, if you’re second in a big field, that’s not as attractive as money back is 2nd, 3rd or 4th in an eight-runner race.
With some money-back offers, particularly with Sky Bet, you can receive cash stakes back and have another attempt in a later race, without paying for your bet again. Other sites may refund your stake as a free bet equivalent.
Acca Bonuses
Acca’s are popular bets, more so with other sports, but still with horse racing and for big bets like these, you will always have the opportunity to add a bonus to your winnings.
For some, it’s a horse racing acca bonus, while other brands have all-sport acca bonuses - if you’re placing these, find an operator giving you a bonus on winnings.
Non-Runner No Bet
This is a hugely popular offer for those betting before the event. If you’re placing any ante post sports bets on Royal Ascot, always look out for non-runner no-bet offers from different bookmakers.
These offers could give you money back or a free bet if you don’t get a run, rather than simply losing your stake.
Existing Customer Royal Ascot Free Bet Offers
Royal Ascot’s size means bookmakers want to involve everyone, including their existing customers.
In such a competitive market, bookmakers want to attract new players and keep their current customers happy.
Look out for offers such as free bets for existing customers, money-back offers, enhanced prices, enhanced place terms, and much more, all of which should be available to both new and existing customers during Royal Ascot week.
Lastly, don’t forget about the best odds guaranteed promotion either. Potentially the most rewarding existing customer offer that horse racing fans can take advantage of, placing your bets when this is accessible is a must for Royal Ascot.
Daily Royal Ascot Enhanced Betting Offers
Check out below the best daily Royal Ascot enhanced betting offers for punters to enjoy.
How to Choose Your Royal Ascot Free Bet
Selecting the right Royal Ascot free bet involves considering various key elements. Here’s a breakdown of the most important aspects to look for when choosing a sportsbook:
Qualifying Bet
You typically need to place a qualifying bet to receive your free bets. Typically, this ranges from £10 to £20. Ensure you choose a sportsbook with the best value for your initial wager.
Minimum Odds
Bookmakers set minimum odds requirements on a qualifying bet so always ensure you check the terms and conditions to ensure you fulfil this requirement.
Time Limits
Free bets come with expiration dates, often seven days, though some bookmakers offer up to 90 days. If you plan to use your free bets specifically for Royal Ascot, remember when you sign up so your bets don’t expire before the event ends.
Available Markets
Some bookmakers restrict free bets to specific markets. For instance, each way and acca bets might be excluded, or event-specific promotions might limit your options. Ensure the markets available match your betting interests.
Wagering Requirements
This refers to the total amount you need to bet before you can withdraw any winnings from your free bet. While rare in sports betting, knowing if any such requirements exist is important. For example, a £30 free bet with a 5x wagering requirement means you’d need to wager £150 before withdrawing.
Money Back Bet
Some sportsbooks offer free bets as a “money back bet,” where you receive a refund if your qualifying bet loses. If you win, you keep your winnings. This type of bet allows you to bet on an outsider with less risk.
Payment Method Exclusions
Specific payment methods like e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller might be excluded for a qualifying bet. Always check that your preferred payment method is accepted.
Choose the Right Bookmaker for Royal Ascot Free Bets & Royal Ascot Offers
On such a big week of racing, it’s important to make sure you find the right bookmaker for Royal Ascot.
This is partly down to what they have to offer but also dependent on the type of punter you are.
For example, if you never bet each way, a bookmaker with lots of each-way betting offers won’t be as good for you as it would for someone who bets each way most of the time.
Look for offer frequency, size, and relative relevance to your type of betting, and decide which brand you want to bet with.
Best Royal Ascot Betting Sites for Free Bets
With many brands accepting horse racing bets on their platform, punters have plenty to choose from ahead of Royal Ascot when it comes to free bets.
Here’s a look at some of the best Royal Ascot sites that offer free bets.
Betfred
One of the leading betting names in the UK, Betfred have an excellent sign up offer for UK customers looking to get involved in the Royal Ascot action.
Sign up, place £10 in qualifying bets and receive £50 in free bets - ideal for having a bet on Royal Ascot.
BetVictor
One of the reasons BetVictor stands out is that they have a horse racing-specific welcome offer for new UK customers. Sign up, place a £10 qualifying bet on horse racing and receive £30 in horse racing free bets, plus a £10 casino bonus.
With excellent horse racing coverage, enhanced odds for selected races and much more, they are a great, traditional brand for horse racing and are a popular choice with punters for Royal Ascot.
William Hill
Another big traditional brand is William Hill, which has been associated with horse racing for decades now. They’ve put together a welcome bonus with £40 in free bets available for mobile players, so certainly look to sign up to William Hill on a mobile device where possible.
With regular odds boost opportunities and the ability to make your own place terms, as well as offering best odds guaranteed on selected Royal Ascot markets, there’s plenty for racing punters to enjoy at William Hill, so sign up today.
Betfair
Another big name in horse racing, Betfair, has put together a welcome package that offers new UK customers £30 in free bets when they sign up and place £10 in qualifying bets.
Money-back offers, best odds guaranteed, competitive odds, and Royal Ascot special markets are just some of the reasons that make this bookmaker stand out from the crowd for horse racing fans.
Virgin Bet
For those seeking more free bets ahead of Royal Ascot, Virgin Bet are well worth checking out, backed by one of the most well-known brands in the world.
Sign up, place a £10 real money bet, and once it has settled, receive £20 in free bets, valid for seven days.
With live-streaming, enhanced odds, and extra place races, plus a generous free bet, this is a bookmaker well worth checking out.
Bet365
One of the biggest names in the betting world, bet365 is a popular destination for those looking to place sports bets and they are offering new uk customers an excellent free bet welcome bonus.
Simply sign up, place a £10 real money bet at minimum odds of 1/5 (1.20) and receive £30 in bet credits, which can be used as you choose.
SpreadEx
If you enjoy sports betting, then the limited-time SpreadEx sports betting welcome offer is well worth checking out.
Sign up, place a £10 qualifying bet at minimum odds of 1/2, and receive £40 in free bets.
The free bets comprise, a £10 fixed odds free bet, a £5 Total Goals football spread free bet, a £5 racing Winning Favourites spread free bet and a £1 racing Race Index spread free bet.
Kwiff
Kwiff may be a new name in the betting world, but they have quickly established themselves as a popular destination for punters, eager to claim a Surprise Free Bet.
Customers who sign up and place a £10 qualifying bet will receive a Surprise Free Bet to the value of £30, perfect for using on Kwiff’s top-rated mobile betting app.
Royal Ascot Horse Racing Tips
We’ve got our resident tipsters on hand to bring you their top selections for Royal Ascot 2024, ideal for backing with a free bet or two.
2024 Royal Ascot Race Schedule & Racecards
Betting opportunities come in the form of 19 Group races during the five-day Royal Ascot Festival, with at least one Group One race staged each day - offering plenty opportunity to utilise any free bets you have received.
The showpiece Ascot Gold Cup is staged on the Thursday of the Royal Ascot Festival, which is also the fabled Royal Ascot ‘Ladies Day’.
But if level-weight races of the highest calibre are not your thing, fear not. Royal Ascot offers competitive big-field handicaps such as the Wokingham, Royal Hunt Cup and Britannia Stakes.
Check out the full Royal Ascot 2024 schedule below:
| Time | Day 1 - Tuesday, June 18th | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Queen Anne Stakes | Group 1 |
| 15:05 | Coventry Stakes | Group 2 |
| 15:45 | King Charles III Stakes | Group 1 |
| 16:25 | St James’ Palace Stakes | Group 1 |
| 17:05 | Ascot Stakes | Handicap |
| 17:40 | Wolferton Stakes | Listed |
| 18:15 | Copper Horse Handicap | Handicap |
| Time | Day 2 - Wednesday, June 19th | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Queen Mary Stakes | Group 2 |
| 15:05 | Queen’s Vase Stakes | Group 2 |
| 15:45 | Duke Of Cambridge Stakes | Group 2 |
| 16.25 | Prince Of Wales’s Stakes | Group 1 |
| 17:05 | Royal Hunt Cup | Handicap |
| 17:40 | Kensington Palace Fillies’ Stakes | Handicap |
| 18:15 | Windsor Castle Stakes | Listed |
| Time | Day 3 - Thursday, June 20th | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Norfolk Stakes | Group 2 |
| 15:05 | King George V Stakes | Handicap |
| 15:45 | Ribblesdale Stakes | Group 2 |
| 16:25 | Ascot Gold Cup | Group 1 |
| 17:05 | Britannia Stakes | Handicap |
| 17:40 | Hampton Court Stakes | Group 3 |
| 18:15 | Buckingham Palace Stakes | Handicap |
| Time | Day 4 - Friday, June 21st | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Albany Stakes | Group 3 |
| 15:05 | Commonwealth Cup | Group 1 |
| 15:45 | Coronation Stakes | Group 1 |
| 16:25 | Duke of Edinburgh Stakes | Handicap |
| 17:05 | Sandringham Fillies’ Stakes | Handicap |
| 17:40 | King Edward VII Stakes | Group 2 |
| 18:15 | Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes | Handicap |
| Time | Day 5 - Saturday, June 22nd | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Chesham Stakes | Listed |
| 15:05 | Hardwicke Stakes | Group 2 |
| 15:45 | Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes | Group 1 |
| 16:25 | Jersey Stakes | Group 3 |
| 17:05 | Wokingham Stakes | Handicap |
| 17:40 | Golden Gates Stakes | Handicap |
| 18:15 | Queen Alexandra Stakes | Conditions |
Royal Ascot Betting Markets, Ante Post & Special Bets
It is very unlikely that any Royal Ascot race will feature less than eight runners, so each-way punters will be happy in the knowledge that their bets will be ‘first three’ and, in some cases, ‘first four’ betting terms.
Ahead of Royal Ascot, odds will become available on ‘Top Royal Ascot Trainer’, ‘Top Royal Ascot Jockey’ and even ‘Top Royal Ascot Owner’.
For those looking to place ante post bets on Royal Ascot, the top bookmakers will offer betting markets in the run up to the festival. Remember, ante-post bets come with a caveat that your stakes will be lost should your selection not run in the race you stipulated.
On the upside, if your horse does run, you will likely receive a price far better than that which you would receive on the day of the race.
And, of course, always remember to bet responsibly.
Royal Ascot Betting Offers & Free Bets FAQs
Are Royal Ascot offers and Royal Ascot free bets available to everyone?
Yes, if you are a new customer, then look out for free bets on offer before you sign up, while those already with an account can look at existing customer deals, which may include a free bet or bet credits.
Can I use Royal Ascot free bets on any race?
You can typically use a free bet on any race, but check the terms and conditions of any free bets you have just to make sure.
Can I withdraw free bet winnings?
Most Royal Ascot free bets are paid out as if a normal winner, but always check the terms and conditions, as some free bets require a play-through amount before you can withdraw. Note that typically, free bet stakes will not be included in any winnings.
Who is giving free bets for Royal Ascot?
The great news for those looking to find a free bet is that Royal Ascot is such a big week in the sporting calendar that almost all betting sites will have a free bet on offer for players to sign up and claim.
How long are free bets valid for?
Typically, a free bet is valid for seven days once it has been added to your account, which is typically after your qualifying bet has been settled. However, this can vary so always check the terms and conditions on any free bet bonus.
Where can I watch Royal Ascot?
Royal Ascot can be watched live on ITV Racing or via Sky Sports Racing, and live streams will also be available from the leading bookmakers.
How many days is Royal Ascot?
Royal Ascot lasts for five days in total each year - the opening day is always a Tuesday, and the final day is always a Saturday. For many punters who visit Royal Ascot, it is the highlight of the flat-racing calendar.
Is Frankie Dettori riding at Royal Ascot this year?
No, despite still riding in the US, Frankie Dettori will not be riding at Royal Ascot this year.
