Every April, the Grand National turns Liverpool into the centre of British sport and style. At Aintree Racecourse, it’s not just about racing – it’s a social ritual of sharp tailoring, bold hats, and a glass of something sparkling in hand. But behind the spectacle sits one of the most bet-on events in the UK calendar, with the best horse betting sites in the UK rolling out some of their strongest free bet bonus offers of the year.
For 2026, the story is familiar: strong Irish-trained runners dominate the market, favourites are shorter than ever, and bookmakers are competing hard with free bets and sign-up deals designed around the National itself.
Grand National 2026 Favourites & Odds
The modern Grand National is no longer the lottery it once was. Safer fences and improved race conditions have shifted the balance towards classier, shorter-priced runners.
| Horse | Estimated Odds | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| I Am Maximus | 8/1 | Defending champion, proven stamina |
| Corach Rambler | 10/1 | Previous winner, strong finisher |
| Vanillier | 12/1 | Consistent over extreme distances |
| Meetingofthewaters | 14/1 | Progressive Irish runner |
| Delta Work | 16/1 | Experienced, reliable jumper |
Recent trends suggest:
- Favourites now win more often than before
- Irish-trained horses dominate
- Stamina over 3+ miles is essential
👉 A balanced approach is still popular: one favourite + one each-way outsider
Best Grand National 2026 Betting Bonuses
Bookmakers in the UK compete heavily around the National, offering free bets, Bet Credits, and loss-back deals. Below is our overview of the main offers available for new customers in 2026.
| Bookmaker | Bonus Bet |
|---|---|
| bet365 – Best Offer! | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets, Grand National promo code: 365GMBLR |
| Betfred | Bet £10 Get £50 Free Bet Special |
| Betway | Bet £10 Get £40 |
| SBKBet | Bet £5, £30 Bonus – Best Grand National Odds |
| Matchbook | Bet £20 Get £30 |
| LiveScore Bet | Bet £10 Get £30 |
| Lottoland | Bet £10 Get £10 |
| QuinnBet | 50% Loss Back up to £25 |
| easyBet | Bet £20 Get £20 |
| Virgin Bet | Bet £10 Get £30 |
Which offer is the best? In our opinion, bet365 has the optimal free bet for the Grand National – new users who bet at least £10 can claim up to £30 in free bet credits. Code – 365GMBLR. Terms apply.
Detailed Grand National Bookmaker Bonus Breakdown
bet365 – £30 Free Bet. Use Promo Code: 365GMBLR

The bet365 offer remains one of the most popular for Grand National betting, also in 2026. New customers can bet £10 and receive £30 in Bet Credits after placing qualifying bets at low minimum odds (1/5). With relatively simple terms and quick crediting, it’s often seen as the easiest entry point for casual punters. The code to use for the Grand National betting promotion is 365GMBLR.
Betfred – Bet £10 Get £50
Betfred is a good horse racing bookie with one of the biggest headline offers for the Grand National. Bet £10 at odds of 2.0+ and receive £50 in free bets, split across multiple tokens. It’s a strong-value deal, especially for those planning to place several bets across the Grand National card.
Betway – Bet £10 Get £40
The Betway free bet bonus for the first time customers who want to bet on the Grand National race in April 2026 is simple and widely available. Bet £10 at 2.0+ odds and get £40 in free bet tokens. With a straightforward structure and 7-day expiry, it suits players who want a quick and easy offer around race day.
SBK – Bet £5 Get £30 – Grand National Promo Code: BRITISHG30
SBK offers a slightly more complex promotion, with free bets released in stages after a £5 qualifying bet. While the requirement for multiples (5 legs) adds difficulty, the overall value is strong for those comfortable building accumulators.
Matchbook – Bet £20 Get £30
The Matchbook bonus is designed for more experienced bettors. By placing a mix of exchange and multiple bets, users unlock £30 in free bets. It’s particularly appealing for those looking for sharper odds and exchange-style betting on the National.
LiveScore Bet – Bet £10 Get £30
LiveScore Bet offers a beginner-friendly option with lower minimum odds (1.5). The £30 bonus is split between sportsbook and Bet Builder bets, making it accessible for new users exploring Grand National markets.
Lottoland – Bet £10 Get £10
Lottoland provides a smaller but simple offer. Bet £10 on an accumulator or Bet Builder (2+ selections at 4.00 odds) and receive a £10 free bet. It’s a niche option, but useful for those already planning acca-style bets on the race.
QuinnBet – 50% Loss Back up to £25
QuinnBet takes a different approach with a loss-back offer. If your first day of betting results in a loss, you can receive up to 50% back as a free bet (max £25). This reduces risk and appeals to more cautious Grand National bettors.
easyBet – Bet £20 Get £20
The easyBet is a new horse racing betting site that offers a free bet for this year’s Grand National is simple: bet £20 across at least two events at odds of 2.0+ and receive £20 in free bets. It’s clean, exchange-linked, and works well for those spreading bets across multiple races or sports.
Virgin Bet – Bet £10 Get £30
Virgin Bet delivers a well-balanced welcome offer with lower odds requirements (1.5). The £30 bonus is split between sportsbook bets and Bet Builders, making it a flexible option for Grand National weekend.
The Best Free Bet Offers for Grand National in April 2026
- bet365 – Bet £10 Get £30 in Bet Credits – top offer! code: 365gmblr.
- Betfred – Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
- Betway – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
- SBK – Bet £5 Get £30 in Free Bets
- Matchbook – Bet £20 Get £30 in Free Bets
- LiveScore Bet – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
- Lottoland – Bet £10 Get £10 (Acca/Bet Builder)
- QuinnBet – 50% Loss Back up to £25
- easyBet – Bet £20 Get £20 in Free Bets
- Virgin Bet – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
Free Bet Promos for Grand National 2026
All Deals-
Bet365bet365: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets. Code 365GMBLR18+, GambleAware.org.
New Bet365 Customers Only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration Required. The bonus code 365GMBLR can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. Time limits and T&Cs apply. #AD
Read Bet365 Review365GMBLR -
GrosvenorGrosvenor Sport: Bet £10 Get doubled your odds18+, GambleAware.org.
New customers. Min stake £10. Get doubled your odds. Keep it fun – set your deposit limit. In order to qualify, customers must place a single bet of at least £10.at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater. Each-way bets must be £10 e/w (£20 total stake) or greater. Three £10 free bet tokens will be applied upon qualifying bet settlement. Country Restrictions and Full T&Cs apply.
Read Grosvenor Review -
BetfredBetFred Bonus: Bet £10, Get £50 in Bonuses18+, GambleAware.org.
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
Read Betfred Review -
SBKNew SBK Bonus: Wager £20, Get £40 in Free Bet18+, GambleAware.org.New UK customers. Min £20 first deposit. Place a bet of £20 at min odds of 2/1 (3.0) and getRead SBK Review
£40 in Free Bets within 48 hours. Restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. #ad -
SpreadexSpreadex Sports Offer: £60 in free bet18+, GambleAware.org.
SpreadEX £60 free bets bonus offer terms: Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. Place a £10 fixed odds single or £10 each-way bet at minimum odds of 1/2 and get 3 x £10 free fixed odds bets, 3 x £5 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x £5 Winning Favourites spread bets and a £1 racing Race Index spread bet. Promo code is optional. Full terms apply.
Read Spreadex Review -
All British CasinoAll British Sports Bonus: Always 10% Cashback18+, GambleAware.org.
New players only. Minimum deposit and bet is requried for a cashback bonus. Terms apply.
Read All British Casino Review -
BetwayBetway Sports New Customer Offer: £30 in Free Bet18+, GambleAware.org.
New customers only. Place a min £10 bet at min odds of 2.0. £40 worth of Free Bet Tokens awarded on bet settlement. 4 x £10 each with betting restrictions. 7 day expiry. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Bet The Responsible Way. Full Terms apply.
Read Betway Review -
FitzdaresFitzdares Bet Bonus: Get £25 in Free Bets18+, GambleAware.org.
New customers only. Min deposit £10. Place a £50 bet on any sport at at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater to qualify for three free bets on settlement: £10 on Football, £10 on Golf and £5 on Virtual Sports, plus 10 Free Spins on Reel King. Free Bet & Spins expire in 7 days. Additional T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly.
Read Fitzdares Review
How to Choose the Right Bonus
Not all offers are equal — it depends on how you bet:
- Beginners → bet365, LiveScore Bet
- Value hunters → Betfred, Betway
- Low-risk bettors → QuinnBet (loss-back)
- Advanced/exchange users → Matchbook, easyBet
- Acca players → SBK, Lottoland
Betting on the Grand National: Key Tips
- 🏇 Back horses with proven stamina
- 🇮🇪 Irish runners dominate recent years
- 💸 Use free bets on outsiders (higher upside)
- 📱 Bet early for best odds or late for market moves
Free Bets & Grand National Betting Offers
What is the best Grand National free bet offer in 2026?
The best offer depends on your style of betting, but popular options include Bet £10 Get £30 deals from major UK bookmakers. These are simple to claim and give extra value on your first Grand National bets.
How do Grand National betting bonuses work?
Most Grand National betting promos require you to place a qualifying bet (for example £10 at certain odds). Once settled, you receive free bets or Bet Credits, which can be used on horse racing or other sports.
Can I withdraw free bets from bookmaker offers?
No, free bets themselves are not withdrawable. However, any winnings generated from free bets can usually be withdrawn, depending on the bookmaker’s terms.
Are Grand National offers only for new customers?
Yes, most of the biggest free bet offers are available only to new UK customers. Existing users may still get smaller promotions like odds boosts or enhanced place terms.
What should I check before claiming a betting offer?
Always check key terms such as minimum odds, expiry dates, payment method restrictions, and whether cash out is allowed. These conditions affect how easily you can use your Grand National free bets.