Smarkets is a London-based betting exchange where you back and lay against other users at a flat commission, rather than against a bookmaker’s margin. Its welcome offer is a commission-free period instead of a free bet, which suits regular exchange users.
BonusRated reviews the Smarkets welcome offer for new customers as it stands now: 0% Commission for 90 Days — min bet £10, stake not returned, singles allowed, promo code COMMFREE.
Our view: a fair free bet with a couple of restrictions that decide how much of it you actually get back. We rate the Smarkets offer 3.5/5 for value and 4/5 overall.
Smarkets Free Bet Offer & Promo Code Terms
| Smarkets Free Bet | 0% Commission for 90 Days. T&Cs apply. |
| Free Bets | £0 |
| Min Bet | £10 |
| Stake Returned | No |
| Singles OK | Yes |
| Promo Code | COMMFREE |
Here are the significant Smarkets sign-up free bet terms and promo code details for new customers:
Use code COMMFREE to trade with 0% commission for 60 days. New UK, IE & Malta users only. Min. £10/€10 first deposit only using Debit Card or Instant Banking. Full T&Cs apply. 18+. GambleAware.org
Promo code: COMMFREE — enter it when you register.
0% Commission for 90 Days
Code: COMMFREEUse code COMMFREE to trade with 0% commission for 60 days. New UK, IE & Malta users only. Min. £10/€10 first deposit only using Debit Card or Instant Banking. Full T&Cs apply. 18+. GambleAware.org
Expert Verdict: Smarkets
“The tech-savvy alternative to Betfair. Famous for their Political Betting markets (Elections) and slick interface.”
The Smarkets offer scores 3.5/5 in our analysis. Decent, but read the terms. Like most bookies, stake isn’t returned — only your winnings. You can use these on singles, which makes conversion easier.
Smarkets at a Glance
| Best for | Low-risk singles bettors |
| Welcome Offer | 0% Commission for 90 Days |
| Min Qualifying Bet | £10 |
| Minimum Odds | Evens (2.0) |
| Stake Returned? | No |
| Singles Allowed? | Yes |
| Free Bet Expiry | 60 days |
| Cash Out | Available on most markets |
| Payout Speed | 24 hours |
| UK Licence | UKGC #45976 |
| Bonus Score | 3.5/5 |
| Overall Score | 4/5 |
Most Popular Betting Markets at Smarkets
In plain English: These are the markets UK punters bet on most frequently.
Football
- 1X2
- Over/Under
- Both Teams to Score
- Correct Score
Horse Racing
- Win
- Each Way
- Forecast
- Tricast
Tennis
- Match Winner
- Set Betting
- Games Handicap
Basketball
- Money Line
- Spread
- Totals
Accumulators
- 2-5 Legs
- Same Game Multi
- Bet Builder
Live Betting
- In-Play 1X2
- Next Goal
- Running Totals
Sports and Bet Types Available
Sports Covered
| Sport | Leagues | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 40+ leagues | Good |
| Horse Racing | UK, Ireland | Good |
| Tennis | ATP, WTA | Standard |
| Cricket | International | Standard |
| Basketball | NBA, EuroLeague | Standard |
| Golf | Major Tours | Standard |
Bet Types Offered
- Singles
- Accumulators
- System Bets
- Cash Out
- Bet Builder
- Same Game Acca
- In-Play Betting
- Each Way
Odds Quality: How Competitive Are Smarkets’s Prices?
Smarkets is a betting exchange, meaning you’re betting against other users rather than the house. This typically results in better odds with lower margins.
| Market | Margin | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League 1X2 | ~100% | Best Available |
| Tennis Match Winner | ~100% | Best Available |
| Horse Racing Win | ~100% | Best Available |
| Any Exchange Market | 0% commission (promo) | Exceptional |
Industry average: Traditional bookmakers typically run 105-108% margins on football. Exchanges like Smarkets offer near-100% when accounting for commission.
Live Betting Experience and In-Play Markets
- Live Streaming — Limited or requires deposit
- Cash Out — Available on selected markets
- In-Play Depth — Standard live market range
- Bet Builder Live — Pre-match only
- Stats Overlays — Basic or none
Betting Restrictions and Rules to Know
These are the key restrictions that affect how you can use your free bets.
- Minimum Odds — Free bets require minimum odds of 2.0
- Stake Not Returned — Only winnings from free bets are paid out, not the stake
- Payment Exclusions — Some e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal) excluded from offer
Betting Tools and Platform Features
- Bet Builder
- Early Payout
- Partial Cash Out
- Edit Bet
- iOS App
- Android App
- Acca Insurance
- Stats & Insights
Who Smarkets Is Best For (and Who Should Avoid It)
Good fit for
- •Low-risk singles bettors
- •Sharp bettors who understand exchange markets
- •High-volume traders seeking best odds
Not ideal for
- •Casual bettors unfamiliar with exchanges
- •Those expecting stake-returned free bets
- •Matched bettors (account restrictions likely)
How We Rated Smarkets
In plain English: We analyse 6 key metrics for free bet offers, then combine with operator quality for the overall score.
- 3/5 — Cash Equivalent
- 4/5 — Claim Difficulty
- 4/5 — Usage Flexibility
- 4/5 — Withdrawal Terms
- 5/5 — Expiry Window
- 1/5 — Real-World Value
Formula: Overall Score = (Free Bet Score × 40%) + (Operator Quality × 60%)
= (3.5 × 0.4) + (4.4 × 0.6) = 4/5
What we like
- True 0% commission for 60 days
- Exchange betting – set your own odds
- Best value for high-volume bettors
Could improve
- Not a free bet offer
- Requires understanding of exchange betting
- PayPal/Skrill excluded
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Smarkets welcome offer?
New customers can get 0% Commission for 90 Days. Use code COMMFREE when registering. Minimum qualifying bet is £10.
Is the free bet stake returned at Smarkets?
No, Smarkets free bets are stake-not-returned. If you bet £10 at 5/1 and win, you get £50 (winnings only, not the stake).
Can I use Smarkets free bets on singles?
Yes, you can use free bets on single selections at Smarkets. This gives you more flexibility in how you use them.
What are the minimum odds for Smarkets free bets?
Free bets at Smarkets require minimum odds of 2.0 (Evens). Bets at lower odds won’t count.
How long do Smarkets free bets last?
Smarkets free bets expire 60 days after being credited to your account. Make sure to use them before they expire.
Is Smarkets licensed in the UK?
Yes, Smarkets holds a UK Gambling Commission licence (number 45976). This ensures they meet strict standards for player protection and fair play.
Similar bookmakers
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. 18+. GambleAware.org
New Matchbook Players Only. Sign Up with Bonus Code: NEW30. Bet and Settle 1x£10 Bet on Matchbook Exchange at odds of 2.0 or more. Bet and Settle 1x£10 Bet on a Bet Builder or Multiple at odds of 3.0 or more, with min 3 selections. Within 72 hours of Qualifying Bets settling user will receive 1x £10 Exchange Free Bet, 1x £10 Multiples Free Bet, and 1x £10 Bet Builder Free Bet. Users making their first deposit by Skrill, Neteller or PaySafe card will not qualify for this promotion. T&Cs Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org
New UK customers. Min £20 first deposit by debit card or bank transfer. Place a bet of £20 at min odds of 2.0 and get £60 in Free Bets (6 × £10) after settlement. Free bets expire 7 days after being credited. Betting restrictions apply to free bet tokens. Promo code BRITISHG60. Full T&Cs apply. 18+. GambleAware.org
18+. New customers only. Significant terms apply to every offer. GambleAware.org