Looking to boost your betting rewards while sharing the fun with friends? Many UK bookmakers now offer generous refer a friend bonus programs, giving you and your mates extra perks just for signing up and placing bets. These promotions are a great way to earn free bets, cash bonuses, or other rewards while enjoying your favorite sportsbooks. In this guide, we’ll explore the top UK bookmakers with referral bonuses, how these programs work, and how to make the most of them.
How Refer a Friend Bonus Programs Work and Why They Are Beneficial for Players
Refer a friend bonus programs are promotional offers provided by many UK bookmakers to encourage existing players to introduce new customers to their platform. These programs are designed to create a mutually beneficial experience where both the referring player and the new customer can gain rewards. In most cases, the referrer shares a unique link or invitation through the bookmaker’s referral section, and once the new player meets specific wagering requirements, the referrer receives a bonus.
How Do Refer a Friend Programs Work?
The process for participating in a refer a friend scheme is straightforward:
- Invite a Friend – Existing customers log in to their bookmaker account and access the refer a friend section. From here, they can invite friends by email, text, or referral link.
- New Player Signs Up and Bets – The referred friend must create a new account using the provided link or invitation. They are typically required to place a certain number of qualifying bets within a set timeframe.
- Reward is Credited – Once the friend meets the qualifying requirements, the bookmaker credits the reward to the referrer’s account. Rewards can vary depending on the type of betting—spread betting or fixed odds betting.
Benefits of Refer a Friend Bonuses for Players
Refer a friend bonuses offer several key advantages:
- Earn Rewards Without Extra Deposits – Players can receive free bets, cash bonuses, or risk-free wagers simply by inviting friends, without needing to stake additional funds themselves.
- Risk-Free Betting Opportunities – Many bookmakers, including Spreadex, provide risk-free bets as part of their referral schemes, allowing players to explore new markets with minimal risk.
- Enhances Player Engagement – Referral programs create a community-driven betting experience, where players benefit by expanding their network while enjoying additional rewards.
- Mutual Benefits – Both the referrer and the new player gain value, making it an attractive option compared to one-sided promotions.
Example: Spreadex Refer a Friend Bonus Program
Spreadex offers one of the most comprehensive referral programs among UK bookmakers, catering to both spread betting enthusiasts and fixed odds bettors.
Spread Betting Referral Bonus:
- Log in to your Spreadex account and navigate to the “Refer A Friend” section.
- Invite a friend via email from your account dashboard.
- Your friend must place five qualifying sports spread bets with a minimum £2 stake per bet, each capable of winning or losing £20.
- After the qualifying bets are completed, you will receive a risk-free £100 Total Goals spread bet. If the bet loses, Spreadex refunds your losses within 24 hours; if it wins, you keep all the profit.
Fixed Odds Referral Bonus:
- Send an invitation to a friend via email or text from your Spreadex account.
- Your friend must place a minimum of £10 in fixed odds bets at odds of at least 1/2 within 28 days of registering.
- Once their bets are placed, you will earn £10 cash credited directly to your account for each qualifying referral.
Spreadex’s referral scheme stands out because it offers two types of rewards—one tailored for spread betting and one for fixed odds betting—giving players the flexibility to choose the bonus that suits their betting style best.
This type of referral program not only enhances the player’s experience but also encourages responsible engagement with the bookmaker’s platform by providing clear steps, reasonable wagering requirements, and tangible rewards.
However, if you believe you can deliver a steady stream of new customers to one or more bookmakers—or even online casinos—you may want to consider becoming an affiliate instead of relying solely on refer a friend programs. Affiliate partnerships can be significantly more lucrative in the long run, offering commissions for every player you refer rather than a one-time bonus. That said, becoming an affiliate requires much more effort, as you need to build traffic sources, maintain a website or platform, and establish partnerships with operators. If this interests you, you can learn everything you need to get started in the iGaming affiliate industry on iGaming Explorer, where in-depth guides and resources are available.