Royal Ascot isn’t just a horse racing fixture; it’s a cultural landmark. Recent editions have welcomed more than 270,000 spectators across five days, and the meeting remains one of the most celebrated sporting events in the world. Prize money continues to rise, with over £10 million now available during the Royal Meeting, reinforcing its status as the richest Flat racing festival in the UK. Across 35 races, including eight Group 1 contests, Royal Ascot draws many of the finest horses, jockeys and trainers on the global stage.
Known for its blend of top-tier competition and royal pageantry, the meeting is as much a celebration of British tradition as it is a showcase of elite sport. From the Queen Anne Stakes on the opening day to the drama of the Ascot Gold Cup, the racing provides a focal point for spectators and bettors alike. With hundreds of millions wagered on the meeting each year, Royal Ascot remains one of the most influential and eagerly followed betting occasions of the season.
Why to bet on Royal Ascot this year?
Royal Ascot isn’t simply a racing festival; it’s a defining part of the British sporting calendar. With 35 races, including eight Group 1 contests, and millions wagered every year, the meeting offers something for every type of bettor. Whether you’re following a proven stayer in the Ascot Gold Cup or eyeing a long-priced contender in one of the big handicaps, Royal Ascot 2026 promises high-quality competition and plenty of opportunities.
If you plan to bet this year, the right offers and free-bet deals can add real value — and we highlight the best of them so you can make the most of the week’s racing.
UK’s TOP Royal Ascot Horse Racing Betting Promos – 2026
| Betting Site | Bonus Offer | Promo Code | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smarkets UK | Zero Commission for First 60 Days during Royal Ascot | Sign Up! | Min £10 deposit via Debit Card/Instant Banking. 0% commission for 60 days. T&Cs apply. 18+, GambleAware.org. |
| SBK UK | Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets for Royal Ascot | BRITISHG40 | Min £10 deposit. Bet £10 at odds of 2.0 or higher to unlock £40 in free bets within 48 hours. T&Cs apply. 18+. |
| MrPlay Sport UK | Up to £200, 100 Spins or £15 Free Bet | BGPLAY | Min £10 deposit. Welcome package split over 3 deposits, 35x wagering requirement applies. T&Cs apply. 18+, GambleAware.org. |
| Grosvenor Sports UK | Double the Odds | CLAIM BONUS! | New customers only. Max stake £10 for double odds. Real money bets only. T&Cs apply. 18+, GambleAware.org. |
| Betfred UK | Bet £10 Get £50 in Bonuses for Royal Ascot | SUMMER50 | Min £10 deposit. Free bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca, £10 free spins. Bet on evens (2.0) or higher. T&Cs apply. 18+. |
| bet365 UK | £30 in Free Bets | 365GMBLR | Min deposit required. Free bets available after qualifying bet settlement. T&Cs apply. 18+, GambleAware.org. |
| 10bet UK | 100% Free Bet Match Bonus up to £50 | SPORT | Min £15 deposit (no Skrill/Neteller). Wager 8x deposit + bonus. Min odds apply. Bonus expires in 60 days. T&Cs apply. |
Best Offer
The SBK UK offer stands out as the top choice for Royal Ascot, according to the horse.bet team. The requirement is simple: bet £10 at minimum odds of 2.0 to receive £40 in free bets. It’s straightforward, good value, and gives plenty of flexibility for new users. In 2026, the offer continues to run with the promo code BRITISHG40.
Ready to bet on Royal Ascot? You’ll also find strong alternatives from leading UK bookmakers such as bet365 and Betfred, all tested for competitive odds and a wide range of horse racing markets.
Royal Ascot Betting Offers 2026
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Smarkets UK Features:Smarkets UKBet ExchangeSmarkets: Zero Commission First 60 DaysCOMMFREEUse code COMMFREE to trade with 0% for 60 days in 2026. Min. £10 first deposit only using Debit Card or Instant Banking. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply.
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SBK UK Features:SBK UKBet Builder, Streaming & In-Play, Live Scores, Live ResultsSBK Bonus: Bet £10 Get £50 in Free BetsBRITISHG50SBK App Welcome Bonus: Terms: New UK customers. Min £10 first deposit. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 2.0 and get £50 in Free Bets within 48 hours. Minimum 4 legs. Restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.
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MrPlay UK Features:MrPlay UKFree Bet, Betting, Live OddsUp to £200, 100 Spins Or £15 Free Bet.BGPLAYThe Mr Play bonus/promo code is BGPLAY. Welcome Bonus Terms 2026: New UK players only. Min Deposit £10 Welcome package splits over 3 deposits, 35x Wagering requirement applies to match up bonus. 18+, GambleAware.org. See full terms.
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Grosvenor Sports Features:Grosvenor SportsLive Odds, Watch, enhanced oddsDouble the Odds18+, BeGambleAware.org. Grosvenor promo code is optional in 2026, use our link to register. Terms: New UK Customers only. Bet must be placed using real money in combination with the Odds Boost Token. Offer applies to Sport bets only. Maximum total stake is £10. Each way bets are a maximum of £5 each way (£10 total stake). If you stake less than £10 you will forfeit the remaining amount of the odds boost token.’Double the odds’ refers to fractional odds only. For the avoidance of doubt, it is the profit from the eligible bet that is doubled.
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Betfred UK Features:Betfred UKBet Builder, Live Odds, Streaming & In-PlayBet £10 get £50 in BonusesBETFRED50New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. 18+, GambleAware.org.
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bet365 UK Features:bet365 UKFree Bet, Horse Betting, Live Odds, Tote Betting, Paypal£30 in Free Bets365GMBLR18+, GambleAware.org. The bet365 bonus code is 365GMBLR in UK for 2026. New Customers Bonus Terms: 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. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way.
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10bet Features:10betLive Odds, Streaming & In-Play bets,100% free bet match bonus up to £5010GMBLR18+, BeGambleAware.org.10bet Bonus: Claim £50 free bet. Promo code: 10GMBLR. New bettors get 100% of deposit up to £50; Once per household; Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager a total of 8 times deposit + bonus, with max qualifying bet stake equal to your initial bonus amount; Bonus expires after 60 days; Min odds of 4/5 on singles, or 2/5 per leg for acca; Some bet types excluded.
Best Royal Ascot Betting Bonus Offers and Promotions 2026
With so many betting offers available, it’s crucial to know what you’re getting. Let’s delve into what makes these promotions stand out for Royal Ascot 2026:
bet365 – Bet £10 Get £50
A household name, bet365 excels with promotions like Best Odds Guaranteed and Early Payouts for horse racing. Whether it’s the King George VI Stakes or the Ascot Gold Cup, bet365’s robust offerings ensure you get the most value. The Bet £10 Get £50 promo is ideal for newcomers and provides a great entry point into Ascot betting. Plus, their live streaming service lets you watch all the races unfold on their platform.
Betway – Weekly Free Bets
Betway’s Free Bet Club is perfect for Royal Ascot enthusiasts who place multiple bets. Spend £25 on trebles or accas and receive £10 in free bets weekly. Their user-friendly app and personalised race-day predictions add a modern touch to traditional betting, making them a strong contender for Ascot punters.
Betfred – Extra Places Galore
If you love betting on outsiders, Betfred’s extra places promotion is invaluable. For Royal Ascot, Betfred frequently pays out on 4 or even 5 places on major races, giving you a better chance to cash in on each-way bets.
Paddy Power – Non-Runner No Bet
Paddy Power stands out with its NRNB (Non-Runner No Bet) offers. This is particularly useful at Royal Ascot, where last-minute withdrawals can occur. With Paddy Power, you’re guaranteed a refund if your horse doesn’t make it to the starting line.
Popular Royal Ascot Promotions and Offers
- Extra Places: Many bookies offer extra places on each-way bets for Ascot races, increasing your chances of a payout.
- BOG (Best Odds Guaranteed): Secure the best odds on your selection even if the starting price (SP) improves.
- NRNB (Non-Runner No Bet): A must-have feature to protect your bets against last-minute horse withdrawals.
- Bet Boosts: Amplify your potential returns with odds boosts on selected races.
Royal Ascot Betting FAQs
When is Royal Ascot 2026?
Royal Ascot 2026 runs from Tuesday, 16 June to Saturday, 20 June 2026, with five days of world-class racing, pageantry and tradition at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
What are the standout races?
Royal Ascot features several Grade 1 races, including:
- Queen Anne Stakes – Opening day’s feature race
- Ascot Gold Cup – The highlight of Thursday’s card
- King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Run on Saturday, and one of the most prestigious middle-distance races in the world
Which is the best bookie for Royal Ascot?
Based on promotions, live streaming, and features, bet365 is our top pick for Royal Ascot betting. Their comprehensive race-day coverage and enticing promotions make them a fan favourite.
Can I watch Royal Ascot online?
Yes, many bookies like bet365 and Betway offer live streaming for Royal Ascot races, provided you place a minimum qualifying bet.
Signing Up for Royal Ascot Free Bets
Ready to bet on Royal Ascot? Follow these simple steps to claim your free bets:
- Choose your preferred bookmaker from our recommended list.
- Sign up and verify your account.
- Make your first deposit and place a qualifying bet.
- Enjoy free bets and promotions throughout the festival.
Royal Ascot isn’t just a festival; it’s an experience that blends tradition, high stakes, and glamour. Whether you’re backing a favourite in the Queen Anne Stakes or chasing a longshot in the Ascot Gold Cup, make sure you capitalise on the best promotions and free bets for an unforgettable betting bonanza.