Betfred is offering all new online, call centre and mobile customers a free bet of up to £50! All you need to do is open an account and place a bet of £5 or more and they’ll give you a free bet to the same value, up to a maximum of £50. To take advantage of this fantastic offer open a Betfred account today.

Betfred, named after chairman Fred Done, claims to be the world's largest independent bookmaker. This is a firm that loves 'bonus' offers, and they are well worth keeping an eye on for that alone. All the standard football markets are offered.

Bets available:

• Wide range of sports, from soccer and racing to Gaelic football and hurling.

• Live commentaries on racing and greyhounds – no special software needed.

• Soccer info centre – with league tables, fixtures, results and live scores.

• Racing info centre – with race cards, results and live shows.

• Regular special offers – including free bets and bonuses for new and existing clients.

VC Bet is the Gibraltar-based website of well-known UK bookmaker Victor Chandler. It's easy to use, and they are not afraid to back their own opinions, giving rise to some great-value betting opportunities.

 Bets available:

• Good range of sports, from soccer and racing to darts and handball.

• Some specials, including politics and TV shows.

• In-running on darts, football, snooker. Features:

• Live video of UK and Irish racing – free to watch as long as you have staked at least £5 on the race concerned.

• Football and racing results service – including live scores.

• Regular special offers – including free bets for new clients and daily 'cashback' offers.

Blue Square was one of the original online bookmakers, and it is still going strong today.

Bets available:

• Good range of sports, from soccer and racing to NFL and pool.

• Specials, including politics, TV shows, awards and new babies.

• Financial betting on FTSE, Dow Jones, interest rates. Features:

• Live commentaries on football, racing and greyhounds – no special software needed.

• Calculator – works out winnings from any bet, including multiples like Lucky 15.

• Regular special offers – including new client bonuses and 'cashback' on some bets.

• Sometimes offer live 'TV' coverage of European matches via the website.