BetMGM bonus code: £40 in free bets for Cheltenham Day 1

The Cheltenham Festival gets back underway this afternoon, and BetMGM are spicing up the action with great offers for both new and existing customers. If you’re new to BetMGM, you can earn yourself £40 in free bets. The sign-up process is quick and easy and you don’t even need a BetMGM bonus code.

And there’s good news for existing BetMGM customers too, with a completely free Cheltenham bet on offer to everyone.

How to claim BetMGM Cheltenham Festival free bets

1. Click here to visit the BetMGM website.
2. Familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions associated with the offer.
3. Once you’re happy, tap the gold Sign Up button to begin the registration process.
4. Choose your preferred BetMGM new customer offer – you can typically choose either a Sports or Casino offer.
5. Enter your email address and a secure password.
6. Enter your name and address to complete your registration – there is no need for a BetMGM bonus code.
7. Make your first deposit and place a qualifying bet of £10+ at odds of Evens or greater.
8. Your £40 free bet bonus will be credited once the qualifying bet has been settled.

How to claim BetMGM Cheltenham day 1 free bet

BetMGM are giving away a free bet builder to all their customers, so there’s no reason to miss out. It’s easy to take advantage.

1. Click here to visit the BetMGM website.
2. Choose Bet Here, and then head to BetMGM Cheltenham section under horse racing.
3. Choose which of the horses you want to bet on.
4. Once you’ve made your selections, you should see the free bet appearing at the bottom of your betslip.
5. Tick the box to activate your free bet, and place your bet.

Cheltenham Day 1 free bet terms: Cheltenham Free Bet for Day 1 of the festival available from 10:00 on 06/03/2026 to the start of the final race of the day on 10/03/2026. Max free bet value varies. Min odds: 1/2. 18+. Bet restrictions and T&Cs apply..

BetMGM Cheltenham Festival day 1 preview

Racing fans are gearing up for one of the biggest weeks in the sporting calendar as the Cheltenham Festival gets underway. With competitive fields and top-class runners throughout the card, finding the winners can be a real challenge. To help you get started, we’ve shared our thoughts and selections for the key races on the opening day.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Today at 1.20pm)

The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle traditionally kicks off the Cheltenham Festival and this year’s renewal looks particularly competitive, with a field of 12 promising novice hurdlers set to go to post. The Grade 1 contest often produces future stars and once again brings together some of the best young talent from Britain and Ireland.

Much of the early market interest has centred on Old Park Star, the unbeaten runner from the yard of Nicky Henderson. His convincing Grade 2 victory at Haydock highlighted his potential, but this represents a much deeper contest than anything he has faced so far, which could leave him vulnerable.

Our main selection is Mighty Park, trained by Willie Mullins. The French recruit made an immediate impression when winning by 38 lengths at Fairyhouse on his stable debut and is reportedly highly regarded by connections. Although he lacks experience, his potential suggests he could develop into a top-class performer and give Mullins another success in the Festival opener.

For those looking for an each-way option at bigger odds, Baron Noir is worth considering. Trained by Alan King, he showed encouraging form when winning at Kempton earlier in the season and may take another step forward in what is likely to be a strongly run race.

Arkle Challenge Trophy (Today at 2pm)

The Arkle follows as the second race on day one, with seven runners lining up for the two-mile novice chase championship. This year’s renewal has a clear Anglo-Irish rivalry at the top of the market.

Lulamba, trained by Nicky Henderson, arrives in excellent form after victories in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase and the Game Spirit Chase. While those performances were impressive, his jumping has not always looked completely assured, which could become a concern in a race of this quality.

The vote goes to Kopek Des Bordes, last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner and a representative of the Willie Mullins yard. He made a powerful impression when winning on his chasing debut at Navan and remains unbeaten in five starts. Despite not being seen since November, his class and strong Cheltenham credentials make him a leading contender.

At bigger odds, Steel Ally could represent value. The eight-year-old has taken well to fences this season, highlighted by a convincing win in the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick, and could run better than his price suggests if the pace is strong.

Champion Hurdle (Today at 4pm)

The highlight of day one is the Champion Hurdle, where a field of nine will compete for hurdling’s most prestigious crown. Once again, the race pits leading British contenders against a formidable Irish challenge.

Lossiemouth heads the betting after being redirected from the Mares’ Hurdle, bringing with her an outstanding Cheltenham record that includes four wins from four starts at the track. However, recent defeats to Constitution Hill and Brighterdaysahead indicate that she may not have things entirely her own way.

British hopes are carried primarily by The New Lion, who is our main selection. The talented hurdler impressed when winning the International Hurdle at Cheltenham earlier this season and still appears to have further improvement to come.

Among the Irish runners, Brighterdaysahead, trained by Gordon Elliott, looks the principal threat after defeating Lossiemouth in the Irish Champion Hurdle. If she can reproduce that level of form, she could again play a major role in the outcome.

Overall, The New Lion is the preferred choice to take the prize, while Brighterdaysahead stands out as the biggest danger.

What is the BetMGM Sign Up Offer? – Key Terms

BetMGM Bonus Code Offer	BetMGM Sign-Up Offer Details
Minimum Deposit	£10
Minimum Odds	Evens (2.00)
Free Bet Expiry Time	7 Days
Free Bets Breakdown	£40 – 2 x £10 Sports Bets & 2 x £10 Bet Builders