January 2026 Betting Guide

January is one of the busiest months in the UK sporting calendar. Unlike December, which is dominated by festive football, January sees the return of major tennis tournaments, the NFL playoffs, and the magic of the FA Cup. Here is how to use your free bets effectively this month.

1. The FA Cup 3rd Round (Early January)

This is widely considered the best betting weekend of the year. However, it is a dangerous time for “Qualifying Bets” (the first real money bet you place to unlock a bonus).

• The Risk: Premier League teams often rotate their squads heavily against lower-league opposition. A “sure thing” at 1/5 odds might draw 0-0 if they play their youth team.
• The Strategy: Use your Qualifying Bet on a safer Premier League match later in the month or a “Both Teams to Score” market, which is less dependent on a specific winner. Save your Free Bets for the FA Cup upsets where you can get high odds without risking your own cash.

2. The NFL Playoffs

As the road to the Super Bowl heats up, the NFL playoffs offer great value for UK punters. Most free bets listed above (especially from BetMGM and William Hill) can be used on American Football. The markets are generally less volatile than football transfers, making them good for turning over bonus funds.

3. The January Transfer Window

Be careful betting on “Player Specials” (e.g., “Cole Palmer to have 1+ Shot on Target”) during January. With the transfer window open, players can be unsettled, dropped, or sold. If a player moves clubs, your ante-post bets might be voided, but single match bets could just lose if they sit on the bench.

Frequently Asked Questions