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      EFL minnows ‘to pocket FOUR TIMES more money if they LOSE to Chelsea’ as integrity of Carabao Cup called into question

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      EFL minnows Barrow are reportedly offering their players FOUR times more money to LOSE to Chelsea than if they record a shock Carabao Cup win.And the stunning revelation has called into question the integrity of the competition.Barrow are reportedly offering players £1,000 in a bonus to lose to Chelsea – or £250 to winCredit: GettyThe Premier League giants are the heavy favourites against their League Two opponentsCredit: EPALeague Two Barrow were handed a dream draw away at Stamford Bridge in round three of the domestic cup after beating Derby on penalties in their previous tie. But now according to The Telegraph, the match has raised concerns. The newspaper claims Barrow’s bonus schedule shows the players would receive £250 if they somehow secured a victory in West London on September 24.However, they are set to bank a whopping £1,000 each if they lose the match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis therefore could imply a significant additional reward for defeat – and the possibility of incentivising underperformance, even if last season’s runners-up Chelsea are the heavy favourites. The EFL declined to comment but it is thought the organisation spoke to the Bluebirds to clarify an explanation – even though the bizarre bonuses do not appear to break any specific regulations. SunSport also understands the bonus sheet contained errors and has since been rectified – with the club wanting to reward their players for playing a top-tier team with an appearance fee, rather than offering a ‘bonus’ for losing. Bonuses must be agreed between the club and its players before being submitted to the EFL before the start of the season – but the EFL do not have jurisdiction over them. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is reported that Barrow’s players will receive £250 each for any wins in rounds one to five of the Carabao Cup.Even winning the final at Wembley would only bank the players an extra £1,000. National League boss ‘loses plot’ in outrageous rant at OWN FANS as supporters call it ‘best post-match interview ever’However, the deal also offers £1,000 if they lose to a Premier League club from round three onwards – and £750 for defeat to a Championship side. In the FA Cup, things are far simpler.Barrow have agreed to pay out £400 for a round-one win, then £800 for round two.By round three and beyond, that figure increases to £2,625 per win per player.Again, defeat to a Premier League team would ensure a £1,000 bonus – and £750 if a Championship club knock them out.Barrow are currently third in League Two after an impressive start to the campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir three wins and a draw from five matches has Stephen Clemence’s side on ten points – two behind leaders Doncaster. SunSport has contacted Barrow for comment. Barrow beat Derby on penalties in the previous roundCredit: Getty More

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      Former Premier League club share bizarre list of items BANNED from stadium as fans joke ‘FFS can’t take my xylophone’

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      BRADFORD have left fans in hysterics after a list of items banned from their stadium was revealed.The League Two side have started the new season in good form, losing just one of their opening five games in the fourth tier.Bradford’s list of items prohibited from being taken into their stadiumCredit: X @officialbantamsFootball fans have mocked some of the items listed by the League Two clubCredit: GettyGraham Alexander’s men sit fifth in the table as they look to return to League One for the first time since 2019.But it is not their on-field performances that have seen them ridiculed by the footballing community.A picture of a sign from outside the University of Bradford stadium shows exactly what is prohibited.It includes the usual things such as big bags, flares, knives and alcohol.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut there are also a number of bizarre items named by Bradford.They include large umbrellas, musical instruments, drones, push chairs, hip flasks, and hammers.Reacting on social media, one person said: “Can’t even take a hip flask in now… the world has gone mad.”Another joked: “Shame, I’ll have to take my guitar home now.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho are these famous footballers?And a third added: “Oh ffs not gonna be able to take my xylophone to Bradford away now.”Another took umbrage with the 500ml restriction on liquids, replying: “I do think the older generations should get A BIT of a pass bringing 1L flasks of tea or coffee, as people have mentioned below, they aren’t the problem.”XI amazing players worth £78m available for free More

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      The story behind Scott Sinclair’s football career: How Helen Flanagan’s ex-boyfriend found his way back to boyhood club

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      SCOTT Sinclair is known to football fans as a legend and to many others as the ex-boyfriend of reality star Helen Flanagan.He supported Manchester United from a young age and has gone on to have a successful career across multiple clubs.Scott was born on March 25, 1989, in Bath, Somerset.He got engaged to Corrie actress Helen Flanagan in 2018, but they split in 2022.Their relationship made headlines when Helen appeared on Celebs Go Dating in 2024 and opened up about her love life.So what clubs has the football legend played for?Read more in sportsScott has been training since the age of nineCredit: Getty ImagesScott shares two daughters and a son with Corrie actress Helen FlanaganCredit: Splash NewsBristol RoversScott joined the Bristol Rovers at just nine years old.He became the second-youngest debutant on the club’s first-team at the age of 15 years old and 277 days.The youngest ever debutant in the first-team was Ronnie Dix, aged 15 180 days.The then-15-year-old’s first appearance was as a late substitute for Junior Agogo in a League Two game against Layton Orient in 2004. Most read in FootballScott left his boyhood team Bristol Rovers for ChelseaCredit: ReutersChelseaIn July 2005, Scott was signed to West London football club Chelsea FC. Scott scored his first goal for the blues in September 2007 when they faced off against Hull City, in a match Chelsea won 4-0.The young footballer signed a new four-year deal with the football club in August 2007 and received the squad number 17.History repeated itself for him, as his first goal for Chelsea as a senior player was against Hull City, which ended in a 4-0 win for the London side in the League Cup.Plymouth Argyle (loan)Plymouth Argyle was the first of Scott’s loans from Chelsea to another football club.When Scott was just ten, he was noticed by Plymouth manager Ian Holloway as a future star. Whilst playing for Plymouth for one month during 2007, he helped the team beat Coventry City, Barnet, Derby County and Crystal Palace.Scott signed with the Queen’s Park Rangers in November 2007Credit: PA: Empics sportQueen’s Park RangersScott had a brief, month-long stint at Queen’s Park Rangers after he helped Plymouth beat Crystal Palace in November 2007.At the time, it was reported that QPR had beaten off “stiff competition” to sign Scott. Charlton Athletic (loan)In February 2008, Sinclair was in demand as an upcoming star. He was signed to Charlton Athletic that month, but had little opportunity to play as a member of the first-team. Scott’s loan was terminated after just a month, during which he had three appearances from the bench.Crystal Palace finished fifth in the Championship with Scott in 2008Credit: Getty ImagesCrystal Palace (loan)Scott joined Crystal Palace in March 2008 for the rest of the season. Here, he had many more opportunities to play than he did at Charlton Athletic.He scored twice against Hull and Burnley, in six appearances, and was a key player in helping Crystal Palace to finish fifth in the Championship.Birmingham City (loan)Yet another loan brought Scott to Birmingham City, where his one-month stint was extended to span over the entire season.During his time with Birmingham, Scott made 14 appearances before returning to Chelsea in May.Upon his return to Chelsea, Scott was a substitute for the Blackburn Rovers but did not play.Wigan Athletic (loan)In 2009, Sinclair signed to Wigan Athletic for the 2009-2010 season. Whilst at the Premier League club, he scored his first goal against a familiar foe: Hull City.Unbelievably, his second goal with Wigan was scored (yet again) against Hull.Scot joined Swansea in a £1 million dealCredit: Action ImagesSwansea CityScott’s period of loans and transfers came to an end, as he signed a three-year contract with Swansea in 2010.The fee was worth £500,000 with the potential of the number moving up to £1 million. The footballer quickly made waves, when he scored a his first hat-trick against Peterborough united in a 3-1 win.He later scored another hat-trick against Reading and helped get Swansea promoted to the the Premier League.With only one season remaining, it was reported that he would not be extending his contract with Swansea. Scott transferred to Man United for a reported £8 millionCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdManchester CitySinclair signed for Manchester City in 2012, with a four-year contract.The transfer was reportedly worth £8 million.During his time with the club, he often made late appearances as a substitute which limited his time on the pitch.Surgery on a blood clot in his shoulder took him off the pitch for even more time, before he was loaned to West Bromwich Albion.West Bromwich Albion (loan)Scott started playing with West Bromwich Albion in August 2013, in a season-long loan.His time was cut short with the club though, when a hamstring injury kept him off the pitch until December. Scott played little for the team when he recovered, after their new manager Pepe Mel took over.Scott’s success with Aston Villa led to him being offered a permanent positionCredit: Dave Pinegar- The SunAston Villa (loan)A new period of being loaned to various football clubs continued for Scott, as he joined Aston Villa. He signed with the club in January 2015 as part of a season-long loan.Here, Scott was able to make a big impact.Scott scored their only goal in a 2–1 defeat to Stoke City and helped the team win by scoring in an FA Cup Quarter Final against rivals West Bromwich Albion.Aston Villa (permanent transfer)Scott joined Aston Villa permanently in May 2015 in a deal reportedly worth £2.5 million. At the time, he said: “This is the happiest I have been in a long time.”He stayed with the club until 2016 and scored 27 goals for the team. Scott was voted the player of the year for Celtic in 2017Credit: Kenny Ramsay- The SunCelticThe footballer signed with Celtic on August 7, 2016, and debuted on that same day.He scored the winning goal in that match against Hearts in the 81st minute.In 2017, he was voted Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year at Celtic’s Player of the Year Awards.He described his time with the club as “the best time and the happiest time in my career”.In May 2019, Celtic exercised a clause in his contract to keep him at the club, for one more season.During his time with Celtic, he was the club’s second-highest scorer with 25 goals, behind Moussa Dembélé.Moussa scored 32 goals during this time.Preston North EndScott was signed to Preston North End in January 2020.However, the Covid lockdown, announced in March 2020, made it difficult for the team to play together.He was released by Preston North End at the end of the 2021-22 season.Scott’s journey in football eventually led him back to the Bristol Rovers in 2022Credit: Getty ImagesBristol Rovers (second spell)After a long and varied career, it was announced that Scott would rejoin his childhood team in October 2022. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe returned for a short-time, at first, and beat another former club: Plymouth Argyle.In 2024, it was announced that Scott had accepted a one-year deal with the team and that he would be staying on to become club captain. More

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      Stockport County coach’s dream move to Real Madrid COLLAPSES at last minute in blow to Carlo Ancelotti

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      STOCKPORT assistant coach Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid has fallen apart.Mangan, 38, was scouted by Real and seemed set to moving to the Santiago Bernabeu after sparking up a close relationship with manager Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide.Stockport assistant boss Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid is offCredit: RexReal Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wanted Mangan to ‘refresh’ his coaching staffCredit: GettyCarlo’s son, who is an assistant manager behind his dad at Los Blancos, undertook a coaching course with the Stockport tactician.SunSport exclusively revealed that Mangan was in talks with the reigning European champions.According to the Sunday Times, however, the sensational move is now “off”.That is because Mangan was denied a work permit in Spain.Read More on FootballThat is a major blow to Carlo as he wanted him to “refresh” his coaching staff.The Ancelottis are understood to have been looking for an English coach with experience in the EFL.It is also reported that Davide plans to take Mangan with him when he embarks on his own managerial career.Since joining Stockport in July, Mangan has been credited with playing a key role in their rise to the top spots of the League One table.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has built a reputation as an “attacking specialist” and that is what attracted Real’s attention.Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues as a player.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawFollowing his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, he was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss. More

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      Premier League clubs don’t give a s**t about little clubs… I’m frightened to death about the future, says EFL legend

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      PETERBOROUGH chief Barry Fry has slammed the Premier League for “not giving a s**t” about the little clubs.League One Posh pocketed a £4million sell-on fee from Ivan Toney’s £40m move from Brentford to Saudi club Al-Ahli last week.Barry Fry claims the Prem does ‘not giving a s**t’ about the little clubsCredit: GettyPeterborough chief Fry is ‘frightened to death’ about the future of EFL clubsCredit: GettyBut Fry, 79, Posh’s outspoken director of football, says EFL teams have just experienced the worst transfer window he has ever known.Premier League clubs splashed out a staggering £2billion in the summer, with Chelsea the biggest spenders at a whopping £208m.And that is £1bn more than Italy’s Serie A clubs, the next-highest spenders in Europe’s major leagues.But what irritates Fry the most is the way the top-flight outfits are holding back on a new funding deal for the 72 EFL clubs.Read More on FootballFry, one of the best transfer operators in the lower divisions, hit out: “I am frightened to death about the future of EFL clubs.“I’m a lover of football and unless Financial Fair Play gets sorted out, clubs are going to go under in the lower leagues.“Premier League clubs don’t give a s**t about anybody but themselves — they forget where they’ve come from half of them.”West Ham’s vice-chairman Karren Brady argued in her SunSport column last week that the “lower leagues are earning and generating more cash than ever before”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe pointed out that Championship clubs enjoyed £300m in player sales business, with Sky paying out £935m to EFL football across five years.Brady also noted that under chief executive Richard Masters, the Premier League were adding £1.6bn over three years to “help the game flourish right down to park  leagues”.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsBut Fry, who managed Birmingham City when Brady was managing director of the Blues, believes the EFL are getting a raw deal from the top-flight clubs.He added: “We have, going through the EFL right down the pyramid, the best system in the world, and it’s going to be destroyed by the Premier League.“We do not have a distribution which is fair or getting the Government to put a regulator in there to determine what  they do.“I feel that there is no way the Premier League will allow the Government to dictate to them and they are leaving it as late as possible to come up with a deal.“But it doesn’t help the clubs in the EFL, who are under enormous pressure, as this is the worst window ever in dealing with transfers for the lower leagues.“Look at the money being spent? F*** all! It’s frightening and we needed it sorted out, like yesterday!’Like a pack of cards’“It’s like a pack of cards. Once one or two clubs go to the wall, a load of them will fold.”And Fry believes the business climate is not helping club owners to cope with all the financial pressures of running a football team either.He said: “It is very, very difficult for owners because all these people are  struggling in their own businesses now.“They haven’t got the spare cash to help out their football clubs.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have the greatest pyramid system, ever, ever in the whole world, and we should be bending over backwards to keep it and help every club up and down the country.“That’s because every club is so, so important to their community and they should be treasured.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Steve Bruce dealt huge blow days after becoming Blackpool boss as ex-Man Utd ace banned for appearing to SLAP opponent

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      BLACKPOOL ace Ashley Fletcher has been hit with a three-game ban for misconduct after appearing to SLAP an opponent.Steve Bruce returned to management to take over at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday – but he will be without the services of his frontman.Steve Bruce has suffered a blow just days after taking over as Blackpool bossCredit: GettyBlackpool ace Ashley Fletcher has been given a three-game banFletcher appeared to slap Wycome Wanderers ace Daniel HarvieFletcher admitted that his behaviour constituted violent conductFletcher will miss the games against Exeter City, Sheffield Wednesday and CharltonBut Bruce, 63, will be without Fletcher, 28, in his first three matches in charge of the Tangerines.The striker, who was once on the books at Man Utd, was penalised following a clash with Wycombe Wanderers’ Daniel Harvie during Saturday’s 2-2 League One draw at Blackpool.The former England Under-20 international appeared to slap Harvie before Kyle Joseph equalised for the hosts in the 32nd minute.According to the BBC, Fletcher admitted that his behaviour constituted violent conduct.Read More on FootballBruce will now be deprived of the centre-forward’s services after the international break.Fletcher will miss the games against Exeter City, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic.Bruce returned to management two years after his dismissal from West Brom.The Manchester United legend joined Blackpool on a two-year deal and brought along his long-term assistant Steve Agnew.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBruce said: “I’m delighted to be back in football and to take charge of this fantastic football club.”I’d like to thank Simon, Julian and David for giving me this great opportunity.Steve Bruce gives excited first interview after being named Blackpool boss”I look forward to meeting all of the staff and players in the coming days as we prepare for what we all hope will be an exciting season at Bloomfield Road.” More

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      Supercomputer predicts final League One table as Birmingham miss out on title despite £30m splurge & Wrexham heartache

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      WREXHAM’S Hollywood rise through the divisions will hit the breaks this year as they miss out on promotion from League One, according to a supercomputer.The Red Dragons have got off to a fast start after returning to the third tier for the first time in 14 years following back-to-back promotions.Wrexham are predicted to miss out on autos but finish in the play-offsCredit: PABirmingham are tipped to miss out on the title despite signing Jay Stansfield for £15mCredit: RexSteve Bruce could guide Blackpool to 15th after being appointed this weekCredit: PABut they will have to do things differently this year if they are to reach the Championship as a supercomputer predicted Phil Parkinson’s side to finish in the play-offs.A supercomputer run by OLBG has tipped Wrexham to finish fifth – nine points off an automatic promotion place.Big spenders Birmingham are expected to beat the Ryan Reynolds-owned side to second place.Chris Davies’ side have earned 10 points from their opening four games in the league this campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever the Blues are tipped to miss out on the league title to Bolton despite their record £30MILLION spend this summer.Even the arrival of £15m Jay Stansfield – League One’s most expensive signing ever – will seemingly not be enough for Birmingham to be crowned champions.Bolton have got off to a slow start with just one win from four games but are tipped to pip Birmingham to the title by three points.While Huddersfield, Peterborough and Lincoln are all set to join Wrexham in the play-offs.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBolton will be League One championsAnd it is the Imps who will upset the odds and progress through the play-off, beating Peterborough 2-1 at Wembley to reach the second tier for the first time in over 60 years.There is also a big shock at the opposite end of the table with Nathan Jones’ Charlton heading for the drop.’Egg and flour attack sparked training ground wars’ | QPR captain Steve Cook plays What the EFL?!The Addicks have won three of their first four games but are predicted to win just nine more matches, resulting in relegation.Elsewhere Blackpool are expected to move out of the relegation zone and finish 15th following the appointment of Steve Bruce. More

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      Premier League and EFL tips this weekend including acca, Saturday banker and 57/1 longshot

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      SUNSPORT tipster Craig Mahood takes a deep dive into this weekend’s English football, now that the competitions are up and running in full swing! Amongst the tips and predictions is a special 17/1 accumulator, best Saturday single bet and a whopping 57/1 longshot treble attempt for those that like one at big odds!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles herePremier League and EFL tips this weekend including single, acca and huge longshotWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*The 5-fold acca – back it with William HillIt’s a 17/1 five-fold for punters this week and we start in the top flight with FULHAM (5/6) who host Leicester City.The Cottagers went down narrowly – and late – at Old Trafford last week to kick-off the new Premier League season but looked a really good outfit for much of that contest.More new additions this week have them looking in a much stronger position following the window and they’re fancied to get on the board for the season against a Leicester side who were outplayed for the majority of the game with Spurs on Monday, nicking an equaliser in the second half.LUTON TOWN (5/4) make the trip north to face a Preston side who appear all over the place at the moment.North End are now onto their THIRD manager of the season in Paul Heckingbottom, who hasn’t had much time to put his ideas across and takes over a side yet to score in the league. Luton haven’t started well themselves but can capitalise on the whirlwind off the park at Deepdale.How to claim William Hill’s new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Sticking in the Championship, WATFORD (19/20) have scored 11 goals in their last three games and are one of three sides with a 100% record in the division.They host Derby who had a good result at home to Middlesbrough last time out but the Hornets should have enough on early season form to make it three from three.HUDDERSFIELD (4/9) are another side with two wins from two – after a strong pre-season – and in England’s third tier they host Shrewsbury who sit bottom after two games.And CHESTERFIELD (8/13) round-off the acca as they host Salford in League Two, having thumped Crewe 5-0 last time out and beating Man City U21s on penalties in the cup in midweek. Salford have one point and no goals to their name after two.Saturday English football accaBack with William HillFULHAM vs LeicesterPreston vs LUTONWATFORD vs DerbyHUDDERSFIELD vs ShrewsburyCHESTERFIELD vs SalfordBack all five to win at 17/1 with William Hill HERE*William Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Saturday singleThere’s plenty of tight games across the country on Saturday, with plenty of odds-against home sides.But we’re going with the shortest price team on the coupon this weekend and Manchester City at home to Ipswich.The Premier League new boys were great in the first half against Liverpool, going in goalless at half time.And while they only lost two goals in the second half, it could quite easily have been five or six and ruthless Manchester City won’t let those chances pass.Man City to score over 3.5 goals at 6/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERELongshotFor this one, we’re on the hunt for a bit of a bigger price and have selected a BTTS & win treble.It starts with Crystal Palace who host West Ham, with both sides on the end of a defeat in their opening game – though did score when doing so.This looks a tight game on paper but Crystal Palace have won four of the last five meetings with the Hammers – with both teams scoring in all four – and the other game was a 1-1 draw.Wrexham host Reading in a tasty League One fixture with the Hollywood side usually a good bet for a BTTS pick (ignoring last week) and can get the edge over a Reading side who look like being up there for promotion come the end of the season.And finally, Newport host Accrington with both sides scoring in all four of the games involving those teams in the league so far.Newport were good 3-1 winners over Doncaster last time, with Accrington registering just one point so far.Crystal Palace, Wrexham and Newport all to win & both teams to score in each game at 59/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More