The team behind a new app is aiming to offer sports fans the excitement of gambling without the hit to the wallet – and has already raised £150,000.

Norwich-based Bet4F is a platform which allows punters to bet on matches and events of their choice using free credits, dished out daily, with a chance to win prizes.

It is the brainchild of former University of East Anglia student Jonny Steventon and childhood friend Max Raynor who decided they could not justify the expense of putting on a weekly accumulator bet. The idea is users, who have to watch a short advert every time they bet, will compete in a leaderboard to win prizes as well as taking on their friends in personalised leagues.

Mr Steventon said: 'It is creating an environment where users can experience the feelings and emotions of betting but without monetary loss.' The app raised £150,000 through the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme ahead of its launch on Saturday.