With so many online bookmakers now readily available at the touch of a button across the UK, it can be challenging to differentiate between the best sites and the ones you may want to avoid. Of course, the entire experience of visiting online bookmakers will depend on the individual, meaning some bookies will appeal to some whereas others may not. Everyone is on the hunt for different experiences when selecting decent online bookmakers, but there are many things customers should look out for when choosing a new bookie to play with.
Here, we’ll discuss the various pointers and key things to look out for when choosing the best UK betting sites. We will provide you with a comprehensive rundown, looking at the real details that potential bettors might want to consider before registering with a bookie or making a deposit. As always, if you do decide to register for an account with a bookmaker, online casino, or another legal gambling operator, please remember to gamble responsibly.
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
£10 Welcome Free Bet
New UK customers only.Min.Deposit £5.MaximumFree Bet £30. First bet on a Football multiple with 3+ selections.T&C Apply
Bet £10 and Get Two £15 Free Bets
New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.T&C Apply
Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake.T&C Apply
100% up to a £40 refund as bonus money
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake.T&C Apply
50% up to £50
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake.T&C Apply
Free Bet of up to £20
18+ New UK players only. Min deposit req.£10. Certain deposit methods excluded. Place 1 sport bet(3+ selections)T&C Apply
£20 free bet to new account holders
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake.T&C Apply
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake.T&C Apply
£10 HighBet free bet
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake.T&C Apply
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
100% up to £100
New players only • Claim within 48 hrs • 14 day expiry • FreePlay (FP) wins credited as bonus & capped at £10, excl. JP wins • Valid for selected games • Bonus wins capped at £500, excl. JP wins • Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins • 50x wagering – req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 daysT&C Apply
Deposit £10 Get £40 Bonus
New Customers Only. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Minimum deposit £10. 50x wagering requirement apply. Bonus will expire 30 days after opt-in. T&C Apply
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
£40 in welcome rewards
New casino players only. Min. deposit £10 with code ‘CASINO100’. Debit card only. Selected Slots only, 7 day expiry. T&C Apply
Deposit $10 and get 100% Bonus to 400$
UK new players only • Bonus will be granted in Tournament Tickets gradually over 7 days after the claim date • Each Tournament Ticket will expire 24 hours after it was granted • T&C Apply
The world of sports betting has a longstanding history in the UK, and the straight answer is sports betting is currently legal. In the UK, the Gambling Commission regulates online betting. The commission was set up under the Gambling Act of 2005. These gambling laws introduced a lot more order and protection for everyone in the UK, which certainly extends to online betting.
If you seek a new online sports betting site in the UK, it is always good to check whether the operator has a valid licence and is regulated by the proper authority. Most of the UK’s well-known and reputable sports betting companies hold the right licences to operate. They will be registered and regulated by an official body such as the Gambling Commission.
The qualities that make up a good UK betting sites will most likely depend on what the individual bettor is looking for. Some online bookmakers will offer better, more competitive odds than others. At the same time, others will use far better interfaces to make customer accessibility even more effortless.
As we have said, in order to choose a trusted bookmaker, we must first understand how to recognise one. In order to make online bets, we have to provide important personal details, in addition to financial ones, so we have to be sure that we are dealing with serious and trustworthy people. Are we sure we are placing our data in safe hands?
There are some key criteria by which we can do our own checks and see which are the best trusted bookmakers. If you realise that the site meets a few of them, it may not be as safe as you think.
Here is a quick lowdown on the features that make a good UK online bookmaker:
UKGC Licence, Safety and Fairness
Any operator offering gambling services to citizens of the United Kingdom must have a valid licence. This licence is granted by the Gambling Commission, the gambling regulator for the UK.
The UKGC is responsible for licensing gambling operators and regulating, guiding, and advising both the operators and individuals. The Gambling Commission currently has a public register available to view online. Anyone looking to gather more information about a particular operator can search through and view information about that operator. This information could include whether or not they currently hold a valid licence and if any regulatory action has been brought against the operator.
The UKGC is a body that helps promote and regulate safety in the gambling community and is a cornerstone to maintaining fairness for individuals and operators alike. The large amounts of regulation create a lot of positives for customers as most operators offering gambling services to UK citizens should be safe and secure. It is no surprise that the best UK online bookmakers will also promote safety and fairness themselves and will not take advantage of their customers.
Variety of Sports and Betting Markets
UK sports betting operators are renowned for the sheer amount of sports and betting markets currently available for bettors to get stuck into. The range of sports available to place bets on is vast, and there are plenty of options when it comes to selecting the right betting market for your sport of choice. Bettors can mix things up and try something new on their favourite betting site with so much variety.
It is worth bearing in mind that some sports betting sites will offer a select sport that others may not. Of course, the most popular sports to bet on, such as football, cricket, horse racing, and rugby, should all be freely available at most, if not all, online sportsbooks in the UK.
Competitive Odds and Low Margins
The best UK online bookmakers will keep up with the most competitive odds and should continue to maintain low margins for their customers. Since UK operators are constantly competing to maintain a client base, they will always strive to introduce the most competitive odds for their customers.
There are plenty of websites out there that also allow bettors to compare various odds to help them calculate which online bookie could be the best option for them. It is also worth mentioning that different bookies may have a selection of different odds across a variety of sports, meaning that players can compare odds quite easily.
Generous Bonuses and Promotions
Some of the best UK online bookmakers will offer generous welcome or sign up bonuses to new customers and consistently put out new and ongoing promotions for all of their customers. Additionally, the best UK online bookmakers should have a wide selection of promos to pick from. These promotions should reflect sports and betting markets they have on offer.
With so many different welcome bonuses and promotional offers to choose from, it might be best to browse through the possible promotions you like on different online betting sites. Be sure to read through the qualification criteria for promotional offers, as well as the terms and conditions.
Responsible Gaming Measures
Responsible gambling measures are another critical feature that can make for good bookies. Taking responsible gambling seriously is a good way to tell how an operator treats their customers. Gambling addiction and bad gambling habits can affect plenty of people worldwide.
Different bodies and organisations can help maintain responsible gambling measures, such as BeGambleAware and the Responsible Gambling Council. Most operators will also have their own initiatives alongside organisations such as these, offering further support and advice to ensure that everyone is gambling responsibly.
Reliable Customer Service
Some of the best UK online bookmakers will feature reliable customer service to ensure everything runs smoothly for their users. There is nothing worse than experiencing issues, bugs, or contacting customer support directly, but there is a lack of reliable customer support to help you with your queries.
Most online bookmakers nowadays feature a customer support centre where frequently asked questions are answered and most issues can be resolved quickly. Bookies will also have a feature where customers can contact their customer support lines directly via email, a live chat service, or possibly over the phone.
Either way, the best UK online bookmakers will provide clear, accessible and, above all, reliable customer service to support their customers with any problems or questions they may have whilst using their website.
There are trusted bookmaker so famous that everyone knows them, even those who have never placed a single sports bet. Names such as Betway, Bet365, Unibet or WilliamHill are easily recognisable, precisely because they have been operating in this field for so long. The historicity of a bookmaker is an important criterion for understanding its reliability.
In addition, these online bookmakers trusted are often sponsors of tournaments or football events, and such a partnership certainly guarantees seriousness. So, if you find yourself in front of a well-known name that is a sponsor and has a certain seniority, you are on the safe side.
Having mentioned football, let now see which sports are the favourite of those who choose one of the top trusted online bookmakers UK.
Sports betting online is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the UK. However, not all sports are equally popular among bettors. Here are the most popular sports for betting in the UK.
Football is perhaps the most popular sport for betting in the UK, with several leagues available to watch and place bets on. The one league that triumphs over them all in the UK is the English Premier League, featuring the top teams in the country.
Domestic cups are also a significant draw factor for bettors. Of course, there are plenty of other leagues available to place bets on, with some bookies even offering the chance to bet on foreign leagues such as the German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga.
Choosing football also provides opportunities to place bets on world-renowned tournaments, such as the Champions League, Europa League, and the World Cup. With so many possible scenarios in football, there are many betting markets to select from.
Horse racing is another favourite sport for betting in the UK. It is one of the oldest and most traditional sports to bet on. Betting on horse racing is beloved by many and has been around for many years now. Horse races frequently occur, so bettors are bound to locate a significant race that takes their fancy.
Some major horse racing venues featuring some of the biggest races every year in the UK include Ascot, Epsom Downs, Cheltenham, Newmarket, and Goodwood. Major horse racing events in the UK will usually feature the Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot, King George Weekend, and the Grand National.
As horse racing is so prevalent, every bookie available in the UK should enable its customers to place bets on these events.
Snooker is another popular and universal sports market usually found across most UK online sportsbooks. Snooker has a huge fan base, so quite a few tournaments are held regularly throughout the year.
Snooker produces some tantalising and skilful moments with some big names competing in major tournaments such as the World Snooker Championship, UK Championship, the British Open, European Masters, World Grand Prix, and The Masters.
Basketball is still breaking through in the UK as a major sport, but its popularity and reputation amongst punters are increasing steadily. Not only does basketball offer potential for bettors, but it is also a great watch and can be thoroughly entertaining.
Basketball operates at several levels, has its own World Cup, and was recently featured in the Olympics. There are already plenty of opportunities for betting on basketball. Yet, there are still many potentials, and the sport will surely continue to grow exponentially.
Tennis has a far reach and is extremely popular amongst sports bettors. As tennis is played worldwide, tournaments are happening fairly regularly, making it a good sport for avid bettors.
Most bookmakers will give customers opportunities to place bets on some of the biggest tennis tournaments every year, including Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, the Australian Open, and occasionally even the Olympics.
Darts is another fan favourite and has grown in popularity over the years amongst bettors. The world of darts encompasses a whole host of potential betting markets. Some of the largest darts tournaments held include the Ladbrokes UK Open, World Cup of Darts,
The Boylesports World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, and the Unibet Premier League.
Many darts tournaments are directly sponsored by some bookmakers, showing its popularity once again.
Alongside football and rugby, cricket is perhaps one of the most popular sports in the UK and has a good betting market to boot. With so much potential in the betting scene due to consistent tournaments and matches, either domestically or internationally, bettors have a great chance of finding a market they like in cricket.
There are major tournaments such as The Ashes and the Cricket World Cup and more regular tournaments such as T20 games that are played between domestic teams and on the international stage. The variety of possible outcomes and occurrences in test match cricket can make for good entertainment and good bets.
Some of the best UK betting sites have been gradually introducing American sports to their available sports betting markets, increasing the betting potential for their customers. US sports offer further opportunities to punters and add to the overall experience for those looking for something new. US sports will typically offer very different experiences to more conventional sports well-known in the UK and Europe, but this can be a positive for those on the hunt for something new.
Most UK online bookmakers will have a wide range of offers and promotional codes available for US sports, such as NBA, NFL, and ice hockey.
The NBA offers some of the best basketball played globally and is a major league known by all. There are plenty of UK online bookmakers that offer their customers a chance to bet on the NBA in several betting markets.
Ice hockey is just as prominent in the US as it is worldwide. The US-based ice hockey league is the NHL and features the top 32 United States and Canada teams. The NHL consists of 25 teams from the US and seven teams from Canada.
The NHL is considered by most to be the top professional ice hockey league in the world and is one of the most popular sports in North America. Due to its growing popularity worldwide, there are several great betting markets provided by some of the best UK online betting companies.
The National Football League, or NFL, is the largest American football league in America and comprises 32 distinct teams. American football has quite a large and diverse pool of betting markets attributed to it, making it a US sport with a lot of potential for punters.
The best UK bookmakers provide their customers with a chance to place various bet types. Here is a lowdown on the most popular ones.
A single bet is perhaps one of the most common sports bets to place on a sportsbook. A punter must wager on a single outcome in a given sporting event to place a single bet. For example, Manchester United is playing against Chelsea. A punter decides to place a single bet on Chelsea to win the match. If Chelsea beat Manchester United, their selection will win, and they shall receive their winnings from the bookie.
Accumulator bets, also known as accas, require punters to make several selections they will bet on. An accumulator bet is still only one bet, but it consists of multiple selections. The selections are then combined to create an acca. Accumulator bets are a lot riskier than other types of bets, but the big thing about them is they can have lucrative payouts as they present higher odds.
For an accumulator bet to succeed, all of the individual bets that make up the acca must win. This is where the risk comes in. If just one selection fails, the entire acca will fail with it.
A system bet has similarities to an accumulator bet but does operate very differently. In a system bet, punters are only required to make a handful of selections for the bet to win. This makes it different from accas that require all selections to come up successful s that the bet can win. Because of that, the likelihood of winning is higher. However, system bets are not as lucrative as accumulator bets, involving more risk and offering higher rewards.
Handicap bets, also known as spread betting, is where a particular selection is given a handicap at the beginning of an event. A bettor can then make their selections. If their score in those selections is higher/greater when compared with the selection with the handicap after the handicap has been included, then the selection will be a winner. Handicap bets are usually created so that a particular market is more even.
Forecast bets are quite simple and very popular. Punters will simply attempt to predict the top two finishers in a given sporting event and crucially in the right order. Mostly, forecast betting is tied to horse racing, but other sporting markets are starting to open up to them, including football. In the case of football, a punter could place a forecast bet on the teams they think will claim the top two spots in the English Premier League at the end of the season.
Similarly, in horse racing, punters can place a forecast bet on the two horses and their riders that they predict will finish in the top two finishing spots. The crucial part of a forecast bet is that punters must also correctly predict the order.
Using football as an example, a punter places a forecast bet on Manchester City to finish first and Liverpool to finish second. For the bet to be successful, the chosen teams must finish the season in this order. The bet will fail if Liverpool take first and Manchester City take second.
Conditional bets are uncommonly rare in the world of sports betting, although some bookies may sometimes feature them or allow customers to request to place a bet of this kind. Conditional bets are rare because they are usually not offered for traditional sports on bookmaker’s bet slips.
Conditional bets give punters more control over the bet they wish to place as they allow them to mark down certain minimum requirements on the bets that have to be fulfilled for the bet to be established or continue. This could be the minimum odds in a particular exchange.
A fairly common condition in a conditional bet could be a punter stating that the threshold of the odds will be fulfilled during a set time.
Full cover bets have a wide variety of selections, usually between three and eight. The different numbers of selections making up full cover bets have different names.
A full cover bet consisting of three selections is known as a Trixie, a four-selection bet is called a Yankee, five selections is known as a Canadian, six selections is called a Heinz, seven selections is known as a Super Heinz, and, finally, eight selections will give a Goliath.
Full cover bets essentially consist of multiple selections to create one overall bet and are usually made up of accumulators, trebles, and doubles in those selections. Additionally, there are also full cover bets that can feature singles.
These full cover bets also have different names. A full cover bet including singles with three selections is called a Patent, a four-selection bet is known as a Lucky 15, five selections a Lucky 31, and six selections a Lucky 63.
The best UK online bookmakers will offer their customers a wide range of betting markets throughout all of their available sports. Some bookies will offer more betting markets than others, and some sports or sporting events will grant access to more markets when compared to other sports.
Below, you will find examples of the most popular football betting markets.
Match Result
Betting on a match result in sports such as football is one of the most popular bets. Match result markets are likely to be some of the top markets present on betting website homepages.
The match result betting market is straightforward. Punters place bets on what they think will be the outcome in a selected match. For example, bettors will frequently place bets on the team they think will win a match in football.
Double Chances
Double chance betting helps to increase a punter’s chances of winning in a particular event and are often found in football.
For example, a double chance bet could be placed on two outcomes of a match between Arsenal and Chelsea, whether it is a win or draw for both teams, or it eliminates options of a draw. A double chance bet could be placed on Arsenal to win or draw. In double chance bets, the odds will usually be shorter than others because there is a higher probability of the selection coming up successful.
Under/Over
Under/Over bets can occur when a punter places a wager predicting whether something in a sporting event will happen and crucially how many times this happens or how long it will take for something particular to happen. This is different to punters predicting the overall end result of a given sporting event.
To provide a quick example, a punter could place a wager on how many total goals will be scored in a match, and the result and winning side does not matter. Under/Over betting markets are offered by some UK online bookmakers.
Half-Time/Full-Time
Half-time/Full-time bets are quite straightforward. In football, punters placing a Half-time/Full-time bet are required to correctly predict who they think will be leading a match at half-time and which team will be leading the game at full time.
With Half-time/Full-time bets, there can be nine potential outcomes:
First/Last/Anytime Goalscorer
This betting market is one of the most popular markets available as it gives punters a lot of choices. The potential choices are quite easy to understand. Punters can choose who they think will be the first goalscorer and the last goalscorer in football. With anytime goalscorer bets, punters can back any player to score a goal at any given time in the match being played.
A bettor only needs to get the goalscorer correct for the bet to win, and there is no requirement on the time they score or whether it is the first, second or more goal to be scored in the match.
Team Goals
Betting on team goals is another simple market to understand. Punters are merely betting on a team to score a set minimum number of goals in a particular game. Bettors are not placing a bet on the team they think will either lose or win or whether the result of the match will be a draw. Instead, they are betting on the minimum number of goals to be scored by a chosen side.
Win to Nil
Win to nil betting will generally require punters to make two bets. Punters can bet on the team they believe will win the match outright and place another bet on the team that will fail to score in the game. For the overall win to nil bet to win, the separate bets must both be successful. If one of the choices does not succeed, then the bet will fail.
Yellow Card Bets
Betting on whether players will face a yellow card during a match is fairly common but is generally considered a special bet. Betting on yellow cards is another simple betting market in football; punters simply select the player they think will receive a yellow card in a selected match. The bet will be successful if that player does receive a yellow card at any point in the game.
Corner Match Bets
Bettors place corner match bets by wagering on the team they think will get the most corners in a selected match. It is also possible through most online bookmakers to bet on the range of corners in a match. For example, a punter could place a corner match bet on the range of the total corners by the end of a game, such as anywhere between 7 and 9 corners.
Whether bettors are interested in sports betting or casino games, it is key to get to know and fully understand the different betting odds formats that are out there. Almost all UK betting sites will use the British odds format of fractions (example: 4/1), but other sites will use other types of odds format.
In some cases, most trusted online bookmakers may also give their customers the option to alternate between odds formats. So, if one particular format is favourable over another, then customers can play with whatever they are most comfortable with. The formats merely present the given odds differently and have no impact on the outcome of a bet or the potential payouts.
Predominantly, there are only a few main odds formats to learn. These styles include fractional, decimal and American. The fractional betting odds format is normally favoured by the British, the decimal betting odds system by Europeans, and the American betting odds style by Americans.
The fractional betting odds style will appear like this: 4/1, 1/43 etc.
The decimal betting odds style will appear like 5.00, 1.4 etc. The American betting odds style will appear like +100, -100 etc.
The fractional betting odds format is arguably one of the most well-known formats and is traditionally used by almost all UK betting websites. Using the English Premier League as an example, here is a quick rundown of how a fractional odds format may appear (these odds are only an example and do not reflect real odds):
In this example scenario, Manchester City is the bookies’ favourite to win. For every £10 wagered on City to win at 9/10, punters could win £9. If a punter wants to place a bet on Liverpool to win in this example, they could win £8 for every £3 they wager. If a punter wants to place a bet on Chelsea to win in this example, they could win £7 for every £1 wager.
The decimal betting odds format is typically found in Europe but is also found elsewhere worldwide. In some instances, it may be possible to change the odds format on a betting site, so if decimal odds formatting suits you, it could be possible to change it. The decimal odds system is very different to the fractional format.
A punter can calculate their potential winning with decimal odds by multiplying the decimal odds by the total stake they wish to place. Using the English Premier League as another example (these odds are only an example and do not reflect real odds):
If a bettor places a wager of £100 on Liverpool to win, they would simply calculate the potential winnings by multiplying their £100 wager by the decimal odds. In this example, the odds are 5.00, so the calculation would be 100×5.00, producing a potential net profit of £400. If a bettor wishes to place a wager on Manchester City to win at odds of 2.4 with a £100 stake, the calculation would be 100×2.4, which could produce a potential net profit of £140.
The American betting odds format is slightly different from fractional and decimal, operating either on a positive (+) or negative (-) symbol. The favourites are indicated by the negative symbol, and the positive symbol indicates the underdogs.
Following the favourites, the minus (-) shows how much a bettor will need to stake to win £100. Following the underdogs, the plus (+) shows how much the bettor could win with every wager of £100. If the bet is successful, the bettor will gain a profit plus their initial stake back.
Let’s use an example of Arsenal vs Manchester United in the English Premier League. The American odds show +400 for Arsenal to win and -600 for Manchester United to win. If a bettor wishes to place a wager on Arsenal, they will be required to stake £100 to potentially take home winnings of £400. If Arsenal were to win in this example scenario, the bettor would get £400 plus the initial £100 stake. If a bettor wants to place a wager on Manchester United, they would be required to stake £600 to win £100.
Live betting, also commonly known as in-play betting, has become an increasingly popular betting method. Bettors are given a chance to place bets during a sporting event, and they can watch to see if their bet unfolds. Live betting focuses on real-time bets, and plenty of bettors use in-play betting as a way to boost their overall experience and bring in an extra layer of excitement.
Most of the top UK betting companies tend to offer live betting now precisely because of its growing popularity. Live betting can also give bettors the chance to bet on the go on a mobile device, or betting apps, if they happen to be in a pub or sports bar watching a sporting event and would like to place a bet to add to their experience.
Review by:Nick Griffin
Updated:Apr 10, 2023
888 Sport is one of the most famous bookmakers on the internet. It offers competitive odds and a great assortment of sports and betting markets to a principally European customer base.
The 888 Sport platform was initially launched back in 2008 by the parent company 888 Holdings, with its headquarters based in Gibraltar. Over its 14 years of operation, 888 Sport has continued to be one of the biggest betting sites on the web for online gambling. As it remains a top competitor in the world of online gambling, the betting site produces some tantalising bonuses and promotional offers and a smooth gambling experience.
The following article will look at the various features of 888 Sport to produce a handy review that could be useful for customers who consider 888 Sport as their outlet for sports bets and other types of gambling. The review will look into some fundamental details and the more niche ones. They include the operator’s licence and safety options, sports markets featured on the site, key bonuses and promotions available at the moment of writing this review, deposit and withdrawal methods, and, of course, customer support services. Please remember always to gamble responsibly if you choose to do so.
Welcome Bonus
Review by:Nick Griffin
Updated:Apr 10, 2023
There are only a few bookmakers that can match the sheer size and reputation of Betway. Founded in 2006, this betting site has a single goal in mind – to provide players with the easiest and smoothest way to take punts. Instead of focusing only on optics, Betway Sports is one of those bookies that aren’t afraid to push the boundaries. That’s why you’ll always see them coming out with new features before everyone else.
However, we all know novelty is pretty much a non-factor when you actually get to the actual punts. So, is Betway Sports good? Or are they just a gimmicky site that uses innovation as its calling card? While we hate spoiling things for you lads and lassies, there’s no way around the fact that Betway is, indeed, stellar. But what’s under the good? What are their key traits? That’s exactly what you’ll find out below. Let’s begin, shall we?
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Review by:Nick Griffin
Updated:Apr 19, 2023
If this is your first time visiting us – welcome aboard! If not – welcome back! As you’re probably aware, we consider us the go-to website for all the best UK bookmakers. Whether it’s newer or older brands, it doesn’t matter – we approach each and every bookie as objectively as possible. While we’ve already given William Hill and Betway a close look, there is one sports betting giant that was missing from our list…until now. Yes, you guessed it right – it’s time for a Bet365 Sports review.
The company was founded in 2000 by Denise Coates, who is still the CEO and majority shareholder. If you haven’t heard of them, you’ve been probably living under a rock. No offence to our rock-dwelling punters, but everyone knows of their “the world’s favourite online sports betting company” slogan. Obviously, that’s a pretty bold statement, but our team believes that Bet365 may not be out of line when they say that. How came?
Well, we won’t beat around the bush – Bet365 Sports is one of the top UK bookmakers for 2024. And it’s precisely in this review that we aim to uncover why. Is it the design? Or maybe it’s the promotions? Is sports selection a factor, too? Bear with us, and you’ll find the answer to these questions and much more in our Bet365 review. It’s time for liftoff!
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Review by:Nick Griffin
Updated:Apr 10, 2023
Consistency is perhaps the most underrated trait an online bookmaker can have. Nobody likes to switch sites every week. It’s not only pointless, but you’re losing valuable time that you’d otherwise invest in preparing your accas and strategies. However, consistency doesn’t just mean staying the same. It also involves consistent improvements. And it just so happens that no bookie has been making strides the way Bwin Sports has.
We sometimes can’t help but feel amazed at how far they’ve come. They are a perfect example of how bumps in the road can push a bookie towards the highest echelons of the industry. Founded in 1997, Bwin is one of the oldest and most reputable brands UK punters have access to. Over the years, they fixed flaw after flaw, all while making smart additions and keeping up with the times. So, how do they fare in 2024?
Well, this Bwin Sports review was created to answer just that. Don’t worry – we won’t just cover the markets and odds, and call it a day. Oh no. We put this bookmaker to the ultimate test by analyzing every single facet of the site. Whether it’s customer support, banking or something else – you name it, we have it. If you’re on the lookout for a new place to take punts, keep reading to see if Bwin is the right fit. Ready?
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Review by:Nick Griffin
Updated:Apr 19, 2023
William Hill is a name that’s become synonymous with sports betting. Founded way back in 1934, they’re one of the oldest bookmakers that are still active. Think about it – they’ve been handling bets even before World War II. We’re big on reputation and credentials, so it’s hard not to be intrigued by this historic and reputable bookie. That’s all fine and dandy, but how do they stack up against the best UK bookmakers in 2024?
Not only do they stack up quite fine, but they’re also a legitimate contender for the top spot. Whether it’s exotics, live streaming, great bonuses or any other aspect of a great bookie – you name it, William Hill has it. So, it’s our great pleasure to present to you the latest version of our William Hill sports review. We had a lot of fun taking punts at this online bookie, and we think you’ll do, too. So, if you want to know what are WH’s secrets to success, bear with us!
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Alongside sports betting, casino gaming is also a hugely popular pastime and hobby for plenty of UK people. Many UK betting operators will offer casino games alongside their sports betting operations, so chances are your favourite UK online betting company will have access to casino games. There are also plenty of standalone UK casino sites that offer a full range of casino games.
Some of the best UK online casinos will offer their customers a wide range of casino games to ensure that there is something to cater to for all. They can include slots and more traditional gambling games such as poker, blackjack and roulette.
There is also a growing demand for online casinos to include live dealer tables to provide players with an even more authentic experience. Some of the best UK betting sites will have a live dealer option for their customers.
Some of the top UK betting companies will consistently offer their customers bonuses and special promotions fairly regularly. These can range considerably from welcome bonuses, free bets, reload bonuses, cashback bonuses, no deposit bonuses, and refer a friend offers.
Bonus offers and promotions can be a great way to get a head start if you have just registered for a new account. Some offers and promos may even help players who have experienced a failed bet. Bonus offers and promotions are effective incentives and ways for operators to draw in new customers and maintain their existing customer base.
Although some bonuses are automatically applied to an account if the customer qualifies, they require the customer to opt in. In most instances, it is entirely up to the individual whether they wish to sign up for a bonus or promotional offer.
The most popular sports betting bonuses and promotions are explained below.
Almost every UK betting website will offer new customers at least one welcome bonus. A welcome bonus is an incentive designed for new customers who register for an account and start using the betting site’s services.
Welcome bonuses can vary and will ultimately depend on the individual betting site. The most common welcome bonuses can be a set sum in free bets on top of an initial minimum deposit, free spins on casino games, and sometimes money-back guarantees if the first bet loses.
Free bets are usually provided directly by the betting company that a bettor already has a registered account with. Offering existing and new customers free bets is a way of giving back to customers. At the same time, they incentivise customers to stay and continue playing on their website.
Free bets are typically found on sports betting sites. However, in most cases, if a bettor uses a free bet and wins, their winnings will not include the value of the original stake, nor will they receive another free bet in its place. Free bets are limited in number and should be used wisely.
Reload bonuses are particular to online casinos. These bonuses are offered to players that have already deposited money into their online casino account. To qualify for a reload bonus, a player must already have a registered account with the online casino.
In some cases, casino bonuses will be added to their accounts once they qualify by fulfilling the requirements. Once players deposit new funds into their existing account or reload their account, they could receive additional funds from the operator through a reload bonus.
Cashback offers can be a good way of safeguarding a bet. Cashback offers will typically refund a percentage of a player’s bet if the bet they placed fails. Cashback offers are usually meant to be a sign of good faith from the operator and more often gives players the chance to place another, smaller bet using the funds they regained from the cashback offer. Players will usually find that they are refunded a small percentage of what they initially staked and not the entire bet.
No deposit bonuses reward players with a set sum of money directly credited to a player’s account. No deposit bonuses do exactly what they say on the tin; they do not require a player to make a deposit to qualify for the offer. No deposit bonuses provide players with an opportunity to bet with free funds given by the operator without a bettor needing to deposit their own money to qualify.
Refer-a-friend bonuses can sometimes differ depending on the betting site. In some instances, betting sites offering a refer a friend bonus will offer both the new customer (the friend) a bonus for their new account and the existing customer referring them. This makes it a win-win for the referee and the new customer, together with the operator who gains additional traffic to their site.
Although in some cases, operators will only grant a refer a friend bonus to the new customer and not the existing customer. This does mean that the existing customer may miss out on a bonus, but the person they referred will still gain a bonus to get them started with their new account.
Whenever there is a bonus or promotional offer introduced to customers, there will always be a set of terms and conditions attached to them. The terms and conditions include some very important information about the agreement the customer is entering into by opting into the bonus or promotion. The terms and conditions are largely ignored by some people, and this is not a good habit. It is a crucial practice to ensure that players always read the terms and conditions of any welcome bonuses or promotional offers that they opt for.
In the world of gambling, a player’s money is the most important asset, and players should always know what they are getting themselves into. Prior to completing the signup procedure to grab a bonus or promotional offer, be mindful of the terms and conditions, which should be easy to find.
Alongside the terms and conditions will usually be information on how a customer can qualify for the bonus and/or promotional offer. Be sure to check out this information as well as the terms and conditions in order to know what needs to be done to obtain the offer. Some bonuses and promo codes are only available to customers who use specified payment methods, such as a debit card. There are also betting market-specific bonuses and promotional offers to watch out for.
The top UK betting companies will typically offer their customers plenty of options when it comes to making payments. Payment methods are required to make deposits into an account and to also withdraw any funds and/or winnings from an account. In some cases, the same payment method can be used to make both deposits and withdrawals. However, there are lots of major online betting sites that may only permit selected payment methods to make deposits and not withdrawals. Here is a quick rundown of the best and most common payment methods that UK bettors might want to make use of.
Using a debit card to make deposits and withdrawals is considered the most popular method of payment on many betting sites. Using a debit card to make payments is easy and relatively fast. As almost everyone nowadays has a debit card and will likely use it to make regular payments, using a debit card to make payments on betting sites should be very familiar. Keep in mind that UK bettors are not allowed to use credit cards for any form of online gambling.
A big positive to using a debit card to make payments is that a lot of betting sites will provide customers with promotions and offers that are exclusive to those using debit cards. The only marginal downside to using debit cards is that a lot more personal information is required and shared, and although debit card payments are still very straightforward and quick, there are some other options that allow for even faster transactions.
PayPal is one of the world’s most reputable and well-known e-wallet services, accepted by a lot of websites online. As one of the largest e-wallet services available, it is quick and simple to use and is accepted by most of the best online betting sites. A major pro to using PayPal is that making deposits and withdrawals are very fast, with transactions taking only moments to complete.
There are some downsides to using PayPal. If customers wish to convert foreign currencies, the company will charge a conversion fee. Customers will also likely have to complete additional steps to link a PayPal account to their betting account, although once this is done, the customer shouldn’t have to redo it unless they change the information on their PayPal account. Most online bookmakers in the UK will accept an average minimum deposit of between £5 and £10.
Boku is a convenient payment method where customers can make payments via their phones. In order to make payments using Boku, a customer will only need access to a contract for their phone to make the payments, meaning only a phone number is required. Using Boku means there is a limitation as to how much personal information customers share, which can be ideal for those who do not want to share any bank details.
Although Boku is a very convenient way to make payments, it is not yet widely accepted in all online UK bookies. This makes the service still relatively new but also limited in its uses. Boku’s deposit limits can also be rather low compared to other payment methods, which may not appeal to all potential customers. Players cannot use Boku to make withdrawals, so a completely different withdrawal method will need to be set up in its place.
Just like PayPal and Skrill, Neteller is another e-wallet service that is already a common method of payment for many UK online betting sites. Neteller claims to be amongst the quickest methods of making payments and also boasts a safe and secure service for the transfer of money. Neteller is a trusted method of payment for a lot of bettors in the UK, and is it quick and simple to add funds to the virtual wallet ready to be transferred to an account with bookies.
Similar to most e-wallet services, using Neteller as a method of payment for betting websites will likely exclude bettors from some excellent offers and promotions. Also, adding more funds to a Neteller account will incur small fees, so customers will end up paying more. However, using an e-wallet service such as Neteller limits the amount of personal information.
Apple Pay is very similar to Google Pay in that it is a type of digital wallet but is exclusively made for devices operating under IOS/Apple Devices. This is very convenient for bettors who have an iPhone, iPad, or some other Apple devices such as an Apple smartwatch.
Apple Pay is one of the quickest payment methods on this list, and just like Google Pay, it is free for owners of an Apple device.
Apple Pay is quick and convenient for making deposits. However, this digital wallet is unable to make withdrawals. This does mean bettors will have no choice but to arrange a separate method of making withdrawals from their accounts.
Skrill is yet another popular e-wallet service used by many bettors. As soon as a customer registers for an account and it gets verified, they can add funds into a Skrill account by making debit card payments. Skrill allows for both deposits and withdrawals, which should also be instantaneous. Skrill is a convenient and quick way to make deposits and withdrawals across a multitude of different UK online bookmakers.
The only significant negatives attached to using Skrill is that customers may not qualify for certain bonuses and promotional offers whilst using this method of payment, and customers may also be required to pay additional small fees to complete the transactions.
Paysafecard is a convenient and easy-to-use prepaid service. With Paysafecard, customers can buy PINs with a certain amount of funds attached, which they can use to make payments online. Bettors can make good use of this payment method as well to make quick and easy deposits. Paysafecard PINs can be purchased either in some selected stores as well as online.
However, using Paysafecard only permits bettors to make deposits and not withdrawals, so a completely different withdrawal method will need to be set up as well. Also, using Paysafecard does not usually give bettors access to promotions and bonuses on a number of betting websites, so customers could miss out on some lucrative deals.
Companies like Google are now bringing out their own versions of making payments digitally, with Google Pay as their platform. Google Pay operates primarily through Android devices, such as mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, and some other Android-based gadgets. Google Pay is simple and easy to use if you have an Android device and would like to make payments through it. This digital wallet is one of the faster options for making payments, and it is also free to use with your Android device.
A potential drawback to using Google Pay is that bettors are only able to make deposits using this method, and as such are unable to use this service to make withdrawals. It can be handy to make deposits if you are on the go and have access to bookies on your mobile phone, but bettors will also have to set up an additional means of making withdrawals. Additionally, like with some other methods of payment, using Google Pay may exclude bettors from obtaining certain promotional offers and bonuses in selected bookmakers.
Trustly, a fintech company founded in Sweden in 2008, stands out in today’s network payments market due to its innovative approach.
Simply put, Trustly makes secure, instant and free transactions on behalf of customers via their bank accounts on any platform that supports its products. You can find this payment method on the so-called ‘Trustly Bookmakers’, which is almost always available on the top ten most trusted bookmakers
Trustly’s offices are spread across Barcelona, London, Köln, Helsinki and Stockholm (the company’s headquarters). Trustly is audited by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority and the Swedish Data Protection Authority and is a member of the European Payment Institutions Federation (EPIF).
The leading UK online bookmakers offer a wide variety of methods bettors can use to withdraw their winnings, with convenience and practicality being the top priorities for many operators. It is worth noting that some methods of making payments into accounts across most UK betting sites will either allow for deposits or withdrawals, with very few allowing for both deposits and withdrawals to happen through the same method.
For example, some withdrawal services permit bettors to make deposits but are unable to make withdrawals. Additionally, the best betting sites will offer some of the fastest withdrawals, so customers are not kept waiting for their funds. Overall, the best withdrawal methods are likely to be attributed to the best UK betting sites.
Most bookies will favour debit cards as one of the fast methods of payment, with VISA even offering VISA Direct across a litany of betting sites. A lot of bookies will estimate an average of 4 hours processing time for withdrawals using the faster service provided by VISA, such as William Hill.
However, regular debit card withdrawals will likely take much longer, with some betting sites estimating anywhere over 24 hours. As previously mentioned, using debit cards will also grant more access to the best promotions, bonuses and deals throughout many UK betting websites. Using eWallet services is one of the quickest ways to make withdrawals. eWallet services such as PayPal, Neteller and Skrill will likely offer withdrawal times of anywhere between 4 and 24 hours on average.
Bettors should bear in mind that different online betting companies will have their own duration periods for processing withdrawal requests. The different withdrawal methods can get bettors so far, but it is largely down to the individual betting companies who will process the withdrawal requests.
A lot of online casinos and betting sites in the UK may present customers with options on currencies. Typically, the most sought after currency for UK casinos and betting sites will be the Great British Pound (GBP), although other currencies might be usable. Other traditional currencies, such as the Euro (EUR) and the United States Dollar (USD), are also available in many casinos. In addition to this, there are now some sites that accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as valid payment options. Some casinos may even offer added incentives for players to use cryptocurrencies as their chosen currency through bonuses and promotions.
There will be some casinos and betting sites that charge additional transaction fees, usually in the form of a withdrawal fee. It is typically necessary for casinos and betting sites to charge the customer for using their services, and they will take a commission from a player when they make a choice to withdraw funds from their account.
There are some sites that do not operate in this way, but there are others that will charge their customers a fee for making withdrawals. It is also worth bearing in mind that some payment methods may also charge a transaction fee for using their service. Some services and websites will take a percentage off the top, and others may charge a specified fixed fee.
When it comes to transaction fees for casinos, betting sites and methods of payment, it is always worth shopping around and conducting thorough research so players can check and compare fees before making any deposits.
Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrencies have exploded into life since 2013 and have only been increasing their prominence ever since. The world of crypto is starting to penetrate into an assortment of different areas and industries, including the online gambling industry.
Bitcoin and other types of crypto are becoming more and more common methods of payment for plenty of outlets online and even in person, and online sports betting is no exception. Bitcoin and other types of crypto are effectively still finding their place in online sports betting, with only a small percentage of operators currently accepting them as valid methods of payment. Back in 2016, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission declared Bitcoin to be a cash equivalent; betting with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is just like betting with cash.
In order to start placing bets with a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, users will be required to set up a crypto wallet to store their digital money. The crypto wallet is not too dissimilar to a conventional eWallet or bank account, where the cryptocurrency is simply stored. The wallet itself is more complex as users can trade and exchange their cryptocurrencies as well as sell and buy them or pay for things and services. Bitcoin is typically regarded as being a very secure method of payment as it is both a decentralised currency and deploys blockchain technology. This can keep transactions anonymous.
Players planning on using Bitcoin or another form of cryptocurrency should bear in mind that there are fees attached. These are usually not fixed and will tend to fluctuate rather consistently. The fees are paid using the cryptocurrency, and these fees help to ensure the ongoing service of the decentralised currency and network.
Another major advantage to using crypto such as Bitcoin on betting sites is that this method is very quick and reliable at making deposits and withdrawals. In comparison to other methods that take hours and even days to complete a withdrawal, using crypto can take minutes.
Of course, like with some other payment options for betting websites, using crypto to play may mean players do not qualify for welcome bonuses and promotional offers. In order to qualify for these offers, players may be asked to pay using a more conventional method such as a debit card.
The world of eSports has been growing at an exponential rate over many years now, and it has started to find a foothold in the world of gambling. Many online bookmakers now offer their customers opportunities to bet on the most popular of eSports events all year round.
With such a diverse range of possible games and events for eSports, there are plenty of opportunities to place bets on a fairly regular basis. Betting sites will now tend to offer a variety of betting markets that specialise in eSports, with a healthy load of tournaments and games on offer to bet on.
There are still a lot of bookies that are yet to include eSports in their sports betting markets, but there is a handful of major UK betting companies that offer the experience. They include:
888Sport is already a well-established and reputable bookmaker in the UK, offering a litany of different sports, including eSports. The bookie has a dedicated eSports section on their website that offers a series of events and tournaments to bet on.
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Bet £10 Get £30
Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) T&C Apply
Betway is another well-known bookie with a long history in the UK. It features a hefty eSports section on its website for customers to engage in. A good thing about Betway is that it features a nice user interface that can be easily accessed by both new and returning players, making it easy to navigate through the eSports markets.
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Deposit £10 Get £40 Bonus
New Customers Only. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Minimum deposit £10. 50x wagering requirement apply. Bonus will expire 30 days after opt-in. T&C Apply
