Are you looking for the best sports betting sites in the UK? We present a tell-all guide outlining the trusted bookies for UK bettors and why they made our list. Our guide will also zero–in on the most significant features that make a sportsbook stand out from the crowd. If you have any burning questions, the FAQ section will provide quick, easy-to-digest answers. All you need to do is pick the best sportsbook for your particular betting preferences!
The online sports betting market in the UK is growing rapidly. Online punters have no less than 500 licensed sportsbooks to choose from. You’ll admit that’s a pretty huge selection pool to work with, especially if you’re new to sports betting. Instead of resorting to a trial-and-error system, why not take your cue from our recommended list of sportsbooks? Our team of experts invested significant time scouting and reviewing the best bookies on the market, so you don’t have to. All the sites listed here are legit and licensed to operate in the UK. In addition, they impress in several areas, from bonuses to navigation, and everything in-between.
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
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
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
As previously highlighted, singling out the best sports betting site from the bunch is a tall order. Instead of taking a sportsbook at face value, we prefer to delve a little deeper and investigate the finer intricacies. We achieve this with the help of a thorough checklist that allows us to remain with the cream of the crop. We use different performance metrics to rate bookies against each other. And with operators on a continued quest to evolve, we constantly update our list based on the latest standards. The goal is to help you make an informed decision. Below are a few characteristics we consider when ranking UK betting sites.
The whole point of sports betting is to wager on your favorite sports. That’s why we’re always keen to unpack the betting opportunities each operator offers. The best UK sportsbooks aim to cover as many sports as possible, from traditional to niche sports. Sports like football, soccer basketball, and tennis are pretty much mandatory in any sportsbook. Then you’ll have bookies that offer less popular sports like darts and MMA.
We also check the betting markets a bookmaker covers. Ideally, you want a sportsbook that covers sports in both major and minor leagues. Major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, or MLB are more competitive and offer more rewarding returns if you win. Minor leagues such as college sporting events appeal more to novice bettors still finding their footing.
After betting markets, we take it a step further to uncover the type of bets the sports betting platform provides punters. As you know, different bettors have different betting styles and interests. Some prefer to keep things simple, while others prefer placing riskier bets. To play it safe, we check if the sportsbook at the very least covers the traditional bet types such as spreads, totals, and moneylines. Such bookies will resonate well with conservative bettors who practice cautious betting. We also check if the sportsbooks offer more complex bet types, such as props, banker, and full cover betting. The mentioned bet styles appeal to bettors with a knack for riskier betting. Ultimately, we recommend sportsbooks that offer a wide range of bet types, so you can pick the type you prefer.
No matter how varied the betting markets and bet types an operator avails, it falls flat if you must rely on poor odds when placing wagers. Sports betting odds outline the probability of a particular outcome happening in a game. In turn, these odds give you an indication of how much you’ll get if you’ve correctly predicted a particular result. That’s why you need to pick a sportsbook that offers competitive odds. The best sportsbooks take the time to research odds using information from past results or the caliber of players. Plus, they don’t sleep on the ball. These bookies continuously revise the stats using the latest information. The idea is to provide punters with the latest odds.
We compare UK bookmaker’s sports betting odds against its competitors and respective betting markets. We include only the sportsbooks with high-quality odds to offer their customers more rewarding wins.
Gone are the days when punters could only wager on their favorite games before the event begins. Thanks to technological advancements, bettors can now place wagers while a game is in session. That’s owing to the revolutionary in-play betting feature.
As you can imagine, bookmakers that provide this feature prove they are willing to do anything to offer a better sports betting service to bettors. Those are the kind of sports betting sites we want to affiliate with.
Be that as it may, offering an in-play betting feature is only the tip of the iceberg. We also check if the operator goes the extra mile to offer features like visual odds or live streaming. With the former, punters can track odds as they happen during the game and make the necessary changes where needed. In the case of live streaming, bettors can view the games in real-time. Both are stellar features we look for in a modern bookie.
Almost every sports betting site structures some form of welcome bonus to attract punters. That’s the only way for any operator to stand out from the competition and gain new customers. For you, that means more wagering opportunities at a fraction of the price. In some cases, you get to bet on your favorite games without paying anything at all!
We go through different sportsbook bonuses with a fine-tooth comb. Here, we check the type of bonus on offer. Is it in the form of free bets, risk-free bets, match deposits, or no deposit offers? We dig a little further to ascertain the quality of the bonus and if it’s indeed fair. We gather this by reviewing the bonus terms and conditions comprising expiry dates, and minimum odds. Promo codes get punters through the doors. But it’s the caliber of promotions that keep them loyal to the site. As such, we also check if the operator offers exciting and rewarding ongoing promotions.
The quickest way for any sports betting site to frustrate bettors is by withholding winnings unnecessarily because of inefficient payment processing systems. Slow deposit turnaround times, difficulty making payments, and unsubstantiated transaction fees also fall into that category. The best UK betting sites make payment processing structures as seamless and efficient as possible, without compromising security.
That’s why we always check the type of banking platforms an operator provides. Do safe, reliable, and reputable payment platforms make the lineup? After inspecting the list of payment methods, we check the minimum/maximum deposit and withdrawal limits. Are they fair? Ultimately, we want punters to be able to deposit or withdraw the amount of funds they want to. The payment processing times also come under scrutiny. How long does the bookie take to pay you? Bookmakers that also avail cryptocurrency payment methods are a winner in our books. Such operators prove they are progressive sites that aim to accommodate different types of punters.
Whether you deem yourself a skilled sports bettor or are still learning ropes, you’ll need assistance from a betting site at some point. That’s especially true if it’s your first time on the platform. We always want to recommend sports betting sites that don’t leave bettors in need of help hanging.
For this reason, we take the liberty to investigate the customer support system the operator avails, starting with the list of communication platforms. Is it easy to reach the customer service team? Ideally, the best UK betting sites avail several communication platforms to punters. These include live chat platforms, email, phone numbers, or contact forms. Some operators also have social media pages that bettors can use to interact with them. Even so, having a long list of communication channels is only the start. Are the support officials responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable? Does the operator offer round-the-clock support, or are services only limited to a particular period?
As we mentioned before, punters have different betting interests. As such, they are drawn to different kinds of sports. In the same vein, sportsbooks aren’t one-size-fits-all. Granted, their primary purpose is to offer sports that punters can wager on. But it’s the nature of sports a specific bookie offers that we’re more interested in. With that said, some bookies excel in certain sports, and then some. The goal of this section is to pinpoint, which UK betting site is the best in a particular sport. Hopefully, this will go a long way in aiding your decision-making process.
It’s no secret that football is the most popular sport for sports wagering in the UK. For this reason, it’s a staple on every sports betting platform operating in the UK that’s worth its salt. But simply because a bookie avails the sport doesn’t mean it’s the best of the bunch. Several factors can help you determine if an operator deserves to fall under the list of best football betting sites in the UK.
To start with, you must check the football markets the operator covers. To be considered the best football betting site in the UK, the operator must cover big competitions such as the Premier League. Exceptional sites even go on to cover leagues in Asian countries, which include China and Japan. Based on our research, Bet365 and William Hill are some of the top-rated football betting sites in the country.
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
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
Horse-racing is another sport boasting a cult-following in the UK. That’s why you’ll find several trusted bookmaker offering horse racing, making the competition very fierce. No wonder, picking the best horse-racing site in the UK is a daunting task. To make your decision easier, you need to check the horse betting markets the site covers. Popular blockbuster horse racing meetings including ITV racing and Grand National, must be part if the deal.
To ascertain the best horse-racing site, you also need to check if the site offers promotions or bonuses specifically linking to horse racing. The best horse-racing sites offer punters bet boosts to beef up their wagering chances on the sport. Operators that also offer free bets for horse racing are worth looking into. Some punters like William Hill go on to offer interactive in-house coverage all day, every day. In this case, you can enjoy engaging banter on horse-racing events for a more exciting sports betting experience.
Wagering on tennis is fast becoming popular in the UK. Sports betting platforms know this, which is why they make sure to include tennis on the lineup. Serious contenders start by covering tournaments like Wimbledon, ATP Series 500, and Masters 1000.
After a comprehensive coverage of betting markets, the operator should pair them up with equally fantastic odds. William Hill is among the best tennis betting sites in the UK known for its enhanced odds and sophisticated betting markets. Betway also avails some of the most up-to-date odds. In addition, placing bets on the sport has never been easier. 888 easily impresses in this niche with its ATP coverage and in-game tennis odds.
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
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
If we’re being frank, darts seldom top the charts when discussing the most popular sports in the UK. As such, it’s often considered a marquee sport. It’s only after you dig a little deeper do you realise the niche boasts a decent selection of followers. Sports betting sites that do their homework know how popular the sport is and include it among their list. If wagering darts is right up your alley, you need to join platforms that cover the biggest dart event. William Hill is one such bookie that covers the iconic World Championships which runs in December.
The best darts betting sites even go as far as running promotions for the sport. Plus, they go the whole nine yards by offering in-play betting and live streaming features on the event. Bwin has earned its spot as one of the best dart betting sites and covers hundreds of darts tournaments and matches. The operator is also the official sponsor of the Professional Darts Corporation Grand Slam of Darts.
It takes true sports betting mavericks to understand there are countless sports to wager on aside from the traditional games. As mentioned, some operators go on to explore smaller niches by availing betting markets in sports like golf, auto-racing, and MMA. Though they may be considered as “lesser” sports, some bettors consider them a worthwhile sports betting niche. Progressive sports betting sites give such sports the acknowledgment and coverage they deserve. They even go as far as covering the best markets and availing the best odds.
If you’re looking for sports betting sites in the UK that treat other sports with the same respect as other more traditional sports, check out Betway and Bet365. The mentioned platforms even avail exciting promotions that you can use to explore non-conventional sports betting events of your choice.
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
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
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
Earlier on, we mentioned how in-play betting is fast gaining popularity among UK punters. Instead of only placing wagers before a game commences, punters can now wager while a game is in session. That’s a huge convenience for players who happen to join their favorite event mid-way. But as you can imagine, the dynamics of live betting are a bit complex. Odds for live games fluctuate drastically. It’s therefore up to the operator to make the live-betting process as easy as possible. Legendary live betting sites make placing live bets simple with only a few clicks. Plus, they constantly update the odds.
Some operators avail a bare bone version of this feature by only availing the feature on a handful of sports. But the best live betting sites offer the feature on a wide range of games. Quick research revealed 888, Bet365, and Betway to be among some of the best live betting sites in the UK.
Since time immemorial, betting on traditional sports was on the forefront, with esports taking a back burner. Esports is slowly rising from the shadows to become a growing niche with several followers. Over 300 million people and major brands have since joined the esports betting industry. It’s only fitting that sportsbooks want in on the action and are jumping onto the bandwagon. But which operators are nailing the service offering in this niche?
Notable bookies are going as far as offering esports welcome promos which include free bets. Plus, they are running popular eSports contests. In addition, the best eSports betting sites cover popular iconic games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, Dota 2, PUBG, and League of Legends. These bookies also allow punters to place exciting wagers which include first blood, first market, and map winners. In our books, 888 is among the best UK sports betting sites around.
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
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
Forward-thinking operators that value bettors’ convenience optimise their websites for mobile use. They want to be able to wager on their favourite sports at any time and from anywhere. That means punters can access the sites via mobile devices, which can be in the form of phones, tablets, or iPads. The device you use will depend on whether you’re an Android or IOS device owner. Most mobile sites mirror the desktop versions for seamless transition. Plus, loading speeds and overall navigation on the mobile platform are hassle-free. That’s regardless of the size of the screen. William Hill, 888, and Betway have impressive mobile platforms worth checking out.
At first glance, online sportsbooks appear the same. However, certain features differentiate them against each other and make other operators stay ahead of the pack. Apart from the type of sports, betting markets, and nature of odds available, these key aspects can make or break a sportsbook. Below, we’ll take a closer look at some popular features any competent sports betting site worth joining should possess.
Not every sports betting enthusiast is a tech genius. Even so, the last thing any bettor needs is a sports betting platform that’s a nightmare to navigate. A user-friendly sports betting site is a must-have because it makes the user experience on the platform enjoyable. Before we even start discussing navigation, the website should be aesthetically pleasing. That means it should look as modern and inviting as possible.
A cluttered and disorganized layout is a turn–off. The interface should have clearly marked filters, making it easy for a visitor to identify their area of interest. In addition, switching from one page to the next should be a breeze. And so should placing a wager, requesting a withdrawal, or changing the odds format. Granted, personal preference plays a huge role where user-friendliness is concerned. But if players have to struggle to perform the bare minimum on the site, we have a problem.
Leading sports betting sites provide live scores of events being played in real-time. These scores will be displayed on the screen for all to see. Such a feature will prove useful if you want to place in-play bets. The best sports betting sites offer this feature on several events and not just a select few. Also, they beef things up by offering live alerts, for those times you can’t stay glued to the screen. In this case, the operator notifies you if a goal scores so you’re kept in the loop of a game’s proceedings.
When discussing key betting site features, bet slips often appear at the bottom of the list, if at all! That’s pretty mind-boggling, considering how valuable the feature is. To most, it poses as a place where punters get to place or review their wagers—which it is certainly is. But the feature is so much more if you choose the correct sports betting site. Top sports sites are right on the money by availing high-functioning bet slips to punters.
Some sportsbooks offer bet slips that not only allow you to read but built different bet types. Other bet slips even give you the option to pay to customize a betting line if you wish. Such a feature is useful if you’re hoping to shorten or lengthen point spreads to manipulate payout odds. Additionally, some bet slips also serve as useful odd calculator tools. Other operators avail bet slips that update you if the odds change.
The Cash Out feature is among the most popular features in sports betting circles. The feature allows bettors to cash out a wager before the game ends. Bettors use this feature for one or two reasons. Firstly, you can opt for a chance to redeem partial winnings if the bet you place looks good early but might not win at the end of the event. Either that or the bettor cashes out a wager to limit the risk of losing out on an entire wager. Whatever the reason, a sportsbook that avails this service is appreciated by most punters.
No doubt, this is a cool feature to look out for. Before picking sportsbooks offering this service, know that different operators have different rules for cashing out. Some operators don’t allow you to use the function on all wagers. Others only allow the feature on certain games. Make sure you choose an operator that provides Cash Out rules you’ll benefit from.
Over the years, we’ve seen a shift in the online sports betting dynamics, with some punters opting for social betting. In such a case, bettors have no problem sharing their bets with other people. Mind you, sharing betting strategies and tips is also part of the deal.
Essentially, this makes the betting experience even more exciting, not to mention rewarding.
As a result, a notable number of bookmakers serve as tipping websites and encourage punters to load their latest predictions. In turn, other bettors are allowed to copy and use the same bets. Though still in its early stages, social betting is fast gaining momentum.
Betting exchanges are slightly different from traditional sports betting sites. Conventional sports betting sites only allow you to bet against the bookmaker. On the other hand, betting exchanges platforms allow bettors to bet against each other. In addition, bettors can set their odds for events or back odds set by another punter. After placing bets on the odds you want, you need to wait for other punters to place different bets at the opposite odds. If no one comes to the party, you’ll get your money back. As you can imagine with such a scenario, there may be a string of refunds and failed bets. Betting exchanges need a large number of customers to function effectively.
To find the best sports betting sites in the UK, you need to investigate several service areas being offered by a sportsbook. The first step is to ascertain its legitimacy. Once you’re certain it’s a trusted platform, you can check the nature of bonuses, promotions, betting markets, payment methods, and mobile compatibility, among other factors.
The best UK betting sites cover major sporting markets, which include but aren’t limited to NBA, NFL, and NLB. However, they don’t stop there. They go on to cover small markets for added variety and depth. College sporting markets and other minor leagues fall under this category.
Sports betting fans are spoilt for choice regarding the type of bets to place on betting platforms. Given the different types of bets, you can place bets that better resonate with your betting style. While there are myriad bet types to pick from, moneylines, totals, point spreads, outrights, and props, are some of the more popular options available. The types on offer will depend on the bookie.
In the past, punters could only wager on sports while confined to their desktops. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case. Bettors can now wager on their favourite games while on the move, provided the sportsbook interface is compatible with mobile platforms.
Not all betting sites in the UK have bettors’ interests at heart. While several bookmakers uphold fair gambling practices, there’s a good chunk that’s out to rip you off. Your best bet is to register with a legit and reputable betting site. Only then are you guaranteed a fair sports wagering experience.
Different UK betting sites follow different processes and procedures when availing bonuses and promotions. But for the most part, the process is pretty simple. You’ll need to register successfully with the platform first. Other operators reward you with a bonus for simply completing the registration process. Others require you to make an initial deposit to activate the bonus and consequent promotions. Plus, you need to be 18 years and above.
Not all UK betting sites offer round-the-clock support. Some restrict the customer support time to a stipulated number of hours per day. Then you’ll have others that indeed offer 24/7 support. But this service is only apparent if you attempt to use the live chat feature or call the operator. Either way, you’re free to drop an email if the operator doesn’t operate 24/7. You’ll get your response at the earliest possible time.
For the most part, yes. That’s provided you join a reputable and legitimate online sportsbook licensed to operate in the UK. Such betting sites employ security measures which include SSL technology to encrypt customer data and finances. As a result, unauthorized parties can’t access your data. The same can’t be said about unregistered operators. However, it’s also your responsibility to access online betting sites using safe and secure internet connections.
Online operators ensure responsible gambling by imposing age limits. Next, they conduct verification checks to deter unethical gamblers. To help bettors battling gambling addictions, some operators offer responsible gambling programs. These include hotlines you can contact to discuss your problem.
Author
Nick Griffin
Last Updated:
Last Updated:
