New bettors. Select bonus at signup or use code SPORT. Wager deposit & bonus 8x. Max qualifying bet = bonus. Valid 60 days. Odds, bet & payment limits apply. T&Cs.
The sports betting industry has seen consistent growth as people join the sports betting community every single day. As the number increases, many like us are seeking safe and reliable sportsbooks to place bets. Like many, we’ve once been in doubt as to which bookmaker deserves our time and resources because the betting scene is flooded with many long-standing bookmakers and new ones joining every time.
While it’s difficult to say which one is best among all, there are a few things a good bookmaker must have, and a must-have among them is a licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). In addition to licensing, other factors we look out for are competitive odds, top sports collection, fast payment processing, and top betting features like bet builders, cash-out options, and live streaming for major events.
In this guide, we’ll be taking you through some of the best betting sites in the UK in 2025. You’ll also be learning about the bookmakers our expert team has tested for odds value, market depth, bonuses, mobile usability, payment methods, and customer support.
The best betting sites selected by our experts
| Rank | Bookmaker | Rating | Bonus | Get bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Betvictor | 9.1/10 | £30 in free bets 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 or more on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds within 7 days of registration. No cash out. Get £30 in Free Football Bets, selected markets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly | Read review |
| 2 | Betmaze | 9/10 | Bonus £20 free bet 18+. New, First Depositing Players Only. Opt-in required. Min Deposit: £10. Wagering Requirement: 35x. Maximum Bonus: £100. Bonus to be used in specific games. Bonus valid for 21 days. Promotion available for 24 hours. Maximum winnings from bonus: £100. T&Cs apply. www.begambleaware.org | Read review |
| 3 | ![]() Vegas Mobile Casino | 8.6/10 | Get a £20 free bet Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus money within 30 days / 50x Wager any winnings from the free spins within 7 days. Contribution varies per game. Available on selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus offer and any winnings from the offer are valid for 30 days / Free spins and any winnings from the free spins are valid for 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3 times the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Limited to 5 brands within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply. #begambleaware #ad18+ | Read review |
| 4 | 10Bet | 8/10 | 100% welcome bonus up to £50 | Read review |
| 5 | Alfobet | 8/10 | Bet £20 and get £20 in free bets Disclaimer: 18+. New Customers Only. Minimum Deposit: £20. Maximum one £10 Free Bet, one £5 in-play free bet & one £5 ACCA free bet credited per user. Qualifying bet must be placed at min odds of Evens (2.00) or greater. Paid as bonus tokens: Token 1 Min odds Req: 4/5 (1.80), Max Winnings capped at £60. Token 2 Min Odds Req: 4/5 (1.80) Max winnings capped at £30. Token 3 Min Odds Req: 2/1 (3.00). Max winnings capped at £30. Free Bet Tokens are not valid for Horse Racing. BeGambleAware.org. T&Cs Apply. #Ad | Read review |
| 6 | Spinzwin | 8.1/10 | Bet £10 & get a £20 free bet New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet – one-time stake of £20, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Free bets and Bonuses are valid for 7 days. Limited to 1 sport & 5 casino brand/s within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits 18+, Begambleaware, T&Cs apply #AD | Read review |
| 7 | Fruity King | 8/10 | Bet £10 & Get a £30 Free Bet New Players Only. Min £/€/$10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet – one-time stake of £/€/$30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £/€/$200. Valid for 7 Days from receipt. Limited to 1 sport & 5 casino brand/s within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits Full Terms Apply.18+ | #AD | Begambleaware.org | Play Responsibly. | Read review |
| 8 | Monster Casino | 7.9/10 | Bet £10 and get a £30 free bet New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet – one-time stake of £30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Free bets and Bonuses are valid for 7 days. Limited to 1 sport & 5 casino brand/s within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+ | Begambleaware | #Ad | Read review |
| 9 | Betrino | 8.3/10 | Deposit £10 and get £10 Free Bet New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet – one-time stake of £30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Free bets and Bonuses are valid for 7 days. Limited to 1 sport & 5 casino brand/s within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+ | Begambleaware | #Ad | Read review |
| 10 | Jeffbet | 7.9/10 | Bet £10 & get a £30 free bet 18+ | New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets stake not returned. Free bet – one-time stake of £30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply|#ad| begambleaware | Read review |
| 11 | Funky Jackpot | 8.2/10 | Bet £20 & Get £30 Free Bet New Players Only. Min £20 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet – one-time stake of £30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from receipt. Limited to 1 sport & 5 casino brand/s within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. #AD 18+ begambleaware.org. T&C apply. | Read review |
| 12 | QuinnBet Sportsbook | 7.7/10 | Bet £10 get a £10 Free bet 18+ New UK Customers Only. Bet £10+ on any sportsbook markets at odds of evens (2.00) or greater. No cash out. Get 50% back of your first day’s losses (from first bet settlement until 23:59) as a Free Bet up to £25, valid for 7 days. Min. 3 bets on different events required, with 2 bets being at least 50% of your largest stake. | Read review |
| 13 | ![]() 21LuckyBet | 7.6/10 | Bet £20 Get a £40 Free bet New Players Only. Min £20 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet – one-time stake of £40, min odds 1.7, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from receipt. Min Deposit £20 required. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply | Read review |
| 14 | LiveScore | 8.5/10 | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Read review |
| 15 | PaddyPower | 8/10 | Place a £10 bet on sports and get £40 in free bets | Read review |
| 16 | ![]() Bet365 | 8.5/10 | Up to £30 in Bet credits When you deposit and stake £10, you will receive up to £30 in bet credits. These credits are not withdrawable as cash but can be used to place bets on a wide range of sports and events at minimum odds requirements. | Read review |
| 17 | Midnite | 8.1/10 | £25 in free bets with 50 free spins | Read review |
| 18 | Tote | 7.8/10 | Bet £10 Get £30 + 25 Free Spins | Read review |
| 19 | Ladbrokes | 8.4/10 | Bet £5 Get £20 Free Bets | Read review |
| 20 | Unibet | 8.1/10 | Bet £10 & get a £40 free bet | Read review |
| 21 | Betway | 8.1/10 | £30 if your first Acca | Read review |
| 22 | Betfair | 7.8/10 | £50 free bet builder bonus | Read review |
| 23 | SpreadEX | 8/10 | €60 in free bets when you bet €10 | Read review |
| 24 | Hollywood Bet | 8.2/10 | Bet £10 and get £30 in free bets | Read review |
| 25 | Dragon Bet | 8.4/10 | Best Odds Guaranteed | Read review |
| 26 | AK BETS | 8.1/10 | Up to £100 in free bets | Read review |
| 27 | BetTom | 7.9/10 | Cashback Up to £25 Free Bet | Read review |
| 28 | ![]() Betgoodwin | 8.2/10 | 50% Back of First Day Losses as a Free Bet up to £25 If your bets lose on your first day, BetGoodwin will refund 50% of your net losses as a free bet, up to £25. This promotion provides insurance for new customers, giving them another chance to play without extra risk. | Read review |
| 29 | ![]() Fitzdares Sportsbook | 8/10 | Get £25 worth of Free Bets and 10 free spins when you Bet £50 New customers only, aged 18+. Min deposit £10. Place a £50 bet on any sport at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater to qualify for three free bets on settlement: £10 on Football, £10 on Greyhounds and £5 on Virtual Sports, plus 10 Free Spins on Reel King. Free Bet & Spins expire in 7 days. Additional T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly. | Read review |
| 30 | ![]() BetUK | 8.2/10 | BetUK Welcome Offer: £30 in Bonuses when you bet £10 New cust only, Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 free bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. Opt-in required. 18+. T&C’s Apply. | Read review |
| 31 | ![]() BetMGM | 8.6/10 | BetMGM Welcome Offer: Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Bet Builder. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. | Read review |
| 32 | ![]() 888Sport | 7.6/10 | Get £30 in Free bets when you bet £10 New online 888sport customers in the UK and Ireland, excluding re-registered customers. Valid from 15/01/2024. Min Deposit £/€10 with code 30FXS. Qualifying bet ‘real money’ stake of £/€10+, odds 1/2 (1.5)+. Free bet consists of 3x £/€10 horseracing, 1x £/€10 football, 1x £/€10 in-play, which will be credited upon qualifying bet settlement and must be used entirely before expiration in 7 days. No cashing out, each way bet, permutations or combining with ‘real money’ stakes. Payment restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. | Read review |
| 33 | ![]() FanTeam Sportsbook | 7.2/10 | Bet £10 Get £20 Place a qualifying £10 bet and receive £20 in bonuses, split into a £5 single bet, a £5 accumulator bet, and 5x £2 fantasy bets. This offer combines both sports betting and fantasy play, appealing to different types of players. | Read review |
| 34 | ![]() Coral Bookmaker | 8.8/10 | New users at Coral will receive a £20 Free bet when they bet at least £5. 18+ Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds ½ = 1 x £20 free bet. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cash-out, restrictions & T&Cs apply. | Read review |
| 35 | ![]() SBK Sportsbook | 7.6/10 | SBK Welcome Offer: £40 in Free bets when you bet £10 New UK customers. Min £10 first deposit. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 2.0 and get £40 in Free Bets. Free bets are credited upon settlement of qualifying bets. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply. | Read review |
| 36 | ![]() LeoVegas Sportsbook | 5.2/10 | £100 extra winnings on your first bet with a 100% Profit Boost New reg only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via ‘My Offers’ page within 30 days. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play, min odds 1/1 (2.0). Max. extra winnings £100. Once claimed, 30-day expiry. Cashed out, System & EW bets do not qualify. Other Promotional Play Restrictions Apply. T&Cs apply. 18+. | Read review |
| 37 | ![]() Mr.Play | 8.6/10 | Mr.Play Welcome Offer: Get a £10 Bet Token New 18+ UK Customers only. This offer is for new customers only and is available once per household. Max. Bet token amount £10. Minimum Deposit and wagering on sport to activate the Bet token is £10. Void/cancelled or cashed out bets do not count towards wagering to activate the Bet token. [A further list of the types of play which are prohibited in this promotion is included in our Bonus Policy.] Offer valid only to customers making a first deposit of £10 or more and make a qualifying bet in accordance with the Bet token Specific Terms and Conditions. | Read review |
| 38 | ![]() StarSports | 8.8/10 | Bet £50 Get £25 Free Bet Place a £50 qualifying bet on sports and receive a £25 free bet. The free bet can be used on selected markets and provides extra value for higher-stakes customers. | Read review |
| 39 | ![]() The Pools | 8.4/10 | Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets New customers deposit and place a £10 qualifying bet (single or accumulator) at minimum odds of 1/2 (1.50) and receive £20 in free bets as 4 × £5 tokens (1 each for Football, Racing, Tennis & any sport); free bets expire in 7 days. | Read review |
| 40 | ![]() AllBritishCasino | 5.6/10 | Get 10% cashback on your Net losses, credited the very next day. 18+ / UK Only. Cashback offers are available to all registered players at All British Casino.. Cashback is calculated from the first completed deposit; all future deposits will be added to the counter and all future withdrawals will be deducted from the cashback total. Cashback is available for activation 24 hours after the first completed deposit, given that all deposits have been lost and there is no pending withdrawal. BeGambleAware / Full T&C’s Apply | Read review |
| 41 | ![]() William Hill Welcome Offer: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | 8/10 | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets *18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad | Read review |
| 42 | Boyle Sports | 9.6/10 | Bet £10 and get £20 in free bets New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile Exclusive. £30 in FREE Bets (FB) as £20 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. T&Cs apply. | Read review |
| 43 | ![]() CopyBet | 4/10 | Bet £10 Get £50 Place a Single or Accumulator (2+ selections) bet with at least a £10 stake and 1.9 or greater odds. Please note that the qualifying bet must be settled within 7 days of sign-up. Otherwise, you will not be eligible for the BET 10 GET 50 offer. To unlock the offer complete your first deposit using your Instant bank payment. Full T&Cs Apply. | Read review |
Table of contents
- The best betting sites selected by our experts
- Best sports betting sites in the UK
- What to Look For in a Top Betting Site
- Spotting Red Flags
- Is Sports Betting Legal in the UK?
- How We Rate and Review Betting Sites
- Bonuses You May Get at UK Betting Sites
- Best Payment Methods in UK Betting Sites
- How to Sign Up to an Online Betting Site?
- How to Place a Bet at A UK Sportsbook?
- How Popular is Mobile Betting in the UK?
- Best Betting Apps
- Live Betting
- Live Streaming
- Popular Types of Bets in the UK
- Our Tips for New Players in Online Betting
- Responsible Gambling
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best sports betting sites in the UK
We have compiled a list of the best sports betting sites in the UK. In the list, we address the sportsbooks best for betting on football, horse racing, tennis, golf, cricket, rugby, and esports.
Football
For the best football betting sites, we recommend SkyBet, Bet365, and BetVictor because they all offer numerous market options you can bet on, their odds are competitive, and you’ll find live stream options for major leagues. Other features we found on Bet365 and Betvictor that make them best for football betting are Bet Builder and Acca boosts for bigger paydays. If you value live stats like we do, you’ll also find them on these sportsbooks.
Horse racing
Every experienced horse racing punter should know that Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG), early price promotions, and extra-place races are a must-have for the best horse racing betting sites. To get the following features, we recommend using Coral and BoyleSports because they cover UK/Ireland racing markets and offer generous BOGs and daily price boosts. If you’re looking to stream a race, you’ll get it on Betvictor, Fitzdares, and 888Sports.
Tennis
We value tight in-play pricing and a lot of micro-markets (games, handicaps, next-game winners) when betting on Tennis games. We’ve tested many bookmakers and found Paddy Power and Kwiff to be the best tennis betting sites for live streaming, and they also have a large market list. Other options we found include quick updates and live stats to help you find value before or during matches.
Golf
For the best golf betting sites, BetMGM, SpreadX, and BetUK should be your go-to options. They cover majors and weekly tours with solid odds and outright markets. If you prefer betting on top-5/top-10, they are all available, and lastly, you’ll get live scoring pages where you can track daily leaderboard movements.
Cricket
You must note that the best cricket betting sites have match winner, player props (runs, wickets), and series markets. Our recommendations for the Cricket market are Hollywood Bets and Sky Bet because of their comprehensive coverage of T20, ODI, and Test series. The feature we consider most interesting in these bookmakers is live streaming for some international matches.
Rugby
If you’re a rugby lover like us, you should prioritise depth (test teams, leagues), handicap markets, and live scoring. Our recommendation for the best rugby betting sites is BoyleSports and DragonBet because of their strong mix of union and league markets with decent in-play updates and accumulator features. If you play multis across tournaments (Six Nations, Premiership), they are also available on the listed bookmakers.
Esports
AS Esports punters, we want map-by-map, handicap, and best-of props plus fast live updates. Among the bookmakers we’ve tested, the best esports betting sites are Midnite and LiveScore top that list. Their match coverage is robust, and the pre/post-match markets are some of the best you’ll get around. These bookmakers are established brands for reliable streaming and payout integrity.
Best Betting Sites by Feature
Here’s a recommendation of our expert review of the best betting sites and their unique features.
| Feature | Best Site | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Odds | Betway | Strong odds on football & horse racing. |
| Best Live Betting | LiveScrore | Thousands of in-play markets with live streaming. |
| Best Mobile App | LeoVegas Gaming | Easy to navigate app, quick bet slip, available on iOS & Android. |
| Best Cash-Out Options | Fitzdares | Flexible partial and full cash-out across sports. |
| Best Betting Tools & Stats | 888 Sport | Advanced statistics, betting insights, and form guides. |
New vs Established Betting Sites – Which Is Better?
| New Betting Sites | Established Betting Sites |
|---|---|
| It has a modern design with upgraded apps | Proven trust & reputation |
| Multiple bonuses & promos | Huge market coverage |
| Faster adoption of esports & niche sports | Long history of player payouts |
| Less track record for reliability | Sometimes slower to innovate |
What to Look For in a Top Betting Site
In this section, we’ll be taking you through the tips we’ll use to successfully spot top betting sites. The things you should be looking out for in a betting site are:.
UKGC Licence
We consider this to be the number one factor before committing to any sports betting site. As a matter of fact, if the bookmaker is not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), they possess a very big red flag. The UKGC licence is a guarantee that the bookmaker is safe, fair, and compliant with strict regulations. The UKGC licence is not a one-off license, it’s usually renewed every 5 years and they monitor bookmakers to ensure they're compliant with local laws.
Competitive Odds
As a matter of choice, we do not like to bet with bookmakers that claim to be smart by pushing out odds that do not meet industry standards. We believe a player should be adequately rewarded if they’re winning. So we usually advise players to look for bookmakers that offer competitive odds on their sports. You’ll be surprised how small differences in 2 bookmakers' odds can significantly affect long-term profits, especially when you’re a regular bettor.
Variety of Sports & Bet Types
A top betting site will not just cover football and horse racing; they’ll extend to sports like cricket, rugby, golf, esports, and more to allow players access to a variety of options. In addition to the variety of sports, they have to be equipped with advanced bet types like accumulators, bet builders, and cash-out options.
Easy Payments & Fast Withdrawals
If you like to get your winnings ASAP, like many punters do, then you must consider the period of payment arrival. From our research, the best sports betting sites have integrated in the most secure and reliable payment options, which are debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, and bank transfers.
Mobile Optimisation
If you’re like many punters who prefer to place bets via mobile as opposed to using a desktop, then you want to consider a sports betting site and app that are designed to load fast and are easy to navigate. The frustration that comes with slow app and site load time is one we’ve experienced and don’t want any punter to experience. Look for a bookmaker with fast live time for in-play betting and quick bet slips.
Responsible Gambling Tools
We like to see that a bookmaker cares about the well-being of punters and not just their money. All of the top betting sites we’ve tested have responsible gambling tools, and they include deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks, and self-exclusion tools. We advise you to look out for this before committing to any bookmaker.
Spotting Red Flags
We always advise punters to avoid specific red flags in sports betting sites. The number one flag we advise and also avoid ourselves is the lack of a visible UKGC licence number on the sportsbook website. Other red flags include poor player reviews about the website and apps of a sportsbook, and unclear terms and conditions. Unlicensed sites have track records of manipulating winnings and sometimes refuse to payout large withdrawals. A licensed sportsbook would not dare commit any of the listed fraud; they’ll guarantee fair play and will always pay you.
Is Sports Betting Legal in the UK?
We’ve conducted research and can confirm that sports betting is legal in the UK. The body responsible for regulating the betting industry is the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). They issue licences, monitor operators, and protect punters like you from fraudulent activities. Any bookmaker that’s licensed by the UKGC must follow their strict rules regarding fairness, transparency, and responsible gambling. One of the impressive things that they do is to verify that the games and markets bookmakers offer are fair, and that they’re not doing anything suspicious.
But you see those brands that are international brands operating in multiple regions, they have multiple licences. Some of the authorities regulating international brands include the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner. However, we do not recommend operating with these betting houses under any circumstances; always look for bookmakers with an official UK license.
How We Rate and Review Betting Sites
As part of our betting sites review, our team of experts looks for the following:
- Licensing & Regulation: We only rate bookmakers that are UKGC-licensed.
- Odds Value: We do an odds comparison test for bookmakers and ensure that we do their odds are reasonable and within industry-accepted standards. If they’re competitive, they’re rated good.
- Market Depth: We rate sites that offer an extensive variety of sports beyond the most popular ones. And the bet types they offer play a big role in their rating.
- Promotions & Bonuses: Our team of experts assesses the welcome offers of bookmakers and the requirements to get the bonus. The more bonuses and flexible the requirements, the better their rating.
- Mobile Experience: Most top bookmakers have their own dedicated mobile app; our experts test the apps and mobile sites for speed, reliability, and in-play features.
- Customer Support: Another valid aspect our experts consider is the available customer support, their response times, and how helpful they turn out to be.
- Payment Speed: Finally, we examine the speed at which the bookmaker processes deposits and withdrawals. Faster and glitch-free payments mean a good rating
In addition to the above-listed criteria for rating, we like to check for responsible gambling tools and data from punters' reviews to ensure our reviews reflect real experiences.
Betting Markets and Odds
Our team of experts takes out time to evaluate the sports betting markets, leagues, and types of bets available on the bookmakers. We want to see that their odds are competitive. We test different sports and games to get a reliable average.

Security and Trustworthiness
One of the most important tests we do is to ascertain that a bookmaker uses SSL encryption and has a track record of being trusted by UK players for years. Weak security means your personal and financial data isn’t safe.

Bonuses and Promotions
Some of us like to see welcome betting bonuses, ongoing offers, and loyalty rewards before committing to a bookmaker. That’s why we assess the range of bonuses and promotions offered. A bookmaker weighs more in our sight of punters when they offer quality bonuses to both new and existing customers.

Mobile & Sports Betting Apps
As part of our evaluation process, we place bets on the mobile app and website of a bookmaker to test how fast it is, the ease of use, and its compatibility with Android and iOS devices. We do not want to give a false narrative; that’s why we test sport betting apps ourselves to see how they truly work.

Payment Methods
The part many punters find important is the payment methods. We also assess the availability of popular methods like debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, and Apple Pay, as well as the speed of deposits and withdrawals.

Customer Support
And finally, our team checks live chat, email, and phone support availability and response quality. This is to ensure that you get the best customer support and help when needed.

Bonuses You May Get at UK Betting Sites
If you’re like some of us who get attracted to bookmakers for their generous bonuses, then this is where some of the betting bonuses UK punters will find on sportsbooks are.
Common Types of Bonuses
- Welcome Free Bets: This is usually given to newly registered players, and it’s a one-off offer where you get free bets after placing a qualifying wager. One of the most popular in the UK.
- Deposit Match Bonuses: This is when a bookmaker matches your first deposit with bonus funds up to a set limit.
- Odds Boosts: This is when a bookmaker enhances your potential win on selected events to give you better value.
- Risk-Free Bets: This type of bonus guarantees that if your first bet loses, you receive your stake back as a free bet.
- Loyalty & Ongoing Offers: Under this type of bonus, you can get a weekly free bet and cashback. Loyalty programs differ by bookmaker; some may require you to make a specific number of deposits before you qualify.
Partner Bonus Comparison
Best Payment Methods in UK Betting Sites
From years of betting experience, we know that one of the most frustrating things for every punter is difficulty making a payment, and the worst of all is getting their winnings out. That’s why we’ve included this section to let you know about the best payment methods in the UK.
The most popular methods in 2025 include:
Popular Payment Methods
| Payment Method | Deposit Speed | Withdrawal Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | Instant | 1–3 business days | Widely accepted, secure |
| PayPal | Instant | Within 24 hours | Fast, secure, trusted |
| Apple Pay | Instant | Within 24 hours | Mobile-friendly, easy authentication |
| Skrill/Neteller | Instant | Within 24 hours | Popular for fast payouts |
| Bank Transfer | 1–3 days | 2–5 days | Reliable but slower |
If you need your withdrawals to arrive quickly, we recommend using PayPal or Skrill/Neteller, but for large payouts, it’s best if you use the bank transfer option.
How to Sign Up to an Online Betting Site?
Let's take Betvictor as an example! The registration process before Betvictor login should take you about 2 minutes. Here’s how you can create an account:
- 1
When you visit the official Betvictor website, you will find a page that looks just like this. At the top right corner is the sign-up button. Click it to register.

- 2
After clicking, you will be required to fill in your personal details, including your country, gender, first name, last name, D.O.B., and phone number. Fill it and click continue.

- 3
The next form you’ll see is a form asking you to in your address details. Fill it in and proceed to the final step of the registration.

- 4
Here’s where Betvictor asks for your email address and password. Fill in the required information, then accept that you are up to 18 years old to proceed with registration.

- 5
After a successful Betvictor sign up, you will be required to upload a government-approved ID for verification purposes.

The registration process is simple and can be done in just a few minutes. Without verification, you will not have access to withdraw, deposit, place bets, or cash out.
How to Place a Bet at A UK Sportsbook?
Before you’re allowed to place bets in any sportsbook, you’re required to first sign up on the bookmaker’s website. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how you can place a bet:
- Go to the login section of the bookmaker’s homepage and sign in.
- Proceed to the cashier section of the bookmaker and deposit the minimum required amount with one of the payment methods.
- After funding your account, you may then proceed to the sportsbook and select the sport you want to bet on.
- If you prefer football, you’ll be given different tournaments to choose from, like the Premier League, Champions League, etc.
- Once you select the tournament, the sportsbook will display the list of available matches in the tournament that you can bet on.
- Select the matches and bet type, then proceed to enter your stake in the bet slip.
- Review your bets and confirm.
The steps listed above are typical for every sportsbook; follow the process, and you will successfully place a bet.
Tips for UK Players
- Always provide your real personal details when signing up. Fake data will cause withdrawal problems.
- Verification (KYC) is always required for all players under UKGC rules. You may need to upload an ID and proof of address.
- Never forget to read the terms before claiming bonuses, especially regarding minimum odds and time limits.
How Popular is Mobile Betting in the UK?
The method most UK punters use is Mobile betting through a smartphone. Over 70% of all the bets are placed using smartphones or tablets, while desktop PCs account for about 25% of bets. To break it down further, the percentage of punters who place bets using an Android device is around 55% while the remaining 45% comes from iOS users.
The reason punters like us prefer to use the mobile apps is the ease of notification via push notifications. It helps players stay updated on live events and in-play markets. And one feature regular punters find enjoyable is the biometric logins for easy login.
Best Betting Apps
Betting apps provide smoother navigation, push alerts, and quicker in-play betting compared to mobile websites. Below are the top apps from our recommended bookmakers.
LiveScore App
LiveScore is an international bookmaker with one of the best apps. Their apps are fast and mobile-friendly.
| LiveScoreBet App Bonus | Available On | Deposit Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | iOS and Android | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Trustly |
BetMGM App
The BetMGM app is relatively new to the betting scene and is already competing with big names in the industry..
| BetMGM App Bonus | Available On | Deposit Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets | iOS and Android | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay |
888Sport App
The 888 Sport app is lightweight, fast, and packed with statistics for pre-match research. It supports both iOS and Android and integrates casino features alongside sports betting.
| 888Sport App Bonus | Available On | Deposit Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Bet £10 and get £30 Free Bets plus 20 Free Spins | iOS and Android | OwnPay, Stitch, Walletdoc, Peach Payments, Paygate, PayU, Zapper, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay |
Live Betting
This is the type of betting experienced punters like to participate in. It is also known as in-play betting, and with this type of betting that allows you to place bets while the game is happening. The fact that you can react as the match is being played and as the odds are changing. I recommend live betting for experienced UK punters, while the newcomers can stick to pre-match betting.
Live Streaming
Another one of the experienced punters' favourites. With the live streaming options, you can be able to watch matches for free directly from the betting site. With the feature, you can stay updated on the match you prefer, and it also provides convenience for those who don’t have TV access to certain events.
Popular Types of Bets in the UK
As a punter, we advise that you become familiar with all the available markets and bet types you can place. Instead of limiting your options to a winner's bet, there’s so much you could be missing out on. The most common types of bets among UK punters are:
- Singles: This is the simplest and the one most new punters are familiar with. It involves placing a bet on one outcome, such as Team A to win. If your selection is correct, you get paid out.
- Accumulators (Accas): It involves combining several selections into one bet. All picks must win for the bet to come through, but the odds multiply to give you bigger potential payouts.
- Each-Way: It is more popular in horse racing. It’s like placing two bets: one for your selection to win, and another for it to “place” (e.g., finish in the top 3). Even if the horse doesn’t win, you can still collect if it places.
- Bet Builders: With BetBuilder, you can combine multiple bets in a single match. You could bet on “over 2.5 goals and + yellow cards.”
- In-Play Bets: These types of bets are placed as the event goes on. You can bet based on the live action.
Our Tips for New Players in Online Betting
The betting tips we give to new players is to start slow and focus on learning the basics before placing large bets. First of all, understand the sports you want to bet on, always set a clear budget for betting, and never forget to treat betting as entertainment, not as a way to make money.
- We also advise punters like you to compare odds across different bookmakers, since even small differences can increase your potential winnings.
- Welcome bonuses are good, but always read the terms and conditions attached to them.
- You must understand that losses are part of the game, so avoid chasing them because they can quickly creep into your pocket and let you overspend.
- Lastly, learn to manage your expectations. Even seasoned bettors lose frequently, so focus on making informed decisions rather than looking for guaranteed wins.
UK Sports Betting Quick Summary
Here’s a quick summary of UK sports betting.
Responsible Gambling
One factor that can make sports betting horrible is gambling irresponsibly. If you must gamble, you must do so responsibly. The financial difficulties, strained relationships, and mental health challenges many punters have gotten into are a result of gambling addiction.
That's why we always advise punters to gamble responsibly, set strict limits on their budget, and the amount of time they spend betting. You should never view gambling as a way to earn money; it should rather be seen as a form of entertainment. If need be, take regular breaks and avoid chasing losses.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling habits, there are many support services available in the UK. Organizations like GamCare, GambleAware, and the National Gambling Helpline provide free and confidential assistance. And you can also opt for self-exclusion tools to help you block access to gambling sites.
FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best betting website?
It depends on your needs. Some of our recommendations include Bet365, Tote, 888Sports, LiveScores and Vegas Mobile Casino.
Do betting sites affect credit rating?
No, it doesn’t. Betting itself doesn’t appear on your credit report. Only borrowing money or mismanaging debt can affect your credit rating.
Can betting sites ban you for winning too much?
Yes, if they detect that you are betting professionally, they could limit you, although this is not the most common situation.
Do all betting sites need verification?
Yes, they do. UK-licensed betting sites must verify your identity.
Author
Craig HarmerContent Writer & Betting Expert
"I'm not arguing , I'm simply explaining why I am right"
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