Top UK Betting Sites – Ranked and Rated

Last updated: by Leon Marshal

To help you with your online bookmaker selection process, we have tested the best UK betting sites, up-to-date as of March 2024. These betting sites are legal and licensed by the UK gambling commission. You will only find trusted bookies on this site.

  • Discover the UK’s top betting sites and bonuses.
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Leonby Leon Marshall

Chief Editor at bestbettingsites.co.uk

Last updated:
Best Betting Sites 2024
PositionUK Betting SiteRatingBonusInfoWebsiteT&C’s
15/5Top OddsOver 19.000 Betting MarketsGet BonusFull T&Cs Apply! Please gamble responsibly. 18+
25/5Bet £15 Get £10 In Free Bets*High Odds for Football BettingGet BonusFull T&Cs Apply! 18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit,: £10, max £10 free bet valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets not eligible. Neteller,Skrill and Paypal not eligible.
35/5Get £10 When You Bet £15*Over 19.000 betting marketsGet BonusFull T&Cs Apply! 18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit,: £10, max £10 free bet valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets not eligible. Neteller,Skrill and Paypal not eligible.
44.5/550% up to £50 Deposit Match*High Odds for Football BettingGet BonusFull T&Cs Apply! 18+ begambleaware.org; New bettors get 50% of deposit up to £50; Once per household; Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager a total of 8 times deposit + bonus, with max qualifying bet stake equal to your initial bonus amount; Bonus expires after 60 days; Min odds of 4/5 on singles, or 2/5 per leg for acca; Some bet types excluded.
54.5/5£50 + Free Bets Every WeekThousands of betting marketsGet BonusFull T&Cs Apply! Please gamble responsibly. 18+
64.5/5Get £15 in Free BetsGreat Football MarketsGet BonusFull T&Cs Apply! New customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller, & PayPal not eligible.
74.5/5Get £10 When You Bet £5*Thousands of betting marketsGet BonusFull T&Cs Apply! min odds 3/1 (4.00) / min 3 selections / free bet valid 7 days / T&C apply / 18+ / Begambleaware.
84.5/5Get a £30 BonusTop Live SportsbookGet BonusFull T&Cs Apply! 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 at odds 2.00+ within 7 days, no cashout. Get 6x £5 Free Bets, set events at odds 2.00+. 7 day bonus expiry. Debit Card / Apple Pay payments only. Click for T&Cs. Please Gamble Responsibly.
94.0/5Get up to £35 In Free Bets*Top for football marketsGet BonusFull T&Cs Apply! 18+ Get a free £10 fixed odds bet, free £10 spread bet and 30 free spins. Earn an extra free £10 fixed odds bet and 10 free spins each time your team wins! begambleaware.org
104.0/5Get £30 in Free BetsGreat Football MarketsGet BonusFull T&Cs Apply! For new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. 18+ Begambleaware.org

Best Betting Sites in the UK: Top-Rated Bookmakers in Detail

Every single one of the betting sites that feature with us has gone through a rigorous testing process in order to make our featured top 10 list. Naturally, some sites in the UK perform better in some areas than others. See how we ranked them by category:

The top betting sites in the UK

Top 10 Betting Sites by Category

  • 🥇 YetiBet ✪ Best UK Betting Site
  • 🥈 Betiton ✪ Top Betting Site for Deposit Options
  • 🥉 MrMega ✪ Bookie with Highest Premier League Odds
  • 10bet ✪ Top Betting Site for Live Markets
  • The Pools ✪ Bookie with Best Football Betting
  • BetTarget ✪ Best Bookie with Top Market Selection
  • NetBet ✪ Fantastic Odds for Football
  • BetVictor ✪ Top All-Round Bookie
  • Spreadex ✪ Great Reputation and Brand
  • bet365 ✪ Good for Horse Racing Fans

As you can see, each betting site brings its own strength to the fore. Depending on what you want your bookmaker to provide, you should choose accordingly. Even so, all of them performed well overall and are some of the best online betting sites – we have provided more detail below.

1. YetiBet

We were thoroughly impressed by YetiBet. They have a decent welcome bonus, but the odds they offer are second to none, particularly for in-play betting markets on the Champions League. You really cannot go wrong with this bookie.

  • + In-play odds – Top odds for Champions League
  • + Welcome Bonus – Good welcome bonus for new players
  • – Dedicated App – No dedicated app available

2. Betiton

We found that Betiton offer excellent deposit and withdrawal options that cater to all types of players. You can use both debit cards, and a variety of e-wallets, such as PayPal, Skrill, and even Apple Pay. Furthermore, their payout times were averaging 1-2 days, which we all know is perfectly reasonable.

  • + Deposit Methods – 8+ different types of deposit options
  • + Mobile Experience – Top rated for their mobile offering
  • – Horse Racing – Not as good at horse racing as BetVictor

3. MrMega

MrMega are another top betting site. They are relative newcomers, but we found they already offer great odds on the Premier League and also have a variety of bet types available. They are a good option for football fans.

  • + Football Betting – Top odds for Premier League betting
  • + Layout – Very easy to use desktop site
  • – In-play – Not in our top ranks for in-play

4. 10bet

10bet’s welcome offer of a £10 free bet really got our attention. We found they excelled in many other areas too, including offering a casino section that is a welcome distraction to the sports side of things!

  • + Free Bet – Easy to claim welcome bonus
  • + Casino – Fantastic casino section next to the sportsbook
  • – Bet Builder – Could be better for bet builders

5. ThePools

If you are a fan of eSports, then we found that ThePools is the bookie for you. They have all of the major tournaments covered, offering both ante-post and single match markets. It’s really what makes them stand out from other options in the UK.

  • + eSports – Ranks in our ratings no.1 for eSports
  • + Design – Simple and easy navigation
  • – Other Sports – Not as much coverage for smaller sports

6. BetTarget

BetTarget are a household name amongst many of you UK punters. We found them to offer excellent markets across a variety of sports, but their strength is truly in horse racing. They offer best odds, each-way up to five places, and cover basically every race in the UK & Ireland.

  • + Horse Racing – Horse racing specialists
  • + Welcome Bonus – Excellent free bet welcome offer
  • – Live Streams – Limited streaming options

7. NetBet

NetBet are an emerging force in the UK betting scene. If you want a well-rounded bookie, with good odds on football, then you will be at home here. Not only that, but we found their welcome offer represents top value, with the opportunity to claim a free bet.

  • + Odds – Great value odds across the board
  • + Welcome Bonus – Free bet welcome offer
  • – Niche Sports – Not the best option for niche sports

8. BetVictor

BetVictor have been around forever in the UK. They have the staying power for a reason. We found they have excellent coverage of most sports and excelled with their tennis offer, in terms of odds and markets. So, if this is the sport for you, then Ladbrokes will cater for your needs.

  • + Tennis Coverage – Excellent tennis odds and markets
  • + Payment Options – Good variety of deposit & withdrawal options
  • – Welcome Offer – On selected sportsbook markets only

9. Spreadex

If you have placed a bet in the UK, chances are you have heard of Spreadex. This is no surprise; they are one of the biggest online bookies out there and it shows. They have a great platform, with unbeatable sports coverage. If you can think of a sport, we found it is most likely you can place a bet on it here.

  • + Reputation – Biggest betting brand in the UK
  • + Sports Coverage – Over 30 sports markets available
  • – Ongoing Offers – Limited offers after the welcome bonus

10. bet365

bet365 is a well-known brand in the UK. If you are looking for a site with top odds, and great horse racing coverage, then these are the ones for you. We feel their racing selection will have you covered for all the bets you want to place.

  • + Horse Racing – Excellent racing coverage
  • + Odds Boost – x2 odds on your first bet
  • – Live Streams – Limited live streaming

Why Can You Trust BestBettingSites.co.uk’s Recommendations?

Here at bestbettingsites.co.uk we have over ten years’ experience of running this independent comparison site. Our team of two have vast knowledge and experience across the betting world.

Every bookie we feature has gone through a stringent testing process and we do not shy away from giving both the pros and cons of each betting site. We are committed to giving fair and transparent information for you to utilise. We strive to keep the highest standards when reviewing the UK’s best betting sites.


How We Rank Betting Sites & Criteria We Use

There are a number of things we look out for when judging online betting sites. These include things like markets, bonus offers, betting odds, even things like customer service, and much more.

The box above shows a quick overview of what we use to assess the best betting sites. Obviously, there may be other ranking factors, nevertheless, this allows us to give a fair comparison between each operator.

What You Need to Consider When You Choose an Online Betting Site?
What Makes a Good Betting Site?What Makes a Bad Betting Site?
Valid UKGC LicenceNo Licence/Foreign Licence
Good Value OddsOdds skewed in the bookies favour
User-friendly interfaceWebsite that loads slowly
Abundance of bonus offersNo bonus offers at all
Variance of payment optionsSlow withdrawal times
Top user experienceNo special features
Wide range of sports and betsLimited betting options

Betting Offers: Bonuses and Promotions Available

Of all the relevant criteria that we’ve considered for a betting site, bonus offers are one of most important ones. To be honest, nothing perks up your day like a nice promotion that gives you an extra boost. And it’s not all about the bonus amount, some companies reward ongoing loyalty by giving you a small amount each week to encourage you to continue to use their site.

There are so many and various offers that this homepage will be oozing paragraphs if we describe them all. That’s why our team handpicked and assessed the most valuable for each of the most common bonus offers.

Deposit Bonuses

Modern online bookmakers are very keen to attract new customers and absolutely every sports betting operator tempts you with a ‘Welcome Bonus’. The sign-up offers can be a great way of increasing your initial bankroll. Some online sports betting sites really put customer satisfaction at the forefront of their business plans.

Free Bets

The majority of open account offers come in the form of free bets. According to our team’s sophisticated tastes, they are second-best to deposit bonuses, but still have their good sides. First of all, a free bet can be rewarded to you on multiple occasions (not only upon registration). In addition, the wagering terms are more simplified. Usually, all free bets entail is an initial deposit, and then a minimum odds requirement. Always read the T&Cs though!

Athletes representing five different sports flanked by a giant present containing £50 notes promoting the sports welcome bonuses

Money-Back Specials

Speaking of refunds, this is a type of bet or offer that essentially is a backup bet when placing a wager at a betting site. In essence, you wager your initial bet of a certain amount at certain odds, and if it loses you get your money back in terms of a free bet. Bonus ACCAs (accumulators) are another exciting feature you can find at many sports betting bookmakers.

Enhanced Odds

Online sports bookmakers may also promote enhanced odds as their welcome offer. Even so, this is generally something that is done as an ongoing promotion or to specific betting markets and events, rather than a general bonus. All of the top betting sites should at least have variety in their promos, so look out for this one.

Obviously, you should always be aware of the terms and conditions when assessing betting offers. Things like minimum odds, minimum deposit, restricted payment methods, or the amount you receive upon qualifying bet settlement all play a part in your decision-making when choosing a betting site.

As we always say, new sports bettors (or experienced ones!) should not be enticed by huge bonus numbers. Make sure that you can actually receive the amount on offer, and the terms are realistic.


The Variety of Markets Offered

Some of the best betting sites UK-wide are “good all-rounders” and others specialise in one or two betting markets. Picking a bookmaker who offers the best odds for the different markets that you intend to wager on can have a real positive impact on your bankroll. In the next section, we have a look at two of the most popular markets.

Football Betting

To help you pick the best football betting sites for your chosen market we have done comprehensive research on seven random operators, we chose four football matches and checked the odds for home win on the football betting site. To give a fair reflection we chose two Premier League games, a Championship game and a League One game.

Comparing the best value odds for football betting
Variance between the best and the lowest odds for football
LeagueCoralLadbrokesbet365NetBetWilliam HillGrosvenorBetVictor
Premier League 15/35/317/208/138/1118/2563/100
Premier League 2100/303/14/113/13/17/512/5
Championship7/57/521/206/47/57/57/5
League One11/811/89/56/46/46/429/20

Within the betting market, shopping around and having more than one account can ensure you get the best betting odds and value. We found that some online bookmakers offer nearly 14% better minimum odds than their rivals on a range of betting markets, we also discovered that Premier League games are used to entice punters in. Conclusions of our small sample would lead us to recommend any of the bookies for football betting.

So based on our research, we of course recommend that you don’t just rely on one bookmaker – this also gives you a chance to take advantage of some great new player bonuses, such as a free bet club. If you are betting on a “top” game then ensure you look at any special ‘price boosts’ on offer. Finally, check back often as betting markets do fluctuate quite a bit.

Horse Racing Betting Sites

With horse racing betting sites it is not as easy to compare the range of betting markets much in advance due to many sites just showing “SP” or Starting Price. The starting price is based on the betting odds being offered “on-course”, or in other words at the actual race meeting. The main idea of a starting price is to determine winnings where fixed odds have not been taken (or offered) when the bet was made.

However, the top 10 betting sites listed here offer Best Odds Guaranteed or ‘BOG’ if you prefer in which if the starting price changes and goes higher than the odds you took then the bookmaker will pay out the higher price. As with all offers we strongly recommend you check the sites terms and conditions as there may be conditions attached.

Comparing the best value odds for horse racing
Variance between the best odds and the lowest Horse Racing odds
RaceCoralLadbrokesbet365NetBetWilliam HillGrosvenorBetVictor
Race 126 / 134 / 140 / 126 / 126 / 126 / 134 / 1
Race 219 / 115 / 119/ 119 / 119 / 115 / 119 / 1
Race 315 / 121 / 119/ 121 / 117 / 117 / 121 / 1
Race 434 / 134 / 126 / 129 / 126 / 134 / 126 / 1

For the horse racing betting comparison, we chose four races just before the “off” and compared the starting odds for a random participant at our featured bookmakers. We then compared all the different prices on offer.

Again, what this data shows is that shopping around is vital for achieving the best odds for your money, even for the same race it is often a smart choice to use two different online bookmakers. Differences of 25% and above are not uncommon.

Other Sports

Modern day sports betting sites should not only be interested in horse racing, or football, instead they should offer a wide variety of sports to bet on. One of the best sports betting sites UK would have at least 30 different sports available.

All the usual suspects are there, these include rugby, tennis, or golf. Boxing is also a hugely covered event. Depending on your personal preference you may find yourself leaning toward these types of sports in order to have a punt on a UK betting site. As we say, it’s good to bet on what you know!

Obviously, some sports would not be eligible for live betting, but that should not deter you. In the sidebar of this page, you will see we included many sport reviews, even those such as table tennis will interest some people! At the end of the day, online bookmakers want to cater for as many new betting options as possible.


Types of Bets You Can Use

All of the best online betting sites provide the punter with a top selection of betting types. An online bookmaker should not simply be satisfied with offer a win, or loss bet. Nowadays, the expectation of a sports betting site is much higher.

Obviously, depending on the sport the variety on offer could vary. In-play markets will also be fewer, as some bets simply cannot be on offer during a match. In the table below, we have highlighted some key bets that should always be available.

A betting slipSingles:Bet on a win, draw, or loss
Multiple/Accumulator:Bet on multiple selections
Over/Under:Usually in relation to the number of goals
Handicap:A team is give +/- to win
Ante-Post:Predict the long-term result
Win Bet:Pick the winner of a single event
Prop bet/Specials:Usually a bet on a specific player

As you can see, there are many different betting types, if you are a fan of the best football betting sites, then check out our guide to the best football bets.

We have things like the single, or multiple, but then special bets have also become a growing phenomenon. Both existing online bookmakers and new betting sites strive to provide the best user experience, so they are always trying to offer what the market demands.


Mobile Betting – On the Move

Over time the services of traditional betting shops and online bookmakers made the transition into mobile applications. They give you fast and easy access to all your favourite markets and can be run on almost any modern mobile device. There are many fantastic cricket betting sites and greyhound betting sites that fully function for mobile – so if you love these sports checkout the operator we have selected for you below.

Check out our Betting App winner BetVictor Our winner for best betting app TOP MOBILE APP iOS Android Blackberry Windows Visit Site!

What will you get with our mobile apps?
  • Fast and Easy Bet Placement
  • The Same Great Betting Markets
  • Place a Bet with Few Touches
  • Bet and Watch on Your Device

Every serious betting site supports a mobile version and today betting apps are more a necessity than a luxury. In fact, all the sites that we recommend support Android and iOS devices as well as Windows Phone and Blackberry. Using the BetVictor app, you will have the same great experience as using the full-blown website, however, BetVictor have cleverly optimised the number of touches needed to make a bet.

This ensures that no matter where you are, you’ll never miss out on placing a bet! We have thoroughly tested this operator and the rest of the available mobile-friendly betting sites and we posted the results in our mobile betting apps section which will give you the low down on betting whilst on the move.


Live Betting Sites and Streaming

Live betting (or In-Play, as some call it) is the fastest-growing market in the online betting world. If your bookmaker doesn’t offer you a great selection of live markets, then you need to reconsider your choice of bookie. We can forgive many imperfections in a particular sportsbook, but the lack of live betting is something we simply would miss too much.

What’s the big deal about it? There is nothing more exciting than watching a game live, knowing something is about to happen and then putting your money where your mouth is by having a bet. Many betting sites offer fantastic in-play and live streaming services – check out our live betting sites review page to learn more.

Thanks to live betting, we can choose to back football teams, horses, and more. It makes the games more interactive. When saying ‘see’ we should mention video streams are a crucial feature on a site, strongly related to the live betting itself. The top bookmakers have the resource required to provide live streaming from the events you can bet on. In most cases, all you need in order to watch the stream is a positive balance on your account or a bet placed on the particular event.

Anyway, if we have to keep it short: we don’t rank the best betting sites that don’t provide A) rich live markets and B) live streams. We created an excellent report on the current state of live betting be sure to go check it out now, we’re sure you’ll love it.


How to Fund Your Betting Account: Payment Methods

It is inevitable to mention money transactions when talking about betting sites. There are various ways to complete your deposits and withdrawals at online bookmakers and it’s really important to pick a reliable one. In general, types of transactions can be sorted in three groups. Here is a brief overview of each one:

Bank cards that are easy to use Bank Cards – Surely the fastest and easiest way. Unsurprisingly, VISA debit and MasterCard debit lead the way, but there are betting operators that will also accept your Laser, Solo, Maestro or Delta cards. Just fill in your debit card details and you are done. The most notable minus is that withdrawals usually take a bit longer to be completed.

PayPal is the payment method of choice E-wallets – Our personal advice is that you use e-wallets. Just like using a debit card, your deposits will be instant. The main things that give this tools edge over them are the notably faster withdrawals and improved security. We believe that PayPal betting sites are the best option for you, but you will also get exquisite service if you side with Skrill or Neteller.

Pre-pay voucher which is simple to use Pre-paid – It is completely normal for someone to not want to share their personal info with a bookmaker. Pre-paid vouchers are the perfect solution for that kind of punter. paysafecard betting sites are the most popular and virtually every top UK betting site supports it. The main drawback is that you will need to provide an alternative method to withdraw.

When starting out at any of the top UK betting sites, it is imperative that you choose a bookie with a varied amount of payment methods. Luckily, we already identified the key ones to look out for and wrote specific reviews for each one, check them out below!

Each one of our payment method reviews details which betting sites are suitable for that particular one. We look at deposit limits, the time it takes to withdraw and much more.


Customer Service Options to Look Out For

Often overlooked when assessing a betting site is the customer support available for you to use. Live chat features are among the best ones, but another thing that can enhance the user experience is an in-depth FAQ section or a customer support hotline. Check out the categories below:

  • Telephone Number – Call the customer service team
  • Address – Know where your online operator is based
  • Email – A good contact option for more official enquiries
  • Live Chat – Quick responses to questions
  • Opening Hours – 24/7 is the best you can have

Naturally, betting sites that provide all of this customer support would be our preferred option. One of the best support sections we came across provided not only a live chat but also an option to call a physical person as well as an in-depth FAQ section.

Of course, sometimes you may have to compromise, as a betting site could only feature a selection of the support methods. Much like when we assess a bookie on a variety of betting markets or its bonus offer, we need to see the bigger picture. As long as the betting site gives good service, that is the main thing.


How to Judge the Functionality of Best Betting Sites

Up until this point, we have focussed on a number of qualitative criteria in order to judge a betting site. New players may not be aware, but the functionality of a site plays a key role in your enjoyment. In the following sections, we will highlight the things to look out for in order to judge the platform.

It may sound frivolous to think of these things, but they truly affect your enjoyment of the online experience. With today’s technological advances, it should not be difficult to implement a well-run website, so we expect this of any bookie.

Navigation

The navigation of the site is integral to finding the betting market you want. Usually, the main sports should be highlighted in the header across your screen, and the sidebar should give you easy access to a list of sports available.

Obviously, on mobile, this will be slightly different. Even so, a drop-down menu should always be a touch away. This will make your betting experience infinitely better and easier.

Betting Slip

Having a betting slip that is easy and simple to use is also important. It should be clear what selections you have made, and you should be able to add and take away quickly. All permutations should be calculated automatically, and types of wagers easy to determine. The confirm button should also be only a click away.

Some sites even have a quick function where you can choose your wager amount with a click of a button, instead of needing to type it in. These little additions really do improve the user experience and although they are not obvious straight away, they do become apparent quickly.

Cashout

All betting platforms should also offer the ability to cash out. This is a relatively modern invention, that allows you to finish your bet early for a lower payout than the original one on most sporting events. Of course, this may come back to bite you if the bet is a winner, but it gives you the security to use your judgment, and get some returns when you think the tide is turning in a match.

Our advice would be to use this feature intuitively whilst watching an event. If you cash out all the time, you will definitely lose some winnings, yet you could also save a bet that would go on to lose. It is an extra element of chance that is placed in your hands.

Livescore

Having a live score feature is great for live betting. You should be provided with all the up-to-date information on the fixture, possession stats, yellow cards, corners etc. It is also essential any goals, or points depending on the sport, are immediately reported so you can make a judgement on your bet.

Many times, a platform will provide a visual interpretation of this and show you the flow of the game in terms of possession with arrows indicating which way the ball is going. It just gives you that little edge when trying to analyse the stats.

Loading Speed

We want a platform with the quickest loading times. If we want to place a bet, we want to be able to do it without a hindrance. Therefore, it is essential that the operator uses the fastest hosting services possible to allow a smooth process in your betting journey.

What must be noted, is that you also need to have a stable internet connection for this to work. We don’t want you to get all flustered and frustrated only to find out that it was your problem all along! So make sure your internet is working first.

As you can see, a well-designed and intuitive sportsbook can really enhance your experience. This is particularly pertinent for new players who need all the help they can get when joining up to an online bookie. Although at the end of the day it is not the be-all and end-all, it is an important factor to look out for.

You may also notice some platforms look strikingly similar, this is no coincidence. Many of the bookies use similar providers who will share similar templates. These have been optimised for the user in mind, and have been tried and tested for years.


What You Should Consider When Choosing New Betting Sites

When it comes to choosing new betting sites, you have the responsibility to look out for certain things. New players may just see the first online betting site and jump at it. This would be foolish. We have set out a list of criteria for a reason. The following points should always be the first things to look out for when choosing a new betting site:

  • Reliability – They payout when you win
  • Trustworthiness – They have a licence for the UK
  • Terms and Conditions – Are realistic and no withdrawal limits
  • Customer Service – They are accountable and available
  • Reliability – Have they had any issues in the past?
  • Markets – What are the betting options and range of markets?

They seem obvious, but many punters will not have these at the forefront of their mind. We have also helped you by already creating a list of the top new betting sites, this features exclusively UK betting sites, for your perusal. For new players, visiting a site can be intimidating, but we are here to help.


Emerging Features in Online Betting

The demographic of UK online betting sites is constantly evolving and changing. As technological capability increases, and the demands of the betting consumers are being heightened. In an attempt to try and win the heavily competitive battle of the online betting market features including sophisticated virtual sports betting, eSports markets and a host of new options.

Social Betting

Social media has long been a prominent feature of most of our lives. We are more connected than ever before, and many believe the social constructs that modern societies were built upon, are slowly being untangled and destroyed by this new form of entangled inter-connectivity. Betting is generally considered a solitary activity, however, many friends like to share their bets with one another, or attend live matches together and place bets.

Social betting can be generally narrowed down into three categories. Firstly, there are the classical bookmakers that harness the power of social media and optimise their online presence to extend a greater reach to untapped markets and audiences. Secondly, there are social betting sites that accommodate special forms of betting where you can easily place a wager with friends and split the bets on certain events between a group of people. Then finally, there are communal betting platforms, here you can expect leaderboards and trusted tipsters providing key insights into the upcoming fixtures on the sporting calendar, obviously, the range of markets will be limited.

Betting on eSports

There has never been such a massive surge in popularity of any competitive sport in the history of humanity. eSports betting sites represent a new form of sports and markets that relies upon cognitive and reactionary ability whilst playing a computer game. There is a huge library of titles that professional players engage one another in under the banner of eSports, some games are a lot more competitive and popular and others and the prize money varies significantly in correlation with this popularity.

The most popular eSports include titles such as DotA 2, PUBG, League of Legends and CS:GO, draw competitive players who play in front of live audiences and in front of online crowds through the streaming service Twitch. The prize money for the 2018 world champion team in Dota 2 was in excess of USD 30 million, just to give some perspective on the scale and influence of this emerging market. In terms of betting on eSports, the popularity is enormous. Bookmakers have adopted eSports with open arms and the daily games schedule is usually packed with world-leading teams in popular titles, offering a number of markets that punters can bet upon whilst streaming the event directly through the operator.

Online Betting Exchanges

The online betting exchange is nothing new, the UK online site Spreadex has been operating this alternative form of betting for many years and it has been adopted by the British public to dazzling popularity. The beauty of being able to back and lay bets and challenge other bettors essentially is something that many people within the industry find particularly appealing.

Traditional bookmakers have not wholly endorsed the value of the betting exchange; some of the biggest names in the industry are still lacking the capability to offer such a platform as the technical demands and development costs are pretty hefty when releasing such a project. There has been some steady competition, however, most notably BETDAQ; a long-time standing betting exchange.

In essence, it still carries the same risks as gambling, of course, but the strategies that one can be utilised in order to beat the operator are far more sophisticated and subtler than getting a good scoop on the weekend’s football matches. This area of gambling is quickly being realised by the latest developments in the mobile exchange platforms and increasing supply of data powering the back-end of these platforms, there is only more to expect from betting exchanges. If you’re a fan of golf betting sites then we think you’ll love this on the exchange, with the slow-paced developments in golf, it makes it a perfect sport for exchange betting tacticians to exploit one of the premier sporting events.


Why We Only Recommend UK Betting Sites With a Valid UKGC Licence

As we have already mentioned, we only recommend operators that have a valid licence issued by the UK Gambling Commission. This is done for several reasons. Mainly, any bookie without a licence will not fall under the regulatory banner and thus you could be susceptible to harm. See the main points below:

  • Responsible Gambling – In order to secure a UKGC licence, a bookmaker must ensure player protection and responsible gambling message are in place and easily visible/accessible.
  • UKGC Regulations – If any bookie breaks the regulations in place, they could have their licence withdrawn or issued a fine. Thus, they have to uphold industry standards.
  • Personal Data Protection – UK betting sites must adhere to data protection laws and have to keep your information safe.

Security and Regulation to Protect Players

Any person’s primal instincts are connected with security. After all, you play with your own real money, therefore any possible complication should be completely out of the picture.

As from December 2014, a change in the way that companies that offer services to the UK were introduced, whereas previously companies could be licensed and regulated in a different country (such as Malta and Guernsey), the change in 2014 meant that all sportsbooks serving UK customers must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This change has been good news for the customer as it ensures all companies are regulated by the same regulatory body, therefore ensuring consistency.

Transparent regulations mean that when you win, you will actually be paid. Besides that, the privacy of your personal data is fully guaranteed. Isn’t that what we all want at the end of the day when using UK online bookmakers? If you scroll down to the footer of any betting site, you will see which testing agencies provided certificates for it and what other services are used. We’ve prepared a reliable guideline that will show what you should look for at a bookmaker.

IBAS is the Independent Betting Adjudication Service IBAS stands short for Independent Betting Adjudication Service. Just like the name suggests, these guys sort out betting-related disputes. They are responsible for giving verdicts on gambling disputes, there is a wide range of betting disputes IBAS is responsible for.

Essa is the European Sports Security Association IBIA (or International Betting Integrity Association) is an organisation, the mission and values of which are built around Sports Betting Integrity. Their goal is to deter anyone who has even remote thoughts of match-fixing and other shady business.

For help with problem gambling GambleAware is a people-oriented organisation, which is focused on helping bettors make better decisions. No, they are not tipsters at all. Exactly the opposite, by running charities, similar to Responsible Gambling Trust they help gamblers who show signs of addiction.

Bookmaker security practices for transactions: https protocol, account verification and banking protections

As you can see, these are just simple, yet effective tools for protecting your security. Every online bookie has to uphold these standards in order for them to feature on this page. We take your security seriously!

As we said, new players should always read the terms and conditions, but nevertheless, betting sites must uphold their integrity by providing certain standards. Only play with bookies you can trust, as there is no use in winning if you never see the money!


List of All Betting Sites With a UKGC Licence

Below, we have a provided a list of betting sites with that we work with. We only work with those with a valid UK Gambling Commission licence. This is for your and our safety.


How to Gamble Responsibly

For you to enjoy any of the betting sites we have listed in our top 10 ranking, you should always gamble responsibly. It goes without say that any bookie should take this seriously. For the majority of us, betting is a form of entertainment and should stay that way. Here are some tips for you to bet safely and in a responsible way.

  • Stick to a Budget – Always bet within your means. We recommended setting a budget and stick to that amount when betting. Betting sites should provide an option for this on your account.
  • Never Chase Losses – It can be tempting to chase a loss. But betting with your head is always the best way to go. Do not get emotional with your bets, instead take a step back and think before placing a wager.
  • Use the Available Tools – Each of the betting sites we have recommended have tools available to help you stay in control. You can set limits or take a time out. Keep your betting a form of entertainment and under control.

The Final Word From Our Betting Team

This guide for the best betting sites of March 2024, was designed with you in mind. We created this page in order to help you identify the bookie you want to use and suits your needs.

We have featured a wide range of bookies to bring you the ultimate betting experience. We’re confident in the betting sites we feature, and it must be noted we update this page regularly, so be sure to always check back and who ranks number one with us.

Overall, we are a committed team that loves to provide the best information out there. As well as reviewing online bookies, we also have much more information throughout our site and we encourage you to have a look around, we are sure you won’t be left disappointed. Remember, no matter which site you choose, always gamble responsibly.


Top UK Betting Sites FAQs

Online sports betting is a huge niche that has many elements. This FAQ section covers all the questions you ask, or the ones that couldn’t fit anywhere so far on our homepage in order to enhance your betting experience.

What is the top UK betting site?

Our experts have scoured the markets to create the top 10 betting sites list at the top of this page. We update this every month, depending on a whole host of criteria to only bring you the best bookies in the UK.

What are top betting offers and promotions?

This is something that changes on a weekly basis, so we advise you to see our promotions section to see what to look out for. Things like free bet clubs, deposit bonuses and money-back specials are all great options to have and are offered across a range of sports.

How do we evaluate sports betting sites?

Our team has developed a very specific set of criteria that can be used to fairly and accurately judge an online betting site in the UK. Things such as betting markets, types of wagers, payment methods, and more can all play their part.

What UK betting sites have the best odds?

We compare all of the odds offered on specific markets, such as the best football betting sites and horse racing betting and see what average they bring. Nowadays, most online bookmakers have similar betting odds on offer, but these prices can vary from event to event. Good odds mean a good betting experience.

Are all online bookmakers fair and honest?

Unfortunately, no. If you are not careful enough, you can easily end up tricked by a scam betting website. That's why it is of vital importance to learn how to recognize the betting sites that you need to avoid. What is the point of getting a thousand-pound bonus if you can not withdraw your winnings or your personal data is in danger. Instead, side with one of our featured UK betting sites, they are all safe and sound and also offer some great deals.

What if the bookmaker refuses to pay out or if I have any other dispute with them?

If a disagreement arises, contact IBAS. The abbreviation stands for Independent Betting Adjudication Service. For over 15 years they mediate between punters and UK licensed bookmakers in case of complaints, so if you happen to have any trouble with a sports betting site, let IBAS guys know. It's important to notice that it's always better to try to settle an agreement with the bookmaker before you turn to the IBAS.

If I or someone I know has a gambling problem, what can I do?

The thing to remember is that problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of sex, ethnicity, age and is often called the 'hidden addiction' and you are unlikely to know someone is addicted unless they tell you. You can download a great guide on tackling problem gambling (and you can call the confidential 'National Gambling Helpline' on 0808 8020 133 and this helpline is open from 8am – Midnight, 7 days a week). Each sports betting site should also have links to help you on their page.

Is it possible (and under what conditions) to get my account suspended?

Yes, each online bookmaker has to comply with both local and international law and will suspend your account if they suspect the identity of the customer is in doubt. A betting site will also terminate your account if they suspect you have multiple accounts or if you have claimed multiple welcome bonuses or in any way breached the terms and conditions on having an account. It is recommended you contact the bookmakers' customer service if you need further information.

How do betting sites keep my info secure and safe?

In order to be licensed by the UKGC each sports betting site must adhere to several security standards. Things such as SSL encryption and testing agencies ensure that your info is stored in a safe way. This should be a practice adopted by all UK bookmakers.

What's the best sport to have a bet on?

As we are in the UK, our favourite sport is football betting. This isn't to say other sports aren't as legitimate, but we simply love a punt or an acca using the best football betting sites on the weekend's games! It goes without saying, however, that most sports betting markets are well-catered for at any online betting website featured with us.