UK’s Best Betting Sites of May 2021

Best Betting Sites in the UK: Top-Rated Bookmakers for Each Category

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

TOP 6 Betting Sites

• 🥇 TonyBet ✪ Best Bookmaker with Top Payout Levels
• 🥈 888sport ✪ Bookie with Highest Premier League Odds
• 🥉 MansionBet ✪ Best Bookie with Top Market Selection
• ⭐ Betway ✪ Bookie with best Football Betting
• ⭐ bet365 ✪ Best Betting Website for Live Streaming
• ⭐ FansBet ✪ New Premium Betting Site

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

Criteria for Ranking Betting Sites

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.

Betting Offers: Bonuses and Promotions Available

Of all the relevant criteria that we’ve considered for a betting site, bonus offers are the most important ones. To be honest, nothing perks up your day like a nice promotion that gives you some extra to play with. 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.

Obviously, new players 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. Luckily, our team has done thorough research of all online bookmakers, and we have categorised them for you.

As you can see below, there are numerous different categories an online sports betting site can thrive in. Whether it be a deposit bonus, a free bet club, bet credits for new customers, or more, there is something for everybody. Many times, it will depend on the sport or even the specific match, on which type of offer you want to use.

It must be noted that depending on what you want to achieve not all of the bonuses at the UK sports betting sites will be for you. We would advise you to check around, see the categories and decide which one best fits your priorities. You can also take advantage of the different sign-up offers from different sports betting operators.

The Variety of Markets Offered

Some of the best betting sites UK-wide, are to use a cricketing term, “good all-rounders” and others specialise in one or two betting markets. Picking a bookmaker who offers the best odds for the different markets 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 and horse racing betting and as you will see, not all bookmakers are the same!

Check out the Best Betting Site for Football

Why 888sport is the football fans friend

• Awesome Welcome Offer
• Fantastic User Experience
• Great Customer Support
• Variety of Betting Markets

Read our in-depth 888sport Review

888sport Top Market Selection Visit Site! Available for: iOS, android

Full T&Cs Apply! New customers only – Minimum deposit of £10 using deposit code 30F - A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 placed on any sports market - Minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5) - Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days - Free bet stakes not included in returns - Deposit method and withdrawal restrictions apply & Full T&C’s apply

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.

Variance between the best and the lowest odds for football

League	Coral	Ladbrokes	Betway	NetBet	William Hill	Paddy Power	BetVictor
Premier League 1	5/3	5/3	17/20	8/13	8/11	18/25	63/100
Premier League 2	100/30	3/1	4/11	3/1	3/1	7/5	12/5
Championship	7/5	7/5	21/20	6/4	7/5	7/5	7/5
League One	11/8	11/8	9/5	6/4	6/4	6/4	29/20

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, all 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.

Variance between the best odds and the lowest Horse Racing odds

Race	Coral	Ladbrokes	Betway	NetBet	William Hill	Paddy Power	BetVictor
Race 1	26 / 1	34 / 1	40 / 1	26 / 1	26 / 1	26 / 1	34 / 1
Race 2	19 / 1	15 / 1	19/ 1	19 / 1	19 / 1	15 / 1	19 / 1
Race 3	15 / 1	21 / 1	19/ 1	21 / 1	17 / 1	17 / 1	21 / 1
Race 4	34 / 1	34 / 1	26 / 1	29 / 1	26 / 1	34 / 1	26 / 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.

Types of Sports Betting Bets

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.

	Singles:	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. Just check somewhere like Paddy Power who always have prop bets on the go.

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.

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 web site, 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 app betting 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 rugby betting sites and boxing 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.

Payment Methods: Debit Cards, E-Wallets and More

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. Unlike back in the day, when betting on sports was only associated with betting in cash in the shop. In general, types of transactions can be sorted in three groups. Here is a brief overview of each one:

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.

E-wallets – Our personal advice is that you use some of the best e-wallets. Just like using a credit or 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 (Moneybookers) or Neteller.

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 punters. paysafecard betting sites are the most popular of those methods 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 best 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

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 reponses 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.

The Quality of the Best Betting Websites

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.

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.

The Good and the Bad Side of Betting

We like to think that everyone we deal with has our interests at heart and all companies exist to make our life easier but the sad truth is not everyone is our best mate and money and greed can be a huge incentive to a rogue betting site. It is good to know how to spot a bad online bookmaker.

In the table below, we have highlighted some points to look out for when accessing online betting sites in the UK, and abroad. Getting a Gambling Commission licence is integral to enhance your user experience and means you won’t get ignored when contacting customer service!

Make sure you see what is in the terms and conditions as you do not want any unexpected surprises when using a site. This, amongst other factors, can really affect user experience. In order to enjoy a top football betting site, as well as all other sports like horse racing betting, you also need a range of markets to bet on.

We are always looking for the top betting sites around. This is why we not only take on the old guard, such as the big classic bookmakers like William Hill but also have a dedicated section for new betting sites. We will regularly update this page with online betting sites.

What to 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 reason. The following points should always be the first things to look out for when choosing a new betting site:

• Reliablity – 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, teams of developers operating at some of the biggest gambling sites in the world are releasing many new exciting features and updates to their platforms.

The world of online betting has become a purely technical enterprise, with the most successful brands being those that can develop the smartest, most efficient and customer satisfying solutions. Significant advancements have been made in the realms of mobile and live betting, but what other areas are the biggest betting operators venturing into? In an attempt to try and win the heavily competitive battle of online betting market domination features including sophisticated virtual sports betting, eSports markets and a host of new banking methods for betting deposits.

The following sections will reveal further details regarding the latest developments in online sports betting and if you are hungry for even more information, we suggest looking into the current state of the best betting sites in the UK.

Online Betting: Security and Regulation to Protect Players

Any person’s primal instincts are connected with security. It’s fair to say that we need stability in absolutely every aspect of our lives, sports betting included. After all, you play with your own real money, therefore any possible complication should be completely out of the picture. If you take a closer look into the Gambling Commission reports, you will see the level of gambling throughout the UK and the key facts and figures associated with the industry and any UK site.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

Conlusion: The UK Has the Best Online Bookmakers

Whether you are looking for a new betting site to play on, or are simply an experienced player looking to widen your horizons, you can be confident that we only feature the best online betting websites. We have scoured the internet and reviewed all legal bookmakers in the UK with a stringent set of criteria.

We have featured a wide range of bookies to bring you the ultimate betting experience. We’re confident in the bookies 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.

It doesn’t matter what you are looking for, the wide range of betting sites we have reviewed means every facet has been covered. We are certain you will be satisfied with all of the online sportsbooks we have listed on this page. We have highlighted the 12 best bookies of May, 2021, and have categorised them for you.

As you have seen, we have a stringent testing process for when you open a betting account. Each sports betting site is assessed through various criteria in order to provide a complete picture of what they offer. We have also provided in-depth individual reviews for each bookmaker.

We leave no stone unturned in our search for the best football betting sites, and our research does not stop here. We regularly perform spot checks of each bookmaker and update our rankings accordingly. We recommend that you visit our site often to see what we have updated.

All new players, and old, are looking for the best bookies with top betting offers. Providing the results to this is our passion, and we strive to bring you only the best so you can bet with confidence when it comes to it.

Overall, we are a committed team that loves to provide the top information out there. As well as reviewing 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.

Best 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.