Betting Sites

There are many sports betting sites to consider when looking to open a new online betting account. With so many options on the market, it’s difficult to know where to start. Fear not; we’re here to help.

We’ve looked at the many sports betting sites available in the UK so you can make an informed decision before you sign up.

In our guide, we look at well-known brands such as William Hill, Ladbrokes and bet365 to newer bookmakers, such as Mr Green, MansionBet and Quinnbet.

There are pros and cons to every site but we will point you in the right direction and help you find the best betting sites for your particular needs.

The list on this page just gives a brief overview of the main UK gambling sites, simply follow our links for more in-depth information on each of the UK’s best online betting sites in March 2024:

All Betting Sites

Full List of Betting Sites (UK) in March 2024

Take a look at our summaries, in alphabetical order, of the best online betting sites (UK) in March 2024:

888

888 is a popular betting site.

Originally known more as an online casino it has branched out in recent years and is now a top sport betting website with excellent horse racing and football betting coverage.

It keeps football fans engaged and entertained with lots of ongoing promotions including best odds guaranteed, in-play betting and a great mobile betting app. It also has a great bet £10 get £30 for new players.

Check out our full review of 888 football today.

888 Football £30 IN FREE BETS + £10 CASINO BONUS
888 Football

Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets are credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes are not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days, wins are capped at £/€/$500 • To withdraw bonus/related wins, you must wager the bonus amount up to 40 times its value within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Casino Bonus can be used on selected games in casino only • Restrictions apply to withdrawals, payment methods & countries.

Full T&C's Apply

bet365

bet365 was arguably the first bookmaker to bring online sports betting into the mainstream and in many ways, it continues to lead the way with its excellence.

It has an impressive variety of sports markets, live streams, best odds guaranteed, great offers, the bet365 price promise, betting offers, cash-out options and loads more besides.

New customers at bet365 are rarely disappointed – a highly recommended betting site.

Check out our full review of the benefits of bet365 football.

bet365 Football BET £10 GET £30 IN FREE BETS
bet365 Football

Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets 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.

Full T&C's Apply

BetBull

BetBull is a new bookmaker and is quickly making a great name for itself as one of the best betting sites around.

BetBull is unlike many other UK betting websites, firstly it is solely an app-based sports bookmaker.

On this app gambling enthusiasts, professional gamblers and sports professionals share tips and advice. They are all ranked on a leaderboard and this means there’s lots of good information and tips around on a range of sports.

BetBull Free Bets UP TO £50 IN FREE BETS
BetBull Free Bets

Min Deposit £10 and bet on sports. Full T&Cs apply.

Full T&C's Apply

BetBull is one of the UK’s best brand new bookies around it is certainly worth checking out if you are looking for something a little different and enjoy betting on lots of different sports.

Betfair

Betfair is one of the biggest names in online betting in the United Kingdom and indeed across the world.

They are particularly known for their excellent football betting and vast horse racing betting options.

Betfair has all the standard offerings of the top betting sites with some great added extras too, including a Betfair Boost Your Odds promotion, the Rewards for Racing scheme, Refer a Friend programme and more.

They also offer fantastic Exchange Betting – making it one of the top living betting websites.

Find out more about Betfair Football today in our independent review.

Betfair Football BET £10 GET £30
Betfair Football

New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. Please Gamble Responsibly.

Full T&C's Apply

Betfred

Betfred is another well-loved and established bookmaker.

They pride themselves on their offers, especially when it comes to betting on sports, from Premier League football betting to tennis and all the major horse racing events.

As well as being a fantastic online betting platform they are known for having lots of Betfred betting shops up and down the country, which are popular with football acca fans, sharing tips and watching the action live in the shops. Their betting shops are known for being friendly and having good levels of customer service.

The Betfred online betting site is just as impressive. It is easy to use, has a Betfred best odds guaranteed promise, live streams on the action, a current bet 10 get 30 promos and more.

Read our Betfred Football guide now to find out more.

Betfred Football BET £10 GET £40 IN FREE BETS
Betfred Football

New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required.

Full T&C's Apply

BetVictor

BetVictor is an independent bookmaker with a loyal base of customers.

It’s not among the most well-known of all betting sites in the United Kingdom but you’ll likely find a decent welcome offer, as well as all the main benefits from other leading gambling sites such as the BetVictor best odds guaranteed, in-play betting, live streams, great payment options and an easy to use mobile betting app.

Find out more about BetVictor Football and why it is so popular with many punters.

BetVictor Football BET £5 GET £30 BONUSES
BetVictor Football

18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £5 at odds 2.00+ within 7 days of registering, no cashout. Get 2x £10 Free Bets, set events at odds 2.00+. Plus a £10 Slot Bonus, selected games, wager 20x to withdraw max £250. 7 day bonus expiry. Card payments only. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly.

Full T&C's Apply

Betway

Betway is an international betting site and is popular with sports punters across the UK & Ireland.

They run a host of perks to keep current customers happy including the Betway Yankee Special, Wednesday Special betting offers and also a range of fun bets in conjunction with ITV Racing.

The most popular footy bets at Betway are the football acca bets and first goalscorer markets.

BoyleSports

BoyleSports is a giant bookmaker in its native Ireland and it’s also gaining massive popularity in the UK – it’s easy to see why.

With a whole host of weekly bonuses for existing customers including their Acca Loyalty, “Free Bets if Second to the Fav”, best odds promises, Extra place payouts, betting offers, a range of payment methods and more, they are one of the favourites with the teams here.

BoyleSports Football BET £10 GET £20
BoyleSports Football

New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+.

Full T&C's Apply

It’s a great football and sports betting website.

Coral

Coral needs no introduction, one of the most popular and established bookmakers in the UK.

A firm favourite with many, Coral have a range of fantastic betting shops (find your “Coral near me” in our guide) as well as a brilliant and extensive online betting website.

This top online bookmaker covers a whole host of sports betting options including tacing, rugby, tennis, basketball, golf and of course, a superb football section.

You can place just about any type of football bet you can imagine with Coral and they boast Coral best odds guaranteed and Coral live streaming as standard, as well as a one-off welcome bonus offer options (Bet 10 get 30), competitive odds, The Coral Smart Boost, ante-post betting odds and Coral Fallers Insurance.

Find out more about Coral Football today.

Coral Football GET £20 IN FREE BETS
Coral Football

18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 1x £20 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply.

Full T&C's Apply

Fansbet

Fansbet is another new bookmaker which is gaining in popularity for a whole number of reasons.

A Fansbet betting account offers something a little different; that is when you sign up for a Fansbet account you nominate a charity. From this, a proportion of Fansbet profits are donated to them! This is an excellent way to enjoy the sport you love and also help a good cause out.

On top of that, Fansbet has loads of standard reasons to enjoy their betting site, as you would imagine as a top sports betting site they cover a range of sports markets, always have a good welcome bonus for new customers, have in-play betting and live steams options, great betting odds and more.

Grosvenor Casino

Grosvenor is more well known as a casino brand but they are expanding in online betting and are definitely worth considering.

They cover a whole range of betting markets, have good customer service, a range of betting options, lots of multiple bets and more.

Although they are a new betting site they are growing all the time and many consider them one of the best betting sites around.

As well as its great coverage of football and horse racing it also covers casino games as well.

Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes have long been a fixture on the British high street, with many still opting to bet in person at one of the many bricks-and-mortar Ladbrokes betting shops that they retain. However, with a fantastic online sports betting website and betting app as well, Ladbrokes continue to be a national favourite.

Ladbrokes need no introduction, they are world leaders in the online betting and gambling sphere and are trusted and respected.

They have all the benefits you would expect from a top UK betting site, including Ladbrokes best odds guaranteed, Ladbrokes live horse race streaming, a variety of payment methods, great customer service, early bet settlement options (cash out), a generous welcome bonus for new customers, loads of ongoing deals for existing customers, including great Ladbrokes Cheltenham offers and more.

They are fantastic supporters of racing, sponsoring many top races including the Ladbrokes Trophy (formerly the Hennessey Gold Cup) and other leading sports events.

A brilliant and highly recommended online bookmaker.

Find out more about Ladbrokes Football today.

Ladbrokes Football BET £5 GET £20 IN FREE BETS
Ladbrokes Football

18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply.

Full T&C's Apply

LeoVegas

Another new betting site but one already proving very popular is LeoVegas. If you are looking to place a sports bet they could be for you.

They offer a massive number of sports betting markets including excellent football betting, good customer support, great user experience on the website and betting app and more. They are also a great football betting site.

Although one of the waves of new betting sites around, LeoVegas is certainly worth checking out.

Read of full LeoVegas Football review now.

LeoVegas Sports 100% PROFIT BOOST OF UP TO £100
LeoVegas Sports

T&Cs apply. New reg only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via “My Offers” page within 30 days. Skrill/Neteller deposits excl. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play. Max. extra winnings £100. 18+ BeGambleAware.org.

Full T&C's Apply

MansionBet

MansionBet is a new UK betting site only founded in 2008 but despite its relative youth, MansionBet is building a positive reputation among gamblers.

Popular current popular features include the MansionBet Acca boost and Faller Insurance; as a growing online bookie, they are known for looking after existing customers well.

As well as being a great sports betting platform they also have a popular online casino facility, so if you are looking for sports and casino betting this could be a great choice for you.

For more information, check out our independent MansionBet Football review.

MansionBet Football BET £10 GET £10
MansionBet Football

New customers only. Min deposit and bet £10 (£20 if E/W bet) from UK debit card only. Min odds Evens (1/5 per leg in multi selection). £10 Free Bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned, no Cash Out, max winnings £5k.

Full T&C's Apply

Mr Green

Mr Green is one of the newer betting sites out there and maybe a name many people don’t recognise in our UK betting websites list.

That aside, Mr Green offers plenty of benefits, deals and offers across a wide array of sports events, from horse racing to greyhound racing to football betting to tennis and more. Their football betting side is brilliant and they always have competitive odds.

One of the leading new online bookies, Mr Green may not have established itself in the mainstream yet but with great odds, live streams, slick design, betting offers, competitive odds, good welcome offer options (currently bet £10 get £10 acca bet) an easy to use website and many great features, we don’t think it will be long before it’s recognised as one of the leading gambling websites around.

We think they are definitely worth checking out, read our full Mr Green Football guide today.

Mr Green Horse Racing BET £10 GET £10 ACCA BET
Mr Green Football

New Customer Offer. T&Cs Apply. 18+. Please Gamble Responsibly.

Full T&C's Apply

Novibet

Although not a name many will know Novibet has been around for 10 years and has many loyal and happy punters.

With an easy to use website, a good welcome offer and around the clock player support they offer everything you would expect from a more established betting company.

Paddy Power

Paddy Power is one of the most famous bookmakers in the world and with good reason.

A world-famous Irish bookmaker, known for their quirky advertising and publicity stunts (often featuring Ruby Walsh), their sports betting website has Paddy Power best odds guaranteed, generous welcome offer options for new customers, Paddy Power live racing streaming, the popular What Odds Paddy promo, fixed odds betting, a range of payment methods, early bet settlement options (cash out), money back offers and more.

Paddy Power’s coverage of all sports is incredible.

Find out more about Paddy Power Football today.

Paddy Power Football BET £20 AND GET IT BACK AS CASH IF IT LOSES
Paddy Power Football

New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any market at odds of min 2.0 (EVS) and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards will qualify for this promotion.

Full T&C's Apply

Quinnbet

Another new bookie in our list of bet sites, Quinnbet may not be a household name yet but they are certainly worth checking out if you are looking for a new betting account.

Offering extensive sports betting markets, Quinnbet boast many of the benefits of some more well-known sports betting sites and independent bookmakers such as best odds guarantees, live streams, lots of multiple bets, fun promos and more.

Spreadex

As the name suggests, Speadex specialises exclusively in spread betting. This is the only gambling site in the world to do so and is growing in popularity.

It boasts a very generous refer a friend scheme, free bets, a fantastic betting app, live betting, streaming service and more. It’s easy to see why this platform is fast gaining in popularity and although some find it daunting at first, it is well worth investing the time in.

It is a highly recommended betting website if you are looking for a sports spread betting account.

Find out more about Spreadex Football today.

Spreadex Football 2 FREE £5 SPREAD BETS + £300 CASHBACK
Spreadex Football

New Customer Offer. T&Cs Apply. 18+. Please Gamble Responsibly.

Full T&C's Apply

Unibet

Unibet is a big name in the online betting world and offers a wide array of offers and bonuses to new customers. If you’re a novice at UK betting, Unibet is well worth a look.

However, beyond their sign-up bonus offer, they also look after existing customers very well.

The site boasts live streaming, Uniboost (you can boost your odds on certain races), extra places payouts, a great betting application and more.

It may be a new bookmaker it is well worth a place in our all betting sites list.

Definitely worth a look.

To find out more, read our independent betting guide about Unibet Football.

Unibet Football UP TO £40 BONUS
Unibet Football

18+ begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first sports bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in.

Full T&C's Apply

Virgin Bet

Virgin Bet is one of the most popular latest bookmakers and has the markets and odds for all UK and Irish horse racing.

Voted one of the top-rated newest gambling apps then VirginBet is a great online bookmaker to register with.

New Virgin Bet customers can enjoy a £20 sign up bonus by simply depositing £10 and betting on the horse racing events.

VBet Betting

VBet bookmakers now offer the new UK licensed sports betting website to online and mobile betting punters.

VBET UK has the markets and odds for all football matches, plus Irish and UK Horse Racing.

New Vbet customers can enjoy a £10 free bet if you lose – plus 10 free spins on eligible NetEnt games at VBET Casino if you wager a sports bet of at least £20.

22Bet

22Bet is one the newest sports gaming sites on the internet, having launched in 2008.

However, even as a new betting site (when compared to some of the more long-standing bookies), it is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the finest and most reliable, offering a full range of sports betting and good customer support.

You’ll also find decent odds, favourable terms and a decent welcome offer. It is definitely worth checking out.

32Red

32Red has long been established as a home of online gambling and sports betting.

In addition to great coverage of horse racing, football and other popular UK and international sports, this bookmaker also offers a wide range of casino games too.

Whilst based in Gibraltar – as many betting sites are – it is fully licensed and approved for UK betting.

Other great assets include fantastic ongoing offers for current customers, live football streaming and a huge variety of betting payment methods.

William Hill

We have saved the biggest for last.

William Hill is the largest UK gambling company with a worldwide presence and many happy punters use them every day. It is easy to see why this online betting site is so popular.

William Hill is a huge name in the sports betting market and it has been for years. It is certainly one of the best betting sites in the world.

Many high-streets still have very popular William Hill betting shops whilst this top online bookmaker also leads the way with its excellent sports betting site and mobile betting app.

They offer everything you expect and more including William Hill live streaming, William Hill best odds guaranteed, a huge range of sports betting markets, ante-post betting on a full range of events, a wide range of payment methods, early bet settlement options (cash out) and free horse racing bets.

For more specific information read our William Hill Football review.

William Hill Football BET £10 GET £30 IN FREE BETS
William Hill Football

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

Full T&C's Apply

As you can see there are loads of brilliant online betting sites to choose from! Simply follow our links on any of the betting sites that interest you, from there you can read our full bett8ing guides and find one to suit your needs.

What Should You Look for in an Online Sports Betting Site?

Everybody has their own idea of what’s important when it comes to sports gambling and betting and all betting sites offer something slightly different.

Bookmakers know this, and will typically build what they offer around what punters are looking for. When you are opening a new account you need to take key factors on board.

Gambling is recreational, but bookmakers are businesses. Betting websites are interesting in turning a profit, which means keeping their customers happy and coming back for more.

Below, you’ll find a handful of elements that may help you decide which particular betting brands or betting site is for you. There are a range of factors that will play into your decision.

You’ll no doubt be familiar with the high street giants but there are many other bookmakers to choose from including brand new UK bookmakers and independent betting sites alongside the main and most well known online bookies.

Betting websites are always looking for new customers, so keep an eye open and check our reviews to see what weclome offers the leading betting sites are providing, there’s lots of good offers out there.

So whether you’re interested in racing, football, tennis or any other sports, you’re sure to find the UK’s best online betting site that meets your needs – whether that is a new or established bookmaker.

Here are the main factors we took into consideration when looking at all UK bookmakers to determine which we think are the best to bets on sport in the UK.

Things to look out for from a betting site:

Free Bets When Signing Up With Online Bookies

A free bet is arguably the oldest trick in the sports betting site book to attract new UK customers.

Upon registering for an account and making a deposit, you’ll be provided with a certain amount of free bets to use as you see fit (this is sometimes called a “bonus offer” or “new customer offer”).

This is great and available to new players that are unfamiliar with the “ins and outs” of sports betting. It’s a way to learn from mistakes without accruing losses. You could be awarded as many as 10 free bets for signing up with a new online bookmaker.

A free bet may vary in quantity and accessibility, so check the terms and conditions of any betting site when it comes to this perk. A qualifying bet or wagering requirements are normally required (an initial deposit required).

Many sites match what you initially deposit in free bets, promotions such as “Bet £10 Get £20” or “Bet £10 Get £30”, are increasingly popular.

Some free bets must be used within 14 days, or are even valid for 7 days only.

Equally, some races or events may exclude bet credits from being used as a stake. Some sites also apply, “returns exclude bet credits” terms and conditions to free bets, which will impact eventual winnings.

Even if exclusions apply, it’s still fun to gamble with free bet stakes over real money. If these freebies do expire after 7 days, it’s not the end of the world. That’s still enough time for new players to use them and assess whether a particular betting site is working for them.

Don’t consider a free bet to be your path to making millions. Rather, they are a way to learn more about the vagaries and how to use a new betting site.

A free bet is a great perk when signing up to any betting site, join the free bet club with whichever bookmaker you choose! There’s lots of Bet £10 get £30 promos around at the moment which are fantatsic to take advantage of, as you’ll get £20 in free bets!

An Easy to Use Site for Betting

Perhaps we should have led with this one, but we consider it taken as read. The most popular betting sites are easy to use and negotiate.

If you’re looking to place your bet quickly, you’ll want to do just that – not spent precious minutes trawling through the betting site, looking for the appropriate page. Most sports betting sites offer this as standard.

Simplicity is king when it comes to online gambling, especially when experimenting with and look for a new betting site. New players should easily be able to find the following:

  • Confirmation that the site welcomes new players in the United Kingdom
  • List of accepted payment methods – a whole range of options are now open from debit cards to cryptocurrency
  • Security information as to how the betting site will protect you and your data
  • Any deposit min requirements or max withdrawal restrictions
  • A wide array of sporting events to bet on, whether that’s racing, football, rugby, boxing or anything else
  • Welcome bonus offer information (new customer offer), such as a free bet
  • Lists of minimum odds and payouts
  • Availability of any live streams of sporting events
  • A good sports betting app
  • On-going betting offers
  • A simple sign up process
  • Easy deposits and withdrawals
  • Terms and Conditions of the online bookie
  • A range of markets
  • Casino bonus for casino sites
  • Live chat – we think live chat is important to solve issues quickly

The leading betting sites will ensure that these criteria are met and are all at the touch of a button.

If you cannot find what you’re looking for, don’t waste time trying to make sense of a confusing website, there are no shortage of sites vying for the attention of UK customers. If one betting site doesn’t work for you, another surely will.

Mobile Apps and Mobile Betting Options for UK Customers

These days, we’re all attached to our smartphones, tablets and even watches. The best online betting sites are aware of this, so many online bookies create mobile apps for betting and their business.

All the top betting sites will have a convenient, user-friendly app. Failure to provide this should raise an eyebrow.

The mobile app of a betting site should offer everything that the site itself does. Naturally, though, this should be condensed into a smaller screen and package. A reputable betting site will still provide a welcome offer or deposit bonus if you use the app, and no different to a minimum deposit or other terms and conditions.

Best of all, a mobile app can be used anywhere. If you’re reliant on a website, you’ll need to be connected to the internet. An app offers no such restriction.

Using an app, players can place an app anywhere at any time – perfect for when you receive an unexpected tip.

Variety of Payment Methods

You deserve the choice of how you use your money with an online bookmaker. The best betting sites will never restrict players to just one payment method. The more choice is available to you, the more you’ll enjoy a range of betting practices.

Betting online is a little different from handing over ‘using real money’ to a bookmaker on the high street.

You should have the option to use your debit cards (debit card deposits) or a bank transfer. However, the top betting sites will not restrict you from using your bank account. E-wallet services, such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Skrill or Neteller (Neteller deposits), should be available.

Some new betting sites will even allow bitcoin to be used for sports betting.

Check the terms and conditions that apply when using a different bet and payment method. Some online betting sites do not provide a free bet as a welcome offer to new players that use an e-wallet, for example, as they accrue fees in doing so. All the same, don’t lose sight of the fact that sites want your money.

No matter what payment method for betting you prefer to use from the several different ones available, you’re sure to find an online bookmaker that is prepared to meet your needs and desires.

One thing should be noted – no UK betting site should ever allow you to place a bet using a personal or corporate credit card. This is illegal under the law of the land. UK customers have to use ‘real money’ that is accessible from a current account or e-wallet in that moment. If a new betting site tries to circumvent this, walk away. They are clearly not working under the auspices of the Gambling Commission.

Understanding of Sports Betting Markets and Sportsbook Market Options

Sports betting is the most popular form of gambling in the United Kingdom. However, you may find that a bookmaker accepts bets on just about anything, including the latest plot twist on EastEnders or which song will top the singles charts next Sunday.

That’s fine, but make sure your choice of betting site specialises in sport – although on those in our online betting sites list do.

This will be the case with all the betting sites that we discuss. This remains important though, as it ensures that your online bookmaker will provide the best odds possible.

New betting markets never remain static for long, and you’ll need a site that can keep up with the ever-changing landscape with all these popular betting sites; there is a great selection to choose from.

Minimum and Maximum Deposits and Withdrawals With Online Bookies

We checked out the terms and conditions of all betting sites featured above to see if they place restrictions on how much you can deposit or withdraw from your account at any given time with your internet betting.

You may find that your first bet is subject to a cap, for example. The offers provided by the betting site, including but not limited to minimum odds and free bets, may also play into this.

Maximum deposits made using cards can be helpful, especially for new customers. These will prevent you from over-committing to betting sites only to discover that first impressions were misleading or rather not what you are looking for.

If you’re a high roller, though, they can grow frustrating and restrictive. You should also check if a site will offer you a deposit bonus. The more money you place in your account, the more bet credits you’ll receive as a reward.

A minimum deposit can also be restrictive. If you just want to deposit 5 pounds, it can be frustrating to be told you need to double your stake. Equally, though, a minimum deposit may protect you from impulsive decisions. The best betting practice is to ensure that you only gamble what you can afford to lose. Constant small deposits into a betting account can quickly start to mount up before you know it. If you have to deposit 10 pounds every time, you may think twice about placing a bet that you’re on the fence about.

Minimum or maximum withdrawals should also be considered. If you find that an online bookmaker has a minimum withdrawal threshold, ask yourself if you’re willing to wait to access your money. If you have to reach a certain level of winnings before you can withdraw.

The same applies to a maximum withdrawal. If you win big, you’ll want to claim all of your winnings. If you have to withdraw it in drips and drabs, ask yourself if that is acceptable. There is little to gain by leaving winning sitting in the account of an online bookmaker when they could be in your bank account.

Immediate Deposit and Withdrawal Options

The whole purpose of online betting sites is that you can act quickly on a hot tip. This is especially prevalent in racing, but it could apply to any sport.

If you want to make a bet quickly, make sure your online bookmaker of choice allows you to do so – you don’t want to be tied up in red tape while your bet is reviewed and approved. This may be acceptable to offer new players placing their first bet, but it should not be a regular feature of your online betting.

The best betting sites will also permit you to withdraw your winnings with equal speed.

If you have won, check that the online bookmaker will let you access your money quickly and without quibble. Exclusions apply to this in some cases, such as a result being queried, but you should usually be able to gain access to your funds quickly. Nobody wants to wait 30 days for their winnings.

Most betting sites accept everything from debit cards to Paypal and everything in between.

Live Streaming With Online Betting Sites and Football Betting Sites

Live horse race streams can be a fundamental part of the online betting experience, and it’s something that the leading betting sites in the UK will always offer.

It essentially means that you can watch events unfold in real-time.

Racing is the most common form of live streaming (football and horse racing are the most popular), but you may find a bookmaker that also streams golf, tennis. motor racing or rugby.

Just think of the money you could save on a television package!

The purpose of live streaming is not entirely altruistic on their behalf. By taking advantage of live streaming, punters will also one tempted to try their luck at live betting. In sports betting, things can change in the blink of an eye. Bookmakers understand this better than anybody and the markets are adjusted accordingly.

Live Betting Options for New UK Customers

When it comes to sport, live gambling with online bookies is a major part of betting markets. This is most prevalent in football or other sports events that unfold a little slower than racing. The odds will constantly change based on what is happening within a stadium or arena.

All the results in our betting sites list have streaming options, this is now common with new betting sites.

If a football team is losing 3-0 at halftime, for example, you’ll get long odds on them winning the match. Bet 10 pounds at this point and you’ll win more than you would have before kick-off if they pull off an unlikely comeback. This is the core purpose of live betting.

The reverse of this is another trick to bring in new customers. If a team is 4-0 up with two minutes remaining in a match, they’ll be odds-on to win. Even so, a sizeable deposit could still guarantee a small profit (or, at least, as close as possible to a guarantee in sports betting!)

The same could apply to a boxing or MMA match. If a fighter enters the final round and has been pummelled until now, they’re looking likely to lose on points. You could place your faith in them landing one good blow and winning through knockout at longer odds, though. This is what makes live betting so exciting – anything is possible.

Free Bet Credits and Bonus Bets – Credits For New Customers & Existing Ones

Free bets (typically a welcome bonus for new players) are not just offered to new customers, betting sites will also offer free bets to regular and loyal customers. You may find these if you search for “football free bets”.

Oftentimes, free bets are linked to a deposit to your betting account (bet credits for new players). Once you meet a minimum deposit threshold, you will likely be rewarded with free bets.

Free bets are a cornerstone of sports betting. While some terms and conditions may apply to free bets, they can be a great way for players to take a free hit on an unlikely outcome.

A bet credits stake on a giant-killing in an FA Cup football match, or a rank outsider in horse racing betting race, could see big winnings for zero outlay.

As mentioned though, do check the terms of any free bets with online bookies and all betting sites in the UK to avoid disappointment. Online bookies are not in the business is giving away money for nothing, as that’s hardly an efficient business model.

Your free bet stakes may be subjected to minimum odds or other restrictions.

A Range of Sports Betting Options With The Top Betting Sites in the UK

As we have intimidated, the best betting sites (UK) and bookmakers will not restrict their customers to racing. While this will always be the cornerstone of UK gambling, but all sports should be considered fair game for online betting.

Take a look at the betting markets of all the sites available to you, and see what sports they cover.

Most will cover a full range of options from premier league to lower league football and everything else in between.

While all sports betting sites will likely cover racing, you may need to dig a little deeper to find bookmakers willing to take bets on pre-determined ‘sports’ like WWE wrestling, or even more traditional sports like tennis.

Most bookmakers supply a range of odds on an array of betting opportunities, though.

Enhanced Odds With The Best Online Bookmakers

Betting markets are defined by odds. Even new customers that rarely bet understand this. What may not be so familiar to novice gamblers, however, is the idea of enhanced odds.

Enhanced betting odds are, again, a way to attract new customers – as well as ensuring that regulars can benefit from the occasional perk and benefit. The concept of enhanced betting odds is to take what looks like a sure thing and turn it into a more appealing wager.

Enhanced betting odds rarely apply to racing – this sport is famously unpredictable. Imagine that you planned to bet on a tennis match though, and Roger Federer has been drawn against the British number 7 in the first round of Wimbledon. Without casting any aspersions on the fine sportsmen of the Lawn Tennis Association, a Federer win is as inevitable as death and taxes in this instance. This will be reflected in the odds.

This means that, rather than the anticipated 10/1 on for a Federer victory, a bookmaker may decide to make it 5/1 odds against. Who wouldn’t take those odds? Bet £10 and it will theoretically be the easiest £50 you’ll ever make.

There will always be terms and restrictions to enhanced betting odds, though with those in our UK betting sites list. While they are widely considered a loss leader by online bookies, no business will last long throwing money away in such a fashion.

Free bets, for example, are rarely accepted when betting against enhanced odds. Equally, don’t be surprised if returns exclude your stake and there are limits to how much you can wager.

Betting Promo Codes

In addition to a welcome offer to new customers, many UK gambling sites and the best online bookmakers such as William Hill and Paddy Power offer promo codes. These can be exchanged for free bets or other perks, usually attached to a deposit into your online betting account.

Take a look online for promo codes that can be used with a UK bookmaker. All the major names are constantly running campaigns. Just ensure you understand the terms attached.

Member of the UK Gambling Commission

Like all businesses that handle money and the data of UK customers, betting sites are regulated.

In the case of betting, it’s the UK Gambling Commission that oversees bookmakers and online sports betting websites. The ensures that you are betting safely and the bookmaker is heaving ethically.

The best UK betting sites are all members of the Gambling Commission, and we recommend only using a site that holds such accreditation. This ensures that bookmakers play by the rules and laws of the land and protect their customers.

Good Odds and Best Odds Guaranteed

Best Odds Guaranteed, often simply known as BOG, is the equivalent of a pre-order price promise for online bookies.

Essentially, BOG means that you’ll receive better odds if these are higher at the onset of an event than when the bet was placed.

For example, a bet may have been placed on a football match a week two weeks in advance. If three of the team’s best players pick up injuries in this period, the odds of the team winning will lengthen. BOG ensures that this is reflected in your bet, so you will not miss out on any winnings that you would have earned had to place the bet at these longer odds five minutes before kick-off.

Money-Back Bet Offers

Money-back bet offers are basically another way for UK online bookmakers to offer free bets. It’s a great way to entice new customers or to tempt a gambling sceptic into placing their first bet. All the most established betting sites will proudly display money-back bet offers to encourage sports betting (full t cs apply).

Money-back bet offers to mean that, if your bet does not come in, your stake will be refunded. It’s that simple. This can make it less agonising if a nag falls at the final hurdle in racing, or a team concedes a debatable last-minute penalty in a football match.

These offers are not quite the same as free bets – you’ll still need to make a despot into your account and place a bet. All the same, the site will refund you your stake, so you’re no worse off.

Money-back bet offers are arguably the best betting practice for new customers that are turning their hand to sports gambling for the first time.

Self-Exclusion Policy

Any online betting site should provide you with the opportunity to enter into a self-exclusion agreement, as per guidelines laid out by the Gambling Commission. Essentially, this means that sites must block your account and give any money back to you that is owed.

There will still be willpower involved here. It’s surprisingly easy to access betting sites anonymously, and even the best betting sites in the United Kingdom are not omnipotent. However, under law, betting sites must do all they can reasonably expect to do to prevent you from using their service while under a self-exclusion agreement.

Good Customer Service and Support for New UK Customers

You should look for a site that offers good customer service, either via live chat or telephone.

All of the ones we mention all have a great reputation, with the live chat normally being the quickest way to resolve any issues or problems.

The Main Factors To Look For in New Betting Sites

In conclusion, the things you should look out for from best-betting sites include:

  • Sign up offers or welcome bonus offers to new players – a great welcome offer is always a great start (essentially a risk-free bet)!
  • A simple and easy signup process
  • Easy to navigate and smooth betting experience
  • Live betting options on popular sports and different sports across the world
  • A great range of in-play betting
  • Odds boost and other perks such as special offers and bonus offers
  • Good coverage of sport around the world from football & racing to ice hockey, tennis betting, World Cup, American sports and more, plus and all the main racing events, such as the Cheltenham Festival
  • Excellent customer support
  • A good overall betting experience
  • Bonus funds, betting promotions and deals for current customers
  • A variety of betting markets and bet types
  • Odds boosts and bookies that offer cash out
  • No or limited withdrawal restrictions and agreeable withdrawal times
  • Virtual sports and a variety of betting types on a selection of sports
  • Any best bookmaker or award-winning record or recommendations by professional bodies
  • Variety of payment types from debit cards to Paypal

In taking all these onboard we try to make sure you find a site you like – we hope our guide has given you all need to know to make an informed decision and find the UK’s best betting site for you.

So, whether you are looking for a small bespoke bookie, an independent bookmaker (UK) or a large household brand, our best betting sites reviews will help you make the right choice.

Summary of Football Betting Sites in the UK

Sports betting is a big business in the UK whether that is racing or football betting, so you’ll never struggle to find a bookmaker willing to accept a wager with many offering a new customer offer, sign up offer or welcome bonus offer (with a first deposit) when you sign up.

All the betting sites we review cover a range of sports and markets, including racing and football betting, as well as live betting and in-play options. All also come with a decent bonus offer for new players.

Our review looks at huge betting sites such as Paddy Power to smaller independent bookmakers such as Mr Green. All are UK licensed and abide by the rules of the online Gambling Commission, you will be able to make a deposit and bet safely.

Just always remember to gamble responsibly.

Check out the UK betting sites below which all have great sign up offers and bet credits for new customers (bonus offer), good customer support, mobile phone betting options, simple sign up process, bonus bets, offer a great betting experience, football & horse racing live stream service options and more to give you a good betting experience.

For more information on the online betting websites above simply follow the links or check our menu at the top of the page and our full UK betting sites list. All of these are UK licenced bookmakers, they are great horse racing betting sites as well as for football.

Please always bet responsibly.

James Dooley avatar