The Best Online Betting Sites
The best online betting sites in the UK are trusted by bettors because they are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
In this article, we take a look at all that you need to know about the top online betting sites in the UK.
Are you a newbie, and on the lookout for a platform to wager on?
Then you can choose your new betting site from the list of the best betting sites UK has below:
- Bet365
- Star Sports
- Betway
- 8xbet
- Fitzdares
- Pari Match
- Unibet
- 888Sport
- Kwiff
- BetVictor
- TalkSportBet
- LiveScoreBet
- All British Sport
Bet365
Bet365 is one of the prominent betting sites in the UK and the world at large. It is referred to as the best sports betting site based in the UK. It has over 30 million users across the globe. It is abundant in several events, casinos, and virtual sports.
Star Sports
Star Sports is one of the top betting sites that was developed in the UK. It offers incredible betting services, increased odds, and professional excellence. It is well known, particularly for horse racing sports.
Betway
Betway is another interesting betting site for online casino games and various sports events such as cricket, rugby, Formula 1, football, and more.
Fitzdares
Fitzdares is one of the best betting sites based in the UK that allows users to wager with a very high amount. Although it has various stake levels for all punters. In other words, even those with low stake amounts can still place bets on the bet site.
Pari Match
Pari Match is one of the best bet sites in the UK owing to its wide coverage of sports, and online sports. It has been in existence for over 17 years and has been consistent in delivering excellent betting experience for bettors.
Unibet
Unibet is an online bookmaker prominent for its huge football odds and betting market. It has an excellent mobile betting app that compliments its betting website ( same features).
888Sport
888Sport is the perfect bet site for a wide range of sports events, and promotions such as Bet Builder, and more. The best odds are guaranteed to punters on this betting site.
Kwiff
Kwiff is a UK betting site that rewards new customers with a big welcome bonus. Existing players are not left out too as they also get extra payouts on their winnings, enhanced odds, loyalty rewards, and other promotions.
Also, it provides a plethora of sports events and casino games to bettors.
BetVictor
BetVictor is one of the best horse racing betting sites in the UK. Although it has several other events in abundance on its platform.
Its betting app can be described as an excellent tool for enjoying mobile betting. Note that it shares the same features with its betting site.
TalkSportBet
TalkSportBet is popular for horse racing and football betting. It provides users with access to in-play betting on popular sports markets. It is also generous in doling out promotions to veterans and welcome offers to new UK customers.
What is a bookmaker?
A bookmaker is a licensed betting platform that fosters gambling activities by setting odds, allowing users to place bets, receive bets, and pay bettors once they win their placed bets.
Bookmakers are also known as sportsbooks, bookies, and betting sites.
A bookmaker can offer a range of betting on various sports, online casinos, virtual sports, entertainment, news, politics, and more.
Why is the Bookmaker Rating Important for Bettors?
The significance of rating a bookmaker cannot be undermined as it plays a huge role in helping new players make a well-informed decision on which bookmaker to opt for.
Today there are several bookmakers online with mouth-watering offers on their platforms. However, not all of them give users what they claim to offer on their bet sites
Notwithstanding, there are certain standards that you should look out for when choosing a bookmaker. They are:
- Range of sports betting
- Market Coverage
- Betting odds
- Mobile app
- Navigation
- Bonuses and promotions
- Customer support
The aforementioned standards can impact the rating of a bookmaker.
Relying on online bookmaker ratings and evaluations is a good idea as it can help you understand which of the bookmakers is reliable and worth working on.
Also, bookmaker ratings can help influence your decision to choose one of the best UK betting sites to wager on while averting fraudulent bet sites.
How We Ranked the Best UK Betting Sites
Our experts ranked the aforementioned betting sites based on a wide range of factors. These factors are:
- Safety of the betting site
- Design
- Welcome offer
- Usability of the betting site
- Sports events covered
- Betting markets available
- Quality of the odds provided
- Bonuses and promotions for old customers
- Availability of free bets
- Live streaming feature
- User betting experience
- Maximum withdrawal amount
- Live betting
- How fast the registration process is
- Availability of mobile app
Safety
When choosing a bookmaker to gamble on, it is very important not to underplay the reliability and safety of the platform. This is to ensure that the bookmaker you are opting for is very transparent in dealing with financial information while keeping your personal details safe from any third party.
To assess the reliability of a bookmaker, you should consider the following conditions:
- License - Go for a sports betting site with the right license jurisdictions and regulations from appropriate bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission.
- Payment methods - Choose the best bookmaker that offers safe payment methods ranging from bank transfers to wallets
- Gambling Policies - If you are looking for the best way to curtail gambling addiction, then you should consider a bookmaker with responsible gambling policies put in place ranging from self-exclusion methods to deposit limits
- Security measures - Opt for a bookmaker that utilizes SSL encryption to protect their user's data and financial details.
- Reputation - Select the best bookie with a proven reputation in the betting industry such as positive customer feedback
Odds Quality
Odds are an important part of sports betting on bookmakers. They indicate the possible profits a player can get in an event when they win.
Bookmakers can display odds in fractional, American, or decimal format.
Fractional odds represent the proportion of the possible profit you will get at the end of a successful win. An example of fractional odd is 6/1, so for every 1 USD stake, you will get 6 USD.
American odds represent the amount you must bet to get 100 USD or more. Here is an illustration of an American odd - for odds of -150, means that you must wager £150 to get £100, and for odds of +150 means that you can get £150 from a stake of £100.
Decimal odds represent the total amount that you will be paid at the end of a successful win. It also includes your stake amount. An example of a decimal odd is 1.2, so for every £1 stake, you will get 1.2 x £1.
Promotions
Bookmakers offer promotions and bonuses to both their old and new customers.
The welcome offer is a kind of bonus reward for new customers who just joined a bookmaker and made their first deposits. Welcome bonuses can be a percentage match of a fixed or deposit amount. Note that the bonus must be wagered based on the specific wagering requirements ( including multiple bet)of the sports betting site before you can place a withdrawal request.
Free bets are also popular bonuses for bookmakers. The free bet offer comes in handy for customers who would like to bet without wagering their own money. Free bets are usually provided by operators of a sportsbook in a specific amount. Some bookmakers offer up to £30 in free bets while others increase theirs by giving users 3x £10 free bets. The free bets are paid as specified by the bet site, when you win the bets placed with the free bets.
Cashbacks are also prominent on any sports betting site. This bonus allows users to get a specific percentage of their losses.
Enhanced odds is another popular bonus offered by bookmakers. This type of reward is an increased than normal odds on a particular event, especially popular competitions.
Most UK bookmakers offer loyal rewards to their existing customers as a form of appreciation for staying on the betting site. Some of the bet bonus offered include free bet stakes, cashback, and other types of promotional offers stated on their respective websites.
Also, don't forget to go through all the terms and conditions attached to each of the bonuses and promotions on the betting site.
Design
It is very crucial to check the usability and the designs of a betting site before deciding to register on the platform.
Here are some helpful tips that you should bear in mind when choosing a betting site:
- Easy Navigation - When a betting site has a friendly and clear layout, it will be very easy for you to navigate to any section of the site especially, the sports betting section.
- Mobile Optimization - If the website is fully optimized for all mobile devices, then you will be able to access your betting account on the go, particularly from your mobile phone.
- Fast Loading - Check reviews online on how swift the loading times of the bookmaker are, especially during peak traffic times
- Live Betting - Check the betting site if it has an in-play section. Live betting allows users to bet with competitive odds than the usual ones attached to the events during prematch.
- Various Betting Options - Before choosing a betting site, find out if it offers a wide range of betting options.
Variety
All bookmakers offer users a broad expanse of sports events. The popular events you would find on any bookmaker are:
- Football - Football betting is the most popular form of betting on all bookmakers across the globe. Indeed, there is hardly any bookmaker you visit, that you wouldn't find a football game. There are tons of tournaments to wager on such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, EUROPA League, Serie A, and more.
- Basketball - Basketball is the next popular event after football that you will find on any bookmaker. It has various betting options in its variety of competitions such as the NBA.
- Tennis - Tennis is another popular sports event with a large fan base. It has a truckload of tournaments with increased odds such as the US Open, Wimbledon, and more.
- Horse Racing - Horse Racing is a popular sports event in the UK. It is known for its regular tournaments throughout the year.
Other sports events that you are likely to see on bookmakers include golf, MMA, Formula-1, rugby, boxing, darts, motorsports racing, esports, volleyball, handball, ice skating, beach ball, and many more others.
Mobile Options
Newly founded bookmakers have developed mobile apps as well as websites that are fully optimized for mobile betting.
Both the app and the mobile version of these bookmakers take pride in their user-friendly interface that enables users to navigate easily on the app or the betting site.
Also, bettors can seamlessly download the mobile app from the Play Store (for Android devices) and Apple Store (for iOS devices).
Also, bear in mind, that not all bookmakers have mobile apps. Some bookmakers have apps that can only be downloaded directly from their websites.
Livestreaming
Not all betting companies offer live-streaming features on their platform.
However modern top UK betting sites provide this feature to UK punters who have funded their accounts for different bets.
Live streaming allows both new and old customers to watch ongoing matches while they place their bets on a range of betting markets.
The live streaming feature is available on both websites and the apps of the bookmaker.
Apart from watching live matches, this feature can help you make informed decisions on the bet type that you should wager on.
Some bookmakers go the extra mile by adding more features to live streaming such as match stats, live betting options, and betting tips.
Customer Service
The best betting sites in the UK understand the significance of customer support, hence most of them have made it a point of duty to provide round-the-clock customer support service for users.
An online bookie that offers excellent service support will not only be trusted but also classified as one of the best online bookmakers by online betting enthusiasts.
To find the best bookmaker in the UK, consider taking a look at the factors below:
- Communication channels - Every betting site must create various means through which they can be reached. These channels can be via live can't, emails, phone calls, or social media. A good betting site provides a 24-hour customer support service to its users.
- Competent customer support team - A bookmaker's customer support staff must be knowledgeable about the betting website's products, policies, and features. This enables the efficiency and fast solution to a user query.
- Fast Response - Customer support for any online betting site must ensure that their user's queries are responded to on time. This will go a long way in keeping the user active on the bet site.
- Language - Most bookmakers offer multilingual support to their users from various parts of the world. This ensures proper communication and allows the users to get help in their preferred language.
- Partnership - Several football clubs have partnered with betting sites UK to support charitable causes. These charitable causes include, cancer awareness, educational programs, gambling policies, community programs, and more. Take, for instance, the partnership between Betway and popular football clubs has created community programs that enhance physical activity and healthy living of people living in a certain community.
Banking Options
A sports betting site must provide a broad range of banking options to make deposit and withdrawal processes very easy.
Bear in mind that each bookmaker has their specific banking methods.
- Currency - Popular UK bookmakers often accept players from other countries, so it's no surprise that they receive other currencies such as GBP, and others.
- Payment Options - Payment options used by bookmakers include e-wallets (Skrill, Paypal, Neteller, and more), debit and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa Card), and Cryptocurrencies.
- Fee Attached - By default, no bookmaker is expected to charge a fee on any user for deposits or withdrawals on their platforms. However, some payment options will require you to pay a certain fee when making a transaction. In addition, each bookmarker has its stipulated maximum and minimum deposits and withdrawal amounts.
In line with anti-money laundering and measures taken against fraudulent activities on any bookmaker, you will be asked to verify your identity and proof of address when you are about to withdraw only for the first time.
What to Look For When Choosing a Bookmaker?
When searching for the best online bookmaker to play football bet, the popular spread bet market, or other types of events on, there are certain elements that you should be in the lookout for.
These elements are:
- Trustworthiness
- Reliability
- Low risk factor
- Reputation
- Banking methods
- Licence
- Customer service
- Odds and Market
- Player Friendly with their terms and conditions
- How to sign up to an online bookmaker
- Responsible gambling, identification, and affordability check
Trustworthy
Most UK bookmakers are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This body scrutinizes their activities to enable them to provide the best gaming experience for their users. This is why the bookmakers operate transparently by complying with the regulatory requirements of the gaming authority.
Other gaming authority include Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao eGaming, Gibraltar Gaming Commission, and more.
When you see a bookmaker licenced by an appropriate body, then you can opt for it. It shows that betting bet site can be trusted to place bets on.
Low Risk
When you wager on a football betting site, it is either you win or lose the placed bets. However, the risk of you losing that bet can be minimized. Thankfully, bookmakers allow bettors to wager on analysis, team to win plus handicap, clear outcome in a match, and more. Low-risk strategy can also be used on live betting markets.
Keep in mind that when you use the low-risk strategy, your profit from a winning ticket will also reduce.
Reputable
If you want to enjoy online sports betting, then you should consider a betting platform that has high standards and is highly reputable.
You can rely on fellow bettors' reviews online about the bookmaker. If proven to be honest and transparent. Go ahead and join the betting platform.
Banking Methods
Banking methods are a vital part of any online bookmaker. No matter the amount of a new customer offer (sign up offer), or the best odds doled to you, if you do not fund your betting account, you won't be able to use them.
As mentioned earlier, there are a plethora of banking methods for bookmakers. All you need to do is go for the one that suits your preference.
Licence
It is best to stay away from an online bookmaker without a duly registered licence.
There us hardly an online sport betting site that is not regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
As explained earlier, bookmakers registered with the appropriate body can be relied on for safe betting. Examples of gaming bodies are Curacao eGaming Licence, and others.
Customer Service
Choose a UK betting site that delivers exceptional customer service to its customers.
As mentioned in one of the sections above, there are several channels available on the bookmaker that you can utilize and reach the customer support team. These communication channels range from physical addresses to live chats.
Odds and Market
The best odds guaranteed on bookmakers are often attached to popular sports events, especially during international tournaments.
Football betting remains the most common match to be wagered on. Take for instance, an EPL football match between Manchester United and Brentford. The betting odds that will be attached to the bet offers or markets of this match will be more than the usual odds.
On a gambling site, apart from football games, there are other popular tournaments for events available. These events also come with competitive odds.
Each betting site offers a broad range of markets for each of the sports events.
Player Friendly With Their Terms and Conditions
Player-friendly betting on UK sports is achievable. All you need to do when choosing from the best sites listed above is to check for their minimum and maximum amount for withdrawals and deposits.
This will influence your decision as to whether you would stick to the amount stated by the bookmaker or look for another one that suits your preference.
Players betting in the UK can also get to choose from the best bet sites that allow them to gamble with exceptionally high stakes.
How To Sign Up To an Online Bookmaker
Each bookmaker has peculiar steps to signing up on their bet sites.
Here are the popular means of registering on bookmarkers:
- One-click - This type of registration requires the new users to fill in their details on the registration page and tap on the submit button.
- Phone - Here the new users are required to register on the bookmaker via their mobile number.
- Email - All that's needed here is your email address, and your login link will be sent to mail
- Social media - This type of registration requires the new users to leverage on their social media platforms to open a betting account
Are you having difficulty with signing up on your preferred bookmaker?
Take a look at the general steps required to sign up to an online betting site:
- Login to best betting site you have selected
- Tap on the Register or Sign up button
- Fill in your correct details on the fields required
- Enter your bonus code if you have one
- Follow the instructions that pops up on the screen and complete your registration
- Finalize your sign up process by clicking on the Submit button
Responsible Gambling, Identification & Affordability Checks
If you are a new online bettor seeking to caution yourself from becoming an addicted gambler. You are in safe hands, as each site listed in this article offers self-exclusion programs and also helps users set a particular deposit limit for gambling on their websites.
In other words, responsible gambling is encouraged on bookmakers.
Identification of new customers on bookmakers begins from the signup process. New customers will be sent their activation links via their mail or phone number.
This is done to verify that you own the details you entered during registration.
Also, before your first withdrawal can be made from an online sports betting site, you must provide the following:
- Valid Id
- Passport
- Drivers License
It is important to find out the minimum deposit of your selected bookmaker. This will help you know if it is affordable for you or to try out another bookie.
Basic Rules of Betting Companies
The general rules attached to all bookmakers are as follows:
- You must be up to 18 years old or more before signing up
- You must have only one betting account on a bookmaker
- You must stick to the terms and conditions of the bookmaker regarding betting offers, bonus and promotions