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Sports Betting Online in the United Kingdom 2024

⏲️ Reading time: 26 minutes

When it comes to online sports betting in the UK, Allbets emerges as a valuable resource for betting enthusiasts. Our dedicated team has joined, tried, and tested the betting sites which we have reviewed. Based on this experience and the knowledge gained we can be confident that we bring you bookmakers with some of the best bonuses, the most competitive odds, and the widest range of sports and markets to bet on.

With each review for every site our researchers have taken them for a test drive to shed light on crucial elements such as the payment methods on offer, the site layout and ease of use, the overall odds quality, and the range of streaming services available.

List of the Best Bookmakers in the United Kingdom

Rank Bookmaker Rating Bonus Get bonus
1
4.5/5
Bonus: 100% First deposit bonus up to £170
PlayRead review
2
4.5/5
Bonus: 300% match bonus up to 4,400 BGP!
PlayRead review
3
4.3/5
Bonus: Promocode: "ALLBETS" 100% bonus up to 130€
PlayRead review
4
4.5/5
Bonus: 100% welcome bonus up to £103
PlayRead review
5
4.5/5
Bonus: Bet £15 get £10 welcome offer
PlayRead review
6
4.8/5
Bonus: Welcome Bonus Up To 270%
PlayRead review
7
4.5/5
Bonus: Welcome bonus up to 100 EUR
PlayRead review
8
4.5/5
Bonus: Welcome bonus up to 100 EUR
PlayRead review
9
4.5/5
Bonus: Welcome Bonus up to 100 EUR
PlayRead review
10
4.3/5
Bonus: Welcome Bonus up to 100 EUR
PlayRead review

Sports Betting in the United Kingdom: Getting Started

We aim to provide you with all the information you could need when it comes to gambling online in the UK. We will look at where you stand legally, what the tax implications are should you win, which are the best bookmakers for you to join and who has the biggest bonuses. To get started the first thing to do is thoroughly read this site where we hope to provide a comprehensive rundown of all you need to know. Remember that you must be a resident of the UK and over 18 years of age, with all payments coming from and going to accounts in your name. If you fit that criteria then read on.

History of Gambling in the UK

The UK has a long history of gambling and there is evidence of it taking place almost 2000 years ago with “loaded” dice found amongst the ruins at Hadrian's Wall. Since the Romans departed gambling has enjoyed phases of both legality and illegality over the years, but happily it is all perfectly legal these days. Today the UK has one of the most liberal attitudes to gambling amongst the developed world.  The positives if you are gambling in the UK are:

  1. Any winnings are completely tax free no matter how much you win or even if you are gambling professionally and it is your main source of income.
  2. It is completely legal to do, you can bet on Poker, Bingo, Sports, Casino games, Lotteries, you name it, in the UK you can bet on it legally.

How is online betting regulated in the United Kingdom?

In the UK, there are strict rules for online betting. These rules make sure it is safe and fair. They are under the UK Gambling Commission. Their first Gambling Act was in 2005. This law and its changes explain how online betting must work in the UK.

This Gambling Act changed how gambling works in the UK. It made new gambling rules. These rules stop gambling from causing crime or problems. They make sure gambling is fair and honest. They protect people who can be hurt by gambling.

To run online betting in the UK, companies need a license. This must be from the UK Gambling Commission. This Commission has strict rules. They make sure betting is fair, safe, and responsible. This includes checking ages, letting people choose not to gamble, and setting ads and special offer rules.

People who run gambling businesses must follow money rules and laws against illegal money use. The Gambling Commission checks if they are following these rules. They can pay fines, take away licenses, or take legal action against those who break the rules.

🌍 CountryUnited Kingdom
👌 LanguageEnglish
💲 CurrencyGreat British Pound (GBP)
⚽ Popular sportsFootball, horse racing, basketball, tennis, eSports
⚖️ Is betting legalYes
🏢 RegulatorThe UK Gambling Commission
🧾 Gambling taxes15% on gambling income
💳 Most popular payment methodsVisa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Bank Transfer, Cryptocurrencies

Top 5 best online betting sites in the United Kingdom

Online sports betting in the UK constantly changes. Many websites are now available. The bookmakers in the United Kingdom differ in what they offer. This section discusses what's good and good about these websites. It helps bettors know their features.

#1 MegaPari

Megapari sport betting

MegaPari is a new website in the UK for betting on sports. It has lots of sports to bet on. The site gives good chances to win and lets you bet in different ways, including betting during games. It's simple to use and takes many ways to pay. It's suitable for all bettors. MegaPari also cares about safe betting and has tools to help you bet carefully.

BonusRequirementsMinimum DepositDeposit Methods
100% bonus up to £500New Account£10Cards, Bank Transfers, E-wallets, Prepaid Cards
Pluses
  • Live chat and email customer support
  • Diverse means of payment are available
  • Quick withdrawal processing
Minuses
  • Limited live betting features

 

 

#2 22BET

22bet live betting

22BET is a popular website for online betting in the UK. They offer a large selection of sports to bet on, even rare ones. It's liked for its great odds and various betting options, like live betting. You can bet using your phone on 22BET. They accept many payment methods. They also accept cryptocurrencies.

BonusRequirementsMinimum DepositDeposit Methods
150% bonus up to £500New Account£10Cards, Bank Transfers, E-wallets, Prepaid Cards
Pluses
  • Edit Bet and Quick Bet options are available
  • Allows cryptocurrency transactions
  • Both full and partial cashout can be done
Minuses
  • The UI design is a bit out of date

 

 

#3 N1Bet

N1

N1Bet is a website for betting on sports. It is getting popular in the UK. You can bet on many sports, including big and small ones. The site gives good bonuses and deals, which people like. It is safe to use and has good help for customers. This makes betting fun and secure for everyone.

BonusRequirementsMinimum DepositDeposit Methods
100% bonus up to £1000New Account£10Cards, Bank Transfers, E-wallets, Prepaid Cards
Pluses
  • Top-tier mobile compatibility.
  • Competitive odds offering.
  • Impressive sports coverage.
Minuses
  • Limited bonus offerings.
  • Limited live streaming services.

 

 

#4 HeySpin

heyspin

HeySpin is a sports betting site that lets UK people bet on sports. It's easy to use and mixes eSports games and sports betting in one place. HeySpin has many sports to bet on, good odds, and often has special deals. They focus on helping customers and making sure betting is safe.

BonusRequirementsMinimum DepositDeposit Methods
150% bonus up to £500New Account£10Cards, Bank Transfers, E-wallets, Prepaid Cards
Pluses
  • Combines sports betting and eSports games
  • Strong customer support
  • Prioritizes responsible gambling
Minuses
  • Sports betting options are less extensive

 

 

#5 888Starz

888Starz

888Starz is a unique betting website in the UK. It uses blockchain technology in its work. It lets people bet on many sports, big and small. The odds are good, and there are different ways to bet. 888Starz gives users cryptocurrency tokens as rewards for betting. Its use of technology and features that focus on users makes it popular with people who know much about tech.

BonusRequirementsMinimum DepositDeposit Methods
250% bonus up to £1000New Account£10Cards, Bank Transfers, E-wallets, Prepaid Cards
Pluses
  • Incorporates blockchain technology
  • A broad selection of sports and markets
  • Appeals to tech-savvy bettors
Minuses
  • Blockchain features may be complex for traditional bettors

 

What do we take into account when choosing the best bookmaker in the United Kingdom?

The Allbets team follows a comprehensive and rigorous process in evaluating the best betting sites in the United Kingdom. This ensures that only the best platforms are recommended. Here's an overview of our key considerations:

  • History & Backing

    If a bookmaker has been in business for generations, then there is a good chance that it will be around for a fair bit longer as well. This steadfastness is something that we rate highly as there is nothing, and we do mean nothing, worse than simply losing all of your money because a bookmaker goes out of business. We have been there, and it hurts. Linked to this a lot can be read into who is backing them and what are their financial resources like. Whilst this information can sometimes be hard to find when it is available we take it into account.

    Safety icon
  • Great Value Odds

    When you are gambling there is at the end of the day only one thing that can turn a losing player into a winning player, and vice versa, and that is the odds. At the very least having better odds will allow you to keep playing for longer and get more bang for your buck. Odds at bookmakers are the equivalent of the price you pay for things in other shops. Having better odds is the same as having lower prices.

    Odds icon
  • Promotions & Bonuses

    Linked to our previous point about the odds the only other thing that can increase the value of your bets, and at a minimum allow you to keep playing for longer, is the number and quality of promotions and bonuses available. Anywhere that has loyalty clubs offering refunds on losses, or Free bet rewards, are going to be better value than a bookmaker who does not.

    Bonuses and Promotions icon
  • Range of Sports & Markets

    There is no point in having a betting account if you are unable to actually place the bets that you want to. It should be obvious then that we would rank most highly the bookmakers who cover the largest range of sports, not just the mainstream ones but also offer bets on E-sports, political markets, popular TV shows and the like. Not only should every sport be available but within each match there should be a huge range of markets to choose from, the more the better.

    Type of Sports icon
  • In-Play Betting product

    Long gone are the days when a bet would be placed hours or days before the event start time and then that would be it until the event finished. These days you can place bets right up to the final whistle, using “in-play” betting. It is a fast paced betting format enjoyed by many due to the increased odds swings and the faster betting turnaround. Bookmakers that have the most games available for potential in-play betting and the largest number of markets and the highest odds will score well.

    Make a bet icon
  • Live streaming availability

    As well as betting on an event it is always convenient, as well as entertaining, to watch the event unfold yourself. This is made available at a number of bookmakers who offer live streaming of a number of sporting events. The most common in the UK is the availability of Horse Races, but other sports such as tennis, basketball, and even selected football matches can viewed too. Often the only requirement is having money in your betting account and possibly having placed a bet on the event.

    Live Streaming icon
  • Choice of payment methods

    Being able to move money in and out of betting sites quickly, securely, and without fees is something all good bookmakers should be able to provide. We give credit to the operators that provide the most choice and flexibility to their customers, supporting a range of methods with low minimum requirements.

    Payment Options icon
  • Customer Service Quality

    Customer service can be something that makes or breaks any experience and the bookmakers that provide the most contact methods, preferably 24 hours a day and connecting quickly to agents that can actually help is what we are looking for.

    Customer Support icon
  • History & Reputation

    Although the past is not necessarily going to repeat itself, it can be used as a guide. Those bookmakers who have garnered a good reputation over a number of years will be the most likely to keep that reputation going.

    Rating icon

How to get started betting online in the UK?

Getting started betting online in the UK is relatively quick and simple to do. The key steps to follow are:

  • Research
    step 1

    Read the reviews and select a bookmaker that looks right for you. Then sign up and open an account at that betting site.

  • Deposit
    step 2

    Deposit money into your account, using your preferred payment method.

  • Find your game
    step 3

    Navigate to the sport and specific game or match that you wish to bet on.

  • Choose your bets
    step 4

    If the odds available are agreeable, then click on your selection, add your desired stake amount, and place the bet.

  • Enjoy
    step 5

    Now you can watch the games and cheer on your selections, soon you will know whether you won or lost.

Popular Sports for Betting in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom boasts a rich sports tapestry and some are synonymous with the betting culture but others not so much. Whilst individual tastes and preferences vary, four sports have been high on the agenda of British punters in 2024:

  • Football

    Football is comfortably the most popular sport in the UK and the Premier League is a brand with a global following. Recent data suggests that the most number of wagers placed are on football related bets. The UK domestic football season runs from early August through to May each year, with the potential for more games in between either if there is an international tournament taking place, or sometimes even pre-season friendlies can be bet on. For UK bookmakers football is the sport which they provide the most markets for, with results, handicaps, payer props, etc, etc, betting options. It is also the most likely sport that they will cover “in-play” and with a depth of markets at competitive odds.

    Football icon
  • Horse Racing

    Horse racing, colloquially known as the “Sport of Kings”, is the sport that has the most money bet on it each year in the UK. Perhaps uniquely, it is the betting industry that supports and keeps the sport of horse racing going and the two are irrevocably intertwined. The most famous of UK horse races is the Grand National which takes place in early April each year and is seen as the ultimate test in endurance, speed, skill, and strength. There are other popular events such as the Cheltenham festival and Royal Ascot week, as well as individual race meetings across the country every single day.

    Horse Racing icon
  • Tennis

    Perhaps surprisingly Tennis is reported to be the third most popular sport to bet on in the UK. The most obvious tennis tournament is Wimbledon and the revival of British tennis celebrities in recent years, be it Andy Murray or Emma Radacanu, would be magnets to the sport. Bettors are likely to be attracted to the fast paced nature of the sport, and how odds can fluctuate wildly and often from point to point, game to game, and set to set.

    Tennis icon
  • Cricket

    Cricket is mainly a summer sport, but there's always betting action because of its vibrant fan base. The ultimate form of the competition, test matches, translate nicely to betting markets since they provide days of careful planning and suspenseful conclusions. Another popular Twenty20 style drawing in a new generation of gamblers is the shorter, faster-paced variation.

    Cricket icon

Best Betting Bonuses in the UK

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    Welcome Bonus up to 220,000BCD
    BC.Game is a betting site founded in 2017 and offers incredible sports betting services. You can bet on more than…
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    Introduction Established eighteen years ago on November 7th, Dafabet is a prestigious bookmaker, well known among UK players and other…
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    Introduction NetBet is one of the best gambling platforms in the UK. The online bookmaker offers highly competitive odds on…
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    Introduction Since its establishment in 2002, 32Red has continuously proven its dedication to offering top-notch online betting services to gamblers…
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    Introduction This bookmaker site was launched in 2017 and has grown into one of the best sportsbooks in the United…
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    Introduction There are hardly any online bookmakers with better services than LVbet in the UK. This sportsbook is owned by…

New Betting Sites in the United Kingdom October 2024

Each day, the online sports betting industry expands. Let us now review a few best new betting sites in the United Kingdom.

  • 🔝 MegaPari: This is a new online sports betting site in the UK. It stands out by offering many sports and ways to bet. They cover sports events worldwide, let you bet live, and have good odds. MegaPari is straightforward. It works well on phones. It is excellent for all types of bettors.
  • ⚽️ 22BET: This is a new online betting site in the UK. It is popular because it has many sports to bet on. This includes some not-so-common ones. The site is easy to use. It has good odds. It also has many betting options. 22BET focuses on good customer service. It has lots of payment options for its users.
  • 🏆 N1Bet: This is a popular online sports betting site in the UK. It is known for being new and modern. They have an extensive list of sports to bet on. It offers good chances to win. It also has many betting options. People like the site because it is simple. It also has special deals for bettors.
  • 📈 HeySpin: HeySpin is a new online sports betting site in the UK. It focuses on sports betting and. It has many sports to bet on with good odds. It also offers live betting. HeySpin's website is easy to use and safe. It is suitable for both new and regular bettors.
  • 888Starz: 888Starz is a new website in the UK. It mixes sports betting with blockchain technology. You can bet on many sports. The featured sports include popular sports. They also feature less common ones. It also uses digital money. 888Starz is known for being safe, easy to use, and modern.

Best sports betting apps in the United Kingdom

In this part, we talk about online sports betting in the UK. We look at the top three websites. We give a short description of their phone apps. We talk about what makes betting apps unique, how easy they are to use, and their different betting choices.

#1 MegaPari App

The MegaPari app in the UK is easy to use and has many betting choices. You can bet on many sports, like football, horse racing, and even rare sports. It lets you bet on games as they happen. The app has many ways to pay and offers game stats and past results to help you bet better.

4.8/5
100% welcome bonus up to £100
Pluses
  • Live chat and email customer support
  • Diverse means of payment are available
  • Quick withdrawal processing
Minuses
  • Limited live betting features

 

#2 22BET App

The 22BET mobile app is popular in the UK. It has an extensive sportsbook with many sports, including popular and less-known ones. The app looks good and is easy to use for everyone. People can bet on live sports and watch them in the app. 22BET is safe and lets users easily put in and take out money.

4.5/5
100% welcome bonus up to £103
Pluses
  • Edit Bet and Quick Bet options are available
  • Allows cryptocurrency transactions
  • Both full and partial cashout can be done
Minuses
  • The UI design is a bit out of date

 

#3 N1Bet App

The N1Bet mobile app in the UK has a new-style design and many ways to bet. It has many sports, like esports, that young people like. You can bet live and get the newest odds. The app is easy to use. It is suitable for new and regular bettors.

4.5/5
300% match bonus up to 4,400 BGP!
Pluses
  • Top-tier mobile compatibility.
  • Competitive odds offering.
  • Impressive sports coverage.
Minuses
  • Limited bonus offerings.
  • Limited live streaming services.

How to Deposit at United Kingdom Betting Sites?

When it comes to “How to” deposit at UK sites it is the same process as everywhere else in the world, and we will detail the basic steps below. The difference between different countries is not so much how it is done, but which payment methods are accepted and can therefore be used.

In the UK to deposit at any betting site the process is basically the same, assuming that you already have an account then you must follow these steps:

  1. Click on either the quick link to “Deposit” that most sites have or otherwise go to your “my account” section.
  2. From here select banking, and then that you wish to deposit.
  3. Select the relevant method that you wish to use
  4. If this is your first time depositing add the relevant payment details and the amount that you wish to put into the betting site. If you deposited before you need just enter the amount.
  5. Click submit, and the money will be transferred to your gambling account, usually instantly.

Where betting sites differ, both in terms of the UK compared to the rest of the world and also between UK sites themselves  is which payment methods are accepted. The main options that you will find are:

Debit Cards (Visa & Mastercard)
PayPal
Neteller
Skrill
Paysafecard
Paybyphone
MuchBetter
Google Pay
Apple Pay

There are Pros and cons to each, but as a rule, we generally advise that using a debit card the first time you deposit into an account, and then your E-wallet of choice for all subsequent deposits, is the best thing to do.

  • Visa&Mastercard payment logo
    Credit/Debit Cards
  • skrill Betting Sites
    E-Wallets
  • Paysafecard payment logo
    Prepaid Cards
  • Bank Transfer payment logo
    Bank Transfers

Cards: UK betting companies widely use Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro debit cards. They are fast; you can use them right away. They usually don't have extra fees. But, your bank might limit how much you can spend on gambling.

E-wallets: E-wallets are fast and private. They are suitable for quick deposits. They are safe and keep your bank details hidden from the betting site. You might get special bonuses, but watch out for extra fees with some e-wallets and money types.

Prepaid Cards: Paysafecard and PayPoint let you deposit money safely, which suits those who watch their spending. You buy vouchers for a certain amount, then use the PIN on the betting site to add that money. You don't need to give your bank details; you can only use the amount on the card, which helps with safe gambling. But these cards usually let you deposit less money than other ways.

Bank Transfers: Bank transfers are safe ways to send money. They might not be speedy. It can take a few minutes to a few hours. Your bank might charge fees. This method is suitable for extensive deposits or using regular bank transfers.

Payment OptionsDeposit TimeWithdrawal TimeDeposit Limits (£) Withdrawal Limits (£)
VisaInstant to 2 hoursInstant to 2 hours10 – 1000010 – 100000
PayPalInstant to 2 hoursInstant to 2 hours10 – 500010 – 50000
PayPointInstant to 2 hoursInstant to 2 hours10 – 50010 – 500
Bank TransferUp to 24 hoursUp to 24 hours10 – 10000010 – 100000

The Future of Online Betting in the United Kingdom

Nobody has a crystal ball to help them accurately predict the future but current trends showing where things are heading can be a good guide. The future of online betting in the UK is fairly healthy with no main political party doing any campaigning to change its status as a legitimate source of entertainment. Regulation has been outsourced to the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) who have the responsibility to regulate the individuals and businesses that provide gambling in Great Britain (including the National Lottery).

There will likely be a continued effort to protect children from the harms of gambling and continued restrictions on advertising, including via social as well as mainstream media. Alongside this, there is also likely to be more responsible gambling initiatives made compulsory, such as customers having to prove they can afford to lose the amounts that they are losing. This trend is being pushed back against by both the industry and players but it is the way things are heading.

As for the betting sites themselves, there is likely to be more integration between watching sports and betting on them via their mobile apps. There are going to be more and more markets available, usually settling mid-match resulting in a faster turnaround between placing a bet and getting the result. Always on the lookout for innovative features that set them apart, the bookmakers will invest heavily in technology to increase the entertainment they are offering.

 

Responsible Gambling in Sports Betting in the United Kingdom

“Responsible Gambling” is a catch-all phrase that generally refers to gambling for fun, with amounts of money that you can afford to lose, and spending a sensible amount of time doing so.  It can be summed up as gambling in a way that does not have any noticeable negative effects on any other areas of life

The bookmakers themselves are increasingly adding more and more responsible gambling tools to players' accounts, giving options to limit and restrict the amount of money and length of time someone can use the account. There is also usually the option for a player to “Self-exclude” themselves, either temporarily or permanently from using a site as well. Notable responsible gambling tools that you could expect to find are:

  • Self Exclusion
  • Time limit settings
  • Deposit limit settings
  • Time Out notifications

If you ever find yourself gambling more than you are comfortable with there are a number of organisations in the UK that you can turn to for help. These are:

 

Betting in the United Kingdom: Conclusion

Sports betting in the United Kingdom is thriving. It appeals to both domestic and international bettors. They are keenly interested in popular sports like football, cricket, and horse racing. The convenience of online betting enhances the overall experience for enthusiasts.

  • Megapari: Various betting options 🌍
  • 22Bet: User-Friendly interface and excellent customer service 🌟
  • N1bet: Innovative features and competitive odds ⚽
  • HeySpin: Best VIP Program promotions 🎁
  • 888Starz: Integrates betting with blockchain technology 🚀

The UK has one of the oldest and most developed gambling industries in the world. Players have a wide range of places to play which ensures quality is maintained through market competition and there are also effective regulations in place. You will find many interesting promotions and bonuses available to new and existing players, as well as added features such as live streaming of sporting events and in-house content with game previews and tips. It is quick and simple to deposit and withdraw winnings with multiple methods freely available. If you ever find your gambling becoming a problem then the issue is taken seriously and there are organisations in place to help. Overall the UK is an excellent place for online gamblers, striking a great balance between effective regulatory controls and the freedom to bet on almost everything from anywhere and at any time. Good Luck.

FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions
  • Yes. Betting on sports is legal in the UK provided you are over 18 years of age and use your own funds when making a deposit.

  • You must be over 18 years old to gamble in the UK.

  • To bet online in the UK you must register an account, navigate to the sport you wish to bet on, make your choice if the odds are acceptable to you, then enter your stake amount and click submit. It is as easy as that.

  • Yes. Many people have won money from gambling online but almost always they had to risk real money first in order to do so.

  • No. You do not have to use an app. You can bet on a desktop computer or phone using just your internet browser.

Author
Jarin Ahmed
Like many aspiring writers, Jarin focuses on bringing life to the text for her readers. She is an avid sports lover, growing up in a family obsessed with bookies. She is an expert in the iGaming niche and has secondary obsessions with Gardening and cooking.
Article rating
4.7/5
39 votes

Team Members

  • CEO Martins Lasmanis
    Martins Lasmanis
    CEO
    With more than 10 years of experience in online marketing, and special focus on the gambling affiliation sector over 5 years, Martin Lasmanis is a true expert in his niche. Today, Martin's vision is to build the largest lead generator company in the world. Fortunately, we have the perfect team to make his dream come true!
  • Head of Affiliates - Arturs Korolkovs
    Arturs Korolkovs
    Head of Affiliates
    Marketing specialist with 3 years of experience in affiliate and social media marketing in the iGaming industry. His deep understanding of the industry and a proven track record of driving growth make him an important "player" on the team.
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