Sports fans in the UK have countless opportunities to place online bets on local and international sporting events. It can be challenging to distinguish legitimate and reliable sites from the fraudulent ones. Therefore, in this review, you will learn about the best betting sites in the United Kingdom. All of them are legal, and they all offer multiple bonuses and lucrative promos, alongside numerous sports and trusted payment options. Users in the UK will learn more about these top-tier bookmakers. We will compare them and help readers identify the right choice for them.
By reading this guide to the best betting sites in the UK, you will learn about the various benefits and will be able to make informed decisions to wager with real funds!
These days, there is no need for bettors in the UK to visit betting shops to place wagers. Everything happens online, and it’s really easy to register. Although there are many options out there, users need to stick to the best sports betting platforms to ensure they stay safe. Below are a few examples of decent betting platforms:
These bookmakers can all be recommended for users in the United Kingdom.
Is Sports Betting Legal in the United Kingdom?
The basis of the legality of betting in Britain is horse racing. This sport has been popular for hundreds of years, and this led to the legalisation and regulation of betting in general. The first regulations for this industry appeared in Great Britain in the middle of the twentieth century. This was called the UK Betting and Gaming Act of 1960.
The Act made betting shops legal in the country. It allowed them to become the mainstays of British high streets. However, in the late twentieth century, the digitalisation of the industry began, and betting went online. This caused a boom, with multiple platforms allowing users to place wagers on football, cricket, tennis, rugby, and many other sports.
The next update to the Betting and Gaming Act happened in 1968. It was focused on reducing the number of betting and gambling venues operating on the market. The Act was amended in 2005, leading to the creation of the UK Gambling Commission as a regulator. In 2014, the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act was reviewed and amended again, closing possible loopholes for offshore betting operators.
🌏Country
The United Kingdom
📢Language
English
⚽Popular Sports
football, tennis, rugby, cricket, boxing
💲Currency
GBP
⚖️Is Betting Legal?
It is legal and regulated by the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act
🏛️Regulator
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
📜 Gambling Taxes
No
💸Most popular payment options
Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Bank transfers, mobile money, eWallets, and Cryptocurrencies
An overview of the best betting sites in the UK
We performed thorough research and tested many of the bookmakers available to bettors in the UK. Based on the materials and data we uncovered, we selected the 5 best online bookmakers in the United Kingdom. In this blog post, you can read detailed descriptions of them to help you select the one that best fits your criteria.
GGBet
The GGBet tops our ranking because it is an excellent platform that covers many sporting championships and competitions. Users can choose from over 10 trusted payment methods and claim lucrative bonus deals. All the content is also optimised for smaller screens and provides easy access to all of the features. At GGBet, support is always online to give quick responses and provide guidance.
GGBet Betting Site
🌐Official Website
https://ggbet.co.uk/
🎁Welcome Bonus
No welcome bonus
⚽Sport
30+
💲Payment Options
Electronic wallets, bank transfers, credit/debit cards
💸Minimum Deposit 💸Minimum Deposit
£10
🏦Minimum Withdrawal
£10
GGBet has many benefits, and our team only detected one flaw while testing the features and options:
Pluses
Good odds for the English Premier League, La Liga, and NBA events
1xbet Bookmaker is an excellent choice for those who wish to make wagers on less popular sports and even political events. Punters will find 15+ reliable payment options, and they can explore the 1xbet promo store. They can also claim various generous bonus offers, including the welcome pack.
1xBet Betting Site
🌐Official Website
https://1xbet.com/en
🎁Welcome Bonus
100% of up to £100
⚽Sport
35+
💲Payment Options
Bank transfers, cryptocurrency, eWallets, Visa, Neteller, Paysafecard
💸Minimum Deposit
£1
🏦Minimum Withdrawal
£1.50
This bookmaker also has a couple of disadvantages, which can be easily compensated for by the many advantages it offers its users:
This betting brand has been in the market since 2020. It has an extensive sports section with tons of international championships and competitions you can choose for betting. The bookmaker also has a convenient betting platform with clear and intuitive navigation and a simple layout. Newbies can choose from the welcome offers depending on their preferences.
Parimatch Betting Site
🌐Official Website
https://www.parimatch.co.uk/en-gb/
🎁Welcome Bonus
£20 in free bets on any sport
⚽Sport
30+
💲Payment Options
Debit/credit cards, Apple Pay
💸Minimum Deposit
£5
🏦Minimum Withdrawal
£5
PariMatch Bookmaker is in our ranking due to its long list of benefits and only two downsides:
This bookmaker allows users in the UK to access all the latest major sporting events. Punters can claim extra bonuses and enjoy a huge variety of markets and games. The website has a standard grid that helps newly registered users find options and championships. Moreover, the bookmaker regularly extends its sportsbook content to offer its users more interesting competitions and tournaments.
Betfred Betting Site
🌐Official Website
https://www.betfred.com/
🎁Welcome Bonus
3 bets for £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets
⚽Sport
20+
💲Payment Options
Bank cards, eWallets, prepaid vouchers, instant bank transfers
💸Minimum Deposit
£5
🏦Minimum Withdrawal
£5
This bookmaker also has a long list of benefits that clearly outweigh the downsides:
MegaPari provides its punters with all the tools they need, such as live betting, constant generous bonus deals, multiple payment methods, and more. Newbies can count on receiving a lucrative sign-up deal that will help them place free bets and explore the rich sports section on the platform. The platform also supports a number of trusted payment providers.
MegaPari Betting Site
🌐Official Website
https://megapari.com/en
🎁Welcome Bonus
100% bonus of £80
⚽Sport
35+
💲Payment Options
Bank cards, prepaid vouchers, eWallets, cryptocurrency
💸Minimum Deposit
£1
🏦Minimum Withdrawal
£1.50
The platform has a long string of benefits and only a couple of downsides:
Comparison of the Best Online Bookmakers in the United Kingdom
Here, we can sum up the information about the top online bookmakers available in the United Kingdom.
Bookmakers
Number of Sports
Welcome Bonus
Live Betting
Mobile App
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Withdrawal
30+
No welcome bonus
Yes
Yes
£10
£10
35+
100% up to £100
Yes
Yes
£1
£1.50
30+
£20 in free bets on any sport
Yes
Yes
£5
£5
20+
3 stakes for £10 each with free sports bets & 2 x £10 in Acca free bets
Yes
Yes
£5
£5
35+
100% sign-up deal of up to £80
Yes
Yes
£1
£1.50
How Do We Review Betting Sites in the UK?
Our team always focuses on parameters that help to establish the reliability and trustworthiness of a bookmaker:
multiple betting markets and high odds;
beneficial and attractive bonuses and promotions;
betting app or optimised mobile platform;
a wide variety of reliable payment methods;
helpful and fast customer care.
More information about each of them is provided in the text.
Betting Markets and Odds
Our assessment includes a detailed evaluation of the most popular betting markets, such as 1x2 and Double Chance, and more complicated ones, such as Handicap, indicating that the platform in question will cater to both newbies and more experienced bettors. Moreover, the better the odds offered, the more profit punters can get.
Security and Trustworthiness
The reliability of a bookmaker is essential because punters should feel comfortable wagering without worrying that their data will be stolen or exposed. Trusted bookies usually use SSL certification technology that encrypts all sensitive data. Moreover, they may allow users to set up a 2-factor security option to enhance the protection of their accounts.
Bonuses and Promotions
We also focus on the availability and variety of promotions for long-term punters and newbies. The more generous the welcome bonus, the higher this bookmaker is in our rating. It is also important to check the number of bonus deals on the platform.
Mobile & Sport Betting Apps
We also check if the platform is optimised for smaller mobile screens and if it provides the same content, including the sports and features of the standard website. Moreover, if a bookmaker has applications for mobile devices, such as those running on iOS and Android, it will undoubtedly rank higher.
Payment Methods
A wide variety of proven payment methods is another aspect we focus on when evaluating a bookmaker. It can get higher in our rating if it cooperates with reputable financial providers that are familiar to UK users. This variety will ensure that every bettor can find a convenient and suitable option.
Customer Support
You should be able to get help from a qualified specialist when you need it, especially when you are a newbie. Therefore, our betting experts thoroughly evaluate these criteria, including the number of communication channels available, waiting times, operating hours of support, availability, and more.
Best New Betting Sites in the UK in December 2024
Even though sports betting is legal in the UK, there’s still a risk that newly launched platforms will be fraudulent. That is why here we publish an expert ranking of new betting sites:
Casino Infinity. This bookie started operating in 2023. It offers useful betting options such as a cashout feature, live mode, bet builder, and live statistics. Punters can place wagers on over 50 sports.
N1bet. The bookmaker was launched on the betting market in 2021. It allows UK users to place stakes on over 40 disciplines, claim a lucrative welcome offer, and choose from a huge lineup of betting markets. It also has convenient apps for mobile users.
888Starz. The platform began operating in 2020. It offers UK users a convenient and easy-to-access website with plenty of sports to bet on. Newbies can grab a beneficial welcome deal.
22Bet. The bookmaker has operated since 2017 and provides its users with over 15 sports, multiple international events, and many generous lucrative freebies. The brand also supports numerous payment methods and fast withdrawals.
HeySpin Sportsbook and Casino. It was launched in 2017 and boasts odds on 40 different sports. Users can choose from a broad range of markets and place bets from their portable devices via the bookmaker’s app.
Each of the bookmakers mentioned has a solid and trusted licence and provides users with many other benefits.
Bonuses You May Get on Betting Sites in the United Kingdom
Bonuses are the freebies many new and regular punters can claim when making deposits and fulfilling other conditions. These are some of the aspects bookmakers like to highlight to attract new customers to their platforms. So, let’s take a look at the bonuses you will find on the betting websites that are available for UK users:
Sign-up or welcome bonus. This freebie is valid exclusively for newbies, and they can only claim it once. In most cases, punters need to top up their accounts for the first time to activate the reward.
Free bets. This is one of the forms of bonuses bookmaker may grant their users. Generally, to activate the deal, users must also deposit money on a certain day and time. These can be included in the welcome pack or be a part of other promotions available on the website.
Accumulator and other boosts. This type of reward can grant punters greater rewards if they decide to build an accumulator bet. The offer may only be valid for a limited number of competitions and events.
Recurring deals. Regular promos are available for long-term punters at certain times. Users can claim them every day, week, or month.
Every deal will have clear rules and requirements, and you can find these in the descriptions. In the table, you will see the 5 bookmakers with the most generous offers:
When you bet online, it is important to be sure that the platform you choose is solid and legitimate. Therefore, one of the vital criteria here is to check the list of financial providers the bookmaker works with. If you see reputable and familiar companies, you can be sure the bookie you’re considering is trustworthy. Below, you can check our list of the best payment options:
Payment Option
Type
Deposit Limits
Deposit/Withdrawal
Payment Commission
eWallet
£10 – £10,000
✅/✅
0
eWallet
£10 – £10,000
✅/✅
0
eWallet
£10 – £10,000
✅/✅
1.5% – 1.5%
Crypro
0.0001 BTC – unlimited
✅/✅
0
Paypal
Skrill
Bitcoin
Neteller
How to Sign Up to an Online Betting Site
Bookmakers allow users to join their platforms only after they complete the registration process. Generally, this is a quick procedure that requires little time and personal information. Here are some instructions that you can follow to sign up:
1
Click on the “Register” or “Join” button to start the registration process.
2
Fill in the empty boxes with your personal information, such as your email address.
3
Specify your name, date of birth, phone number, and some other data.
4
Create a reliable password.
5
Verify your mobile phone number. Confirm your registration using a code received from the bookmaker. Now, your account will be ready to use
You don’t need to spend much time on the sign-up process at the best bookmaker platforms. Once you are registered, you can make your first deposit and start placing bets on various sporting events. To log in, use your password and phone number. If everything is okay, you will enter your profile immediately. If you run into any issues, you can ask support for help via live chat or email.
How to Place a Bet at a UK Sportsbook
Punters can easily place wagers on any of the sports available on the platform. They can do this either from their laptops and PCs or from their portable devices. The process is simple and intuitive. Follow the instructions to place a bet using any of the best platforms available in the UK:
1
Open the “Games” section and choose a competition or a tournament that you’re interested in.
2
Next, check out the betting markets and make your selection based on your expected outcomes.
3
Indicate the amount you wish to bet and confirm your wager.
4
After the game is finished, you can see the results in your betting history. If you win, the reward will automatically be credited to your balance.
When you win enough money, you can simply withdraw it from your betting account. However, to do this, you need to complete the verification procedure. This is not complicated, but it will require you to submit some official documents, such as a scan of your passport or driving license. After you complete this step successfully, you can receive your winnings.
Betting Sites Features
Sports betting sites offer a number of additional features for their users. Some platforms allow them to place live bets, wager from mobile devices, or even watch live streams:
Bookmaker
Live Streams
Cashout
Live Score
Fast Bet
Virtual Sports
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
How Popular Is Mobile Betting in the United Kingdom?
Based on the statistics, over 50% of bettors in Great Britain choose to place wagers from their mobile devices. That is why many reputable wagering platforms allow their users to download applications or use websites that are optimised for smaller screens. These provide a consistent experience, and there’s no learning curve when switching from the desktop version. Punters have access to all the same features and options.
Best Betting Apps
Mobile apps allow users to place wagers on various sports when they’re out and about. However, this is not the only advantage you get with the best mobile applications.
1xBet App
This bookmaker knows how to deliver full service. It offers two functional applications that allow punters to wager for real money, make deposits, and claim multiple bonus deals.
1xBet App Bonus
How to Download
Runs on
Deposit Options
100%, up to £100
From the bookmaker’s website
iOS/Android
eWallets, bank cards, crypto, bank transfers.
Skybet App
The platform allows its users to wager using their portable devices. Punters can claim generous betting offers and access all the other options and content that are available on the desktop version.
SkyBet App Bonus
How to Download
Runs on
Deposit Options
No app bonus for new customers
From the official website
iOS/Android
Electronic wallets, bank cards, bank transfers.
BetUK App
This is one of the best bookmarks available in the UK. It offers an innovative application with lucrative bonuses and promotions. Punters can download and install it easily. They get full access to all the games and events on the platform.
BetUK App Bonus
How to Download
Runs on
Deposit Options
£30 in free bets
From the official website
iOS/Android
Electronic wallets, bank cards, bank transfers.
Live Betting
When users can place predictions on events that are in progress, it is called live betting. This adds excitement to wagering because gamblers can bet in real time. It is usually more beneficial than placing a pre-match stake. Bettors can observe the situation on the pitch and make corresponding predictions.
Live Streaming
Only the very best bookmakers in the UK can offer their bettors the chance to stream live events. This significantly improves the user experience and can even increase the chance of a win.
Sports for Betting in the UK
Generally, bookmakers that accept punters in the UK offer a wide range of popular sports, such as:
Football
Basketball
Tennis
Cricket
Golf
Rugby
Volleyball
Cybersports
Horse racing
Formula 1
Punters are not limited in terms of their choices.
Popular Types of Bets in the UK
UK bettors like to use a wide variety of betting markets to place wagers, depending on their skills and experience. Some beginners prefer to place simple wagers, while experienced users make more complex ones, such as accumulators and even system bets.
The range of betting markets users can choose from to build their predictions includes:
1x2;
handicap;
over/under;
odds/even;
double chance, etc.
Punters can choose any of them. Football is the sport that features the most markets.
Our Online Betting Tips for New Gamblers
Users who start wagering on sports with real money can benefit from betting tips to help them avoid making mistakes. So, below, you can check out the recommendations made by our professional team that will help you bet without running into issues:
Bet responsibly. Always monitor the amount of time you spend wagering, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Manage your budget. Keep an eye on your bankroll and spread it out instead of risking it all at once.
Choose bookmakers with higher odds. Different bookies offer different odds. These depend on many factors, so you need to compare them and select the ones that are the most profitable for you.
Learn how to place more complex wagers. Single bets will never give you the best odds and winnings. Therefore, try to place more complicated wagers that include several outcomes. This will give you a chance to win more.
Bet on the home team to win. In many cases, the home team has an advantage.
You can notice applying these tips will improve your overall betting experience.
Sports Betting in the United Kingdom: A Quick Summary
Now it’s time to sum up all the facts from the review:
Placing sports bets can be highly addictive. Despite the fact that it brings joy and excitement, sports betting can have negative consequences. That is why you need to wager responsibly and control your budget and the time you spend wagering. This will help you stay disciplined and avoid addiction. If you feel you are becoming addicted, you can contact the following organisations for support:
BeGambleAware;
GamCare;
Gamblers Anonymous.
Betting brands know about this problem, so they provide their customers with proven tools and methods to help them protect themselves:
self-exclusion;
cool down period;
help from professional organisations;
time limits;
betting limits.
The majority of these methods can be activated via support; punters just need to send a request to activate them. Generally, the list of available options can be found in the footer of any platform. This is also where these sites list details of organisations that can provide users with qualified help and guidance.
FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions
According to our experts, the top 5 bookmakers in the UK are GGBet, Megapari, Parimatch, 1xBet, and N1Bet.
You need to sign up as a bookmaker and log into your profile. Then, top up your betting account, choose a game, and place a bet.
With the majority of the best UK bookmakers, you can claim a welcome bonus. It is usually activated after you make your first deposit.
You need to track your spending and the time you dedicate to betting. If you notice that you are experiencing any signs of addiction, you need to contact support and use their responsible betting tools.
Professional casino content writer with 5 years of experience. He has been privileged to work with many popular casino brands, which are mostly ghostwritten. He’s a casino player and punter too, and has helped many players to get most out of gambling.
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