Best betting sites UK: Top bookmakers for June 2024

THERE are hundreds of betting sites out there, but finding the right one isn’t easy.

Deposit money into the wrong one and you could see your fortunes disappear faster than Man City’s famous halftime Fabulous Fan Fayre pie. Fortunately, I’m here to help you find the best betting sites.

Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here

I’ve been betting and writing about it for over 10 years, so I know a nap from an underdog. Stick with me for the next few minutes, and I’ll not only reveal the 10 best betting sites UK customers can use, but how to get over £1,000 worth of free bets. 

🌟 My top picks for betting sites

OK, so before I give you my recommendations for where to bet on specific sports at the best betting sites we work with. I obviously need to justify these picks by giving you a complete overview of each bookmaker. With that being said, here are my top 11 betting sites from our partners UK customers can use and why I think they’re the top of the game. 

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📋 How I rank the best betting sites

Members are the lifeblood of any betting site, and catering to their needs is essential for success. Settlement procedures must be seamless and transparent, ensuring prompt and accurate payouts for bet settlement. Slot bonuses add an extra layer of excitement, offering players incentives to keep spinning and winning.

There are plenty of betting sites UK customers can use. In fact, there’s so much choice that it’s tough to know where to start. I've been in the gambling business for more than 15 years. Personally, I’ve been using, reviewing and comparing online betting sites since 2012. I’ve seen companies come and go. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Which brand can make the cut for the best betting sites list and which can't?

Therefore, I’m more than qualified to separate the best online bookies from the rest. In tandem with my colleagues, I thoroughly test gambling platforms from top to bottom. This means I go through the registration process, claim the welcome bonus and place bets. This gives me a direct experience of what the best betting site should look like.  

I should also point out that I don’t just click around a betting site without a clear aim. Me and my team of fellow reviewers have a system for reviewing sports betting sites. There isn’t time to outline what I look for specifically in each category. What I can do, however, is outline the features I assess each time I review an online bookmaker:

🔒 Security

I make sure a sportsbook is legal, safe and legit by checking these credentials:

• Best betting sites must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission
• Independently regulated
• SSL encryption
• Brand recognition and reputation
• Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here

⚽ Sports betting markets

Special events like the Cheltenham Festival offer unique betting opportunities, with specialized markets and bet types designed to enhance the excitement for punters. Set markets ensure clarity and fairness in wagering, while promotional incentives like bonus tokens sweeten the deal for bettors. Variety is the spice of life, so I make sure the best betting sites cover as many sports as possible and, in turn, offer quality odds by assessing these variables:

Variety is the spice of life, so I make sure the best betting sites cover as many sports as possible and, in turn, offer quality odds by assessing these variables:

• Variety of sports
• Variety of bets
• Live betting
• Best odds

👨‍💻 High-quality software and features

The best bookies do the basics well, but they also go above and beyond. The features I look for when it comes to defining the best betting sites are:

• A website/app that’s easy to navigate
• Desktop site and native mobile (iOS/Android) app
• Bonuses
• Welcome bonus
• Reasonable bonus terms and conditions
• Loyalty program

☎️ Customer care

Bookmakers can offer competitive odds and generous bonuses but falter when it comes to customer care. I speak to customer support agents and test the tools you can use to make your experience as good as possible:

• Data protection
• Safety and wellbeing
• Easy access to support
• Speedy and informed solutions

💳 Payment methods

You can only make bets and clear bonuses with money in your account. Therefore, you need safe ways to make deposits and withdrawals. Without these features, brands can't even imagine being on the best betting sites list. Best betting sites must have protocols in place to keep your winnings safe. I go through the payment process and rate sportsbooks based on the following:

• Types of payment methods
• Security levels
• Fast deposit and withdrawal
• Speedy processing

📝 Integrity

All legal betting sites UK customers can use will be Licensed by the Gambling Commission. Part of being a Licensed UK betting site is offering safe and fair software. Bookmakers ensure their software and casino games are tested by independent agencies such as iTech Labs. 

📢 Responsible gambling

I often find that other sportsbook reviews overlook responsible gambling. Responsible gambling practices are paramount on the best betting sites, with measures in place to promote safe and enjoyable wagering experiences.

From minimum deposit and stake requirements to time limits and self-exclusion options, these platforms prioritize the well-being of their customers above all else.

A betting site might score well in all categories but may offer little in the way of responsible gambling support. I won’t recommend a bookmaker that doesn’t take problem gambling seriously, regardless of how good its betting site is. I expect the best online bookies to have these responsible gambling policies and tools:

• Perform KYC checks
• Time limit
• Deposit limit
• Loss limit
• Self-exclusion

Why can you trust my reviews?

Every review I write is based on personal experience and honesty. I don’t need to recommend any specific bookmaker. There are hundreds of legal betting sites UK customers can use, so there’s no shortage of options. Essentially, I have the luxury of choice. I am free to back any brand I like. 

That’s why I am always honest. If a bookmaker has poor customer support, I'll say it. If the software is glitchy or the bonus wagering requirements are weak, I’ll point it out. As previously stated, I’ve been in gambling for more than a decade. I’ve seen the industry evolve and I know what people want. 

I use this experience to give an honest assessment of every sportsbook. I also take into account what other customers think, and I collaborate with colleagues to ensure my reviews are fair. The end result is a definitive list of best bookies UK customers.

Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here

1. bet365

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 2000
• Best bonus: Bet £10, get £30
• Customer support: email (support-eng@customerservice365.com), live chat
• No. of markets available: 48
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 10, including debit cards, Google Pay, Pay by Bank App

bet365 is the top overall UK betting site for many reasons, but, if I have to choose one, it offers the best overall service, apart from everything else they offer. Anyone who wants £30 worth of free bets can use our link to create an account and bet £10 (qualifying bet =1/5 odds or greater). 

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This welcome bonus paves the way for a series of ongoing offers that, in my view, reach a peak with the bet boosts. bet365 increases the returns on selected bets by up to 70% with this promotion. That’s markedly higher than the average bet boost. 

Some of the other features I enjoy using at bet365 are early payouts and, if you’re betting on tennis, retirement payouts. All topped off with a great selection of promos for registered customers, which makes the current members pretty happy. The software isn’t the best I’ve tried. The design is a little lacklustre, but navigating the site is easy and bet365 covers an impressive number of sports. Throw in casino games, poker, and bingo, and it’s got something for everyone.

Another thing that I quite like is how easy it is to make an account. The account registration process is very fast yet safe and secure. The registration requires you to undergo SMS verification in order to connect your phone to the account for an extra level of security.

What is bet365 best for?

bet365 is best for odds and payout boosts.

2. BetUK

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 2018
• Best bonus: Bet £10, get £30 in free bets
• Customer support: live chat, email (support@betuk.com)
• No. of markets available: 39
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 5, including debit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay

BetUK is another household name in the industry and one of the best bookies for football betting. If you want £30 in free bets, you can use our link to register and wager a bet stake of £10. A qualifying bet must have odds of 4/5 or greater, which is a bit higher than the industry average, but it’s not so far out of line that it’s a problem. 

My reason for giving BetUK the title of best bookmaker for football events is the fact it has an Acca Club. I can get a £5 free bet and profit boosts every week when I wager £20 on football accumulator bets. 

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I think the website is basic, but buttons such as “starting soon” are handy if you enjoy live betting. I also think the odds are competitive, and the BetUK specials offer decent value if you want to make a single bet that covers multiple outcomes. 

What is BetUK best for?

Football betting and promotions.

3. Ladbrokes

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 1886
• Best bonus: Bet £5, get £20
• Customer support: contact form, live chat, social media 
• No. of markets available: 43
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 14, including Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Google Pay

Ladbrokes is one of the best-known names in UK gambling and the top bookmaker for horse racing. You should use our sign-up link if you want access to competitive odds and £20 worth of free bets when you wager £5 as a bet stake. 

I like the Ladbrokes welcome bonus because the wagering requirements are suitable for casual sports bettors. The fact you only have to bet £5 is also ideal for newbies. In terms of criticism, I think the odds on some events could be better. However, when it comes to racing, including greyhounds, Ladbrokes is hard to beat. 

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I also recommend checking out the football betting features. Half-time quizzes and the in-house five-a-side fantasy league are totally unique ways to win bonus prizes. I’ve not seen any other UK betting sites offer these features, so they’re enough to get my vote. 

What is Ladbrokes best for?

Ladbrokes is best for horse racing events and unique features.

4. Betzone

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 1973
• Best bonus: 50% cashback up to £60
• Customer support: social media, email (customerservice@betzone.co.uk)
• No. of markets available: 19
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 4, including Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Visa Electron

Betzone, another household name in the industry, is the top betting site UK customers can use if they want total control at all times. I’ll explain what this means in a moment, but first, you need to join Betzone if you want cashback. Unlike other bookies who run “bet X, get Y” promotions, Betzone gives new customers 50% of their bet settlement losses back (in bonus credit) up to £60 when they make three wagers of £10 or more. 

That’s not all you get. Existing customers can get “snore draw” bonuses and cashback if their picks lose by a narrow margin. These promotions run in tandem with Betzone’s Bet Builder. Having the power to construct my own bets is very much in sync with this bookmaker’s values. 

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Indeed, when I went to the “Safe Zone,” I found the best selection of responsible gambling tools I have seen. In addition to personalised deposit limits and ways to restrict my play, Betzone is a GAMSTOP affiliate, offers automatic reality checks, and fantastic customer support. 

What is Betzone best for?

Betzone is best for responsible gambling tools and gives you control over your bets.

5. Spreadex 

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 2006
• Best bonus: Bet £10 get £40
• Customer support: phone (01727 895 000), email (info@spreadex.com), live chat
• No. of markets available: 24
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 5, including debit card, cheque, and direct debit

Spreadex is one of the best betting sites for customer service and support. That’s not just my opinion, it’s the opinion of experts across the gambling industry. Before you start, you’ll want to use our sign-up link to get £25 worth of free bets. 

In my view, this is great for new sports bettors because you won’t have to stake £25 on something with 1/2 odds. What’s more, bonus bets are split into £5 increments, so you don’t have to use them all on one thing. Finally, throwing 50 free spins in with the welcome offer makes it even more appealing to casual punters. 

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I think the Spreadex website is overly complex in terms of page elements and layout. However, if you’re a fan of spread betting, it’s the top bookmaker on our list. The 75% acca boosts are worth claiming, but the real thing that makes Spreadex stand out from the crowd is the fact its customer support team has won multiple awards. 

What is Spreadex best for?

Spreadex is the best bookmaker on our list for customer service and spread betting. A truly safe betting site.

6. BetVictor

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 2000
• Best bonus: Bet £10 get £30
• Customer support: email (help@betvictor.co.uk), SMS (+447488883406), live chat
• No. of markets available: 32
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 9, including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Paysafecard

BetVictor is the leading UK bookmaker when it comes to loyalty rewards. It all starts with a choice: football or racing. Usually, you can choose the football welcome bonus or the racing welcome bonus as a new customer. They both required a £10 bet at the time of writing, but the former is worth £40, and the latter is worth £20.

My first impression of BetVictor was that it’s changed significantly over the years. The website used to have a classic design, but it now has a mobile-first vibe that I like. It would be nice if it covered a broader range of sports, but you will find niche betting markets in the mix, including odds for cycling, handball and hurling.  Their dedication to to their customers is what made me think they are worthy of being in the best betting sites list.

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For me, the main reason to join BetVictor is its loyalty club. You’ll earn points each time you bet on sport and play real-money casino games. These points can be exchanged for free bets, casino bonuses and special prizes. And again, that dedication to its customers is showing the same thing. BetVictor deserves its spot in my best betting sites list.

What is BetVictor best for?

BetVictor is the best UK bookmaker for loyalty rewards and free-to-enter picking competitions.

7. Sky Bet  

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 2002
• Best bonus: £30 in free bets
• Customer support: contact form 
• No. of markets available: 39
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 8, including Visa, Mastercard, Solo, Google Pay

Sky Bet is my go-to online bookies for football and horse racing, but don’t sleep on its promotions. Most often, they have one of the best betting sign-up offers for casual punters because I could bet any amount and receive a £20 free bet. I will have to deposit at least £5, and the qualifying odds are 1/1, but the fact that I can bet less than £1 and get a £20 bonus is impressive. 

The Sky Bet Club is another great way to get more for less at Sky Bet. I started by choosing a reward. Afterwards, I wagered £30+ in a week to unlock it. As well as my chosen bonus, I could unlock exclusive rewards based on how active I am. 

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Being critical, I think the odds for certain sports, such as basketball and tennis, could be better. However, if you’re a fan of virtual sports betting, Sky Bet has more options than most. My final highlight is the fact that I was able to use the star icon to save my favourite sports bet for easy access at a later date. 

What is Sky Bet best for?

Sky Bet has one of the best betting sign-up offers in the UK and plenty of generous promotions.

8. Coral  

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 1926
• Best bonus: Bet £5 get £20
• Customer support: contact form, live chat, DM on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter)
• No. of markets available: 50
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 5, including Visa Electron, Paysafecard, Maestro

Coral is the second oldest active bookmaker in the UK, established by Joe Coral in 1926. It stepped into online betting market in the year 1999. I don't think there is any other bookie with more experience in this field, apart from Ladbrokes which was established in 1906. However, they are apart of the same company, so it is safe to say that I know for sure there isn't a bookie with more experience and reputation than Coral and Ladbrokes.

Coral is my top pick for unique betting features. I’ll explain why in a moment, but it’s worth noting that you’ll be able to get £20 in bonus bets when you wager £5 as a new customer. You get 14 days to do that, which is a generous amount of time. 

In terms of negatives, Coral does have a classic look. Some of you will like that, others won’t. I don’t mind the styling, but some parts of the platform could be given a facelift. What I can’t fault is Coral’s commitment to responsible gambling. Live streaming is another highlight, and everyone knows Coral is heavily into horse racing. 

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My favourite features are the ones you don’t find anywhere else. There are plenty of free-to-enter football competitions. They’re a fun way to win bonus credits. I also like the bet bundle feature. This feature bundles up multiple picks and gives you one price for them all. Even better, you get a discount price. For example, you’ll be able to claim a £5 bundle that contains £10 worth of bets. 

Special features that I found quite lovely:

• Football Super Series - Predict 4 match stats on Coral free-to-play Football Super Series and earn up to £100 cash
• Racing Super Series
• My Stable - A feature that allows me to track my favourite horse easily
• Coral Racing Club - UK’s only free racehorse ownership club, that provide me with in-depth insight into what it takes to own and train a racehorse that I couldn't have learned anywhere else
• Bet bundle feautre
• Bet boosts
• Rewards Shaker
• Rewards Grabber
• Bet builder
• Live streaming
• In-play betting
• Tote betting
• The Connect rewards card

Like I have already mentioned Coral is not lacking in terms of betting promos, and they vary a lot. From welcome offers, to free bets to unique betting offers to just free bonus credits. I found that Coral has it all. Here are just some of the betting bonuses that I like:

• New customer offer - bet £5 get £20
• Place up to 5 pre-match bet at min odds 1/2 and get up to 5 free bet to use on live football betting
• BOG horse racing - If I take a price on a horse and the starting price is bigger Coral will pay me the bigger odds
• BOG greyhound racing
• Extra place horse races
• 5/1 winner offer on any Aintree race

And finally lets talk about the betting app. In my opinion Coral's betting app is quite simply put, amazing. Their reviews speak for themselves. All satisfied bettors including myself.

• App Store score is 4.5 out of 18.6 thousand reviews
• Google Play store score is 4.1 out of 6.7 thousand reviews

What is Coral best for?

Coral is one of the best betting sites UK customers can use if they like unique features and bargain bets. A pretty reliable and trustworthy website in total.

9. Parimatch

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 1994
• Best bonus: wager £10 get £30 in bonus bets
• Customer support: live chat, SMS (+447700177678), email (help@parimatch.co.uk)
• No. of markets available: 32
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 6, including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, FastFunds

Parimatch is one of the best betting sites out there in my opinion, due to their experience both online and offline. Bookie is owned by BV Gaming Limited. However, it was established in 1994, and they began its online operations in 2000. Their CEO won the “Leader of the Year” award at the SBC Awards held in London.

From my perspective, when talking about a betting operator there is nothing as important as a good promotion. And I think Parimatch shares my views, it's not about the quantity, but the quality. They don’t have a lot of offers, but all their offers are quite good.

A new customer offer where you bet $1 for a chance to win $49 more! - All you have to do is bet $1 and win, after you win you will earn $49 as bonus funds.

There are also:

• ACCA Bonus - Place Pre-Event acca of 5 or more selections at min odds of 2/1 and get an enhancement of up to 40% added to your odds if the bet wins, within 24h.
• Run For Your Money bonus - Get your money back if your horse doesn't run

They also have some cool casino welcome bonuses such as Wager £15 on any live casino games except baccarat and earn:

• A £20 Live Casino Bonuses to be used on a limited number of different games
• A £10 Live Casino Bonus to be used on Mega Fire Blaze Blackjack
• A £10 Live Casino Bonus to be used on any of the live casino games except Baccarat
• 20 Golden Chips for Adventures Beyond Wonderland Live

On top of that, there is a raffle that you can enter for £10 and get a chance to win £20000! While also being able to get a couple of free spins here and there if your ticket contains certain numbers in a certain order.

Parimatch doesn’t seem to have a loyalty program for UK players, only for the Indian market. Or if it has I wasn’t able to find it.

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I was quite surprised when I started searching for special features on Parimatch, as they are not what you would expect. Of course, they have the betting industry-standard special features as live betting, but what really made me think they are different from other operators are features such as Lucky Dip where you have a chance to earn yourself some amazing odds on your favourite events. Features I want to point out are:

• Lucky Dip - Earn special odds
• Raffle - casino special feature where
• Parimatch Hat-Trick Hunt -  Predict the correct score for 3 Premier League or EFL Championship fixtures and earn - Bet £10 Get £1, £2 Free Bet and £50 Free Bet, for predicting 1, 2 or 3 fixtures respectively
• Bet builders - which I will delve into a bit further down
• Live betting

The reason I’ve put Parimatch on my list of best online bookies is the bet builder boosts. I love bookmakers that let you build bets, so I can’t ignore the fact that Parimatch applies odds/payout boosts to your personalised wagers. Of course, if you want a generous sign-up bonus, you’ll need to use our link. That gets you £30 worth of free bets when you wager £10 on football (2.00 odds or greater).

I truly believe the Parimatch app is one of the legends, the design, the responsiveness and everything else. The only thing that it is missing is app-exclusive bonuses. When I looked at the ratings and user reviews I was astonished as well. Here they are:

• 3.9K ratings with a score of 4.7 on the Apple store
• 914 reviews with a score of 4.4 on the Google Play store

I really enjoy seeing betting operators have an official betting partner or partners, as that means there is a chance of earning kits, balls and plenty of other items to be earned from giveaways.

So if you are a Chelsea or Leicester fan then you are in luck as Parimatch will probably be giving away tickets, trips, opportunities to meet the players, and many shirts and other Chelsea and Leicester items.

In my opinion, Parimatch, on top of all the great bonuses also will probably have great incentives in connection with Chelsea and Leicester for the bettors.

What is Parimatch best for?

Parimatch stands tall when it comes to bet builder boosts and competitions.

10. 10bet

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 2003
• Best bonus: 50% up to £50 bonus
• Customer support: live chat, phone (0808-175-0550), email (support@10bet.co.uk)
• No. of markets available: 28
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 10, including Visa, Mastercard, MuchBetter, and Skrill

10bet is a solid bookie, with a long experience in the betting industry, specifically since 2003. I quite enjoyed using their service overall. 10bet offers sports betting, and live and online casino services.

For years, 10bet had a small casino section, but they proved to their players, and me, that they do listen to their customers. Now, I found their casino section to be quite extensive. Not to mention live bets, the same situation that was with the small casino section, was with the live betting option, or rather the absence of it. But now I can enjoy live betting at 10bet without hassle.

From my perspective at the time of writing, 10bet has one of the best betting sign-up offers if you like deposit bonuses. Most UK bookies give you a fixed amount of betting credit based on your first wager. 10bet bucks that trend by giving newbies a 50% first deposit bonus up to £50 (code: PLAY10).

You might not always get the best odds at 10bet, but you will get bigger boosts. Acca boosts can be worth as much as 100% of the payout’s value, which means you get double your money. Something else that caught my eye were the rugby bonuses. A lot of bookies overlook this sport, so it’s good to see 10bet making moves in this area.

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Unfortunately, 10bet does not have a loyalty program, but it does have amazing promotions in general that don’t leave me longing for loyalty bonuses.

Active 10bet offers on Wednesday 10/04/2024 (they do change up their offers from time to time, so to keep best informed on their promotions it is best to check the 10bet promotions page on their website):

• 50% up to £50 welcome bonus - Get a 50% matched bonus up to £50. To receive the max. £50 bonus, deposit £100+
• Up to 100% boost on winning Accas - Make an acca bet of 3 selections or more on any sport, league and competition; 10bet will boost your winnings by up to 100%, max £5000 in cash
• £5 free bet on Grand National for £40 bets at Aintree races - Bet a total of £40+ on horse racing from 09/04 10 am to 12/04 11 pm to get £5 free bet
• £5 free bet for betting £40+ on golf - Bet a total of £40+ on golf from 09/04 10 am to 14/04 3 pm to get a £5 free bet
• £5 free bet for betting £40+ on greyhounds - Bet a total of £40+ on greyhounds from 01/04 10 am to 30/04 7 pm to get a £5 free bet to use on any sport
• £5 free bet for betting £40+ on darts - Bet a total of £40+ on darts from 01/04 10 am to 30/04 11 pm to get a £5 free bet
• £5 free live bet for betting £40+ on tennis - Bet a total of £40+ on tennis from 04/04 10 am to 30/04 10 pm to get a £5 free live bet
• £10 free live bet for betting £75+ on football - Bet a total of £75+ on football from 10/04 10 am to 14/04 4:30 pm to get a £10 free live bet
• £5 free bet when betting 30 on the £10bet betting app - Bet a total of £30+ on any sport on the 10bet app to get a £5 free bet once your bets are settled

In my opinion, 10bet falls a little short when it comes to special features. It doesn’t have all the industry standard betting features, but the options I managed to use were quite enjoyable, for example:

• Live betting
• Early cashout
• SportRadar Stats
• Enhanced odds
• Bet Builder

I know this isn’t a mighty big feature, but I found it entertaining. When using 10bet in a browser on a PC it has a cool little feature in the form of a little green box that says GOAL that pops up when a goal is made in a game. Nothing truly decisive when it comes to picking an operator, but I found it endearing.

When it comes to betting apps 10bet is a bit of a head-scratcher if you are only considering user reviews. The total number of reviews on both Google Play store and Apple Store is around 250. From 157 reviews left on the Google Play store, the score is 2.3, while the situation is a bit better for the iPhone reviews with a score of 3.2.

The amazing thing is that all the issues bettors posted about are either technical issues from a couple of years ago that are now fixed or they are negative reviews from people not being happy about not reading the terms and conditions of the bonuses.

While I had a lot in common with the more recent reviews. For example, one of the reviews from January 2024 stated that the deposits are almost instant, while another one I read confirmed that 10bet customer support is quite helpful and speedy. Since the complete overhaul of the app in 2023, the app has worked quite well now.

10bet has a £10 minimum deposit, while their max deposit is anywhere between 2000 and 10000, depending on the deposit method, all their deposit times are either instant or almost instant, while withdrawal times are somewhere in the range of 1-3 days.

A long-lasting relationship between 10bet and the bettors has been made due to them listening to me and other bettors on what I would like to have and what I want to use. Their ability to adapt has kept them in the betting industry for more than 20 years. So any potential issue that occurs with them I can sleep safely knowing that they will fix it.

What is 10bet best for?

The main reason and the main advantage of 10bet, in my view, are the promotions it offers.

11. BetMGM

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 2018
• Best bonus: bet £10 get £40 in free bets
• Customer support: chat, contact form, email;
• No. of markets available: 29
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 4 - debit card, bank transfer, PayPal and Apple Pay

BetMGM has been around for a while in the online betting industry, but for players in the UK you are able to play at betMGM since only recently. And they came in with a bang!

They offer amazing welcome offers for both betting and casinos:

• Betting welcome offer - Bet £10 get £40 in free bets
• Casino welcome offer - Up to £200 cash with 100 free spins

I was really amazed by their Cheltenham bonus. BetMGM for 2024's Cheltenham had a "bet £10 to get £60 in free bets" promotion, which is a mighty strong sports bonus if you ask me.

They don't currently have any promo code, or bonus code offers. However, right now you can just click on the image with betMGM's logo above to claim your £40 free bets.

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They accept funds in 4 different payment methods, which is not a lot frankly. However, they are the 4 most popular deposit methods so it isn't that big of an issue.

When talking about mobile apps BetMGM's mobile betting app isn't far from great. The app comes with the industry norm in safety, privacy and security. Players may experience some issues with the app, however, from their comments on the Play Store it would seem that the issues are separated and unique, so it wouldn't seem that there is an underlying issue, but rather that the issues occurred as separate un-connected instances. According to Google Play Store's customer reviews it has a score of 4.3, and more than 25.000 people have left their reviews.

They also have a good loyalty program that earns you BetMGM reward points that are connected with MGM Resorts loyalty program, meaning that you can redeem room nights, dining and more at MGM Resorts.

But what I was really positively surprised by was how fast and well they adjusted to the UK market with their special features:

• The biggest markets and competitions are covered with great odds - Wimbledon, Cheltenham, Premier League and more
• Live & In-Play betting - live selections at BetMGM such as next to score, total goals over/under, and the final score.
• Bet Builder - Custom multiple bets available for all sports and events.
• Golden Goals - both me and betMGM are quite fond of this feature. It is their free to play predictor. on which you can win up to £2 million by correctly predicting 6 scores on selected matches.
• Golden Acca - You can get up to 100% profit boosts 5 timer per week on accumulators of 3 selections or more.
• Exclusive casino games - Infinite Blackjack and BetMGM Roulette

What is BetMGM best for?

BetMGM is great for new customers, as it has really big welcome offers.

12. Betway

• Licence: UKGC
• Year established: 2006
• Best bonus: £10 Welcome Free Bet
• Customer support: email and live chat
• No. of markets available: 30
• Casino: Yes
• Payment methods: 7+ including Visa, Vyne, PayPal, Trustly and more

Betway is a prominent figure in the online betting industry, with coverage of 15+ countries across more than 20 sports. 

Betway’s promotions are vast, from great welcome bonus options, both of which I am quite fond of:

• Betway Sports £10 Welcome Free Bet - Get up to £10 in Free Bets
• Betway Sports Acca and Spins offer - £30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free spins on Gold Blitz

Unfortunately, you can only choose one, however, both these welcome offers from Betway have a place in my heart, and I am sure you will enjoy them. Whether you pick the safe option, or you choose to be a little more adventurous.

Betway also has a good loyalty program, earning you £10 in free bets per week if you join their Betway Free Bet Club.

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Regarding special features, Betway doesn’t fall short. Here is just a preview of their great betting features:

• Betway betting boosts
• Betway Free Bet Club
• In-play betting
• Cash Out betting

Even their betting app is a thing of awe.

• 153K ratings with a score of 4.5 on the Apple Store
• 12.3K ratings with a score of 4.2 on the Google Play Store

The stats are talking for themselves. A lot of people have used the app and are really enjoying it, including myself. When I was reviewing the app I quite enjoyed the layout and the design of the app. On top of that, I also haven’t encountered any issues with the app, however, I have seen some reviews that state the app can be buggy and that they experienced the app freezing.

All in all, Betway is worthy of being in the best betting sites list, and it surely helps that they have partnered up with some big names in the sports world, such as Arsenal, West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Cheltenham Festival.

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Best betting sites in each category

In the vast world of online betting, finding the best betting sites is paramount for punters seeking the ultimate gaming experience. From members to settlement procedures, slot bonuses to football markets, each entity plays a crucial role in defining the quality of a betting platform.

Which UK betting sites are best for sports odds, promotions, cashouts, and in-play wagers?

After hours of testing and some time to think, I’ve put together a list of bookies and the areas they thrive.  

Take a look at the best betting sites categorized per sections they are best at.

🏅 Best bookie overall

It’s a close call, but taking into account its reputation for excellence, coverage, promotions and software, bet365 is my best overall UK bookmaker. Any players who are just starting out in sports betting should try bet365 because it offers the most comprehensive set of tools and resources for its users. And it really deserves to be called the best betting site.

🤑 Best betting sign-up offers

Spreadex has one of the best betting site sign-up offers. In my opinion, all of my top picks have great welcome bonuses, but Spreadex stands out because the wagering requirements are ideal for casual punters. You also get 50 free slot spins.

🐎 Best odds guaranteed bookies

Ladbrokes comes out top for best odds guarantees, particularly when it comes to horse racing and football. Other bookies have competitive odds, but Ladbrokes wins in this category.

⭐ Betting offers for existing customers

In my experience, Betzone stands out as the premier destination for existing customers seeking top-tier betting offers. Its unrivalled array of promotions caters specifically to loyal patrons, ensuring their continued satisfaction and engagement. Betting offers for existing customers hold immense appeal, providing added value, excitement, and incentives for ongoing participation.

Betzone's existing customer offer is actually a loyalty program, Betzone Reward Zone, further enhances this experience, rewarding dedication with weekly free bets. With its dedication to customer satisfaction and robust offerings, Betzone unequivocally secures its position as the pinnacle of betting sites for existing customer offers.

🎁 Best betting site with free bets

All of the best betting sites I’ve chosen could slot into this category. Each one has a generous welcome bonus and plenty of ongoing offers. But, if you’re going to choose one bookmaker and you want free bets, go for 10bet. It has all the usual offers, as well as rugby bonuses and a special mobile betting bonus. 

📱 Best mobile betting in the UK

BetVictor’s software has been optimised for mobile devices. As I’ve explained later on in this guide, the website’s design is based on the “mobile-first” principle, so it functions flawlessly on all devices. 

🤾 Best In-play betting site

BetUK gets my vote for the best live betting site. The “starting soon” tab is handy because it provides a quick overview of upcoming events you might want to bet on. The simplicity of the site also makes it easy to jump on live bets quickly and get the best odds.

💵 Best betting site with cashout feature

Parimatch and bet365 both have excellent cashout options. They’re not only the best bookies that let you end bets early, but their platforms are designed to make the process extremely easy. 

In my experience with betting, I've found the cashout feature to be a game-changer. It allows me to take control of my bets, especially when the match dynamics shift unexpectedly and I want to cash out instantly. Whether it's securing profits or minimizing losses, the cashout feature gives me the flexibility to make strategic decisions in real time based on the unfolding events.

🎰 Best betting site that has a casino

Ladbrokes stands as one of the best gambling sites renowned for its exceptional dual offerings in both sports betting and online casinos. Its impressive online casino section boasts a diverse selection of games, including classics like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, alongside thrilling slots such as Big Bass Splash and high-stakes jackpot titles.

The most important thing at a casino is a good casino bonus. Players are greeted with enticing casino bonuses upon signup, providing a boost to their gaming experience from the start. Whether it's a slot bonus, the thrill of the cards, or the anticipation of the next spin, Ladbrokes delivers an immersive casino environment.

One of the highlights of Ladbrokes' casino section is its extensive range of spins, offering players the chance to win big with every spin. The platform's dedication to providing an enjoyable and rewarding experience is evident in its generous promotions, including spin winnings boosts and exclusive casino bonuses for loyal patrons. Whether players prefer the strategy of card games or the excitement of spins, Ladbrokes' casino section caters to every preference with unmatched quality and variety.

⚽ Best football betting site

The football market reigns supreme in sports betting, having thousands of football betting sites attracting enthusiasts worldwide with its exhilarating matches and endless wagering possibilities. Whether it's the Premier League or the Champions League, top betting sites offer comprehensive coverage and competitive odds to satisfy football aficionados.

Picking one sportsbook out of all the best football betting sites is tough. It’s almost impossible because all the best UK bookies make it their flagship sport. Ladbrokes has free-to-play football competitions, BetVictor has a football-based welcome bonus, and Coral has unique offers. However, if I’m forced to pick, I’ll choose BetUK because it has a weekly football Acca Club which offers generous bonuses. 

🏌️ Best golf betting sites

Most of the UK’s biggest sports betting brands go big on golf. Ladbrokes and BetUK are great in this regard. However, my tip is to check out what 10bet offers in terms of golf betting. The 100% bet boosts are a great way to get more value from your golf bets. 

🏀 Best basketball and NBA bookies

The oddsmakers at Parimatch keep close tabs on sporting events happening at home and overseas. That’s why it has some of the best basketball betting odds I’ve seen. 

🏏 Best cricket betting sites

Coral does a lot of things well and, as a quintessentially British bookmaker, it’s good to see it has competitive cricket betting odds. And I can freely say that with everything they offer cricket related, all the features, all the ODI, T20I and Test coverages, Coral certainly is the best cricket betting site in the UK.

🏇 Best horse racing betting sites

When it comes to sports betting Ladbrokes made its name in horse racing, so I can’t go against it. If you want the best horse racing coverage, and the best betting offers for Cheltenham, the Grand National, and other big events, it’s the place to go.  It offers all the most popular sports bets for horse races. Betting on the winner, each-way bets, racing pool bets, lucky 15s and 31s, and much more. I’d also recommend taking a look at its greyhound betting markets. 

🎾 Top bookmakers for tennis

bet365 gets my vote as the UK’s best site for tennis betting. A lot of bookies offer competitive odds for tennis majors. However, I’ve chosen bet365 because you get cash back if the player you bet on retires due to an injury.

🚴 Best bookies for Tour de France

BetVictor made its name in sport betting focusing on niche sports, a very innovative way to become one of the best betting sites. Cycling is one of those niche sports. Look out for its track and road cycling betting odds for events such as the Tour de France. 

🥊 Best betting sites for UFC and Boxing

The best site for MMA is surprisingly Spreadex. It is best for MMA betting mainly due to the fact you can make spread bets or fixed odds wagers. I like to place accumulator UFC bets on Spreadex.

🏎️ Best betting sites for Formula 1 and motorsports

Betzone has competitive Formula 1 betting odds, which is great. However, the main reason I’ve put it in this category is its promotions. This bookmaker loves to give you money back when your pick loses by a narrow margin. These offers are perfect for racing fans. 

📱 Best betting apps

Without a doubt in my mind, the best betting app is owned by BetUK. If you are looking for an app to punt on the fly, look no further than BetUK's app. On top of everything that all the betting apps must have - data encryption, safe and secure usage, and all the features from the PC version it has something other apps don't. Or rather it doesn't have it - a long list of reported bugs and issues. I have never experienced an issue while using it. And I have found many punter reviews that state the same.

🎯 Best betting sites for darts

Sky Bet is my top sports betting site pick for darts betting. It’s a close call, but Sky has made the sport a global spectacle, so it’s only natural that Sky Bet has the best darts coverage.  

🏗️ Betting site with the best bet builder

Bet builders have become one of the most popular ways to bet on football, rugby, and so much more. Instead of betting on the outcome of a single match, bet builders enable you to tailor multiple scenarios that may occur in a match into one bet.

bet365’s bet builder excels with its intuitive interface and extensive market options, providing unmatched flexibility and convenience for bettors, enhanced by competitive odds and exclusive promotions.

Here's how bet builders work:

1. Selections: You can choose from a number of different betting options within a particular match. The options range from match winner, players to be carded, totals goals, fouls, corners, and more
2. Combination: When building your bet builder you can choose from multiple outcomes. For example, you might predict the winning team, an anytime goalscorer and a player to be carded.
3. Odds Calculation: As your selections are added, your bookmaker will combine the odds of your bet builder based on the likelihood of each outcome occurring. The odds may vary depending on which bookmaker you are using.
4. Placing your bet builder: Once you are happy with your selection,  simply click ‘place bet’.

🎮 Best betting site for eSports

Esports, short for electronic sports, has become ever more popular in recent years with the huge growth in professional gaming. In these competitions players or teams compete against each other in various video games such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, Overwatch, and much more.

Now with the growth in popularity, comes the growth in the betting side of eSports. There are many eSports bookmakers out there, but my top picks for eSports betting are SkyBet, Betfred, and BoyleSports.

How to bet on esports, follow these steps:

1. Choose Your Esports Betting Platform: Choose an online betting site from our top list that offers esports markets.
2. Select an Esports Event: Prick from the many esports events and tournaments. Popular games include League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Overwatch.
3. Review Betting Options: Common bet types include match winner, map winner, total maps played, and handicap betting.
4. Analyze Teams and Players: Take time to research each team or players, take into consideration recent performance, player changes, and head-to-head records.
5. Place Your eSports Bet: Once you've made your decision, enter your stake and place your bet
6. Follow the Event: It’s not common for bookmakers to offer live streaming of eSports, but you can keep up to date with their live in-play feed.

🏈 Best site for NFL

bet365 stands out as one of the top choices for NFL betting in the UK for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a comprehensive selection of NFL markets, covering everything from standard match betting to prop bets and futures. Secondly, bet365 provides competitive odds, often surpassing those offered by other bookmakers.

Additionally, their platform features live streaming for many NFL games, enhancing the overall betting experience. Moreover, bet365 frequently offers special promotions and bonuses specifically targeted towards NFL bettors, making it an attractive option for fans of American football in the UK.

How to bet on NFL games:

1. Choose a Sportsbook: Choose an online betting site from our top list that offers NFL betting markets.
2. Research Teams and Players: It is always best to follow the NFL season as much as you can to know the hot and cold teams, injuries, and late changes to the game-day squads.
3. Understand Betting Options: Get to know the common NFL betting types such as point spread betting (betting on the margin of victory), moneyline betting (betting on the outright winner), and over/under betting (betting on the total combined score). Once you are comfortable then it's time to place your bet, be it single or bet builders.
4. Place Your NFL Bet: Once you are happy with your selections, single or bet builder, simply click ‘place bet’.
5. Follow the Game: Watch the NFL game unfold and track the progress of your bet.

🏉 Best website for rugby betting

William Hill's renowned reliability, wide-ranging rugby coverage, and competitive odds on events like the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup, alongside tailored promotions such as enhanced odds on key matches, cement its status as a premier destination for rugby betting enthusiasts.

How to bet on rugby:

1. Choose a Betting Platform: Choose an online betting site from our top list that offers Rugby betting markets.
2. Research Teams and Players: Take time to research the form, injuries, and players of your chosen rugby match.
3. Understand Betting Options: Get to know the common rugby betting types such as match winner, handicap betting (where one team is given a virtual advantage or disadvantage), total points betting, and outright tournament winner. You also have the option of placing a bet builder.
4. Place Your Bet: Happy with your rugby bet? Yes, then enter your stake and click ‘place bet’.

💡 Best Arbitrage betting site

Arbitrage in betting refers to the practice of taking advantage of discrepancies in odds offered by different bookmakers to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome of an event. 

It involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of a sporting event with different bookmakers, ensuring that the total combined odds are in your favour.

My pick for best arbitrage betting is William Hill.

Overall, William Hill's combination of market variety, competitive odds, user-friendly platform, reputation, and available tools makes it a popular choice for arbitrage betting.

How does arbitrage betting work:

1. Identify Betting Opportunities: Monitor odds across the multiple bookmakers from our top list for the same event and identify situations where there is a discrepancy in odds.
2. Calculate Your Arbitrage: Calculate the necessary wager amounts to place on each selected outcome to ensure a profit regardless of the result. This involves considering the odds and the stake required for each bet.
3. Placing Your Bets: You need to quickly place bets on all your selected outcomes with different bookmakers to secure the best odds before they change.
4. Ensuring Profit: Regardless of the outcome of the event, you will make a profit due to the differences in odds. But it's crucial to ensure that the potential profit outweighs any investment, such as betting fees or transaction charges that may occur.

📈 Best betting exchange sites

When talking about betting exchanges only two come to my mind - Spreadex and Betfair. You can’t miss when picking either of them. However, some subtle nuances made me choose Spreadex. And it is nothing that is fixable. There is no customer service, user experience, safety, security, or any other kind of issues. It is just preference, I like Spreadex more than Betfair.

💱 Best sports spread betting sites

Spread betting on sports is a kind of betting in which your forecast and the accuracy of the "spread" that the company offers determine how much money you make or lose on a single wager. Your profit or loss from "buying" or "selling" the spread depends on how accurate or inaccurate your prediction was. The fact that you could lose more than your initial investment as opposed to a set sum sets it apart from fixed odds betting.

In my opinion, the best sports spread betting site is, undoubtedly, Spreadex. Not only is Spreadex one of the only bookies to offer sports spread betting, but they also offer spread betting and fixed odds from the same pricing page. You can enjoy spread betting from anywhere, PC or any of the devices. On top of that Spreadex is a trusted, reliable and award-winning bookie.

Best betting sites alternatives

I will name a couple of alternatives for the best betting sites. Two bookies almost made the list that I would feel guilty to not include in this article:

• William Hill
• Betfred

William Hill

William Hill, while a prominent name in the betting industry, hasn't made the top 10 list of best betting sites due to several factors. One reason is their interface, which is not as modern compared to top contenders. Additionally, they lack some variety in promotions that other top sites offer.

Betfred

Betfred is a solid alternative to the best betting sites for several reasons. While they may not have made the top 10 list, they offer competitive odds and a wide range of sports markets, making them appealing to many bettors.

Additionally, Betfred's commitment to responsible gambling and customer satisfaction makes them a reliable choice for those seeking a reputable betting platform. While they may not have the same brand recognition as some top-ranked sites, Betfred still offers a comprehensive and enjoyable betting experience for many users.

How to sign up to an online bookmaker

For me to explain it best, I will be using a live example of the whole account registration process that I undertook. The operator I will be using is bet365 to create an account and start betting.

For the account reg process you don't need a lot, only your:

• Email ready
• Phone nearby to get SMS verification
• Payment method info ready
• ID information

First step - I went to the bet365 website, which looks quite slick as you can see, and clicked on "Join"

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Second step - I entered all the necessary information

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Third step - SMS Verification - I confirmed my phone number by allowing bet365 to send me the code which I typed in the browser in order to confirm my phone number

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Fourth step - I entered my chosen payment method details, in this case, my visa card

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Fifth step - After finishing the payment methods step my account registration process was complete, and I was able to play safe and have fun while betting

How do I place a bet online

First and foremost, before placing a bet, I always calculate my bet, and consider factors such as bet stake and eligibility. Setting the right bet stake ensures that I wager an amount that aligns with my budget and risk tolerance, while eligibility criteria determines if I qualify for certain promotions or bonuses. And now for the steps:

1. I determine my bet stake: Decide how much money I want to wager on your bet. Make sure it fits within my budget and risk tolerance.
2. I check eligibility: I make sure to meet any eligibility criteria for promotions or bonuses offered by the betting site, such as bet365's spin winnings or bet credits.
3. I make a minimum deposit: If required, I deposit the minimum amount specified by the betting site.
4. I navigate to the sportsbook markets: Explore the various sports and events available for betting, including popular leagues like the Premier League or special events like Cheltenham.
5. I select my bet type: Whether I want to keep it simple and go for a single bet. Or if I want to create a specific kind of bet like accumulators, or specials the bookies are ready to facilitate all my needs.
6. Place my bet: In order to place my bet I need to input the amount of money I am ready to wager. Afterwards, I have to confirm my bet placement. Double-check my selections and the odds displayed on my bet-slip before proceeding.
7. Utilize promo codes or bonus codes: If applicable, I enter any promo or bonus codes during the betting process to unlock additional rewards or enhancements to my bet. Before I ever use any of the bonuses, I always read the terms and conditions that come with them.
8. Monitor time limits and expiry dates: In all times I must be aware of any time limits or expiry dates associated with promotions or bonuses to ensure I don't miss out on potential winnings.

Bonuses that the best bookies in the UK must have

A great bookmaker would be nothing without amazing offers. Bookies provide these promotions to the bettors to have a more fun experience, as well as have more to bet with. Good bookies make sure that you are satisfied with the sportsbook bonus, but great bookies make sure you keep returning. They do not want you going elsewhere, so they make sure they have all the most popular sportsbook bonuses.

• 1st deposit bonus
• Loyalty / VIP program
• Bonus code
• Free bet
• Cashback bonus

Before I take on any of these bonuses I always make sure to read the terms and conditions so that I know if I am eligible to claim it, or to know if some of the bonuses are mutually exclusive. Some things to watch out for when using a bonus in betting:

• Time limits - A sportsbook bonus might have time limits put in place that make me use it in a certain time period or it will expire
• Expiry date - A betting bonus that must be used before its expiry date
• Eligibility restrictions - I always have to make sure I am eligible to claim a bonus, or to find out who can use the bonus
• Deposit requirement - Some betting bonuses might require me to deposit a certain amount before claiming them
• Eligibility of sports markets - Some bonuses can be used only for certain sports
• Payment method - Keep in mind eligible payment methods, or exclusive payment method bonuses

1st deposit bonus

1st deposit bonus, sometimes known as a welcome offer, is a great way to attract new bettors. 1st deposit bonus incentivizes bigger deposits because the bookie will match the first deposit amount you deposit. Of course, the sportsbook bonus can have eligibility restrictions and deposit requirements, so be sure to read the terms and conditions of the bonus to make sure you are eligible.

Loyalty program

Just as the previous deposit is a great way to attract customers, loyalty programs are a great way to keep your customers. To send a clear message to you as a bettor that you are valued. These offers can range from free bets, to match-deposit bonuses to anything, even a bonus token.

Bonus code

A bonus code or a promo code is a great way to enhance your budget. A sportsbook bonus that works both ways creates traction for the betting site, and it helps you to gain a bigger betting budget. And the best betting sites know that, so they are making sure that there are a lot of bonus codes scattered across the web.

It works as simply as you think. Just input the bonus code you find into the specified place on the betting site. A promo code can be tailor-made by a betting partner as well, in discussion with the bookie, of course.

Cashback bonus

A sportsbook bonus, also known as a money-back offer, is exceptionally popular because it allows you to get some percentage of the bet settlement losses back.

Best betting sites make sure that they have this betting promotion because a lot of punters love using it. As always, make sure to read the terms and conditions to be eligible to claim this bonus.

Free bet

Let me introduce you to the king of kings in betting promos at the best betting sites. A sportsbook bonus of a specified value that bookmakers provide to promote player engagement. You have probably seen these free bet bonuses everywhere - Bet 10 Get 30, for example.

Two most important factors to keep in mind regarding the free bet offers - the first is that you can't withdraw the money you got as a free bet, and the second one is to always read the terms and conditions in order to meet the bonus requirement and keep your winnings.

The most popular payment methods for betting in the UK

When considering the payment methods available on the best betting sites, they prioritize providing a comprehensive array of options to accommodate your preferences. Whether you're making deposits or initiating withdrawal requests, they ensure a seamless experience through their commitment to convenience and security.

For deposit transactions, the bookies support a variety of methods, including major credit and debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Neteller, and bank transfers. Users can opt for card payments or choose from alternative options like PayPal and Neteller, depending on their payment method exclusions or payment exclusions based on location or site-specific terms.

Quick settlement for withdrawal requests directly ensures timely access to winnings and happier players. However, occasional issues may arise, particularly related to eligibility exclusions or discrepancies in account information. In those situations, bookmakers have reliable customer support to help you.

Rest assured, the platforms are committed to addressing any transaction issues promptly and providing support to users throughout the payment process. Their diverse range of deposit options and efficient withdrawal settlement procedures ensure that your payment needs are in good hands.

There are numerous deposit methods that the best betting sites are accepting your funds in. However, some are more popular than others.

When operators are handling your payments and your money they must guarantee the safety of your money or they won't be working for very long, and they most certainly wouldn't be on our best betting sites list.

That same criteria is expanded onto the deposit methods, if a deposit method is not safe there is no point in using it. If you are worried about an issue occurring with your payments with a certain payment method you won't be using that one.

According to Statista, these are the most used online payment methods in the UK, and almost all of them are accepted by the best bookies. Here are the most popular payments:

PayPal

PayPal is widely used on betting platforms due to its convenience, security, and widespread acceptance, allowing users to make quick and secure transactions without directly sharing sensitive financial information.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay offers a seamless and secure payment experience for users with compatible Apple devices, allowing them to make fast and secure transactions at betting platforms using their mobile devices and biometric authentication.

Visa debit card

Visa debit cards are commonly used at betting platforms because of their global acceptance, convenience, and familiarity with the Visa brand, providing users with a reliable and widely accepted payment method for funding their betting accounts.

Google Pay

Google Pay enables users to make fast and secure payments at betting platforms using their Android devices, offering convenience and security through tokenization technology and biometric authentication.

Skrill

Skrill is popular at betting platforms due to its ease of use, low fees, and fast transactions, providing users with a secure and efficient way to deposit and withdraw funds from their betting accounts.

Neteller

Neteller is favoured by many bettors for its secure and reliable payment services, offering instant deposits and withdrawals, as well as a prepaid Mastercard option for accessing funds from betting accounts.

Trustly

Trustly enables users to make instant bank transfers at betting platforms directly from their bank accounts, offering convenience, security, and simplicity without the need for registration or additional accounts.

Do betting sites accept credit cards?

The days of using credit cards to deposit money into your betting account are long gone. Payment method exclusions on credit cards are among the stringent measures on safer gaming that UK betting firms were forced to enact as of April 2020. To accommodate everyone, there are numerous other deposit methods available.

Pocket betting dictionary

I won't be throwing the full list of the terms and jargon you should know while punting, you can read the full list of all betting terms here that will help you under any circumstances.

However, I will share a pocket glossary with you, that I believe will help you the most when betting at the best betting sites in the UK.

• Bet credits - Bet credits are promotional funds provided by bookmakers for betting purposes, usually not withdrawable as cash.
• Wagering requirements - Wagering requirements are conditions mandating a certain amount of betting before bonus winnings can be withdrawn.
• Bet-slip - A bet slip is a form or digital tool used to finalize and submit bets to a bookmaker or betting platform.
• Money bet - Money bet refers to placing a wager or bet involving real currency, where the outcome determines whether the bettor wins or loses money.
• Betting system - A betting system is a method or strategy used by bettors to guide their wagering decisions.
• Racing pool bet - A racing pool bet pools wagers from multiple participants, with payouts based on total stakes and race outcomes.
• Accas / Acca bet - Refers to wagers that combine multiple selections into a single bet, with all selections needing to win the bet settlement for the bet to be successful.
• Tote betting - Tote betting pools wagers from all participants, with payouts determined by the total stakes and winning tickets.

Most used bet types or betting markets in popular sports

Based on my experience, and from what I have observed from working in the industry. and dealing with different betting markets, but also from talking with punters I have compiled a short list of the most popular bet types across different sports.

These bet types are not necessarily the bets that win the most often, rather they are just the most played bets, disregarding the outcome of the bet settlement.

• Football - 1. Match result 2. Both teams to score 3. Over/under total goals
• Golf - 1. Tournament winner 2. Each way bet 3. Top nationality finisher
• Basketball - 1. Point spread 2. Moneyline 3. Total points over/under
• Cricket - 1. Match winner 2. Top batsman/bowler 3. Total runs over/under
• Horse racing - 1. Win 2. Each way bet 3. Forecast/Tricast
• Greyhound racing - 1. Win 2. Place 3. Forecast/Tricast
• Tennis - 1. Match winner 2. Set betting 3. Total games over/under
• UFC - 1. Fight winner 2. Method of victory 3. Round betting
• Darts - 1. Match winner 2. Handicap betting 3. Most 180s/High checkout
• NFL - 1. Point spread 2. Moneyline 3. Over/Under total points
• Baseball - 1. Moneyline 2. Run line 3. Total runs over/under

Award-winning betting sites

The best betting sites in the UK which have been recognized by the community and experts are, in no particular order:

1. bet365 - SBC Bookmaker of the Year 2016 - 2023
2. Unibet - Online Poker Operator of the Year - International Gaming Awards 2020 and Sports Betting Operator - EGR Nordics Awards 2020
3. Paddy Power - GGA London "Betting Shop Operator of the Year" 2020 - 2021

Over the years there have been thousands of betting sites popping all around. But from my experience, the general feeling is that only a couple of them can truly be exceptional.

There are many awards and achievements in the industry, and to keep winning them consistently is not an easy task. In my opinion, I have listed only a couple of the most notable awards, each of the operators has won over the years.

Interesting stats about online betting

• The UK online gambling market was worth £5.6 billion in Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) between April 2020 and March 2021, representing an increase of 7.3% compared to the previous year.
• According to the UK Gambling Commission's survey, 54% of respondents participated in some form of gambling activity in the past four weeks, with 22% engaging in online betting specifically.
• Football remains the most popular sport for online betting in the UK, followed by horse racing and tennis. In-play betting is also a significant driver of online betting activity.
• The online gambling market is expected to grow at 11.5% CAGR from 2021 to 2028.
• Around 0.7% of adults in Great Britain are problem gamblers, with an additional 1.1% classified as moderate-risk gamblers.

Read our betting reviews

• Unibet bookmaker review
• VBET review
• BetGoodWin bookmaker review
• Boylesports review
• Kwiff bookmaker review
• Rhino bet review

Tips for choosing the right betting site for you

When it comes to sports betting there is a great demand for tips, which is why I am writing this. To help all my fellow newbie players.

1. Check if the operator is reputable
2. Check for a license
3. Compare odds
4. Consider bonuses and promotions
5. Review payment methods
6. Test customer support
7. Assess mobile compatibility
8. Read the terms and conditions
9. Check our list of recommendations

Go online, bet away and have some fun

There you have it; those are my top tips for getting maximum value you bet on sports.

Navigating the world of online betting requires careful consideration of various factors, from market coverage to promotional incentives and responsible gambling practices. By choosing the best betting sites that prioritize member satisfaction and transparency, punters can maximize their chances of winning and enjoy a thrilling and rewarding betting experience.

As long as you gamble responsibly and focus on your strengths, you’ll have a great shot at getting something back from your time online. So, with that being said, take a look at my recommended UK online betting sites and enjoy what the best bookies have to offer. 

FAQ

1. How many online bookmakers are there in the UK?

There are hundreds of licensed betting sites in the UK. Some of them are worthy of our best betting sites list, others are average, and a few are terrible. I only recommend the best bookies UK customers can use. Our recommendations are based on extensive reviews and feedback from customers. 

2. Can I place a bet at a bookie in person and track it online?

You can’t track in-person bets online, but there are things you can do if a bookmaker has a presence in both mediums. For example, you can make in-person deposits and withdrawals to/from your online betting account. 

3. Which online bookies offer cash-out?

Almost all of the best online bookies, including bet365 and Parimatch, offer early cashouts. Early cashouts give you the option to end bets and receive a payout before their natural conclusion. Other bookies with this feature are 10bet, BetVictor, and Coral.

4. What payment methods can be used at UK online bookmakers?

You’ll be able to pay in a variety of ways at the top UK online betting sites. Visa and Mastercard are popular methods, as are e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller. Some modern payment options you can use online are PayNearMe, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

5. What payment method has the fastest withdrawal time?

E-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill offer the fastest withdrawal times. UK betting sites such as bet365 and Ladbrokes conduct internal security checks before processing withdrawals. These usually take between 24 and 72 hours. Once these checks are complete, e-wallet transfers are made within a matter of hours. 

6. How do you sign up at a UK online bookie?

You can use our secure links to join the best online betting sites. Our links not only take you directly to the registration page, but they also activate the best betting sign-up offers. You’ll need to provide your personal details and verify them using your official ID to register and make withdrawals. 

7. How are UK betting sites regulated?

UK online betting sites are regulated by the Gambling Commission. This regulatory body oversees all forms of gambling in the UK and ensures operators offer legit services. I only recommend betting sites Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. 

8. Are online betting sites legal?

Yes, online betting sites are legal in the UK if they’re licensed by the Gambling Commission. You can find a bookmaker’s licence details on their website’s homepage or via the Gambling Commission’s database. 

9. Can new bookies be any good?

Yes, new bookies like 10bet are more than capable of competing with established brands such as Ladbrokes and Coral. It’s often the case that new online betting sites offer bigger bonuses than their established counterparts because they want to make an impact. 

10. How do online bookmakers calculate odds?

Online bookies calculate odds by assessing a prospect’s chances of success and comparing it to other potential outcomes. They give this potential a numerical value that balances with the odds given to every other possible outcome.

11. What is tote betting?

In essence, the tote and the lottery operate similarly. After selecting their horses, bettors add their money to a cumulative pool; the pot is divided among all winning tickets. You will receive a larger portion of the winnings if your horse is backed by fewer people.

12. Can I use cryptocurrencies at the bookies?

Unfortunately no. None of the best betting sites in the UK accept crypto.

13. Are there any payment method exclusions at betting sites?

Yes, payment method exclusions and payment exclusions at betting sites commonly occur due to regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering regulations, fraud prevention measures, bonus abuse prevention, currency restrictions, and merchant agreements. Excluded methods often include cash transactions, cryptocurrencies, and certain e-wallets with limited verification.

14. What are accas?

Accas, or accumulator bets, are a popular choice among punters looking to multiply their winnings. Leading betting sites like BetUK offer incentives such as a bonus token or enhanced odds for successful accas, adding an extra layer of excitement to the betting experience. Be on the lookout for Acca insurance as well - a promotional offer provided by betting sites where punters receive a refund or bonus if one selection in their accumulator bet fails to win.

15. Are betting exchanges betting sites?

Yes, betting exchanges are considered types of betting sites. However, they operate differently from traditional bookmakers. Instead of betting against the house, users on a betting exchange bet against each other.

16. How bookmakers calculate odds

In order to determine odds, bookmakers examine a number of variables, including past performance, individual and team statistics, form, injury history, and market trends. They then modify these odds to account for their profit margin, guaranteeing that they will benefit in any case.

With the goal of striking a balance between enticing the bettors and skillfully managing risk, trading teams and sophisticated algorithms continuously analyze and change odds based on incoming information and betting activity.

About the author

Daniel Smyth

Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.

Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanSmythThePoet

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk

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