Best Online Betting Sites UK (United Kingdom)
Updated:
The gambling scene in the UK is one of the most flourishing in the world. The country is known for its online gambling and sports betting platforms, receiving thousands of regular visitors. With such a variety of bookmakers, it can be difficult to make your ultimate pick. This is why we’ve prepared this rounded review of the sports betting options available in the country and the best UK betting sites.
Full list of licensed and trustful UK betting sites
Found: 18 Bookmakers
Rank | Bookmaker | Bonus | Claim |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Luckster |
Bet £10 Get £10 in Free Bets |
BET HERE Go to Luckster website |
2 |
Vegas Mobile Casino |
Bet £20 Get £30 in Free Bets with code VMC30 |
BET HERE Go to Vegas Mobile Casino website |
3 |
21LuckyBet |
Bet £20 & Get £40 in Free Bets |
BET HERE Go to 21LuckyBet website |
4 |
Bet365 |
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. |
BET HERE Go to Bet365 website |
5 |
Betfred |
Bet £10 Get £40 in bonuses using promo code WELCOME40 New UK 18+ only. Register with promo code WELCOME40, Bet £10+ on Sports in one transaction. Get £30 Free Bets & £10 free spins within 10hrs of bet settlement. Bonuses expire 7 days after issue. Min odds, eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. |
BET HERE Go to Betfred website |
6 |
Boylesports |
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Payment method restrictions. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply |
BET HERE Go to Boylesports website |
7 |
NetBet |
Bet £5 on a Bet Builder and get a £10 Free Bet |
BET HERE Go to NetBet website |
8 |
The Online Casino |
BET £20 & GET A £40 FREE BET New Players Only. Min £ 20 qualifying bets stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £ 40, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply.#AD,18+ |
BET HERE Go to The Online Casino website |
9 |
William Hill |
Join this respected UK sportsbook 18+, play responsibly, begambleaware.org |
BET HERE Go to William Hill website |
10 |
Bwin |
Exclusive mobile promotions 18+, play responsibly, begambleaware.org |
BET HERE Go to Bwin website |
11 |
Unibet |
Neverending offers |
BET HERE Go to Unibet website |
12 |
Rhino |
Bet £25 get £10 |
BET HERE Go to Rhino website |
13 |
JeffBet |
BET £10 & GET A £30 FREE BET New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply. |
BET HERE Go to JeffBet website |
14 |
Betkwiff |
Bet £10 Get £20 Surprise Bet |
BET HERE Go to Betkwiff website |
15 |
Parimatch UK |
Bet £10 Get £30 18+ New customers only. Opt in, and bet £10 on football markets (odds 2.00+). No cash out. Get 6x£5 football free bets at specified odds for set markets, which expire after 7 days. Offer valid from 12:00 UK Time on 25/08/2023. Card payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly |
BET HERE Go to Parimatch UK website |
16 |
All British Sports |
Get 10% Cashback always |
BET HERE Go to All British Sports website |
17 |
Heyspin |
Bet £15 get £10 free bet |
BET HERE Go to Heyspin website |
18 |
10bet |
50% of deposit up to £50 New bettors; Code PLAY10; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+ |
BET HERE Go to 10bet website |
UK Online Sports Betting – The Ultimate Guide
Updated:
In this review, we cover:
You’ll find all the key information about UK betting on this page.
- Best betting sites UK
- History of Sports Betting in the UK
- Legal and Regulatory Framework for Online Betting in the UK
- How We Test and Review for our Best Online Bookies UK List
- Top 10 Online Betting Sites in the UK
- 2 New Online Bookmakers in the UK
- Different types of Betting Markets to try
- Mobile betting at the best UK betting sites
- 5 best betting apps in the UK
- Live & in-play betting at UK betting sites in 2023
- Most trusted UK betting sites
- Most popular bonus types at UK betting sites
- How to sign up, verify & place your first bet with a UK bookmaker
- Popular payment methods on UK betting sites
- Responsible Gambling Features: what you should know
- Security and Fairness at the best UK betting sites
- Conclusion
- FAQ
The United Kingdom is one of the most inclusive countries when it comes to gambling and sports wagering. British gamblers and sports fans have a wide selection of land-based and online casinos and bookmakers at their disposal. Punters can not only place their bets on sports or play casino games for real cash wins but also gain benefits from exclusive bonuses and promotions, watch live streams of their favourite events, and even participate in the so-called exchange betting with other skillful bettors.
Whether you’re a novice punter or an experienced sports fan, this review provides essential information on the UK betting company scene. It aims to help you find profitable sportsbooks and unique promotions, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for an enjoyable and rewarding betting experience.
Interesting facts about UK sports betting
Are online gambling and sports betting legal in the United Kingdom? The answer is yes, the country actively welcomes punters in both land-based and online sports betting establishments. The Betting and Gaming Act of 1960 legalised additional forms of gambling and sports wagering in the country and aimed at taking illegal forms of these activities off the streets. The Act was a breath of fresh air for the British gambling scene as it allowed gambling in games of skill for small sums of money. Indeed, the legislation resulted in the first land-based commercial bingo establishments and allowed the opening of betting shops in May 1961.
Even so, the first official gambling facilities in the UK had been established long prior to the Act of 1960. One of the first gambling companies in the UK, Ladbrokes, entered the industry back in 1886. Its second identity, Coral, followed with its creation in 1926 and, only in 2016, the two companies finally merged to create the so-called Ladbrokes Coral Group. Other popular platforms, such as Betfred and Paddy Power – an Irish gambling company – were founded in 1967 and 1988.
These days, UK betting sites account for approximately 37% of the total UK gambling market, and the UK online gambling market is estimated to be worth £5.3 billion.
Apart from other types of wagering, the sports betting scene in the UK is known for the popularity of so-called place-pot bets. These horse racing pools remain widely popular in the UK even to this day, and you can freely place a horse racing pool bet either online or in a brick-and-mortar betting facility.
Here are some noteworthy facts about the gambling and sports betting scene in the United Kingdom:
- The UK gambling industry is worth an estimated £14.4 billion annually.
- The average amount spent on gambling per adult in the UK is £176 per year.
- Over 50% of UK adults have placed a bet in the past year.
- The UK is home to over 1,500 licensed betting sites.
🌍 Country | United Kingdom |
👌 Language | English |
💲 Currency | Great British Pound (GBP) |
⚽ Popular sports | Football, horse racing, basketball, tennis, eSports |
⚖️ Is betting legal | Yes |
🏢 Regulator | The UK Gambling Commission |
🧾 Gambling taxes | 15% on gambling income |
💳 Most popular payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Bank Transfer, Cryptocurrencies |
Online betting accounts for over 70% of all bets placed in the UK. This is strong proof of the popularity of online sports wagering in the country. Keep reading this article to find the best betting opportunities provided by British and international bookmakers operating in the United Kingdom.
Legal and Regulatory Framework for Online Betting in the UK
Casino games and sports betting activities comprise a significant portion of this adult pastime in the United Kingdom. Are there any grey areas that British punters should pay attention to? In order to answer this question, we’ve thoroughly analysed the legal and regulatory framework for online betting in the UK.
Gambling Act 2005
As for the legal conditions in the country’s gambling industry, the UK has regulated such activities throughout most of its history. Following the landmark Betting and Gaming Act of 1960, several noteworthy gambling legislation measures came into force, the most important one being the Gambling Act of 2005. Introduced on April 7th, 2005, this gambling legislation updated already existing laws in the country and visibly improved the means of protection of all regulated gambling activities.
Licensing requirements
According to the Gambling Act of 2005, all betting sites in the UK must acquire a license from the UK Gambling Commission. The license must be issued in compliance with a number of essential factors.
- Identity of the owner. The identity of a person owning a gambling facility must be transparent in relation to all its operations.
- Financing. An owner must provide evidence of its solvency and the capacity to carry out his or her business financially.
- Honesty and trustworthiness. Deliberate agreement to cooperate with the Gambling Commission and provide only legit gambling services according to all its regulations.
- Professional expertise. Competence in all spheres that concern gambling and betting activities, ability to keep the facility afloat and run it in compliance with the law.
- Criminality. Each applicant must provide the commission with his or her criminal record prior to receiving the license.
The examples of big sportsbooks that have met all the aforementioned requirements and acquired a license from the UK Gambling Commission are Betvictor Bet, Betway, Stan James (part of the Unibet family), BetGoodwin, BoyleSports, BetUK Bet, QuinnBet, Kwiff, Sky Bet, LeoVegas, Ladbrokes Bet, SBK, 32Red, SportingBet, Spreadex Spreadex, and many more.
Regulation of gambling advertising
According to gambling advertising and marketing rules and regulations, all advertising campaigns for gambling activities in the UK must be organised and undertaken with responsibility and according to the UK Advertising Codes. The Codes that should be taken into consideration are:
- The UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code)
- The UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP Code)
Protection of vulnerable individuals
The last but not least important objective of the 2005 Gambling Act is to protect all vulnerable categories of citizens (i.e. children and former addicts) from the possible harmful effects of gambling and sports wagering in the country. Currently, a new major reform of the gambling legislation is underway in the United Kingdom. Its main objectives are as follows:
- Introduce a mandatory levy on betting facilities to pay for the gambling addiction treatment of their users and limit the possible stakes of online slot machines
- Increase the fines for those gambling and betting companies that fail to protect vulnerable individuals from irresponsible gambling
- Decrease the overall number of British citizens involved in problem gambling
The UK Gambling Commission
The UK Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act of 2005 and soon after, in 2007, became the country’s main regulatory body for casino gambling, arcades, sports betting, bingo, slot machines, and lotteries.
Role and responsibilities
The UK Gambling Commission regulates all gambling activities in the UK, including betting sites. The Commission requires all betting sites to be licensed and regulated to operate legally in the UK. In order to obtain a license, an applicant (an owner of a gambling facility) must provide proof of his or her solvency, credibility, competence in the sphere, and, of course, a clear criminal record.
Enforcement actions and penalties
The gambling facilities that do not comply with the Commission regulations are subject to financial penalties that have strict and defined aims:
- To improve or change the licensee’s behaviour
- To even out the harm caused by the licence breach
- To rid the licensee of the financial profit gained by the licence breach
- To prevent possible future breaches, both from the licensee and other gambling operators
Responsible gambling initiatives
First things first, the UK Gambling Commission requires all betting sites to have age verification measures in place to ensure that only those aged 18 and over can gamble. The responsible gambling initiatives stated by the Commission are:
- All UK betting sites must have a secure payment system in place to protect customers’ funds
- All UK betting sites must have measures in place to protect customers from problem gambling and to provide help and support to those who need it
- All UK betting sites must display the Gambling Commission’s logo and information about the site’s license on their website
- All UK betting sites must provide customers with clear and transparent terms and conditions
- All UK betting sites must have customer service teams available to answer queries and resolve any issues
How we test and review UK betting sites
Before we recommend any UK betting sites to punters, every platform goes through a detailed checking, during which we verify all the important factors that make up a good bookie. It’s obvious that a good sportsbook must be both profitable and simple in its use, but what else? We have enumerated our main requirements in the list below.
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Conduct research
There is an extensive number of betting sites via which customers from the UK can place their bets on sports. In our research, we check what these platforms have to offer both to loyal users and beginners. These include an array of available events, a selection of betting markets for each sports type, and a range of bonuses and corresponding rewards.
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Evaluate the licensing and regulation
All betting sites must have relevant and active licenses from the official authorities. Before recommending any casino or sports betting site to our readers, we thoroughly review its licensing policy. In this way, we are able to let you know which betting sites are legit and which are scams.
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Check the betting options
What makes a flourishing sports wagering website? Undoubtedly, it is the range of offered sporting events. On betting sites in the UK, as well as anywhere in the world, players must be able to bet not only on the most popular sports but also on rarer events. Apart from the available sports types and matches, a bookie must also provide its customers with a vast choice of betting markets, including extra and special bet types. In the UK, you can often come across betting platforms that offer Fast Markets or even Evens+ bets for football. Similar options must be accessible for secondary events as well.
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Review the user experience
Obviously, we cannot judge sport betting sites based only on our experience. The dynamic that gives any bookmaker its true value is members’ commentaries and reviews. Along with other factors on this list, we also review the individual user experience. Plus, we make sure to find only the latest comments with relevant information on the sportsbooks and their functions. Let’s say, hypothetically, we’re dealing with a list of the best betting sites in March 2023. To define the leaders in this race, we compare and contrast the user reviews posted in March 2023 and several months prior.
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Analyse the odds
To define betting sites with the most profitable outcomes for bettors, we compare the selection odds for the most popular sports games, as well as the numbers for rare leagues and events. Some platforms tend to have higher odds on the most anticipated events, using them as an advantage to lure in more potential customers. Others, however, try to even out the odds for all available matches, regardless of their popularity among punters. The latter kind of sports betting site has a greater chance of attracting punters who tend to strive for diversity in their betting experience.
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Assess the payment options
Nobody wants to struggle with payment methods on betting sites for too long. A good bookmaker might not have hundreds of available options when it comes to deposits and withdrawals, but there must still be diversity. Bank transfers, credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and cryptocurrencies – the options may range from website to website. Plus, there are some payment method exclusions for every platform, hence, the methods that are available for money deposits might not be available for withdrawals.
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Testing the customer service
UK betting sites are known for high-quality customer service via multiple channels of communication. This is true whether you have issues with registration, bet settlement, returns on your wagers, time limits and a deposit requirement for any promotion, withdrawals of your winnings, or any other trouble with a sportsbook. Customer support teams must be ready to help quickly and efficiently. We’re testing the customer service of all betting sites in this review before recommending them to readers.
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Consider bonuses and promotions
A rounded and beneficial sports betting experience is impossible without a bunch of decent bonuses and promotions. Whether it’s a casino bonus, a promo code, a freebet, or other types of bonus bets, these benefits can always give a head-start to your wagering experience with a betting site. Apart from considering bonuses and promotions offered by betting sites, we also pay attention to their wagering requirements for every sportsbook bonus. These requirements usually include a qualifying deposit, a rollover of the bonus amount for selected types of events, and a time limit for the promotion’s expiry. Mobile sports betting, including NHL apps betting, opens a lot of doors for modern punters. In a world where you can basically do anything using only your mobile device, sports betting apps are readily available on Android and iOS platforms. Most betting sites worldwide offer their official apps, which can be downloaded directly from Google Play or the App Store or from bookmaker websites. These apps provide a convenient and enjoyable sports betting platform that easily fits inside your pocket, allowing you to place NHL bets on the go.
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Mobile compatibility and Mobile sports apps
Mobile sports betting opens a lot of doors to modern punters. In a world where you can do basically anything using only your mobile device, sports betting does not take a backseat to other forms of entertainment. Consequently, most betting sites around the globe offer their official Android and iOS apps to punters. Some of them you can install directly from Google Play or App Store, and some have to be downloaded directly from bookmaker websites. Either way, you get a convenient and enjoyable sports betting platform that easily fits inside your pocket.
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Usability of the website
The general usability of any sports betting website depends on several factors and rules that we always take into account. First things first, the interface must be designed in such a way that all users, even newbies, can get quick access to the sports betting market they need. Secondly, the layout should be devoid of any excessive banners or glaring advertisements. Speaking from experience, those betting sites that have a minimalist but simple layout with effortless navigation tend to attract much more loyal customers.
Top 10 Online Betting Sites in the UK
The UK betting sites have various selections of betting opportunities that cater to all punters in the country. Every option comprises a casino and sportsbook section, all in one website. That is, whenever you want to get distracted from bet stakes and play poker or make some spins in a slot machine, you will get it all. What are the best options for a rounded gambling and sports betting experience? Follow our list of the best betting sites in the UK to find out.
#1 website in the UK – 888Sport
888Sport is one of the oldest modern sportsbooks, established in 1997 and with its own online website since 2008. Licensed by the Gibraltar and Malta authorities, as well as the UKGC, 888Sport is one of the most trustworthy bookmakers among British sports fans. The sportsbook is part of ESSA and the London Stock Exchange list. Additionally, 888Sport regularly sponsors football clubs and major sports leagues.
Key features
- Coverage of more than 40 sports to bet on
- Live streaming
- Bet-slip with a Bet Builder
- Full cash-out
Advantages
Limitations
An experienced and trusted bookmaker
3 main operating licenses
High winning limits
Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone apps
Fewer football markets compared to other bookies
Doesn’t support cryptocurrencies
#2 website in the UK – Unibet
Unibet is one of the UK betting sites with the most industry experience. Like 888Sport, Unibet first saw the light of day in 1997 but already went online in 1999. This is another bookmaker with multiple licenses and its main operating licenses include Estonia, Gibraltar, Malta, and the UKGC. The local licenses of Unibet are scattered across Europe, making it a reliable and trustworthy bookmaker not only in the UK but all over the continent. The in-play betting section of Unibet covers more than 10,000 monthly events and provides customers with live streams for major leagues and tournaments in the world of sports.
Key features
- In-play section with a live-streaming feature
- Over 200,000 pre-match events per year
- High payouts on Asian Handicap bets
- Bet Builder & Cash-out options
Advantages
Limitations
More than 40 sports to bet on
Live streams of major tournaments
Fast withdrawals via digital wallets
Low winning limits
Doesn’t support crypto
Lower payouts on secondary leagues
#3 website in the UK – All British Sports
All British Sports is a casino and a sportsbook that fully lives up to its name. Established in 2013 and licensed by the UKGC and the MGA, All British Sports has a comprehensive layout with separate pages for each category of online gambling. Whether you want to bet on sports pre-match or live, place a money bet on eSports, or try your luck at online casino games, you will find everything you need.
The bookie offers a decent welcome package for all new customers. The package consists of a money bonus and a long-lasting cashback of 10% on all your sports betting losses.
Key features
- Two operating licenses
- Bet Builder
- Cashback of 10% on your lost deposits
Advantages
Limitations
Welcome bonus with cashback
UKGC and MGA licenses
Over 30 sports to bet on
Convenient iOS app
High bookmaker margins on eSports
Strict wagering requirements for the welcome bonus
No Android app
#4 website in the UK – Bet365
It’s impossible not to mention Bet365 when discussing the most popular betting sites in the UK. The sportsbook was established in 1974 and developed its online website in 2000. Apart from its main operating licenses from Gibraltar, Malta, and the UKGC, the website holds an array of local licenses in Europe, South America, and Australia too. Bet365 covers over 45 sports to bet on, an impressive in-play offer with live streaming, and more than 150 extra bet types for the most popular leagues. Bet365 is widely known for its bet credits that allow punters to place their wagers on sports without using the real funds in their accounts.
Key features
- High sports coverage
- Bet credits
- Bet Builder & Edit Bet
Advantages
Limitations
More than 45 sports types to bet on
Outright bets and player specials
Min. deposit from £5
Payment restrictions for Neteller and Skrill
Average odds on less popular events
#5 website in the UK – Parimatch UK
If you’re looking for a popular and widely trusted bet UK website, make sure to check out Parimatch UK. The sportsbook is licensed both by Curacao and the UKGC and has a number of local licenses in several European countries. The bookie is known for its competitive odds regardless of the type of event, and thousands of British punters regularly use Parimatch UK for some highly profitable sports bets.
Key features
- High odds
- In-play section with live streaming
- Quick Bet
- Official mobile apps
Advantages
Limitations
High payouts on popular and secondary events
Fast withdrawals within 24 hours
Bitcoin withdrawals within a few hours
Live streaming
Strict account verification policy
#6 website in the UK – Bwin
Another decent choice for your sports bet in the UK is Bwin. Even though this sportsbook is primarily known for its horse racing markets, Bwin still has a wide range of options across other sports types. The bookie is licensed by the UKGC and Gibraltar – where it is also headquartered. Bwin covers over 50 sports types to bet on and offers such essential betting tools as Bet Builder, Cashout, Live Streaming for in-play events, and others.
Key features
- Live streaming
- Full and partial cashout
- Bet Builder
- In-play section with Multiview
Advantages
Limitations
Lots of horse racing betting markets
Hundreds of extra bet types
Fast withdrawals via PayPal and Paysafecard
No Asian Handicap betting
#7 website in the UK – William Hill
While talking about the best betting sites UK based, we cannot overlook William Hill. This is a sportsbook with a rich history and loved by many British residents. It has existed since as early as 1934 and is currently headquartered in London, England. William Hill has been acknowledged by a number of prestigious gambling awards with the most noteworthy being Sports Betting Operator of the Year at the 2019 International Gaming Awards.
Key features
- Welcome bonus in free bets
- Refer a Friend program
- Multilingual customer support team
- 128-bit SSL encryption for user safety
Advantages
Limitations
One of the top horse racing bookmakers in the world
More than 200 special markets for football leagues
Impressive sports coverage
Withdrawals can take up to 10 days
#8 website in the UK – 21 Lucky bet
21LuckyBet is one of the newest sports betting platforms on the web, established in only 2022. Despite its relative novelty, the bookmaker is already licensed by the UKGC, MGA, and CIGA. The overall number of offered sports types for betting surpasses 30, and the number of monthly live events is over 10,000. As for the banking methods, 21LuckyBet is a crypto-friendly sports betting site that offers Bitcoin as both a deposit and withdrawal option.
Key features
- Quick Bet
- Live Multiview option
- Cashout
Advantages
Limitations
Betting on national and international tournaments
Min. deposit from £10
Three operational licenses
No live streaming
No mobile apps
#9 website in the UK – Heyspin
Heyspin is another relatively new betting website, established in 2020 and licensed by Malta and the UKGC. The bookie offers an extensive range of choices both in its pre-match and in-play sections, and sports fans can wager on more than 35 sports. Among the 20,000+ events per month, you can find both single matches and major competitions, with over 300 regular and special markets on top leagues. Fans of horse or greyhound racing will find Heyspin particularly appealing due to more than 6,000 regular racing matches and lots of extra bets offered by the platform.
Key features
- Quick Bet feature
- Bet Builder
- Fast betting markets
- Full or partial cashout
Advantages
Limitations
Competitive odds
Asian Handicap betting
Special bets for all sports types
More than 300 football markets
No live streaming
Many restricted countries
#10 website in the UK – 10Bet
10Bet is one of the betting sites UK options that has gained immense trust from local bettors. The platform was founded in 2003 and acquired its main operating licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission, as well as local ones in Sweden and Ireland. 10Bet is particularly known for its generous in-play betting section, with over 25,000 live games per month and such useful features as Multiview, Quick Bet, and Edit Bet.
Key features
- In-play betting with a Live Multiview
- More than 100 extra sports betting markets
- Quick Bet & Edit Bet
- Full & Partial cashout
Advantages
Limitations
Impressive coverage of more than 55 sports types
Fast withdrawal requests via Skrill, Neteller, and Trustly
High winning limits per day
No live streaming feature
Limited range of eSports to bet on
Different types of Betting Markets to try
What are the most popular sportsbook markets available on betting sites UK options? Usually, in this context, we differentiate between classic sports betting options, as well as eSports markets. Whatever option you decide to bet on, however, make sure to find a bookmaker that displays the most beneficial odds.
Sports betting
As a rule, most international online casinos provide their customers with extensive sports betting sections. The range is not limited to the most popular sports types though and, quite often, punters can find niche events with no less competitive odds. After exploring an array of widely-known betting sites in the UK, we’ve sorted out the most popular types of sports you can wager on.
Football betting
Football is the most popular sport for betting in the UK, accounting for over 40% of all bets placed in 2019. If you intend to bet on football matches, you can be sure that there will always be plenty of opportunities for this, as well as an array of exclusive bonuses and promotions for football fans. Some bookmakers can offer free football bets, cashback of up to 50%, and boosted odds on selected live football events. The most popular big football tournaments in the country are the Premier League and the Champions League.
BASKETBALL BETTING
Basketball doesn’t fall far behind football in terms of popularity among UK betting sites. Punters can place many widespread types of basketball bets, such as Moneyline, Point Spread, Handicaps, and Over/Under (Totals). Before placing any wager on a basketball match, however, take your time to find tips posted by more experienced bettors as this isn’t always an easy sport to win money on.
HORSE RACE BETTING
Horse racing is the second most popular sport for betting in the UK, accounting for over 25% of all bets placed in 2019. On top of this, horse racing is one of the oldest markets for sports wagering in the world, and horse racing bets are already considered classics among punters of all ages. On betting sites in the UK, punters can place their wagers on both single horse racing events and major tournaments, such as The Cheltenham Festival.
The most common bet types for horse races are single, double, treble, and accumulator betting. Also, tote betting is an extremely popular option on betting sites in the United Kingdom. To get a Tote Win, you have to pick a horse and place a money bet in a cumulative pool. If your chosen horse finishes first, you will get a percentage of the pool depending on the number of people that backed the same horse.
On some UK bookmaker websites, you can get a Tote Credit of a certain amount of money as soon as you place your first bet on a racing pool. A famous brand offering Tote Place wagering to punters is Betfair; the biggest betting exchange in the UK and the world.
TENNIS BETTING
The last entry on our list is tennis, another leader among the most popular sports markets in the United Kingdom. Wagering on tennis is great both in pre-match and in-play formats, as even the min. odds for tennis matches are usually higher than average on UK sports betting sites.
Like any other sport with two players competing against each other, tennis is perfect for EVS (Evens) betting. An even bet means that there is a 50/50 probability of a certain outcome occurring in the match.
eSports betting
Indulging in eSports betting is no less popular than wagering on conventional sports types. All betting sites in the UK are currently expanding their portfolios of virtual games, sometimes creating separate website pages for eSports bets. If you have little experience in virtual sports betting and so don’t know what game to start with, let us provide you with a list of the most popular options across betting sites in the United Kingdom.
DOTA 2 BETTING
Dota 2 is perhaps the most popular eSports market to bet on. Game events are regular, for both single matches and major competitions, and all UK betting sites that offer an eSports section include Dota 2 as one of their primary options. The most widespread bet types to place on this game are Match Result, Tournament Winner, and the Occurrence of an Event. If you want to boost your luck and increase potential winnings, we highly recommend for you to wager during the biggest tournaments, such as Dota 2: The International, Dota 2: European Pro League, Dota 2: ESL One, and Dota 2: PGL.
The number of LOL betting markets offered by UK betting sites is decent and includes all the most popular bet types for this game: Match Winner, First Baron or Dragon, First Inhibitor/Tower, Handicap, and Outright Winner. But prior to wagering on any of these markets, take your time to study the game, its mechanics and rules, especially if you’re a first-time bettor.
LOL: LEAGUE OF LEGENDS BETTING
The number of LOL betting markets offered by UK betting sites is decent and it includes all the most popular bet types for this game: Match Winner, First Baron or Dragon, First Inhibitor/Tower, Handicap, and Outright Winner. But prior to wagering on any of these markets, take your time to study the game, its mechanics and rules, especially if you’re a first-time bettor.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive betting
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a dynamic eSport with various combat strategies and mechanics, which allows for an array of exclusive betting markets. The most popular ones are Knife Round Winner, 1st Pistol/2nd Pistol Round Winner, Total Rounds Over/Under, and First to 5 Rounds. If you intend to bet on CS:GO during big international tournaments, consider Intel Extreme Masters, ESL Pro League, and BLAST Pro Series.
Starcraft 2 betting
Even though Starcraft is not the newest game in the eSports arena, betting on SC2 matches is still considered profitable among gaming enthusiasts and sports fans in the UK. Wagers on this strategic competitive game can become much more fruitful if you choose special markets such as Match Winner, Map Winner, Handicap, Team to Win a Map, Correct Map Score, Over/Under (Totals), and Team to Win the SC2 Tournament.
Mobile betting at the best UK betting sites
A high percentage of British sports fans claim to use mobile versions of their favourite bookmakers, relying on the speed and relative simplicity of such a form of betting. As we’ve already mentioned, mobile betting makes a big difference when you’re looking for a quick and convenient bet placement from any part of the world. After you pick that one and only bookmaker for yourself, you get the chance to squeeze all its functions and range of markets into one handy mobile app.
Mobile-Optimised Websites
Most betting sites UK based provide their users with official mobile applications for Android and iOS devices. Others make sure to create completely mobile-optimised desktop versions. The main benefits of such bookmakers for British punters are as follows:
User experience and accessibility
The account reg process on mobile apps is usually no different from the desktop versions of the various bookmakers. The registration pop-up window is designed to fit every mobile screen and make the sign-up as fast as possible. Plus, if you allow the website to remember your sign-up info, you won’t have to enter it each time you open the browser app. In this way, instant access to all betting operations is guaranteed.
Device compatibility
Most mobile-optimised bookmaker websites operate smoothly and without lagging on all modern mobile devices. The only conditions you have to follow are:
- Have an up-to-date gadget with the latest software version
- Use your system browser or a browser from a legit and trustworthy developer
Mobile browser performance
Your mobile browser performance can impact the display of any website. Before you go to the mobile version of your favourite bookmaker, make sure that your browser is either a system one or installed from a reliable source. Next, get rid of all unnecessary tabs and bookmarks to ensure the fastest browser performance, which is crucial for quick and profitable sports bets.
5 best betting apps in the UK
While the mobile-optimised websites of your favourite bookmakers might be decent options, they won’t replace the official Android and iOS apps. There are many advantages to a mobile-friendly sportsbook: fast bet placement within one tap, immediate bet acceptance without bugs, and access to all the main features of the site from any corner of the world. In the list below, we’ve gathered the best betting sites with official mobile apps in the UK.
#1 UK betting app – 888Sport
The 888Sport mobile app for Android can be downloaded directly from Google Play. The application has got thousands of positive reviews from users who have already tested its potential in quick and hassle-free mobile wagering. The usability that punters enjoy includes a smart search with the BetFinder feature, BetFeed for all the upcoming events and their schedules, and free live streaming on all UK & Irish horse racing matches. And if you have any issue with the functioning of the mobile app, you can always contact the customer support team of 888Sport using your phone.
Key features
- Live streaming for horse racing
- BetFinder
- BetFeed
Advantages
Limitations
Fast stake acceptance
Android app can be downloaded from Google Play
Simple and comprehensible layout
Withdrawals can take up to 8 business days
#2 UK betting app – Bet365
Bet365 has gained a reputation as a long-lasting and trustworthy bookmaker. Since the website went online in 2000, it has established an equally safe and diverse betting environment for all its clients. The Bet365 bet mobile apps for Android and iOS can be downloaded and installed directly from Google Play or App Store. Once you’re on the app, you can view the entire list of available sports types in the pre-match and in-play sections. Some ongoing matches also have an exclusive live-streaming feature that allows you to watch live games without leaving the app.
Key features
- Live streaming
- Full and Partial cashout
- Bet Builder
- Edit Bet
Advantages
Limitations
One of the oldest bookmakers in the country
Fast app installation
Over 45 sports to bet on
Withdrawals within 24 hours for e-wallets
Lower odds on secondary events
#3 UK betting app – Bwin
Bwin is a particularly popular sportsbook for horse racing bets and big horse racing events. However, in its convenient and responsive mobile app, you can find dozens of other popular sports markets. The desktop version of the website is known for its convenience and a range of handy betting tools, and all of them were successfully transferred into the mobile app version of Bwin. As a result, punters can bet on more than 50 sports types, using such features as Bet Builder, Edit Bet, Live Streaming, and Live Multiview.
Key features
- Available for Android and iOS
- Bet Builder & Edit Bet
- Live streaming
- Live Multiview
Advantages
Limitations
Withdrawals take up to 24 hours via Paysafecard and ecoPayz
Over 1,000 daily in-play events with live streaming
Partial and Automatic Cashout
Slow processing of withdrawal requests
#4 UK betting app – All British Sports
The layout of the mobile version of All British Sports is designed to suit both Day and Night Mode so that players can switch between them whenever the website feels too flashy. The mobile app has kept all the bonuses and promotions of All British Sports, so don’t worry, you’ll get your welcome 10% cashback on all lost bets either way. The full cashout with no limit for this promotion is another useful function that will help you save as much money on your fruitless bets as possible. And everything is available in one convenient All British Sports mobile app.
Key features
- Excellent Bet Builder function
- Fast Markets for football
- Live betting for selected sports
Advantages
Limitations
Fixed 10% cashback bonus on your lost bets
Coverage of all major football tournaments
eSports live betting
Low withdrawal limits
#5 UK betting app – Parimatch UK
One of the biggest bookmakers in the country, Parimatch UK has developed its official mobile apps for Android and iOS platforms. The apps can be easily downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, as well as directly from the bookmaker’s website. In the app, you can pick any event from the range of 30+ sports, view the odds for each outcome, and place your wagers in a matter of seconds. All the regular bonuses and promotions are also available on the app, so you don’t have to go to the bookie’s desktop website version to participate in a certain promo.
Key features
- British odds view
- Fast deposit methods
- Quick Bet
- Full and Partial cashout
Advantages
Limitations
The app can be installed directly from the Parimatch website
Smooth and responsive app
Doesn’t take up much space on your device
Extra and outright bets
Slower acceptance of live bets
Many restricted states
Live & in-play betting at UK betting sites in 2023
Live and in-play sports wagering are becoming more and more popular across betting sites in the UK. The main quality that makes live betting different from pre-match betting is that a punter can find himself in the heart of an action and place wagers right in the course of a match. Expanded in-play betting categories on betting sites usually include a number of key features that can make your live wagering experience even more enjoyable and simple.
Live Scoreboards
Live scoreboards are a must in every bookmaker’s live betting section. In order to place the most profitable wager in the course of a live match, you have to keep track of points (or goals), eliminated or changed players, and other essential updates that can influence your bet value.
Live Streaming
Placing a live-score bet becomes even more fun when you have the chance of watching a live stream of your favourite sports event. Even though a live-streaming feature is quite rare to find, some betting sites still offer it for a selected number of matches.
Live Multiview
Live Multiview is a handy tool that allows you to keep track of up to 4 live sporting events at once. By using Multiview, you become the first to receive all the news and updates on current match scores and leading teams and competitors.
Most trusted UK betting sites
As we’re moving closer to the finish line in our review of the sports betting scene in the UK, let us introduce you to some of the most trusted betting sites among British customers.
#1 trusted UK betting site – 888Sport
Established in 2008 and licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, 888Sport remains to this day one of the most widely used betting sites among British sports fans. The useful wagering tools at your disposal include live streaming for selected sports and events, boosted odds for a limited range of matches, and even a Free-to-Play Football Predictor with real cash prizes of up to £8,000.
KEY FEATURES
- Date of establishment: 2008
- Headquarters: Gibraltar
- License: The UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority
- Available payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Online Banking, Trustly, Skrill, Neteller, Neosurf, Astropay, Apple Pay, etc.
- Welcome bonus: 100% of up to £100 on the first deposit
- Min. and max. deposits: from £10 to £50,000 per day
- Customer support options: Live Chat on the website, email address, mobile phone
#2 trusted UK betting site – William Hill
A solid reason to pick William Hill as your first bookmaker is its brilliant reputation on the British sports betting scene. The sportsbook has a noteworthy welcome offer for all new users: after you opt-in, place your first deposit of at least £10 and meet all the bonus requirements, you’ll get £30 in free bets.
Key Features
- Date of establishment: 1934
- Headquarters: London, England
- License: The UK Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Gambling Commission
- Available payment methods: Debit and credit cards, PayPal, Online Banking
- Welcome bonus: £30 in free bets for a deposit of £10
- Min. and max. deposits: from £10 to £5,000 daily depending on your banking method
- Customer support options: Live Chat, email address, phone number
#3 trusted UK betting site – Bet365
Bet365 is a bookmaker that is widely known for its bet credits. This option is available in your Bet Slip at any time as soon as you wish to place your wager. In the event that you have any free bet bonuses in store, you can use them in one click by selecting ‘Use Bet Credits’ before placing your stake.
Key Features
- Date of establishment: 1974, online since 2000
- Headquarters: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
- License: UKGC, MGA, Gibraltar
- Available payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Trustly, SoFort, Neosurf, Bank Wire, AstroPay
- Welcome bonus: £200 in bonus bets for a deposit starting from £1
- Min. and max. deposits: from £5 to £20,000
- Customer support options: Live Chat, email address, mobile phone
Most popular bonus types at UK betting sites
On all sports betting sites in the UK, players can find a category filled with intriguing bonuses and promotions for both sports wagering and casino gambling. The range of bonuses can encompass dozens of beneficial offers for different sports types. So, which one should you choose and how should you invest your funds wisely using a bonus? To answer this question, let’s look at the most popular bonuses and promos you might be eligible for at UK betting sites.
Welcome bonuses
Betting sites always include welcome bonuses for your first sign-up. Once a player creates an account with one of the bookies and completes an SMS verification, the welcome gift is waiting. What kind of gift can that be? In the list below, we break down the most popular types of welcome bonuses for new bettors.
First deposit bonuses
As its name suggests, the first deposit bonus requires you to top up your betting account for the first time after signing up with the bookie. Right after you’ve done this through one of the deposit methods and completed the rollover according to the wagering requirements, a certain amount of bonus money will appear in your account, most often, automatically.
No deposit cash bonuses
Is it possible to get a bonus without depositing any cash? It is, but this option is much rarer than the first deposit bonus. Still, some betting sites are generous enough to give their new customers a head-start on their sports bets. Don’t forget, however, that even for this type of promotion, some wagering requirements and restrictions might still be applied.
Welcome free bet bonus
A free bet is basically a bonus wager that you can place without spending actual money. This is the most generous type of welcome gift that is also quite rare to find. Free bets can range from general to individual types for different sports, such as football free bets, tennis free bets, horse racing free bets, eSports free bets, and others. The max. freebet varies from sportsbook to sportsbook.
Ongoing promotions
The range of bonuses and promotions on betting sites is not limited to a welcome customer offer. In fact, experienced and loyal users of a sportsbook can also find a decent number of promotions to boost their luck and gain some bonus wins. The most widespread types of ongoing promotions include reload bonuses, cashback offers, and accumulator bets. Apart from the promotions listed in this review, consider the so-called price boosts also.
Reload bonuses
If your chosen bookie offers a Reload bonus, don’t let such an opportunity pass you by. This bonus allows you to get a certain percentage of funds back not only on your 1st deposit but on a number of further deposits made on a website. Sometimes, the reload percentage can reach as high as 150%, basically granting you a free bet. Nevertheless, be sure to check out the wagering requirement you must meet before requesting your bonus cash.
Cashback offers
Bonus wagering becomes even more profitable when you have a cashback bonus to activate. This is a certain percentage of money that you can get back on your lost bets. Cashback usually depends on a website and starts from 10%, reaching 50% and higher for various sports types. Furthermore, some bookmakers offer long-lasting cashback that will return you a part of the money for every lost bet on the website.
Accumulator Boosts
Some UK bookmakers can offer the so-called ACCA insurance for football and other sports types in which punters frequently place accumulator bets. This insurance promises a money refund in case one leg of your accumulator bet loses.
VIP and loyalty programs
In case you intend to stay with your chosen bookmaker for a long time, we recommend checking the availability of a VIP or any other kind of loyalty program. These promotions allow bettors to receive exclusive cash prizes and other rewards in the long run. The two main types of VIP programs are point-based systems and High Roller promotions.
Point-based systems
If your favourite bookmaker has a point-based VIP membership, this is a true jackpot. To enter a point-based VIP program on a sports betting website, you have to make a cash deposit and a qualifying bet according to the promotion’s policy. As soon as you become a member of the program, you can continue placing wagers and gaining wins on the website. With each bet, you’ll receive points that will lead you through the VIP levels, rewarding you with unique membership prizes at each stage.
High Roller promotions
The High Roller customer promotions are special offers from UK betting sites to punters who are willing to spend exceptionally big sums of money on their wagers with a bookmaker. The algorithm for becoming a part of a High Roller VIP program is simple: you have to deposit and wager a large sum of money required by the terms and conditions of the promotion. Once you’re a part of the local ‘elite’, your further VIP prizes will be directly proportional to the amount of cash you spend on your bets.
Bookmaker | Bonus offer | Advantages | Find out more |
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Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets + £10 Casino Bonus |
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Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets |
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Exclusive mobile promotions |
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Bet £15 get £10 free bet |
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Bet £10 Get £30 |
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How to sign up, verify & place your first bet with a UK bookmaker
Right after you’ve picked a bookmaker that caters to all your betting needs, it’s time to complete the sign-up and verification processes and ensure a secure betting environment for yourself and other punters. If it’s your first time registering with a bookmaker platform, don’t worry. We’ve gathered all the essential points in our step-by-step tutorial.
Registration
In order to register an account with nearly every bookmaker on the market, you’ll have to:
- Find the registration button on the website and open a sign-up form
- Enter all the basic personal information, which usually includes your email, full name, title (Mr., Mrs.), date of birth, phone number, city of residence and preferred currency
- Make up a long and strong password according to the site’s requirements
- Submit a welcome bonus code if you have one
- Confirm your email address, if required
Verification
On all legit betting sites in the UK, you might be required to verify your personal account before requesting a withdrawal of your wins. Even though the word verification might sound intimidating to some punters, the process is usually complete almost at the snap of a finger.
How to verify your account with a UK bookmaker:
- Find a verification form on the website or the support email address
- Make scan copies (front and back) of such personal documents as: ID card, passport, or driver’s license, and one of the recent household maintenance (utility) bills for the confirmation of your address
- Attach the files to your letter and send to the bookmaker
- Leave the rest to the bookie and wait for the confirmation of your request
- Feel free to withdraw your rewards from the site
Login
After you’ve completed the registration for the first time, you can use your username and password to get access to your account and bets. If you’re wagering using the mobile app of your bookmaker, you can stay logged in and protect your account with Touch or Face ID.
Placing the first bet
To place your first bet with a UK bookmaker, you have to:
- Go to the Sports or Live Sports section of your betting site and pick one of the sports on the list
- Look for the event you wish to wager on
- Check the available betting markets and odds for different outcomes
- Click on one of the outcomes and wait for your bet to appear in Bet Slip
- In the Bet Slip, enter the stake amount and confirm your wager
- Keep track of your currently placed bets and be ready to grab prizes on time
Popular payment methods on UK betting sites
Before you can place any wager with a UK bookmaker, you have to deposit a certain amount of money according to your bookie’s payment policy. Every modern sportsbook can offer a list of reliable and convenient payment options that encompasses at least 10 entries. However, each one of the payment methods has its pros and cons. We’re going to look at the most popular options in general detail.
Credit and Debit Cards
Credit or debit card deposits are considered the safest on sports betting sites. Given that there is no third party that would interfere with your transaction, you only have to submit your bank card information and wait for the payment to be processed. For bettors who prefer having full control over their transactions with bookmakers, credit and debit cards are the best options indeed.
- Bet with Visa: Visa is one of the two most popular card payments on sports betting sites. It’s an international leader in online payments that has been around since 1958. There is no processing fee for either deposits or withdrawals made with Visa, and the deposit processing time is instant. However, the average withdrawal processing for this banking method is between 3 and 5 working days. Keep this in mind in case you want to withdraw your winnings as fast as possible.
- Bet with MasterCard: Another example of a popular banking method across betting sites worldwide is MasterCard. If you want to make a deposit on a sports betting site at the snap of a finger, MasterCard is your best choice. This banking method covers all international betting platforms and usually charges no more than 1% for all transactions. However, it is possible to find gambling sites with no fees for MasterCard payments whatsoever.
- Bet with Maestro: Introduced back in 1991, MasterCard Maestro is a brand of credit and debit cards owned by MasterCard. The biggest sports betting brands in the United Kingdom, such as William Hill, Ladbrokes, and Paddy Power, offer Maestro as one of the leading banking methods for both deposits and withdrawals. You can enter your Maestro card details and submit them to the website right after the first sign-up. In this way, you won’t have to re-enter them every time you’re requesting a transaction, and all your deposits and withdrawals are guaranteed to be stress-free.
E-Wallets
Digital wallets are perhaps the fastest way to top up your balance on a sports betting website. Some sportsbooks offer a range of dozens of available e-wallets for both deposits and withdrawals. We’re going to take a look at the top 3 most widely used options.
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Bet with Skrill
Skrill is a digital wallet that has been around since 2001. It operates in 131 countries of the world, including the United Kingdom, and offers fast and effortless online transactions in 40 international currencies. You can use either a Skrill e-wallet or a Skrill prepaid card for your deposits and withdrawals on sports betting sites.
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Bet with PayPal
Something that you can always get from betting with PayPal is extremely fast withdrawals. Lots of sports betting platforms that list PayPal as a banking method promise a withdrawal processing period of up to several hours.
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Bet with Neteller
Neteller is an e-wallet with international coverage that was founded back in 1999. It is widely accepted as both a deposit and withdrawal method at most UK betting sites and charges no fees for these operations. The funding methods under Neteller include bank transfers, credit and debit cards, and prepaid cards. All bookmakers mentioned in this review support Neteller as a banking option.
Prepaid cards and vouchers
Prepaid cards and vouchers represent another trustworthy method of banking for your betting account. Some sports wagering platforms offer exclusive bonuses and promotions for punters who choose prepaid cards and vouchers as their banking methods. However, most of them are designed exclusively for casino gambling. For example, you can expect combined sports betting and slot bonus options that might consist of free bets for sports and bonus spins in selected slot machines.
- Bet with Paysafecard: Paysafecard is a prepaid card founded back in 2000. It is a charge-free banking method for deposit and withdrawal operations with online bookmakers. The biggest UK betting sites that use Paysafecard as a payment method are Bet365, William Hill, Bwin, Betfred, 888Sport, and Betvictor.
- Bet with Neosurf: Neosurf is an international prepaid voucher that has been around since 2004. Neosurf is available in most European countries and charges no fees for its instant transactions. Bet365 and Bwin, which both feature in our list of UK betting sites, are examples of bookmakers that support Neosurf as a banking method.
- Bet with ecoPayz: EcoPayz can be anything you like: an e-wallet, a prepaid card, or a voucher. This banking method serves worldwide and doesn’t charge any transaction fees. Besides, ecoPayz is famous for its relatively short payment processing times for both deposit and withdrawal transactions.
Cryptocurrency deposits
The majority of international betting sites are crypto-friendly and even support crypto tokens as a form of payment. A token is a digital representation of your crypto asset that you can use as a deposit on a sports betting site. Some crypto-friendly betting platforms might offer you a bonus token prior to or on your first deposit.
- Bet with Bitcoin: Even though you can rarely find a Bitcoin option for withdrawals, it is still frequent for deposit operations with most bookmakers. All Bitcoin transactions are supported by blockchain technology that makes them completely anonymous and invisible to any third parties. That is to say, your deposits and withdrawals in Bitcoin are between you and your bookmaker only.
- Bet with Ethereum: Even though it’s less popular than Bitcoin, Ethereum is still a widely used banking method on crypto-friendly sports betting sites. It has been used on bookmaker platforms since its introduction in 2015. There are no fees for Ethereum deposit transactions. However, you might be faced with mild ETH withdrawal charges on some betting sites.
- Bet with Litecoin: Litecoin is one of the profitable and widely used alternatives to Bitcoin on sports betting sites. Most crypto-friendly bookmakers support Litecoin as an instant and charge-free deposit method along with Bitcoin and Ethereum. If you have a Litecoin left from one of your previous trades or investments, you can always spend it on online sports wagering.
Responsible Gambling Features: what you should know
It’s essential to play safe and know your limits whenever it comes to online gambling and sports betting. The term ‘responsible gambling’ is so widespread that you can stumble upon it at every online casino or sportsbook. But what does it entail? In the list below, we have enumerated the key features of responsible gambling on UK betting sites.
Deposit and Loss Limits
Whether you’re an experienced or a novice punter, you should always keep an eye on your bankroll and allocate a moderate amount of money to your sports bets. Other factors that you should take into consideration are as follows:
- Minimum and maximum deposit limits
- Deposit and withdrawal fees for each banking method
- Bet expiry periods for bonuses and promotions
- Bookmaker margins may differ depending on the sports type
As they say, better safe than sorry. We always recommend our readers plan their bankrolls carefully and in advance in order to avoid unpredictable spending on gambling and sports betting platforms.
Self-Exclusion and Time-Outs
Once you notice any signs of gambling being a harmful activity for your physical and mental health, self-exclusion and time-outs must come into play. What do they entail?
Self-Exclusion
If you want to stop gambling for a short period of time or forever but don’t feel like you can do it yourself, you can always seek out help. The so-called self-exclusion programs are designed to support punters who might easily become addicted to harmful gambling. In case you need to self-exclude from a land-based gambling or sports betting facility, you can use a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme. When it comes to online operators, one request to GAMSTOP (Gambling Self-Exclusion Scheme) will exclude you from betting with these platforms.
Time-Outs
On some sports betting platforms, there is a possibility of requesting a time-out for a predefined period of time. At your request, a bookmaker can block you from gambling for up to six weeks. Some websites also allow gamblers to set a custom time-out period for their break.
External Support and Resources
Other means and resources for the support of vulnerable gamblers and gambling addicts are listed on the official website of the UK Gambling Commission. On the website, you can find tools that can help you block access to gambling facilities and limit the gambling-related content and advertisements you can see on social media.
Organisations that can help in preventing gambling addiction
These organisations are listed on the official website of the UK Gambling Commission as using effective means of blocking out harmful gambling and helping those who have already fell victim to gambling addiction in the United Kingdom.
- National Gambling Treatment Service
- National Problem Gambling Clinic
- Northern Gambling Service
- NHS – Help for problem gambling
- MoneyHelper
- Debt Advice Foundation
- Debt Support Trust
- National Debt Line
- StepChange Debt Charity
- Counselling Directory
- Samaritans
Security and Fairness at the best UK betting sites
How do online betting sites provide an equally safe and fair environment for all their customers? Apart from meeting all the legal and licensing requirements, these platforms take certain inner measures to ensure security and fairness. So, which technologies should you look for in a reliable and trustworthy sportsbook? Let’s explore them further.
SSL Encryption
Make sure to always check whether your chosen bookmaker uses 128-bit SSL encryption as a means of protection. Since its development by Netscape in 1995, this technology has been used to ensure the complete privacy, authentication, and legitimacy of all data in all Internet exchanges and communications. As expected, SSL encryption has not bypassed the online sports wagering industry.
Data protection
First and foremost, 128-bit SSL encryption on sports betting sites is used to protect your personal data, including the IP address you’re using to access the platform. This technology basically hides all the information exchanged between you and your betting operator and makes it inaccessible to anyone who attempts to steal it.
Payment security
In the same way, SSL encryption protects all your payments within the sports betting site, making them completely anonymous and hidden from any third parties. Plus, if you’re using cryptocurrencies to top up your betting account, SSL encryption is supported by blockchain technology, which makes your transactions in crypto 100% private.
Compliance with GDPR
Given that the GDPR applies to all websites with visitors from the EU, SSL encryption must be compliant with it in order for the security system of any betting site to function properly. Luckily, this method of security is mentioned as one of the key appropriate safety measures under the UK GDPR.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom has a thriving gambling and sports betting scene that only promises to develop further in the future. Whether you’re a fan of classical land-based forms of betting or want to try your luck on convenient online betting sites, there will always be an appropriate option to cater to all your tastes and needs.
You may also have no doubts about the security of UK betting sites. Each platform must obtain an official license from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission before offering its services to British punters. Plus, with 128-bit SSL encryption, you can be sure that all your personal and financial data is 100% anonymous and secured.
In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable sports betting experience for yourself, always pick only verified and reliable UK betting sites. To make sure that your chosen bookmaker is not a scam, you can always check out a review from the sports betting experts at MightyTips.