Best Betting Sites in the UK in 2025

By Jose Del Pozo - Friday 23rd May 2025 3:51 PM

We’ve tried and tested a majority of UK betting sites so that you don’t have to. The best UK gambling sites will let you bet safely on a massive variety of markets, and we’ll take you through our top choices. We’ll give you our honest views on each of the best betting sites, including their markets, features, bonuses, odds and much more.

Let’s kick things off with a quick look at our top sports betting sites:

Rundown of Our Top UK Betting Sites

Now you’ve had a quick peek at the best betting sites UK players can access, here’s a more in-depth look at our top five choices and why we recommend them. All of these online bookies accept UK players.

1. Editor’s Pick – Betfair

As the only major UK bookmaker to offer a traditional sportsbook alongside a full betting exchange, Betfair is pretty hard to ignore. A betting exchange essentially lets you place both back and lay bets against other punters, which can sometimes give far better odds than what you’d find at fixed markets.

We’ve been frequent users of Betfair for years, and it still absolutely leads the pack when it comes to value, especially for football and racing markets. All of the tools you need to get the biggest bang for your buck are here, including cash-out, bet builder and multi options. There’s also live streaming across a massive variety of sports, which we use regularly when we’re betting in-play. The customer support here is stellar, and the Betfair mobile app is easily one of the best in the game. It’s our top choice for UK online bookies for those reasons, and plenty more.

	Betfair – Key Features
Launched:	2000
Licence:	UKGC
Welcome Bonus:	£50 in Free Bets when you bet £10
Betting Features:	Full sportsbook and betting exchange, in-play, live streaming, bet builder
Payment Options:	Debit cards, bank transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal

The Betfair sportsbook itself is obviously solid, but a lot of people come here just for the exchange – it’s that good. That being said, it might not be an ideal choice for newbies. The interface can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you’re used to more casual bookies. Get in the swing of things here, though, and the depth of markets and control over your bets is unmatched.

Why We Recommend Betfair

• Industry-leading betting exchange
• Better value odds than most traditional UK sports betting sites
• Great for matched betting and trading
• Live streaming across several sports
• Fantastic mobile app with full exchange functionality

2. Best Horse Racing Site – Paddy Power

You’ll have definitely heard of Paddy Power before – thanks to their excellent marketing – but you might not know just how brilliant a site it is for horse racing betting. It’s one of the most rewarding online betting sites UK punters can play with, offering an abundance of daily racing promotions to take advantage of. It also covers every single UK and Irish race, as well as international events from Australia, France, the US and loads more.

We tend to default to Paddy Power when betting on any horse races, mainly because of their Money Back Specials. There’s always a deal that helps you bet a bit smarter – for example, we’ve gotten our stake back as a free bet in the past when our horses have finished second, third or even fourth. The odds here are extremely competitive, and there’s live streaming on all of Paddy Power’s UK and Irish races (as long as you place a £1 minimum bet to watch).

	Paddy Power – Key Features
Launched:	1988 (online since 2000)
Licence:	UKGC
Welcome Bonus:	Bet £10, get £40 in free bets
Betting Features:	Live streaming, Best Odds Guaranteed, Power Prices, racing specials
Payment Options:	Debit cards, bank transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal

It’s super easy to build multis here, and flicking between runners and racecards is smooth on every device we’ve tried it on. Paddy Power also offers Best Odds Guaranteed on every UK and Irish race, so you’re still covered if your horse drifts. Of course, you won’t find exchange-style control over your bets here like Betfair, but Paddy Power’s combo of a slick user experience and excellent racing promotions make it our horse-racing go-to.

Why We Recommend Paddy Power

• Daily Money Back Specials on selected races
• Live streaming on all UK and Irish races
• Best Odds Guaranteed
• Power Prices on favourites and big events
• Extremely easy site to use on desktop and mobile

3. Top Football Betting Site – Sky Bet

Sky Bet continues to be a favourite for football punters, and it’s easy for us to see why. It strikes a perfect balance between market depth and ease of use, with incredible value for money being the cherry on top. We actually find it fun to place bets at Sky Bet, purely because the whole process is so smooth and easy.

The Bet Builder here is one of the very best we’ve ever seen, especially for football. It’s fast, it’s flexible and it includes loads of props, such as shots, cards, corners and player stats. What truly sets Sky Bet apart from other sites on this list, though, is its RequestABet feature. You’re able to place completely custom bets here, and they’ll usually be priced within minutes. If you like getting creative with your predictions, it’s a fantastic, unique addition to the sportsbook.

	Sky Bet – Key Features
Launched:	2000
Licence:	UKGC
Welcome Bonus:	Bet £5, get £30 in free bets
Betting Features:	Bet Builder, RequestABet, Sky Bet Club, live match stats
Payment Options:	Debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal

Odds at Sky Bet are usually in line with the other bet sites we’ve listed, and you’ll get a free £5 bet every week thanks to the Sky Bet Club (so long as you’ve bet £25 or more). There are so many more features here to list, too: match trackers, detailed stats, a brilliant mobile app… the list goes on, but for football punters, Sky Bet’s one of the best.

Why We Recommend Sky Bet

• Excellent Bet Builder with deep stat options
• RequestABet lets you create custom markets
• Weekly free bets with the Sky Bet Club
• Extremely smooth mobile app with live match tracking
• Fantastic for building accas and match props

4. Best Rated for Cash Out Betting – Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes has long been a go-to for UK bettors, and its cash out facilities are one of the platform’s strongest features. In fact, Ladbrokes were one of the very first UK betting sites to offer cash out betting, making it a bit of a pioneer. Full and partial cash out is available across loads of different sports and markets, and it’s impressively responsive in-play.

The speed and reliability of Ladbrokes’ cash out process is why we’re choosing it as our top sports betting site for cash out betting. It’s easy to find and use, and the values update quickly, even during the year’s biggest events. It feels like a step up compared to other sites, especially when you’ve got auto cash out at your disposal, too.

	Ladbrokes – Key Features
Launched:	2000 (online)
Licence:	UKGC
Welcome Bonus:	Bet £5, get £20 in free bets
Betting Features:	Full, partial and auto cash out on multiple sports
Payment Options:	Debit cards, bank transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal, Paysafecard

Sure, it’s not quite as customisable as Betfair’s exchange platform – but for a sportsbook (and a traditional one at that), Ladbrokes nails it. It works brilliantly on mobile too, with the Ladbrokes app giving you near-instant updates and cash out prompts during any events you’ve placed a bet on.

Why We Recommend Ladbrokes

• Full and partial cash out across a wide range of sports
• Auto cash out lets you set profit and loss triggers
• Fast and responsive in-play cash out values
• Works very well on both desktop and mobile
• Ideal for building accas

5. Punter’s Favourite Bet Builder – William Hill

Another one of the oldest names in UK betting is William Hill, but they keep up with the times in terms of their Bet Builder feature. It actually goes above and beyond many of the other offerings we’ve seen in terms of flexibility and ease of use. If, like us, you’re the type of punter who likes stacking bets into a single same-game multi, the process here is quick and fast – trust us, we’ve put it through its paces!

In our opinion, the reliability and depth here are unmatched. There’s often a wide range of markets available on William Hill’s Bet Builder, even on the lower league or international games. You’ll be able to build bets according to plenty of different props and stats, and odds are updated instantly.

	William Hill – Key Features
Launched:	1998 (online)
Licence:	UKGC
Welcome Bonus:	Bet £10, get £30 in free bets
Betting Features:	Bet Builder available across football, rugby, tennis and more
Payment Options:	Debit cards, bank transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal, Trustly

It might not have the custom features that Sky Bet’s RequestABet boasts, but the Bet Builder at William Hill delivers exactly what UK punters want: a no-nonsense builder that works perfectly and covers a lot of ground. The frequent boosts on footy and regular promos (look out for Epic Odds, one of our favourites) on top make William Hill an absolute standout. It’s easy to see why it’s stuck around.

Why We Recommend William Hill

• Massive selection of props (even on smaller matches)
• Fast, reliable and easy to use
• Incredible football odds boosts, alongside Bet Builders
• Fully optimised for playing on the go
• A trusted, esteemed brand with excellent promotions

6. UK’s Fastest for In-Play Betting – Parimatch

Although Parimatch doesn’t boast the brand recognition that other sites on this list have, it punches well above its weight when it comes to in-play betting. We’ve tried it extensively whilst betting on football, tennis and basketball, and it’s almost unbelievably quick and responsive – we don’t know why more people aren’t shouting about it.

The in-play odds at Parimatch refresh rapidly, so you’re always able to get the best value for your money. The layout of the site itself means it’s a breeze to jump between games and markets, and it’s especially good for tracking multiple live events at once. We also saw a visual match tracker, plenty of live stats to keep you informed and a betslip layout that feels a cut ahead of the rest.

	Parimatch – Key Features
Launched:	1994
Licence:	UKGC
Welcome Bonus:	Bet £10, get £20 in free bets
Betting Features:	Fast odds refresh, visual trackers, live stats, deep market coverage
Payment Options:	Debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal

We found the depth of markets at Parimatch to be surprisingly impressive, too. All of the usual suspects are here, but we came across some excellent niche options depending on the sport. All in all, it’s an excellent UK bookie that we think will just keep getting bigger and better. Keep a close eye on this one.

Why We Recommend Parimatch

• Super responsive live betting platform
• Easy to toggle between live events and markets
• Smooth interface for placing fast bets
• Strong coverage of international sports
• Perfect for multi-match betting

7. Top Pick for Free Bets and Specials – BoyleSports

Alongside everything else it does well, BoyleSports has carved out a reputation of its own for constantly rewarding both its new and existing players. Punters here get treated to a steady stream of free bets and other special promos, and we’ve always found at least one offer to enhance the bets we place here.

There’s £40 worth of bonuses here when you sign up – £30 in free sports bets, £10 to place on casino games – and out of all the UKGC-licensed casinos we’ve come across, this really isn’t a bad way to kick things off.

	BoyleSports – Key Features
Launched:	2001 (online)
Licence:	UKGC
Welcome Bonus:	Bet £10, get £40 in free bets
Betting Features:	Acca Loyalty, Acca Boosts, 25% Bet Builder Boost
Payment Options:	Debit cards, bank transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal, Paysafecard

BoyleSports keeps the offers flowing thick and fast beyond their welcome offer, too. Acca Loyalty bags you a free £5 bet when you place five £5 accas with minimum combined odds of 3/1, and Acca Boosts can boost your winnings by up to 100%. We particularly like the 25% Bet Builder boost on Premier League matches – a little could go a very long way here, which is arguably the most strategic way to play.

Why We Recommend BoyleSports

• Generous and straightforward welcome offer
• Regular promotions reward both new and loyal players
• Acca boosts and loyalty schemes for enhanced value
• Bet Builder boosts add extra excitement to football bets
• An extremely user-friendly platform

The Best UK Betting Sites Compared

Now we’ve given you a thorough look at our top picks for UK online betting sites, here’s a handy comparison table to make your choice even easier.

Betting Site	Launch Year	Welcome Bonus	Sports Covered	In-Play Betting	Bet Builder	Live Streaming
Betfair	2000	Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets	40+	Yes	Yes	Yes
Paddy Power	2000	Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets	35+	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sky Bet	2000	Bet £5, Get £30 in Free Bets	30+	Yes	Yes	Limited
William Hill	1998	Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets	35+	Yes	Yes	Yes
Parimatch	2020	Bet £10, Get £20 in Free Bets	30+	Yes	No	No
Ladbrokes	2000	Bet £5, Get £20 in Free Bets	35+	Yes	Yes	Yes
BoyleSports	2001	Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets	30+	Yes	No	Yes

Why Bet at Online Betting Sites?

Plenty of punters in the UK still choose to bet at their local shop, but online betting sites have overtaken land-based venues to become the preferred choice in the country. Of course, it’s easy to see why – they usually offer far more flexibility and value for your money. Here’s why more and more people are choosing UK sports betting sites:

✅ Bet Anytime, Anywhere

When choosing the best sports betting sites, UK players being able to place a bet 24/7 from wherever they are is crucial. If you fancy a last-minute flutter before the kickoff, for example, you need to be able to log in, deposit and bet within seconds. Mobile apps are usually the best way to do so, as they let you track bets, cash out and place live, in-play wagers without needing to join a queue.

✅ More Betting Markets

Another downside to land-based bookies is how limited their betting markets usually are. Online sportsbooks (especially the ones we’ve listed above) offer hundreds of markets on most football matches alone. Expect to be able to bet on player statistics, multis, and more niche sports and props you wouldn’t ever find in a shop. Everything you could want and more from a bookie, you’ll likely find online.

✅ Better Value for Money

There’s some stiff competition amongst online bookies, which means they’re always sharpening and altering their odds to attract players. You’ll almost always find better prices and lower betting margins online, especially on the bigger events. You’d be hard done by finding decent odds boosts in your local bookie.

✅ Extra Features

Not only do you get more markets and more bang for your buck from online bet sites, UK punters can get far more control over their play online. Look for tools like Bet Builders, auto cash out and live match trackers, as they’ll enhance your experience tenfold. Being able to tailor your bets and manage them in real time is something that just isn’t possible over the counter.

✅ Bespoke Bets

If you’re the type of punter who wants to bet on something ultra-specific, you usually can with betting websites. UK-based online bookies have tools like Sky Bet’s RequestABet and William Hill’s #YourOdds, which let you build the exact bet you have in mind. The bookie you choose will usually price it up just for you, too.

✅ Special Offers

You might find the odd in-store promotion from time to time, but nothing you’d find at a physical bookie could compare to the abundance of offers you’ll come across online. Every sportsbook on this list is constantly running promotions, loyalty schemes or free bet offers, especially for new sign-ups. That’s not to mention things like acca insurance, price boosts and cashback, all of which are often bundled in.

✅ Safety Limits & Tools

Last but certainly not least, it’s much easier to stay in control of your betting when you’re online. Every reputable, licensed UK betting site will provide tools like deposit limits, reality checks and self-exclusion that are easily accessible. It should be easy to keep track of your play and apply any limits if and when they’re needed.

How to Choose a UK Betting Site

Even though online betting sites are the superior option, not all of them are created equal. It doesn’t help that there are so many options out there, either. It’s worth knowing exactly what you’re looking for before signing up to any UK bookmakers, as choosing the right site can have a massive impact on your experience. Here are just a few of the most important things to bear in mind:

Range of Sports

Even though football and horse racing markets are usually what most people are after, the best UK betting sites will offer a full range of sports – we’re talking golf, tennis and cricket to eSports, MMA and more. The bigger the variety, the more betting opportunities you get (and it’s always fun to try something new). When choosing betting websites, UK bookies with at least 30 sports and deep market coverage are ideal.

Odds and Markets

Simply put, odds are perhaps the most important thing to consider. Even the slightest difference in pricing can make a noticeable difference over time, which is especially true for accumulators. The best UK betting sites usually offer competitive odds and low margins, particularly on bigger events like the Premier League.

The number of markets available is just as important, too. You’ll want to be able to bet on everything from basic match results to player stats, as well as full, comprehensive in-play betting options. The more markets the bookie offers, the more creative your betting choices can be.

Bonuses and Offers

Even though welcome bonuses are obviously an excellent way to kick things off, the top UK betting sites don’t stop there. The cream of the crop will offer plenty of ongoing promotions, such as:

• Regular free bets
• Acca insurance
• Enhanced odds
• Cashback deals
• Seasonal specials (such as Euros or Cheltenham promos)

As with every offer you come across, make sure you check the T&Cs and the wagering requirements. The best-looking offers might not actually be worth much if the fine print is hiding some nasty restrictions.

Mobile Betting

In this day and age, having a fully-fledged mobile experience at your fingertips is non-negotiable. All of the top betting sites have a dedicated iOS and Android app – or, at the very least, a website that’s well-optimised for mobile. If the site you choose has intuitive navigation, makes it quick and easy to place bets on the go and gives you full access to its entire suite of features on your phone, you’re on to a winner.

Banking Options

Another essential is having quick and secure banking at your disposal, as well as plenty of options for deposits and withdrawals, of course. All of the best UK bookmakers accept:

• Debit cards (Visa/Mastercard)
• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Bank transfer
• E-wallets, like PayPal and Trustly

If the site displays them clearly, make sure they offer your preferred payment method before signing up. We also recommend you check for any fees, long transaction times or other restrictions that you might not be aware of otherwise. Player reviews are usually a great way to get an honest verdict on each site’s payment offering.

Customer Service

Things aren’t always perfect, which is when decent customer service comes in to save the day. Our top UK betting sites offer things like 24/7 live chat, email support and dedicated help centres to make sure you’re having the best possible experience. Some even go the extra mile with WhatsApp support or social media accounts, so you can get in touch almost instantly. Again, player reviews will usually shed some light on how good a gambling site’s customer service is, so start there if you want a truthful opinion.

Safety and Security

Always look for sites that are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). It’s a guarantee of player safety, responsible gambling and data protection. The most reputable bookies will also use things like SSL encryption (which stops anyone from seeing your personal information), robust ID and KYC checks, and transparent terms and conditions to prevent anyone from being fooled. It’s also worth checking how easy it is to find responsible gambling tools, even if you don’t need them.

Bonuses, Promotions and Offers

As we previously mentioned, one of the biggest advantages of betting online is the steady stream of bonuses and promotions you’ll come across. New and regular players can almost always benefit, so if you’re looking to get more out of your wagers, it’s crucial you keep a close eye on what’s on offer.

New Bettors

The best online betting sites offer bonuses to new sign-ups (to get you through the door). They’re usually available once you’ve made a first deposit or qualifying bet, but they’re a good way to get a feel for a new betting site – and maybe get a little bit extra on top of your balance.

💰 Bet & Get

This is hands down the most popular welcome offer format out there, and it’s one you’ll see at a majority of the sites on this list. It usually works by placing a qualifying bet (Sky Bet asks you to bet £5, for example), and the site then credits your account with tokens (again, it’s £30 in free bets in Sky Bet’s case). They’re sometimes split into smaller amounts, so you can try them out on different sports and markets.

💰 Cashback

You probably won’t see it offered to new players as often, but some sites do offer cashback on your first bet. If your bet loses, you’ll get your stake back as a free bet (but usually only up to a set amount). If you’re unsure about trying out a site, it’s a risk-free way to do so!

💰 Enhanced Prices

We’ve also seen some sites offer boosted odds on popular events, as a way to attract new customers. It’s almost always on a headline game or a favourite player, but it gives you a good chance of winning a bit extra on your first bet.

Active Bettors

Good sites want their loyal players to stick around, which is why they’ll offer a rotation of promotions to existing customers – and they can often pay off big time.

💵 Acca Insurance

If one leg of your acca lets you down, some UK bookies use acca insurance to return your stake as a free bet. It usually only applies to accas with at least five legs, but it’s still a good one to look out for.

💵 Acca Bonuses

Some of the top UK betting sites will boost payouts by a certain percentage – we’ve seen boosts of up to 100% before, which isn’t to be frowned upon.

💵 Best Odds Guaranteed

This one’s more for the horse racing fans. If you take an early price and the starting price (SP) ends up being higher, you’ll be paid at the better odds. Paddy Power is an excellent bookie for this.

💵 Free Bets

If you bet a certain amount on your chosen site, you might get treated to some free bets. It’s a way of rewarding loyal players, and these free bets sometimes land as a surprise – keep an eye on your account as well as any marketing comms, as you won’t want to miss out.

💵 Price Boost

A lot of the best bookies offer boosted odds and prize boosts on selected matches, players or accas – and they’re sometimes given daily. Keep checking the bookie’s homepage or promotions section to be kept in the loop.

Brand New Betting Sites

It’s no exaggeration to say that new betting sites crop up almost every day. The bigger name brands still dominate, but that isn’t to say the newer arrivals don’t bring anything noteworthy to the table. In fact, they sometimes go above and beyond their more popular peers, and certain new sites are actually worth checking out.

One thing we notice across most new betting sites, UK-based ones in particular, are bigger welcome bonuses. When sites have to compete with established names, they tend to offer more generous rewards when signing up. Once you’re in, you’ll usually find more modern platforms, faster mobile sites and more flexible payment options – think PayPal, Apple Pay and sometimes even crypto.

New betting sites also tend to be much more competitive with their promotions for loyal punters, too. We’ve seen everything from acca boosts to cashback, from weekly free bets to surprise cash drops and more. Plus, if a new site manages to get a UKGC license, they need to be meeting extremely high standards for fairness, safety and responsible gambling, which is always a very good sign. If you’re after something a bit different, some new UK betting sites are a smart choice.

Bookie Name	Launch Year	UKGC Licence
BetMorph	2021	39335
Jeffbet	2022	39335
Highbet	2021	39483
21LuckyBet	2022	39335
Pub Casino	2021	39335
Mr Rex	2021	39335
MagicRed	2020	39483
SpinYoo	2021	52984
CasiGO	2020	52984
NRG	2022	39335

Sports Coverage at UK Betting Sites

We’re sometimes blown away by the sheer variety of sports and markets on offer at some UK betting sites. We’ve found odds on just about everything, with hundreds of markets per event in some cases. Of course, you’re more likely to come across certain sports, which we’ll list below, but it’s important to note that the top 10 betting sites will also cover everything from eSports and UFC to politics and other niche options.

⚽️ Football

It won’t come as any surprise that football is the UK’s most bet-on sport by a country mile. We’ve seen deep market coverage at the top UK bookmakers across the Premier League, Champions League, international matches, and hundreds of other global leagues. Bet builders, in-play betting, and acca promos should come as standard, like they do at sites such as Sky Bet.

🐎 Horse Racing

Horse racing easily comes a close second to football in terms of popularity. Betting sites in the UK are on fire around the time of meets like Cheltenham and Royal Ascot, with daily price boosts and Best Odds Guaranteed across plenty of races. Sites like Paddy Power give extensive coverage of UK and Irish events, as well as races from around the world.

🎾 Tennis

Even though you may not expect it, tennis betting is absolutely massive amongst UK bookies – especially in-play. We’re used to seeing markets like match winners, set scores and break points, often with in-depth stats and live visuals to help you place good bets. It goes without saying, but Wimbledon is a great one to look out for.

⛳️ Golf

Another massively popular sport at most of the top betting sites, check out golf betting when it comes to majors and PGA/DP World Tour events. If you like getting value for your money, each-way terms and longshot odds make golf a standout option. Usual markets include outright winners, top five finishes and head-to-heads, but expect to see some more niche options out there, too.

🏉 Rugby

Rugby is obviously very well-covered when it comes to UK sports betting sites, particularly during the Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup. The usual markets we see include try scorers, winning margins and handicaps.

🏏 Cricket

The rise of T20 and The Hundred has made cricket betting much more accessible and faster-paced, which are welcome changes. We’re fond of a bit of cricket betting ourselves and usually see markets like top batsman, match winners, and wickets across plenty of different formats.

🥊 Boxing

Every major fight will be open for betting at most top UK betting sites. Big fight nights often get boosted odds, too, so look out for those wherever you place your bets. Usual boxing markets include method of victory and group rounds, and they usually make for entertaining options.

🎯 Darts

Darts continues to be a massively popular choice for betting in the UK, especially around events like the PDC World Championship. You’ll often be able to bet on match winners, 180s and checkout scores – and it’s a good one to keep an eye on the live stats for.

🎱 Snooker

As you might expect, snooker remains one of the most bet-on sports in the UK. Markets include total points and century breaks, and you can expect the most betting opportunities around snooker to emerge around tournaments like the World Championship.

Popular Markets to Bet On

Even when there’s an unbelievable variety of sports to bet on, you’ll often see many of the same markets across them. Some of these markets are easy to get your head around, but others are a bit trickier. It pays off to know your options, as you’ll end up getting more out of your bets. Here are some of the most common markets you’re most likely to see:

Competition Winner (Outright Tournament)

This one is sometimes called an outright bet. You’ll be betting on the overall winner of a competition or tournament – for example, the Champion’s League winners or the Cheltenham Gold Cup champion. They’re usually long-term bets, and they can pay off if you get in there early.

Event Winner (Game, Match or Race)

The most common bet type, in event winner markets, lets you choose the winner of a specific game or race. In football, for example, this would be a home win, an away win, or a draw. This bet type applies to most sports available at our top UK betting sites.

Correct Score

This market is a high-risk, high-reward one. You can predict and bet on the exact final score of a certain match, which is particularly popular with football betting.

Double Result

The double result bet type lets you predict the result at both half time and full time. You might back a team to start off in the lead, but then pull back and end the game in a tie. It’s a good market if you want to squeeze some value out of matches where teams are known to start or end slow.

Over/Under

Over/under bets let you decide whether a specific statistic will be over or under a set number. It’s a staple market that we almost always see in football and basketball betting, but it applies to a majority of available sports.

BTTS (Both Teams To Score)

This one is massively popular with football betting. BTTS markets let you bet on whether both teams will score during a game, regardless of who wins. It’s a good one to pair with other markets, like match results.

Handicap Markets

Handicap bets level the playing field by giving one team in a match a virtual advantage or disadvantage. They’re common in rugby, tennis and more, and we find them ideal for getting better odds if there’s a clear favourite.

In-Play Markets

Once a game starts, in-play markets will open up if your chosen site supports them. They often include a solid variety of markets, like the next goal scorer or who’ll win the next set. The odds shift quickly with these ones, which means they can offer incredible value if you’re following the game closely enough.

Deposits and Withdrawals at UK Betting Sites

At most of the top sports betting sites, UK players are presented with a robust variety of secure and quick payment options. It’s important to know, however, that not all methods are always supported, and you might even run into some unexpected fees or long withdrawal times along the way. We’ve tested out the available options at our top betting sites, and they all perform as well as we expected.

✅ Accepted Payment Methods

Debit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are offered as payment options almost everywhere. Deposits are usually instant, but withdrawals often take 1-3 working days. The plus side is that there are virtually never any fees attached.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay isn’t supported everywhere, but a growing number of UK sites are starting to offer it. It’s arguably the most convenient option, as deposits are instant. But again, withdrawals will take around 1-3 working days.

Google Pay

Similar to Apple Pay, it’s not offered at every site, but Google Pay is a quick option on Android devices. It works well for deposits, but withdrawals aren’t widely accepted just yet.

E-Wallets

E-Wallets like PayPal, Neteller and Skrill all boast extremely fast transaction times, with withdrawals often completed in less than 24 hours. They aren’t always eligible for bonuses, though, so make sure you check the small print before making a deposit.

Bank Transfers

Most sites offer bank transfers as an option, and they’re ideal for bigger withdrawals. They’re much slower than other methods, though – deposits will take 1-3 days on average, and withdrawals will take 2-5 working days. At least there aren’t usually any fees to worry about!

Pay By Mobile

A handful of UK betting sites let you make small deposits via mobile. They’re instant, but they’re almost always limited in the amount you can deposit, and they usually come with network fees, too. Withdrawals aren’t supported, so you’ll need to use an alternative method.

❌ Excluded Payment Methods

Credit Cards

Unlike debit cards, credit cards have been banned for gambling in the UK since 2020. They’re not accepted at any site that holds a UKGC licence.

Cryptocurrencies

Crypto also isn’t accepted at UKGC-licensed sites. If you want to bet with Bitcoin or another stablecoin, you’ll have to bet at crypto betting sites instead.

Revolut

Some players have had success using Revolut virtual cards according to reviews we’ve come across, but they aren’t officially supported. Transactions might be blocked, so be aware of that.

Payment Method	Deposit Speed	Withdrawal Speed	Fees
Debit cards	Instant	1–3 days	No
Apple Pay	Instant	1–3 days	No
Google Pay	Instant	N/A	No
eWallets (PayPal, Skrill)	Instant	0–24 hours	Varies (usually no)
Bank transfer	1–3 Days	2–5 days	No
Pay By Mobile	Instant	N/A	Yes

Live Betting Sites

Live betting is usually called in-play betting at most of our top UK gambling sites. It’s a staple that we now expect to see at any reputable bookie, letting punters bet on a match or event as it happens. Odds will update in real time to reflect what’s happening during the game, offering a level of flexibility and betting opportunities you can’t take advantage of otherwise.

It’s particularly useful if you’re watching the match closely and can react to what you see. You’ll find new bet types that you can’t use pre-match, like the next player to be carded. Most major bookies offer hundreds of in-play markets every day, with detailed stats to help you bet wisely.

Live Streaming

Most of the bookies in our top UK betting sites list offer live streaming of events, so you can watch the game and bet on it at the same time. It’s most common for horse racing and football, as well as other, more niche options like eSports. You’ll usually need to have funded your account before being able to access live streaming, and you might need to place a bet on the event first, too.

The best sites have live streaming options on both desktop and mobile, as well as live stats and match trackers. Not every single match will be streamed – especially not major events like the Premier League, due to broadcasting rights – but there’s usually still a solid variety available. Horse racing coverage, for example, is extensive.

The Benefits of Cash Out Betting

When you pair cash out betting with live betting and streaming, it’s one of the best ways to maximise your bet. It gives you the option to settle your bet early, meaning you miss out on a potential loss if your bet is in a strong position. You’re able to lock in a profit before the end of the game and get something back, as opposed to walking away with nothing.

Some bookies, including some we’ve mentioned, offer partial cash out. It lets you take a bit of profit whilst the rest of your bet rides, giving you even more control and flexibility. It’s especially useful for in-play punters who want to make some real-time decisions based on how a match is unfolding.

How to Join a UK Betting Site

As cliché as it sounds, it’s genuinely never been easier to sign up at a UK betting site. Most places will have you up and running in a few minutes, even if you’re completely new to it. Here’s how to get started at our top UK betting sites:

1. Choose Your Site

Pick one of our recommended, UKGC-licensed sites to be on the safe side – you’ll absolutely find something for you amongst them.

2. Click Join or Sign Up

On your chosen site’s homepage, look for a Join or Sign Up button. It’s usually in one of the top corners, and it’ll bring you to a registration page.

3. Enter Your Details

You’ll be asked for your personal info, including your name, date of birth, email address and home address (to make sure you’re playing from the UK). It’s to comply with UKGC regulations, and even though it might be time-consuming, it’s actually a very good thing.

4. Set a Username and Password

Create your login details, making sure you’re using a secure password. You can usually also set deposit limits at this stage.

5. Verify Your Account

Most sites can verify your identity automatically, but if that’s not possible, you’ll have to upload ID (a driving license or passport is the best option).

6. Make A Deposit

Choose a supported payment method and make your first deposit. Check the minimum amount required to be eligible for your chosen site’s welcome offer, and make sure you enter any promo code if it’s needed.

7. Start Betting

Once your account is topped up, you’re good to go! Head to your favourite sport and get some bets added to your betslip.

Licensing and Regulation

It’s important not to underestimate how safe and fair a UK gambling site is. A properly licensed betting site is legally required to keep your personal information secure, pay out your winnings and offer a robust set of responsible gambling tools. Any site operating in the UK should also hold a UKGC licence, but you’ll likely come across offshore betting sites that might be crypto-friendly, for example. They can offer more features and bigger bonuses, but they might also expose you to plenty more risks.

Here’s a quick overview of the most common regulators you’ll see:

UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

A UKGC licence is the gold standard for UK players. Any site that operates legally in the UK holds one of these, which means they have to abide by extremely strict rules. Expect to see fantastic levels of player protection and fair play at UKGC-licensed sites, as well as links to external organisations like GAMSTOP that can offer further support.

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

A license from the MGA is almost as good as a UKGC one. Many reputable brands across the globe hold a MGA licence, and although it isn’t exactly valid for any direct UK operations, these sites are known for having an excellent level of player safety and security

Curaçao Gaming Control Board

The Curaçao licence is most commonly held by offshore and crypto betting sites. They’re much easier to obtain, and they don’t enforce as strict standards as the MGA and UKGC bodies do.

Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC)

The AGCC is a well-established operator for white-label platforms. It isn’t as visible to everyday punters as other licences, but it plays a massive role in the operations of some bigger betting brands.

Gibraltar Regulatory Authority

This one is used by loads of the big-name UK brands. Gibraltar licences offer strict compliance, and they’re recognised as a reputable licensing body. They work closely with the UKGC (which is a good sign), and they offer very high standards around fairness and payments.

UK Betting Sites – In Summary

We think it’s safe to say that UK betting sites offer one of the very best gambling experiences in the world. You’re getting an extremely high level of regulation, massive market variety, incredible features like Bet Builders and cash out, and some fantastic rewards to boot. The top online betting sites UK players can enjoy are listed above – they all make it easy and fun to bet securely, flexibly and on your own terms.

UK Betting Sites FAQ

Which is the best betting site in the UK?

It all comes down to what you’re looking for. Betfair is consistently ranked highly thanks to its exchange, odds value and live betting features. Other solid options include Sky Bet, Paddy Power and William Hill.

Who regulates UK betting sites?

Any site operating legally in the UK is licensed by the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission). Any site with a UKGC licence follows strict rules around fairness and responsible gambling – you’ll find UKGC licence numbers listed in the footer of every legit bookie.

Do UK betting sites accept crypto payments?

No. UKGC-licensed betting sites don’t usually accept cryptocurrency due to regulatory restrictions. If you want to start betting with crypto, you’ll have to use an offshore betting site that won’t hold a UKGC licence.

Do UK betting sites have mobile apps?

Yes! Most major gambling sites UK players can access have dedicated mobile apps for both iOS and Android. The best gambling apps let you place bets, cash out, live stream and manage your account with ease. They’re usually free to download and are often more responsive than mobile sites.

Jose Del Pozo

Jose is an iGaming analyst with wide experience within the sector. He has been working as content writer on casino and betting websites for more than 10 years, contributing on websites like Pokerlistings, Casinobee, Betpack among others, sharing his insights and perspective for the future ofthe iGaming market.