Best Betting Sites UK | Top-Rated Bookmakers
This guide features a curated Top-10 list of UK bookmakers and top-three rankings across various service categories. We provide insights into why these online betting sites excel in areas like football, horse racing, Cash Out options, and live streaming. Our detailed explanations help you understand the standout features that make these sites worthy of your attention.
Best 10 UK Betting Sites For 2024
In 2024, the United Kingdom betting market is more vibrant and diverse than ever. Here’s a list of the top betting sites, each offering unique features and experiences:
- Bet365. Known for its extensive market selection, live streaming services, and innovative features like Cash Out and Bet Builder.
- Sky Bet. Stands out for football wagering, offering a ‘Request a Bet’ feature and the Free Bet Club with weekly prizes.
- William Hill. A leader in horse racing punting, offering a wide range of events and markets, along with expert tips from the Naps Table.
- LiveScore Bet. One of the most promising new betting sites offers a broad range of options in football, horse racing, greyhounds, and tennis, with an emphasis on live events.
- Betfair. Known for its sportsbook and exchange, it provides extensive Cash Out options and a user-friendly platform.
- Paddy Power. Offers a global selection of horse racing, unique options, and promotions like ‘Money Back If Second or Third to the SP Favorite’.
- GatoBet. Excels in live betting with one of the largest lines, offering everything from top-tier football to e-sports like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike.
- Unibet. A top choice for live streaming, broadcasting major European football leagues and various sports events.
- CopyBet. Attracts with its No Deposit Free bet offer and a focus on football, especially the English Premier League.
- Virgin Bet. Focuses on traditional UK sports with excellent services in pre-match and In-Play, and features the Virgin Bet FIVES fantasy game, making it one of the best betting sites.
Top Categorized UK Betting Sites 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of UK sports wagering, distinguishing the best from the rest can be challenging. To provide clarity and direction, we’ve compiled a list of the coolest betting sites in the UK, each excelling in specific categories to quickly inform you about the leading players in the local gambling market.
| Best in Category | Top betting sites |
|---|---|
| Overall Experience | Bet365 |
| New Betting Site | LiveScore Bet |
| Football | Sky Bet |
| Horse Racing | William Hill |
| Cash Out | Bet365 |
| In-Play Betting | GatoBet |
| Live Streaming | Unibet |
| Welcome Bonus | CopyBet |
| Existing User Offer | QuinnBet |
| Betting App | Virgin Bet |
How We Choose the UK’s Best Betting Sites
When selecting the betting sites in the UK, various crucial factors are considered to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and comprehensive experience for users. Here’s a breakdown of the key parameters:
Licensing
A site’s legal status is paramount. We ensure that each site is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, guaranteeing compliance with legal standards and the protection of bettors’ rights.
Bonuses and Promotions
We assess the value and fairness of bonuses and promotions offered. This includes welcome bonuses, Free bets, and ongoing promotions that add value to the betting experience.
Range of Sports and Betting Options
The variety of sports and markets available is a critical factor. Top British betting sites offer a wide range of sports, from popular ones like football and tennis to niche sports, along with diverse markets.
Live Streaming Capabilities
The availability and quality of live streaming services are considered. UK bookmakers offering high-quality, real-time streaming of various sports events score higher.
Special Features
Innovative features like Cash Out, bet builders, and ‘Request a bet’ options significantly enhance flexibility and enjoyment. We also consider the availability of responsible gambling tools.
User Experience and Interface
Usability and design of bet sites in the UK are crucial for a seamless betting experience. We look for intuitive navigation, mobile compatibility, and overall user-friendliness.
Customer Support
Effective and accessible customer support is vital. Sites with multiple support channels, responsive service, and comprehensive help resources are preferred.
New Betting Sites for 2024
New betting sites in the market can often surprise you with top-notch services, rivaling those of long-standing industry giants. With innovative features and a fresh approach, these newcomers are making a significant impact.
Below is a table highlighting the new betting sites in the UK that have made their mark from 2019 to 2024:
| New bookmakers online | Launched in the UK | Welcome bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Fafabet | 2021 | Up to £50 Free bet + £20 Casino Bonus |
| Parimatch | 2020 | Up to £30 back in Free bBets if first bet loses |
| LiveScore Bet | 2020 | Bet £10 Get £20 in Free bets |
| Bwin | 2019 | £20 Backup Bet |
| Virgin Bet | 2019 | Bet £10 Get £20 in Free bets |
Top 3 New Betting Sites
- Virgin Bet. Focuses on traditional UK sports, including football, horse racing, greyhound racing, and tennis, offering quality pre-match and live betting. Their fantasy football game, Virgin Bet FIVES, allows free participation with opportunities to earn points and win prizes.
- LiveScore Bet. Offers a wide range of outcomes in football, horse racing, greyhounds, and tennis. Their coverage includes major football leagues and ATP to UTR level tennis tournaments. Additionally, LiveScore Bet’s horse racing selection spans the UK, Ireland, USA, France, and other countries. Their football fantasy game, Squads, adds a unique, free-to-play dimension.
- Bwin. Provides a broad selection of football events from over 100 leagues globally and extensive horse racing options from various countries. Their live betting section focuses on football and tennis.
Top 3 Football Betting Sites
Football betting has become a dynamic and integral part of the sports betting world, offering fans the chance to engage with the game on a deeper level. From major leagues to local tournaments, football betting encompasses a wide range of options and markets, catering to enthusiasts globally. Here are the list of bookmakers in the UK, who provide the ultimate football betting service:
- Sky Bet. Sky Bet stands out with its innovative features like the ‘Request a Bet’ via Twitter. Additionally, their Free Bet Club offers regular prizes every week for football betting, making it an attractive choice for regular bettors.
- Coral. Differentiates itself with the Football Super Series promotion, where predicting match outcomes can lead to free bets or a cash prize of up to £100. They also offer Bet Bundles and a Free Bet Shop, where bettors can purchase coupons for use across various markets and bet types.
- Ladbrokes. Stands out with access to over 100 football leagues, including dozens of UK championships and over 2,000 outcomes per match. Their ‘Request a Bet’ via Twitter and Bet Builder feature provide an extensive range of options.
Top 3 Horse Racing Betting Sites
Horse racing wagering, with its rich history and tradition, remains one of the most popular forms of sports wagering. From the prestige of the Royal Ascot to the thrill of the Grand National, horse racing offers a unique blend of excitement and challenge for bettors. The best UK betting sites for horse racing provide extensive coverage of races globally, competitive odds, and special features. Here’s our top-3:
- William Hill. Without a doubt one of the top UK betting sites for racing and horses in particular. WilliHill covers races from the UK, Ireland, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, in addition to virtual races. The platform is known for its easy navigation, detailed race previews, expert tips from the Naps Table, and a range of options. It offers unique bonuses like Enhanced Odds and Best Odds Guaranteed, along with video streaming and audio broadcasts for select races.
- Paddy Power. With a focus on races from the UK, Ireland, France, and North America, Paddy Power provides detailed race information. The platform features live streaming, ‘Lengthen Your Odds’ market, and promotions like ‘Money Back If Second or Third to the SP Favorite’.
- Bet365. Offering an extensive range of horse racing options globally, Bet365’s platform includes detailed stats, spotlight descriptions, and video replays. Key features include ‘Each Way Extra’ wagering, live streaming, and competitive odds with promotions like ‘Odds Boost’ and ‘Best Odds Guaranteed’.
Top 3 Betting Sites with Cash Out
Cash Out has become a demanded feature in online wagering, offering bettors the flexibility to settle a bet before the event has finished. This feature allows for greater control over bets, enabling users to secure profits or minimize losses as the action unfolds. Here are the top three UK betting websites known for their comprehensive Cash Out options:
- Bet365. Bet365 leads with the richest array of Cash Out functions. It offers Full Automatic, Full Manual, Partial Automatic, and Partial Manual functions, providing bettors with unparalleled control over their bets.
- Betfair. Known for combining a sportsbook and an exchange, Betfair provides Full Manual and Partial Manual options. These features are available for both platforms.
- Paddy Power. Offers Full Manual and Partial Manual buyout options. Their user-friendly platform makes the Cash Out process straightforward, allowing bettors to quickly adjust their bets based on the live action.
Top 3 In Play Betting Sites
In-Play or live wagering allows bettors to place bets on events as they unfold with odds changing in real time. Here are the top three In-Play betting sites in the UK:
- GatoBet. Boasts one of the largest sports lines in the world, thanks to its odds provider BetConstruct. During peak seasons, hundreds of live events are available, ranging from football and tennis to e-sports like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike. GatoBet also offers niche sports like Alpine skiing and futsal, making it a haven for fans of popular and niche events alike.
- William Hill. A leader in providing In-Play options for traditional UK sports. Their platform features a vast array of events in sports like golf, darts, snooker, horse racing, and more, catering especially to fans of traditional UK sports.
- VBET. Covers more than ten sports, with football, tennis, and basketball being the most popular. They also offer less mainstream sports like volleyball, cricket, and table tennis.
Top 3 Live Streaming Betting Sites
Live streaming allows bettors to watch live sports events directly on sites. This feature enhances the experience by providing real-time action, aiding in more informed decision-making, and increasing the overall excitement of In-Play wagering. The next three surprised us with their live service:
- Unibet. Excels in live streaming, showcasing top European football leagues like La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1. Their coverage extends to a wide range of tennis events, select horse racing events, and is notable for the quality of its streaming service. This makes Unibet an ideal platform for enthusiasts who want comprehensive access to live sports events.
- Bet365. Impresses with its extensive coverage of horse racing, offering video streams for almost all races available, along with audio broadcasts. In addition to horse racing, Bet365 streams major American leagues like the NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB, catering to a diverse audience of sports fans.
- Sky Bet. Provides live streaming for a variety of sports, including all major American leagues (NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB), as well as traditional sports like darts, cricket, and snooker. Their coverage of European football is extensive, featuring top-tier leagues such as the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and the Portuguese championship, offering an immersive experience for football fans.
Top 3 Bonuses Available at UK Betting Sites
Bookmakers are continually vying for punters’ attention, resulting in a plethora of rewarding incentives. Among these, welcome bonuses are particularly lucrative, often offered to attract new players. These bonuses can range from free bets to deposit matches, providing an excellent starting advantage. Here are the top three welcome bonuses available at betting sites in the UK:
- CopyBet — £5 No Deposit Free bet. This offer is specifically for betting on the selected events (listed on the promo page). To claim, download the CopyBet app, sign up, and upon verification, the Free bet will be credited to your account. This offer is limited to certain matches and must be used as a single bet on either Pre-Match or In-Play markets. The maximum payout from this free bet is capped at £500, and the Free bet value is not included in any returns.
- William Hill — Get £60 from a Minimum £10 Bet. New customers who deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on selected games receive a £20 bonus for Vegas games, with a 30x wagering requirement. Additionally, placing a bet of at least £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any sportsbook market (excluding Virtual markets) rewards users with a £40 bonus for sportsbook. The bonus expires 72 hours, if not used.
- Ladbrokes — Bet £5 Get £20 in Free bets. To qualify, place cumulative stakes of £5 at odds of 1/2 or greater. Once credited, these Free bets are available for seven days across various sportsbook markets. This promotion is an excellent opportunity for new players to get acquainted with Ladbrokes’ diverse betting options. Terms and conditions apply, emphasizing fair and responsible betting.
Conclusion
Choosing where to bet online in the UK is a complex task, even if you’re interested in betting on just one sport. For example, football fans should consider many factors such as the selection of events, the variety of betting outcomes, availability of live streaming, and features like Cash Out and bet builders.
The more you’re invested in the game, the higher your expectations from a bookmaker. However, not all bookmakers can meet these varied demands. Our guide has been crafted to provide a straightforward yet detailed approach to choosing a betting site that fits your needs. We hope this assists you in making a choice that fully satisfies your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bet365, Ladbrokes, Coral, William Hill, and Sky Bet are considered the best sports betting sites in the UK. However, there are many other sites that might better fit your specific preferences, offering a variety of sports, competitive odds, and unique features.
Yes, online sports betting is legally permitted and is regulated by the Gambling Commission. This ensures that online bookmakers adhere to strict guidelines for fairness and customer protection.
The minimum age for sports betting is 18 years. Bookmakers are required to verify the age of their customers to comply with this legal stipulation.
New betting sites are considered safe if they are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which applies the same rigorous standards to both established companies and newcomers. Always verify a site’s licensing status for safety assurance.
No, using credit cards for gambling, including betting at online sportsbooks, is prohibited in the UK as of April 2020. Bettors must use alternative payment methods like debit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers.