This is a guide to betting sites available in the UK, including a list of recommendations from experts on places to sign up. Along with the recommended list, there will also be tips on how to find sports betting sites in the UK in the future.
By outlining all of the criteria used in identifying a popular betting brand, Amici IT aims to provide readers with all of the information they need moving forward. It’s a useful all-around package, underlining just what it takes to be included among some of the most popular betting sites available in the UK.
Gambling involves risk and you must not gamble with funds you can’t afford to lose. It should not be undertaken as a solution to any financial difficulty. It is worth remembering the phrase: the house always wins.
All gambling sites and guides are 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org. Online casinos listed here may not be available in your region. Check your local laws to ensure online gambling is available and legal where you live.
Popular UK betting sites
These are the recommended betting sites that experts suggest UK bettors check out when they get started with sports betting. They have all met the strict criteria required to make the final cut.
For anyone new to sports betting or if you have experience but have yet to play with these bookmakers, these are the places to begin.
- 10Bet - Competitive odds boosted by regular side bets
- BritainBet - An exceptional loyalty programme
- Betway - Perfect for those who like to focus on the live betting markets
- Unibet - Great option for those who like high odds in side markets
- William Hill - A trusted brand and the oldest operator here
- Betfred - An established bookmaker with an excellent set of football markets
- Casumo - A newer betting site that has impressed with extensive markets and competitive odds
- Grosvenor - A brand that is becoming increasingly known for their sportsbook
- 32Red - Generous outlet around when it comes to offers and promotions
UK betting sites list - close up
This article provides a list of great UK betting sites, along with a brief look at what makes them stand out. But why are those operators chosen by the experts? What really puts them ahead of the competition in what is a crowded market?
10Bet - Regular price boosts lift competitive everyday odds
![10Bet](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article27338861.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_10bet.jpg)
10Bet, like all of the popular betting sites available in the UK, starts things off with a generous welcome promotion. They continue listing regular welcome deals and always look to pass value on to their customers.
10Bet look to lift those everyday odds through regular price boosts, which is one area that really helps them stand out. It’s value all the way here, while the platform is also boosted by high levels of infrastructure.
There is great customer support here, along with a number of ways in which customers can deposit and withdraw their funds. Price boosts set them apart, but 10Bet ticks all the usual boxes.
Note that full T&Cs apply: 18+. New bettors get 50% of deposit up to £50. 1x per household. Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller). Wager deposit & bonus 8x. Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus. Valid 60 days. Min odds 4/5 singles, 2/5 per acca leg. Some bet types excluded. See full terms here. Read the full T&Cs here.
Register with 10Bet to take advantage of exceptional betting value
BritainBet - Generous offers for new and regular players
![BritainBet](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article27338884.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_britainbet.jpg)
This is a bookmaker that likes to reward all of its players. Whether you just stake once in a while or you’re looking for markets on a daily basis, you should find a welcoming platform at BritainBet.
Formed in 2020, they are one of the new betting sites available in the UK, but their name and approach make them a popular choice for the local betting community. There is a welcome deal in place, and while it may be a relatively small free bet, it’s very easy to use.
Once the opening promotion has been taken advantage of, those who stake on a more regular basis will be well rewarded. BritainBet has one of the most active loyalty programmes around, and this is a package where players can choose their rewards.
While the betting markets’ main focus here is football, there is a choice of other sports too. The odds have proved to be competitive, and BritainBet also provides a wide selection of funding methods, along with a number of ways to get in touch with customer services.
Note that full T&Cs apply: New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £10, 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 receipt. Read the full T&Cs here.
Get online with BritainBet and enjoy promotions for the life of the account
Betway - A great choice of live betting and live streaming
![Betway](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article27338893.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_betway.jpg)
Since first coming online in 2006, Betway has ticked a number of boxes as they have developed a vast customer base. There’s lots to enjoy here, but the biggest plus point for many is the impressive list of live betting markets.
They are right up there with the market leaders in terms of their in-play options, with an extensive range of bets at excellent odds. It’s also backed by one of the most popular live-streaming services anywhere online.
Pre-match bettors are catered for too, and there are high levels of security, efficient customer service, plus lots of offers and promotions available along the way. Read the full T&Cs here.
Register with Betway for exceptional live betting and much more
Unibet - A favourite with a wide set of markets
![Unibet](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article27338898.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_unibet.jpg)
Founded in 1997, Unibet has its roots in Scandinavia but has quickly developed into one of the UK’s favourite betting sites. The company works in many different territories and tailors a bespoke package to each country.
In the UK, that means focusing on the region’s top competitions, such as the English Premier League and Wimbledon tennis. Things start with a welcome offer, and they continue with ongoing promotions, which should be found for the life of the account.
While Unibet is generous in terms of odds, they are especially competitive in football side markets which is a popular area. Read the full T&Cs here.
Get involved with Unibet today for a great all-around UK betting experience
William Hill - A trusted name that delivers
![William Hill](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article27338906.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_williamhill.jpg)
The original William Hill brand was founded way back in 1934, and they have built up huge levels of trust as they look ahead to their centenary. Trust is important when it comes to looking for betting sites in the UK, so this is an important measure.
William Hill also likes to move with the times. This was one of the first big names to come online, and they are at the forefront of new innovations such as cashout and live betting. All of this is combined with key elements such as competitive odds, offers and promotions, plus efficient all-round customer service. Note that full T&Cs apply.
Get onboard with William Hill and experience one of the world’s most trusted betting brands
Betfred - A proud local bookmaker who looks after their UK customers
![Betfred](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article27338917.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_betfred.jpg)
Betfred is seen by many of its customers as the most popular all-around bookmaker online. They were originally established in the 1960s as legislation around gambling in the UK began to ease, so there is that element of longevity and trust.
There’s also a generous welcome offer, plus one of the most active sets of ongoing promotions. Many of those deals are attached to football, which is a very popular sport, but there is a great platform for all the popular UK events.
Efficient customer service, strong levels of security and a range of payment methods help to complete the package.
Note that full T&Cs apply: New 18+ UK customers. Deposit & place bet on sports at a minimum of £10 in one bet transaction at evens (2.0)+ within 7 days of registering. £30 paid in Free Bets within 10 hours of bet settlement, expires 7-days after issue. E-Wallet & Prepaid Card restrictions apply. Your first bet must be settled within 7 days of registration. Proof of I.D and address may be required. Read the full T&Cs here.
Join Betfred and enjoy one of the most popular all-around bookmakers online
Casumo - A new kid on the block with some big ideas
![Casumo](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article27338925.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_casumo.jpg)
This may be a less familiar name to UK bettors, but the aim is to present the most popular of the new betting sites available in the UK. Casumo has, in fact, been around since 2012, so that’s a relatively long time in the digital age, and they’ve built a loyal customer base in that time.
Casumo covers all the usual bases with a welcome offer and ongoing promotions, plus there’s solid customer service and a good set of funding methods to help you get on board. The operator stands out because of its excellent range of sports, with all the regular competitions sitting alongside a good set of niche events.
High odds can often be found, so this is a great site for those seeking value from their betting sites in the UK.
Note that full T&Cs apply: 18+. New UK customers only. Opt-in required. 20 Bonus Spins on "Sahara Riches Cash Collect" and 100% Deposit Bonus up to £25 on first deposit. Min. deposit £10. 30x wagering requirement for Bonus Spins and 30x wagering requirement for Deposit Bonus (game weighting applies). Max. £5/spin or £0.50/line or £10/round (Live Casino). 30 days expiry. Terms and Conditions apply.
Get involved with one of the biggest ranges of sports at Casumo
Grosvenor - A well-known brand delivering a great sportsbook experience
![Grosvenor](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article27338931.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_grosvenor.jpg)
Those who enjoy online casinos in the UK play should already be very familiar with the Grosvenor brand. They have physical premises across the UK, and they added an online platform some time ago.
The name dates back to 1966, and while the sportsbook is newer, it has all that experience and trust behind it. All the factors needed to make this list of popular betting sites available in the UK are here, including a big choice of markets and ongoing promotions. There are competitive odds at the Grosvenor sportsbook, which are boosted by regular enhanced odds promotions. Excellent customer service helps to build a solid online bookmaker. Read the full T&Cs here.
Get enhanced odds and regular promotions when you sign up with Grosvenor
32Red - Enjoy good offers and promotions online
![32Red](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article27338940.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_32red.jpg)
32Red is the place to be if you want to keep accessing bonuses and promotions. There are more deals here than in most betting sites in the UK, and each of them should be generous. It all starts with a welcome offer, and when this is used up, it should be followed by regular deals.
As part of the wider Kindred Group, which also owns Unibet, 32Red is backed by a long-established and trusted name. They are respected in the industry and deliver a strong product with a great choice of markets at excellent odds.
The bonuses and promotions are the icing on the cake for 32Red, who offer a great all-around betting experience.
Note that full T&Cs apply: 18+ begambleaware.org. [New accounts only. Min. £10 deposit, debit card only. 50x wagering on bonus, Super Spins wagering 30x, game contributions vary, max stake applies. 7 day expiry. See full terms.
Join in at 32Red and access one of the most popular sets of offers and promotions online
Betting sites UK - ranking methods
This guide features betting sites carefully selected by a team of sports betting experts. The bookmaker’s website is not only checked for information, but they also sign up and play there. All aspects of the operation are tested, including the sign-up process, customer services and funding. This is the only way to fully put bookmakers’ promises to the test.
When considering each bookmaker, certain criteria need to be met. Sports and betting market preferences may differ, but all betting sites available in the UK need to provide specific factors.
These factors are considered in great detail before any operator makes it to the list:
- Licensing and security
- Quality of the site
- Bonuses
- Payment methods
- Sports
- Markets and odds
- Live betting/Live streaming
- Mobile compatibility
- Customer care
Sports betting licence and security measures explained
To provide betting services in the UK, each bookmaker must be licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. They need to have passed certain tests in order to prove that they will be a fair and trustworthy bookmaker.
The UKGC license is a mark of trust, and it’s vital that you only play with a regulated bookmaker, but that operator needs to go further.
In the days of modern betting, it’s important to promote responsible gambling. That’s why each operator should be affiliated with organisations such as GamCare that carry this out.
Fair play is also vital, and if there is any virtual betting or games with random results, these should be operated by a Random Number Generator - RNG.
Lastly, a customer’s personal information should be kept safe from unwanted third parties. High levels of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology must be in place to ensure this.
As a tip, the experts recommend that customers should initially scroll down to the bottom of the homepage. This is where license details and information about associated parties, such as GamCare, will be kept.
Look for a separate security or an 'about us' page for security details.
The difference between old and new UK betting sites
The majority of the operators on this UK betting sites list are well-established and recognizable names. They are popular for a reason, and their good all-around package has helped.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should completely ignore new brands. Some new bookmakers come onto the market and make an instant impression with a great platform, and they quickly become recommended around the betting fraternity.
In fact, there can be some positives about new betting sites UK as they will often start up with some innovative ideas and a fresh approach.
New sites will always have pros and cons, and the same can also apply to established bookmakers. With the older brands, benefits can include:
- Trust
- Effective customer service
This is a competitive business, and all sports betting sites UK know that they have to provide superior service. Because a company has been in business for a long time, it will have built up trust among its customer base. To keep that trust, they must provide good customer service whenever help is needed.
New betting sites can’t match those levels of trust in the early stages, and that’s a definite downside. However, they can come up with other ideas in order to compete. These may include:
- New and unique industry innovations
- Better value bonuses
- Better odds
New bookmakers know that they must be able to compete, or they will not survive. As a result, they can often pass on a lot of value to their customers. Generous bonuses and better odds can be among the advantages, so the new betting sites should never be ruled out.
Bonuses at online betting sites UK
The popular betting sites UK will always give their customers value via competitive odds. However, it’s important to add that value via offers and promotions. It just gives something back to the account holder and helps the bookmaker. In a crowded industry, betting signup offers, bonuses and promotions can help them to stand out from the competition.
Typical types of promos may include:
- Free bets
- Cashback
- Matched deposits
- Best odds guaranteed
- Friend referrals
- Specific event bonus
- Acca Insurance
Free bets are usually applied as part of a welcome bonus, but they can appear at other times in the life of an account. They will usually require a qualifying bet to be made before the free stakes are released.
Cashback is similar - these types of offers will typically refund a certain percentage of losing stakes in a specified period.
Matched deposits will see the bookmaker add a percentage credit to boost your funds. These can be valuable deals but watch out for any wagering requirements.
Best odds guaranteed deals will usually relate to UK and Irish horse racing. It means that, in the event of a winning bet, the customer will be paid at the highest odds between the time the bet was placed and the starting price (SP).
Friend referrals will offer a bonus to the customer when one of their friends signs up via a link. There may be a cash reward or a free bet.
Specific event bonuses are issued for major sporting competitions such as the football World Cup final or Wimbledon tennis. Free bets and enhanced odds may be among the many deals that apply.
Acca Insurance will typically refund in free bets if one leg of a qualifying accumulator lets you down.
Many different types of signup offers, bonuses and promotions are available, but having them is always important.
Betting sites in the UK - registration process
Every betting site has a sign-up procedure, so why should this be considered when picking out the popular operators? The point is that the registration process needs to be smooth and quick. Nobody wants to be hanging around.
The most popular betting sites UK are the ones where sign-up is completed within five minutes or less. Operators are expected to take identity issues seriously, and users should be prepared to provide ID documentation when requested.
The process for signing up will be different depending on which sportsbook is being used, but they all tend to follow a similar format.
At the top right corner of the homepage, there should be a button marked ‘join’ or ‘register.’ Click on this, and the process can begin.
An online form will open, and the first set of questions will relate to essential information. Name, date of birth and email address are normally all required at this stage.
The second part of the form will go into greater detail in terms of contact information. A physical address is required, along with a telephone number. The bookmaker will begin the first stage of their verification process from these details.
Lastly, the new account holder will be asked to set their preferences. A username and password will be required for future logins. Currency should default to GBP, and remember to opt-in for notifications if you want to be kept informed about all the latest offers and promotions.
It should all take less than five minutes, and that’s the key to providing an exceptional registration process.
Sports betting markets
To be selected by the expert team and featured on this list of popular UK betting sites, an operator must offer a wide range of markets. They must cover bettors’ basic requirements before going beyond that to offer even more choice.
Football is the most popular sport for bettors in the UK. Horse racing is just behind, while tennis, golf, cricket, boxing and rugby also have a strong following.
Each of those sports has an obvious starting point - the winner of a match or a race. This is the most popular starting point for new bettors, while experienced punters also stay involved with the matchwinner.
There will also be futures betting which speculates on the winner of a tournament. In football, this would include winners of the World Cup and the English Premier League.
Each sport will also have its own selection of side markets. Football will have both teams scores, total goals, correct scores and more. You can bet on the match score in tennis, while cricket gives markets such as top batter and top bowler.
Bookies offer odds against each of their listed markets. Odds are there to tell us about the probability of a certain event happening.
For example, if Manchester United are playing Nottingham Forest in a football match and United have shorter odds, this means that they are favourites. In this scenario, Manchester United is more likely to win the game.
Of course, favourites don’t always win, so it’s down to the bettor to make their choice.
When the time comes to make a bet, online betting sites UK all have similar methods. When you find the event and market that you want, a set of odds will be shown. Click on the odds you want, and an online bet slip will open.
Now it’s time to select a stake that you are comfortable with. That bet slip will then show the odds and a calculation that tells you your potential winnings. If you are happy with everything, there will be a separate button to confirm. Hit this, and the bet is placed.
UK betting sites for placing live bets online
All online betting sites UK will now have a separate platform for live betting. It is a relatively new introduction to the industry, made possible by the advent of internet sportsbooks.
Live betting is a stake on any available market after the event has started. This is distinct from pre-match betting, which can only be done prior to the start of that event.
Each option is popular, but there are many reasons why some bettors prefer live betting. It can sometimes carry higher odds and tests the bettor’s ability to analyse a game once it has begun.
All sports bookmakers should offer live markets, but some will be better than others. All recommendations on this list, selected by a team of experts, provide lots of options and offer competitive odds.
Most of the markets that are available for pre-match betting will be carried over into the live sections. If we use football as an example, these would include matchwinner, both teams to score, total goals and many more.
Live betting can also introduce additional markets that may not have been available prior to the game. In football, a typical example would be the Next Goalscorer betting. In cricket, it could apply to the next batter to be dismissed.
As a backup to their live services, many of the popular betting sites UK also have live streaming. It’s especially popular in the UK, where most sportsbooks will provide access for those who have funded accounts. Others may ask that you place a wager on the specified event so that you can tune in.
Not all events will be covered, but bettors can watch some live action as they look to consider staking in those live markets.
Betting on mobile
Another innovation in the betting industry has seen the introduction of apps. All players need to have a level of flexibility, and that’s especially important for those who are getting involved in the live markets.
All betting sites UK should allow customers to access their platform on mobile devices. A dedicated mobile website is a minimum requirement, but there should also be an app to make things quicker.
The most popular apps are those which are available for both of the major platforms - iOS and Android. They will be free, fast to download, and customers should be able to use their regular login details to access the platform.
The popular betting sites UK will also make it easy for their customers to find the apps. Head to the respective store, and they should all be there. With iPhones and all iOS devices, the app store will always have an app if the sportsbook has published one.
That may not always be the case for Android devices, as these have not been 100% accommodating when it comes to issuing gambling apps. If the app can’t be found in the store, head to the bookmaker’s dedicated mobile website. There should be download instructions from there and possibly a QR code.
Deposit and withdrawal methods
The popular betting sites UK will also look to provide a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options. This gives flexibility to their account holders and will help them expand their customer base.
Now that funding via credit card has been outlawed in the UK, debit cards are the most popular method. They are the fastest option, with the vast majority of deposits arriving instantly. Deposits and withdrawals via debit card should also be free. Some of the newer betting sites UK may make a small charge, but the established bookmakers are unlikely to.
All deposits and withdrawals should be easy to carry out. It should always be a case of entering an account number and listing the amount you wish to deposit or withdraw before hitting a button to confirm.
Along with debit cards, customers should also be able to fund using bank transfers, while other popular payment methods include eWallets such as PayPal, Skrill, Paysafecard and NETELLER. eWallets also have an extra layer of security as none of the user’s financial information is shared with the merchant.
Some online betting sites UK are now accepting cryptocurrency, but this should only be used by those who have experience with this advanced option.
Customer service at betting sites UK
Everyone needs a little help at times, whether it’s some assistance with signing up or a more technical question relating to an offer or promotion. All betting sites UK should provide effective and fast customer service.
By offering a fast and friendly way to help their customers out, those players are more likely to stay loyal to the website.
A live chat operator is the quickest way to deal with any queries. Look for the speech bubble on the homepage to see if it’s there. Beyond that, there should always be a customer email address or web form.
Many of the older sports betting sites UK will also have customer service facilities via social media. Twitter is the most popular, but a Facebook page may also exist.
The key to earning respect via customer service is to offer a wide range of ways to get in touch and to follow that up by answering queries quickly and efficiently.
FAQs
Which is the most trusted UK betting site?
All betting sites UK listed in this round-up should provide a platform that you can trust. Playing at them and experiencing what it’s like to be a customer here can give you a clear indication.
Those that carry the most trust are the bookmakers that have been around for several decades. William Hill is the oldest brand on the list, so it could be argued that they are the most trusted UK betting site. However, all of the names here should provide a safe and trusted environment in which to bet.
What is the fastest-paying betting site in the UK?
In terms of getting your winnings, all betting sites available in the UK should apply these to your account as soon as the outcome has been settled. Without exception, all of the operators listed here will do this.
When it comes to making a withdrawal, these should also be fast. Most withdrawals by debit card will arrive on the same day via the popular betting sites UK. E-wallets will generally require a higher level of verification, which may take up to 48 hours. All bookmakers on the recommended list should provide instant returns following winning bets, together with fast withdrawal times.
What is the most popular type of betting?
Betting on the result of a match remains the most popular form of betting among customers in the UK. It is the simplest option with markets on a win for either opponent. In team sports such as football, there will also be an option to stake on the draw.
Along with the stake on a straight win, each way betting is also popular in the UK. An each-way bet also carries an option to pay when the selection is placed highly in their race or event.
A wide range of side markets for the most popular sports will also exist. These will vary depending on the sport in question, and they are not as popular as a win or each-way bets, but they still have a following.
Which betting site has the highest odds in the UK?
Odds between bookmakers are similar. Some will be higher on certain sports, while others will carry better prices for specific markets. As the bettor, you should look for a sportsbook that gives you consistently high odds every time.
We feel that the recommended list ticks this box. William Hill is great for football, while Unibet is usually strong inside markets. The range of price boosts offered by 10Bet also puts them up there with the best.
In summary, while it’s important to always look for a bookmaker that offers high odds, each operator here will be good for your needs.
Where can I find brand-new betting sites in the UK?
Brand new betting sites in the UK will be widely advertised online, and they will look to use channels that serious bettors like to use. If you study the industry news outlets, you will always be aware of any new sportsbooks coming online.
Alternatively, you can keep checking back with this article as the list of betting sites UK might extend. If any new sportsbook comes online and meets all criteria, it will be added to the list.
In short, you can carry out your own research, while we will always look to keep our readers informed and updated in regards to excellent new betting platforms.
Can I bet without risk?
All forms of betting carry a level of risk. Even those supposed strategies and formulas are not foolproof, and it’s impossible to guarantee a win.
Bettors must remember this when they get involved with popular betting sites UK. There is a chance of winning, but there is also a chance of losing your stake. For that reason, all betting sites are expected to promote responsible gambling with an overriding message that you shouldn’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
Which sport is bet on the most in the UK?
Football is the most popular sport for UK bettors. Since the rise of live television and the greater access to matches that came with it, football has overtaken horse racing to rise to the top of the list. This is why all of the popular online betting sites UK have more football markets than any other sport.
Along with horse racing, other popular sports include golf, tennis, rugby and cricket. Each of those attracts interest from the bookmakers, but football is at the very top of the list.
To find out more about online betting sites and their licenses, you can visit the Gambling Commission website for more information. This list is compiled by Amici IT.
Any form of gambling carries a level of risk, and players may lose more than they win. For this reason, it’s essential that you stay within your limits and adhere to the practices of responsible gambling. Do not bet with more than you can afford to lose, and remember that the house always wins. You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble at the online casinos featured on this page. Be sure to gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org.