Leading sports betting sites in the UK

When it comes to sport betting sites, you can’t beat the UK for choice. There are hundreds of incredible brands ready to offer you an amazing experience. And given that they are all closely regulated, you have peace of mind knowing that you will always be safe and secure while you are connected. Take your pick of amazing offers and you can have your new account ready to go in a matter of minutes.

UK sportsbook top list

The easiest way to get your hands on all the very best UK sports betting action is to simply browse our list of online bookmakers right here on this page. There is a great selection and every one of them has been thoroughly assessed.

Check out the welcome deals available and decide which one you would like to go for. All you need to do is click on the link to take you straight through to the bookie’s website. When you arrive, you will be able to have a look around the site to confirm that it is the perfect place for you. After that, you can sign up and get started.

It only takes a few minutes to get everything completed. And you will be able to place your first bet as soon as you trigger your bonus or deposit some cash.

Our criteria when reviewing online bookmakers

Creating a list of top sites takes a lot of time on the part of our experts. They need to complete a multi-point check of each and every one and this can take many days. And our team doesn’t just simply look at the aesthetics of a site. They dive deeper into the details and see exactly what they have to offer.

By completing an in-depth review, we can be certain that we are only presenting to you the very best sports betting sites in the industry.

And each review begins with a legal check. Any UK gambling site that offers its services to the UK public must have a valid UKGC licence. If they don’t, then our review of that site goes no further. It is the most basic requirement.

Player promotions and bonuses

So once we are certain that a website has all of the correct legal paperwork, we move on to looking at the welcome promos. These deals are in place to attract new customers. And sometimes they can be extremely lucrative. However, we don’t just take them at face value. We need to guarantee that a player can enjoy everything that the bonus promises.

And the best way to do this is to look closely at the terms and conditions. The small print will tell you exactly what you have to do in order to receive your bonus and to enjoy any winnings that may arise.

It is rarely the case that you can simply select an offer, place your bet and then walk away with the winnings. You will generally have to gamble with that money a number of times. And there may be other restrictions in place as well. We want to see that these requirements are not over-the-top and that a customer can truly enjoy the deal.

Selection of betting markets

Checking out the available markets is a must. All new betting sites will have a number of betting opportunities. But some present a lot more than others. They all generally have similar sports on offer but some go much further than just your basic win/lose option.

There’s a wealth of gambling possibilities within each of the sports events. With a sport like cricket, for example, it isn’t just about which team will win the match. You can have a flutter on the batsman who scores the most runs or the bowler who takes the most wickets. And you can even go for most 4s, 6s and dropped catches, for instance.

Mobile optimization

The majority of us complete most internet-based tasks via our mobile phones. And this is the same for online gambling. We are constantly on the move and want to be able to access our betting accounts wherever we may be.

And it is positive to see that the vast majority of betting sites will allow for this type of connection. It shows that they understand the importance of mobile gaming. Therefore, these websites will be perfectly optimised to allow this type of access.

And some go a step further. They may even have a dedicated application that you can download to your mobile device. These often present extra ways to place bets as well as targeted bonuses that you may not find if you connect to the website in another manner.

Streaming and In-play betting

Standard betting procedures used to be that you made your choice before an event took place. However, that has now changed and you are able to place your bets during the event. Take watching a football match, for example. During the first half, you will get a great idea about who may win at the end of the game. You can also get an idea of who you think is likely to score a goal among other things.

Most betting sites will offer you the opportunity to put your money where your mouth is during the match. The odds may not be as attractive as they were at the beginning though. And this is because you have had a chance to see how everyone is performing. It is a terrific way to enjoy all the betting entertainment. And this goes hand-in-hand with the live streaming service that the best bookmakers will offer. In much the same way that the general public pay to livestream a number of events, the betting sites will too. And they will pass on this service to the customers when they place a bet. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Deposit and withdrawal methods

Naturally, you need to get some cash into your bookies account in order to place a bet. And this can happen in a number of ways. Each customer has their own preferred banking methods. This could be a debit card, e-wallet, bank transfer or even other mobile payment platforms.

Whatever your favourite method may be, you want to know that the online bookmaker can accommodate it. So we always check out their deposit and withdrawal options before making our final decision to release details of a brand to our readers.

Odds

The odds on any given event will determine how much you could win. And these prices must be fair for the selection that you are making. We want to know that the bookie has a good grasp of what the realistic prices should be. And not try to palm off bad odds on the customers. We do this by comparing a range of different odds across different brands. And it is quite easy to see when an operator is not keeping up with the competition.

New online bookies in 2024

There are many established brands out there in the ether. They have been around for a long time and have developed a decent reputation in the industry. But new bet sites do not have this advantage. So they need to prove themselves in order to get the customers to notice them.

We check everything out so that you can be sure that when depositing your money, you are using a safe and secure site. Check out some of these new bookmakers and see which ones catch your eye. They may not have been around as long as some of the older brands but they are considered fantastic places to play by our experts.

Best online betting sites for mobile

And if you, like millions of others, are a punter that likes to get involved on your mobile, then why not take a look at some of these fantastic mobile sites. These gambling brands create a top mobile connection for the customers. Their mobile websites allow you to perform all the transactions you need – just on a smaller device. They have done away with the old slow, grainy mobile versions and have invested millions in creating crisp and slick handheld offerings.

You will not notice any loss of quality while playing at a top mobile-optimised site. We have tried them all out and are confident that they will provide you with the very best mobile betting.

Online betting apps

And as we said before, some of these betting operators will go a little further and invest heavily in creating an application that encompasses all of the top elements that their company has to offer. An app can present you with an awesome way to play. Firstly, you don’t have to log on via a browser. You can simply click on the icon on your phone and arrive straight to your account.

You will find that the page is slightly different from the website. This is because everything has been minimised and you only need to see the essential details. You will find all of the information that you need and the sports betting markets that you’re after laid out clearly for you to access. This makes life easier for you and can allow you to place your bets faster. And as we know, when you get a good tip, time is of the essence.

Betting directly in your browser

But that said, the browser method is still pretty good. you only need to click on your internet browser and then type in the bookie’s web address into the address bar. You will arrive at the mobile site and find that it looks pretty much exactly the same as the main website does.

Quite often, the bookie doesn’t need to change anything. They simply employ responsive technology to make everything appear the same as the original; just a little smaller. This can make the website perform perfectly across all size screens.

It is the simplest method, and some punters prefer it. They know exactly what they are getting as the look and feel of the website is the same as what they are used to.

What to consider when choosing betting websites

You have seen a quick rundown of all of the things our team of experts looks for when reviewing the best online bookies. But there may be times when you wish to select a site of your own. And in this case, you need to know exactly what to look out for as a customer. We want you to be safe and your security and enjoyment are our priorities.

Let’s take a look at a few of the aspects that can make or break the best betting site in the eyes of the client.

Is the bookie licensed by the UKGC?

The licensing situation of any gambling operator is of paramount importance. If the company is operating within the UK, then they will need a licence from the UK Gambling Commission.

Registration can take a long time and cost a hell of a lot of money. So you know straight away if a brand is starting up here, then it only shows that they are serious about being in it for the long haul.

Once they have completed the registration process and have proved that they can be a responsible operator, then they will receive their individual licence number. This number is kept on a register where the public can view and cross-check it.

All you have to do is go to the homepage of any operator. And at some point on the screen, you will see this licence number displayed. If it is not immediately obvious, then you need to ask yourself why a company is trying to obscure this information. Genuine sports betting sites will proudly present this information as it shows that they can be trusted.

Do they offer quick registration?

Once you have checked out the licencing information at your chosen website, it’s time to move on and look at some other aspects. And the first thing you will come across is the registration process. It all begins by clicking on the sign-up or registration button. And this will release a pop-up screen. You need to enter a few basic details. These will include your name, address, email address and phone number.

Submitting that information should mean that the process is pretty much complete. Although you will have to wait for the bookies to confirm that your account is open. They generally don’t have a problem with anyone opening an account as long as they are not excluded from gambling or trying to use false details, for example.

They will double check your information and then send you an email to confirm that your account is open. This should not take long.

If the UK bookmakers make it overly difficult to get your account up and running, then you should think twice about signing up there. When a registration process is lengthy and difficult, it may be impossible to complete other tasks on that website too.

What’s the welcome bonus like?

Something else that you may want to consider is the welcome bonus. These deals can present some fantastic opportunities to bag some extra cash. Although you do not want to claim any old offer that you see.

Some may initially promise big cash bonuses. But you need to look a little further than that. Check out the promotion details to see exactly how you can use this deal. You may only be able to place bets on certain events, for example. Or there may be restrictions in place for any winnings that arise from playing with your bonus bets.

All of these things need to be taken into account before you opt-in to a deal. Sometimes a smaller and more modest offer can provide the best results. So do your homework and always read the T&Cs carefully.

What markets do they offer?

You will also need to know that the markets you are interested in are available to play. If there is a very limited selection, then you may soon get bored playing at that site.

You will be able to see these details by clicking on the individual sport and then selecting a particular event. A top bookies will present a range of different markets. And this makes the betting entertainment even more varied and interesting.

Do they offer your preferred payment method?

Enjoying the top sports betting possibilities means nothing if you have no money in your account. You need to get cash from your pocket and into your bookie’s balance. Some people like to take the cash straight from the bank account and send it directly via a debit card. But others prefer to employ an intermediary.

There are questions of privacy involved when playing at a gambling website. Not everybody wants the details to appear on their bank statements. It can affect you in the future when you are requesting loans and mortgages etc.

Banks and financial institutions may not look kindly on several betting online deposits being made from your bank account each month. It is obviously up to you if you choose to spend your money this way. But unfortunately, some of these finance companies don’t look at it the same way. Using an e-wallet, for example, can help you get around this. You can top up your digital account and then send money to wherever you want. There will be no trace of this in your bank account.

Can you live stream events and bet during the game?

Most of us love to watch the action play out when we have a bet on a game, a match or a race. It’s fantastic to enjoy the excitement as you wait to see if your bet will come through. Many of the top sporting websites will offer this kind of facility.

They have an agreement with live streaming providers and this allows them to pass on the top service to you. You may not be able to get every single race or match streamed. Nonetheless, you will find many options.

What’s the customer support like?

Customer service is something that many people simply sidestep when checking out an online betting website. However, we think it is incredibly important. They may be times when you need to contact the site for whatever reason. And if it is impossible to get hold of them, then you will not get your problem resolved.

So always check to see if there are phone numbers, live webchat or email addresses. You will be glad that you have done this in the future when you need it.

Bonuses for sports betting UK

The land of welcome bonuses can be a confusing place for the uninitiated gambler. The first thing you generally see are big sums of cash that get you excited. And this is perfectly natural.

But working in this industry for many years has taught us that you cannot just take everything at face value. There needs to be a certain amount of investigation done to see what the true value of a deal really is. Take your time to check the details of any promo. You will be glad that you did.

And do not simply dismiss small bonuses. They can sometimes prove to be the most lucrative available. Modest deals with very few restrictions are usually a great freebie to lay your hands on.

Deposit bonus offers

If size is important to you, then you should check out the deposit deals. These require you to add some money to your bookmaker betting account. By doing so you can unleash some of the largest promotions available.

A bookie may sometimes match anything that you deposit into your account. It could be the first deposit but some operators will allow the second or even third deposit to count as well. Matching your deposit will accrue some sizable sums of cash.

And it isn’t just a deposit match that they may offer. There could be a ton of free bets or other best betting offers available when you show a little commitment to your gambling account. Bookies will be slightly looser on with the purse strings in this case. This is because they know you are going to stick around beyond the bonus cash and play with your own money as well.

Reload bonus offers

For existing customers, there is a similar deal available. The reload bonus will match some of the cash that you deposit at a specified time. These deals are generally released on a certain day during the week or month. And it is quite normal to see perhaps a 30% match offered for making a deposit into your account.

You can also gather some top free bets and other promotional cash for doing so. Sign up for the bookmaker’s newsletter and see what is available.

Free bet offers

Free bets are fantastic. We love to place wagers on our favourite sporting events. And to do so for free is a no-brainer.

If you are collecting free bets as part of a deposit offer, then you will see that they can have quite a large value at times. But if it is a free bet that comes without spending any cash, then you must accept that it will be decidedly smaller.

Always check how you can spend your free bets. It may not always be on the sport or even the event that you are after. A bookie may restrict how you can access the action when you’re doing it for free. Ultimately, you want to know how you can spend any winnings that come your way from playing a free bet.

Acca bets

Accumulator bets are fun and Incredibly exciting. The main pull is that they can pay out big sums of cash from very small initial bets. It is similar to having several bets running at the same time. And you take the money from each event as you win and move it on to the next.

All of the cash rolling onto the next bet can build up some huge wagers and potential a huge final win. It is not unheard of to place a couple of quid wager and see hundreds of thousands of pounds come back in return. The more selections that you add to your accumulator, the bigger the prize will be. But remember, if you lose just one of the bets, then the whole lot is gone.

Special promotions for specific sports

Some sports can occasionally bring you specific bonuses. During a top event or competition, a bookmaker may decide to reward its customers or new clients with some very focused deals. For example, when the World Snooker Championship starts, you may find that you get ridiculous odds for someone completing a 147 break.

You may also receive some interesting bets on certain horse races as well. Steeplechase events have lots of hurdles involved. And quite often a horse will lose its rider over one of the fences. Bookies can incentivise this outcome by allowing you to win money if a horse finishes without a rider. It’s rarely a super-serious bet that pays out big money. But it can be a lot of fun to watch and see if you can get a little cash in return.

The UK’s favourite sports to bet on

The UK is a sports-mad nation. And that cannot be denied. This small country is responsible for some of the biggest talents ever known. And this extends across a great range of sporting events.

While you can find markets for many of the lesser-known sporting occasions, the vast majority will be on the most popular ones. So let’s take a look at a few of the sporting spectacles that really get the punters fired up.

Football

Football betting sites are all the rage in this gambling zone. The English and the rest of the UK have had an affinity with the sport for a long time. There have been many years of disappointment with international teams in this area but things are starting to look up.

And with the World Cup just around the corner, you never know if one of the home nations may do a lot better than predicted. The English squad has grown in strength in the last couple of years and now they have a real chance of becoming world champions.

Tournaments like this will present a lot of betting fun. You can place wagers on all manner of outcomes. It could be a bet on an individual match within the competition. Alternatively, it might be a bet on who will win the competition or just make it to the semi-finals, for instance.

In addition, within each individual game, there will be a huge variety of markets. Goals, fouls, cards, throw-ins, free-kicks and a whole lot more are available during these exciting games.

Cricket

Cricket has always been a popular sport on these shores. But with the invention of the T20 series, it has exploded in popularity. The shortened, more fast-paced action gets the punters riled up and placing plenty of bets.

Games are completed within a few hours and this means that you see the completion of any wagers much quicker than you used to in the past. 5-day test matches where an endurance test and betting action was often quite slow. The new cricket world has opened the door to much more exciting ways to have a flutter.

Electronic sports

And if computer games are your thing, then you will be pleased to know that these are also a possibility in the betting niche. Watching the top gaming professionals throughout the world also creates a betting opportunity.

Top games such as Call of Duty or DotA will let you have a wager on teams beating other teams as well as individual challenges that take place during the contest. There are some huge names now associated with this industry. And they are quickly becoming big-time celebrities. It is not the gaming world that we were once used to. Things have moved on and this has made it even more interesting for the avid gambling fan.

Horse racing

One of the old favourites is, of course, the nags. Horse racing has held a space in our hearts for many hundreds of years. It used to be solely the enjoyment of kings and queens of yesteryear. But now the average man or woman can get in on the action too. Some huge festivals take place throughout the UK, Ireland and other parts of the world every year. And the betting is in a frenzy while these competitions take place.

There is a huge amount of money at stake. And if you know your stuff, then you can have your piece of the pie. Moreover, there is a range of interesting bets available. These include standard straight bets where you predict the winner or second place, for example. But there are also what’s known as exotic bets. These might be to correctly predict the entire finishing pack or something similar. Wagers like this can produce enormous payouts.

UK Betting sites with live streamed matches

Fans of live-streaming will love the selection of top betting sites we represent. Any one of these brands will give you access to the top live-action. All you need to do is decide where you would like to place your bets, sign up for an account and have a punt. You can then access the live stream for your event if it is included.

In-play betting at bookies online

And while checking out the live stream, why not have a go at in-play betting. If you have ever placed a bet before, you will know the excitement that it can bring. At the beginning of the match, you make your prediction and then place your bet.

But with in-play betting, you get to see a lot more. Watch the first half, or the first few laps of a race and see how the event is working out. You can make an intuitive decision as to what you think will happen in the latter stages.

Responsible gambling and sports betting

We always advise our readers to gamble responsibly. This form of entertainment should be fun and not become a burden in your life. To keep your gambling hobby in check you need to recognise when you think your attitude is changing. If it stops being fun, then you need to move on and give it a rest for a while. And here are a few good ways for you to keep on top of your gambling hobby.

Always set a weekly/monthly budget

It’s normal to set budgets in our everyday lives. At the end of the month, when we are paid, we plan out how much money we have to spend on essentials. And then, what is left over is disposable income. It is this cash that we can allocate to various luxuries such as gambling.

Calculate exactly how much you have spare each month and never go beyond those limits. A successful gambler does not get themselves into debt while enjoying the action.

Don’t bet what you can’t afford to lose

Understanding that any bet you place might win or lose sounds a bit like stating the obvious. But sometimes we lose track of what we are doing. And it is important to remind ourselves that this cash could disappear if a bet does not go your way. Accepting both outcomes before you make a wager is essential.

Get help from Gamstop if you bet too much

Some betting fans may find themselves spending a little too much time and money on their favourite pastime. And in this case, they need to make changes. You can simply close down your account and walk away. Alternatively, you can seek the help of a third party that can give you some much-needed assistance.

Organisations such as Gamstop are created to help those who need a little push in the right direction. Gamestop will collect all of your personal details and make all gambling operators in the UK aware that you should not access the services. The process is automatic and very discreet. It is a legal requirement for any bookies within the UK gambling system to be part of the scheme.

How to make payments at betting websites UK

As you know, there are many ways that you can get your cash moving into the online gambling realm. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular payment platforms that you can make use of.

Card payments

Card payments may include debit or credit cards. The former is incredibly popular and ensure that only cash you have in the bank can be used for gambling. But credit cards are no longer a possibility in the UK. It was considered too tempting for punters to use borrowed funds to pay for gambling.

Electronic wallets

There are a few popular digital wallets on the market. And the top three that spring to mind are PayPal, Skrill and Neteller.

These products work by adding funds to your wallet and then you can send them off to wherever you wish to make a purchase. And this includes your gambling account. It is an incredibly fast and secure way to make a payment.

Bank transfers

Bank transfers are secure but incredibly slow. If you wish to send cash from your bank account to the bookie’s bank account by manually using their bank details, then don’t expect it to arrive quicker than 4 or 5 days.

Pay by mobile

Mobile payment options are some of the most innovative products on the market. You can choose to have money taken from your mobile phone top-up credit or monthly bill.

Brands such as Payforit and Boku will facilitate the service at most online betting UK sites. The thing to be aware of when using these products is that you can only make small transactions. £10 is the limit and this may not be enough to qualify for a welcome bonus.

How to bet on sports successfully

There is a lot of information to digest when deciding where to place your sports bets. And the odds themselves can also create some confusion. So let’s have a quick rundown of the easiest ways to get your account up and running and enjoy a flutter.

Pick bookmakers recommended by us

The internet is a vast and mysterious place if you don’t know where you are going. We recommend that you only choose the best betting sites UK represented by a review website such as Hityah. You know that the best betting sites have been carefully assessed and that the correct licences are in place.

Prioritize sports that you are familiar with

Placing bets on any sport can be a minefield. There are so many facts and figures to consider. So the best thing to do is choose a sport that you are familiar with. You will have a good understanding of the players, riders or athletes and will be able to make a good, sound prediction.

Check several bookies to compare odds

And don’t just take one bookie’s word for it. The odds presented on one site may be different to those shown on another. Look around at a few of the different online gambling sites and see which prices are best. Doing a little homework can reap the rewards in the long run.

Are there any value bets?

Bookies have to place prices on thousands of markets. And they don’t always get them right. If you know what you are looking for, then you can spot some value. If you believe that a price on a particular outcome is overly generous then place your bet and get your just desserts. It does take a little knowledge, time and experience to build up the ability to spot value in such bets.

There are tons of bonuses out there – Use them!

Some punters brush over the bonuses that are on offer. But we recommend that you check them out. It can mean a lot of extra cash in your bonus balance and this means free betting action. Quite often you won’t have to part with a penny to get your hands on these deals so you have nothing to lose.

Sports betting and online security

Keeping an eye on your cash and personal data can be quite a struggle when playing online. The technology involved makes it difficult for the layman to understand exactly what is happening during any process. And for unscrupulous characters who know the ins and outs of the tech, it can be an opportunity for them to pounce.

So do yourself a favour and follow these ways to keep yourself safe while out there on the web.

Encrypted personal data

Any data that transfers between you and a bookkeeper needs to be encrypted. You do not want these details to be in plain sight of anyone who wishes to abuse them. An SSL certificate is essential for all websites and not just betting sites.

You will know that a brand is using the correct encryption technology by checking out the address bar. Look for the small padlock symbol and you will see if your details are safe.

Find the licensing details

When you click through to any UK betting website, take a quick look down the homepage and locate the UKGC license number. It should be clearly displayed there for you to see. And you can take this licence number and go to the UKGC website if you wish and cross-reference it with the register. This will give you the peace of mind that you need to know that you are playing at a safe place that is highly regulated.

Check the bookmakers reputation

Do a little digging as well. A few minutes of scouring the internet will produce plenty of results when researching any product. And you can do the same for top sportsbooks. See what the public thinks of a brand to help you make your decision and choose a great place to enjoy the entertainment.

FAQ

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions on the subject of online sports betting.

Can you get a free bet at all UK betting companies?

Not all of them. Some brands will offer this promotion as a way of enticing new customers through the door. Others prefer to use other deals instead. You may find that bonus credit can be used in other ways rather than just free bets at some of the best gambling sites UK.

Do UK sportsbooks accept Paypal?

The vast majority of UK sportsbooks will accept PayPal payments. It is a safe and trusted brand that most companies are happy to deal with.

Is it safe to bet on betting websites UK?

Yes. If a brand within the UK jurisdiction can prove that it has a UKGC licence, then it is a perfectly safe place for you to place a bet.

What is an accumulator bet?

An accumulator bet involves you making a number of selections. You need to correctly predict, in order, the outcome of several events. The money you win from each bet rolls over onto the next and it keeps accumulating until the final bet. If all of your selections come good, then you stand to win a lot of money.

Do all UK online bookmakers offer mobile betting?

Not 100% of them. But the majority do, yes. We like to see a brand offering a mobile connection as part of its gambling services. Punters can be on the move and still access all the sports bet action anywhere they go. And the best sportsbooks are happy to facilitate this.

What’s the best betting app?

Any one of the trusted sites listed on this page that has a dedicated app will be a great product to use. We can’t tell you which brand you should choose though. All we can say is that any one of the sites listed here will give you what you need.