The UK’s Best Sports Betting Sites: Reviewed and Rated for 2023

The Best UK Bookmakers and Their Strengths

Before we go into more detail about the different bookmakers and their individual strengths, here is our list of the top bookmakers in the UK. Every betting site that made our list is safe and licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you will be in good hands.

• 🥇 YetiBet ✪ Best Bookmaker
• 🥈 bet365 ✪ Best for Live Betting
• 🥉 MrMega ✪ Great for Football Bets
• ⭐️ 888sport ✪ Extensive Betting Markets
• ⭐️ Betiton ✪ Best PayPal Bookmaker
• ⭐️ BetTarget ✪ Top Sports Betting App
• ⭐️ BetVictor ✪ Top Betting Bonus
• ⭐️ Ladbrokes ✪ Best Betting Odds
• ⭐️ Grosvenor ✪ Best Golf Bookmaker
• ⭐️ All British Sports ✪ Best New Bookmaker

Is every bookmaker the same? No, different betting sites will excel in certain areas and the quality can vary hugely. Bettors will also have different priorities when it comes to what they’re looking for in a bookie, maybe welcome bonuses are a crucial deciding factor for you, or the choice of payment methods on offer.

Our Criteria for Choosing The Best Sports Betting Site

Because of these preferences we have separated the best betting sites into different categories, this way you can easily find what you’re looking for. If you’re searching for the best bookmaker for live betting or the best sports betting app, you will find that below.

• 🏆 Best Bookmaker 2023 YetiBet
• 💻 Live Betting with Streaming: bet365
• 📱 Top Sports Betting App: BetTarget
• 🔎 Top Betting Programme: 888sport
• 💳 PayPal Bookmaker: Betiton
• ⚽ Top Football Betting Site: MrMega
• 💰 Best Betting Bonus: BetVictor
• 🏌️‍♂️ Best Golf Bookmaker: Grosvenor
• 📈 Best Odds: Ladbrokes
• 🆕 Best New Bookmaker: All British Sports

As you can see, there is a clear leader in each category. When deciding on this our team took a closer look at the bookmakers in all the following areas:

• Security, respectability, reputation
• The betting offer including extra function
• Live betting options including live streaming
• The betting odds
• Any bonus offers for new and existing customers
• Payment methods for deposits and withdrawals
• Customer service
• The desktop site and the sports betting app

Features of The Best Online Bookmakers

In the following sections we will go into the quality criteria of the betting providers in more detail. We’ll highlight the things we paid close attention to in our tests, and then you can decide which bookmaker works for you and your needs.

Security, Respectability, Reputation

In our reviews we always start with a security check because safety is of utmost importance. In order to offer their services, UK bookmakers, must have a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. These licences are only issued after a thorough and comprehensive examination of the site, to make sure it is up to scratch.

Sports betting sites in the UK are regulated by strict licensing requirements to ensure consumer protection and fair play. The UKGC licence ensures that the betting site adheres to robust standards of security, transparency, and responsible gambling practices. If the site doesn’t maintain these standards, the licence will be revoked.

Some of the best bookmakers may also possess additional licences from other reputable jurisdictions, like the Malta Gaming Authority, further reinforcing their credibility and trustworthiness. These licences provide extra peace of mind to bettors, as they show an extra authority the betting site must answer to.

Data and Player Protection

The safest betting sites will also prioritise player and data protection. The UK gambling industry is heavily regulated, and bookies are required to comply with strict data protection laws and guidelines. These measures are put in place to safeguard the personal and financial information of players from any unauthorised access or misuse.

To maintain player confidentiality, the best bookmakers employ advanced encryption technology to scramble sensitive data during transmission and storage. This means that personal details such as names, addresses, and payment information are kept confidential and inaccessible to any malicious third parties.

Furthermore, the promotion of responsible gambling practices play a significant role in player protection. UK bookies often have dedicated tools and features that allow users to set deposit limits, time limits, and even opt for self-exclusion if they feel the need to take a break from betting. These features help protect players from potential gambling-related harm.

Overall, keeping an eye out for this commitment to player and data protection through regulatory compliance, encryption technologies and responsible gambling initiatives ensures that users can enjoy their betting experience with peace of mind, knowing their information is safe and their well-being is prioritised.

Sports Betting Markets and Betting Functions

A crucial part of our bookmaker reviews is seeing which sports are on offer. Ideally the betting portfolio should cater to the preferences of many different people. When it comes to sports, football takes the lead as the most popular sport in the UK and there’s plenty of football betting sites.

The best bookmakers will offer the top divisions in the UK, along with football leagues from international football clubs for example. You will find that prestigious competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League, and UEFA Conference League, hold a prominent position. Among these, the highlight is undoubtedly the extensive betting opportunities surrounding the World Cup.

If football isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of other sports you can place your bets on. Tennis, golf and horse racing are all popular betting markets for UK punters and offer fun betting opportunities throughout the year. During the colder weather, there’s plenty of chance to place a wager on winter sports too.

Plus, many of the best bookmakers will also include a variety of niche disciplines such as futsal, badminton, water polo, or similar sports in their betting portfolio. There’s also the opportunity for fun novelty bets, where you can bet on the outcome of a TV show for example.

Betting Features

Betting sites can distinguish themselves from the competition by offering certain unique features. While these extras may not be your primary criteria, they can significantly sway your preference towards a particular bookmaker. These additional features encompass a wide range of offerings, including live streaming, cash out and bet builder options.

Among these features we like to see in our bookmaker reviews is the option to cash out. Cash out has brought about a revolutionary change in the world of online betting. It allows punters to conclude their bets before the event has finished by accepting a reduced odds offer from the bookmaker.

Live Betting and Live Streams

Live betting, also known as in-play betting, has emerged as one of the most popular and thrilling forms of gambling at UK sports betting sites. Unlike traditional pre-match betting, live betting allows punters to place wagers on events as they unfold in real-time. This dynamic and interactive betting experience has captured the attention of sports enthusiasts across the country.

One of the key attractions of live betting sites is the ability to make informed decisions based on the actual performance of the teams or players during the game. Punters can assess the momentum, tactics and form of the players before placing their bets, leading to a more strategic approach to gambling.

<-Bookmaker 1 from 4->

Live betting caters to a diverse range of sports, from popular leagues like the English Premier League to niche events across various disciplines. Additionally, live streaming services often accompany live betting sections, allowing bettors to watch the action unfold while engaging in real-time wagering.

Betting Odds

The best sports betting sites are renowned for providing competitive and diverse odds across a wide range of sports and events. These bookmakers invest significant effort in ensuring that their odds are competitive, whether it’s football, horse racing, tennis, or any other sport, they strive to offer enticing odds that attract punters and keep them coming back.

Top UK sports betting sites understand the importance of providing transparent and fair odds, allowing bettors to make informed decisions. They adjust their odds promptly in response to changing circumstances, such as team news, injuries, or weather conditions, to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Overall, the best UK bookmakers excel in offering competitive, up-to-date, and customer friendly odds, making them a go-to choice for both seasoned bettors and newcomers looking to delve into the world of sports gambling. It’s also comforting to know that bookies regulated by the UK Gambling Commission have their odds checked so there can be no manipulation.

Bonus Offers for New and Existing Customers

Another important aspect of our bookmakers comparison is checking out the bonuses. Sports betting bonuses are a popular incentive offered to both new and existing customers. For new customers, welcome bonuses often come in the form of free bets or deposit matches, giving them a boost when starting their betting journey.

Promotions are not always just limited to new customers, existing customers can be rewarded with loyalty bonuses, reload offers, cashback deals, or enhanced odds promotions, ensuring they remain engaged and valued. Check out our list of the best bookmaker bonuses below:

Bonus Terms and Conditions of the Bookmakers

UK betting bonuses will come with terms and conditions outlining the specific rules and requirements that apply. These conditions typically cover wagering requirements, minimum odds, validity periods, and any restrictions on eligible markets or bet types. It’s crucial for bettors to understand these terms before claiming bonuses to ensure compliance and a smooth betting experience.

Here are some things to look out for:

• Wagering Requirements: How many times must the betting bonus (or starting balance) be played through before you can claim it?
• Minimum Odds: What are the minimum odds to be considered when claiming the bonus sum?
• Betting markets: Are there any excluded sports bets and/or betting options?
• Limits: Is there a betting limit? Is the maximum profit from the sports betting bonus limited?
• Time window: Within what time period must the wagering requirements be met?

When carrying out our bookmakers comparison, we take into account the above factors when judging different bonuses. We only present you with bonuses that are fair and have clear terms and conditions attached.

The Promotions for Existing Customers

You can only snag a sports betting bonus for new customers once, when signing up, from the online bookie. So, it’s crucial for bookmakers to cook up some cool promos for their regular players. From our experience, there are various bonus formats floating around. Take the reload bonus, for instance, a deposit bonus that often pops up once a week.

Then, there are the free bets, handed out for specific sports events, sometimes with a deposit required. Usually, you will have to make your own money bet first to get the bets in return. Another interesting one is the enhanced odds bonus, this where you can come across good offers where the odds are enhanced to help boost your payout.

Payment Methods for Deposits and Withdrawals

For optimal convenience when depositing at UK betting sites, having a wide array of payment options is highly beneficial. Most of the top UK bookies will accept all major payment methods, including debit cards and bank transfers.

For UK punters, there’s also eWallet options. Among these, PayPal stands out as the most popular choice, due to its ease of use and security. Many of the sites listed here are also top PayPal betting sites. Our team has compiled a list of the popular payment methods offered by betting sites in the UK:

• PayPal
• Skrill
• Sofort
• Apple Pay
• Phone Bill
• Debit Card
• Google Pay
• Trustly
• Bitcoin
• Bank Transfer

When it comes to cashing out your winnings from UK betting sites, two things really matter – reliability and speed. Based on our experience, you can count on all the top bookies to get you your money within just a few hours. Although this can vary depending on the method used.

Most of these sites will use the same payment method you used to deposit to payout, but there might be a few who stick to old-school bank transfers. It’s best to check with the individual operator to be sure. Plus, every sports bet deposit and withdrawal should be totally free from fees.

Customer Service in our Bookmaker Comparison

Customer service at bookmakers is a critical aspect of the betting experience. Top bookmakers prioritise providing exceptional support to their users. They offer various channels for assistance, including live chat, email, and telephone, ensuring customers can easily reach out whenever they need help.

A dedicated and knowledgeable support team is ready to address queries, resolve issues, and offer guidance promptly and professionally. Another thing we love to see is a detailed FAQ section, which many of the top bookies will have. This saves people having to reach out to customer service with the same questions.

Website and Sports Betting App

Sports betting apps for UK players are a game-changer, delivering the ultimate convenience and excitement of wagering on the go. These apps provide a user-friendly interface, quick access to a wide range of sports markets, and live betting features. With secure transactions and seamless navigation, they offer an immersive betting experience right at your fingertips.

When it comes to checking out the coolest sports betting apps in the UK, the same rules apply – we’re all about top-notch quality! The best bookies come prepared with multiple tech options to cater to your mobile betting needs. First up, they’ve got an optimised, browser-supported homepage (web app) to kick things off.

And if that’s not enough, the real bonus points come when they throw in some native apps for iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). It’s all about that smooth, hassle-free betting experience, right in the palm of your hand!

The History of Sports Betting in the UK

Sports betting in the UK is fully regulated and has evolved over time. To safeguard players, the government has put in place various regulations to ensure safety. Rest assured, all the top-notch online gambling sites play by the rules and adhere to these laws, allowing them to operate smoothly and responsibly.

Some important years in the history of gambling and sports betting in the UK are 2005 with the introduction of the Gambling Act which founded the UK Gambling Commission, and also 2014 which saw the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act introduced.

Another interesting update was in 2020 which saw the Gambling Commission ban the use of credit cards at online casinos and betting sites. UK bettors can still use debit cards and eWallets, but can no longer gamble with credit.

Sportsbook Guides: What Else is on Our Site?

This page is just the tip of the iceberg, we cover plenty more sports betting related content on our site. Whether you’re looking for the safest betting sites, or a deep dive into the different payment methods. We’ve got you covered.

Our Best Sports Betting Site

So, who is the top UK bookmaker? The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you may think, as each UK online betting provider has its own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the decision of where to sign up depends on your personal preferences. However, one bookmaker did stand out in our comparison, take a look below:

We can confidently state that our comparison of UK sports betting sites revealed an impressive variety in the market. All the betting sites in our list offer attractive bonuses, competitive odds, as well as user-friendly websites and apps.

The key highlight in our conclusion is the strong confirmation of every site’s reliability, backed not only by the UK Gambling Commission licence but also by other indicators of trustworthiness. If you don’t know where to start, we’d recommend you head to our number one operator.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

This brings us to the end of our bookmakers comparison. If you still have some questions, here is our FAQ section where we have summarised the key facts about the best betting providers in the UK.

1️⃣ Which bookmakers are the best in the UK?

2️⃣ Which bookmaker has the best odds?

The best odds will depend on the sports event you are looking to bet on. That’s why it’s recommended to compare odds from multiple reputable bookmakers to find the most favourable ones for your desired bet.

3️⃣ How to recognise a reputable bookmaker?

The best way to recognise a legit bookmaker is to look out for a licence from the UKGC, which guarantees compliance with strict standards and player protection. You can find out more about the other security measures to look out for in our guide.

4️⃣ Which payment methods do UK bookmakers offer?

UK bookmakers typically offer a wide range of payment methods to cater to the preferences and convenience of their customers. Some common payment methods available at UK bookmakers include debit cards, eWallets and prepaid cards.

5️⃣ What kind of bonuses are on offer at UK bookmakers?

UK bookmakers offer a variety of bonuses and promotions to attract new customers and reward loyal ones. Some popular types of betting bonuses on offer include welcome bonuses, free bets and loyalty programmes to reward returning customers.

6️⃣ What's the criteria for choosing the best betting site?

When deciding on the best betting site we take into account many different factors. First and foremost, security is a top priority, and then we also consider other topics such as odds, live betting options, bonuses and promos and payment methods.