Finding the right betting site can be challenging, with 175 licensed online bookmakers currently active in the UK according to UK Gambling Commission data. That number doesn’t include the unsafe, unlicensed sites you want to avoid.
That’s why our team of professional betting experts is here to help you sort the best betting sites from the rest.
At Gambling.com, we’ve been testing, reviewing, and comparing bookmakers since 2006, helping bettors find trusted, safe options with full licensing from the UK Gambling Commission. We blacklist and filter out untrustworthy sites, so you don’t have to.
Our experts conduct regular, in-depth evaluations to ensure every site featured on this page meets our strict standards for quality, security and user experience.
So, when you see that our current favourite, Betfred, gets a 98/100 rating from us, you can trust it’s a score we stand over, backed by years of experience and a stringent review process.
On this page you’ll find:
- A curated list of the best UK betting sites.
- Features like offers, odds and sport-specific betting options categorise the best bookmakers.
- The pros and cons of each betting site are highlighted, along with alternative options for each bookmaker type.
- An explanation of our review and rating process so you know exactly where our rankings came from.
- Practical advice on responsible gambling and managing deposits and withdrawals.
Use the quick summary below to compare the top betting site options at a glance, or follow the links to our detailed reviews and testing.
Best Betting Sites at a Glance
At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links.
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Our betting site reviews provide reliable, unbiased comparisons and insights. Independent of operator influence, they combine expert opinions with feedback from our registered members.
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200+ betting sites reviewed -
150+ years of combined betting industry expertise -
20,000+ bookmaker ratings contributed by members -
Objective bookmaker evaluation criteria
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50 First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
Daily ‘Super Extra Places’ on Racing
Odds Boosts on Next Goalscorer Bets
Sponsors all 5 Flat Horse Racing Classics
Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
BETFRED50
Live Streaming
Is there live streaming of sporting events?Yes
Our Rating
Gambling.com users’ rating of this betting site out of 10098
Bet Builder
Can you create your own personalised bets?Yes
Cash Out
Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?Yes
Acca Insurance
Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet downYes
Known as the ‘Bonus King’, Betfred has more promos and bonuses than the majority of competitors. This is the first bookmaker ever to sponsor all five flat racing classics and also sponsors Super League Rugby and World Matchplay Darts.
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Full T&Cs apply.
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New Customers Only. Max one £20 Free Bet. Qualifying bets at Odds of 1/1(2.00) or greater. Paid as Bonus Token with Min 4/5(180) Odds Req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. T&Cs Apply
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. 18+. New customers only. Minimum £10 deposit and bet on odds 1/1 or greater required. Deposits via Paypal, Neteller, Paysafe, Skrill or Skrill 1-Tap will not be eligible for any free bet offer. Eligible bets: Single, Combo, Bet Builder. System bets excluded. Extra bet and bonus spins issued within 24 hours of qualifying bet being settled. Extra bet valid for 14 days, stake not returned. Bonus spins valid for 24 hours. Selected games only. BeGambleAware. Bonus Policy and Terms of Service apply.
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. Plus Best Odds On All Premier League Matches(fixed odds Match Odds, pre-match v top 5 bookies on Oddschecker). See full details.
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x Free Bets: x1 £10 Football, x1 £10 Acca, x 1 £10 BetBuilder, x1 £10 Horse Racing. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+. Exclusions Apply. T&Cs apply.
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. 18+ New UK customers. Bet £10 on accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0). Get 4x £5 Free Bets and 50 Free Spins, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org.
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds within 10 days of registration. No cash out. Get £40 in Free Bets on selected events. Free Bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware®: Gambling Help & Gambling Addiction
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. Deposit and bet on any sportsbook markets of your choice at odds of evens (2.00) or greater. Get 50% back of your first days losses as a Free Bet up to £50 plus 50 Free Spins. Min. 3 bets required. If your account is up, you’ll receive a £5 Free Bet regardless plus 10 Free Spins. Use coupon code “505050” at registration. T&Cs apply
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. Qualifying bet of £10 at min. odds 2.0 within 5 days of registration, E/W excluded. Get 3x Free Bets at min odds 2.0 each. 1x£10 Football, 1x£10 Racing, 1x£10 Acca (Min 4 selections). 7-day expiry. New selected customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £10. Full T&Cs apply.
Promotion available on desktop and web only and is not offered via the kwiff apps.
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New Customers only. Must have a minimum of 3 bets of £10 or more on separate events at odds of evens (2.0) or bigger on first day. First day losses equals all settled stakes less all returns. T&C’s apply.
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5* or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for a 100% matched amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £50*. Once claimed, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable.
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Full Terms Apply
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 5x £5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions.
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Full Terms Apply
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. 18+. Play responsibly, begambleaware.org. https://www.begambleaware.org/
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply.
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Full Terms Apply
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. [Gambleaware.org|https://www.gambleaware.org/]. Get a percentage boost on all football multibets of 4 or more selections.
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Full Terms Apply
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#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New UK+IRE Customers. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 1x £20 free bet. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions
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Full Terms Apply
Our Picks For The Best UK Betting Sites
Our testing and review process provides us with all the information we need to categorise the best betting sites for specific sports or features.
We also call on our experience to highlight each site’s pros and cons, so you know exactly what to expect from a bookmaker.
We don’t hold back when it comes to honest feedback and every review includes detailed, unbiased analysis, to ensure complete transparency.
Read on to discover why the following sites made the cut and find out which ones are best suited to your betting style.
Best New Betting Sites 2024
Our research consistently shows that the best new bookmakers drive competition by introducing new types of markets and offers to the online betting world. With this in mind, these are the best new betting sites in 2024, as chosen by our experts and Gambling.com users.
Our Top Pick: Bet442
Why we Picked Bet442
When testing Bet442, we found that this new site is home to promotions features that we usually associate with the best established bookmakers.
For example, we were able to watch live streams of all the big horse and greyhound races from the UK and Ireland, with no buffering issues during our mobile and desktop testing.
After signing up and claiming the welcome offer, we’re taken to the homepage, where our attention is drawn to the number of odds boosts available. These enhancements are mainly for football markets and the latest boosts appear in the top left of the home screen.
Bet442’s best feature, however, is the bet builder. This same-game accumulator allows us to combine up to 30 markets in one bet, which is more than most sites offer.
The same-game acca is available across 10 sports, including cricket, which most sites don’t have a bet builder option for.
Who It’s For
Bet442 is something of an all-rounder but if you like to bet on football, horse racing or cricket, the odds and betting options here are first-rate.
The site also caters to a wide range of payment methods. If you prefer using alternative options like AstroPay or ecoPayz, Bet442 is an ideal choice.
- Live Horse & Greyhound Racing Streams
- Enhanced Football Odds
- Accumulator Profit Boosts
- 10-Sport Bet Builder
- Odds Boosts Mainly Restricted to Football
- No Tennis Live Streams
- Not Many Politics Betting Markets
- No Free Bet Club
Learn More: Read our in-depth expert Bet442 review
Alternative Options
Of all new betting sites we’ve tested, PricedUp has the most appealing layout and user interface.
While the best price boosts at Bet442 are reserved for football, we were able to claim enhanced odds on boxing, darts and UFC with PricedUp.
If you want a new bookmaker and you’re a fan of virtual betting, Gentleman Jim is probably your best option to go with.
There are over 20 different virtual markets to choose from at any time, including golf, football, basketball, horse racing and darts.
Best Betting Sites For Offers
Promotions are a deciding factor for a lot of punters when choosing a site to sign up with. This is the case for many of our own expert team members and for Gambling.com users.
We’ve taken user feedback into account and combined it with our own findings in order to recommend these five bookies as the best betting sites for offers and free bets in 2024.
Our Top Pick: BoyleSports
#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. T&Cs Apply
Why we Picked BoyleSports
BoyleSports tops our list in this category for its early payout deals across multiple sports.
During our testing process, we took advantage of early payouts for 11 sports in total. For example, football bets paid out if our team led by two goals and golf bets settled if our player led after the third round – valuable given only 35% of third-round leaders actually go on to win tournaments.
The BoyleSports welcome offer is also a strong deal. After signing up, we claimed £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus.
All this took was a £10 deposit and a £10 bet at odds of even money. We found the process to be quick and our analysis of the T&Cs revealed no nasty surprises.
Additional offers like money-back specials, extra each-way places, best odds guaranteed and odds boosts further enhanced our experience with BoyleSports.
Who It’s For
BoyleSports is ideal for multi-sport bettors as the offers are never restricted to just one or two sports.
If you’re into football accumulators, the early payout deal applies to accas as well as singles. Some competitors, like Paddy Power, only apply early payouts to single bets, greatly reducing the value of the offer.
For American sports enthusiasts, BoyleSports has early payout offers on basketball and NFL games.
- Early Payouts on 11 Sports
- Daily Odds Boosts
- Acca Insurance
- Extra Each-Way Places
- Strong Welcome Offer
- App Could be Improved
- Layout is Slightly Bland
- Not Many Esports Betting Markets
- Loyalty Club Only Available in Shops
Learn More: Read our in-depth BoyleSports review
Alternative Options
Our latest research of UK betting sites shows that Betfred’s bet £10 get £50 deal is the best welcome offer available.
While this is higher in value than the BoyleSports bonus, you don’t get as many early payouts with Betfred.
For money-back offers, Kwiff is an ideal site to use, refunding bets if your horse finishes second to the favourite in selected races.
For odds boosts, Unibet’s ‘Uniboosts’ consistently deliver the best value when compared to enhanced price offers from other bookmakers.
Best Bookmakers For Football
Every betting site in the UK offers football betting markets, but some sites stand out to our experts with exclusive offers, value odds and extra features like live streaming of matches. Here’s a quick look of some of the best football betting sites in the UK and what they offer punters.
Our Top Pick: BetMGM
#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x Free Bets: x1 £10 Football, x1 £10 Acca, x 1 £10 BetBuilder, x1 £10 Horse Racing. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+. Exclusions Apply. T&Cs apply.
Why we Picked BetMGM
BetMGM came to the UK in 2023 with a big reputation in the United States, so we were unsure when first testing this site if the UK’s favourite sports would get enough attention.
Those fears proved to be unfounded and BetMGM is actually now the best football betting site online, according to our latest reviews.
The free ‘Golden Goals’ prediction game is the standout promotion here, with a £1million jackpot for correctly predicting six football scores. If you get a minimum of two predictions right, there are other prizes on offer, ranging from free bets to a share of £5k.
For example, we received a £20 free bet for getting three scores correct on a Premier League matchday when testing BetMGM.
We’re also impressed by the ‘In-Play Boosts’, offering 50% extra profit on live bets for selected Premier League games. With an average of 180 live betting markets per match, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this feature.
Who It’s For
BetMGM is ideal for betting on the Premier League in particular.
The bookmaker is an official partner of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers, offering 10% profit boosts for winning bets placed on these teams.
On an average Premier League matchday, there are more than 40 odds boosts available across all games combined.
BetMGM also has extensive options for PL bet builders, with dozens of markets. For example, when testing the site we noticed a recent game between Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace had 62 bet builder markets available.
- £1million Prediction Game
- Enhanced Football Odds
- 10% Profit Boosts on Partnered Teams
- 50% Profit Boosts on In-Play Football Bets
- Flexible Bet Builder Markets
- Not Many Football Live Streams
- No Phone Customer Support
- No Early Payouts
- Niche Sports Can Lack Markets
- Free Bets Subject to 7-Day Expiry
Learn More: Read our in-depth BetMGM review
Alternative Options
William Hill is home to some football promotions that BetMGM doesn’t have, like early payouts and free bets for correctly predicting match statistics.
Like BetMGM, LeoVegas has profit boosts on sponsored clubs, except instead this offer applies to games involving Manchester City and Inter Milan.
Ladbrokes is our go-to site for football live streams. Once signed up, games from leagues like Spain’s La Liga and the Dutch Eredivisie can be watched live while you bet.
How we Review & Rank Betting Sites
We rank betting sites using an in-depth process, which we constantly strive to improve and perfect. Here’s a step-by-step insight into how our process works:
Step 1 – Testing & Reviewing
In order to evaluate a site and decide whether it is worth signing up with, we need to have plenty of first-hand experience using it.
The first step in our process is for one of our betting writers to sign up with an online bookmaker and put it under the microscope over a period of weeks, trying out all the key features before reporting their findings.
A fact-checker then reads through their report, conducts their own research, cross-references their findings and applies any edits that are needed. This ensures every review is 100% accurate and up-to-date.
Step 2 – Analysing User Reviews
As well as leaning on our own experiences, we also take into account the opinions of Gambling.com users.
If users consistently post negative reviews about a particular betting site, it’s usually a big red flag for us.
For example, if we notice negative reviews about payment speeds, we’ll look to confirm whether this is a problem by attempting to deposit and withdraw funds ourselves with a range of banking methods.
Experience teaches us that the bettor often knows best. However, we advise against taking every review at face-value when evaluating bookmakers, because occasionally someone will post a negative review which has no real substance behind it.
Step 3 – Comparing & Rating
The comprehensive data we gather is essential to our process, because it allows us to compare sites .
For example, when we review new betting sites or make updates to an existing review, we always take note of the number of sports that have in-play betting markets.
Having this sort of data to hand means that we can easily compare dozens of sites for a range of different factors.
Some of these factors are worth taking note of in case you’re trying a site out for the first time yourself. We’ve explained the most important comparative factors below:
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Licensing & Security
Any betting site we recommend must be licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. This is the ultimate benchmark in gambling regulation and means a bookmaker is regulated and operates legally in the United Kingdom.
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Welcome Offers
Always examine welcome offers as a priority when choosing a new online bookmaker to bet with. The free bet bonus value should be high and the terms and conditions shouldn’t be restrictive.
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Regular Promotions
Bonuses and free bets should be available on a regular basis after you sign up. Regular promotions come in the form of loyalty bonuses, free bets and money-back offers like acca insurance.
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Mobile Experience
The best online bookies need to deliver a smooth mobile betting experience. Many bookmakers have user-friendly betting apps for Android and iOS devices, complete with quick loading times, push notifications and superior user experience.
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Variety of Betting Markets
There needs to be a wide range of markets to choose from. This has long been one of the first things we look for when reviewing sports betting options at Gambling.com.
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Competitive Odds
We expect the best bookies to provide bettors with value for money. When trying out new sites, we compare odds from dozens of options. This process allows us to separate the sites with the best prices from the rest.
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Payment Options & Payout Speed
Licensed UK bookmakers must accommodate a range of payment options. We expect to see debit cards from Visa and Mastercard supported, along with popular e-wallets. Instant deposits are a must and withdrawals should reach your account within 48 hours.
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Quality of Customer Support
The more available customer support channels, the better. Live chat is the handiest way to get a question answered and all betting sites should have this facility available. Email and a toll-free customer service phone number should also be available.
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Ease of Sign-Up
You shouldn’t have to jump through too many hoops to sign up to a new betting site. It should be a simple, secure process that doesn’t take too much effort.
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Industry Reputation
Betting companies need to have a solid reputation in the gambling industry in order for their sites to make our list. We believe these companies should pay the price if they stop doing the right things, so you won’t see any disreputable names featured in our rankings.
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In-Play Betting Options
These days, the best online bookies offer 24/7 live betting. In-play betting is the perfect tool for strategic punters who want to take advantage of changes in odds while an event is live. It also helps if a bookmaker has live streams, so you can watch sport while betting.
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User Interface & Design
A well-designed betting site with an intuitive user interface is crucial. It should be easy to navigate, aesthetically pleasing, and responsive, to ensure a good all-round user experience.
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Responsible Gambling Tools
All licensed bookmakers must have responsible gambling tools to help bettors stay in control. We check each site to ensure they take responsible gambling seriously and provide support to anyone who needs it.
Step 4 – Regular Updates
You’ll find that our reviews are regularly updated, along with our ratings.
We then update the rankings on this page to ensure those updates are reflected and that the best betting sites are highlighted above the rest.
For this reason, we encourage readers to bookmark this page and check back at any time to see which sites top the list.
Our Expert Review Team
Our award-winning expert betting review team is made up of experienced gambling industry professionals, helping to make Gambling.com the go-to source for online betting information.
Our experts have amassed decades of experience in online betting between them, across a variety of roles. The majority are also active bettors, so they know what punters want from a modern betting site.
Their dedication to delivering the most objective and comprehensive sports betting reviews was honoured with the prestigious ‘Sports Betting Affiliate of the Year’ award at the eGaming Review Awards in London.
Here’s some more information on the professionals who test online bookmakers, review licensed sites and update the rankings on this page with their latest findings.
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Dean Ryan
Specialties: Horse Racing Betting, Site Evaluation, Football Betting
Dean Ryan is Gambling.com’s Content Director and brings 20 years of experience in the gambling industry to the team.
During his career to date, Dean has held roles with leading betting companies such as 888, Tote, BetBright, BoyleSports, BetVictor and Stan James.
Dean has also been a keen punter throughout his adult life and has a huge passion for horse racing. He is an analyst, tipster and co-founder of the #Racehour Podcast, which has a loyal listenership of racing enthusiasts.
Our Content Director uses his considerable experience to evaluate sites from a bettor’s perspective, adding significant value to our in-depth review process.
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James Molloy
Specialties: Betting Site Offers, Customer Experience, Responsible Gambling, Licensing
Before joining the team, James Molloy spent five years working with one of the world’s leading betting companies, Flutter Entertainment.
James’s role with Paddy Power and Betfair – two of Flutter’s flagship betting sites – involved working directly with customers. This gave him an insight into what customers want and expect from the best online bookies, which he now brings to Gambling.com.
As our Commercial Account Manager, James evaluates bookmakers, attends industry events and negotiates exclusive deals, bringing unmatched offers to our readers while ensuring transparency in promotions.
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Diarmuid Nolan
Specialties: Horse Racing Betting, User Experience, Safe Betting, Odds Evaluation
Diarmuid Nolan has worked in the betting industry for over 10 years and is passionate about discovering sites that deliver for their customers.
Prior to joining the team, Diarmuid held roles at Sport Caller, RacingFM and BetBright, giving him diverse experience in the online betting world.
Along with Dean Ryan, Diarmuid co-founded the #Racehour podcast, where he explores his passion for beating the bookies on horse racing.
Diarmuid is Gambling.com’s Commercial Lead, a role which involves vetting betting companies to ensure we only feature sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, that are safe to bet with.
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Kevin Taylor
Specialties: Golf Betting, NBA Betting, Betting Reports
Kevin Taylor joined the team in 2021 with a background in sports journalism and now works as a Content Strategist with Gambling.com.
His previous role involved covering sports betting news for major publications, such as The Mirror and The Sun. Among the stories Kevin reported on was an investigation into unusual betting patterns and alleged match-fixing involving an Irish football club.
Kevin’s investigative reporting on irregular betting activities underscores his and our team’s commitment to protecting punters from unfair practices.
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Jamie Casey
Specialties: Football Betting, Betting Blogs, Betting News
As Managing Editor, Jamie Casey takes a lead role publishing betting news, bookmaker reviews, betting strategy tips and reviews of the latest promotions.
Jamie combines extensive experience in the sports betting industry with a background in journalism.
He spent five years combined working with two well-known betting sites in Sky Bet and Unibet. Jamie’s work has also featured on prominent media sites such as FourFourTwo, Sky Sports and RTE.
His writing experience ensures that our betting guides are both informative and engaging, helping bettors of all experience levels.
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Chris Rivers
Specialties: Betting Site Reviews, Football Betting, F1 Betting, NFL Betting, Rugby Betting
Chris Rivers is a sports betting writer and editor who previously worked with a number of well-known UK bookmakers, including bet365, Betfred, LiveScore Bet and Bet UK, before joining our team.
Chris has also worked for sports media and betting publications such as the Racing Post and ITN, as well as commentating on football for Hull City AFC’s official channels.
In his role as our Sports Betting Editor, Chris writes in-depth reviews of individual bookmakers, where he objectively analyses their offerings. He meticulously evaluates features such as odds, promotions and usability, leaving no stone unturned.
Chris also produces sports betting news and tipping content for Gambling.com.
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Kevin Walsh
Specialties: Darts Betting, Horse Racing Betting, Reviewing Promotions
Betting Writer Kevin Walsh analyses promotions and writes expert reviews on the best bonuses from UK betting sites.
Drawing on his experience working for bookmakers like BetBright, Kevin breaks down and simplifies terms and conditions, helping readers understand which bonuses offer real value.
Kevin has also demonstrated his writing expertise with leading media outlets, including Independent Newspapers in his native Ireland.
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Simon Sinclair
Specialties: Cricket Betting, NFL Betting, Gambling Strategy, Football Betting
Simon Sinclair is a Sports Betting Writer for Gambling.com with nearly 15 years of professional experience writing sports and betting content.
Before joining our team, Simon covered a variety of sports from a betting angle for major online bookmakers, including bet365, Paddy Power and Coral.
Simon has also written for sports media sites like Goal.com and has reported on cricket for the England & Wales Cricket Board‘s official channels.
Simon brings his expert knowledge to the table when we rank the best bookies for the sports he specialises in, including cricket and American football.
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Shaun Cronin
Specialties: News Reporting, Football Betting, Novelty Betting Markets
Shaun Cronin has a wealth of experience in both the journalism and sports betting industries. Shaun joined the team in 2022, having spent the majority of the previous six years working as a Digital Content Executive for the Paddy Power and Betfair sites.
As Content Manager, Shaun leads a team of betting news reporters covering the biggest stories in online sports betting as they happen.
This means our readers are kept up-to-date with all the latest odds, tips and betting promotions on the news section of our site.
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Charlie Mullan
Specialties: News Reporting, Data Analysis, NFL Betting, Football Betting, Rugby Betting
Gambling.com Content Editor Charlie Mullan has reported on sport in a professional capacity for over two decades. Charlie wrote for the Hull Daily Mail for 11 years, before moving on to the Press Association.
At PA, he helped a world-renowned news agency to set up a new betting channel. Charlie’s statistical insights were commissioned by online bookmakers, where they were presented alongside betting odds for key sporting events.
Charlie now brings his data analysis skills to Gambling.com, where he reports on sports betting news and ensures punters have all the tools they need to place smart bets.
How to Choose The Right Betting Site For You
We’ve already looked at the factors our experts and regular Gambling.com users take into account when assessing bookmakers.
However, there might be certain aspects of a site that make it particularly suited to your preferences.
To help you make the right personal choice, here are some points to consider:
1. Read Our Reviews
As mentioned throughout this guide, we compile reviews for all the betting websites mentioned on this page, which reflect our experience using a site.
Each review is detailed, so it is worth checking out if you need more information on any particular bookmaker before you sign up.
Within each review, we assess features like sign-up offers, payment options and responsible gambling tools.
2. Consider Which Sports You’ll be Betting on
If you consistently bet on just one sport, then you are best off going with a bookmaker that specialises in that sport.
Some sites will offer a bigger range of promotions or betting markets focusing on a particular sport.
For example, American football fans can find betting sites that specialise in the sport and offer free NFL bets.
Some will have live streams of your favourite sports, while others may have standout odds.
3. Consider What Type of Bettor You Are
Every bettor is different and it’s important to establish what type of bets you’ll be placing.
If you regularly put accas on the weekend’s football, then you’ll be best off going with a bookie that has promotions like acca insurance or acca profit boosts.
If you enjoy bet builders, then look for bet sites that offer same-game accas across a wide range of sporting markets, or bet builder free bets.
There is no point in signing up to a site that doesn’t match your betting style.
4. Check The Site’s Terms & Conditions
Bettors often skim through a site’s terms and conditions, but we recommend always taking a good look at them.
The best betting options will have user-friendly terms and conditions. This means that there will be no, or very low, wagering requirements on free bets and no charges on dormant balances.
For example, if you are mainly looking to take advantage of free bets, then you don’t want to be subject to wagering requirements for every offer you take.
5. Check Withdrawal Times & Payment Options
Payment options should have an impact on your choice.
If you are mainly a high-stakes bettor, then you will want to double-check a site’s maximum bet or deposit restrictions.
If you like to bet small amounts, you might want to prioritise low deposit betting sites over the rest.
Regardless of the type of bettor that you are, it’s always a good idea to check out average withdrawal times.
You don’t want to be waiting for weeks to receive your withdrawals – but you can rest assured we won’t recommend any online bookmakers that delay payments to their customers.
Betting Site of The Weekend: BetVictor
A bumper weekend of Premier League action awaits football bettors, with a full slate of fixtures to bet on.
BetVictor is our recommended betting site for all of this weekend’s sport, including the big PL clashes.
The bookie offers standout odds for bets placed on Saturday’s Merseyside Derby between league leaders Liverpool and Everton.
We also found some great enhanced odds offers for the weekend’s games.
Horse racing punters can use BetVictor to wager on this weekend’s racing, which comes from the likes of Aintree, Chepstow and Sandown Park.
BetVictor offers best odds guaranteed, money-back specials and odds boosts for racing. All major races from the UK and Ireland can be watched live on the site and app as well.
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Best Payment Methods For Online Betting
The best betting sites in the UK offer a variety of secure and flexible payment methods.
Below are some of the best options we recommend for depositing and withdrawing money at online bookmakers.
Debit Cards
Debit cards are the most widely accepted payment method and can be used at all licensed betting sites. They offer a straightforward way to deposit funds by simply entering your card details.
Keep in mind that online bookmakers in the UK are legally prohibited from accepting credit cards as a payment method, according to UKGC regulations.
PayPal
PayPal is a globally recognised e-wallet and a convenient choice for online betting transactions.
It’s quick and easy to set up a PayPal account and there are lots of PayPal betting sites to choose from.
However, keep in mind that deposits made through PayPal may not always qualify for certain promotions or free bet offers.
Trustly
Trustly is a secure e-wallet that facilitates seamless payments.
A key advantage of Trustly is that you don’t need to create an account to use it. Instead, you can enter your card details into Trustly, where they will be securely stored.
Boku
Boku is a unique payment method that allows you to deposit funds without needing to provide card details. Instead, the amount is charged directly to your phone bill.
Boku is easy-to-use and secure, but it’s important to remember that deposits will appear on your next phone bill.
Neteller
Neteller is one of the most popular e-wallets in the UK and is frequently used for betting site transactions.
Like other e-wallets, however, deposits made through Neteller may not qualify for welcome bonuses or promotional offers. Always check the terms and conditions before depositing.
Paysafecard
Paysafecard offers a prepaid card option that adds an extra layer of security to your transactions.
Since it doesn’t link directly to your bank account, Paysafecard is a great choice for bettors seeking additional privacy and security.
You can use it for both deposits and withdrawals when betting.
Skrill
Skrill, formerly known as Moneybookers, is another e-wallet option worth considering.
It requires a separate account where you link your bank details before transferring funds to your betting account.
As with other e-wallets, always verify whether Skrill deposits are eligible for bonuses or promotional offers on your chosen site.
Responsible Betting Tips & Resources
At Gambling.com, we believe that responsible gambling is essential to ensure betting remains an enjoyable pastime.
The best betting sites take this responsibility seriously by offering tools and support to help bettors stay in control.
For most people, betting is entertainment, not a source of reliable income. To help you gamble safely and responsibly, here are some practical tips and resources to consider:
1. Stick to a Betting Budget
Always set a betting budget that aligns with your financial situation and stick to it.
Decide how much you can afford to spend on betting weekly or monthly and avoid exceeding this limit, even during winning streaks.
2. Avoid Chasing Losses
Gambling responsibly means making decisions with your head, not your heart.
Chasing losses can lead to poor decisions and increased financial risk. Accept losses as part of betting and don’t try to win them back, particularly by betting on markets you don’t have any knowledge of.
3. Use Responsible Gambling Tools
Licensed UK betting sites offer a variety of tools to help you stay in control, including:
- Deposit Limits: Allows you to set a maximum amount of money you can deposit into your account within a specified period (e.g. daily, weekly, or monthly). Used to ensure you don’t deposit more than you can afford.
- Loss Limits: Caps the total amount of money you can lose within a defined timeframe (e.g. per day or week). Keeps losses manageable by stopping any further bets once the limit is reached.
- Time-Outs: Temporarily blocks access to your account for a short period (e.g. 24 hours, 7 days, or up to six weeks). Useful as a cooling-off period if you feel your gambling is becoming too frequent.
- Self-Exclusion: Blocks access to your account for a longer, fixed period (e.g. one year, or longer). This is the tool to use if you feel you need to step away from gambling entirely.
- Reality Checks: Provides notifications summarising your activity, including time spent, money wagered and winnings/losses over a set period of time. This encourages informed betting, by giving you a clear picture of where you stand.
- Bet Limits: Sets a maximum amount for individual bets and encourages strategic betting by keeping stakes within reasonable limits.
- Self-Assessment: Some sites offer a self-assessment questionnaire, which provides an opportunity to reflect and examine if you’re at risk of having an issue. Advice and tools will then be recommended based on your responses.
4. Seek Support When Needed
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there are organisations ready to help. We recommend reaching out to these trusted resources:
BeGambleAware
Provides information to help people make informed decisions about their gambling. Offers a directory of support services and practical tools to promote safer gambling.
GamCare
Operates the National Gambling Helpline, offering free, confidential advice and support 24/7. Provides live chat, group chat rooms and face-to-face counselling.
GAMSTOP
A free service that allows individuals to self-exclude from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain.
National Gambling Helpline
Operated by GamCare, this helpline provides free, confidential advice and support for anyone affected by gambling problems. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Safer Gambling UK
Offers information and resources to promote safer gambling practices. Provides advice, helplines, and tools to help individuals stay in control.
5. Why Responsible Gambling Matters
Betting should be enjoyable and should not be a cause of stress or financial difficulty.
That’s why the bookmakers featured at Gambling.com are all licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and prioritise protection.
Always remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the best of online betting. For more information, check out our dedicated responsible gambling hub.
Why we Only Highlight Licensed Betting Sites
As we’ve mentioned throughout this guide, the UK Gambling Commission seal of approval is a must for reputable betting companies.
The UKGC is one of the most respected regulatory bodies in the world of online betting and there are a number of reasons why it has gained such a reputation:
- Personal Data Protection: The UKGC regulates betting sites so that they keep bettors’ personal data safe. Personal data can only be obtained for the prevention of crimes such as money laundering and not for any other purpose.
- Responsible Gambling Code: In order to obtain a UK Gambling Commission licence, a bookmaker must make responsible gambling information available to customers and follow a strict code of practice.
- Gambling Licence Enforcement: If a betting site is found to have broken UKGC regulations, their parent company could be fined large sums of money or have their gambling licence revoked, meaning they won’t be permitted to operate in the UK.
Our Final Thoughts on UK Betting Sites
This guide was created to streamline your search for licensed UK betting sites that align with your preferences.
Whether you’re looking for competitive odds, a range of sports markets, or valuable betting offers, our reviews provide detailed insights to help you make an informed choice.
We update this list with new betting sites when they meet our high standards, so you’ll always have fresh options to explore.
Above all, remember that betting should enhance your enjoyment of whatever you’re gambling on, not detract from it. Keep the experience fun, set limits, and always gamble responsibly.
FAQ
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To verify that a site is legal, look for its UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence number, usually displayed in the site’s footer. You can cross-check this on the UKGC Public Register to confirm compliance with UK law. Rest assured that the rankings on this page, curated by our experts, only include the best legal bookmakers.
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Only bet with licensed platforms that have strong security, fair terms, competitive odds and a variety of sports markets. They should offer responsible gambling tools, trusted payment methods and reliable customer support. Use the reviews and ratings on this page to help you find a trusted option.
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Responsible gambling tools help people to maintain control over their betting habits. Features like deposit limits, self-exclusion, time-outs and reality-checks promote safer gambling. These tools can help to ensure that betting remains an enjoyable and responsible activity.
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This page includes all of the best online bookmakers that you can bet with in the United Kingdom. Check the list for our latest rankings, which are updated every day, based on what we find during our in-depth review process. The best new betting sites are also included here, as we test and rate new sites as soon as they launch.
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A trustworthy betting site is licensed by the UKGC, offers robust security measures like encryption and provides clear terms and conditions. At Gambling.com, we only feature sites that have positive user reviews, comprehensive responsible gambling tools and transparent payment options.
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The UK Gambling Commission banned credit card use for betting to prevent debt-related harms. Any site accepting credit cards is breaking the law. Instead, licensed UK betting sites provide alternatives like debit cards, PayPal, or other secure payment options.
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Deposits are secure when made on licensed platforms using encrypted payment systems. Reputable sites support trusted methods like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Paysafecard, ensuring your funds and personal data are protected.
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In the UK, the legal gambling age is 18. Bookmakers require identity verification (e.g. passport or driver’s licence) to confirm your age and comply with anti-fraud regulations. This step ensures only eligible users access gambling services. If a site doesn’t have these verification procedures in place, it should not be trusted.
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Experience has taught us to set a clear budget and stick to it no matter what. Make use of responsible gambling tools like deposit and loss limits to help with this. Avoid chasing losses and regularly review your betting activity to ensure you’re gambling responsibly.
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Many online bookies allow users to live stream sporting events. Some of the best options we’ve found for live streaming are bet365 (over 600,000 events streamed live per year) and the Tote (great for watching horse races). Ladbrokes, BoyleSports and Betfred also have good streaming services.
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2024-12-06 16:12:00