The UK has one of the most competitive online gambling markets in the world. It also has some seriously tight regulations. It’s a good thing, though, as it means you can look forward to UK betting sites that are top-quality, safe, licensed platforms. Read on to discover the top UK betting sites, bonuses and sports to bet on.
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1
William Hill
€20 Free Bet
Bet NowWebsite: William Hill
Owner: WHG (International) Limited
Founded Year: 1998
Deposit Methods: Credit / Debit Cards, eCheck, Skrill, Paypal, Revolut, Apple Pay...
Withdrawal Methods: Credit / Debit Cards, Skrill, Neteller, Trustly, ecoPayz
Odds Provider:
Sports Main: Football, Horse Racing, Boxing, Golf, Darts, Tennis...
Features: Bet builder, Livestreaming
You say sports betting, we say William Hill. This name has a particular resonance among betting enthusiasts, and for a good reason! One of the oldest Bookmakers out there (can you believe they're in business since 1934?) will certainly win you over with exquisite offers and a large variety of betting options. Sign-up is available from all 7 continents.
2
888sport
1st Deposit Bonus of 100% up to €250
Bet NowWebsite: 888sport
Owner: 888 Group
Founded Year: 2008
Deposit Methods: Visa, Apple Pay, Interac, MasterCard, Paysafecard, Wire...
Withdrawal Methods: Visa, Apple Pay, Interac, MasterCard, iDebit, Bank transfer...
Odds Provider:
Sports Main: Horse Racing, Football, Basketball, Tennis, NFL, Golf...
Features: Livestreaming, Bet builder
888Sport is the very definition of a complete sports betting site. Starting with an inclusive selection of payment methods, continuing with exciting bonuses (free bets, bet builders or accas) and ending gloriously with a large selection of betting options, 888sport is exactly what you need if you don't feel like jumping through sites to find what you need.
Online gambling in the UK is heavily regulated. It’s a good thing, though, as it means bettors can feel comfortable betting on sites that adhere to stringent licensing processes and secure payment methods.
Online gambling was first regulated in the United Kingdom in 2005 by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). However, at the time, a loophole in the law allowed operators to remain offshore and doge the country’s regulations and taxes. However, things changed in 2014, and operators must now adhere to the UKGC’s laws around taxation and regulation if they want to operate in the country.
As long as you’re 18 years or older and play at licensed and regulated online sportsbooks in the UK, sports betting is perfectly legal.
It certainly is, provided you play at sites like those on our top list of UK betting sites. These sites undergo rigorous testing for safety and fair play, only accept tried and trusted banking methods and are strong advocates of responsible gambling.
Licence & Responsible Gaming
Under the UK’s 2014 Gambling Licensing and Advertising Act, remote gaming companies must register in order to obtain a licence to operate in the United Kingdom. Different gambling sectors – such as casinos, sports, bingo, poker and lotteries – all require a unique license. Operators who fail to comply with the UK’s regulations face criminal penalties.
UK punters also have access to an array of offshore betting sites, but we recommend sticking to operators who are based in the country and hold a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. Such sites strongly encourage responsible gambling, too, offering tools such as deposit limits, time limits and self-exclusion as well as access to external help should your gambling habits get out of hand.
How to Bet Online
Playing at UK sports betting sites couldn’t be easier.
The best betting sites in the UK offer a streamlined signup process and while you might find the few extra steps a little frustrating when you first register with an online bookie, they’re there to keep you and your money safe.
You’ll need to take a look through our in-depth sportsbook reviews and pick a betting site to join. UK sportsbooks require punters to undergo a customer verification process, which means you’ll need to submit ID, proof of address and (in some cases) proof of payment documents.
Once your account is verified, you can access the sportsbooks’ cashier and make your first deposit and claim any available bonuses. Best of all, you can shop around for the best odds, markets and offers to suit your online sports betting needs.
All that done, you’ll be ready to place your bets. Simply pick the sports and event you want to bet on and add your bet to the site’s bet slip for effortless fun and, we hope, a profit.
Type of Bonus | What It Is |
---|---|
Free Bets | The most common type of welcome bonus at UK betting sites, free bets let you place bets with bonus funds provided you meet the offer’s terms and conditions and place a qualifying bet. |
Enhanced Odds | This offer lets you score added value on your sports bets via price boosts. That means you can place a bet at an inflated price and winnings are paid out as cash or bonus funds. |
Risk-Free Bets | Some UK bookies offer customers a risk-free bet, providing a win-win situation. You’ll either win with your first bet or receive cash back as part of a site’s risk-free promo. The refund is usually given in the form of bonus funds. |
Match Deposit Bonus | A match deposit bonus is a great way to get started or boost your sports betting bankroll. Bookies match your deposit with bonus funds, however, winnings are usually capped and there are strict t’s and c’s to follow. |
Deposit Bonus | With this type of offer, a sportsbook may offer you a deposit bonus of up to a certain amount. Deposit bonuses may be available to new customers or as “reload bonuses” for existing players. |
Bet X Get X | This is a common type of UK betting site offer, where you get X for betting X amount or staking a certain amount on a selection at minimum odds. Once the bet is settled, you receive your free bets up to the specified amount. |
Types of Betting Options
Since the UK is home to some of the biggest and best online sportsbook operators, punters can look forward to a comprehensive range of betting lines, such as:
· Parlays
· Money lines
· Point Spreads
· Accumulators
· Totals
· Teasers
· Futures
· Props
· Live in-play wagering
With so many ways to bet on your favourite markets, matches and events, we recommend taking a look at our strategy guides and how-to pages to learn about the different betting options and how to make the best use of them when you play at online UK betting sites.
Online bookmakers in the UK typically employ a team of oddsmakers to set the odds. The head oddsmaker tends to be a mathematician and sports betting genius in the area or sports market that they’re charged with. These people use intricate computer algorithms to help them decide the odds for various games and events and types of bets.
Different sites offer different odds, so it’s always worth shopping around for the best deal for your betting budget.
Mobile Betting
More than half of all online sports bets in the UK come from mobile devices. When we review online bookies, we pay extra attention to the mobile experience, testing both the mobile-optimised site and sports betting apps available for Android and iOS devices. The top-rated UK betting sites offer stable platforms, easy access and user-friendly layouts for effortless on-the-go gambling.
One of the best things about wagering at UK betting sites from our top list is that they’re legal. When you register at a bookie that holds a licence from the UK Gambling Commission, you get to play on a regulated platform that offers consumers protection.
These sites have undergone a series of checks before being allowed to operate in the United Kingdom. What’s more, the sites accept GBP and Euros, which means you won’t lose value through currency exchanges.
Another benefit to betting at UK sportsbooks is that there is fierce competition in this realm, which means operators are vying for your attention with elements like valuable bonuses, competitive odds and a compendium of markets.
Finally, another benefit to betting in your own territory is that you’ll receive customer support in English in your time zone.
Customer Support
Customer service is an important aspect when ranking bookmakers. We think it’s vital that a customer representative is easily available whenever you may need them. Whether you need help with registration or payments or want to know more about certain offers and terms and conditions, there may come a time when you need help.
The best bookies on our top list offer 24/7 customer support through several channels, such as live chat, email, phone, social media and FAQs. To make our top list, these agents need to be friendly, responsive and knowledgeable, ensuring you enjoy quality, red-carpet treatment.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom is home to many of the most reputable online bookies in the world. Your sports betting experience will be top-notch when you choose one of the sites we’ve reviewed and recommended. Our rigorous vetting process saves you time, providing everything you need to know about a site’s markets, odds, bonuses, loyalty programmes, banking, support and more. In other words, when you choose a licensed online bookmaker from the list on this page, you can wager on your favourite sports with complete peace of mind.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Gambling in UK
Yes, online sports betting in the UK is legal, with many top brands operating in the country. Provided a site is properly licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, you can rest assured it’s secure and legit.
Everything from football to cricket, rugby to tennis, boxing, golf, esports and American sports and more are available at the top UK betting sites that we recommend.
UK online bookmakers offer all sorts of wagers, including in-play betting, parlays, Moneylines, teasers, straight bets and more.
Yes, most UK-licensed bookmakers offer mobile apps or, at the very least, a mobile-optimised platform for iOS and Android users.
Yes, all licensed UK betting sites are compatible with Macs and PCs.
You can lodge a complaint with the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. If you have a claim of false advertising, the Advertising Standards Authority will conduct an investigation.
UK betting sites accept a wide range of secure deposit methods, including credit and debit cards, cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, phone payments and bank transfers.
Head to the site’s cashier, pick your preferred payment method and follow the instructions to withdraw your winnings. Take note of any wagering requirements and verification processes before requesting the withdrawal.