Best Betting Sites and Top Online Bookmakers in the UK for 2024

The UK Best Betting Sites Ranked By Category

We have taken a look at the websites of the top betting brands in more detail and outlined the best qualities of each below.

The Best Betting Site Overall: bet365

bet365 review

bet365 was established back in 2000 and has quickly become one of the biggest household names. This is thanks to features such as its large selection of sports markets, live betting and streaming, offers, odds and more!

Why is bet365 the best site overall?

bet365 stands above the rest as the best UK betting site thanks to its wide variety of sports markets, its impeccable reputation in the industry, and its live betting and streaming capabilities. It is a versatile choice for bettors, no matter your favourite sport or the way you like to bet.

What features are on offer at bet365?

bet365 also offers a great selection of payment options, allowing players plenty of choice, alongside an easy-to-navigate and user-friendly platform that is fully accessible on both desktop and mobile browsers and an exclusive bet365 app.

What we Liked

• Huge selection of sports betting markets

• Generous bonuses.

• Special betting features such as acca insurance and bet builder options

• Live betting and streaming features

Suggested Improvements

• Customer support response time

• Speed of withdrawals

The Best Football Betting Site: Betfred

Betfred review

Another well-known betting site, Betfred continues to bring something exciting to the market for bettors. The Betfred #PickYourPunt feature allows users to customize and create their own bets on football bets and other sports. This, alongside the site's huge range of markets and offers, makes it stand out.

Why is Betfred the best for football betting?

Betfred has an extensive range of football betting markets available with some of the most competitive odds. Simply head to the football category on the Betfred site to see the range and deals for yourself.

What features are on offer at Betfred?

Betfred offers several great features not only in football but also in other sports! Take advantage of the exclusive Betfred #PickYourPunt feature alongside great offers, including enhanced odds and cashback. All of the Betfred features are also fully compatible on desktop and mobile, enabling users to take their betting on the go.

What we Liked

• #PickYourPunt feature for inspiration when placing bets

• Site layout and design

• Plenty of payment options

• Range of football betting markets

Suggested Improvements

• Withdrawal times could be quicker

• Live streaming services could benefit from being expanded

The Site for Betting Bonuses: Midnite

Midnite review

One of the newer betting sites, Midnite, has quickly made a name for itself to stand out in the market. With lots of different sports accompanied by plenty of markets and top bonus offers, it makes high-quality look easy. 

Why is Midnite the best for betting bonuses?

Midnite offers its customers many opportunities to get more out of their time at the site. Head to the offers page to find enhanced odds offers, free bet offers, new customer offers, acca insurance and more!

What features are on offer at Midnite?

Midnite offers customers a great betting platform that is eye-catching and entertaining. It has plenty of offers such as bet builders, odds boost, and enhanced accas across an impressive range of different sports.

What we Liked

• Platform design

• Mobile compatible

• User-friendly platform

• Range of sports

Suggested Improvements

• Faster payments

• The site is a bit cluttered

The Best Site for Competitive Odds: Fitzdares

Fitzdares review

Fitzdares offers a substantial range of betting markets across lots of sports to keep every kind of bettor happy. It also has many generous new customer offers on a user-friendly site full of super-competitive odds that are hard to beat.

Why is Fitzdares the best for competitive Odds?

The odds at Fitzdares are consistently competitive, offering great deals compared to other sports books. Customers can expect to find regularly enhanced odds and offers to improve their betting experience.

What features are on offer at Fitzdares?

Fitzdares offers unmatched betting offers and odds, ensuring customers have the best betting experience possible at the site. There is also a great live streaming and live betting service available across many sports.

What we Liked

• Competitive odds across various sports

• Generous new customer offers

• Easy to use site

Suggested Improvements

• More offers for existing customers

• VIP programme

The Best Betting Site for Sports Markets Available: Netbet

Netbet review

One of the longest-standing betting sites in the UK, Netbet offers an experienced platform with plenty of betting markets and opportunities for users to claim exclusive offers and promotions. The site has great live-streaming capabilities alongside in-play betting.

Why is Netbet the best for sports markets available?

Netbet offers one of the largest collections of sports betting markets, ensuring there is something for every bettor's preference. No matter the sport, country, team or player, Netbet will have a betting market for it.

What features are on offer at Netbet?

The solid reputation of Netbet is supported by all of the fantastic features on offer from the site. The simple, user-friendly site design enhances the experience of placing a bet from start to finish. Its vast range of markets means the site appeals to everyone, and the added benefit of live streaming continues to attract keen sports bettors to sign up.

What we Liked

• Long-standing reputation

• Simplicity to site design and organisation

• Strong range of markets

• Live streaming options

Suggested Improvements

• Less cluttered site

• More bonuses and promotions

What Factors Do We Consider When Reviewing Betting Sites?

When selecting any UK betting site, we use key criteria to ensure we bring you the best, unbiased reviews. We have provided more information on these criteria below.

🔐 Security, Licensing and Regulation

Before recommending any betting sites, we check that each one is licensed and regulated by a reputable gambling authority such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). These are vital features of such sites as they ensure safety and security over customers' finances and fair play at a site. We only recommend sites with the correct licensing and suitable regulations.

⚽ Variety of Sports Markets

To be a top sportsbook, it should come as a given that the site has plenty of sports markets for customers. This is one of the first things we would check for before deciding whether or not to register with a site. Most sports betting sites will cover the most popular sports and leagues; however, each will vary in depth and variety. We ensure each site we recommend provides a market depth we would be pleased with, so you will be, too.

🎁 Bonuses and Promotions

Let's face it: we all love bonuses and promo offers. That is why this is another essential feature for UK betting sites. We check out the new customer offers available, but also ensure there are plenty of perks available for existing and loyal customers. This includes loyalty/VIP programmes, login bonuses, sign-up offers, and other ongoing promotions that apply to sports bets like acca insurance and odds boosts.

💰 Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

When using any betting site, depositing and withdrawing funds must be quick and easy to avoid detracting from an otherwise great experience. As such, there must be several accepted payment methods for customers to choose from. This should include recognised providers they will use daily, such as Visa and Mastercard debit, e-wallets such as PayPal, prepaid cards and bank transfers. We also check for any fees and transaction speeds.

🙋‍♀️ User Experience

The user experience is crucial when recommending any sports betting site. The experience customers have when using a site will directly impact how much they enjoy their time and whether it suits their wants and needs. It must be easy to navigate and well-designed so users can easily find what they want. It must also be responsive and compatible with mobile devices to enable betting on the go. 

📷 Live Betting and Live Streaming

All the best betting sites will allow customers to place in-play bets and watch their favourite sports on an exclusive live stream when they sign up for an account. This is one of the most sought-after and popular features, so we check any site before recommending that this is possible. We have also checked to ensure the streams run smoothly and that the in-play betting features are available across multiple sports.

Full Guide: How to Sign Up at a Betting Site (Step-by-Step)

Getting started at any of our recommended best betting sites is quick and easy! To help you get set up, we have provided a guide below for signing up, making a deposit and placing your first bet. 

1. Click the link above to the betting site you wish to join to visit the betting offer and sign-up page. 

2. Enter your personal details, such as your name, address, date of birth, email address, and phone number. 

3. Create a unique, memorable username and password combination.

4. Make your first deposit over the bonus minimum and stake it on any valid event. 

5. Wait for your qualifying wager to settle —  most bonuses don’t require your qualifying wager to win. 

6. Claim your free bets from your account. You can now use these on any valid sporting event!

7. Wait for your free wager to settle, and you’ll get to keep any profit.

Livescore Top Tips: Choosing the Best Betting Site for You

To help ensure that you choose the best betting site for you, we have put together some top tips below for you to keep in mind when deciding.

1. Decide What Matters to you

Tip number one is to consider the main features you want from sports betting sites. Once you have identified these, put them in order of priority and ensure that any site you are considering has what you want available. This could be high odds and value, the variety and frequency of bonuses and promotions, or having a large range of sports available, whichever matters most to get the most out of your betting experience.

2. Check What Sports Markets are Available

Next, we advise checking out the available sports markets in more detail. This is not only to ensure there are markets you want to bet on but also to check if there is variety and depth across any that might interest you. Keeping your sports betting all in one place is much more convenient and will mean a much better experience betting. With plenty of available sports markets, there will be no need to go anywhere else.

3. Research User Reviews

We recommend taking the time to check out any betting sites you’re considering to get a feel for the user experience before you sign up. See whether the site is easy to navigate, loads quickly, and is well-designed and organised overall. A user-friendly site will enhance your betting experience a step further; we also suggest checking out some real player reviews to gauge how regular users find it! 

4. Check for Payment Methods and Withdrawal Speed

We all have our preferred payment methods, whether it's debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards or bank transfers. So, whichever is your go-to payment method, make sure that a site accepts the payment method before committing. It is also useful to know what else is accepted in case your preferred method is unavailable. While checking out the payment options, it is also worth checking the payout speeds, as this feature will impact your overall experience.

5. Check for Customer Support and Security

Don’t forget also to check out the customer support and security features. Where you may think you will not need it, it’s always worth familiarising yourself with them and ensuring they are up to standard before registering. Check how you can reach the team; there should be several options, including email, live chat, phone or a contact form on the site. Also, keep an eye out for if any of the methods are available 24/7. 

6. Does the Site Have any Special Features?

It is always worth exploring the special features betting sites offer to see what else you could potentially benefit from. These features further enhance your betting experience and even provide extra incentives and offers. Look out for features such as live streaming and betting, bet builders, cash-out options, betting insurance, and much more!

7. Does the Site Prioritise Responsible Gambling?

Finally, we must highlight the importance of responsible gambling tools and ensure that any sports betting sites you choose to sign up for have these tools in place should you or anyone else feel they could benefit from them. A sign of a good betting site is that time has been taken to ensure the appropriate measures are taken to keep players safe; this includes self-help tools such as time limits, self-exclusions, and resources like Gamstop that are readily available.

The UK Best Betting Sites Ranked By Sport

bet365 - Best for Football Bettors

bet365 is one of the market leaders for its football betting offerings. It has some of the most competitive odds we found across many bookmakers, as well as an incredible range of markets. The platform, whether on desktop or mobile, is really user-friendly and straightforward to use; from signing up to placing bets, the experience is seamless. It also offers flawless live streams to watch your favourite sports and in-play betting options to use alongside!

William Hill - Best for Horse Racing Bettors

One of the biggest names in the industry and on the concourse at all of the horse racing events up and down the country, William Hill provides some of the most in-depth betting markets for horse racing. It has a huge selection of real-time odds that keep betting exciting, with regular promotions and a vast choice of different betting types from each way places, first past the post and more! Bettors can even live stream the biggest races from Cheltenham and the Grand National thanks to the William Hill streaming services.

Did You Know?: Football is the most popular sports for betting in the UK with many studies confirming that it is the most wagered-on sport. However, horse racing is the sport with the highest amount of in-play bets, thanks to its rapid and unpredictable nature. 

Copybet - Best for Tennis Bettors

Founded in 2016, Copybet offers a unique betting experience. You can place your bets while exploring those placed by the Copybet tipsters. Use these as inspiration for your bets, or copy what they have put! It is one of the best places for the latest tennis odds and offers surrounding several grand slams and ATP Tour events. Copybet is compatible with desktop and mobile devices, allowing users to take their betting on the go throughout tournaments and keep up to date with the latest scores and matches.

Betfred - Best for Golf Bettors

Betfred has a great selection of golf betting markets, whether you are after outrights, each-way, or in-play odds. Bet on the biggest matches on the PGA and DP World Tour across the year with regularly updated odds and offers. Betfred offers in-play betting markets on the latest live golf tournaments with regularly updated odds and offers. It has increased the number of golf markets by 30% since 2019.

Parimatch - Best for eSports Bettors

Parimatch is home to top eSports betting markets and has established itself as one of the go-to betting sites for eSports. Get involved in one of the fastest-growing and most innovative sports worldwide and enjoy a huge selection of eSports betting options and markets, including match betting, match winner, map winner, and handicap betting on Counter-Strike, League of Legends, DOTA 2, Starcraft II, and more. 

Betway - Best for Motor Racing Bettors

Betway offers various motor racing events to bet on from Formula 1, Nascar, Speedway, MotoGP, Superbikes and more. Find the latest offers and odds of who will win across top races around the world. Enjoy exclusive motor racing promotions with Betway, as well as the ability to watch races live thanks to its live streaming options and even bet alongside plenty of in-play markets. 

How Do Brands Use Special Features to Stand Out?

The best betting sites often offer several options that offer customers an enhanced betting experience not available at every standard bookmaker. We have looked at these exclusive features and what they are in more detail below.

• Bet Builder - top betting sites allow bettors to add multiple markets and combine them into one single bet. The markets include match result, both teams to score, over/under, corners and more.

• Cashout Options - customers at any of the betting sites we have recommended can expect to find exclusive offers that allow cashout options if a bet is not going in your favour. Cash out for a certain amount stated by the site and receive it back as bet credits to use to place another bet.

• Live Streaming - enjoy watching your favourite sports and teams you follow live exclusively on any of the best UK betting sites. The top sites will offer this feature to registered customers who have placed a bet on the match they wish to watch.

• Enhanced Odds - another special feature of top online betting sites is enhanced odds on big games in the build-up to the start or kickoff. Claim higher potential returns for a limited time, thanks to enhanced odds.

• Promotions - In addition to the other features, the best online betting sites often feature more promotions than other sites and slightly different promotions to provide an enhanced betting experience.

Did You Know? The UK is a hub for innovative sports betting features, such as in-play betting and cash-out options, which have since been adopted by betting platforms globally. The ability to adjust your bet mid-game originated in the UK market!

Mobile Betting Experience

All of the best UK betting sites are aware of the growing importance and significance of offering a fully accessible mobile platform. Whether this is a mobile-compatible browser or an exclusive mobile app, in today’s betting environment, having either will put you above the sites that do not. 

Below, we have compiled a list of the best mobile betting apps, rated by speed, design, ease of placing a bet, and special mobile promotions available. 

bet365

App Speed: 5/5 | App Design: 5/5 | Ease of Placing a Bet: 5/5 | Mobile Promotions: 4/5 

Betano

App Speed: 4/5 | App Design: 4/5 | Ease of Placing a Bet: 5/5 | Mobile Promotions: 4/5 

William Hill

App Speed: 4/5 | App Design: 3/5 | Ease of Placing a Bet: 4/5 | Mobile Promotions: 3/5

Betway

App Speed: 3/5 | App Design: 3/5 | Ease of Placing a Bet: 4/5 | Mobile Promotions: 3/5 

BetVictor

App Speed: 3/5 | App Design: 3/5 | Ease of Placing a Bet: 4/5 | Mobile Promotions: 3/5

If you want to know more about the UK's best betting apps and how using an app can drastically change your experience when betting online, click here.

Did You Know?: Many studies have shown that mobile betting now accounts for over 80% of all online bets placed in the UK. Many betting sites are taking advantage of this by introducing more mobile-led approaches, with push notifications and exclusive mobile promotions. 

Popular Payment Methods at UK Betting Sites

All betting sites will support a wide range of payment methods ensuring customers there are plenty of options for them to choose from and they can use their preferred methods. Providing such a variety of options and familiarity means customers do not have to worry about the speed of deposits and withdrawals, how to make them, the safety and the security of their transactions. 

Livescore Top Tip: Faster withdrawal methods make all the difference: The speed of withdrawal can vary greatly from betting site to betting site. While e-wallets (like PayPal and Skrill) usually process withdrawals within 24 hours, bank transfers or debit cards can take 3-5 working days.

Below we have looked at the most common payment methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each in some more detail.

Did You Know?: Some UK betting sites have begun to introduce cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, allowing for faster, more anonymous transactions. However, this is still limited due to UK regulations and restrictions.

VIP and Loyalty Programs

We briefly mentioned earlier that some betting sites will have VIP and loyalty programs available to their frequent returning customers. These programmes reward loyal customers with exclusive benefits to show that their repeat custom is appreciated and noticed. These benefits can be anything from exclusive offers and promotions, such as free bets and cashback offers, 

to priority customer service. Many of the best betting sites will automatically enrol customers in their program when they sign up.

What are the Best New Betting Sites for UK Players?

If you are new to online betting sites it can be hard to know which will be the best sites for you. We are here to help you do just that! It is important you register with a site that is user-friendly and has plenty of helpful features available, such as guides to help you get familiar with everything the site has to offer. Other essential features to look for are whether the betting site has low minimum bets. Does it have a strong customer support team that is easy to contact? Below, we have put together a list of the best new betting sites in the UK for you to check out. 

• Betano

• Copybet

• Parimatch

• Spreadex

• Midnite

New vs Established Betting Sites

So why can opting to use a new betting site over an established betting site be the better option? New betting sites are more likely to offer larger bonuses and offers to try and attract users to the site and get a larger customer base. Also, to do this, the sites can often have better odds available than some of the more established sites, along with more betting opportunities. Customers of new betting sites are also more likely to find advanced mobile betting options enabling them to benefit from enhanced betting on the go.

Legalities of Online Betting in the UK

All UK betting sites must have the legal and security aspects to operate. This includes a license from regulatory authorities such as the UKGC or MGA, which shows a site complies with the law and standards for fair play. Licensing ensures complete transparency between the site and the customers. Payment security is also crucial to any betting site to ensure users' transactions are safe and secure. This is done using the latest SSL encryption software and secure payment gateways.

Did You Know?: The UK is home to one of the most regulated betting markets in the world, and in order to operate, UK betting sites must meet strict guidelines. This means UK players have much better protection than in other countries. 

Customer Support

To be one of the best betting sites in the UK, it is vital that the customer service is up to standard. The team must be easy to contact via several different methods, such as email, live chat, and phone, among others. One or more options should be available 24/7 to assist customers in their time of need. Strong customer support teams are vital, especially when handling queries or concerns regarding deposits, withdrawals, or betting disputes.

Livescore Top Tip: 24/7 customer support is a must: Betting sites with 24/7 live chat or phone support often rank higher in user satisfaction. However, check for response times and availability of support in multiple languages, as this is where some sites can fall short.

Responsible Gambling 

While enjoying your time at betting sites is the main thing, it is also just as important to notice when it stops being enjoyable. Players should take the time to make themselves aware of responsible gambling and the resources available at betting sites should they feel they could benefit from some extra help. These can be tools to help you set limits on your account, such as deposit and spending limits, and time limits to help you keep track of how much time you are spending at a site. There are also strong identification checks in place to make sure each player is verified, and any history of betting or online gambling is checked. As well as these tools, various helplines are available should anyone wish to reach out, such as Gamstop.

Livescore Top Tip: Choose sites that prioritize responsible gambling: The best sites offer tools for setting betting limits, reality checks, or even self-exclusion programs. Check if the betting site offers connections to support organizations like GamCare or GAMSTOP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are betting sites in the UK safe?

Yes, all of the betting sites we have recommended that are licensed and regulated by the UKGC or MGA are safe sites.

Is it easy to sign up to a new online bookmaker?

Signing up to any new UK betting site is quick and simple. For more information on registering, check out our guide in this article.

Do betting sites have mobile apps?

Many betting sites now have exclusive mobile apps to download to iOS and Android devices. 

What is the best betting site for cashout?

bet365 is the best betting site for cashout offers and promotions.

What is the best betting site for odds?

Many betting sites have plenty of great odds; we recommend bet365 for having some of the best odds.

What bonuses can you get at betting sites?

Customers at betting sites can claim bonuses such as free bets, cashback, bet insurance, and more.

Are betting sites legal in the UK?

Yes, betting sites are legal in the UK. Always check the licensing information to ensure the site is operating within the law.