Discover the Best Betting Apps in the UK December, 2024!

Top 5 Betting Apps in the UK Reviewed

bet365

bet365 is an internationally famous sports betting brand, so it’s only natural that it features one of the best betting apps, and we’re pleased to put it at the top of our list. Its clean design, plethora of betting markets and promos make it a premier choice for any sports bettor.

Key Features

At the bet365 app, you’ll find an excellent level of customisation for your betting experience. The app remembers your history and personalises your home display to bring up your favourite events. You can also access the bet builder from within the app to make handling those larger multi-bets easier. 

Pros 

• Clean, attractive app design

• Mobile betting promos

• Good live-streaming coverage

Cons

• App runs into occasional glitch

Why Choose this App?

If you’re looking for a premium mobile betting experience, bet365 will have you covered. With mobile betting promos, free games and excellent live-streaming coverage, you’ll find little to complain about at bet365.

Betfred

Betfred is a name you can escape in the UK, decorating every high street and offering some of the best betting bonuses around. Its apps are all included, offering all its different gambling services, including sports betting, casino and bingo. You can claim all the amazing promos from your phone and take advantage of the excellent bet builder to enhance your betting experience.

Key Features

Betfred is proud to announce the various features available on its app. You can use the #PickYourPunt option to make your own bets in the app and immediately get listed odds. You can also find the Betfred Double Delight and Hat-trick Heaven bonuses in the app, granting you plenty of enhanced odds to improve your potential payout.

Pros 

• Exclusive promos in-app

• Reliable and popular betting brand

• Extensive betting options

• Includes Betfred Casino and more

Cons

• Fewer betting markets than other apps

Why Choose this App?

Betfred provides a more in-depth betting experience with plenty of options for customisation compared to some of the other apps on this list, even though it has fewer betting markets. Add the excellent promos on top, great software, intuitive design and included casino feature; this app has it all.

Betway

Next, we have the Betway app for your consideration, another experienced betting brand with a top-tier app. The display isn’t stylish, but it’s clean and easy to navigate, with plenty of betting markets and access to Betway’s classic ‘free bets club.’

Key Features

Regular customers to the Betway app can participate in the free bets club, where you receive £10 in free bets every week that you spend £25 or more! You can also access all of the other excellent betting promos, including odds boosts and extra places. Betway is also proud of its competitive odds, promising some of the best odds on the Premiere League in 2024.

Pros 

• Clean and intuitive app interface

• Trustworthy, experienced betting brand

• Regular betting bonuses

• Live streaming options

Cons

• The app sometimes runs slow

Why Choose this App?

It may not be the most stylish app, but Betway provides a reliable, clean, and easy-to-use mobile betting experience with plenty of betting options, live streaming and excellent recurring promotional offers! 

Netbet

Netbet is another all-in-one betting app featuring a sportsbook, casino and Esports. While it’s relatively new to the UK, Netbet has many years of experience up its sleeves, and this app provides a fast and convenient way to bet on your favourite sports.

Key Features

Netbet has many features geared towards tips and making informed bets, with a bet mentor and convenient smart notifications. We also love the quality of the live streaming options, especially the loyalty program, where you can claim interesting promo deals!

Pros 

• High-quality app software

• All the same great features from the website

• Betano Missions loyalty program

• Bet mentor

Cons

• No promotions outside of the loyalty program

Why Choose this App?

Netbet brings you a high-quality mobile betting experience that doesn’t require a powerful machine to make it work. We love the spread of betting markets, the loyalty program and that the casino is willing to reach out and settle issues publicly! It shows that this is a reliable app that you’ll have a good time using. 

William Hill

As one of the oldest betting brands in the UK, we would certainly hope that William Hill has a top-rated betting app. If you’re looking for an app that offers a nearly identical betting experience to the website, this one has you covered. Access all the same betting markets, promos and tools from the convenience of your phone. 

Key Features

Major features you’ll find at William Hill include the huge range of betting markets and the intuitive bet builder. With both in hand, you can make those complicated multi-bets on any event you want without any hassle. We also loved the in-line football stats that help inform betting as they show a level of professionalism and expertise that adds credibility to a betting site.

Pros 

• Well-established and reputable betting brand

• Huge range of betting markets

• Exclusive betting promos

• Expert betting advice

Cons

• Issues with mobile live-streaming features

Why Choose this App?

William Hill is one of the top betting brands in the UK and offers a stellar app to match. With one of the largest collections of online betting markets, expert betting tips, live streaming, a bet builder, and even exclusive mobile betting offers, we know you’ll have a great time with the William Hill app. 

Best Betting Apps by Category 

• Best Betting App Overall - bet365

• Best Betting App for iOS - William Hill

• Best Betting App for Android - bet365

• Best Live Betting App - Betway

• Best Welcome Bonus - Betfred

• Fastest Payouts - Betano

• Most User-Friendly App - William Hill

How do we Choose the Best Betting App?

When our experts are picking out the best betting apps, they have a few criteria they specifically look for in each candidate. Here’s an outline of those features so you know what to expect.

Usability and User Experience

One of the main reasons we turn to a betting app is the simplified design and potential for improved user experience. So, if an app fails at the first hurdle, we have a problem on our hands. The best apps need a streamlined interface that works well on a touchscreen without being a downgrade from the website. Apps should also run optimally, with quick loading times and no bugs. 

Variety of Betting Markets

Just like the main websites, we want betting apps to host a good range of betting markets. We don’t expect every possible market, but there should be a good spread of popular and niche betting markets, and each one should be deep enough to satisfy the majority of users. We want to see apps catering to a wide audience, but that audience shouldn’t be disappointed when they realise the market they signed up for has next to no available wagers in it. The best betting apps in the UK will include options for betting on horse racing, football, rugby, tennis, cricket and many more.

Safety and Security

Making financial transactions online can always feel a bit like a gamble, regardless of whether you’re on a gambling site or not. As such, it’s imperative that online betting brands feature high-quality security, especially over deposits and withdrawals. Betting apps work a lot like online marketplaces, where you make transactions through the app instead of the app store, so it’s even more important that customer data is kept safe.

Bonuses and Promotions

We love all the excellent bonuses we can claim from our favourite online sportsbooks. They can throw a few free bets our way, improve our odds of winning or give us a chance to win more than you might otherwise! But it’s essential for betting apps to share in these deals! The best betting apps will allow you to claim all the same bonuses as you can on the website, and some may even offer exclusive mobile deals!

Payment Methods

Online sportsbooks can support many types of payment methods, including debit cards, e-wallets and prepaid cards, but there is a limit to the methods available on apps. As such, we’re inclined to go a little easier on apps when it comes to this. As long as we have the basic methods on offer, we’re generally happy; this means debit cards and maybe Google or Apple Pay. However, if you’re planning to play with a lot of money, our experts recommend controlling your funds through the website for greater flexibility and control. 

iOS and Android App Store Ratings

bet365

• Apple App Store Rating: 4.7

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.6

William Hill

• Apple App Store Rating: 4.7

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.3

Betfred

• Apple App Store Rating: 4.5

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.2

Betano

• Apple App Store Rating: 4.6

• Google Play Store Rating: 2.4

Betway

• Apple App Store Rating: 4.8

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.3

Midnite

• Apple App Store Rating: 3.1

• Google Play Store Rating: 2.6

Sky Bet

• Apple App Store Rating: 4.6

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.5

BetMGM

• Apple App Store Rating: 4.4

• Google Play Store Rating: 2.0

Coral

• Apple App Store Rating: 4.6

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.6

Copybet

• Apple App Store Rating: 4.2

• Google Play Store Rating: 2.7

Ladbrokes

• Apple App Store Rating: 4.6

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.6

The Future of Betting Apps in the UK

There are few places where betting apps flourish more than in the UK; with explicit legality and regulations to keep players safe, it’s a haven for hobbyist gamblers. So, it’s unsurprising that the UK is ground zero for many of the most significant innovations in betting apps. 

While mobile apps have previously been limited in capacity, in the UK, we’ve seen apps grow in scope. The in-play, cashout and bet-building features we love from the websites have finally made a full transition onto mobile, and we’re even seeing live streaming available from your phone! And while they’ve always been a requirement of UK gambling sites, betting apps have started expanding the range of responsible gambling tools they can offer, especially in terms of deposit limits and time limits. 

In the future, we expect to see these various features continue to grow even past the website capacity, or at least alongside them. This includes a wider range of sports live streaming and innovative in-play betting options. We’ve especially seen a rise in the popularity of esports betting with younger users, and we anticipate seeing new features to appeal to this interest. 

Top Tips for Choosing the Right Betting App

Other than just using our criteria as a reference, we recommend considering a few more personal factors before you start using a new betting app. Here are our tips for choosing the best betting app for you:

• Understand Your Needs — Apps all have different strengths, so do your best to pick one that caters to your personal needs. For example, if you like live betting, find an app with a good in-play betting feature and live streaming. 

• Look for Security — If you’re looking for betting apps on your own, the first thing you should do is check for licensing and security. All legally run betting apps require UKGC licensing, and encryption security will keep your data safe.

• Test Usability — If you can, browse through a new app before actually depositing anything into it. Just because a program works well on one phone doesn’t mean it will on another, so make sure your app works well for you.

• Check for Fees — We do our best to search for and warn you of potential fees, but it’s important that you do a second look-through yourself. The most common type of fee will be transaction fees on specific methods, so double-check before committing.

How to Download a Betting App on iOS

You know a betting app is legitimate when it has an iOS app. If you want to get an app onto iPhones, you have to pass Apple’s official screening, which many sports betting websites don’t manage. Here’s a look at how to download a betting app onto an iOS device:

1. Search for your chosen app on the app store or follow a link to the download page. 

2. Tap the ‘GET’ button to start downloading — depending on your settings, you may need to input a password.

3. Wait for the app to download, then open it from your home page or in the app library.

4. Log into your account or create a brand new one.

5. You’re now ready to play! Don’t forget to register a payment method if you plan to make mobile transactions.

How to Download a Betting App on Android 

It’s both harder and easier to download a betting app on Android than on iOS. Android devices don’t require jailbreaking if you want to download third-party apps, so more betting sites can create apps for those devices. However, we will always recommend opting for an app you download through the Google Play Store due to the security and legitimacy it promises. If you want to download one for yourself, follow these steps:

1. Find your chosen app in the Play Store or follow a link to the download page. 

2. Tap ‘Install’ to download the app onto your phone.

3. Wait for it to install, and then open the app from your home page or your app library.

4. Log into your account or create a new one in the app. 

5. You’re ready to start playing! If you want to make in-app transactions, you’ll need to register a payment method.

Why Should You Use a Betting App?

Nowadays, there are many ways you can enjoy your online betting, and mobile options are just one of the countless conveniences we can enjoy. However, there are two ways to enjoy mobile sports betting —- apps and mobile web browsers. Not all betting sites will support dedicated apps, meaning you will have to access the website through a mobile web browser instead. This isn’t necessarily a downgrade, and there are distinct advantages to playing in both ways. 

Playing through a web browser guarantees you won’t miss out on any content or features since you’re literally accessing the main website through your phone. And when a mobile website is properly adapted, it can feel as good as using an app. And if you don’t like the idea of downloading this stuff onto your phone, mobile websites don’t require any downloads. 

However, playing through an app is continually more convenient. Rather than an adapted website, apps offer a dedicated mobile layout that’s optimised for smaller touchscreens. Apps also have enhanced mobile account control functions, adapted live-streaming/in-play features and may even offer exclusive mobile bonuses. 

What is the Best Betting App for Usability and Speed?

1. William Hill

2. BetMGM

3. bet365

4. Coral

5. Betfred

One of the main reasons we turn to betting apps over desktop websites is for the convenience of having a sportsbook in your pocket. But all that convenience goes out of the window when your app is slow and buggy. Of the betting apps we looked at, many of them worked well, so we went with the option where glitches and lag weren’t common complaints among users. 

William Hill’s betting app runs fast and without problems, loading between pages, processing bets and running live streams quickly and without buffering. It also helped that the William Hill app sports a clean, simple design that lends itself to easy navigation and low processing power. If you want a reliable app above all else, any of our top five will have you set, but William Hill comes out just ahead of the pack. 

What is the Best Betting App for Live Betting and Live Streaming?

1. bet365

2. William Hill

3. Betano

4. Sky Bet

5. Betway

Not very long ago, it might have seemed like a pipe dream to put live streaming on our sports betting apps — especially when dedicated streaming apps used to be so hit-and-miss. But nowadays, sportsbooks with live streaming options always offer the same service on mobile, and often to great success. 

Our top pick goes to bet365 in this category. While all of our top betting apps feature live streaming, most are limited to races or e-sports, and we love that bet365 has such a wide range of streamed events. Additionally, the live streaming feature on the app ran beautifully, and we never had any problems with it, even when we were using the in-play feature alongside it. 

What is the Best Betting App for Sports Market Selection?

1. Betway

2. bet365

3. William Hill

4. Ladbrokes

5. Copybet

Sports market selection should be a very cut-and-paste category: which app has the most sports markets? However, we prefer to think about this more critically. While you can base this choice on number alone, it doesn’t account for the depth of the betting markets and the actual options available once you open it up. 

This is why, while Betway doesn’t feature the most sports, we chose to elevate this app to the top! There may be fewer markets, but each one had a lot of substance, no matter how niche. You could find multiple competitions and types of wagers available for all events, meaning that no matter what you choose to bet on, you’ll have adequate freedom of choice. 

What is the Best Betting App for Payment Methods?

1. bet365

2. Betway

3. William Hill

4. Coral

5. Midnite

Judging a payment method lineup can be surprisingly subjective. We all use different payment options, and what may be a good variety of options for one person can be a whole lot of nothing for another. So we do our best not only to pick apps with multiple categories but also judge by the objective transaction limits and speeds. 

When we accounted for that, we found bet365 rising to the top again. It’s hard to beat this app’s sheer range of options, not to mention the flexibility of choice when you use any of them. bet365 consistently delivers on same-day withdrawals despite cautioning that they could take longer, and you have complete freedom over your withdrawal method (you don’t have to use the same method you deposited with, which is a very common stipulation at other brands). 

What is the Best Betting App for Bonuses and Promotions?

1. Betfred

2. bet365

3. Betway

4. William Hill

5. Coral

When we’re talking about bonuses and promotions, one name will always find its way to the top: Betfred. It’s renowned for the extent of its promotions tab, and no matter what sport you choose to bet on, there’ll be something for you to take advantage of. 

The betting promos at Betfred’s app aren’t in any way limited compared to the site, and you can find all the same deals. Sometimes, you even find a few mobile exclusives! In addition to Betfred having one of the most generous welcome bonuses, it’s hard to recommend any other site when this is the priority. 

Conclusion

Betting apps exist to make our betting experience as convenient as possible. You’ll find a simplified experience that makes betting through your mobile device easy as pie, and with all the same features you expect from the website! When you choose to bet through a smartphone, though, remember to do so responsibly and always make use of limiting tools to ensure you have a fun, healthy experience. If you’re looking for betting app options, try out one of our picks for the best UK betting apps at the top of this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are betting apps safe to use?

Betting apps are secure, and you can trust that your data will stay safe. But be aware that mobile gambling isn’t a safe habit for all players. 

Are betting apps free to download?

Yes, betting apps shouldn’t cost any money to download them. You deposit funds into your account separately. 

Do all bookmakers have dedicated apps?

No, in fact, most bookmakers don’t have apps. Instead, they use an adapted website on mobile web browsers. Only the best sports betting sites support apps.

Can I access the same bonuses using apps?

Most online casinos offer the exact same promos in their apps as on the website.

What is the best betting app for football?

Our favourite football betting app is William Hill, thanks to its competitive odds and excellent betting tips.

Which betting app has the quickest payout?

Betting apps will feature the same payout as their websites. While this will be affected by the website’s withdrawal processing times, quick payouts will rely mostly on the method you choose to withdraw with.

Are betting apps legal in the UK?

Yes, betting apps are legal in the UK as long as the parent website has the proper UKGC licences.