Best Betting Sites: Top New Online Bookmakers 2024
If you are looking for 2024’s best betting sites UK players can access, we will run through the very best sports bookmakers on the market. You will discover what makes a great bookmaker, how they compare and what to watch before opening an account. Our Verdict: What’s the Best Betting Site in 2024? Our betting experts chose BetMGM as the best overall betting site because of its generous and fair welcome offer, huge selection of sports markets, regular promotions for existing players and competitive odds.Best Betting Sites in UK
This Week’s Betting Options on Betting Sites
We look closer at this week’s (beginning October 28th 2024) betting options on the top betting sites.
A superb betting week will be dominated by football and racing, as the Premier League will see ten superb contests over the weekend, while the Breeders’ Cup will City Of Troy line up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday night. There’s quality international rugby this weekend and the feature is England vs New Zealand at Twickenham.
- Horse Racing: Breeders’ Cup (Friday & Saturday) – A sensational weekend of world class Flat action will light up Del Mar on Friday and Saturday as the 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will attract some of the stars of the level. All eyes will be on Aidan O’Brien’s Derby hero City Of Troy to see if he can claim Breeders’ Cup Classic glory and the race will be off at 9:41pm on Saturday evening.
- Football: Premier League (Saturday, Sunday, Monday) – There are some mouth-watering Premier League ties this week, which starts on Saturday lunchtime at 12:30pm with Newcastle United vs Arsenal and finishes with Fulham and Brentford at 8:00pm on Monday night. The highlight comes at Old Trafford as a struggling Manchester United host Chelsea at 4:30pm in a real Super Sunday thriller.
- Rugby Union: England v New Zealand (Saturday) – Steve Borthwick’s England will welcome New Zealand to Twickenham at 3:10pm on Saturday afternoon in an epic autumn international encounter. Two fantastic sides, the visiting All Blacks are sure to be tough to beat for the home side, but with the Twickenham crowd behind them then England will fancy their chances.
The Best Online Sports Betting Sites 2024 – Top 20
There are some great online bookmakers with excellent betting offers available for players to enjoy right now, and with them all competing to try and claim business, the service on offer keeps improving. Here’s a quick list of the top 20 betting sites;
- BetMGM – Best overall betting site
- CopyBet – Best sign up bonus
- Midnite – Best esports betting website
- Sky Bet – Best low deposit welcome bonus
- Boylesports – Best betting site for tennis
- Betano – Best new UK betting site
- SBK – Best betting app
- BetUK – Best for customer service
- Bet365 – Best betting site for horse racing
- Tote – Best pool betting website
- Betfair – Best betting site for football
- Paddy Power – Best betting site for golf
- AK Bets – Best betting site for competitive odds
- Betfred – Best football betting promotions
- Gentleman Jim – Best boxing betting website
- Kwiff – Best betting site for cash back
- Spreadex – Best spread betting site
- BetGoodwin – Best horse racing products
- LiveScore Bet – Best motorsport betting website
- Unibet – Best live in-play betting platform
BetMGM
The MGM brand is synonymous with betting, from its Las Vegas casinos to its new online UK sportsbook. BetMGM has boosted its UK presence further by sponsoring horse racing. The sportsbook offers fantastic, competitive odds and a wide range of sports. Promotions include their new customer offering worth £60 in free bonuses, as well as existing customer profit boosts and free bets, all on an incredibly well-designed site.
BetMGM Details
Live Chat – Yes 24/7
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Competitive sports odds
- Profit boost promotions
- Live-streaming
Cons
- Only four payment options
What the betting experts say: “I expect a quality platform from such a big name as MGM, and that’s exactly what I get. The site looks terrific, and the sportsbook is easy to get around – it’s packed with features like bet builders and in-play betting, while the overall picture of the BetMGM promotions is superb” Andrew Francis – Betting Expert
CopyBet
CopyBet is a newer UK betting platform, and it brands itself as unique because of its automated copy-betting system. There are many tipsters on the CopyBet platform, which are ranked according to their accuracy and consistency. As a user, you can select from any of their betting strategies and tips or even become a tipster yourself. If this wasn’t enough, CopyBet also offers £50 worth of free bets to new customers, which can be used across more than 18,000 in-play and pre-match events.
CopyBet Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Great sign up bonus
- Innovative tipster approach to sports betting
- Great for acca betting
- Extensive sportsbook
Cons
- Limited deposit options
What the betting experts say: “Copybet cuts out a lot of the noise and time involved in reading insights from tipsters, which I find refreshing. Instead, you get to look at what matters and then hit a button to copy what they are doing. It’s unique and, of course, makes me want to step up to become a tipster too” Andrew Francis – Betting Expert
Midnite
Dribble Media Limited operates Midnite and is a fully licensed and regulated site in the UK. It offers debit cards and some e-wallet deposit options. Horse racing has been a newer addition to its sportsbook from the domestic and international scenes. That gives it some further weight, and its coverage of esports is arguably among the best around.
Midnite Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Easy to navigate sportsbook
- Impressive esports betting coverage
- Good range of sports
Cons
- Horse racing is not extensive
What the betting experts say: “The different market options for a single horse race are a nice feature of the Midnite experience. Along with the Race Winner, I can select from a Top 2, Top 3 or Top 4 Finish, depending on the number of runners. It’s a solid, user-friendly experience on a site that functions well” Jake Russell – Horse Racing Writer and Punter
Sky Bet
Sky Bet has grown to become a vast sports betting brand and is a UK-based company founded online in 2001. They offer mobile and internet betting and have grown to become one of the leading players in this part of the market. Sky Bet put a lot of money into horse racing sponsorship, and as part of that, they have an incredible number of horse racing specials, from cashback offers to enhanced special bets, price boosts, additional each-way places, and much more. This is a natural standout area for them, while their mobile service is also a highlight, offering quick and easy bet placement. However, Sky Bet’s most appealing attraction is that you can claim their low deposit welcome offer with a simple 5p bet.
Sky Bet Details
Live Chat – Yes 24/7
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – Yes
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Huge range of horse racing promotions and offers
- Great mobile app for betting on the go
- A big gambling platform with sports as the primary focus
Cons
- The odds on offer are average
What the betting experts say: “I know where to go when I want quality odds across my football picks: Sky Bet. With price boosts and their user-friendly football bet builder, their overall football coverage is nearly faultless. The Sky Bet social betting aspect and pundit insights add to this extremely reliable, trusted platform.” Tom Aldridge – Betting Expert
BoyleSports
BoyleSports is Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, highly trusted operator, and significant racing sponsor. From their brick-and-mortar beginnings in the early 1980s, BoyleSports has built a tremendous online reputation for competitive odds and market variety. It is our go-to site for betting on golf. They have a top-rated mobile betting app, fantastic customer service and an excellent welcome bonus.
BoyleSports Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Racing includes Racing Post insights
- Great live in-play betting
- The mobile app is user-friendly
Cons
- Main site navigation is not as user-friendly as their app
What the betting experts say: “All the features you expect to see at an online betting site, from boosts, insurance bets, money back offers, live racing, and bet builders, are at Boylesports. I can’t gush enough how much I enjoy their app for the speed and variety of live betting. It will take a lot to pry me away from Boylesports as my go-to platform,” Jake Russell – Horse Racing Writer and Punter
Betano
Betano is an internationally renowned bookmaker that launched its UK platform in May 2024. This coincided with their official sponsorship of Euro 2024, instantly making them a UK household name.
Betano quickly became a popular betting option for the tournament, thanks to their impressive selection of ongoing promotions for existing customers and an excellent bet builder product, which lets you pick from a particularly wide range of markets no matter how big or small the fixture. However, our favourite aspect of this exciting new betting site is Betano’s ‘Lucky Dip’ feature, which gives you fixed long odds on a particular market but randomises your selection.
Betano Details
Live Chat – Yes 24/7
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – Yes
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Brand new UK betting site with an international reputation
- Innovative promotions such as ‘Lucky Dip’
- Top class bet builder product that features more markets than most
Cons
- Lower welcome offer than some other betting sites
What the betting experts say: “I’ve eagerly anticipated Betano’s entry into the UK market, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Like most, I signed up during Euro 2024 and was thoroughly impressed with the ongoing promotions available, I hope this continues to be a focus going forward. You can instantly tell that this will be one of the more popular UK betting sites.” Scott McGlynn – Betting Expert
SBK
SBK has shot to prominence in the last year, having sponsored some of Ascot’s biggest race days. They have gained a unique place within the bookmaking industry as a company with whom you can only bet via their app. This ensures an up-to-date and contemporary service like no other. SBK has brought betting into the 2020s like no other company, with all sports easy to navigate with just a few movements of your thumbs. SBK is only growing all the time and is quick to offer great deals to their loyal customers as well.
SBK Details
Live Chat – Yes 24/7
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – Yes
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Completely unique in what they do
- App is very easy to use and navigate
- Modern gambling controls mean you can bet how you want
Cons
- No options to bet other than on the app
What the betting experts say: “A unique approach to a sportsbook as SBK is only available on an app. But what an app it is, knocking others out of the park. It is superb for live in-play betting, and the social aspect of seeing what other punters are tipping is a real gem of a feature.” Scott McGlynn – Betting Expert
Bet UK
Founded as recently as 2012, Bet UK is one of the fastest-growing bookmakers currently in operation, with the site home to some of the most competitive sports betting markets available and a state-of-the-art online casino for users to explore. Sponsors of Swansea City in 2018/19 and 2022 became Manchester City’s Football Club’s Official Betting Partner. Their presence in the UK sports scene is becoming increasingly common and is helping to grow the brand into one of the biggest online betting companies. As this expansion continues, expect to see even more of Bet UK in the years to come. We have been particularly impressed with Bet UK’s customer support, which comes courtesy of a 24/7 live chat service.
BetUK Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Excellent Sportsbook covering a range of sports both in the UK and overseas
- Free live streaming available on horse racing
- Existing customer promotions include Sunday Deposit Match and Bet UK Acca Club
Cons
- Poor website configuration in places
What the betting experts say: “I enjoy the BetUK sportsbook as it is a straightforward platform with a well-designed site, plus their app is speedy. It’s nice sometimes to get into the markets quickly without distractions, and that is what BetUK gives me – good, distraction-free wagering with solid odds.” Tom Aldridge – Betting Expert
bet365
Many people will know of bet365 – they are a big name in the industry with an excellent reputation amongst players. Founded in 2000, they are a British-based bookmaker with a vast online presence and are one of the world’s biggest sportsbooks. Horse racing markets are excellent – they are known for offering very competitive odds and have several offers – including enhanced EW betting – for horse racing fans to enjoy. With solid odds and great, regular offers to use, if you want a great deal, this is a site where you will find it.
bet365 also offers live streaming of major sporting events like football, tennis tournaments, and UK and Irish horse racing.
bet365 Details
Live Chat – Yes 24/7
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – Yes
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Claim very competitive odds on this site
- Excellent horse racing offers enhanced EW, free bets for Cheltenham festival, and more
- One of the biggest sportsbooks on the planet, offering many events that others don’t
Cons
- Known for making lots of price changes to their betting markets
What the betting experts say: “Live streaming of domestic and international racing is a great boost to the Bet365 racing services. In-play football markets are extensive, too, with easy-to-read in-game stats to help out. Because of their competitive odds, massive sports coverage and promos, Bet365 is easily one of my main go-to bookies.” Andrew Francis – Betting Expert
Tote
It is a very traditional name in horse racing due to the tote pools running on the course, enabling punters to bet into pools rather than with fixed odds. This alternative to fixed odds is now available online, and although the company has changed, it was founded in 1928 and has been a part of racing since then. With bet types you won’t find elsewhere, the ability to bet into pools rather than with fixed odds and some great promotions, this site can certainly offer that if you like horse racing betting with a difference.
Tote Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- A big name in the world of horse racing
- Unique betting pools, rather than fixed-odds betting
- Excellent horse racing promotions are available
Cons
- Horse racing and football are the only two sports covered on the site
What the betting experts say: “For me, there’s no better racing experience than diving into the Tote products like Scoop 6 and Placepots. The Tote Guarantee pays at least the SP on win bets or the dividend if it’s bigger, which brings me so much value. I love that they’ve adapted Tote products for football products as well. A top site with a top app.” Matthew Sutcliffe – Horse Racing Expert and Punter
Betfair
Starting life as a betting exchange for customers to bet against each other back in 1999, Betfair has grown and expanded to offer its sportsbook to players. With one Betfair account, you can play the exchanges and place bets on the sportsbook, which is a big positive for many. When it comes to horses, the Betfair sportsbook offers a robust platform, with the sheer number of events covered globally being positive, but they really excel when it comes to football. Their football bet builder product is among the best in the UK. Look out for money back offers too, they often have a couple of horse racing promotions running for players. As for the overall sportsbook, this is a global service, with so much choice on offer that every different type of player will be left very happy. It’s one of the best betting sites in the UK.
Betfair Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Regular promotions for existing customers across horse racing and other sports
- Global sportsbook, with coverage in many countries around the world
- Bet on the sportsbook and exchange with one account
Cons
- Navigation of the site is a little complex
What Our Betting Experts Say: “Betfair gives me everything that I want from a betting platform. Sometimes, I want a quick, simple fixed odds selection on the weekend’s football; other times, I want to dig deeper into creating some in-play hedging opportunities on the exchange. The Betfair exchange is pretty hard to beat for odds value” Andrew Francis – Betting Expert
Paddy Power
Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has shot to fame to become one of the most prominent online players since its launch in 1988. They have leapt to the top of the market thanks to some outrageous advertising campaigns, great specials and enhanced markets. Their site offers a powerful horse racing section, with a wide range of ante-post markets and daily racing for players to enjoy. The excellent promotions cover the entire site, and Paddy’s Rewards Club gives punters a shot at weekly rewards, so whatever sport you bet on, you are likely to be able to find a deal to enhance your bets. Watch out for the recurring free bet builders that Paddy Power gifts to its existing customers.
Paddy Power Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Great promotions and offers for existing customers across many sports
- Fantastic ante-post coverage of the significant horse racing events
- Huge sportsbook covering a wide range of sports
- Plenty of features like Beat The Drop, Wonder Wheel
Cons
- Regular odds are no better than average
- Not as many promotions as there used to be
What the betting experts say: “Paddy Power still manages to bring a quality experience to the table after all these years. I never encounter any issue with their odds, as I know they are competitive. They don’t roll out the volume of promotions they used to, but there’s still plenty to enjoy. I jumped on board long ago and am still going strong with them.” Tom Aldridge – Betting Expert
AK Bets
As an on-track bookie, AK Bets was launched in 2021 by Anthony Kaminskas, a former professional Bettor and Paddy Power employee. Since then, as you can see, it has grown into a fully-fledged online betting site, complete with all the vital features we look for in a bookie. For example, the odds at AK Bets are always competitive and routinely better than those found at a number of other betting sites. AK Bets’ history as an on-track bookie is also apparent on their betting site, which emphasises in-play betting. Hit the ‘In-Play’ tab, and you’ll be greeted by many different sports and markets to choose from, each with those competitive odds we mentioned earlier.
AK Bets Details
Live Chat – Yes
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Newly launched online betting platform with plenty of expertise behind it
- Always offering competitive odds
- Top-tier in-play section with lots of different live sports to bet on
Cons
- Currently, no acca insurance on offer
What the betting experts say: “I’m always excited when a newcomer enters the UK scene, especially when they have as much experience as Kaminskas. You can tell that AK Bets was designed with bettors in mind, and I found the prices to be impressively competitive across a number of different sports and markets.” Daniel Corbally – Sports Betting Writer
Betfred
Betfred is one of the more recognisable names in the betting industry and is regularly among the most generous bookmakers regarding their customers, thanks to their frequent football betting promotions. Their advertising revolves around their quirky name, with Fred offering out plenty for punters to get involved in. Markets for all sports are wide-ranging and interactive, while for the time being, new customers can get an outstanding £40 in bet bonuses when they place their first bet of £10, which is one of, if not the, most generous new customer offers out there.
Betfred Details
Live Chat – Yes, 24/7
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – Yes
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Superb current new customer offer
- Website interface is very user-friendly
- Consistently engage with customers
Cons
- Racing not necessarily a priority
What the betting experts say: “The personal touch from independent bookie Betfred feels fantastic. So many high-quality promotions are available to boost my racing betting, like Free Bet if 2nd and extra place offerings. Plus, they have the Totepool. For long-standing sports promos, they pack a punch, and their competitive odds never fail to impress me.” Daniel Corbally – Sports Betting Writer
Gentleman Jim
Boxing fans will be familiar with the name ‘Gentleman Jim’, the moniker of former World Heavyweight Champion James J. Corbett. If you’ve never heard of Gentleman Jim or have no interest in boxing whatsoever, fear not. As you’ll see from the screenshots above, Gentleman Jim – launched as recently as 2024 – specialises not only in boxing betting but also in several different sports and markets, such as horse racing, football, and tennis.
In fact, the site has its own dedicated horse racing section, which has odds and information on all the upcoming meets. It also happens to be one of the most pleasantly designed betting sites and apps in the UK, and as such is well worth checking out.
Gentleman Jim Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Stylishly-designed site and mobile app
- Competitive odds and high deposit and withdrawal limits
- Brand new, launched in 2024
Cons
- No live chat, acca insurance or sign up bonus at the time of writing
What the betting experts say: “I have to say that I wasn’t quite sure what to expect at Gentleman Jim. I’m not a big boxing fan and was unsure about the market coverage here. However, after spending plenty of time on the site, I can happily say that it provides a highly enjoyable and intuitive betting experience. The site is elegantly designed, but I would like to see them add features like live chat and acca insurance in the near future.” Tom Aldridge – Betting Expert.
Kwiff
Since bursting onto the scene in 2015, Kwiff has had quite an impact on the online betting scene, specifically due to its ‘Kwiffed’ feature. This sees the odds of your bet being super-boosted randomly and can see you land some fantastic profit. Aside from this, Kwiff also has a loyalty club that sees players receive cash back into their accounts weekly. If you’re a fan of live betting, then Kwiff is also worth checking out, with a fantastic offering of in-play betting.
Kwiff Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Boosted odds
- Excellent Loyalty Club
- Strong customer service
- Superb live betting coverage
Cons
- No eSports coverage
What the betting experts say: “Supercharged cash-out? Getting Kwiffed? I’m all for potentially receiving a random win boost on a bet. They already have some good odds anyway, and the additional feature adds an exciting dynamic to regular sports betting.” Scott McGlynn – Betting Expert
Spreadex
Spreadex is one of the leading spread betting brands in the UK and provides an excellent sportsbook offering. If you’re new to the spread betting world, Spreadex is an ideal starting point with excellent training guides and account management tools. Their coverage and odds are excellent, with daily price boosts on football and horse racing. In addition, a highly-rated Spreadex app allows you to enjoy all the betting action on the move.
Spreadex Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Fantastic mobile app
- Helpful guides and tools
- Generous sign-up offer
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Limited payment methods
What the betting experts say: “The spread betting aspect is the big angle that gives SpreadEx something different. But they offer much more than that. The standard fixed-odds sportsbook is comprehensive and superb for handicap betting and totals variations.” Tom Aldridge – Betting Expert
BetGoodwin
BetGoodwin originally started off as a retail unit more than 25 years ago and has only recently moved onto an online sportsbook in 2021. Their app (as is the website) is easy to use and covers multiple sports, although one of their main sports is Horse Racing. you will find full UK & Irish coverage and excellent international racing. Best of all, BetGoodwin has some fantastic promotions for existing customers, including getting a free bet if a nose beats your selection, and a free bet if your horse falls at the last.
BetGoodwin Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Horse Racing is one of their main sports
- Plenty of markets available for main sports (Horse Racing, Football etc)
- Fast at paying out winnings
- Easy to use mobile app
Cons
- No Free Bet’s included in the welcome offer (although their welcome offer is good for betting on the first day of opening the account)
What the betting experts say: “One of the reasons I keep going back to the Betgoodwin racing platform is the value that their long-standing promotions like Beaten By Under Half A Length and Falling At The Last give me. That, on top of their good market odds, seals the deal for me. They seem to understand what having a competitive edge means.” Tom Dutton – Sports Betting Editor
LiveScore Bet
LiveScore Bet has been running since 2020, and they have an extensive sportsbook that ranges from football, cricket, and horse racing to esports and volleyball. Extensive in-play sports betting and features like their free game Squads and live-streaming build out the experience. An intuitive layout makes the bet slip prominent for quickly building accas and multis. The bookie is also particularly good for motorsport betting, covering an impressive amount of races and competitions from around the world, so we highly recommend it to motorsports fans.
LiveScore Bet Details
Pros
- Stylish mobile app and online website which are both easy to navigate
- Excellent existing customer promotions, including free accas and free online games
- Live streaming available on both horse racing and football markets
- Good free bet weekly bonuses
Cons
- Football orientated compared with other sites
- Basic website design
What the betting experts say: “The LiveScore Bet Price Boost section is one of the first places I go to see if I can grab an enhancement on something without browsing the markets. The number of Popular Bet Builders available to browse through for a single match is a great touch, too.” Andrew Francis – Betting Expert
Unibet
Unibet is another dominant name in the online betting scene. They offer superb coverage across various sports, with multiple betting markets. In addition, they have a dedicated horse racing section that provides live streaming, ongoing promotions, and personalised daily odds boosts. Alongside these is a great in-play betting product that allows you to follow along with the game’s progress and stats, helping to inform your in-play bets. The Unibet app offers all the same features as the desktop site, allowing UK players to access their account while on the go.
Unibet Details
Live Chat – No
Cash Out Available – Yes
Insured Betting – No
Existing Customer Offers – Yes
Pros
- Superb horse racing coverage
- Competitive betting odds
- Strong live-streaming
- Highly-rated betting app
Cons
- Limited payment methods
What the betting experts say: “As a punter, I want to know when I get the best value on my odds. I get that at Unibet, which continually performs well in odds comparisons against other bookies. Their sprinkling of promotions like Money Back specials on racing, plus streaming and high-quality in-play service, round out the picture nicely.” Matthew Sutcliffe – Horse Racing Writer & Punter
Top Bookmakers Compared: Find Your Perfect Betting Site
Bookmaker | App | Sports | Bet Builder | Streaming | Racing Price Boosts | Free-To-Play Games |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BetMGM | Yes | 29 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CopyBet | Yes | 30 | Yes | No | No | No |
SBK | Yes | 30 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Betano | Yes | 35 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
BetVictor | Yes | 31 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bet365 | Yes | 48 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
888sport | Yes | 28 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sky Bet | Yes | 31 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
William Hill | Yes | 32 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Unibet | Yes | 34 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Betfair | Yes | 29 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Betfred | Yes | 22 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Gentleman Jim | Yes | 26 | Yes | No | Yes | No |
TalkSPORT BET | Yes | 33 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
BresBet | Yes | 25 | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Fitzdares | Yes | 34 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Parimatch | Yes | 36 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Bwin | Yes | 51 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Virgin Bet | Yes | 40 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ladbrokes | Yes | 37 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bet UK | Yes | 34 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Spreadex | Yes | 23 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Matchbook | Yes | 10 | Yes | No | No | No |
Quinnbet | Yes | 28 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
The Pools | No | 27 | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Netbet | No | 41 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Grosvenor | Yes | 35 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Betway | Yes | 29 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Tote | Yes | 2 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Boylesports | Yes | 40 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
AK Bets | Yes | 26 | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Fafabet | Yes | 29 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Casumo | No | 31 | Yes | No | No | No |
Kwiff | Yes | 29 | Yes | No | No | No |
Mr Play | No | 29 | Yes | No | No | No |
10Bet | Yes | 25 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Livescore Bet | Yes | 28 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Paddy Power | Yes | 27 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Midnite | Yes | 22 | Yes | No | No | No |
Starsports | Yes | 21 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
BetGoodwin | Yes | 29 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Rhinobet | Yes | 17 | Yes | No | No | No |
Britainbet | Yes | 6 | Yes | No | No | No |
Coral | Yes | 45 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How Bookmakers Calculate Odds
Bookmakers are trying to make money when offering you odds on an outcome, and plenty of factors go into how they arrive at a price. Let’s look at a really simple example of how odds are calculated.
Let’s imagine we have a normal pack of cards with four suits, and a bookmaker wants to offer you odds on what suit you pick if you select one card, at random, from the pack.
The bookmaker knows that the probability of picking any one suit is 25% (100 divided by the four possible outcomes). That makes the ‘true’ odds 3/1 (3+1 = 4).
If they were to offer you 3/1 and take equal bets on the four potential outcomes, they would pay out exactly what they take, thus not making any money.
So, instead, they might offer odds of 2/1 on each suit. Now, assuming equal £10 bets are made on each suit, they would take £40 in total but only pay out £30 (your £10 stake plus £20 profit for you), making them £10 profit.
So, although the true percentage of picking any suit hasn’t changed (it’s still 25%), they are pricing the event to a different theoretical chance. This is known as the ‘margin’ or ‘overround’ in the business.
Of course, there are plenty of different factors when pricing up a sporting event, such as a football match, but the theory remains the same. The bookmaker will work out what they believe to be the ‘true’ odds of an event happening and then add their ‘overround’ to account for variables and, hopefully for them, turn a profit.
Each event can have many variables, such as form and injury, and even something that a punter might not consider, such as the weather. Still, all those things will be factored in when the bookmakers offer a price.
This is also why odds fluctuate as an event draws closer and those variables change. Punters are more alert than ever to these changes, reducing bookmakers’ advantage when pricing events.
Finding value in selections is one of the most important factors when placing a bet, and understanding how bookmakers price events is imperative when trying to make a profit from gambling.
A List Of The Best New Betting Sites Of 2024
Many new betting sites have emerged in recent years. These sites offer a variety of features and benefits that make them an excellent choice for those looking for a new place to bet.
After our extensive look at many new betting sites, our experts have come to a clear conclusion about the best. That’s BetMGM, who has hit the ground running with very strong racing odds and promotions, including weekly x10 Profit Boosts for 10% on Horse Racing.
- 1. BetMGM (new betting site established in 2023)
BetMGM launched its UK sportsbook in August 2023. It is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and offers a welcome bonus of Bet £10, Get £60.
Their full range of sports betting promotions is impressive. They include horse racing, Premier League boosts, and free weekly sports bet offers.
The BetMGM site looks fantastic and is very functional to browse. It offers a wide range of pre-match and in-play markets across 25+ listed sports, and BetMGM also boasts some incredible in-play variety.
A BetMGM app is available for betting on the go, and safe and secure payment options, including Apple Pay and PayPal, are available, along with debit cards. Customers can also access 24/7 live customer support.
You rarely see a new betting site arrive on the scene with such a complete, quality package. But that’s what BetMGM has managed to do, and it easily tops our list of new betting sites.
Claim BetMGM Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 2. Betano (new betting site launched in 2024)
Betano is an esteemed international betting site launched in the UK in May 2024. Football fans in the UK should now be more than familiar with the Betano brand, as they were the official sponsor of Euro 2024.
Betano’s prominence during Euro 2024 has certainly helped increase its popularity in the UK. Still, even without this exposure, we’re certain that Betano was well on its way to being one of the UK’s best betting sites. The platform, accessed both on desktop and on their mobile app, is expertly designed and easy to navigate, giving an immediate sense of professionalism.
As a new betting site, Betano has implemented several features to distinguish itself from the competition, such as its ‘Lucky Dip’ promotion, which we discuss further in our section on innovative betting sites. Betano also offers a substantial number of odds boosts – particularly on accumulators – across multiple sports and events, which is always a big plus at new betting sites.
Betano also offers an impressive number of sports and markets, especially considering its newness to the UK market. Football is perhaps its strongest area, especially when it comes to in-play betting, but fans of other sports will find plenty to bet on at Betano.
Claim the Betano Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 3. BetStorm (new betting site established in 2021)
BetStorm may only have been established in 2021, but they are part of the Progress Play family of betting sites – which provides several well-known and popular sites.
With a strong pedigree behind them, BetStorm UK offers an excellent betting experience with a wide range of sports and betting markets, all packaged on a slick, fully regulated, and licensed website.
Currently, they cover over 25 sports with competitive odds on pre-event and in-play markets, plus cash-out available on numerous markets. The odds are solid on football, tennis, and golf.
BetStorm covers horse racing but is currently focused on the US, with no UK and Irish racing coverage. That’s a clear area that could be improved.
New customers can pick up a Bet £10 Get A £10 Free Bet bonus.
Along with other promotions like Premier League and Tennis Cashback, a regard programme is available. Price boosts can also be found scattered throughout the BetStorm sportsbook.
Betstorm accepts a wide range of payment methods and processes all transactions safely and securely. The Gambling Commission also regulates them, making them a safe platform.
Claim BetStorm Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 4. JeffBet (new betting site established in 2022)
JeffBet may be a newer name on the scene, but it is part of the wide-reaching Progress Play family, which already has several UK betting sites. This brings vast experience to the table.
The sports coverage at JeffBet is strong, with competitive odds and a wide range of betting markets for players to explore, all on a slick-looking website.
New customers to JeffBet can grab a £30 free bet when they join and wager just £10, and there are some excellent ongoing promotions, including cashback on various sports.
If you’re a fan of eSports, JeffBet is well worth checking out. It offers superb coverage of DOTA 2 and Counter-Strike: GO.
Being a new site, there are a couple of slight negatives that we would like to see rectified moving forward – the addition of horse racing and the release of a mobile betting app.
The lack of horse racing betting puts JeffBet at a disadvantage to its rivals, especially since it is such a popular sport for betting on in the UK.
JeffBet is fully licensed in the UK and provides good customer service channels, including Live Chat and email.
Overall, JeffBet is a solid new name in the world of online betting and worth checking out, particularly with its generous welcome bonus.
Claim JeffBet Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 5. BetGoodwin (new betting site established in 2022)
BetGoodwin is an established name in the retail and telephone betting sector and launched its online sportsbook in 2022.
They’ve quickly become known as an excellent sportsbook, offering strong football and horse racing coverage.
The odds at BetGoodwin are competitive across the many betting markets, including live betting, and new players can claim a handy welcome bonus to explore the site’s offerings.
A real highlight at BetGoodwin is their horse racing promotions, which include several refund offers up to £100 – far higher than other betting sites.
There is also a welcome bonus that credits 50% back as a free bet up to £25 on first-day losses. However, it requires at least three £10 bets to qualify, and we have seen better welcome bonuses from newer betting sites.
The BetGoodwin site provides a great user experience with easy navigation and offers daily price boosts on football and horse racing.
Payment methods are slightly limited, with e-wallets not currently accepted, but this may change.
If you need to contact customer service at BetGoodwin, you can reach out via various means, including Live Chat and telephone.
Claim BetGoodwin Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 6. Zetbet (new betting site established in 2022)
ZetBet is a new name in the online betting world but is highly respected.
Aspire Global and Marketplay LTD link-up that has many other well-regarded UK betting sites.
On ZetBet’s nicely designed website, you can explore an excellent range of sports and betting markets, from horse racing and football to less common sports such as futsal and floorball.
They rank well for betting variety and competitive odds, particularly on football. They also have a Bet Builder function across many sports, including football, NFL, NBA, cricket, and rugby union.
Live betting is offered at ZetBet, but there is no live streaming, which is slightly disappointing, and no mobile app is available.
Promotions are also thin on the ground at the sportsbook on ZetBet. The welcome offer is a relatively low value of Bet £10 And Gets A £10 Free Bet, but it’s a straightforward bonus to claim, and the free bet can be used on any sport you choose.
With customer support available via Live Chat and licensed in the UK by the Gambling Commission, ZetBet is a site you should look at more closely.
Claim Zetbet Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 7. StarSports (new betting site established in 2018)
While StarSports launched online in 2018, the experience of the bookmakers that own the operator goes back to 1999. They were formerly known as Star Racing, with an on-course presence in the UK.
After some rapid growth, a rebranding in 2009 saw them take on the Star Sports name. They describe themselves as a luxury bookmaker. One of the more unique features of the online betting sites they offer is horse racing telephone betting.
There are some excellent sports betting promotions on the site, which is actually an impressive range for a newer bookmaker. Horse racing coverage is fantastic and one of many sports in their portfolio.
They provide an app for Android and iOS users, and the look and feel of their app and site are professional and user-friendly. Bet variety across sports is good, although the in-play section isn’t quite as strong as others on this list of newer bookmakers.
StarSports is a safe, regulated and licenced site but slightly disappointingly accepts only debit cards and bank transfers for online deposits.
Claim StarSports Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 8. AK Bets (new betting site launched in 2023)
If the AK Bets site feels familiar, it is because it is operated by Star Racing, the people behind Star Sports, who are also on this list. AK Bets was technically established in 2018 as an on-track bookie but launched its new online betting site in 2023.
That includes some horse racing from the domestic and international scenes. AK Bets lists more than 20 sports, but the market depth among those doesn’t quite match that of some of its main competitors from this list.
Promotions are another area in which AK Bets doesn’t quite perform well. There’s not too much that sets them apart from the crowd, but the website platform is very user-friendly and has a basic betting app.
AK Bets are regulated and licensed by the Gambling Commission and offer secure payments through debit cards. Their Telebet service allows for horse racing wagers to be phoned in, which is one of the more unique angles they provide.
Claim AK Bet Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 9. Hey Spin (new betting site established in 2020)
HeySpin has a good, engaging website platform, and new customers can get a Bet £15 Get £10 free bet offer for joining. Given that it requires more stake than what you get back, it’s not the best sign-up offer from this list of newer betting sites.
There are not too many existing customer promotions throughout the site either, an area ripe for improvement. However, there are good features like plenty of Bet Builder and Cash Out options throughout the sportsbook.
HeySpin has been around since 2017 and is arguably a little more casino-oriented. However, their sportsbook, which came along in 2020, boasts more than 25 sports, including a fairly impressive range of esports options.
Market depth on sports away from the major focus areas like football does slip away a little. Horse racing isn’t as comprehensive as other sites, and HeySpin currently lacks sports betting apps.
But there are decent bookmaker margins, and there is a good range of in-play options to explore. There is room for further enhancement, but they provide an established, simple betting platform.
Claim HeySpin Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 10. Fafabet (new betting site established in 2021)
Fafabet will likely appeal to horse racing punters, as they have some excellent products on their site. Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK and Irish horse racing and extensive 2nd To The Favourite coverage are a couple of highlights.
Fafabet, owned and operated by TaichiTech Limited, is licensed by the Gambling Commission, so it is a safe platform. They were only launched in 2021 but have the look and feel of an established site.
The layout is easy to see, and players can take advantage of a welcome bonus offer when joining as well. Fafabet has excellent promotions on its site, including dedicated racing, football and tennis offers.
Horse racing is good, with extra places and signpost picks, plus they provide live racing streams. The range of sports is more than 25, which is excellent. While the in-play variety is not the most extensive we have seen, it’s solid across the major sports, like football.
The inclusion of a betting app would have taken things a little further. But overall, Fafabet has a good thing going, which is worth checking out.
Claim Fafabet Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 11. Luckster (new betting site established in 2021)
New players at Luckster can pick up a welcome bonus to start their journey with this new betting site. There is an excellent selection of boosted odds available across their sports, of which there are more than 30 listed.
Football and horse racing are among the most prominent sports with the most market options. They also offer a tremendous range of esports.
Luckster is a safe site regulated by the Gambling Commission and one of the many online betting sites operated by Aspire Global. So, while the platform is nothing unique, it is fully functional and easy to use.
There are no betting apps, but the site interprets mobile browsers well. Payment options are excellent, with many e-wallet options complementing debit and bank deposits.
Not too many bells and whistles across the site make it stand out. Regardless,
Luckster is a robust newer betting site with some nice touches like 1-Click Betting and Create A Bet options.
Claim Luckster Sportsbook Sign-Up Offer Here
- 12. Rhino Bet (new betting site established in 2021)
Rhino Bet, launched in February 2021, may be relatively new to the betting scene. Still, they’ve quickly established itself as a popular destination for many online punters and is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
They provide a solid new customer bonus of £25 in free bets when you sign up and bet £10. You can join Rhino Bet on their desktop website, which is mobile compatible, or through one of their slick mobile apps.
And existing customers are also well looked after at Rhino Bet with daily price boosts and regular free spin offers when you place a bet on a specific football match.
Currently, they cover 18 sports, from football to motorsports, and have a strong range of betting markets, including in-play betting with competitive odds.
A Bet Builder function is available on most football games, including lower league matches, but not every bookmaker offers it.
The Rhino Bet website is basic but easy to navigate and offers an excellent user experience on desktop and mobile. Their apps provide full access and control of your account while on the go.
Regarding customer service, Rhino Bet doesn’t currently offer a Live Chat facility, but this will hopefully be added.
Claim Rhino Bet Sportsbook Sign Up offer Here
Most Innovative Betting Sites For 2024 – Our Top 10 Picks
2024 looks to be a massive year for the online betting industry as the big named bookies aim to provide even more innovative products for punters.
And we’ve checked out ten betting sites to watch closely in 2024, and listed what we think are their most exciting innovations.
SBK
SBK is a fixed odds betting site operated by the betting exchange Smarkets. Created in 2019, they are the most well-known mobile-only betting app in the UK. With most competitors having a presence on desktop, this mobile-first strategy gives SBK a unique edge.
The current sign-up offer for new customers to SBK is to bet £10 and get £30 in free bets, which is competitive and decent value for new customers. However, when it comes to promotions for existing customers, they are slightly behind others in the market.
SBK has been well-reviewed on both the App Store and Google Play. At the time of writing, it has a 4.6-star rating on iOS and a 3.6-star rating on Android.
New SBK Features
As mentioned, SBK is a mobile-only app, so its mobile experience is user-friendly and fast. One of the best features of SBK is its Price+ feature. When a market is indicated with the plus icon, SBK beats its selected competitors for price on that particular option, giving players a tremendous amount of transparency when it comes to odds
SBK provides a ‘Quick Acca’ feature, which allows you to pick between three and five selections and then spin for a random acca prize. In 2022, they also launched the SBK Betting Zone, a hub for tips and previews focused on SBK’s odds.
The other outstanding feature is the ability to follow tipsters on the platform, allowing you to track who is running on a hot streak.
Latest Awards Won by SBK
SBK was shortlisted for the Rising Star in Sports Betting at the SBC Awards 2022.
BetUK
BetUK has become a popular online betting site, with some exciting features that are helping it gain traction in the competitive arena. BetUK was founded back in 2012, was purchased by LeoVegas, and launched as their new sports betting brand in 2018.
They have since been a good platform for pre-match and in-play sports betting markets, and BetUK has produced highly-rated mobile betting apps as well, earning a 4.7 rating on Google Play and 4.6 for iOS.
With a good range of payment options and good features throughout their sportsbook, BetUK remains a popular option.
Latest BetUK Features
Along with staples like Cash Out and Bet Builders, there are some exciting additional features at BetUK. Their brand ambassador is former Wycombe Wanderers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, who chips in with some Exeter betting tips.
A dedicated section for BetUK Specials offers at least one special bet almost daily on a range of sports. While BetUK is not a site heavy on promotions, what it does offer is mainly focused on long-term value.
To that end, there is a weekly racing Free Bet Club, an Acca Club and a chance to pick up two £5 Free Bet Builders every week.
Latest Awards Won by BetUK
While BetUK has not won any awards, owner Leo Vegas collected the Online Gaming Operator Award for the second year running in 2022 at the International Gaming Awards. They took the Mobile Operator of the Year prize at the 2023 IGA awards.
Betano
Betano is a new betting site that was only recently launched in the UK following years of international acclaim, a large part of which has come from their commitment to innovation in the sports betting sphere.
As you would expect from a brand like Betano, their site is sharp and intuitively designed, with a distinct modern feel throughout. Finding your favourite sports and markets could not be simpler, and the same goes for their innovative mobile app, which manages to maintain the same design principles on a smaller screen.
New Betano Features
We have already discussed Betano’s impressive mobile and design technology, but our favourite new innovative feature offered by Betano is their unique ‘Lucky Dip’ promotion.
This Betano promo provides all Betano customers with fixed odds on a specific market, and then randomises your selection. For example, you could claim 80/1 odds on an ‘Total Cards and Total Corners’ market, but you wouldn’t know precisely what your bet was until after you’ve taken the ‘Lucky Dip’. Therefore, you could end up getting 80/1 odds on a bet that would usually be priced significantly lower than that.
This is truly on of the most entertaining and innovative betting site features we’ve come across recently, and is just one of the many things that makes Betano worth checking out. The ‘Lucky Dip’ feature is available 24/7 from the tabs on the left side of the Betano interface.
Latest Awards Won by Betano
Sports Betting Operator of the Year at BiS 2023.
BetMGM
BetMGM opened for business in the UK online sports betting market in 2023 from a world-famous brand. With a sportsbook packed with tremendous odds and some great features, BetMGM is an impressive addition to the sector.
New customers can collect a generous MGM welcome bonus offer and access to impressive, long-standing promotions. There is an innovative, user-friendly app with more than 10k downloads from Google Play and a rating of 4.8 from 300+ reviews at the App Store, which is a strong start.
Latest BetMGM Features
One of the unique features of BetMGM is their free-to-play Golden Goals prediction game. A share of £5,000 is available to the player/players each week with the highest number of correct score predictions if the jackpot is not won. The jackpot is up to £2m.
Punters can get up to £5,000 extra through their Golden Acca promotion. This is a unique spin, as BetMGM credits 5x Profit Boosts worth up to £1,000 each for successful acca during a promotional week.
Latest Awards Won by BetMGM
While the BetMGM ‘golden era’ in the UK is still in its infancy, there are, as yet, no awards to have gone their way. However, they did rank as the number one most downloaded betting app in the UK during the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.
Virgin Bet
Virgin Bet entered the UK online betting arena in 2019. They entered with a bang and have continued to provide an impressive platform for users. Naturally, being part of such a big brand immediately helped them establish trust and recognition.
But they have had the quality product to back it up. The range of long-standing Virgin Bet promotions and their leading horse racing betting coverage have been highlights of their service. Racing includes live streams and Racing Post integration.
Virgin Bet has also provided some great additional features, including an app. On the App Store, the Virgin Bet App is rated 4.8 out of approximately 10,000 ratings and is in the top 40 overall for sports apps.
Latest Virgin Bet Features
The Virgin Bet’ Money Back’ as a free bet (up to £10) if your horse loses on one specific race every weekend’ offer is one of the highlights of its brand. In many similar positions, only copy-betting selection is second, but this one at Virgin Bet covers the entire losing field, giving you a shot at nothing on the selected race.
Another of the prominent features of the site is the VirginBet Fives fantasy football game, where your selections earn you cash for goals scored.
Latest Awards Won by Virgin Bet
At the time of writing, Virgin Bet has not won any awards.
Grosvenor Sport
Part of the Rank Interactive family, Grosvenor is one of the biggest brands of land-based casinos in the UK. However, the launch of its online sportsbook has made it a hugely popular betting platform.
Boasting an extensive sportsbook covering everything from football to horse racing, basketball and esports, their user-friendly platform, backed by good customer support, has helped their journey.
New customers can collect a Double Bet token but don’t have many other sports betting promotions. However, there is access to good cashout and bet builder features on their site, which can be accessed on mobile through the Grosvenor Sports App.
Latest Grosvenor Sport Features
One of Grosvenor Sport’s most popular features is a promo where you get ‘money back as cash if your horse finishes 2nd to the SP favourite’. The offer applies to select races, and while it’s not unique, the Grosvenor Sport version tends to run across an entire meeting instead of just an individual race, making it stand out.
Grosvenor Sports also offers a unique Scratch and Win feature, in which customers attempt to match 3 icons to claim a prize. This feature is available once a day to all customers.
Latest Awards won by Grosvenor Sport
Rank Interactive operates the Grosvenor Sports website. While they have not yet won an award for sports betting, they have an award-winning Live Casino app, which hints at their quality. They were also previous Casino Operator of the Year award winners at the IAG Awards.
Betway
Betway, which Super Group owns, holds many operating licences worldwide and in the UK. Founded in 2006, it is a well-established online betting site with a strong, secure reputation.
The Betway experience includes live sports streaming, a stats-laden in-play platform, and a free bet rewards club. Horse racing coverage also includes domestic and international live streams. Betway Boosts bring added daily value to the table, and their app rates 4.3 on Google Play from more than 11,000 votes.
Latest Betway Features
The Betway’ 4 to win’ free prediction game is a popular feature at Betway, which is based on horse racing. Unlike most prediction games at online betting sites, the one at Betway is a daily affair. Entry costs nothing, and there is a total prize pot of £/€1,000 per day.
Look out for editions that cover Saturday ITV meetings when the jackpot is pushed up to £/€10,000. The goal is to predict the winners from four selected horse races (plus a tie-breaker) on the day to get a share of the daily jackpot prize.
Latest Awards Won by Betway
The Betway Group has a long history of winning awards. In 2022, they won the Esports Operator of the Year at the SBC and EGR awards.
Bet365
bet365 was founded in 2000 and is one of the world’s leading online sports betting operators. They have continued to go from strength to strength in many areas, and they were also one of the first operators to use their Bet Builder functionality across sports other than football.
bet365 customers can be assured of the same seamless experience across mobile and desktop, with all the markets offered on every device. They have over 240,000 ratings on the App Store, rated 4.7 stars. At Google Play, with 4.6 stars, the app has had over 1 million downloads and 60k reviews.
New bet365 Features
The top feature of bet365 has always been the unrivalled number of markets available on a wide array of sports. They also offer live streaming on more sports than many competitors, free to view with a funded bet365 account.
Bet365 also have strong promotions. For example, their 2-Goals Ahead Early Payout, Bore Draw Money Back, and Acca Boosts offers are excellent. For horse racing, along with live streams, there is the Bet365 Each Way Extra feature, where you can select your own place terms.
Latest Awards Won by bet365
Bet365 won the SBC Bookmaker of the Year Award 2022 and claimed the top prize in the Live Betting Product category.
Sky Bet
Sky Bet was founded in 2001 and is now owned by Flutter Entertainment. Sky Bet has gained prominence and popularity due to its outstanding football markets and easy-to-use interface. In addition, its generous new customer offer and regular double-up boosts make it a leading UK sportsbook.
With Sky Bet targeting the up-and-coming generation of online punters, it is no surprise that their app performs so well on the App Store. They currently have a 4.6-star rating and a 4.6-star rating on Google Play.
A top site for football and horse racing betting, there are many features across the platform that continue to showcase Sky Bet in a positive light.
Latest Sky Bet Features
Acca Freeze was introduced in 2023. With it, you can win a leg of your active acca early by freezing the winning score instead of letting the leg run until the final whistle.
Sky Bet innovated by adding group bets. These allowed groups of friends to add selections to an accumulator bet and follow their success through live chat functionality.
Their Super 6 prediction feature remains among the most popular free-to-play prediction games.
Latest Awards Won by SkyBet
Sky Bet won the Best Football Bookmaker Award at the SBC Awards in 2022 and was shortlisted again for 2023 (Highly Commended). They did win the Best Football Bookmaker Award at the 2023 SBC Awards.
Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes have a long history in British bookmaking, and that trusted brand awareness has shown no signs of wavering. They remain a major online betting player, helped by continuously competitive odds and a user-friendly site.
Many enhanced odds offers, like Super Price Boosts and Double Odds Boosts across many sports, bolster their extensive sportsbook. The variety of betting markets for in-play betting is impressive, and their live sports coverage is often accompanied by live streaming.
Ladbrokes is a highly rated and award-winning bookmaker. Apps are available for both iOS and Android. On the App Store, they are a top-20 rated app in the Sports category, while the Android version has had over 1 million downloads and 18k reviews at a rating of 4.1.
Latest Ladbrokes Features
The Ladbrokes 5-A-Side game is a unique concept which allows players to win cash rewards. You can choose five players to complete specific stats in a particular match.
These are stats-based bets on popular markets, such as shots, goals, passes, tackles, and cards.
You can join leaderboard challenges with your 5-A-Side team to enhance your winnings with Ladbrokes. Customers can also create bets using the #GetAPrice feature.
The 1-2-Free game is another exciting feature with £/€100 in cash up for grabs. This is a weekly game for predicting correct scores from football matches. Earn a free £/€5 bet for getting two right and a £/€1 free bet for one correct score.
Latest Awards Won by Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes now falls under the Entain umbrella of brands, which were voted Socially Responsible Operator of the Year at the 2022 SBC Awards.
Top Betting Site for Football
Our Pick: Betfair
Football is a hugely popular sport for both watching and betting. So, the football service you find with most bookmakers will be strong, but some go above and beyond to offer a perfect football betting platform, and the best of those is Betfair.
They have worldwide coverage for players to enjoy – regardless of when you log on, games that are kicking off will be available to bet on shortly. On top of this, look out for regular football enhanced special bets for the big games and promotions that you can use to improve the bets you place.
If it’s football you are looking for, the Betfair football betting site has what you want.
Top Betting Site for Horse Racing
Our Pick: bet365
Horse racing and betting have been together for many years, and now we see big online sportsbooks take their service forward to a whole new level. A leader in this field is bet365, an excellent horse racing platform enhanced by great promotions and bonuses.
Whether it’s free bets for backing winners at big odds, enhanced place terms on big races, or money back offers, there is always something for punters to claim on this site. This will improve your regular betting, and this comes alongside the fact that the odds on offer here are very competitive, which already gives you a good deal.
Bet365 also offers ante-post, a free game, price boosts (including super boosts, which sometimes are incredible odds, e.g., Constitution Hill to win at an event rather than 1/3, etc.), extra-place races, and the best odds guaranteed from 8 a.m. each day. They also make a price promise on ITV racing, where they won’t be beaten on price for all UK and Irish races on ITV.
If it’s horse racing betting and a great deal you want, bet365 offers a great horse racing betting experience.
Top Betting Site For Cricket
Our Pick: Unibet
Whether you’re a fan of the IPL or the County Championship, cricket betting is as diverse as ever. Most bookmakers will now be live and up to date with games worldwide, providing comprehensive coverage and in-play betting.
For those who are particular fans of in-play markets, William Hill, Bet365, Paddy Power, and Betfair will provide comprehensive live odds on a wide variety of possibilities across all the biggest matches. Unibet is one of the only UK betting sites enabling users to live stream cricket, significantly enhancing the in-play betting experience.
Should you be a cricket fan and want to bet in-play now, simply click on any of the links to the bookmaker you choose. Certain sign-up offers will enable you to start betting on cricket straight away, and free bets will be released for you to use once you meet the offer criteria.
Top Betting Site For Rugby
Our Pick: Sky Bet
Fans of rugby league and union have never been so spoilt for choice in terms of betting. The big names comprehensively cover all the big fixtures, and no sport has welcomed and incorporated handicap markets quite as well as rugby has.
Because of the sheer breadth and depth of rugby coverage, it is hard to beat Sky Bet. The betting giants are consistently the fastest to update their enormous sprawl of markets. While they do not offer bet builders for rugby like Bet365, they offer an extraordinary number of price boosts, even for the smaller fixtures.
You can sign up with Sky Bet today and bet just 5p to get £30 in free bets, which you can use on any of their many rugby markets.
Top Betting Site For Tennis
Our Pick: BoyleSports
Thanks to the large chunk of the calendar year that it takes up, tennis is a popular sport that grabs a lot of betting attention. The Grand Slam tennis action starts in early January with the Australian Open, before the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open follow throughout the year,
Between the four tennis majors, there are numerous tournaments at the different levels of the men’s and women’s games on the ATP and WTA, respectively, and BoyleSports is one of the few sites that supports live streaming for events such as these throughout the tennis calendar.
BoyleSports recognises the almost innumerable tennis match betting opportunities presented by these tournaments, offering great odds across a range of tennis markets. Of course, picking tournament and match winners is popular, but tennis is a sport that truly lends itself to in-play betting, which is why we appreciate BoyleSports supporting live streaming for tennis alongside their impressive selection of in-play tennis markets and tennis-focussed bet boosts.
Top Betting Site For Golf
Our pick: Paddy Power
Golf is a sport that lends itself naturally to betting, and Paddy Power is undoubtedly one of the best betting sites for golf. Paddy Power features an incredible number of promotions and odds boosts relating to golf betting markets throughout the season, and their welcome offer can be used on golf, which isn’t always the case at other betting sites in the UK.
Another reason for choosing Paddy Power as the best golf betting site is their tips and predictions. Again, this isn’t something you’ll find at other betting sites, which usually reserve their tips for betting on football.
At Paddy Power, however, you can receive golf betting tips whenever a major golfing event occurs. At the time of writing, for example, four or five golf tips articles for the Open Championships are being published on Paddy Power. These tips range from short odds to long odds and come from experienced golfing experts and former players.
How We Rank the Best Sports Betting Sites
We have given our thoughts on the best UK betting sites, but you need to know and understand how we made that decision. This is not something we take lightly, and there are many factors involved in choosing which sites go on our ranking list.
Here are the main focus points of our research, which all combine to rank the betting sites in order.
- The welcome bonus
- Regular promotions for existing customers
- Odds on offer
- Number of sports/leagues/markets to bet on
- Payment and withdrawal methods
- Customer service options and opening times
- Licensing and regulation
- Mobile and live betting options
- User-friendly website
Read more about how we rate and rank bookmakers on our Methodology page.
Betting Markets Explained
Betting markets or bet types are specific outcomes of an event. Operators use them to guide you on your decision when punting on a particular sport. For example, in a football match, you may be offered the following betting markets:
- The match winner
- The first goalscorer
- The correct score
- Half-time/full-time
Another example, in horse racing, you may be offered the following bet types:
- Double (bet on two outcomes in different events)
- Lucky 15 (four selections, with stakes divided into four single bets, four trebles, six doubles, and a four-fold accumulator)
- Placepot (betting on a horse in six different races at the same racecourse on the same day)
- Accumulator (bet on four or more horses in one bet)
Each of these betting markets will have different odds associated with it, and it is up to you to decide which one you think is most likely to occur. In general, the more risky the bet, the higher the potential return will be.
Things to Consider Before Opening a New Bookmaker Account
You may have found your ideal betting platform, offering the welcome bonus, regular promotions you want, and all the betting markets you need. However, before jumping in, just a few final checks need to be made.
Safety and Security
Betting is an enjoyable pastime, but you won’t enjoy things if you feel unsafe and secure on your betting site. You must check that the site has a license from the UK Gambling Commission, that the site is secure, and that you are with a company that takes player safety very seriously.
Payment Options
Part of feeling safe online while betting involves the payment methods you use. Check out what the site has available, and make sure you are comfortable using one, ideally something you have used online before.
Mobile Ready
Many people look to place bets on a mobile device, but you need to ensure your operator is fully mobile-ready, and you are, too. This means checking if they have an app available for your type of device, finding out how to download it, and then adding it to your phone after completing the sign-up process.
Typical Terms And Conditions For Bookmaker Offers
All bookmakers will insist upon the following terms and conditions:
- All users must be 18+ only.
- All offers will have a minimum price at which a qualifying bet may be placed, usually around 1/2.
- Free bet credits cannot be withdrawn and must be used.
- New customer offers cannot be combined with any other offer.
- There will often be time limits within the conditions of the offer. Make sure to write.
How to Open a Bookmaker Account Step by Step
Opening a bookmaker account is simple. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to sign up if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
- Choose the offer you would like to claim and head over to that bookmaker. Our link will take you to the landing page.
- Sign up for a new account, enter your details, and remember to verify the account immediately to avoid any delays and problems in the future.
- The next stage is to make your first deposit. If this will be used as part of your welcome bonus, ensure you deposit an amount and use a method that is eligible for the offer.
- The only part left to do is place your bets. Again, if your offer depends on your bets, check the minimum stake and odds requirement and any other terms attached to ensure the offer is valid.
- Please note that a bookmaker may require you to pass some several our Customers) Check before making your first deposit or withdrawal. This involves you sending some identification (such as your passport or driver’s licence) and some proof of address (such as a recent utility bill or bank statement). These are usually verified very quickly, but you cannot withdraw until you’ve passed these checks.
What to Do if a Bookmaker Refuses to Pay Out on a Bet?
A situation like this is rare but has been known to happen at certain UK betting sites. If, for whatever reason, a bookmaker fails to pay you your money after a successful bet, here are a few steps you can take:
- Check for a UKGC licence – First and foremost, always make sure you’re playing at a trusted betting site by checking for a UKGC licence.
- Keep a record – Be sure to keep a record of the bets that you’ve placed. These should be visible in your account history, but make an effort to record these elsewhere in case you lose access to your account.
- Read the T&Cs – If you haven’t received your money, it might be that you violate a particular term or condition. For example, if you haven’t received money from free bet winnings, it’s possible that you didn’t satisfy certain odds requirements or payment method restrictions.
- Contact customer support – If you didn’t spot any violation of the terms and conditions, contact customer support. This can usually be done by email, live chat, or by phone.
- Report to IBAS – The ‘Independent Betting Adjudication Service’ is an independent, third party organisation that steps in to settle gambling disputes with licensed UK operators. Report your dispute to IBAS, and they will step in and look to resolve the issue on your behalf, often by taking legal action.
- Take legal action – If you’re unsatisfied with IBAS’s ruling and are certain you aren’t violating any policy, you’re free to take legal action against the betting site.
What Makes the Best Online Betting Sites?
There are over 150 UK bookmakers, so what separates the best from the rest? Below is a list of what we consider to be the most integral aspects of the best betting sites, and you should always have these features in mind when deciding which bookie to sign up to:
- Competitive odds – It’s always a good idea to compare your odds with other betting sites to ensure you’re getting a good price;
- Selection of sports, leagues and markets – Make sure all your preferred sports and markets are on offer at your chosen betting site, including niche options that aren’t available elsewhere.
- Great bonuses and promotions – A big welcome bonus is must, but promotions for existing customers – such as free bet builders and odds boosts – are just as important.
- Live betting and mobile betting – These are essential in modern betting sites, and you should be able to make live bets while on the go without having to endure slow loading times.
- Licensing and security – Sites should have a valid UKGC licence, and prioritise player safety by only providing secure payment methods for players to use.
- User-friendly platform – Everything on the best betting sites is built with the customer in mind – we want to see very simple and easy to use platforms packed with great gambling options.
- Bet builders – Bet builders let you combine multiple selections on a single event into one accumulator and have become an integral part of sports betting in the UK.
- Live streaming – The best betting sites will offer live streaming on selected events, usually provided you have placed a bet on the event in question. This feature has the most coverage on horse racing, but you can also stream football, tennis and other sports at some UK betting sites.
- Cash out – This feature is a must at betting sites, allowing you to settle your bets early for a partial profit return or to recover some losses. The best betting sites will also offer partial cash out to secure some winnings while part of your stake remains active.
Which is the Best New Betting Site With an App?
In our opinion, Bet365 is the best online betting app. The mobile betting industry is a battleground for those trying to convince the new wave of mobile-only players to get on board and sign up, and Bet365 have come out on top in recent years, as indicated by their high user rating of 4.7 on the App Store.
The Bet365 app has everything you could wish for – it is full of diverse betting markets, all promotions can be claimed on the app, and on top of that, it is rapid and easy to use.
The Bet365 service is known for its size, but everything is listed on this small mobile app that you can keep on your phone. It gives you instant access to one of the best sportsbooks on the planet from your pocket. You can also enable push notifications so that you never miss a beat when it comes to new betting site promotions and bonuses at Bet365.
Bookie Frequently Asked Questions
If you win a bet against the bookmaker, they will pay out your winnings. However, if they have lost or cancelled your bet, they might deny your winnings. This is unusual, though, and you can always contact customer service or report them to IBAS.
According to the UKGC, there were 175 active betting sites in the UK. However, this figure was announced in April 2023, which is now likely closer to 200.
Yes, most betting sites offer online casino games alongside their sportsbooks. These tend to come with bonuses and have their own devoted section.
When choosing your UK betting site, you should always choose one that is licensed and regulated to offset any risk.
Rewrite in a better way: The best betting sites are up to the interpretation of the punter and their needs. After evaluating 43 bookmakers, our team found that BetMGM stands out as the best choice. See our methodology here. The UK’s online bookmakers offer a wider selection of features, including exchange betting sites, free-to-play games, enhanced odds & price boosts, live streaming of major sporting events and more. Depending on what you’re looking for from an online sports betting site, we’ll guide you through the best options on this page.
To verify your betting account, you will need to send in documents to prove your name, date of birth and address, such as a passport, driving license or utility bill.
Gambling is a mixture between skill and luck, researching your bets will improve your probability to win, however, sports betting results are outside of your control. Most importantly, gambling should always be fun and if you find that it isn’t fun for you and need help, then make sure you head over to https://www.gambleaware.org/ for help and support.
comfortable with. The available options should include debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, pre-paid cards and mobile payment methods.
Spread betting does not depend on a win or lose outcome like a traditional bet. Instead, spread betting is determined by the accuracy of a specific prediction. The more a particular event happens that you place a spread bet on, the more you stand to win. In many ways, spread betting works like a financial market in that you “buy” more of the spreads you think will win and “sell” any you believe will lose.
It is very rare for bookmakers to charge withdrawal or deposit fees anymore. Indeed, it is now possible to withdraw smaller amounts than ever before, which is perfect for those who like to bet with low stakes.
You can do little once a betting site bans you from using its services. However, that does not mean you cannot open a new customer account with a different site and continue betting elsewhere.
Opening a new customer account with almost every betting site is incredibly straightforward. Simply click on any of the links on this page or around our site and follow the instructions to create a new account, Once you’ve put in some details, your account will open up immediately.
The accuracy of odds is a somewhat subjective subject, but betting exchanges sites like Betfair are most likely to give you accurate odds, because there will be no overround or ‘vig’ applied to give the bookmaker an edge.
Most betting sites will not allow you to deposit using cryptocurrencies, but you can fund certain e-wallet accounts, like Neteller, with crypto and then use that account to deposit.
Simply put, betting sites will typically ban bettors they suspect of ‘arbing’. They have means of detecting arbitrage in sports betting, although they cannot return any winnings from successful arbers.
Odds on an event can change before the event has started, either because of team or event information, or because of line movement. This will have an effect on your cash out value.