Best Football Betting Websites
Football betting has recently overtaken horse racing to become the most popular sport among bettors. This is due to a number of factors, including the rise of live broadcasters such as Sky, together with the increase in in-play markets.
There’s simply a bigger buzz around football these days, and that’s been carried over into the sports betting industry. There is a bigger choice of sportsbooks than ever before, and that makes it extremely important to find the right home for your bets.
Understanding Football Betting Online
Football betting can be quite simple. For many bettors, particularly those who are just starting out, it’s all about picking the team that you think will win a match. Do some research into the teams and make a selection.
The wider reach of the internet has simply given us a few more options. A full round-up of additional markets will be listed, but the most popular side bets include First Goal scorer, Both Teams to Score (Yes or No) and Total Goals.
Partly because of that wider reach and the additional markets, football has now become the most popular sport to bet on.
Why Trustworthy Football Betting Websites are Crucial
When you bet on football, you are using your own funds, so it’s vital that you play with a trusted betting site. In addition, each sportsbook will ask for basic personal information and, when they hold those funds, they must also protect your financial details.
Sports betting providers must be licensed and regulated to provide betting services in your country of origin, and this is your first sign of trust. Look for full details of that license at the bottom of the company’s homepage.
A trusted bookmaker should employ strong levels of security to ensure that those details are also protected from unwanted third parties. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology is the key to ensuring this.
You have funds in the account and you have passed on your personal details, so it’s vital that you play with a trusted site. A trustworthy bookie has other advantages too including fair odds, and fast and secure deposits and withdrawals.
Criteria for Evaluating Football Betting Websites
A number of factors are assessed when compiling the recommended football betting websites list. Firstly, we carry on with that theme of safety and security. We simply would not recommend a bookmaker who isn’t licensed and regulated and doesn’t take your security seriously.
Once licensing has been established, we look for other factors. We want value for money in all areas, and sports betting should be no exception. Recommended bookmakers should have competitive odds for football and all other sports.
The best football bookmakers also have a wide variety of bets. In the modern age, it’s not all about betting on the result, and there should be a big selection of side markets too.
Each sportsbook should back up its platform with good infrastructure. We want them to provide fast and effective customer service, along with a number of ways to fund the account. Deposits and withdrawals should be fast and, ideally, there will be no charges.
It also helps when the website is neatly laid out and it’s easy to navigate our way around and has a fast loading time.
Comprehensive Review of The Top Football Betting Sites
- SBK
Best for: Tech-savvy Bettors who prefer a clean, mobile-focused interface and peer-reviewed odds.
Founded in 2019, SBK has managed to achieve something truly unusual in the sports betting industry. The Bookmaker can only be accessed via a mobile app and, while that’s not completely unique, it’s a strong selling point.
Sign-ups, welcome bonuses and all betting can only be carried out via mobile. It means that SBK is flexible and can be accessed at any time and from anywhere.
SBK are not just a gimmick. If you compare football odds across a selection of markets, you will find that they frequently rise to the top. Those superb odds are matched with frequent offers and promotions.
It’s all backed up with a great choice of football markets, including Bet Builder options, plus efficient customer service.
Pros:
- Mobile friendly bookmaker
- Excellent odds
- Effective customer service
Cons:
- Not available on desktop
- Rhino Bet
Best Football Betting Site For: Bettors who value a user-friendly interface and prefer a new, innovative platform
It’s tough for a new bookmaker to break into the competitive world of football betting, but Rhino Bet has done it in style. They run a very striking website which combines a bright design with easy navigation.
Football markets are abundant and customers can often find promotions attached to the biggest games. Bet builder options via the special tool show that Rhino Bet is a bookmaker that likes to move with the times. There is a huge overall list of sports here and this is a new bookie with some fresh ideas.
Pros:
- User-friendly website
- Huge set of football markets
- Wide choice of sports
Cons:
- Help options difficult to find
- SkyBet
Best Football Betting Site For: Fans of Sky Sports who like their betting experience integrated with their sports viewing
Anyone who follows football can’t fail to be aware of SkyBet. They are attached to the Sky Sports brand which broadcasts thousands of live games across the year. SkyBet is, therefore, the first choice for many sports fans, and they certainly go big on football.
SkyBet also aims to be a fair bookmaker with no wagering requirements on offers, while free bet refunds are often given as cash. As you’d expect for a sportsbook where football is so important, there is a huge set of markets and the exceptional odds here are tough to beat.
Pros:
- Great package for Sky viewers
- Weekly free bet club
- Fair terms on offers
Cons:
- The list of restricted countries is bigger than most
- Bet Goodwin
Best Football Betting Site For: Bettors looking for a niche, independent bookmaker with a personalized customer experience.
Bet Goodwin likes to position itself as a traditional bookmaker. It aims to give the kind of personal service that you used to find in the days prior to online betting. That’s why players will find customer service to be among the fastest and friendliest around.
This is a site which covers the main sports extensively. Football is an important part of the package, and there are more markets here than at most other outlets. While there may not be too many promotions at Bet Goodwin, the value is here via competitive, everyday odds.
Pros:
- Personalised experience
- Excellent odds
- Helpful customer service
Cons:
- Fewer promotions
- Betway
Best Football Betting Site For: Bettors looking for consistent promotions and a comprehensive live betting platform.
Betway was established in 2007 and has quickly become a favourite football betting site for many. There are a number of plus points here, with one or two standouts. Firstly, the live platform is exceptional and Betway is among the market leaders for in-play bets.
Customers will also find more offers here than with most bookies. Promotions are always subject to change, but these will start with a generous welcome deal. Regular follow up offers can be found, including daily price boosts.
Betway gives extensive coverage to football, so expect to see lots of markets at impressive odds.
Pros:
- Excellent live betting platform
- Weekly free bet club
- Competitive odds
Cons:
- Fewer promotions
- Bet365
Best Football Betting Site For: People looking for a vast range of in-play betting markets and live streaming
While they have their competition, bet365 is widely accepted to be the pioneer of live football betting. They have more available markets than anyone else, and they provide access to comprehensive live streaming, so you can usually watch your bet play out in real-time.
While there is that focus on live markets, we shouldn’t forget everything else that bet365 has to offer. They are another bookmaker who is often at the top with the best odds, particularly in the side markets. Bet365 also declare much earlier than most, so you should be able to find long range, ante-post options. Customer service is fast and friendly and there are many available deposit and withdrawal options.
Pros:
- Exceptional live platform
- Comprehensive live streaming
- Consistently strong odds
Cons:
- Can be difficult to find pre-match markets
- Paddy Power
Best Football Betting Site For: Individuals looking for humour and novelty bets in addition to a full sportsbook offering.
Paddy Power is well known for its creative approach to marketing. Some of their TV advertising has been hilarious, and it’s certainly helped them to build their customer base. But there is a serious side to Paddy Power and it’s reflected in excellent odds for all core sports.
Each football match should have over 100 markets to choose from, and they are backed up by excellent odds in each case. You can often claim price boosts and special Bet Builder options which can boost that value.
It’s a superb all-round package which combines choice and value. Paddy will also offer helpful customer service and a number of ways to fund the account.
Pros:
- Big choice of football markets
- Special bet builders
- An engaging approach to customers
Cons:
- Fewer regular promos
- Ladbrokes
Best Football Betting Site For: Traditionalists who value a bookmaker with a long-established history and a high street presence.
Ladbrokes are the oldest betting brand still in existence. They have been trading for more than a hundred years, and they have always enjoyed a big high street presence. This helps to ensure a loyal following from bettors of a certain generation.
The bookmaker likes to move with the times, and younger bettors are interested in a smart website with lots of offers and promotions.
Ladbrokes remain traditional in their approach to football betting. They cover more matches and more markets than most, and their competitive odds are backed by regular price boosts. New innovations such as a Bet Builder tool help them to keep pace with the modern betting environment.
Pros:
- Regular price boosts
- More matches covered
- Simple to follow promotions
Cons:
- Smaller choice of niche sports
- William Hill
Best Football Betting Site For: People who appreciate a robust selection of betting markets and frequent promotional offers.
William Hill is another long-established betting brand who have enjoyed a big presence on the high street since the 1960s. The older generation is familiar with the company and they remain loyal to them.
Once again, this is a bookmaker looking to attract younger clients through the online website. They were one of the first sportsbooks to go digital and they have been quick to embrace new innovations such as cash out and bet building.
William Hill offers some of the best possible odds for football and their prices are tough to beat. You can expect to see hundreds of markets for the big UK games, and this is a good choice as your first football bookie.
Pros:
- Excellent odds
- Wide choice of side bets
- Comprehensive live streaming
Cons:
- Fewer overseas matches covered
- Kwiff
Best Football Betting Site For: Individuals who enjoy the chance of having their odds randomly boosted on any given bet.
Kwiff like to do things a little differently from other bookmakers. Firstly, they are focused mainly on mobile, although they can now be accessed via static devices. Secondly, while promotions are subject to change, the welcome deal is likely to give players a ‘surprise free bet’.
After a qualifying stake is made, Kwiff decides what your free bet is going to cover.
The main USP at Kwiff involves their random bet boosts. Any customer who wins a bet stands a chance of having their returns ‘Kwiffed’ so they are considerably higher. It’s a rare thing, but there are some significant sums involved.
With a wide choice of football markets included, this is an interesting option.
Pros:
- Surprise welcome deal
- Chance of earning boosted profits
- Good selection of football markets
Cons:
- Regular odds may not be as competitive
- Unibet
Best Football Betting Site For: bettors who prefer an intuitive interface and a wide variety of sports to bet on, especially for European markets.
Founded in 1997, Unibet were originally a betting community before it became a sportsbook. Since then, that sense of community is still evident in their platform. This is a helpful bookmaker who likes to publish lots of stats relating to football, so you can see who is in top form.
Another real plus point here is the live streaming which many feel is second to none. That live streaming backs up a wide set of in-play markets, but Unibet is also strong on pre-match football. You’ll find excellent odds across an extensive set of football markets.
Pros:
- Unrivalled live streaming
- Efficient customer service
- Excellent live platform
Cons:
- Lower value promotions
- Betfred
Best Football Betting Site For: those who want a wide array of betting products, including a solid sportsbook, casino games and lotto.
Betfred was established in 1967 to take advantage of the new rise in betting shops. This is another well-known brand who like to move with the times by adopting new strategies. They were among the first to combine their sports betting site with casino, lotto and other games.
There remains a traditional feel here, with lots of football options. One of the big advantages is that Betfred issues many football promotions including Double Delight and Hat-Trick Heaven. Odds are always competitive and this is a one-stop shop for football bettors.
Pros:
- Established betting brand
- Diverse platform
- Lots of promotions
Cons:
- Fewer ‘niche’ sports
- Betfair
Best Football Betting Site For: Bettors who like the flexibility to both place bets in a traditional manner, and to trade bets with other users on the Betfair Exchange.
Betfair changed the betting landscape when it introduced its exchange. Suddenly, bettors were not betting against a traditional sportsbook, and were forming wagers with their contemporaries instead.
The way that an exchange works can often lead to better football odds, particularly in the live markets. That’s a big positive and one of the main reasons why they have built a big global customer base. Betfair also has a sportsbook for those who prefer to do things in the traditional way.
Pros:
- Higher odds on exchange betting
- The biggest set of exchange markets
- Wide set of funding options
Cons:
- Higher commission than other exchanges
- Betzone
Best Football Betting Site For: Bettors seeking a fresh and modern platform with generous welcome bonuses.
They might be an unfamiliar name to some, but BetZone has actually been around since 1973. In the digital era, they maintain a modern feel, thanks to an intuitive platform that is easy to navigate. You can find all of your favourite sports quite quickly, and there are lots of football markets to choose from.
The value at Betzone comes from some seriously generous bonuses. It all starts with a great welcome deal and there are other promos for the life of the account. Choice and value are backed by solid infrastructure including effective customer service.
Pros:
- Easy to navigate
- High levels of security
- Excellent welcome offers
Cons:
- Lower regular odds at times
- 888Sport
Best Football Betting Site For: bettors who enjoy a variety of betting options, including sports, poker and casino games.
The 888 holdings group are one of the oldest online gambling companies. They have a big and diverse presence and this allows them to publish other gaming options including poker and casino.
Those that prefer sports betting will find an extensive range of markets for football. There are more options for the big games than at most sportsbooks and that list is backed by exceptional odds
888Sport has more promotions than most, although many of these now relate to Bet Builders. It’s another good all-round package of choice and value.
Pros:
- Diverse gaming platform
- Wide choice of markets
- Competitive odds
Cons:
- Fewer general promotions
Comparing the Best Football Betting Sites in the UK
| Bookmaker | Odds | Promotions | User Experience | Customer Support | Special Features | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.95 |
| Paddy Power | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.90 |
| SkyBet | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.80 |
| BetFred | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.75 |
| William Hill | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4.70 |
| Ladbrokes | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.65 |
| Betway | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.60 |
| 888Sport | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.60 |
| Betfair | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4.55 |
| Unibet | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4.40 |
| Kwiff | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4.30 |
| Betzone | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.25 |
| SBK | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.15 |
| Rhino Bet | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.10 |
| Bet Goodwin | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3.90 |
Different Bets That You Can Place on Football
For the big football games, the best sports betting sites will list well over a hundred different markets. Listing a comprehensive range of football bets provides a better customer experience and it helps those sites to make it onto our recommendation list.
Naturally, it should all begin with the match result. It’s still the most popular football market, and a good place to start if you’re new to betting.
Football can also provide a wide selection of side markets, known as prop bets in some parts of the world. There are side bets that relate to the players and some that rely on one or both teams.
Examples of player bets include:
- First Goalscorer
- Anytime Goalscorer
- Last Goalscorer
- Player to receive a card – yes/no
Popular team bets include:
- Both Teams to Score – yes/no
- Total Combined Goals
- Total Goals for specified team
These are the more common bets, but there are many more. Winning margin, correct score, and team to win to nil are among the vast list of football bets that are available in modern-day football betting.
How Do You Win a Football Bet?
In football, you stake on a certain outcome such as Team A to beat Team B in a match. You choose a stake and confirm that in your online betting slip.
If Team A wins that game, your bet also wins.
How to Predict a Football Match?
Serious bettors undertake a lot of research before they stake on a football match. Statistically, the team playing at home has a better chance of winning, but this won’t always be the case.
Form is also important, and you should study recent results for each side. Also, look at any recent injuries to key players that might affect performance.
Head-to-head results can also be important. It’s easy to check on any recent games between the two teams. Is there a pattern emerging where one side has won the majority of those matches? There will never be any firm guarantees, but thorough research should offer a better chance of the odds turning in your favour.