Best betting sites for UK sports punters | London Daily News

When it comes to finding the best betting sites, punters are often looking for platforms that combine reliability, competitive odds, diverse betting markets, and seamless user experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just getting started, choosing the right sportsbook is essential to maximising your success and enjoyment. In this article, we rank the top 10 best betting sites in the United Kingdom, highlighting their key features, bonuses, and what sets them apart from the competition. BetUK is our favourite, discover why.

List of the Best UK Betting Sites

Among the several worthy contenders available for punters in the United Kingdom, only a handful manage to stand out from the crowd. These are the top 10 best betting sites for a punter in the UK:

1. BetUK: Best for Bet Builder
2. Spreadex: Best for Spread Betting
3. BetMGM: Best for Betting on American Sports
4. BetGoodwin: Excellent for Horse Racing Bets
5. Betfred: Excellent Set of Football Offers
6. Bet365: Best for Live Streaming Experience
7. Fafabet: Best Modern Sportsbook with Great Interface
8. Luckster: Best for Cash Out
9. Sporting Index: Best for Betting on Football
10. Betfair: Best for Fast Payouts

This list of the top sportsbooks was compiled by our team of experts. But if you want a different take, Business Insider’s list of offshore sportsbooks is mandatory reading for anyone who wants to research the best offshore sportsbooks available.

1. BetUK – Best for Bet Builder

BetUK is a brand with multiple product offerings for sports punters and occasional casino gamers.

Betting Variety and Options

BetUK is a brand that manages to provide coverage of 30+ sports. The big focus for the brand falls on horse racing, football, and tennis. For those keen on football betting, the odds are very competitive and coverage is excellent. One can even find markets on the domestic leagues across the globe while several football-specific offers are also available.

Mobile and Desktop Comparison

BetUK offers official apps for the App Store and Play Store. Both enjoy excellent ratings of 4.6 and 4.2 on these two platforms. The desktop is a modern interface with a clean and refreshing feel. A simple navigation bar gives easy access to all sports markets, while promotions are also easily laid out.

How do the features stack up?

The key pillars of BetUK that make it one of the best betting sites are:

• Live streaming – The availability of a live streaming feature on BetUK is a welcome addition but punters will only come across streams on greyhound racing and horseracing from the UK and Ireland. The number of football matches streamed is limited but they are growing in number.
• Cash Out – Cash Out option is available on every sport.
• Bet Builder – The Bet Builder feature comes with support for a decent number of markets while there are also premade acca bets.

2. Spreadex – Best for Spread Betting

Established in 1999, Spreadex is a platform that has provided sports betting and financial trading options and is known as one of the safest betting sites online.

Betting Variety and Options

The betting options on Spreadex are spread over 20+ sports with some markets on politics and entertainment also offered. The major markets from Spreadex can be found in football, golf, horse racing, and cricket. Even in the in-play betting section, 17 of these sports are covered with a wide selection of markets.

Mobile and Desktop Comparison

Spreadex provides official apps for Android and iOS devices. The Android app has a 4.0 rating but the iOS version enjoys a much better 4.7 rating. Both have similar functionalities that allow them to access spread betting, live streams, and Cash Out features. The desktop site is an overload of information even with a powerful navigation bar. It does take fewer clicks to reach your favourite market on the desktop site.

How do the features stack up?

• Welcome bonus – The new players get £50 in free bets after a first bet of £25 and this is one of the larger bonuses for newcomers at the best betting sites.
• Live streams – Spreadex offers live streams on greyhound racing, horse racing, NFL, and tennis

3. BetMGM –Best for Betting on American Sports

BetMGM has a strong presence in the North American markets, but it entered into the UK market only in 2023. Yet, the experience from the US has helped BetMGM offer a polished product.

Betting Variety and Options

The UK version of BetMGM covers an extensive range of global sports like football, tennis, cricket, and horseracing. However, it also has the pillars of North American sports – basketball, baseball, and American football – covered in extensive detail. For example, the odds on NFL matches are very competitive with BetMGM often providing the best prices.

Mobile and Desktop Comparison

BetMGM’s Android experience may not be the greatest even on the official app, but the product on the App Store receives positive reviews. Both apps are able to offer a similar set of promotions and betting options to the user.

How do the features stack up?

• Welcome bonus – BetMGM provides a substantial welcome bonus worth £40 in free bets for a bet of just £10. Even the terms associated with the offer are very moderate.
• Live streams – BetMGM is excellent when providing live streams on American sports even if a punter is able to watch several other events in horse racing and football.

4. BetGoodwin – Excellent for Horse Racing Bets

BetGoodwin has been in operation since 1997 and it is a bookmaker with a specific focus on horse racing and greyhound racing.

Betting Variety and Options

Even though BetGoodwin manages to cover 25+ sports as part of the package, punters are likely to notice the heavy skew towards horse racing and greyhound racing immediately after landing on the platform. All races taking place in the UK and Ireland are covered along with global events like the Kentucky Derby. The sport which enjoys more attention on BetGoodwin after horseracing happens to be football. For betting on top football events like the Premier League, punters can expect more than 140 markets for a match.

Mobile and Desktop Comparison

There are official mobile app offerings from BetGoodwin for Android and iOS. Both have been equipped with a decent set of features but the desktop site wins the battle. The desktop site is able to use traditional real estate extremely well with easy access to top sports events, customisable bet slip, and a stable in-play betting section.

How do the features stack up?

• New account offer – A new user is offered a £25 free bet at 50% of the state on first-day losses.
• Exclusive horse racing offers – BetGoodwin is outstanding when it comes to horseracing offers with several free bets and best odds guaranteed

5. Betfred – Excellent Set of Football Offers

Betfred comes into the picture as one of the best betting sites for placing a wager on football. The brand has almost one million active customers with operations in different parts of the globe.

Betting Variety and Options

Betfred provides betting markets on 20+ sports with a distinct focus on football and horse racing. Other sports that find favour on the Betfred platform include tennis, cricket, greyhound racing, and golf. The availability of several accumulator insurance offers is likely to come in handy for punters given the widespread betting variety on offer. Still, Betfred can improve its offering in the eSports segment.

Mobile and Desktop Comparison

There are apps from Betfred for Android and iOS. Both enjoy favourable responses from users and it is as feature-rich as the desktop version. The desktop site has been delightfully done with a blue theme and everything is within reach. The desktop site can do better in terms of delivering more statistics to the user. The markets also can be quite difficult to find and sort on the popular events.

How do the features stack up?

• Welcome offers – Despite the popularity of Betfred, the brand provides a £50 free bet offer for customers when they place a £10 bet on any sport.
• Football-specific offers – Betfred has a slew of offers focused on football. Some of these offers reward users for hat-tricks, accumulators, goal scorers, and more.

6. Bet365 – Best for Live Streaming Experience

Bet365 is one of the global leaders for betting on sports. This is considered one of the best betting sites in many parts of the world.

Betting Variety and Options

Bet365 can be one of the best when it comes to betting variety with almost 40+ sports available to bet on the platform. Cricket and football enjoy maximum focus on the platform which usually ranks high for odds on the top events.

Mobile and Desktop Comparison

Bet365 has no major differences from the desktop site and it even comes with the option of watching live streams. Available on Android and iOS, the app from Bet365 is able to offer a stable betting experience just as on the desktop site, which is particularly good for in-play bets.

How do the features stack up?

• Welcome bonus – Bet365’s welcome bonus is not humongous with players getting access to £30 in free bets while they make a bet of £10. In my experience, there are bookmakers with better offers for new players.
• Live streaming – Bet365 excels when it comes to live streaming with more than 100,000 events covered every year. Apart from the coverage, it is also easy to access the streams on mobile or desktop.
• Bet Builder – For an operator with such a huge variety of markets, the Bet Builder being equipped very well does not come as a surprise. One can even enjoy Cash Out on all selections made through Bet Builder.

7. Fafabet – Best Modern Sportsbook with Great Interface

Fafabet is one of the new players to enter the market having been online only since 2021. Yet, this also works to the benefit of Fafabet with its modern interface and features.

Betting Variety and Options

The primary betting markets at Fafabet revolve around horse racing, football, and rugby union. For someone betting on football, this is a great destination with more than 100 options available for popular events. Furthermore, punters are presented with the ‘create a bet’ option within a particular event to fine-tune their bets.

Mobile and Desktop Comparison

As a new entrant into the sports betting space, Fafabet has taken the right steps with a modern interface which is clean and crisp. This status extends to the app as well. All features like live betting and live streaming can be used even on the app.

How do the features stack up?

• Welcome offer – Fafabet can be rewarding for users not just in the sports section but also in the casino, as new users get up to £50 in free bets and a £20 casino bonus. The sports bonus will function as a cashback with 50% of the first day losses being refunded as free bets.

8. Luckster – Best for Cash Out

Luckster is one of the new-age platforms having been launched only in 2022. It has quickly grown into a top destination where punters can get Cash Out at all times.

Betting Variety and Options

Luckster is the new kid on the block and they have tried to make sure that maximum focus goes towards the top sports like football and horse racing. The brand also tries to create a decent identity by providing good choices in niche markets. One can get sufficient markets for eSports tournaments. The lack of promotional offers in a big way can be a disappointment.

Mobile and Desktop Comparison

The modern nature of Luckster is apparent from the desktop design where everything is kept clean and simple. The desktop site works extremely well to be able to provide a ton of information without having to navigate much. Meanwhile, the lack of a dedicated app is a big blow but Luckster users can manage to a great extent with the mobile site, which is very functional.

How do the features stack up?

• Welcome offer – The welcome offer is a relatively modest £10 free bet for a £10 bet. In my experience, I have certainly come across the best betting sites offering much more as a new player bonus.
• Live streaming – The live streaming functionality is a big miss with Luckster unable to offer one.
• Cash Out – The Cash Out option is available instantly whenever punters want. Crucially, this feature is also available on any device.

9. Sporting Index – Best for Betting on Football

Online since 2019, Sporting Index is one of the best betting sites to offer spread betting alongside traditional fixed odds.

Betting Variety and Options

The spread betting product from Sporting Index is available for punters to wager on a wide variety of global sports. The list can be exhaustive with a focus more on the popular sports in the UK like football and rugby. The horse racing fans can rejoice with all UK and Ireland events covered along with popular global races like the Belmont Stakes, Kentucky Derby, and Grand National. The odds are very competitive and punters can also opt for fixed odds.

Mobile and Desktop Comparison

The bookmaker has come out with dedicated apps for Apple and Android devices. Even the mobile site functions quite well. On the desktop, new users are likely to be taken aback by the volume of information.

How do the features stack up?

• Welcome bonus – The brand offers two welcome bonuses – new spread accounts get a £300 cashback offer while accounts opting for fixed odds get 2 x £10 free bets.
• Live streaming – This feature is available only on certain sporting events. The majority of events in the live streaming segment are horse races, but punters can also find niche sports like snooker covered in this section.

10. Betfair – Best for Fast Payouts

Betfair is one of the best betting sites to wager on sports at an excellent price. It also functions as a betting exchange.

Betting Variety and Options

Betfair comes with a robust betting product that is able to offer markets on more than 30 sports. The big concentration of markets can be felt in football, horse racing, greyhound racing, cricket, tennis, and golf. However, American sports are also given a good presence on the platform. Betfair also has an exchange which permits arbitrage betting.

Mobile and Desktop Comparison

Betfair’s mobile product is extremely good with users being able to access it on Android and iOS devices. The features do not get lost when making the transition. Therefore, punters get to enjoy the same set of features like live streaming even on mobile. The desktop provides a ton of data from the comfort of the home page.

How do the features stack up?

• Welcome bonus – The welcome offer from Betfair is quite generous, in my experience, with new players getting £50 in free bets after placing a £10 bet with the sportsbook.
• Live streaming – The live streaming service offered by Betfair manages to cover all major events across different sports like football and horse racing. The latter gets more interest but streams are available on all devices.

The Most Common Types of Bonuses at UK Betting Sites

Here are the most common types of bonuses you’ll find on the top bookmakers in the UK:

Welcome Bonus

This is typically the most generous bonus offered to new users. The sites often provide a percentage match on your first deposit, giving you extra funds to start betting. The percentage match is usually in the range of 15% to 100% giving scope for a wide degree of competition. The welcome bonus should not be assessed on percentage match alone, as a rollover requirement plays an integral part in the terms and conditions.

Reload Bonus

A reload bonus rewards existing users for making additional deposits. This is a great way to keep your account funded with extra betting power after your initial welcome bonus is used. The size of these offers may not be huge but they can come in handy for taking that extra bit of risk.

Free Bets

The betting platforms in the UK frequently offer free bets as part of promotions. These allow you to place a bet without risking your own money, and any winnings from the bet are yours to keep. The best betting sites like BetUK are able to provide £30 in free bets if a player wages just £10 on any sports bet. This offer is the most popular and common when it comes to the UK bookmakers.

Cashback or Rebate Bonuses

Some top sportsbooks offer cashback or rebate bonuses, where you get a percentage of your losses back over a specified period, which is usually for the first day after creating the account. This helps minimise losses and encourages more betting. This offer may also be provided in the form of a cashback on losses incurred in the first bet.

No Deposit Bonus

A no-deposit bonus gives you free betting funds just for signing up, without the need to make a deposit. While smaller in amount, it’s a great risk-free way to start betting. This reward is usually handed out in the form of free cash or free bets. The former is likely to come with several terms and conditions, while the latter can be used in any sport. However, this is one of those rare bonus options in the United Kingdom’s betting industry.

Loyalty or VIP Programs

Many bookmakers in the United Kingdom have loyalty programs that reward frequent users with points for every bet placed. These points can later be redeemed for bonuses, free bets, or other rewards. The program is usually made up of several tiers, which will distinguish players based on the amount they have spent on the platform. The higher tiers have a significant advantage over lower tiers even if they fall under the same loyalty program. At the top tiers, players can even expect to get physical gifts for their birthday and more as one of the several perks.

Key Features of Bookmakers in the UK

Generous Bonuses and Promotions

One of the key attractions of the best betting sites is the generous bonuses and promotions they offer to new and returning users. From large welcome bonuses to reload and cashback offers, these promotions enhance your betting experience by giving you extra funds to play with.

Variety of Payment Methods

The top sports betting sites offer a wide range of payment methods to provide convenience and flexibility for their users.

Whether you prefer traditional options like credit and debit cards, or you’re more inclined to use modern digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, the safe betting sites have you covered.

Popular payment methods often include cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and bank transfers, all designed to make deposits and withdrawals smooth and secure. The top sites tend to go with trusted and popular payment methods rather than provide a name out of the blue just for the sake of adding numbers.

Features Offered to Users

The best betting sites now have to provide more than just betting variety and competitive prices. They also have to provide added features on the platform like live streaming, Bet Builder, Cash Out, live statistics, and more. Some bookmakers have enriched their bet slip with a strong set of features that allow punters to switch between a single bet or accumulator bet within a few clicks. If a sports gambling site has multiple versions of Cash Out, it becomes an added bonus rather than having a plain vanilla version of Cash Out.

Competitive Odds and Coverage

The online betting sites are known for offering competitive odds and markets, often better than those found at local bookmakers. This ensures that punters can maximise their potential returns, whether they’re betting on major events or niche markets. It is possible to use this parameter based on:

• Sports coverage: The site in question should be able to provide a significant variety of market choices for the top sports like horse racing and football. At the same time, the bookmaker should not discount niche sports like volleyball and table tennis.
• Supported bet types: If a bookmaker manages to support several forms of bet types, it can significantly improve the betting strategy. At a very nascent stage, punters may be going for the simple bets surrounding the match result. As they gain experience, they are looking for complex in-play and accumulator bets.

Mobile-Friendly Wagering

With more punters using mobile devices to place their bets, the best betting sites have optimised their platforms for mobile use. Whether through a dedicated app or a mobile-optimised website, users can enjoy seamless wagering from anywhere, at any time. The best betting sites would be able to offer live streaming and in-play betting from the app. Some of the features that play a role in assessing the mobile product and experience of a bookmaker are graphical elements, loading speed, and betting features.

Wider Selection of Betting Markets

The best betting sites offer an extensive range of betting markets, from popular sports like football, cricket, and golf to more niche options such as esports, politics, and entertainment. This broad selection allows punters to find opportunities in a variety of areas. If a punter is keen on placing a wager on football, they expect to get 100+ choices in the pre-match and live segments. A bookmaker should be able to offer such a variety of markets at least on the top events like the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

Live Betting Opportunities

Live betting, or in-play wagering, is a standout feature of the best betting sites. It allows users to place bets on ongoing games and events in real time, offering dynamic odds and the chance to capitalise on changing circumstances during the game. The bookmaker may also offer additional features like live streaming to further enhance the user experience and quality of decisions. Since odds are dynamic, a punter has to be quick in making their choices and a top-of-the-line interface is essential for the same.

Emphasis on Responsible Gambling

Even though the world of sports betting can appear to provide big rewards, it can also cause sizable losses. The probability of a loss should always be taken into account while placing a bet. For the UK punters, there are several tools for responsible gambling and these are initiated by the bookmakers. Many of these tools like loss limits, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and timeouts can be quite handy. Even if these are not of assistance, one can also seek independent help through various institutions and charities in the UK. Some of them are:

• NHS
• GambleAware
• GamCare
• GamStop

It is not recommended to choose a betting site not on Gamstop or any of these aforementioned institutions.

Final Word on Best Betting Sites in the United Kingdom

In conclusion, after reviewing and ranking the best betting sites, we believe that BetUK stands out as the top choice. With its comprehensive sports betting platform, competitive odds, flexible payment options, and exceptional customer support, it offers an all-around superior betting experience. Whether you’re new to sports betting or a seasoned pro, BetUK delivers the features and reliability you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a site qualify as a trusted bookmaker in the UK?

Yes, the presence of a valid licence from the UK Gambling Commission is one of the essential elements that bring trustworthiness to a bookmaker. This licence is also essential for operations in the United Kingdom. Other factors that a site should possess for safety purposes are SSL encryption, privacy policy, anti fraud policy, and reliable payment methods.

Who is the biggest sportsbook in the world?

The title of the biggest sportsbook in the world is debatable. Bet365 is certainly a global betting giant with millions of users worldwide. They are known for their vast sports coverage and in-depth betting markets. However, for those looking for the best-personalised experience, BetUK remains a top contender in terms of size and service.

What is the best site for betting on international football?

For international football betting, Bet365 is one of the best betting sites. It offers comprehensive coverage of major football leagues and tournaments worldwide, including the Premier League, La Liga, Champions League, and World Cup. With competitive odds, a variety of betting markets, and live betting opportunities, Bet365 provides football enthusiasts with everything they need for an optimal betting experience.

How long does it take to create a new account with a betting site?

The bookmakers in the UK can be extremely accommodating of new customers, who can typically expect to be onboarded after verification. Even with the scale of information being requested during signup, new users can sign up and place their first bets within five minutes. All bookmakers in the UK have a strict signup process owing to regulations from the UK Gambling Commission.

Is the Cash Out feature available for in-play bets?

The in-play betting feature gets a lot of attention with more users gravitating towards the same from pre-match markets. The Cash Out feature allows punters to withdraw – fully or partially – from a bet before it gets settled. Now, the Cash Out option is available only on select live bets. This feature is yet to receive widespread adoption in the in-play markets.