Using the best betting sites UK operators means having access to the widest range of betting markets, promotions, payment methods, and unique features.
We’ve found several high-quality sportsbooks that provide you with all of these perks and more. Keep reading to learn more about them and how we make sure we only show you the best available sites.
List of the Best UK Betting Sites
We’ve handpicked the leading UK sportsbooks based on features, reliability, and standout offers. Each platform below brings something special to the table in 2025.
- Betfair – Industry-leading betting exchange with unmatched odds
- BoyleSports – Daily price boosts for football and racing
- Paddy Power – Fun promos with money-back specials on key events
- QuinnBet – Get 50% back as a free bet if your first bet loses
- LiveScore Bet – Real-time match updates with seamless in-play betting
- Spreadex – Bet with fixed odds or spread betting – your choice
- Virgin Bet – Great for daily free games and football promos
- Tote – The go-to site for UK & Irish horse racing pool bets
- Midnite – A top destination for esports and modern betting markets
- Fafabet – New and fast-growing with frequent free bet offers
How We Test the Best UK Betting Sites
As you may know, there are hundreds of online betting sites in the UK. That can make it challenging to know which of these sites offers the best experience. Well, this is how we ensure that we only select the best:
- Betting Markets & Odds: From betting on Premier League Football to Premier League Darts, the top UK betting sites have to offer not only the most popular leagues and sports but also more niche options. Furthermore, it’s important that we test what kind of betting markets you can use and how competitive the average odds are.
- Bonuses & Promotions: Our team will always check up on the promos you can claim. These sportsbooks should have a nifty welcome bonus, but we also like to make sure there are other perks available, like reload bonuses, no-deposit offers, cashback, acca insurance, combo boosters, and more.
- Live Betting & Streaming: It’s a must to be able to place bets on matches that are still live. We test the quality of the feature and the range of live markets. Moreover, we like to see if we can also stream matches on these sportsbooks.
- Customer Support & Responsiveness: There will come a time when you might need a question answered or some help sorting out an account issue. It’s important that when that time comes, you can access multiple contact methods, preferably in multiple languages. We test the range of customer support options, their operating hours, and how quickly they respond.
- Mobile Compatibility & Betting App: Most people will want to place a bet while they are on the go at some point. As such, we must review whether these sites have mobile apps. But if they don’t, we test how well their mobile sportsbooks have been optimised for iOS and Android browsers.
- Payment Options & Security: To fund your account easily, we expect to find plenty of crypto, credit card, e-wallet, and bank transfer options with the best betting sites in the UK. Payout times should be speedy and fee-free, and come with flexible minimum and maximum limits as well. Furthermore, we like to see options for 2FA, which ensure the security of your transactions.
- Reputation & Trustworthiness: We’ll never recommend a site we don’t know for sure to be trustworthy, whether with timely payouts or the strength of security. In addition, we like to make sure these hold up to scrutiny by checking out user reviews that have been written about them. If these reviews are generally positive, it’s a safe bet to assume the sportsbook deals well with user queries and needs.
- User Experience & Ease of Use: All in all, these sportsbooks have to be easy to use. From the intuitive nature of their layouts to how quickly their pages load, we test every element to ensure you have a hassle-free, enjoyable gambling experience.
UK Bookmaker Reviews
Now, let’s get into who some of the best UK bookmakers are, what their betting options are like, and what kind of perks and features you can make use of once you sign up.
1. Betfair – Industry-leading betting exchange with unmatched odds
Betfair stands out as the premier UK betting exchange, offering punters a unique way to bet directly against one another with often better odds than traditional sportsbooks. If you’re confident in your picks or enjoy trading positions during live matches, this is the place to be.
Beyond the exchange, Betfair also offers a full sportsbook with regular promotions, including bet builders, odds boosts, and accumulator insurance. The welcome offer is competitive, typically involving a money-back deal in the form of a free bet if your first wager loses.
You can bet on all major UK sports, from Premier League football and horse racing to cricket, darts, and rugby. Football betting is especially well-covered with hundreds of markets per match, and the exchange adds extra depth for value hunters.
There’s also an excellent mobile app, full in-play options, live streaming on selected events, and flexible cash-out features.
Betfair Pros:
- Access to both a betting exchange and traditional sportsbook
- Better odds thanks to peer-to-peer betting
- Great mobile app and in-play experience
Betfair Cons:
- Exchange features may be overwhelming for beginners
2. BoyleSports – Daily price boosts for football and racing
BoyleSports delivers a reliable and feature-rich online sportsbook with a strong focus on UK and Irish sports. Known for its daily price boosts and solid odds across football and racing, it’s a great option for value-focused bettors.
New users can typically claim a bet £10, get £20 type welcome bonus, and ongoing promos include football acca insurance, best odds guaranteed on horse racing, and loyalty rewards for regular play. The sportsbook covers a wide range of sports, with standout depth in football, greyhounds, and racing.
In-play betting is smooth, with dynamic markets and real-time stats. The bet builder tool is available on top leagues, and horse racing fans can enjoy live streaming on selected events.
The BoyleSports app is fast and user-friendly, while the desktop site provides an intuitive layout for easy navigation across markets.
BoyleSports Pros:
- Daily odds boosts and regular promos
- Excellent football and horse racing coverage
- Smooth, easy-to-use mobile app
BoyleSports Cons:
- Desktop interface could be more modern
3. Paddy Power – Fun promos with money-back specials on key events
Paddy Power has long been a fan-favorite in the UK, thanks to its witty branding and unique betting promotions. You’ll frequently find specials tied to major sporting events, like money-back if your horse falls or your football team concedes late.
The sportsbook itself is stacked with markets – covering everything from top-flight football and tennis to niche sports like Gaelic games and MMA. Paddy Power’s bet builder is one of the easiest to use, and their in-play betting section is packed with live stats and graphics.
They also offer a generous welcome bonus, plus ongoing deals like free bet clubs, early payouts, and acca insurance. You can stream selected events live, and the mobile app is among the best in the UK market.
If you’re looking for a sportsbook that combines sharp odds with regular fun promos and a good sense of humour, Paddy Power is a great option.
Paddy Power Pros:
- Great selection of money-back and early payout offers
- Easy-to-use bet builder
- Excellent mobile and in-play features
Paddy Power Cons:
- Some promos require opt-in, which can be missed
4. QuinnBet – Get 50% back as a free bet if your first bet loses
QuinnBet is a solid choice for new UK bettors, especially thanks to its welcome offer — if your first bet loses, you’ll get 50% back as a free bet (up to a set limit), plus a casino bonus on top. It’s a nice safety net to ease into the sportsbook.
The platform has expanded significantly in recent years, now offering betting across 30+ sports including UK football, rugby, horse racing, darts, and GAA. Football punters will enjoy detailed coverage of both men’s and women’s leagues, with match specials and daily acca boosts.
QuinnBet also runs regular in-play promotions, including free bet offers during televised matches. Their loyalty program includes weekly cashback based on your net losses and weekly profit boosts for consistent users.
While the design is a little basic compared to bigger brands, the site is fast and reliable, and the odds are competitive.
QuinnBet Pros:
- Risk-free first bet offer
- Weekly cashback and rewards
- Wide range of football and racing markets
QuinnBet Cons:
- Website layout could be more modern
5. LiveScore Bet – Real-time match updates with seamless in-play betting
LiveScore Bet delivers a fast, clean, and highly responsive platform built with live sports fans in mind. If you enjoy placing in-play bets while keeping up with live scores and stats, this site is tailored for you.
The standout feature is the real-time match tracker, which gives detailed visualisations and data while you bet. There’s also live streaming for select events and frequent in-play promos, such as price boosts or free bets on goals scored.
You can expect coverage of all major UK sports, with strong football offerings from the Premier League, Championship, and WSL, along with tennis, golf, cricket, and F1. Their bet builder is intuitive, and odds are consistently solid.
New customers are typically welcomed with a bet £10, get £20 type offer. The mobile app is where LiveScore Bet really shines — slick, fast, and perfect for betting on the move.
LiveScore Bet Pros:
- Real-time score tracking and fast in-play betting
- Clean, user-friendly mobile app
- Solid football and tennis coverage
LiveScore Bet Cons:
- Fewer promotions for long-term users
6. Spreadex – Bet with fixed odds or spread betting – your choice
Spreadex is the only UK betting site that lets you choose between traditional fixed-odds betting and financial-style spread betting on sports — making it ideal for more experienced or adventurous punters.
The fixed-odds sportsbook is robust, covering a wide range of sports like football, horse racing, cricket, tennis, and golf. Markets are especially detailed for UK football and racing, with regular odds boosts and bet builder features.
On the spread betting side, you can place wagers on things like goal minutes, shirt numbers, and player points — with bigger risk and reward potential. Spreadex also offers educational resources for those new to this format.
New customers often get a choice between a free bet deal or cashback on losses. While the layout is a bit dated, the functionality is top-notch, and customer support is excellent.
Spreadex Pros:
- Unique spread betting options
- Competitive odds on fixed-odds bets
- Great for experienced punters
Spreadex Cons:
- Interface isn’t the most modern
7. Virgin Bet – Great for daily free games and football promos
Virgin Bet brings solid all-around value with regular football-focused promotions, a clean mobile-first design, and the popular Fives game — a free-to-play daily game where you can win cash prizes based on randomly selected players’ real match performances.
New players usually receive a straightforward bet £10, get £20 in free bets offer. Beyond that, you’ll find regular odds boosts, acca insurance, and Bet Boosts across UK football and horse racing.
Sports coverage is comprehensive, with full markets on the EPL, Champions League, and lower-tier UK football, as well as popular sports like darts, snooker, cricket, rugby, and UFC. In-play betting is fast and responsive, and there’s also live streaming for horse racing.
Virgin Bet’s mobile app is among the best in the UK — intuitive and reliable. It’s ideal for casual punters looking for fun extras and smooth betting on the go.
Virgin Bet Pros:
- Free daily Fives game with real cash prizes
- Bet boosts and acca insurance available
- Excellent mobile experience
Virgin Bet Cons:
- Fewer in-depth tools for advanced punters
8. Tote – The go-to site for UK & Irish horse racing pool bets
Tote is a specialist site for horse racing fans, offering unique pool betting rather than traditional fixed odds. This means your winnings are based on the size of the pool and how many people win — ideal for racing fans chasing big returns from small stakes.
The site focuses exclusively on racing from the UK and Ireland, with markets on every race daily. You can also place exotic bets like Placepots, Trifectas, and Jackpots, plus build your own pools through Tote’s user-friendly interface.
New players often benefit from welcome offers like money-back on your first losing bet or matched stakes. Tote also runs betting syndicates, allowing groups of users to team up and bet together on major racing events like Royal Ascot or Cheltenham.
While it doesn’t offer betting on other sports, it’s a must-have account for serious racing bettors.
Tote Pros:
- Unique pool betting system
- Syndicates and exotic racing bets
- Strong daily racing promotions
Tote Cons:
- No markets outside of horse racing
9. Midnite – A top destination for esports and modern betting markets
Midnite stands out as the UK’s best esports-first bookmaker, with a sleek, dark-themed interface and deep coverage of games like CS:GO, Dota 2, Valorant, and League of Legends. It’s the ideal site for gamers and modern bettors alike.
It also covers traditional sports, including football, basketball, and UFC, with features like bet builders and in-play betting available. New users can usually grab a bet £10, get £20 deal, or claim rotating free bet offers tied to esports events.
Midnite also offers a social feel through its “Clans” — community leaderboards where you can compete with others for top spots and rewards. The site is mobile-friendly and built with fast-paced, live action in mind.
Although it’s still growing, Midnite is quickly becoming a go-to spot for younger UK punters who want something different.
Midnite Pros:
- Best-in-class for esports betting
- Community features and leaderboards
- Slick, modern user experience
Midnite Cons:
- Fewer promos for traditional sports
10. Fafabet – New and fast-growing with frequent free bet offers
Fafabet is a rising name in the UK market, appealing to value-hunters with a steady stream of free bet deals, price boosts, and profit-enhancing promos. The sportsbook has a clean layout and is easy to navigate, even for newcomers.
New users typically get a generous welcome offer, such as a bet-and-get or profit boost deal. Regular users can access ongoing promos tied to football, horse racing, and in-play betting.
The site covers a broad mix of sports, with a focus on UK football, racing, and major global events. While the market depth isn’t quite at the level of more established brands, the basics are covered well and the odds are competitive.
Fafabet is still evolving, but its aggressive promo strategy and growing popularity make it one to watch in 2025.
Fafabet Pros:
- Frequent free bets and profit boosts
- Clean, easy-to-use design
- Strong coverage of UK sports
Fafabet Cons:
- Limited advanced features or custom markets
Is UK Sports Betting Legal?
Yes, sports betting is legal and well-regulated in the UK, both online and in physical betting shops. The primary legislation governing this is the Gambling Act 2005, which came into full effect in 2007. The UK has been a country that has championed sports betting, as it goes hand in hand with the country’s fanatical love of most sports.
Online Betting Sites vs High Street Bookies
The UK boasts one of the highest concentrations of betting shops globally, with approximately 6,000 establishments. These venues continue to blossom thanks to their social nature and the appetite for betting in person in the UK. However, while these in-person betting shops are great for the social element, they still don’t compare to online sportsbooks.
With online betting sites UK, you have several advantages over traditional high street bookies. These online sites offer a broader range of betting markets, competitive odds, and generous promotions. Additionally, online platforms often feature in-play betting options and a good variety of payment methods.
Let’s have a look at how they compare in the table below.
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Betting Sites UK Bonuses & Promotions
We’ve just been talking about the perks of using betting sites UK bettors have access to, and one of the best of these is the promotions that boost your bankroll. These are some of the offers you can look forward to using on these sites:
Welcome Bonus
This is the main offer you’ll see when you first join a betting site. It’s often a matched deposit, so if you deposit £20, the site might give you an extra £20 to bet with.
Sometimes, it comes as free bets once you place your first wager.
Reload Bonus
A reload bonus is given to existing customers. It works like a welcome bonus, but usually on later deposits. So if you’re already a member and are making a deposit to your account, the bookie might reward you with a bonus.
These reload offers keep your account looking healthy. The £300 weekly reload you can cash in at Trino is a good example of one of these bonuses.
Risk-Free Bets
With this promo, you can place a bet knowing that if it loses, you’ll get your stake back, usually as a free bet. It’s a good way to try out a new market or just have a go without the usual risk. Trino actually has one of the best risk-free bet promos, running a risk-free bet offer on Saturdays and Sundays, giving you up to £100 if your initial bet loses.
Odds Boosts
Odds boosts increase the payout on certain bets by offering better-than-usual odds. These can apply to popular events or special markets that the bookie wants to highlight.
You get more potential winnings without any extra risk, which is always a win. Plus, you can find odds boosters with most of the top betting sites UK bettors can enjoy in our guide.
Acca Insurance
Accumulator insurance gives you a bit of backup when you place a multi-leg bet. If one leg of your acca lets you down, the sportsbook will refund your stake, usually as a free bet. There didn’t seem to be one available with the sites in our guide at this time, but they have been known to run these kinds of offers on a fairly regular basis.
Popular Sports to Place Bets on in Online Bookmakers in the UK
The most popular sport is obviously subjective, but in the UK, it’s very clear which sports attract the most eyes and also betting action. The following is a rundown of the most popular sports in the UK, all of which can be found with the best betting sites UK.
Football
Footy is by some distance the most popular sport in the UK. Premier League and WSL matches draw huge attention, not just from attendance but also from the number of bets placed every game week.
In-play betting is also very common, letting you place bets as the action unfolds. Markets like Both Teams to Score, First Goalscorer, and Correct Score are also fun options to work with. From what we have seen, football generally has the best selection of specials markets as well as handicaps, over/unders, outrights, etc.
Horse Racing
Horse racing has long been part of UK betting culture. Big meetings like Cheltenham, Royal Ascot, and the Grand National attract huge numbers of bets. You can back a horse to win, place, or even predict the exact order with forecasts and tricasts.
Ante-post markets let you bet weeks in advance. Races run daily across the UK, giving you constant action and a wide range of betting types.
Greyhounds
Greyhound racing is popular with punters who enjoy short, exciting events. Races usually last under a minute, and you can place bets similar to those in horse racing: win, place, forecast, or tricast. It may not be as popular as horse racing, but it still gives you ample chances to win big.
Darts
Darts has grown massively in recent years, especially with tournaments like the PDC World Championship and Premier League Darts gaining TV coverage. Betting markets include match winners, total 180s, correct score, and player checkouts.
It’s popular with fans who enjoy the atmosphere and personalities of the sport (and there are some pretty big personalities to be fair). In-play betting is also available, allowing punters to react to momentum shifts during matches.
Tennis
Tennis offers year-round betting thanks to a packed calendar of ATP, WTA, and Grand Slam events. UK punters enjoy markets like Match Winner, Set Betting, and Total Games. The Grand Slams are always the most fun, but the bigger ATP events can also throw up some interesting markets on betting sites UK bettors will enjoy.
Golf
Golf attracts steady betting interest, particularly during major tournaments like The Masters or The Open Championship. The most common bets include Outright Winner, Top 5 or Top 10 finishes, and Head-to-Head matchups between players. With tournaments lasting four days, there’s also a growing market for in-play betting across rounds.
Cricket
Cricket betting is especially popular during big international series and tournaments like the Ashes, the IPL, and the Cricket World Cup. Markets include Match Winner, Top Batsman, Total Runs, and over/under for individual overs or innings. The different formats (Test, ODI, T20) mean varied betting styles, from slow and strategic to fast-paced action and quick decisions.
Types of Sports Wagers Offered by UK Online Bookmakers
Whether you are betting on the biggest horse races or Arsenal Women to beat Man City Women away, plenty of markets are always available. This is what keeps things interesting with betting sites UK operators.
Straight Win
This is the most basic and widely used sports betting market. You simply choose which team you think will win the match. If your team wins, so does your bet.
For example, if Manchester United Women are playing Liverpool Women and you back United for a straight win, you just need them to finish the match with more goals. This type of wager is ideal for beginners and is the go-to option for many football punters in the UK.
Correct Scores
With this bet, you’re picking the exact final score, not just who will win. It’s much harder to predict, which is why it often comes with higher odds (which means bigger winnings if you’re right).
For example, you could bet on a 2-1 win for Arsenal Women over Aston Villa. If the match ends with that exact result, the bet pays out.
Accumulators
An accumulator, often called an “acca,” is a single bet that combines multiple selections. All parts of the bet must win for the bet to be successful.
These are popular for weekend football in particular, where you have a lot of games to choose from. You might back several teams like Spurs, Chelsea, and Arsenal all to win their matches. The appeal is that even small stakes can give you large payouts, but the risk increases with each added selection since one loss means the whole bet fails.
Forecasts
Forecast bets are most often used in racing but can also apply to football. You pick which two teams or players will finish first and second in a specific order. For example, if you’re betting on who will finish top two in the Premier League this season, you could forecast Chelsea to finish first and Arsenal second.
For the most part, punters will use this market with horse racing, picking the jockey and horse they think will finish first and second in a particular upcoming race.
Tricasts
A tricast bet is like a forecast but includes the top three finishers, again in the exact order. It’s most commonly used in horse and greyhound racing.
For example, you might predict that Horses 5, 2, and 9 will finish first, second, and third in a big race at Aintree. Tricky to get right, but it has enormous payout potential.
Handicaps
Handicap betting is a way to make one-sided matches more balanced from a betting point of view. The sportsbook gives one team a virtual lead or deficit.
For example, if Chelsea were playing, say, Everton, they would be massive favourites. As such, you might bet on them to win with a -2 handicap.
This means they must win by more than two goals for the bet to succeed. It turns boring bets with low value odds into something more interesting.
Yankees
Yankees are popular with horse racing punters. It’s a type of multiple bet comprising 11 separate bets from 4 selections: 6 doubles, 4 trebles, and a four-fold accumulator.
Say, you might back four horses to win separate races. With a Yankees bet, you don’t need all of them to win to see a return. This is why many punters prefer Yankees to riskier single accas where it’s more all or nothing.
Ante-Post
Ante-post betting involves placing a bet on an event well in advance of its start, often days, weeks, or even months ahead. It’s useful because odds often shift closer to the time of the event, so you will often get better odds by placing your bets earlier.
For example, you could bet on a horse to win the Grand National three months before the race. If the horse competes and wins, you’d likely have done much better than if you placed your bet on the day.
Payment Methods Accepted by UK Betting Sites
You can fund betting sites UK with multiple payment options. From crypto to bank transfers, moving your funds in and out of your account is easy. These are some of the more reliable methods you can use:
Credit & Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
Credit and debit cards are still the most popular among gamblers on online sportsbooks. They are accepted by virtually all the sites in our guide and give you quick and easy fiat payments that most are already familiar with.
Visa and Mastercard transactions are typically processed quickly, with deposits appearing instantly and withdrawals taking up to 48 hours to clear. However, they do come with fees from your bank most of the time.
E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller have become super popular on betting sites UK as they have speedy transaction times.
Transactions are often processed within 24 hours, making them one of the fastest options available. Additionally, the best e-wallets also have simple interfaces, making them easy to use even for beginners.
Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
Cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum are becoming more and more popular every day. They give you instant processing times, low fees, more privacy, and flexible deposit and withdrawal limits.
Bank Transfers & Prepaid Cards
Bank transfers are still used by many punters, but mostly for withdrawals. However, wire transfer withdrawals can sometimes take up to 7 days to clear, which is a hefty waiting time compared to instant transactions offered by crypto.
On the other hand, prepaid cards like Revolut offer a simple way for you to deposit funds without linking a bank account. Prepaid cards are a great choice for making deposits.
Affordability Checks & Responsible Gambling
The UK places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling to protect you from potential harm. Betting sites UK are required to implement affordability checks to ensure you are not spending beyond your means.
It may seem a little invasive, but it’s always in the best interest of the punters. If you think you might need help sooner than that, you can check out:
Summary: Our Best UK Betting Site
After comparing the top UK betting platforms, Betfair stands out as our number one pick. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just starting out, Betfair’s combination of a powerful sportsbook and industry-leading betting exchange offers unmatched flexibility and value.
The sign-up process is quick, and their welcome offer gives new users a solid head start. We found the platform easy to navigate, with clear markets and helpful features like cash out, bet builder, and in-play tools.
Betfair also does an excellent job covering both men’s and women’s sports. From the Premier League and Champions League to major cricket tournaments like the IPL, Big Bash, and the Ashes — you’ll find deep markets, live odds, and strong coverage across the board.
UK Online Sports Betting FAQs
Which is the best betting site in the UK?
BetFair. Right now, they have the best range of sports and markets, along with generous promos, a helpful support team, reliable payment options including crypto, and more.
How many UK betting sites are there?
There are more than 6,000 betting shops that you can visit in person, and the number of online sites exceeds that.
Is online betting legal in the UK?
Yes. You can find a number of legal betting sites in UK, like the ones in our guide.
Can I claim free bets from UK online bookmakers?
Yes. There are a few sites that have free bets promos that you can use. Check out reviews to see which of these sites has the best weekly free bet promos.
Is betting taxed in the UK?
No, winnings from sports betting are completely tax-free for players. This includes both in-person and online winnings.
Do you have to declare gambling wins to HMRC?
No, you do not need to declare gambling winnings to HMRC. The UK government treats gambling as a form of entertainment, and any money you win is yours to keep, tax-free.