Best Betting Sites UK 2024 – Top Ranked Bookmakers
Looking to open an account but unsure which bookmaker to go for? We’re here to help. Take a look at all you need to know when it comes to the best betting sites that the UK has to offer. Our guide will take you through a checklist of what to look for when it comes to selecting the right bookmaker for you, including welcome offers, payment methods, in-play betting, the best betting sites per sport, and much more.
Best Betting Sites UK 2024
| Casino | Features | Bonus | Promo & Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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£20 Deposit Match Signup Bonus |
Play Now | |
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Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets |
Play Now | Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. |
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‘Bet £10 get £40’. |
Play Now | 18+ only. New customers only. For verified UK clients only. The qualifying bet should start at £10 and have 1.5 or greater betting odds. Following the qualifying bet, you will receive 4 free bets that can be used one after another. Each free bet lasts for 7 days. Single bet only. Pre-Match or Live. No Cash-Out. Maximum free bet payout – £500. T&cs Apply. |
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Bet £10, Get £60 |
Play Now | 18+ BeGambleAware.org’ should be included in the significant T&Cs with enabled link to GambleAware®: Gambling Help & Gambling Addiction help site. |
Top 10 best betting sites for 2024
All the UK betting sites we have mentioned in this article have been thoroughly researched and compared for us to determine which ones deserve to be in this top 10 list.
- Bet365
- 888Sport
- Unibet
- Betfred
- William Hill
- Paddy Power
- BetVictor
- Betfair
- Betway
- SkyBet
How To Sign Up To A Betting Site
Sports fans who are new to online gambling will need to learn how to sign up to a betting site. Luckily, joining UK betting sites is fast and straightforward thanks to our step-by-step guide:
- Choose a UK betting site to join – noting the betting bonuses like free bets offered
- Click register or join now to begin the process of signing up for a new betting account
- Fill in personal details such as name, date of birth, address and email address
- Verify the new account, a step normally completed either via email or by SMS
- Check out the terms and conditions that must be met for any welcome bonuses
- Make an initial deposit into the new account, choosing from a list of payment methods
- Place a qualifying wager, reading the small print to see if there are minimum odds
- Wait for the bonus to be credited then enjoy the free bet with your new betting account
How to Choose the Best Betting Site
A wide range of factors must be assessed when looking at the best UK betting sites. Here, we break down the key departments that should be taken into account for online bookmakers:
Safety/security/licenses
The first thing to check is whether UK betting sites are legal. In order for online bookmaker sites in the UK to be legal, they need a license from the Gambling Commission. On the safety and security side, measures such as SSL encryption should be in place in order to ensure the personal and financial data from customers is kept secure.
Range of sports and markets: Most of the best UK betting sites have a similar choice when it comes to markets and sports that are available. However, sometimes new betting sites UK have surprising omissions, such as a lack of horse racing or greyhounds betting markets. Both live in-play and pre-match markets should be assessed to see the range of options up for grabs.
Competitive odds
While a small difference in the prices offered for the same bet between online bookmaker sites in the UK may not seem a big deal, it can have a large impact on the potential profit on offer, depending on the stake size. Competitive odds are therefore a must.
Welcome bonus and offers
The best UK betting sites almost always have a good welcome bonus on the table, with free bets typically up for grabs for those who sign up for a new account. Existing customers should also be able to claim deals like free bets on a regular basis too. For example, Paddy Power has a rewards club where players can work towards weekly free bets.
Payment methods
Most of the best UK betting sites have a similar list of banking options, with debit cards, e-wallets and bank transfer all commonly offered. However, some new betting sites UK have embraced cryptocurrency, pay by phone bill and alternative options such as Boku. It is also becoming increasingly common to be able to use Google Pay or Apple Pay to deposit too. Part of any assessment of payment methods has to include how fast it is to withdraw winnings.
Customer service
As online bookmaker sites in the UK can be used through the night, it stands to reason that 24/7 customer support should be offered. If this is the case, users might be kept waiting to get help in the event they have a problem or an issue with their account. Live chat has become a default customer service option, with alternatives including email and phone.
Mobile compatibility and apps
Many people now want to use the best UK betting sites on a mobile device such as a smartphone. This is why online bookmaker sites in the UK now often have a mobile app that can be downloaded to iOS devices via the App Store, while Android users are able to grab the app on their preferred platform straight from Google Play instead.
Features
Cash out and bet builder tools are now common features offered by most of the best UK betting sites. Others may have live sports streaming and other top features to be aware of.
Do You Need A Bonus Code?
A common question that UK sports fans ask when joining a betting site is if they need a bonus code or a promo code in order to qualify for bonuses, deals and promotions as a new user.
This varies across the different online bookmaker sites in the UK. Some will apply a welcome bonus automatically to the accounts of new players as long as certain conditions are met.
As an example, players making a deposit using an e-wallet such as PayPal, Skrill or Neteller will commonly find that this means they are not going to qualify to receive welcome bonus free bets.
Sometimes, the registration process for signing up to a betting site will have a box where a bonus code or a promo code can be entered. It is often the case that online bookmaker sites in the UK have separate offers for their online casinos and sportsbook sides too, so players might have to decide which of the different welcome bonuses that are up for grabs they want to take.
Betting bonuses are not just for new users who join the best UK betting sites either. Many of them reward the loyalty of their customers with extra free bets, which does not normally require them to enter either a bonus code or a promo code to be able to claim them on their account.
How Do Welcome Offers Work?
For sports fans in the UK who are looking to join new betting sites UK, welcome bonuses are up for grabs. Free bets are typically offered to those who sign up to new online betting sites.
The reason why these are on the table is clear. With so much competition in the industry to be ranked among the best UK betting sites, welcome offers are a way to attract lots of new users.
Customers will often need to make an initial deposit and place a qualifying bet to get a welcome offer. However, at an increasing number of online bookmaker sites in the UK, welcome offers with no deposit required are also on the table – and these deals are proving to be very popular.
When signing up for an account with one of the best UK betting sites, users might need to enter a promo code or a bonus code in order to ensure that they get a welcome bonus being offered.
SMS verification and/or proof of ID and address may be required to get these deals as well. This is usually a simple case of clicking on a link or entering a code that is sent into the relevant box.
Qualifying wagers usually need to be placed at certain minimum odds, then the user will see the free bet credited into their account. Free bet stakes are not normally refunded to the player and there is often a time limit mentioned in the terms and conditions, after which the token expires.
The good news is that sports fans can claim welcome bonuses at as many of the best UK betting sites as they want, giving them a chance to try out a range of online bookmakers.
Bet365
Whether you are a seasoned veteran, or a newbie in the world of online sports betting, you have almost certainly heard of Bet365. This bookie has been a well-recognized name in the betting industry for many years and is still one of the best betting sites you will find today. There are several reasons as to why Bet365 is such a trusted entity amongst bettors. Not least of which is their speedy withdrawal times, vast array of markets and leagues to bet on, ranging from the most well-known and obvious, to ones which are virtually unheard of by most. Moreover, you will benefit from one of the best value sign up offers available, which you can find right below.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
888Sport
88Sport are another popular UK betting site. However, they made their name as being one of the leaders in the casino sector, rather than their sports betting offerings. However, that has drastically changed over recent years. Launched in 2008, they are now seen as one of the most trustworthy and well-respected brands amongst bettors. As a bookmaker, it continues to expand its markets to include several niche events, as well as eSports. 888Sport also allows users to benefit from in-play betting and provides a generous welcome offer.
Min deposit €10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least €10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days and expires after 14 days • Bonus valid on selected Casino games only • Bonus wins capped at €500, excluding Jackpot wins • You must wager Bonus amount x40 – this requirement varies by game T&Cs apply.
UniBet
UniBet, founded back in 1997, is another standout performer in the world of bookmakers. Similarly, to the aforementioned bookies, UniBet has cemented its place as one of the best UK betting sites due its wide range of markets, excellent user experience on both mobile and desktop, and more. Furthermore, the fact that they possess one of the best offers for betting sites puts them right up there in terms of competing with other industry giants. UniBet is definitely one to consider when selecting a bookie.
18+ begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first sports bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. Visit Unibet.co.uk for full T&C’s.
Betfred
Originally founded as a single betting shop dating all the way back to 1967, Betfred has now become one of the UK’s most prominent figures in the betting market, and they have continued to grow and improve in recent years and months. If you are a football fanatic, this might be the right bookmaker for you. This is due to Betfred building its reputation for offering great markets on football, as well as very attractive odds. To check out their sign-up offer, click below.
New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply.
William Hill
Similarly to Bet365, it’s hard to have never heard of William Hill before. William Hill offers up to 36 different sports on its site and mobile app, yet unsurprisingly, football is their most popular. If you’re looking to bet on anything from Europe’s top 5 leagues, all the way down to the Saudi Arabian First Division (note to all Ronaldo fans) then William Hill has got you completely covered. Indeed, they are one of the best football betting sites in the UK. Of course, they also have a fantastic welcome offer which can be found by clicking on the link below.
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad
Paddy Power
Whilst Paddy Power are definitely loved for their humorous social media presence, they are also loved amongst sports bettors. Paddy Power makes it easy for its users to sign up, whilst offering a good sign-up bonus and also consistently aiming to keep users satisfied with a high level of promotions throughout their journeys. The sportsbook is continuously growing and improving, making it a great option if you are on the hunt for a long-term bookmaker.
BetVictor
BetVictor, another big name in the bookmaker world. They are best known for their sharp odds, as well as offering a fantastic user experience through their visually appealing website and mobile application. Founded in London all the way back in 1946, BetVictor is one of the best betting sites the UK has to offer for bettors. Offering a rewarding sign-up bonus, speedy withdrawals for winnings, and a vast array of markets to bet on, BetVictor is definitely one to strongly consider when selecting the right bookie for you.
Betfair
How would we sum up Betfair? As the biggest and best exchange the world of betting has to offer. If you select Betfair as your bookmaker, you will benefit from a fantastic welcome offer, brilliant range of markets, a variety of promotions, and more. For these reasons and more, Betfair are one of the best sport betting sites in 2024.
Betway
Despite only being around since 2006, Betway has swiftly worked its way up the ladder to becoming one of the best betting sites around today. With a great loyalty program, regular promotions, and a generous welcome offer, Betway is an attractive proposition for experienced and aspiring players. Moreover, users will have a positive experience whilst navigating their sleek website. Lastly, they also offer high quality live streaming for in-play betting, which is always a great component for any betting site.
SkyBet
Every individual with an interest in sports is already aware of Sky’s presence as the top sports broadcaster in the UK. Similarly, the betting experience which they offer is also second to none. Users will find that their sign-up offer is possibly the easiest one to claim throughout the entire industry, whilst their website and app consist of phenomenal quality. Players are offered superb promotions, a vast number of sports to bet on, as well as some cool free-to-play games like ITV7s and Super 6. To get started and view their welcome offer, click below!
How we compare the best UK betting sites
With so many options to choose from when it comes to selecting the right betting site for you, things can get pretty overwhelming rather quickly. That’s why we are here to help you compare the best betting sites based on several criteria. From in-play betting to sign-up offers, payout methods, user experience and more, we’ve got you covered.
In-play Betting
In-play betting is a highly sought-after feature amongst sports bettors around the world. Unsurprisingly, Bet365 are the best of the bunch when it comes to in-play betting. Even the more inexperienced users will find in-play betting easy to use on Bet365, benefiting from a large catalogue of events to choose from at all times of the day. What’s more, is that this is paired with their live streaming service as well as stats sections, providing the strongest platform for making well-informed betting decisions.
If you’re more into horse racing rather than football, then Paddy Power might be the one for you when it comes to in-play betting. The fact is that most competitors miss out on this feature for horse racing, making Paddy Power one of the best horse racing betting sites in this regard. A fantastic experience for horse racing enthusiasts.
Sign-up Offers
Whilst sign-up offers are not the be-all and end-all when it comes to selecting a bookmaker, it does play a strong part in the decision-making process. Luckily for sports bettors, the fact that there are so many UK betting sites means that they are continuously competing for the attention of prospective players. Naturally, this means that the sign-up offers are very attractive nowadays. This brings us to the question, which are the best offers for betting sites?
UK betting sites such as 888Sport, William Hill, and Bet365 are amongst the bookies which offer the most favourable sign-ups for punters.
| Bookmaker | Minimum Deposit | Free Bet |
| 888Sport | £10 | £40 (bonuses) |
| Unibet | £10 | Money back as bonus (if first bet loses) + £10 Casino Bonus |
| William Hill | £10 | £30 |
| Bet365 | £10 | £50 |
From the above table, we can identify that Bet365 offers the most in free bets, whilst each bookmaker requires the same minimum deposit of £10 to receive the bonus. Please, keep in mind that most bookmakers will allow you to use your bonus within seven days.
Payment Methods & Deposits/Withdrawals
Moving onto payment methods, all bookmakers we have mentioned so far offer deposits and withdrawals through debit card. However, most bookmakers offer a variety of payment methods, including the following:
- Debit cards: Visa and MasterCard are almost always accepted – but not credit cards
- E-wallets: PayPal, Skrill, Trustly and Neteller are leading options, with fast withdrawals
- Google Pay/Apple Pay: Mobile users can opt to make a deposit via these apps
- Boku: Pay by phone bill options are also on the rise for mobile betting site users
- Paysafecard: This prepaid voucher is a good way to make secure online payments
- Bank transfer: A traditional method, but one that is slow when withdrawing winnings
- Cryptocurrency: An increasing number of UK betting sites are embracing crypto
This is not an exhaustive list, but some of the more commonly found options on the market.
Moreover, you want to ensure that you are selecting a bookmaker that ticks the following boxes:
| Lowest Deposit Requirements | ✓ |
| Quick Withdrawals | ✓ |
| Variety of Payment Methods | ✓ |
This will provide players with peace of mind that they will be easily able to access their winnings at all times. The last thing players want is to be confronted with stressful situations and long waiting times when trying to withdraw money.
Best Betting Sites For Withdrawal Time
The speed at which users are able to withdraw winnings from UK betting sites can vary a lot.
As well as the choice of payment method used, factors to take into account include whether or not there will be any need to upload any verification documents to prove a player’s identity.
However, some UK betting sites are known for being faster when users withdraw winnings. Here are some of the best betting sites in the UK for sports fans who want to get their money fast:
- BetVictor: between 30 minutes and four hours when using VISA Fast Funds
- Betfair: between four and 24 hours when using an e-wallet such as PayPal
- Ladbrokes: within six hours for those users opting for e-wallets such as Skrill
- Unibet: within 12 hours when using e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller
- BoyleSports: within 24 hours when withdrawing winnings via an e-wallet
Mobile Experience
Nowadays, having fantastic desktop access is not enough for players. Many punters want to have quick access to place bets whether they are watching events at home, at the pub with their friends, or even at the ground itself. This is why it is crucial for bookmakers to offer a positive mobile experience to players for both Android and iOS. The bookmakers we have mentioned so far have some of the best UK betting apps around in 2024.
One of the best betting apps available comes from Bet365. The app allows you to bet on practically every sport there is, as well as the opportunity for in-play betting, and streaming over 140,000 events on a yearly basis. If you’re a fan of the big leagues, then you will be very impressed by their outstanding bet builder features. Another key feature it offers is allowing players to cash out of their bets at any moment whilst on the go.
Other bookmakers such as Unibet provide excellent user interface, with menus that are easy to navigate even for those who aren’t the most ‘tech savvy’. Whilst not on the level of the Bet365 app, Unibet is still a well-functioning app for users who want to benefit from several boost offers.
Lastly, Paddy Power also offers a visually appealing, conveniently designed app for players. As previously mentioned, Paddy Power is one for horse racing lovers, and this also applies to the mobile experience they offer. You will find many offers specifically for horse racing whenever events are being held, making this a great choice if this is your sport.
Quality Customer Support
Whilst this might not be at the top of everyone’s list of criteria when selecting a bookmaker, it should be. The reason being that should you encounter any issues for unexpected reasons or otherwise, you want to have someone available to help you resolve your issue as quickly and efficiently as possible. Luckily, all of the bookmakers we have discussed offer a great level of customer care, and this is a big reason as to why they are the best UK betting sites in 2024. Moreover, the majority of bookmakers offer multiple channels of communication for users:
- Telephone
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Social Media
Best Bookmakers for Sports
In this section, we take a look at which UK betting sites specialise in specific sports. Whether it’s football, horse racing, darts, and more, we’ve got you covered.
Best Bookmakers for Football
Needless to say, football is without a doubt the outright winner when it comes to popular sports in the UK. For this reason alone, bookmakers will always make this sport a priority for their users. Bet Builders and Football Accumulators are very popular, and players are always looking for new markets, and new things to bet on in football.
Sky Bet, Bet365, and Betfred are amongst the best bookmakers for football betting in the UK. They all provide players with the option to place bets on the most popular leagues in the world, as well as the least known leagues. All three provide fantastic odds, whilst Sky Bet even offers a ‘request-a-bet’ feature which has become a favourite amongst their customers.
Best Bookmakers for Horse Racing
Our first pick for horse racing bookmakers is Paddy Power. As one of the best bookmakers for horse racing, Paddy power offers a huge range of horse racing markets, and really comes alive with fantastic offers and odds for major events such as the Grand National and Cheltenham Festival.
Bet365, unsurprisingly, are also a leader when it comes to bookmakers for horse racing. Fantastic odds, racing free bets, live streaming, and the best starting price for the horse you’ve backed solidifies its status in this category.
Best Bookmakers for Darts
Moving onto darts, William Hill leads the way. Apart from their fantastic offering on darts, including promos, in-play betting, and live streaming, they have put their name on one of the most popular events in darts, the World Championships. Betfred is also a key partner with PDC that sponsor a variety of their darts events. Their darts coverage is excellent, offering multiple bonuses, as well as hosting virtual darts. These two are definitely the standouts for the best bookmakers for darts.
Best Bookmakers for Snooker
888Sport, Betway, and Bet365 are all fantastic options for snooker lovers. What makes them the best bookmakers for snooker in the UK is rather simple. They all offer a great range of markets, in-play betting, and fantastic free bets that are easy to obtain and make use of.
FAQ
All betting sites mentioned within this article accept PayPal, including Bet365, 888Sport, Unibet, William Hill, Betway, and Paddy Power.
The best betting sites in the UK in 2024 include Bet365, Paddy Power, 888Sport, Unibet, Betfred, and more.
Every betting site mentioned in this article offers new customers a free bet or form of bonus when signing up.
Ranking the best UK betting sites by popularity is not easy as bookmakers do not tend to give out information about the number of customers they have. However, judging purely by size, there is no doubt that Bet365 and Betfair are two UK betting sites to be the most popular.
Free bets without deposit have become one of the most popular types of bonuses. Among the best betting sites in the UK offering this right now are Betfair, 888Sport, and Paddy Power.
Cash out has become one of the most popular features that tend to be offered at online betting sites in the UK. Most major bookies have cash out on at least some markets, with the best UK betting sites offering cash out including the likes of Betfair, Paddy Power and 888Sport.
The UK betting sites with the highest odds varies across sports, but a few bookmakers are known for providing very good value with their prices. Among the UK betting sites with the most competitive odds are Bet365, 888Sport and Betfair, which has an exchange plus a sportsbook.
Football is the top sport to bet on at virtually all of the UK betting sites that we recommend. Among the leading options for football betting are Bet365, William Hill and Paddy Power.
Most UK betting sites now use gamstop, which helps people to stay in control of their spending on online betting. It is not recommended to place wagers with betting sites without gamstop.
A growing number of UK betting sites give a bonus on registration without deposit these days, allowing people to sign up and not have to spend any of their money. Among the UK betting sites with this type of betting bonus up for grabs are Betfair, 888Sport, and Paddy Power.
Bet365 is one of the UK betting sites with competitive odds on football, with its prices usually up there with the best in the business. Paddy Power and BetVictor also have great football odds.