The team at British Gambler is committed to bringing you the best and most rewarding betting opportunities, which is why this page introduces you to the top-rated UK sports betting sites.
We’ve signed up and played at dozens of online bookmakers and are confident in our recommendations of the best online bookmakers in the UK market.
Skip the Reddit hype and the Quora guesswork. Our team plays and tests every bookmaker listed, so you get first-hand insights, safe free bet offers, and trusted UK betting sites—not forum chatter.
Here, we reveal the top ten sites and provide a first-hand account of what helps them stand out. We also reveal our review process and give insight into how we select the best betting sites in the United Kingdom. Read on and sign up for free bets, odds boosts, and more.
Best Online Bookmakers in the UK
1: Bet365 UK
Welcome bonus: Bet £10 and get £50 in free bets (Code: 365GMBLR)
Our editor’s view: “Bet365 is a cut above the rest in the UK sports betting market. After much testing, I consistently find their odds among the best value, and I love the bet builder tool and various other perks of wagering here. If you’re looking for the best in class, sign up for Bet365 today and access up to £50 in free bets.”
Pros & Cons
| ✅Great value odds | ❌The virtual chat bot isn’t very helpful |
| ✅Lots of bonuses and free bets | |
| ✅Brilliant mobile app |
2: Betway – Bookmaker for Odds Boosts
Welcome bonus: £30 free bet
Our editor’s view: “Hands down, the best thing about this sports betting online platform is the “Betway Boosts” feature. Whether you want to bet on the UEFA Champions League or Major League Baseball, you will find boosted selections for practically every sport. These boosts offer serious value, and if you’re smart and dedicated to your research, you can turn a profit throughout the season.”
Pros & Cons
| ✅Brilliant odds boost promotion | ❌Limited selection of Asian handicap markets |
| ✅£30 free bet for all new customers | |
| ✅Great live streaming options |
3: 10bet – The Best £5 Withdrawal Betting Site & App
Welcome bonus: 100% bonus up to £50 (Code: SPORT)
Our editor’s view: “If you like to place low-value bets on football, horse racing, or any other sport in the UK, 10bet is for you. The minimum deposit is just £10, and you can request your winnings if you have a balance of just £5 – one of the lowest minimum withdrawals in the UK. I also love that 10bet processes most payouts within 24 hours, so you don’t have to wait for ages to access your winnings.”
Pros & Cons
| ✅Withdrawals from £5 | ❌£10,000 max daily payouts |
| ✅Most payouts are processed within 24 hours | |
| ✅Good value odds and lots of markets |
4: Betfred – Online Bookmakers for Custom Bets
Welcome bonus: Bet £10 and get £50 in bonuses (Code: SUMMER50)
Our editor’s view: “If you can look beyond Betfred’s dated user interface, this is one of the best sportsbooks in the UK market. Specifically, I love Betfred’s custom bet tool, which is much more intuitive than many other bet builders I’ve tried. Betfred also consistently ranks as one of the best online bookmakers for horse racing odds, making it a good option if you fancy a flutter on the Grand National or other major races throughout the year.”
Pros & Cons
| ✅Brilliant custom bet tool | ❌Not the most modern website |
| ✅Great horse racing odds | |
| ✅ Up to £50 in free bets for all new punters |
5: SBK Bet – Excellent Live Odds Comparison Feature
Welcome bonus: £30 free bet (Code: BRITISHG30)
Our editor’s view: “SBK might not be the best-known bookie in the UK, but its sibling – Smarkets – is much appreciated as one of the top betting exchanges in the country. The thing I like most about SBK Bet is the live odds comparison feature. This is extremely transparent and shows whether you get the best possible value for some selections. Note that this is an app-based sportsbook only, so you can’t sign up on a computer.”
Pros & Cons
| ✅Live odds comparison feature | ❌App-based betting only (no desktop) |
| ✅£30 free bet for all new customers | |
| ✅Great value pre-match and ante-post odds |
6: Grosvenor – Best-in-class Bet Calculator Tool
Welcome bonus: Bet £10 and double your odds
Our editor’s view: “I recommend Grosvenor if you’re a fan of acca or exotic betting. Why? Because the bet calculator tool is free and extremely easy to use. You can effortlessly calculate your odds for Trixies and Super Goliath wagers, among others, before betting. I’ve also found that Grosvenor offers good value horse racing odds, and though live streaming is limited, you can tune into live races from the UK and Ireland after placing your exotic wagers.”
Pros & Cons
| ✅Free bet calculator tool | ❌Not great for live streaming sports |
| ✅Good value odds | |
| ✅Unique welcome bonus |
7: Mr Play Sports – Excellent Live Streaming Options
Welcome bonus: £15 in free bets (Code: BGPLAY)
Our editor’s view: “Perhaps the best thing about Mr Play Sports is the live streaming options, with heaps of horse racing, greyhound, and esports streams available around the clock. When paired with Mr Play’s decent in-play betting markets, this site presents itself as one of the best UK sports betting sites for live and in-play wagering. The main drawback is the slow payouts – Mr Play takes three to five days to pay your winnings.”
Pros & Cons
| ✅Lots of live streams available | ❌Slow payout processing (3-5 days on average) |
| ✅Decent in-play betting markets | |
| ✅Lots of niche sports covered |
8: Luckster – New Betting Website, Best for Digital Wallet Deposits
Welcome bonus: £10 in free bets
Our editor’s view: “I was disappointed to learn that Luckster applies a 1% fee to all withdrawals – hopefully this will change. Otherwise, this is one of the leading bookies for digital wallet payments, offering super fast and secure deposits and payments. For instance, you can deposit and play here with PayPal, Skrill, MuchBetter, and Trustly, while Paysafe pre-paid cards are also accepted.”
Pros & Cons
| ✅Many digital wallets accepted | ❌Withdrawal fees apply |
| ✅Straightforward welcome bonus | |
| ✅Great casino attached to the sportsbook |
9: All British Casino – Best UK Bookie for Cashback Offers
Welcome bonus: 10% cashback
Our editor’s view: “The main reason to play at All British Bookmaker is to take advantage of the cashback promotion, which you won’t find at many other UK online bookmakers. You can claim up to 10% cashback on your losses, and there are numerous other ongoing promotions available, such as odds boost and ACCA boosts, offering good value wagering on some sports like football.”
Pros & Cons
| ✅Awesome cashback offer | ❌Low maximum daily withdrawals (£2,500 – £5,000) |
| ✅Great football betting markets | |
| ✅Sleek and well-designed user interface |
10: Spreadex – Best for Spread Betting in the UK
Welcome bonus: £40 in free bet or up to £300 cashback
Our editor’s view: “If spread betting, rather than fixed odds betting, is your thing, Spreadex is the best option in the UK market. Though unsuitable for newbies, this is a brilliant way to enhance your wins and put your research to good use. Spreadex is intuitive and extremely well-designed, and numerous ongoing promotions (like first-scorer insurance) offer even better value.”
Pros & Cons
| ✅Brilliant spread betting options | ❌Not suitable for beginner bettors |
| ✅Several insurance promotions | |
| ✅Good customer support via phone, chat, and email |
Best UK Bookmakers and Bonus Bets
Offers-
Bet365 Bonus Code UKbet365: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets. Code 365GMBLR18+, GambleAware.org.New Bet365 Customers Only. 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. Registration Required. The bonus code 365GMBLR can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Read Bet365 Bonus Code UK Review365GMBLR
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GrosvenorGrosvenor Sport: Bet £10 Get doubled your odds18+, GambleAware.org.New customers. Min stake £10. Get doubled your odds. Keep it fun – set your deposit limit. In order to qualify, customers must place a single bet of at least £10.at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater. Each-way bets must be £10 e/w (£20 total stake) or greater. Three £10 free bet tokens will be applied upon qualifying bet settlement. Country Restrictions and Full T&Cs apply.
Read Grosvenor Review -
10bet10bet Sports: 100% bonus of up to £5018+, GambleAware.org.New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply.
Read 10bet ReviewSPORT -
BetfredBetFred Bonus: Bet £10, Get £50 in Bonuses18+, GambleAware.org.New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
Read Betfred ReviewBETFRED50 -
SBKNew SBK Bonus: £30 in Free Bet. Promo Code18+, GambleAware.org.New UK customers only. Min £10 first deposit using Debit Card or Bank Transfer. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 2.0 and get a £5 Football Bet Builder and £5 Golf token upon settlement. A £10 Multiple, £5 Horse Racing Multiple, and £5 Football Bet Builder token after 24 hours. A further £10 Multiple token after 48 hours. Minimum 3 legs. #adRead SBK Review -
SpreadexSpreadex Sports Welcome Offer: £40 in free bet OR up to £300 cashback offer18+, GambleAware.org.Place a fixed odds bet of at least £10 at minimum odds of 1/2. Promotions available to individuals who are registered customers of Spreadex. Qualifying bet cannot be placed in-play or cashed out early. Free bet stakes not included in any winnings. Free fixed odds bet can be placed by ticking the ‘Claim as Free Bet’ button on your bet slip when placing your chosen fixed odds bet. The free bet can be placed in-play but cannot be cashed out in-play and must run to the conclusion of the bet. Full terms apply.
Read Spreadex Review -
CoralCoral Sports: Get up to £20 in Free Bets18+, GambleAware.org.New UK+IRE Customers. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 1x £20 free bet. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply.
Read Coral Review -
BetVictorBetVictor Free Bet: £40 in Free Bets18+, GambleAware.org.New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds. No cash out. Get £40 in Free Bets on selected events. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Debit card / Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
Read BetVictor Review -
Hopa SportBet £10, Get £10 Free Bets Bonus18+, GambleAware.org.This offer is for new Hopa Sports customers only. Max. Free Bet amount £10. £100 Cash Prize pool guaranteed. Minimum Deposit and wagering on sport to activate the Welcome Offer is £10.
Read Hopa Sport ReviewHOPA20
The Key Features of the Top-Rated Betting Sites
Regulation – UKGC Licence
The first and most crucial thing to check before signing up for any sports betting platform is its licence. To operate legally in Great Britain, a sportsbook must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
While other commissions exist, other licences are irrelevant in the UK. So, for a site to legally offer sports betting odds and markets, it must be licensed by the UKGC.
Fortunately, it’s easy to check for a company’s licence. Your first port of call should be the site’s footer, where you can usually find licensing information. Then, visit the UKGC site and cross-check the register. If the site is licensed, you can bet on sports with peace of mind.
Our editor on UKGC regulation: “The UKGC is one of the strictest gambling regulators in the world, which is good news for punters.
“Don’t be tempted to sign up for online bookmakers licensed in offshore jurisdictions like Curacao. You will have no recourse should something go wrong, and you may never see your winnings. Be warned – only sign up for UKGC-licensed bookies for your safety.”
Bonuses, free bets, and odds boosts – Good value for all punters
| Bet365 | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets. Code: 365GMBLR |
| Betway | £30 in Free Bet |
| 10bet | 100% bonus of up to £50. Code: SPORT |
| Betfred | Bet £10, Get £50 in Bonuses. Code: SUMMER50 |
| SBK Bet | £30 in Free Bet. Code: BRITISHG30 |
| Grosvenor | Bet £10 Get doubled your odds |
| Mr Play Sports | £15 in Free Bets. Code: BGPLAY |
| Luckster | £10 in Free Bets |
| All British Casino | Always 10% Cashback |
| Spreadex | £40 in free bet OR up to £300 cashback |
One of the most attractive elements of the best online bookmakers is the welcome offer for new punters. Practically every online sports betting brand in the UK offers a promotion to new customers, but some are better than others. Here are some of the promotions you’re likely to encounter at the top-rated UK sports betting sites:
- Free bet: Here, the online betting app offers a free bet when you sign up and deposit a specific amount. For instance, a £10 deposit might trigger £40 in free sports bets.
- Cashback: Though rare, a cashback offer gives you a second chance. As is the case at All British, you can access 10% of your losses in cashback, which you can then wager on various sports for a second time.
- Odds boosts: One of our favourite UK betting offers is the odds boost. This is where the sportsbook takes a specific market for an upcoming event and provides an enhanced price for a limited time.
- ACCA insurance: If you place an accumulator at a sportsbook with ACCA insurance, you will receive a refund if one of your selections fails.
Understanding terms and conditions
Before accessing a sportsbook promotion, you must know the attached terms and conditions. These vary from site to site, so you should always read the small print before betting. Specifically, familiarise yourself with the following terms to avoid missing out:
- Minimum deposit: To trigger the welcome bonus, you must make at least the minimum deposit. In the UK, this typically ranges from £5 to £20.
- Minimum odds: Most free bets must be placed at minimum odds (usually 2.00 or higher). Bear this in mind when making your selections.
- Bonus code: Many UK betting web sites require you to enter a bonus code when you sign up. You cannot trigger the welcome bonus without entering the code.
- Sport restrictions: Some bookmaker promotions are only available when you bet on specific sports. Horse racing and football are the most common sports for UK promotions.
- Time limits: You often only have 24-48 hours to place a qualifying bet to trigger your welcome bonus, so don’t delay to avoid missing out.
- Minimum legs or selections: Some bookmakers online may stipulate a minimum number of legs or selections for your free bets (often three or more).
Our editor on free bets and bonuses: “If you don’t want to dive into the terms and conditions before triggering a free bet, at least read British Gambler’s summary. Underneath every sportsbook we recommend, we list the key terms and conditions you must know before accessing the relevant promotion. You can read it in seconds, and it will ensure that you know everything before making your first deposit.”
Odds & markets – Mainstream and niche betting options available
One of the most fundamental aspects of any online sportsbook is the odds available. Crucially, the odds must represent good value for money.
Before recommending a site, we check the odds on comparison sites for major events to see how these platforms compare to others in the industry.
We also consider odds boost promotions and investigate how regularly online bookmakers enhance odds ahead of significant events.
It’s rare to find one sportsbook with the best odds for every event, but sites like Bet365 and Betway are commonly at the top of the list.
In addition to the odds, we consider the scope of the markets at each sportsbook we recommend. We expect many betting options for all mainstream sports like football, tennis, golf, and horse racing.
However, we award extra points to sportsbooks that cover niche markets like esports and virtual sports, which are both increasing in popularity in the UK.
Live streaming – Which sports can you watch and bet on live?
The best online bookmakers in the UK tend to offer extensive live-streaming options for major sports like horse racing and tennis. Again, Bet365 is known as the industry leader in live streaming, but other sites like Mr Play Sports also offer decent coverage.
Watching a live stream and betting on in-play markets is a superb way to make gambling more enjoyable. You can access real-time odds and use your research to bet on in-play instances, such as the next scorer in a football game or the player to win the next point in a tennis match.
Our editor on live streaming: “To watch live streams at most sportsbooks, you must deposit and maintain a positive balance. This is true at both Bet365 and Betway.
“So, if you regularly watch live streams and are about to cash out your winnings, leave at least a few pounds in your account to continue watching live streams without interruption.”
Mobile compatibility – iOS and Android sports betting apps
Most punters in the UK place sports bets on their phones rather than computers. At British Gambler, we prefer sites that offer a dedicated mobile app, which is why we highly rate the likes of Bet365, Betway, and SBK Bet, as they’re the best mobile sportsbooks in the business.
We love the convenience of downloading the app for free and accessing hundreds of sports betting markets with a tap of the screen. The app also lets you deposit and withdraw funds, and at many sites, you can even pay with mobile options like Apple Pay for added convenience.
Alternatively, you might prefer to access your chosen betting app via a mobile browser like Chrome or Safari. Though you must log in each time you play, this saves space on your phone and allows you to bet on sports without downloading.
Either way, we reserve the top marks for sites that offer outstanding mobile sports betting options, which don’t differ from the quality of markets available on the desktop betting site.
Payment terms – Instant deposits and fast payouts
We expect the top UK sports betting sites to offer all punters at least five secure payment methods. They should support instant deposits and quick, fee-free withdrawals. Ideally, you should be able to access your funds within 1-2 days at most, particularly if you bet with a digital wallet.
Our editor on payment terms at sportsbooks: “It’s illegal to gamble with a credit card or cryptocurrency in the UK, so don’t expect to see these options at UK sports online betting sites.
“If you’re looking for the quickest and most secure payment method, I recommend PayPal, which I use at most bookies I bet at. I like PayPal because it supports instant deposits, and most withdrawals show up in my account within a few hours, which is much quicker than using a debit card or bank transfer.”
Customer support – 24/7 assistance
Last but certainly not least, the bookmaker’s customer support should be up to scratch. We give top marks to platforms that offer 24/7 support via email, phone, and live chat.
Unfortunately, phone support is not widely available at UK sportsbooks. However, we expect email support to be quick and responsive, and the live chat should be more than just an automated bot.
We always test the customer support channels for ourselves, and if the offering isn’t up to scratch, we won’t recommend the bookmaker.
Getting Started at the Best Online Bookmakers: Step-by-Step Sign-Up Process Explained
Signing up for one of the best sportsbooks in the UK is a breeze. If you’re new to online sports betting, follow these simple steps to register for a new account:
- Check our top list: We’ve introduced you to the top ten UK sports betting sites above. Use this as your guide and select one of these highly recommended platforms.
- Click the link: Click “Get Bonus” to visit one of these top bookmakers directly.
- Sign up with the bonus code: Complete the registration form and enter our unique bonus code to access your free bet or welcome bonus.
- Make a deposit: Choose a secure payment method (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, etc.) and make at least the minimum deposit.
- Browse the markets: Spend some time browsing the markets and betting options at the site and research before placing a wager.
- Place a bet: When you’re happy, enter your stake and place a bet on your chosen bookie.
At British Gambler, we take responsible gambling seriously. Only ever bet what you can afford to lose and adjust your stake according to your bankroll. For support, tips, and advice, visit GamCare’s Safer Gambling Page.
How We Choose the Best UK Sports Betting Sites: The British Gambler Review Process
We follow an eight-point review process to guide us to ensure all our reviews and recommendations are fair, objective, and transparent. All our writers are gambling experts with vast industry experience.
In other words, we know what to look for when searching for the best online bookmakers. Here are the non-negotiables that you will experience when you sign up for our recommended UK sports betting sites:
✔️ The UK Gambling Commission must regulate the betting site.
✔️The sign-up process should be straightforward.
✔️The online betting brand must offer extensive markets for all major sports, with a niche offering aside.
✔️There should be a free bet or similar promotion for all new customers.
✔ ️Deposits should be instant and fee-free. Winnings should be processed in 1-3 days without hassle.
✔️The sports book must be available on iOS and Android mobile devices.
✔️There should be multi-channel customer support available for all bettors.
✔️The bookmaker must have positive reviews from verified users.
Our Recommended Sports Betting Sites & TOP Apps for UK
- Bet365 – code 365GMBLR
- 10bet UK
- Betfred
- SBK
- GrosvenorSport
- Smarkets
- Spreadex
- Betway
- BetVictor
- MrPlay Sports
- Luckster Bet
Betting Extras
Sports Betting FAQs
Yes, it is legal if you are 18 or older and use a UK-licensed bookmaker.
You will need to provide personal information such as your name, address, and date of birth, and you will also be asked for identification documents. This is to prevent fraud and money laundering.
Most UK betting sites offer a variety of deposit methods, including Paypal sites, credit/debit cards and bank transfers. The deposit methods available to you will depend on the betting site.
Withdrawals are usually made using the same method you used to deposit money into your account. Withdrawal times will vary for different betting sites.
Live betting UK is placing a bet on a sporting event that is in progress. UK betting apps offer live betting on sports games, allowing you to place bets as the action unfolds.
Almost 80 years old, Betvictor’s website is among the easiest to navigate on the betting market, meaning it could be your destination if you value simplicity above all else. Boxing is the niche for this online bookmaker, but there’s also a lot to be said for Betvictor’s in-play options, the BV Loyalty Club (offering a £5 free bet every week) and a diverse casino section.
Sky Bet is one of the major sports betting websites in the UK. It offers the best markets, especially for football and horse racing. With its user-friendly site design, a wide variety of betting options, live streaming, and fair odds, Sky Bet is an excellent choice for UK bettors searching for a trusted and easy-to-use online bookmaker.