Best Bookmakers – List of Top UK Online Bookmaker Sites 2023
If you love gambling and are always looking to make the best bet online, you need to look no further. We made an exclusive collection of all the best and trusted online UK bookmakers for online and sports betting. You will find the list of the Top Betting sites UK plus our best tips for finding the best new sportsbooks and bet offers, so keep reading.
We know it’s challenging to identify what is the best online bookmaker out there. We bring the best UK bookies to the table, along with several betting exchanges and spread betting site, all tested by our team of experts, along with the various sports you can wager on and bet on, and how to maximize your chances of winning a profit. In our table, you will see all the recoddently added sportsbooks based on year of establishment, best odds, free bet offers, country availability, review status, and license.
What are the best online bookmakers in the UK?
Here is our list of the best UK bookmakers for sports betting and betting in general in the UK. All of them are licensed and secure, which means you will be 100% safe if you choose any of these
UK bookmakers. The list needs to be in order because it’s not a ranking. All of these best online bookies in the UK deserve to be in our list for their reasons.
- William Hill
- 888
- Betway
- SkyBet
- Unibet
- Betfred
- PaddyPower
- Betfair
- BoyleSports
- BetVictor
- 10Bet
- PariMatch
How does an online bookmaker work?
If you’re new to the gambling world, you should understand that bookmakers are your opponents, and you must learn how to beat them. To do that, first, you must know how exactly they are sure to make money.
A Bookmaker makes money by the following:
- They set the bet prices (also called – vig)
- They set up and change all the betting lines
- They balance the Book โ to eliminate any risks
- They count on bettor emotions and lack of knowledge.
The basic principle of bookmaking is straightforward. Every time a bookmaker lays a bet on a player, the bookie takes money and pays money out every time his player wins a bet. The idea is simple – the bookmaker has to take more money in than pay out.
Since this is a game, the bookie can’t control the outcome of the events. He can hold how much he will stand to win or lose on any particular result. The bookmaker sets the odds for all the wagers, which ultimately enables the bookie to ensure a profit.
How do we choose the best UK online bookmaker site?
Choosing an online bookmaker to bet with depends on many factors. Today, we’re giving you the most important reasons to consider when looking to bet online, such as reputation, welcome offer, trustworthiness, payouts, and more.
This article made it easy for you to understand how to select the best online bookmaker in the UK. To do that, we made the first step instead of you. We have registered, deposited, claimed the sign-up offer, and bet with every online bookie on our list to ensure we are well-placed to advise you on the online bookmaker sites in the UK betting market.
When choosing a sportsbook, you may need to take into account different aspects, so you can find the best betting site for your needs. The best gambling website will be the one that best suits your needs as a bettor. So letโs explore some factors you may want to consider when choosing the best sportsbook to bet.
The reputation
We carefully research the online gambling world and review casinos to make sure they have a good reputation and are trustworthy. This includes checking for things like licensing, customer service, game fairness, security protocols and payment processing. We also look at the types of bonuses and promotions offered, as well as any player complaints that have been filed against the casino. Additionally, we check to see if the site is independently audited by a third-party organization such as eCOGRA or TST.
New Customer Offer
The most enticing factor is the bookmaker’s sign-up offer. Once you’ve created your account, the betting site will reward you with a welcome offer upon making a minimum bet amount. Pick an online bookmaker with a low minimum bet and less stringent wagering requirements as a tip. There are different factors to each offer you should always consider before placing your first bet, such as how much you get in bookmaker’s free bets, wagering requirements, how long your free bets are valid for, and how long it takes for them to be rewarded.
Sign-up process
Providing simple and fast registration steps is essential for every bookmaker. An easy way to create an account is vital and will give you an understanding of how the rest of the betting site will work.
Sports Markets
When choosing an online bookmaker, always consider the betting market as an essential factor. Our list of best UK betting sites is dedicated to the Top 14 online bookies that offer the market on the major sports, including football, golf, boxing, tennis, and horse race.
Competitive Odds & Payout
Not every online bookmaker that has a license offers the best odds, and that’s no mystery. You can see that clearly on those odds comparison betting sites, and we all know that a sports bet without value is a commitment to bankruptcy in the long run.
You can find the most popular bookies in the UK betting market on our website and compare their odds for Premier League, Horse race betting, or whatever you’re interested in. Remember to compare the live odds as well and that some online bookies retain different commissions for the same fixture.
Safety & Security
Since there are a lot of scams out there, factors such as safety and security are crucial when talking about the best betting site. But how can you decide which bookmaker is legit and which is a scam? Always seek a valid licensing documents from reputable authorities like the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority.
Early payout
Early payout is a crucial part of everyday betting. Ever-popular bookmakers such as Paddy Power and Sky Bet offer to pay out on football bets if a bettor’s selected team goes two goals ahead, which is a great incentive. It’s a strong initiative and strengthens the bookies’ ranking among the best betting sites.
Live Streaming
The best UK online bookmaker also offers live streaming, allowing punters to follow the action on their phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. The only thing you will need is a good internet connection, and you can stream matches live.
Payment methods
You’ll make frequent deposits and withdrawals when placing bets, so the process needs to be as smooth and fast as possible. Our top betting sites support secure and popular payment methods like e-wallets, prepaid cards, and debit/credit cards.
Bet Builder
The bet builder feature helps you make the most out of one event in which you are confident. With this feature, you can place multiple bets on the same event, increasing your win!
Cashout
Sometimes you might not be lucky with your bet, and rather than lose out entirely, you can take advantage of the cashout feature. This means you’ll settle your stake by accepting a payout less than the total winning amount before the game ends.
Bookie Promotions
Once you’ve used the welcome offer, it’s time to understand what promotions and rewards to expect. Some bookmakers have free bets clubs, and others offer free-to-play games.
User-friendly betting site
The best online betting site should be user-friendly, enabling you to scheme quickly and identify different features.
Licensing and regulation
Gambling laws are made to protect players, bookmakers, and betting operators. The government’s UK Gambling Commission licences all UK online bookies.
How to Choose the Best Bookmaker to Bet
If you want, you can choose and sign up for multiple bookmakers. If you’ve never bet before and this is your first time opening a betting account with a bookie, you should select the operator carefully. Note that it’s entirely free to sign up for a betting account.
If you are new to the gambling world and don’t have any betting experience, please check the bookmakers’ list on this page and brainstorm which sportsbook suits you best. When choosing a bookmaker to bet for the first time, always look if it has a free bet offer and how competitive the betting odds are for the sports you enjoy the most.
If you want to sign up for multiple online bookmakers, we advise that you read the free bet terms and conditions with each one of them. It’s essential to be sure how to claim this sports betting offer.
Best Odds on a Number of Sports
How do you ensure you consistently get the best odds for every betting selection you make? After all, no bookmaker always has the most significant bet prices, and you’ll find that some are stronger than others regarding certain sports and markets. Therefore, you must hold several bookmaker accounts to land an enormous value time and again.
Whether you’re betting on a horse race, football, or any other sport, always ensure that the highest price is on your bet slip.
Note that sometimes a bookie may have a Price promise for a specific sport while also having Price boosts, best odds guaranteed, or enhanced odds.
Always Look for the Best Free Bet and Bonus Offer
While the most significant free bet available will always be your best shot, you should know how to qualify for a free bet before even creating your new sports betting account. Note that sometimes there could be a specific condition attached to your payment method, with some bookies not accepting e-wallet deposits when it comes to bonuses.
Sometimes, as a new player, you should make a first deposit for a particular stake to be eligible for a free bet. Always look for the min odds requirement.
There are also different types of free bets and turnover requirements with some of these offers. This might mean you need to bet through a bonus-free bet a certain number of times before you can make a withdrawal, and you also have to establish whether you get winning as cash or in free bet bonuses.
Here are the main types of free bets that you can receive:
No Deposit Free Bet
It’s rare to get the chance to bet for free without making a deposit. If you find a bookie offering this be careful and always read the terms and conditions.
Deposit Bonus
This is the most common type of free bet you will see. Players must make a deposit and usually place a first qualifying bet at a specific price. Once you complete this first bet, you will receive a free bet, traditionally credited within 24 hours.
Bet Credits
A Bet Credit allows you to bet for free alongside your real money balance effectively. In this case, you’ll get a 100% deposit match, and the best part – you can keep any of the winnings you make.
Reload Bonus
As a new customer, you can secure a free bet as a reload bonus. The bookmaker might send you an email inviting you the opportunity to secure a free deposit bonus, providing you to fund your account within a specific time parameter.
Price Boost
Sometimes, as a new player, you will get the chance to place a Price Boost. This is among the best at inflated odds to win a sporting event. The winnings are usually paid out in free bets, but these offers represent the opportunity to get off to a winning start.
Bet Insurance/Cash Back
As a new player, you’ll receive plenty of offers where you will get your money back if you lose your first bet. It means you can place a risk-free wager on a sporting event of your choice and have the win-win situation of either making a profit or getting cash back.
Promo Codes
Many sites require Promo Codes or Bonus Codes to guarantee the sign-up offer or free bet credits associated with your chosen welcome offer.
Best bookmaker sites in the UK breakdown
If you are new to the online betting world, perhaps previously using high street betting shops to place your bets, then we recommend one of these better known brands for your first online betting account.
1. William Hill
William Hill is one of the better-known online betting sites in the UK players will run into. William Hill is notorious for having one of the most lucrative welcome offers on the betting market. The bookmaker offers new customers an amazing welcome bonus. There are various payment options and high-quality customer support, which makes your overall experience even better. This is a perfectly safe online bookmaker to register with and bet on. William Hill has first-rate safety and security features making it one of the most secure online betting sites for UK players.
2. 888 Sport
888Sports is a unique gambling website with loads of things to offer its customers. The gambling authorities of the UK, Gibraltar, Germany, Italy, Spain, USA, and more regulate it. The casino’s sign-up offer is available exclusively to all new 888 customers. So, if this is your first time playing in this casino, here is an excellent reason to change that. Once you sign up and make a minimum deposit, you will receive a 100% bonus on your deposit (maximum of ยฃ100). In other words, if you deposit between ยฃ10 and ยฃ100, you receive twice the money. This is a perfectly safe casino to register with and bet on. 888 has first-rate safety and security features making it one of the most secure online casinos available to players.
3. Betway
Betway has been in business since 2006 and has been a leader in the gambling industry since then. The bookmaker operates worldwide, including the USA, Canada, Norway, India, Sweden, New Zealand, Belgium, Germany, South Africa, Ireland, Denmark, and more. When you first join Betway (you need to register an account successfully before making your first bet), you get a 100%, up to ยฃ50 welcome bonus. Several regular promotions are available for existing customers, including Betway Casino’s no-deposit bonuses. Betway is an excellent choice for new UK players and seasoned gamblers to register and bet on. This online bookmaker is a trusted and legit betting site, and it has complete licensing and player protection.
4. SkyBet
Sky Bet is one of the biggest bookmakers in the gambling industry, with huge revenue and many players. It’s part of British Sky Broadcasting, one of the largest media companies in the UK. New players receive a welcome bonus which is ยฃ60. To claim this offer, you must stake a minimum of ยฃ10 on each way or a single bet. Skybet is a trusted and legit online bookie. With licensing from Alderney Gambling Commission and UK Gambling, it is also a London Stock Exchange-listed gambling platform.
5. Unibet
Unibet is an award-winning online bookmaker that has it all. Unibet is notorious for having one of the most lucrative offers on the betting market. The bookie’s new customer offer is ideal for everyone who has yet to play here before starting. This online bookmaker offers three welcome bonuses – one for the sportsbook division, one for the casino division, and one for the poker division. There’re also deposit bonuses, but they come with specific terms, conditions, and wagering requirements.
Unibet is a trusted and legit online bookmaker to bet on. It has player protection in some of the world’s strictest jurisdictions; they hold licenses with the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
6. Betfred
Betfred is another well-known online bookmaker to bet on. It’s one of the best UK bookmakers and longest-established sport betting platform and casinos in the world. This sports betting site offers an excellent free offer that new players can take advantage of. For this free bonus, you must make an account and use the promo code SPORTS60. Once you enter the promo code, you can immediately take part and bet. If you deposit and place the first bet of ยฃ10 or more, you get ยฃ60 in bonuses through the next couple of days. This multi-platform gambling venue offers a safe environment for players that want to do some severe wagering or spend a few quid for fun.
7. Paddy Power
Paddy Power has premium options for all players. Launched in 2004, the online casino offers poker, Bingo, sports betting, lotteries, live casino, and more to bet on. This bookmaker has amazing welcome bonuses as well as bonuses for existing players. The main welcome bonus is on the first deposit and is only for new UK customers. Besides that, new players will receive a no-deposit bonus of ยฃ10 before a payment is made.
9. Betfair
Betfair Sportsbook is one of the leaders in online sports betting. Betfair has a 50 free spins welcome offer for all new players. You need to register using the code CASF51 and complete your phone number verification. You’ll get 50 free spins, and they will have a value of 10p each spin and expire seven days after being awarded. Registration is easy, and the verification process goes very quickly. Betfair offers a lot of exciting promotions and bonuses. They also have poker software, which you can download from the website. You can choose a lot of different deposit methods. Withdraws take up to 24 hours.
11. Boyle Sports
BoyleSports is one of the betting industry’s pioneers and one of Ireland’s most significant online bookmakers. It has more than 270 retail branches in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The bookmaker offers one of the best odds guaranteed on UK and Irish horse racing. BoyleSports has plenty to offer, with more promotions than most and a decent welcome bonus. BoyleSports best offers numerous bonuses and special promotions for its customers. With licensing through the government bodies of Gibraltar and the UK, the use of encryption coding software, and high-quality gaming software, not only is the BoyleSports site secure, and it’s completely safe.
12. BetVictor
BetVictor is one of the best betting sites UK in the industry. This bookmaker operates under the regulations of Gibraltar and the UK Gaming Commission. BetVictor casino welcomes new customers with one of the best around bonuses – deposit ยฃ10 using your debit card and gets up to ยฃ300 bonus offer. You can use this deposit in the virtual casino. After that, you will receive a free bet offer worth ยฃ70. BetVictor is an excellent online betting platform. Both, the casino and the sportsbook provide games in almost all categories, developed by some of the biggest names in the online gambling industry.
13. 10Bet
10Bet is owned by Blue Star Planet Limited and is licensed by the UKGC, Swedish Gambling AuthorityIrish Gambling Authorities, and Malta Gambling Authority. To take advantage of the new customers welcome bonus, you must deposit ยฃ15 using the 10Bet promo code CASINO10. Even though you can use this bonus on any game, it gives you a chance to get 25 free spins on ‘Crabbin Hold&Winโข’casino. Remember that you will have to wager it 40 times in the next 15 days from signing up. Also, look at the wagering requirements on the games before playing. 10Bet is a place where you can find loads of options, the site’s casino section has everything to satisfy even the most niche tastes.
14. Pari Match
PariMatch came into the UK betting industry in 2020 and has become one of the favourite online bookmakers among British players. After you join Parimatch and create your account, you can enjoy their welcome offers for casino, slot games, and sportsbook. Deposit ยฃ10 on iconic Online Slots like Bonanza Megaways, Legacy of Dead, Gorilla Kingdom, or Starburst for a ยฃ40 Slots Bonus. You must do this within seven days of opening your account. PariMatch is an excellent place to spend your free time and enjoy your favourite games. The casino offers a wide variety of games and plenty of payment methods.
Best New Bookies Sites
Many new betting sites are entering the industry and aiming to compete with some of the best regarding all aspects of their sites.
Some of the UK’s best new betting sites have better features than the current industry standard, while others aim to learn and pave their way to compete.
New Bookmakers Online – Things to Consider
- Lucrative welcome offer
- High odds
- Variety of payment methods
- Easy-to-use website
- Betting App
- Free bets available
- A type of sports betting offers
- Customer service
- Other features include live streaming, VIP, stats, and live scores.
How to Sign up and Place a Bet at a UK Bookmaker Site
When creating your account, you must provide basic personal information like first and last name, address, date of birth, email and phone number
The most crucial step of the signing process is verifying your account by uploading a scan of your ID card, passport, driving licence, or utility bill.
Make your first deposit and find a game or a sport you want to bet on.
Place your bet and confirm it.
Pick a betting site
The first step is finding a betting site that caters to your needs. It should provide the payment methods that work well for you, provides competitive odds, and offers an advanced betting platform.
Sign up
The sign-up process should be fast and easy. Keep in mind that online legal sports betting sites will require you to provide basic personal information. Note that giving more information about yourself that you find comfortable shouldnโt be necessary.
Make a deposit
Once youโve successfully created your account, itโs time to make your first deposit and bet. Always choose a bookmaker that offers deposit and withdrawal options such as credit and debit card payment, prepaid cards, and even more traditional payment methods such as cheques and standing orders. Once youโve made your first bet, the bookmaker will automatically add funds to your account (in some cases, you will be required to add a bonus code).
Place your first bet
Now youโve got the funds in your account, itโs time to start betting! The best bookmaker will provide a menu on the left side of the screen, where you can find each sport (or other) betting market listed. Click the sport that suits you, then decide which betting line you are interested in.
Things to consider when opening a new sportsbook account:
- Terms and conditions
- Withdrawals rules
- Safety and Security
- Reviews and feedback
- Communication channels
- Languages and currencies available
How To Deposit With Online Bookmakers In The UK
All UK bookmakers use the easiest and most popular deposit and withdrawal methods, such as Visa (both debit and credit card), Mastercard and PayPal.
However, you can also use EntroPay, Diners Club, Skrill, Maestro, Neteller, Paysafe, Switch, Western Union, ClickandBuy and Bank Transfers. Some UK bookmakers who have shops and an online site allow their customers to deposit and withdraw cash over the counter in their betting offices too.
Withdrawing Your Winnings
There are some requirements to be done before withdrawing your winnings.
Go to your betting account and select ‘withdraw’ from the menu.
If your deposit method is also an accepted withdrawal method at the bookies, it will automatically be selected for you.
If your deposit type does not process incoming payments, too, you’ll need to choose a method of the available withdrawal types.
Enter the details of your withdrawal type into the fields where applicable. This will be auto-filled if you’re using your deposit method.
Select the amount you want to take out (this needs to adhere to minimum withdrawal conditions at the bookmaker), and the funds must be available in your bankroll.
Once all fields are complete, confirm the withdrawal request. This will then go to the bookmaker for processing. You should get approval within 48 hours of the request being sent.
Every withdrawal you make at an online betting site in Britain will be subject to a short delay while your request is being processed. This usually takes around two days at the top bookmaker’s online. Once approved, how quickly it takes to get your money back will depend on your withdrawal method.
The following table outlines typical withdrawal speeds you can expect to be subject to after the request has been approved.
What Types of Sports Wagers UK Bookmakers Offer
The online bookmakers UK featured on our list of best betting sites in the UK accept different sports wagers.
For example, you can choose from more than 100 pre-match betting markets on a single football match and dozens of live betting options.
Betting options available in the UK Bookmakers include straight bets, correct scores, handicaps, win casts, forecasts, accumulators, tricasts, Canadians, Yankees, and many more markets, plus lots of ante-post bets and in-play wagers.
What Sports Leagues Can I Bet On on a UK Betting Site?
The UK gambling world has one of the best sportsbooks as you can bet on almost every league, such as Premier League and Champions League. But you can even bet on all the minor leagues, friendlies, youth games, women’s football and more.
Besides football, you will have the chance to bet on Super League for rugby and Premiership rugby, red-ball and white-ball cricket, all the Grand Slam tennis tournaments, horse race and gold tournaments, and thousands of competitions. There’s plenty of NFL betting available, too, with loads of NFL odds, including NFL futures markets such as Super Bowl odds.
Bookmakers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQโs)
What is the best sportsbook app in the UK?
The best bookies have all high-quality mobile apps that players can download easily from the App Store or Google Play.
How long does it take to sign-up for a bookie?
Creating your account is a simple and fast process. It takes up to 5 minutes to complete the sign-up process, deposits your funds, and place your first bets.
What payment methods are accepted by online bookmakers sites?
The available options include debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, prepaid cards and mobile payment methods.
Are new bookmakers legitimate?
Always keep an eye on the regulatory authority of the bookie. If it is UKGC or MGA, the site is safe. However, offshore authorities such as Curacao tend to attract not such honest bookies. Also, you can always check the players’ feedback.
Can bookmakers refuse to pay out?
Bookmakers worldwide have all the right not to pay out if they have a reason for that.
What is the most profitable bet?
Soccer is the most popular game worldwide. That makes it the most profitable sport to bet on. Anyway, basketball comes close behind.
What online bookmakers offer free bets in the UK?
The top UK bookmakers all offer free bets as an incentive to register for an account. For example, Ladbrokes offers a 400% welcome bonus worth ยฃ20.
Do bookies close winning accounts?
Bookmakers are businesses. They have to make a profit. Otherwise, they cannot operate. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s the basic business ethic, and any punter who shows a trend of making a profit is usually first restricted, and then ultimately, their account is closed.
