What is the Best UK Betting Site?
To help you choose the best sportsbook for your betting needs, we’ve put together a top ten list of uk betting sites. Our ranking derives from a thorough analysis of each bookmaker"s features including security, licences, market variety, odds, and more. We will go into detail on each of these features throughout the rankings.
We’d like to point out that, while this may be a ranked list, all of the options here are great. A bookie farther down the list might still be the best for you depending on your betting preferences.
| 1st | Bet365 | A sleek, modern, sportsbook with consistently great odds, especially for football. | Get Bonus! |
| 2nd | Betfair | One of the largest UK bookies with world-class market and competition variety. | Get Bonus! |
| 3rd | Betway | A reliable site with customisable welcome bonuses and a great eSports scene. | Get Bonus! |
| 4th | Unibet | A quality bookmaker, Unibet has an elite bet builder and great American sports market variety | Get Bonus! |
| 5th | Leovegas | More known as a casino site, Leovegas also has a great sportsbook with some spectacular variety | Get Bonus! |
| 6th | 888Sport | 888sport is a reputable bookie which has possibly the best user interface in the business | Get Bonus! |
| 7th | Paddy Power | A well-rounded bookmaker with all the features you’d expect from a popular betting site | Get Bonus! |
| 8th | Sky Bet | One of the largest bookmakers in the UK, Sky Bet is known for great football market variety | Get Bonus! |
| 9th | Vbet | Originally from Armenia, Vbet are now a global betting brand known for unique market variety | Get Bonus! |
| 10th | Betfred | A long-term staple in UK sports betting, Betfred is known as "The Bonus King" for a reason | Get Bonus! |
1. Bet365
When ranking the top UK betting sites, it’s hard to put anyone other than Bet365 in the #1 slot. With over 80 million customers worldwide, Bet365 is the largest online sportsbook not just in the UK, but in the entire world. And they back up this massive reputation with consistent quality and great odds.
Bet365 are the critical darlings of the online sports betting industry. At the highly-regarded SBC awards they’ve won the Sportsbook of the Year Award a record eight years in a row. A lot of this had to do with their consistently incredible odds, particularly when it comes to football.
If you’re a punter interested in football who"s looking for a world-class online bookie with the best odds around, then Bet365 is the right choice for you.
Bet365 Pros
- Reliable brand with 80+ million customers worldwide
- The best of the best when it comes to odds, particularly in football
- Top-class promotion and bonus offerings
Bet365 Cons
- Dated user interface on desktop
2. Betfair
Bet365 may reign supreme on our list, but Betfair isn’t far behind when it comes to the best betting sites in the UK.Betfair is also a British owned and operated company founded in 2000 by Andrew Black and Edward Wray.
While Betfair does have consistently solid odds in-line with other top sportsbooks, the reason they’re so high up on this list is because of their incredible bonuses. A welcome bonus of £30 in free bets, combined with a customisable rewards system that you can adjust according to your betting style, makes Betfair a hub for punters looking for free bets.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of some of the best bonuses and promotions in the industry, then Betfair might be the bookie for you.
Betfair Pros
- Highly-regarded and trustworthy brand
- Dedicated iOS and Android App
- World-class market and competition variety
- Varied and customisable bonuses
Betfair Cons
- No phone or email customer service support
3. Betway
Founded only in 2006, Betway is one of the very best among new betting sites. Betway started off life as a small online enterprise based out of Gzira, Malta before rapidly expanding into a global brand with 1,000+ employees serving millions of customers.
Betway stands out from the crowd for two main reasons. Unlike most sites, new users can choose a welcome bonus that best suits their needs. They’ve also earned a reputation as the best eSports operator in the industry, winning eSports Operator of the Year at three of the last four SBC awards.
We recommend Betway to any punter who wants variety in their bonuses, a top-notch eSports betting experience, and an all-around reliable bookie.
Betway Pros
- Lets customers choose their preferred welcome offer
- Sleek and modern user interface
- Top-quality eSports operator
Betway Cons
- Not all welcome bonuses are created equal, some offer poor value compared to competitors
- Very poor value casino bonus
4. Unibet
Since operating out of founder Anders Ström’s London home, Unibet has grown significantly into one of the largest online betting sites in Europe, with over 1,400 employees and a market value in the hundreds of millions of pounds.
Unibet is a strong all-around sportsbook, but they do have several attributes that make them stand out from the competition. For the NBA and NFL fans out there, Unibet has some of the best odds in the UK when it comes to American sports. They also have one of the best bet builders in the industry, which allows you to place up to 12 combinations on a single football match.
We recommend Unibet as a reliable bookmaker, particularly those with a keen interest in American sports.
Unibet Pros
- Wide variety of deposit options
- Great American sports market variety
- One of the best bet builders around
Unibet Cons
- Relatively high withdrawal limits
5. Leovegas
Leovegas has one of the best casino sites around, even winning Online Gaming Operator of the Year at the 2020 International Gaming Awards, but they also are a major player in UK online sports betting.
While their user interface may be lacking, Leovegas makes up for it with quality odds across the board and some great unique bonuses and promotions. Their 100% profit boost welcome bonus gives new punters a chance to win up to £100 extra on their first bet, offering customers a chance at a much larger initial return than other sites. Leovegas also runs a VIP programme that all customers are automatically enrolled in with a chance to win special prizes, birthday rewards , bonuses, and more.
We recommend Leovegas to punters looking for a strong initial welcome offer and quality perks for active members.
Leovegas Pros
- Unique VIP programme gives customers extra perks
- Profit boost welcome bonus gives you chance to win big early
- All-around strong odds
Leovegas Cons
- User interface is lacking in many regards
6. 888Sport
The official betting sponsor of the NFL in the UK and Ireland, 888sport was one of the first non-US online betting companies to operate in the United States, and is currently one of the best new online betting sites.
Whether you’re on desktop or on mobile, 888Sport has one of the best user interfaces in the business. The entire site is expertly laid out and incredibly easy to navigate, which can be a challenge for many sportsbooks with many sports and markets. They also offer some unique bonuses like a £5 free bet if you win at 4/1+ odds and a refund of up to £25 if one leg of your American sports acca loses.
If you’re a punter looking for an easily-navigable sportsbook with some solid bonuses, then 888sport might be the site for you.
888Sport Pros
- Top-notch user interface
- Great football market availability
- Unique and forgiving bonuses
888Sport Cons
- No customer service live chat
7. Paddy Power
An Irish gambling company founded in 1988, Paddy Power is known for running top-tier betting shops, even winning the 2020 and 2021 GGA London Betting Shop Operator of the Year awards. But they also run one of the largest and most reliable sports betting sites in the UK.
Paddy Power ranks among the best betting sites in the UK thanks to their wide variety of available deposit methods, as well as the Paddys Reward Club, which gives dedicated customers a £10 free bet every week.
If you’re a punter who needs plenty of deposit options and likes to be rewarded for consistent play, then Paddy Power could be the sportsbook for you.
Paddy Power Pros
- Wide variety of deposit methods
- Weekly free bets with the Paddys Reward Club
Paddy Power Cons
- Relatively low-value welcome bonus
8. Sky Bet
When it comes to sports and competition variety, Sky Bet sits among the best. Sky Bet is a British owned and operated company founded in 2001 after Sky Media’s acquisition of Surrey Sports.
What helps Sky Bet rank among the best gambling sites in the UK is their strong sports and competition variety. With 30+ sports on offer, Sky Bet is sure to have something that every punter will enjoy. You’ll also find exceptional competition variety, particularly in football, where Sky Bet has some of the best international market availability.
If you’re a fan of international football leagues and in search of a trustworthy sportsbook, then Sky Bet might be the choice for you.
Sky Bet Pros
- Automatic verification makes signup easy
- Easily obtainable welcome bonus
- Great variety in sports offered
- Incredible football market variety
Sky Bet Cons
- Noticeable lack of deposit and withdrawal options compared to competition
- No customer service phone support
9. Vbet
Founded at a gaming hall in Yerevan, Armenia in 2003, Vbet has grown into one of the largest and well-respected UK betting sites.
Vbet has plenty of quality features, such as their top-notch customer service and seamless user interface, but the one that stands above the rest is their truly international market variety. With Vbet you can bet on sports rarely found on other sites like kabaddi, sumo, surfing, and water polo.
We recommend Vbet for any punter who wants a reliable site to bet on international sports.
Vbet Pros
- An international company with international market variety
- One of the better user interfaces available today
- 24/7 customer service with multiple options
Vbet Cons
- Mobile app not available on Google Play
10. Betfred
Betfred has been an industry heavyweight for over 50 years, and that experience has moulded them into one of the best betting sites in the UK. Founded by brothers Fred and Peter Dorne in 196.7, Betfred is an English owned and operated company.
When it comes to how they stand out, Betfred has one advantage over the competition. They’re called ‘The Bonus King’ for a reason. Whether it’s their strong welcome bonus, wide variety of unique promotions, or their entertaining football bonuses, Betfred make sure to offer plenty of incentives to their customers.
We recommend Betfred to any bonus-focused punter looking for a trusted brand.
Betfred Pros
- Over 50 years of experience with an excellent reputation
- They’re called ‘The Bonus King’ for a reason with frequent and varied promotions
- Above average odds compared to competitors, particularly in football
Betfred Cons
- Fewer offerings than many of their competitors, especially in international markets
Get the Best Betting Sites Odds & Payouts
When it comes to choosing an online sportsbook, few things are more important than quality odds, because they are directly linked to how much money is going into your pocket. For example, if one bookmaker has the odds of a certain event at 3/1, and your bookmaker has the odds at 5/2, you’re losing potential pounds even if you win.
With Odds Scanner’s excellent odds comparison service, you can make sure you’re consistently getting the best deal on every bet. Our service allows you to check which site has the best offer depending on the event, sport, or market.
Quality odds are too important to go without, which is why every bookie chosen in our rankings ranks among the best sports betting sites for competitive odds. Our top-ranked site Bet365, consistently offers the best odds when it comes to football. Second place Betfair has some of the best odds for rugby and American football. And third place Betway offers daily odds boosts for a variety of sports.
Which UK Betting Site Has the Best Payouts?
We believe that Bet365 has the best payouts among UK betting sites. They rank consistently near the top in most popular betting markets including football, horse racing, tennis, and basketball.
But that doesn’t mean the other bookmakers listed don’t also offer better odds on many occasions. Payout can vary due to a number of factors including available promotions and odds boosts. With Odds Scanner, you can compare odds on specific matches to find the betting site with the best payout for your particular needs.
How to Choose a Reliable Betting Site
With 500+ online sportsbooks in the UK to choose from, it can be a challenge to find trusted sports betting sites on your own. The first, and most important, priority when choosing a reliable betting site is if they have an official gambling licence. Reputable sites will have their licence information listed at the bottom of the home page, which you can then double check with the Gambling Commission database.
At Odds Scanner, we take all the precautions to make sure we only recommend properly licensed and reliable bookmakers.
Are Betting Sites Legal in the UK?
As long as they have proper licence and registration, betting sites in the UK are 100% legal if you’re 18 or older. Sports betting has been legalised in the UK for over 60 years, which is a big reason why there are so many sportsbooks to choose from.
We only recommend legal betting sites that have an active, non-expired, licence with the UK Gambling Commission.
What Makes a Great Betting Site?
Great bonuses, diverse market variety, and consistent quality odds are just a few of the things that make a great betting site. But remember, the ideal bookmaker for you depends on what you value as a punter.
Below, we have listed the main points that we took into consideration when ranking the top UK betting sites, and that you should take into account as well.
Reputation & Licensing
Before you even get into promotions, payment methods, or odds, the important first step to finding the right bookie for you is confirming that they are a legal gambling site. We make sure all bookies we recommend are reliable and in good-standing by confirming that they have a non-expired licence to operate with the UK Gambling Commission.
If you want to check a bookie’s legal status for yourself, you can usually find their gambling licence information at the bottom of their home page, which can then be cross-referenced with the Gambling Commission database.
Excellent Bonuses, Promotions & Rewards
Quality odds are great to have, but to truly maximise your winnings, good bonuses are absolutely key. At most popular sportsbooks you can expect to receive a welcome bonus, usually in the form of a free bet ranging in value between £20 and £50. Depending on the site, you can also expect to find bonuses for accumulator betting, horse racing, and major international events (e.g. World Cup).
At Odds Scanner, we always do a thorough analysis of the most popular bonuses, and give you tips on how to maximise your profits with them.
Variety of Payment Methods
If you want to receive your winnings, or even place a bet in the first place, you need to join a sportsbook that accepts payment methods available to you. We provide punters with all the information they need to know about top bookies payment systems including minimum/maximum deposit/withdrawal amounts and processing times.
The most common withdrawal and deposit methods on UK betting sites include debit cards, eWallets like PayPal and Neteller, and direct bank transfers.
Reliable Mobile Betting
If you’re someone who is on your phone more often than your computer, you’ll want to sign up for a sportsbook with a functional and intuitive mobile app.
Before you deposit any funds with a bookie, you might think about downloading their mobile app to see if it offers everything you need. Take notice of things like the layout, ease of navigation, and the presence of key features such as Cash Out and Live Streaming.
Top-Notch Odds
Top-notch odds are incredibly important because they directly translate to how much money you earn. If your bookie is offering slightly worse odds than a competitor, you’re losing potential earnings even when you win.
Comparing odds is an important skill for all punters to have. At Odds Scanner, we compare thousands of odds per day to make sure that you’re always directed to the betting site that pays more.
Variety of Sports & Available Markets
Every top bookmaker in the UK will rank among the top football betting sites. But if you’re interested in other sports like cricket, rugby, tennis, and basketball, it’s important to check their offerings in those as well.
And sports offerings aren’t the only thing you should be examining when it comes to sportsbook variety. Whether you’re into straight moneyline bets, or are a fan of accumulators, make sure your sportsbook of choice has plenty of options when it comes to your favourite betting market.
Live Betting & Live Streaming
One way you can differentiate top bookies from the competition is if they have top-quality live streaming services. Live streaming allows users to watch sports such as football, basketball, cricket, tennis, and more in real-time right on the bookmakers site.
Live streaming can be incredibly advantageous for punters who prefer live betting (placing bets throughout a match) because it allows them to make the right decision in real time. Live streaming allows you to place bets on the fly while watching, enabling expert punters to perfectly time their bets.
Ease of Use
Even with great bonuses, solid market variety, and plenty of sports on offer, it takes good site design to truly tie an online sportsbook together. Navigating your favourite sportsbook shouldn’t be a hassle, and should be completely intuitive for users. Make sure to check for things like site loading times, user interface quality, and ease of payment when choosing the right sportsbook for you.
Helpful Customer Service
Even at the largest and most reputable sportsbooks, the occasional issues still pop up. When problems do arise, it’s important that your bookie of choice has the customer service infrastructure to handle them.
Before signing up for any sportsbook, you should review their customer service offerings. In our sportsbook reviews, we check if bookies have dedicated phone and email support, a detailed FAQ, and alternate forms of communication such as 24/7 live chat and social media help pages.
Good Luck & Remember to Play Responsibly!
Thanks for reading our rankings of the best gambling sites in the UK! If you’re looking to start out in sports betting, we wholeheartedly recommend any of the sportsbooks on our list and encourage you to sign up for your favourite one through our website.
As soon as you’re ready, you can sign up for your bookie of choice and start placing bets on your favourite sport. We wish you the best of luck on your sports betting journey! And remember to play responsibly.