The UK’s Best Sports Betting Sites in 2023
People in the UK love sports, there is no doubt about it. The only thing they may love more about it is betting on those sports. Our team of experts here at CasinoTop have done the legwork and found the best online sports betting websites to place your bets. Bettors will find odds and sports betting markets that suit their needs with ease. There are a variety of sports to bet on such as rugby, cricket, football, golf and so much more.
Take some time to have a look at the online sports betting websites we recommend you try out. We ensure that our recommendations have passed our tests. These tests determine whether an online sports betting site can be trusted, has accessible payment options, a range of sports and odds and so much more to make your sports betting journey easy.
The Best Online Sports Betting Websites in the UK
Blacklisted Sports Betting Sites
There are great and many online bookmakers available in the UK. However, not all of them can be trusted. When we review online bookmakers, we ensure the utmost safety and support for our bettors. If a website does not meet the desired experience, payment options, safety and security standards then these websites get added to our blacklist. The list exists and is revisited frequently to keep it up to date and for bettors to keep track of the dodgy bookmakers out there.
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The Most Popular Sports to Bet on in the UK
There are tons of sports to bet on these days and especially in the UK. However, some sports are more popular than others. These stand out like a sore thumb and usually come with a variety of odds and betting options. Here are some of the most popular sports to bet on in the country.
Betting on Cycling
The sport has gained a lot of momentum in the past few years. There are frequently more betting markets added for those looking to bet on the races. Bettors will find many betting options from major races such as the Tour de France, the World Cycling Championship and even the Olympics. It’s something to try if you haven’t already.
Betting on Rugby
History tells the story of rugby being born in the UK. So, it only makes sense that betting on rugby is one of the most popular betting types. Bettors will have access to a huge variety of betting markets that come with some of the most popular international rugby tournaments to games played at home.
Betting on Cricket
Another popular sport that is believed to have found its origins in the UK is cricket. The betting markets available for cricket are immense. Bettors can find moneyline odds, live-betting options and so much more to keep them entertained. You can also be sure to find betting options available on a variety of cricket tournaments that occur internationally or in the UK.
Betting on Darts
On to another sport that is believed to have started in the UK, darts. A sport played in bars all over the world has gained a lot of traction over the past few years when it comes to betting. Bettors around the world now follow the sports which converge at the World Darts Championship. This is where some of the best betting options become available and is quite exciting to be a part of even if it's just placing a wager.
Betting on Golf
Considered to be one of the gentlemens’ games, golf has been a popular sport to follow and bet on for a long time. Sports betting sites offer odds and betting markets for many or all of the golf tournaments that take place in the UK and worldwide.
Betting on Tennis
Tennis played in the UK is world-famous and Wimbledon is synonymous with the sport and the betting opportunities that arise from it. However, the Grand Slam is not the only tennis sporting event that creates betting opportunities. The best betting sites will have betting options for games played around the world and from varying smaller tournaments. Any tennis fan who has their eyes on the beginners, as well as the Tour Finals, will have an opportunity to place a bet in one form or another.
Betting on Horse Racing
This is probably the one sport that is known to attract the richest spectators and bettors. There are tons of local and international betting options at online betting sites. Bettors in the UK have no issues betting on events like the Cheltenham Festival, the Epsom Derby or even St. Leger.
Betting on Football
The most popular sport in the country is sure to have great betting options on any online betting site found in the UK. Football has a long history and a fanbase like no other. Bettors will have the chance to bet on huge events like the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League among other events. There is no shortage of betting opportunities when it comes to football in the UK.
The Benefits of Online Sports Betting
The UK is still known for having some of the most popular and successful land-based bookmakers in the world. However, in the past few years, more bettors are choosing to find their odds online. Here are some of the advantages that our team think makes online sports betting great:
Rating and Reviewing Online Sports Betting Websites
For online sports betting in the UK to get a spot in our list of recommendations, there are strict criteria these sites need to meet. Here at CasinoTop, we take the time to review every online betting site individually and provide our honest insights. Here is an overview of our review process:
Bonuses and Free Bets
The best online betting sites will have welcome bonuses or free bets to bring in new customers. These bonuses should also benefit bettors by giving them a chance to turn these free offers into real-money winnings. We also like to see that online betting sites regularly reward loyal bettors for using their service.
A Range of Competitive Odds
There should be a good selection of odds for bettors to choose from at an online betting site. Additionally, these odds should be competitive as well. The odds need to match the average in the industry or be lower for bettors to stand a better chance of winning. No one wants to place bets with a bookmaker that constantly favours the house edge.
Banking Methods
Bettors don’t have the freedom to walk up to someone and place a bet with cash. So, when it comes to making a deposit or claiming what you won, an online betting site in the UK needs to have a good range of payment options. We want to see credit or debit card options, e-wallets, bank transfers and more. This makes it easier for a bettor to choose how they want to transact. These payment options should also come with high-end encryption to ensure that all the financial data is secure at all times.
Different Sports and Betting Markets
Any online sports betting site that we recommend must have a range of sports to choose from. Not just tons of bets for a single sport or specific tournament. Good online betting sites will cover local and international sporting events along with different markets and betting options. Even though a sport may not be popular in the UK, an online betting site gets an extra endorsement if they have odds and betting options for niche or rising sports events.
Safety and Security
When new players sign up for an online casino site, the last thing they’re likely to consider is the level of support that the operator offers. As such, CasinoTop has done the necessary research to ensure that the sites we recommend provide fast, effective and friendly support via mediums that are convenient and comfortable for all.
Mobile Accessibility and Betting Apps
The most reputable online betting sites will have developed dedicated betting apps. These apps need to function smoothly on a range of mobile devices. These apps should also have all the odds, betting markets and sports that can be found on the desktop version. If a sports betting site can be launched directly from the mobile internet browser, this is also seen as a positive.
Safety and Security
The only way an online betting site finds its way onto our list of recommended sites, is if they score really well in the categories mentioned above. Our team of experts will also keep a keen eye on these betting sites and will periodically review these sites again to see whether or not they have maintained their high standards.
Sports Betting Odds Explained
Finding the betting odds that work for them is critical before bettors begin placing bets on their favourite sports online. Fractionals are the most common type of betting odds in the UK. Betting odds, on the other hand, can take the shape of decimal or moneyline odds. Here's a quick rundown of what each of them means for you as a bettor.
Moneyline Odds
One of the most popular betting methods in the US has made its way onto practically every online betting site. The focus of these betting odds is on who will win the game. The underdog will be assigned a negative number, while the game's favourite will be assigned a positive number. Betting on the underdog is usually more profitable than betting on the favourite, but also comes with more risk.
Fractional Odds
The profit-to-stake ratio for a wager is expressed in fractional odds. They are represented by two numbers separated by a slash: the number on the left shows the amount a bettor can win, while the number on the right denotes the stake required to receive a payout. For instance, if you bet £1 at 3/1 odds, you will earn £3 in wins plus your stake back. Fractional odds are the most common and extensively utilised odds format in UK sportsbooks.
Decimal Odds
This is by far the most common and straightforward. A simple number, such as 2.0, will be presented. The number represents the amount of money you'll get if you win your wager. So, in this scenario, whatever wager you place, if you win, you'll get back twice as much as you put in. These betting odds are significantly more prevalent around the world than any of the others mentioned, and British bettors employ them more frequently.
Bet and Market Types
There are a variety of betting types and markets to pick from in addition to the numerous sorts of odds. Our team has put together a simple guide to help you learn about the many sorts. Here are some of the most popular betting kinds and markets available at our recommended online betting sites.
Betting Types
Single Bets
The simplest form of a bet, where only one market is selected. This also involves only one sport or sport event. If you bet on what the result will be and you chose the correct outcome, then you win the bet. This type of bet doesn’t rely on any other bets.
Accumulator Bets
This only requires one betting slip, but bettors are able to place several bets for different events. However, the more bets you place, the more risk there is. All bets in an accumulator need to be successful for a bettor to win. The odds are combined to amount to a huge payout.
Each Way Bet
If there are two or more teams or individuals participating in an event then more than one wager can be placed. Bettors will have the chance to bet on who the winner of the contest will be and another bet on a different participant. The second bet might be that the participant ends the contest in the top five, depending on the number of participants. Even if the bettor doesn’t win the initial bet then the other might still result in a win.
Same Game Multiple
Similar to an accumulator bet, but bets are placed on a single event. There are different selections but these are linked to each other. The odds of each likely prediction can add up to a big return. However, each bet on the event needs to be successful if the bettor is looking to win that huge prize.
Market Types
Over and Under
The bookmaker will predict what the final combined score of a sporting event will be. Bettors then need to state whether the final score will be more than or less than the predicted score.
Match Odds
A new bettor’s favourite type of bet given that it is simple to understand. Bettors will predict who will win the game or if the game will end in a draw. The correct prediction will give the bettor a win. Even though it is simple, it's best to know what each team is capable of and be familiar with the teams’ and the players’ strengths and weaknesses.
Handicap Betting
Odds are presented in a way that allows bettors to place their wagers on either the favourite team or player or the underdogs. A handicap score is given to the favourite which is represented by a negative number. For a bet to win, the team or the player with the handicap needs to cover the deficit for a bettor to win the wager.
Correct Score
Unlike the over or under bet, this one requires that a bettor predict what the actual final score of a game will be. The stakes are high given that it is difficult to accurately predict what the final score will be. The odds are favourable but risky. If you do predict the right score, then your reward will be much better than most betting markets.
Sports Betting Facts in the UK
Here are a few things about sports betting in the UK you might not have known. Bettors are sure to find these facts interesting.
Calculating Winnings for Sports Bets
Single Bet
If you look at fractional odds, work out what the whole number is. Then, whatever you bet, will be multiplied by the whole number which will result in how much you win. Remember that the result will be in addition to your original stake.
Double Bet
This bet can be found when placing an accumulator bet or where multiple bets are placed and linked to one another. The winning amount you get from your first bet that was placed will then be used as the new stake for the next bet in the chain. The odds for the two bets can differ as well, so the multiplying effect could leave you with a huge win.
Bonuses, Free Bets and Promotions for Sports Betting in the UK
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Online Sports Betting Tips
Watch Your Bankroll
Create and stick to your budget. Never spend money that you haven’t set aside specifically for your gambling activities. Stick to the numbers and odds and weigh what you have in your bankroll against what you are willing to risk and make a logical decision.
Take Advantage of the Welcome Bonus
Online betting sites offer great bonuses especially when you first sign up. It’s a great way to experience a new online betting site and turn free offers into real-money winnings. Using the bonus also helps you gain confidence because you are making bets without the fear of losing your money.
Don’t Settle for the First Site
Make sure that you look around and see which online betting site has what you are looking for. Don’t settle on the first betting site and offer. Make sure to have a look at the online betting sites that we recommend to make an informed decision.
Bet on the Data and Not the Emotion
Pay attention to the sports that you want to bet on. Find out more about the teams and the players and make informed decisions. Take a look at the odds and see where you stand a better chance of winning based on the information you have gathered. Try not to bet emotionally or chase losses.
Mobile-Play and Betting Apps
These days having access to sports betting on the go is very important to bettors. A reputable online betting site will ensure that bettors have access to a dedicated betting app or have access to the site through their mobile internet browsers. Our recommended online betting sites all have the facilities to bring the sports betting experience to you wherever you are or whenever you want to place a bet. We have also checked that the recommended websites function perfectly on a range of mobile devices and different operating systems.
Sports Betting in the UK FAQs
Can I legally bet on sports in the UK online?
Yes. Just ensure that the online sports betting site is licensed by a reputable regulatory body. Your best bet would be to find online betting sites that are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. You also need to be 18 years old or older to create an account at a sports betting site in the UK.
How long do sports betting sites take to pay out winnings?
It depends on the betting site you choose. Make sure to check out the website’s payment page where it will tell you what to expect. It also depends on which payment method you choose. In most cases, winnings can be paid out within 1-2 business days.
How are the odds set?
Sports betting odds will be created or set by the bookmaker. The online sports betting site will gather data about the teams, players, history, event location and more.
How can I find trustworthy online betting sites?
Make sure to check on an online betting site's credentials, bettor reviews and transactional safety. To make things easier, have a look at our list of recommended online betting sites where we have fully reviewed each website in detail.
Can I get a bonus for sports betting in the UK?
Yes. Any reputable online betting site will have a welcome bonus and with luck, there will also be ongoing promotions and bonuses on offer. Some online betting sites also have loyalty programs that could earn you additional bonuses.
Which sports are available to bet on in the UK?
Any sport imaginable should be listed at online sports betting sites. Our recommended online betting sites have a host of sporting events, markets and odds to choose from with ease. You will find darts, golf, football, tennis and many more.
What are the most popular sports to bet on in the UK?
There is no doubt that football is the most popular sport to watch, play, enjoy and bet on in the UK. However, other sports such as tennis, golf, darts, cycling and horse racing are also quite popular in the country.
Why should I bet at an online sports betting site?
Land-based bookmakers are still a very popular way to place bets in the UK. However, online sports betting sites might have more sports, more data and a wider variety of odds available for you to choose from.