Betting Sites UK | Best & New Online Bookmakers

Betting sites licensed by the UK Gambling commission as trusted online bookmakers. New bookies rated and reviewed regularly by experts and long time sports bettors. Choose your new betting site from the list below.

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  • Paypal Bookmakers
  • Cashout Bookmakers
  • Free Bet Clubs
  • Exchange Betting Sites
  • Spread Betting Sites

The Best Betting Sites In The UK - Our Top Picks Explained

Below is a summary of why each of these best betting sites has been rated highly. Visit the individual bookmaker review pages for each bookie's full review and to read the thoughts of the OLBG members or visit the free bets page for info on the latest bookmaker offers.

1. Midnite

Midnite stands out in the online betting scene by offering a user-friendly interface, exceptional app, and strong emphasis on sports and eSports betting with weekly promotions and instant payouts.

Midnite feels more like a traditional bookie than it used to, with horse racing the very first markets that you see, swiftly followed by football

Commercial Content Manager - Luke Bradshaw-Lee

Pros

  • No.1 for esports betting

  • One of the best apps in the industry

  • Plenty of regular price boosts

Cons

  • Limited live streaming

2. NeptunePlay

Neptune Play Sports offers a comprehensive sportsbook with extensive market coverage, excellent live odds, and fee-free transactions, making it a top choice for niche sports betting 

Very good website, loads of markets, you can bet on almost everything here. I personally like a vanilla playstyle and therefore, love this bookie.

OLBG user ThommyG

Pros

  • No-fee deposits and withdrawals.

  • Offers all sports and great odds

  • Backed by the trusted Aspire Global brand.

Cons

  • Maximum bonus is limited to £200.

  • Offer available only to new accounts

3. BetMGM

BetMGM, backed by MGM Resorts International, offers great odds across various sports with exceptional customer service and an easy sign-up process, making it an appealing option for UK bettors.

Nice change from the usual bookmakers - lots of good promos and a great sign up offer.

OLBG user Rich2147

Pros

  • Excellent Customer Service

  • Ranks in our Top 10 for Politics, Basketball, Cash Out and Aussie Rules

  • Great Welcome offer and Promotions

  • Weekly Free Bets

Cons

  • Some sports could have better market depth

  • Maybe too much US Sports coverage?

  • Adequate but limited banking options

4. BETWRIGHT

Betwright is a brand new betting site launched in December 2024 for sports betting fans, and promises to be the biggest new brand splash not only of 2024, but probably through 2025 too

A very promising new betting site brand, with brand new tech

Sam Darkens

Pros

  • Cutting-edge tools enhance user betting experience.

  • Industry veterans ensure a reliable platform.

  • Up-to-date technology and design.


Cons

  • Limited user feedback for assessing reliability.

  • Less brand trust compared to established competitors.

5. SBK

SBK, a leading UK betting site from Smarkets, provides unmatched odds, expert advice, and live odds comparison through an award-winning app, frequently ranking in OLBG's top 10 categories.

One of the things I like about the site is how easy it is to move from sport to sport and the payouts are quick

OLBG member AstonVilla2

Pros

  • Live odds comparison – see if you’re getting the best

  • Ranks in OLBG’s Top 10s for four different categories

  • Simple welcome offer

Cons

  • No desktop option (app only)

6. Gentleman Jim

Gentleman Jim offers a premium betting experience with a focus on greyhound and horse racing, featuring strong market depth and accommodating big bets for UK bettors.

I was drawn in by positive horse racing comments, and glad I took a look. Great betting site

OLBG user Man o Bong

Pros

  • Great customer service

  • Excellent app and website design

  • Focus on horse racing and greyhounds

Cons

  • No esports available

  • Limited options in terms of payment methods

7. Magic red

Discover MagicRed Sports betting with a sleek design, comprehensive in-play options, and fast withdrawals. Bet on a wide sports range with a user-friendly platform and enticing new account bonuses.

A Solid Betting Experience with Room for Improvement

OLBG User snowy12

Pros

  • Clean site design

  • Incredible basketball markets

  • Market-leading range of sports covered

Cons

  • Very little in the way of promotions

8. DragonBet

DragonBet has exceptional customer service, a sleek app, and exclusive market focus offers. Known for on-course values, it offers horse racing promotions and best odds 

DragonBet offers some very good price boosts on a regular basis

OLBG User CJMST380

Pros

  • Focus on Welsh sports, competitions and markets

  • Great customer service

  • Excellent app and website design

Cons

  • No esports available

  • Limited options in terms of payment methods

9. Tote

The Tote, established in 1928, is the UK's leading pool betting site. Celebrated for its Tote Ten to Follow and Placepot app, it offers unique betting options. Now owned by the UK Tote Group.

Totesport app is very clean and easy to use for placepot users. It is also excellent for keeping a track of the pool and the remaining units.

OLBG member ElrondJay

Pros

  • Tote Ten to follow

  • Placepot app

  • Unique betting options

Cons

  • No greyhound betting

10. All British Sports

Always a favourite casino brand with OLBG users All British are also serving up the good for sports betting fans and may be more visible now as recent sponsors of the UK Snooker Championships

Fantastic use friendly interface with great odds on obscure markets.

OLBG user MABetting

Pros

  • Top Bet Builder: Excellent customization options for bets.


  • Esports Coverage: Extensive markets for esports enthusiasts.

  • Generous Cashback: Offers cashback on all losses, reducing risk.

Cons

  • Limited Promotions: Cashback might be the primary offer, with fewer other promotions.

Top rated bookmakers by OLBG Users

You can see the best rated betting sites in the UK from ratings collected at OLBG by sorting the table above by rating. Members of OLBG have been reviewing the best online betting sites since 2002. Who better to ask which the best online bookmakers are, than those who use them day in day out? 

Our members have tried and tested many uk bookmakers over the years and here they share with you their honest thoughts. Each time we add a new bookie to OLBG we ask our users to try it out and review it. This personal experience of using betting sites is valuable. We have highlighted some of these real user reviews in the content on this page as we feel that their feedback is really useful in helping you to choose your new betting account.

🆕 New Betting Sites Update

We showcase the best new betting sites daily, with expert-reviewed analysis, updates on new and existing brands, and the major sporting betting events on TV.

Weekend Sports Betting Offers - 14 February: OLBG look at the latest new free bet offers from bookies for this week's sport!
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Weekend Sports Betting Offers - 14 February: OLBG look at the latest new free bet offers from bookies for this week's sport!

New Betting Sites News Today.

Luke Bradshaw-Lee updates bookmaker content weekly and provides expert insights on newsworthy topics for accurate, current information.

Luke Bradshaw Lee

Luke's Highlights This Week

Whilst members have been enjoying the first new betting exchange in years at EasyBet, we have a returning brand with a new offer - BetZone previously were received well by members and return to our listing with a B20 G20 welcome offer

- Luke Bradshaw Lee, Senior sports betting editor

SBK add Best Price and Fresh Legs features
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SBK add Best Price and Fresh Legs features

Best Odds Guaranteed Betting Sites: More Bookies Cancel the Feature
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Best Odds Guaranteed Betting Sites: More Bookies Cancel the Feature

Main Sporting Events on TV to Try Out New Betting Sites

Check the table for the best bookmakers for each sport and tips in the final column links - Have a great week, everyone

DaySports & Best Betting SiteEvent & Tips
All Week🎱 Snooker
Welsh Open
Friday 20:00⚽ Premier LeagueBrighton v Chelsea
Friday 20:00🏉 Rugby League
Hull Kr v Castleford & Catalan Dragons v Hull FC
Saturday 12:30⚽ EFL Championship
Preston v Burnley
Saturday 12:30⚽ Premier League
Leicester v Arsenal
Saturday 13:00🏇 Horse Racing on ITVAscot
Saturday 15:00🏉 Rugby League
Leeds v Wakefield
Saturday 17:30🏉 Rugby League
St Helens v Salford
Saturday 17:30⚽ Premier League
Crystal Palace v Everton
Sunday 14:00⚽ Premier League
Liverpool v Wolves
Sunday 16:30⚽ Premier League
Spurs v Man Utd

Advantages of Considering a New UKGC-Licensed Bookmaker

Exploring new UKGC-licensed betting sites can offer a range of benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. A fresh bookmaker provides an excellent opportunity to start with a clean slate and a fresh approach to a specific sport, odds and features that are tailored to your betting style

Switching to a newly licensed bookmaker introduces you to new welcome bonuses and promotional offers unavailable at sites you may already be registered with. New betting operators often attempt to differentiate themselves through innovative features, alternative market selections, and competitive odds.

Pros

  • New betting sites often incorporate the latest technologies and trends, offering innovative features like live streaming, cash-out options, and enhanced mobile experiences.

  • To attract customers, new betting sites usually offer generous welcome bonuses, free bets, and other promotions that can provide significant value to new users.

  • Many new betting sites prioritize usability and user experience, offering clean, intuitive interfaces that make navigation and placing bets easy for both beginners and experienced bettors.

Cons

  • New sites may lack a proven track record, making it difficult for users to gauge their reliability and trustworthiness. It's essential to ensure they are appropriately licensed and regulated.

  • They might not offer as extensive a range of markets or sports as more established sites, which can limit betting options for users who follow niche sports or events.

  • New sites may not have fully developed customer support services, potentially leading to slower response times or less efficient problem resolution.

New Betting Sites OLBG Have Reviewed

We review numerous UK-licensed betting sites each year, adding only those deemed worthy for OLBG readers. Some may have launched years prior, like Casimpo.

New Betting Site Reviews

Our list features newly added bookmakers to OLBG. Our expert reviews cover all aspects, comparing them to top industry leaders.

New Betting Sites ReviewedOLBG RatingEstablishedListed on OLBGUKGC License
EasyBet
4.02024January39504
Pots of Luck Sport4.52016January39335
Fruity King Sport4.52019January39335
Betwright4.22024December64666
Mogo Bet4.02024November39335
NagsBet4.02023October39335
PricedUp
4.02024September1776
NRG.bet4.02024September63635
7Bet4.02024August39483
Casimpo4.02018July64666
SportsBroker4.02023June62840
MyriadPlay3.52024June39483
Bet4424.02024June39483
Betano4.62024May39576
Metropolitan Gamingn/a2006May48789
Betarno4.02023May39335
Gentleman Jim4.52023March60213
Neptune Play Sport4.02020February39483
HeySpin Sports4.02022February39483


The Best Betting Sites By Sport

Here is a summary showing the best betting sites for some of the most popular sports in the United Kingdom. Please explore the guides for more details.

⚽️ Football

Based on our expert analysis, Bet365 is ranked as the best football betting site due to its unparalleled in-play betting options, extensive global market reach, and superior cash-out and bet-builder facilities. These facilities cater specifically to the needs of football betting enthusiasts. This comprehensive site provides top odds and a wide range of betting markets, making it the go-to platform for many bettors.

4.4 / 5 1160 Ratings

Best for Football

Bet365 is rated the top football betting site for its in-play options, extensive markets, superior cash-out, and bet-builder features.

bet365 Review

  • Best In-play Football Betting
  • Best Cash out on Accas
  • Best Bet Builder

Bet365 leads the way, but William Hill offers vast league coverage. Paddy Power has significant innovations and promotions. Betway is reliable, while Betfair provides sportsbook and exchange options. Explore more in the complete football betting sites analysis.

The Best Football Betting Sites
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The Best Football Betting Sites

🏇  Horse Racing

For the best horse racing betting site, bet365 stands out with top odds, frequent promotions, best odds guaranteed, and extra places in major races. OLBG users praise its ease of navigation, making it a friendly choice for bettors seeking great odds and options.

4.3 / 5 56 Ratings

#2 for Horse Racing

Fitzdares, ranked no. 2 for horse racing, is a former private bookmaker now offering online betting with promotions like bonuses on Lucky bets and selected Best Odds Guaranteed.

Fitzdares Review

  • Premium Online Bookmaker
  • Lucky 15 Bonuses
  • Not Afraid of Laying a Bet

Other noteworthy picks include Fitzdares, known for its on-course betting background and comprehensive online platform, and Star Sports, which brings its on-course bookmaking expertise to mobile devices. BetGoodwin excels in offering a dedicated horse racing betting site, and Betfred, with the Done family legacy, is noted for its generous bonuses. Meanwhile, Betway offers an attractive free bets club and a range of tote options, adding to a solid overall betting experience.

Best Horse Racing Betting Sites 2025
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🎾 Tennis

Bet365 is the top tennis betting site for the UK, offering extensive event coverage, live streaming, in-play betting, promotions, and bet builder options. Its retirement guarantee ensures refunded stakes for retired players..

Paddy Power offers excellent in-play betting, live streaming, and cash-out. Pub Sports provides live streaming and a strong bet builder. Yeti Bet features a robust bet builder and a handy statistics section. Betfair stands out with great odds, exchange flexibility, and live streaming.

The Ultimate Guide to Tennis Betting Sites in the UK
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The Ultimate Guide to Tennis Betting Sites in the UK

⛳️ Golf

Star Sports is the premier bookmaker for golf betting with exceptional promotions, extensive markets, and impressive in-play options. Its standout feature is the comprehensive statistics for events, positioning it as the top choice for golf enthusiasts.

4.1 / 5 33 Ratings

Best for Golf

Star Sports excels in golf betting with extensive markets, in-play options, and comprehensive statistics, making it a top choice for bettors.

Star Sports Review

  • Extensive markets offered
  • Comprehensive statistics available
  • Exceptional event promotions

Betfred offers competitive odds and notable promotions, paying up to 10 places in events. Betfair provides broad coverage and solid markets but lacks in-play information. Coral has in event coverage and market depth, also offering generous each-way terms.

Best Bookmakers for Golf Betting
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Best Bookmakers for Golf Betting

🏎️ F1 & Motor Racing

For the ultimate F1 betting experience, 32Red is the best choice. It excels in providing top-notch odds, various markets, and robust live betting options. Beyond Formula 1, 32Red also offers betting on Superbikes, NASCAR, Supercars, and more, making it the premier destination for motorsport enthusiasts.

3.8 / 5 43 Ratings

Best for Formula 1 Betting

32Red offers top odds, diverse markets, and live betting for F1, Superbikes, NASCAR, and Supercars.

32Red Review

  • Top F1 odds
  • Various motorsport markets
  • Robust live betting

Other notable options include William Hill, which has extensive markets and event coverage, along with solid in-play betting. Bet365 has a wide array of qualifying round markets and live event cash-out options. Betway catches the eye through general promotions, even without specific motorsport promotions. GrosvenorSport boasts a user-friendly design, excellent odds, and efficient search functionality,

The Top Motorsport Betting Sites 2025
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Other Sports

For detailed analysis into the best betting sites for other sports please visit the guides following these links

Best Betting Site by Bet Features

Consider popular betting features like bet builder, cash-out options, and best odds guaranteed for horse racing or greyhounds. These features can help you choose the best betting site for your style of bet.

🤝 Betting Exchanges

Betting exchanges rank highly for good odds and unrestricted bets. Key factors include market range, liquidity, and commission rates. Explore our detailed best betting exchanges guide to find your ideal site.

The best betting exchanges are:

1. Betfair

🤝 Founded in 2000, Betfair operates the world's largest online betting exchange, offering sports betting and online casino, as well as a fixed odds sportsbook.

2. Betdaq

🤝 Betdaq, an Irish gambling company founded in 2000, operates the world's second-largest online betting exchange and offers sports betting and online casino.

3. Smarkets

🤝 markets, a London-based, award-winning sports betting firm with modern approach to exchange betting offering huge market coverage.

4. Matchbook

🤝 Matchbook is a sports betting exchange prioritizing high-value returns and affordable commission rates, unique for offering exchange accumulators.

Betting Exchanges UK - The best sites in the UK
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 📊 Spread Betting

Sports spread betting sites are few and far between, perhaps because spread betting is a rather complicated and potentially risky way of betting online. If you are an experienced bettor and would like to try it then take a look at our guide to help you to choose the best sports spread betting site.

The best sports spread betting sites are:

1. Sporting Index

📊 Sporting Index is a global leader in live sports betting. Founded in 1992 they offer exhilarating sports spread betting experience to a worldwide customer base.

2. Spreadex

📊 UK-based Spreadex offers sports and financial spread betting, sports fixed odds betting, and casino betting services in one platform. 

Best Sports Spread Betting Sites
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💸 Cash Out

Bet365 dominates the cash out betting scene, offering bettors flexibility with full or partial cash out options before settlement. Features include Auto Cash Out when values hit specified thresholds and the "Edit My Bet" feature, enhancing user control.

Other notable alternatives include Spreadex, known for its early bet settlement and partial cash out for fixed odds; Ladbrokes, offering cash out for various sports under specific conditions; BetVictor prioritizing early settlement; and Coral, focusing on pre-match and in-play cash outs, with certain exclusions.

Best Cash Out Betting Sites for Football and More
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Best Cash Out Betting Sites for Football and More

 🔨 Bet Builders

Bet365 stands out as a premier bet builder site, offering a vast selection and pricing for sports like tennis, rugby, and basketball. It supports in-play betting and combines multiples for accumulator fans, with an option for cashing out on all selections.

Other top alternatives include BetVictor, which covers varied sports and allows customization; Unibet, known for competitive odds and up to 12 selections; Betfair, offering a wide market range and flexible options; and Paddy Power, featuring the #whatodds function and a refund policy on certain bets.

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 🔄 In Play Betting

Bet365 stands out as the premier choice for in-play betting, offering a user-friendly platform with extensive sports markets including football, basketball, and tennis. Bet365 prioritizes clear odds and ease of use.

Other top options include VirginBet for its straightforward interface and competitive odds, Parimatch for niche sports and in-play boosts, BoyleSports for its quick settlements and extensive markets, and Coral for broad sports coverage and comprehensive live betting features.

Top In-Play Betting Sites in the UK for 2025: A Guide to the Best Live-Betting Bookmakers
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 🔝🏇 Best Odds Guaranteed

If you bet regularly on horse racing then you will know how important best odds guaranteed is. What is available, the terms and conditions attached and when you can and can't get access to it vary greatly by bookmaker. If you use best odds guaranteed then you should read our full guide here.

Following VBet's withdrawal of BOG, bet365 tops the list of best odds guaranteed bookies in the UK, offering unmatched rates on horse racing in the UK and Ireland. Their service begins at midnight, with no cap on additional winnings, and can be used in multiples.

BetVictor, NetBet and talkSPORT BET are notable alternatives because bet365 lacks multiples options. They all offer services from 9 am with a cap of £25,000, including multiples.

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Other Categories

For detailed analysis of the best bookies by other categories please follow the links to check out these guides on the best betting sites for

Casino Games

If you like to play casino games alongside placing bets on sports, you may be looking for a strong betting site that offers a solid casino option too. The betting sites appearing highest in our best casino sites listing are 32Red, Quinnbet and Kwiff. You can separately look at our list of best casino sites.

The best sports betting sites for casino games are - Kwiff - 32Red - Quinnbet - Fitzdares - talkSPORTBet - BetVictor

How OLBG Reviews and Rates Online Bookmakers

The editorial process for each review is detailed and thorough.  The full review process takes a minimum of a month from start to finish and involves more than 10 experienced reviewers along with dozens of regular sports bettors. This is a breakdown of our review and rating policy.

STEP 1 - Full Review By An Experienced Content Writer 

One of our experienced in house writers will spend a minimum of two weeks reviewing a betting site, placing a minimum of 10 bets (often more) and trying out different sports, markets and features. All of our reviewers have bet online for over 10 years and at numerous betting sites, allowing them to compare and contrast with their own personal experiences. 

These are some of the factors which our in house team review for each betting site we list at OLBG

  • Customer Support 
  • Banking & Payment Options
  • Site usability 
  • Mobile site & mobile app usability 
  • Range of sports covered
  • Range of markets covered
  • Types of bets accepted 
  • Odds offered 
  • Promotions & Offers for existing customers
  • Initial bonus or free bet terms
  • User experience 
  • Ease of registration & Account Verification
  • In play offering & live streaming
  • Maximum pay outs


STEP 2 - Our Review Panel Rates Each Bookmaker

During weeks three and four, the members of our 10 strong review panel will test out the site and along with our main reviewer, provide a rating out of 5 stars. These form the base rating for the betting site. The panel will also review what was written by the initial reviewer and add their own feedback to improve the content, spot anything the reviewer may have missed or just highlight areas they are particularly impressed with (or not!). This is extremely valuable as each member of the panel will have a different way of betting, different sports, bet types, markets they like to bet on. During this stage we conduct fact checking and editing too.

STEP 3 - OLBG Members & Regular Sports Bettors Carry Out Their Reviews

Once we have a full written review and a base rating from the panel, the OLBG members are then encouraged to try out a new betting side and provide their rating and feedback.

At OLBG we gather reviews and ratings for all uk licensed bookies from regular sports bettors so that you can compare and understand which betting sites may be best for you. You can read through the hundreds of bookmaker reviews and see what real users say about the bookies which they use. Reading real life experiences is the best way to learn about which online betting sites may be best for you.

Our members are asked to rate each of the bookmakers out of 5. You will see that we have listed 100s of reviews for UK Sportsbooks and we add new betting sites all the time. The most popular bookmaker reviewed has over 1000 ratings and at the time of writing a score of 4.4/5. This is the average rating for this betting site from all the user reviews.

If you go to the specific bookmaker page, for example bet 365 bookmaker review you will be able to read each of the individual reviews which make up this rating. You will see for this bookmaker that most of the reviews are 5 star.

We publish all betting site reviews unedited as long as they do not contain any swearing, potentially libellous content or individual specific dispute content. Where users have individual and specific disputes with online bookmakers we feel that they should discuss these direct with the bookie, rather than creating a review. OLBG has always been happy to offer help and advice in dealing with such disputes

There are many discussions on our forums where fellow members also offer their help and advice. We do however always encourage intital dialogue with the bookmaker concerned. IBAS can help with disputes with online bookmakers , they are the independent betting adjudication service to go to when users dont feel that their complaint has been resolved by talking directly with the bookmaker. 

We recommend only signing up with UK licensed betting sites if you are from the UK, so you will always have a method of resolving a dispute. 

STEP 4 - Regular Updates and Improvements

We update every review every month. We read every single new member review and this helps us to understand if a site has improved or changed. We can use this recent feedback to update the core review content. 

We will also regularly ask the operator if they have made any significant changes or improvements and update the review accordingly. If any of these changes are significantly large such as a site redesign or a major new sport being added, then that will trigger a full new review process and we will re assess the bookmaker, going back to step 1.

You can be confident that his rigorous process is carried out with all bookmaker reviews. 

STEP 5 - Detailed Comparison 

We contrast and compare the top bookmakers in detailed comparison guides covering the best sites for different sports and bet types. This is where we can highlight findings from our detailed reviews and the review team can work together to discuss which operators come out on top and which ones don't make the grade. 

So altogether this ads up to 100s of hours of work by dozens of experts, all to help you to find your next betting site. 

Why a bookmaker may achieve a high rating at OLBG

We have reviewed all the bookmaker reviews submitted to OLBG to try to understand why our members may rate a UK betting site highly. These are some of the key reasons. 

  • Great odds
  • Easy to use site/app/mobile site
  • Good bonuses and offers
  • Good live streaming
  • Great coverage of events and markets.
  • Excellent customer service
  • Good provision of in play markets and betting opportunities
  • Pricing markets up early.
  • Dont restrict winning accounts


Why online bookmakers are rated poorly by OLBG

These are some of the key reasons given by OLBG members for giving low bookmaker review ratings.

  • Confusing opening account offers
  • Hard to use, navigate the site
  • No or poor ongoing offers and bonuses for existing users
  • Poor odds
  • Poor coverage - no odds on events/markets that a user wants to bet on
  • Poor customer service - slow, unhelpful, no chat facility.
  • Limit bets. Especially when they limit very soon after opening an account.
  • Charges - on deposits for example or your account balance!


OLBG has an industry leading Trustpilot rating of 4.6 from over 800 reviews. You can read our OLBG reviews on Trustpilot here.

Who Created, Edited & Fact Checked The Content On This Page?

At OLBG, our sports betting section is powered by a team of dedicated experts who bring years of industry experience and specialized knowledge. Their collective efforts ensure we provide you with top-notch, informative, and user-friendly content. Let's dive into the various roles and discover each team member's invaluable contributions to our sports betting sites section.

The Experts Behind OLBG Sports Betting Content:

Our team’s dedication and expertise ensure that OLBG remains a trusted source for sports betting information. Each member's meticulous work supports the overall quality and reliability that our users expect and appreciate. Explore our sports betting section and gain insights from the best in the industry.

Content Strategists: 

These professionals are the architects behind our content strategy. They meticulously plan and structure our sports betting content to ensure it addresses the interests and needs of our audience. They stay ahead of industry trends and ensure our content remains fresh and relevant.

Richard Moffat

Richard Moffat

Ceo & gambling industry expert

Richard Moffat has been contributing to OLBG since 2004 with a passion for seeking out value betting opportunities on any market the bookies price up.
Sam Darkens

Sam Darkens

Commercial manager

Sam is OLBG's Commercial manager but also a keen sports betting and eSports fan.

Writers: 

Our skilled writers translate complex sports betting concepts into clear, informative articles, predictions, and guides. Their expertise allows them to present detailed analysis and insights in a way that both novice and experienced bettors can appreciate and understand.

James Banting

James Banting

Tipster competition assistant

James is a knowledgeable sports betting specialist with over 20 years experience in the sports betting and horse racing industry. Today James focuses on producing informative betting content on the major sporting events throughout the year.
Andy Powell

Andy Powell

Content editor

Contributing to OLBG since 2005 and have been covering racing trends for several years looking to find betting angles in the big races both in the UK and abroad, interested in numerous sports for which I do previews and look for betting strategies.
Jake Ashton

Jake Ashton

Senior news editor

With over 8 years of experience in Journalism, Jake is an expert on all things Football, Entertainment and Reality TV

Analysts: 

Our analysts dive deep into sports statistics and betting data. They provide the foundational research and data-driven insights that our writers and strategists use to craft accurate and actionable content, helping users make informed betting decisions.

Dan Tracey

Dan Tracey

Data scientist and football editor

Dan is our data scientist, collating millions of data points monthly and finding the angles and stats that matter to our users when choosing where to bet. Our writers benefit greatly from this information, which they can then share with our readers to decide which betting site they should choose based on their needs.

Editors: 

The editors play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of our content. They review articles for clarity, accuracy, and coherence, ensuring that each piece is polished and provides valuable information. Their keen eye for detail ensures that our content is reliable and engaging.

Luke Bradshaw Lee

Luke Bradshaw Lee

Senior sports betting editor

Luke has been in the sports industry as a journalist since 2008, writing and editing for publications such as The Guardian, The Independent, Eurosport and Yahoo Sport, among others. Today he specialises within the betting industry, working across multiple sports. Luke is a judge for the Football Content Awards.
Steve Madgwick

Steve Madgwick

Editor-in-chief

Steve is our Editor-In-Chief with more than 17 years of experience creating and managing high-quality sports betting content for OLBG & multiple other industry publications. Today, Steve uses his extensive expertise to manage the content teams and ensure every published word on OLBG is helpful, honest and valuable for our visitors.

In addition to their long experience working within the sports betting industry, all our contributors are keen sports bettors themselves, so they each have many years of experience betting with multiple online betting sites.

How To Choose The Right Betting Site For You

We recommend that if you are looking for a new betting site to open you consider the following factors. How do you determine if your next new online bookie is

  • Trustworthy 
  • Reliable 
  • Low Risk 
  • Reputable 
  • Player Friendly With Their Terms and Conditions 
  • Everything Else You Want!


With each new online bookmaker we review, we go through each of these areas in detail as we form our review. 

🔒 Trustworthy 

There are over 80 online bookmakers licensed to operate in the UK. We only list UK licensed bookmakers to UK traffic on this site and if you live in the UK we would advise that you don't bet with any bookmakers which aren't licensed here. 

Non licensed betting sites may not adhere to the strict regulations laid down by the Gambling Commission and you may have trouble if you ever have a dispute with them.  We list the main ones on this page and you can check if betting sites hold a license at the Gambling Commission website.

Table showing top trusted betting sites according to trustpilot ratings 

Online Betting SiteTrustpilot TrustScoreNumber of Ratings
Matchbook Betting Exchange4.51604
BetVictor4.43045
10bet UK4.4965
NetBet UK4.31459
Spreadex Sports3.8806
Kwiff 3.83012

✅ Reliable 

We don't list every licensed UK bookmaker on this page. Some we don't consider to be trustworthy and reliable. This could be for a number of reasons including failing to pay what is owed, changing terms and conditions, having a poor record of customer service. 

We prefer to list bookmakers along with the poor reviews where there we have seen that customers have had bad experiences. However sometimes the bookmakers are so poor in terms of trust that we don’t list them at all. 

🟢 Low Risk 

There are many new online bookies, some very small companies investing in growing a business in the UK. There are risks betting with small companies as they could potentialy come into cash flow problems. However if they are registered with the UK Gambling Commission then there will be certain critiera they need to meet to ensure that they can pay out their customers. The risk is lower with larger more established companies. 

Whilst some bookmakers on this page may not be well known in the UK, they may be long established global businesses. Our reviews will tell you more. 

Whilst we have to mention it as a risk, it is though very rare for bookmakers to close and not honour bets. Recent closures of bookies have typically been where other bookmakers have bought them out. Typically with these betting sites, balances have been returned to customers and bets have been paid out. 

Bet Wisely: Understanding Online Bookies

📢 Unlicensed bookies are promising but risky! 💰🎲 Small companies might struggle with cash flow. Make sure they're registered with the UK Gambling Commission! ✅ Larger, more established and legally operating companies = Less risk. Check out our reviews for more info! 📚

However there have been occasions where ante post (long term market) bets have been cancelled and stakes returned. This of course can be extremely bad for punters who have obtained great value prices on events far into the future. We recommend that you are cautious about which betting sites you use to place your ante post bets. Do so with a bookmaker which is larger and less likely to go out of business or be taken over. Or even better, consider splitting your bet around several betting sites. 

So rather than say have £20 with one bookmaker, make 4 £5 bets with different bookies. This same advice is often made by our members when users are discussing how to avoid having their stakes limited by bookies. 

🌟 Reputable 

The best way to see this is from user experience. This is why we have collected over 500 user reviews across the different UK betting sites from the members here at OLBG. Read their experiences and how they rate each of the bookies before deciding if you will open a new account with that online bookmaker. Our users will often talk about their experiences with customer services and how any issues they had were dealt with. 

👥 Player Friendly With Their Terms and Conditions

We have spent hundreds of hours trawling through terms and conditions, withdrawal policies, depositing terms and so on for each of the betting sites we list, so that we can provide you with all the details. Some bookmakers do make charges for certain withdrawals. 

Some hit you with charges for not using your account (be careful here as some conditions can eventually clean out your funds if left for 6 months +). We dont want to scare you as most the bookmakers we list have fair terms and conditions and dont go too far away from what would be industry standards. However there are a few to watch out for. 

The Fine Print: An In-depth Exploration

🧐🔎 Spent 100s of hours to provide you with detailed info about betting sites' T&Cs, withdrawal policies, hidden charges, etc. 📚📖 Check our reviews before opening your next betting account! 🏧💵 Stay informed & bet smart! 🎲💡

Our users may well have highlighted any in their reviews, or our researches will have found some in their hours of painstaking research. As part of our process we also look at other review sites such as trust pilot to identify any areas where customers aren’t happy with their bookmakers. Of course this also helps us to see positives and reasons why you may want to consider betting with the bookie being reviewed. 

Check our bookmaker reviews before opening your next betting account to see if there are any terms and conditions, a good range of payment methods, charges or withdrawal policies which you should look out for. If you have found something we haven’t highlighted then please let us know through adding a review. You can join OLBG for free if you aren’t yet a member and review all the bookmakers listed here.

Everything else you want?

Think about what you want from your bookmaker and read the reviews to find users who have found that. Ask yourself, why would I open an account with this bookmaker AND bet with them regularly? That is the key. 

This page and the accompanying detailed guides are packed full of information to help you to find the best betting site for your needs. Opening lots of accounts and trying them out is an alternative to reading our guides and we are aware that some people may wish to do this and take advantage of the welcome offers available. 

Most betting sites provide a welcome offer when you register an account with them. This is sometimes called a free bet or a bonus. We discuss these in more detail on our free bets page but for your convenience here are some of the best betting sites offers available now. 

Get £30 in Free Bets when you bet £10

Betano Promo Code Guide
18+ New Customers Only. Opt in and bet £10 (odds 2.00+) within 3 days of sign up. No cash-out. Get 3x£10 Free Bets for set markets (odds 2.0+) which expire in 5 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
#ad. 18+, gambleaware.org, T&Cs Apply

Bet £10, get £30 in Free Bets + 100 Free Spins

Bet Victor Bonus Code Guide
18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet £10 within 7 days of registration. Get £30 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins on selected games. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
#ad. 18+, gambleaware.org, T&Cs Apply

Countdown to Cheltenham - Over £120 in Free Bets

Betway Sign Up Offer Guide
Min stake £10, additional stakes required for further free bets. Eligible sports. Odds 2.0+. Debit Card Deposit only (exclusions apply). Eligibility restrictions apply. £100+ in Free Bets made up of Welcome Offer, Free Bet Club and weekly Bet and Get promotions. Opt ins required. See full terms for details. 18+ GambleAware.org. Bet the Responsible Way. Full Terms apply
#ad. 18+, gambleaware.org, T&Cs Apply

Bet £10 Get £30 in Footy Free Bets

talkSPORT BET Sign Up Offer Guide
18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile or app & bet £10+ on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
#ad. 18+, gambleaware.org, T&Cs Apply

Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets

SBK Sports Sign Up Offer Guide
New UK customers. Min £10 first deposit. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 2.0 and get £40 in Free Bets within 48 hours. Full T&C's apply. 18+. BeGambleAware.org.
#ad. 18+, gambleaware.org, T&Cs Apply

Make sure you are familiar with the terms and conditions when you register with an online bookmaker. Here is a selection of questions you should consider when looking through online bookmaker terms and conditions and particularly when assessing the customer offers available.

  • Minimum deposit requirements.
  • Deposit and withdrawal methods accepted.
  • Options for withdrawals from betting account.
  • Are fees charged to deposits on betting account?
  • Are fees charged to withdrawals from betting account?
  • Minimum bet amount taken.
  • Maximum winnings allowed.
  • Rules for the individual bet you place, especially rules for when bets are voided.


I want a site similar to my existing bookmaker

It may be that you have been quite happy with your existing online betting site but would like a change. Maybe you want to try a similar site to see if you prefer betting elsewhere, maybe you have had issues with your existing bookmaker.

 In recent times it has been common that people have been asked for proof of affordability and rather than provide such documents have looked elsewhere to bet. For whatever reasons, we are seeing many people looking for a similar bookmaker to the one they have. So here we try to answer some of those questions. 

What sites are similar to William Hill?

William Hill is a popular high street betting shop that has developed a great online offering. If you are looking for a strong UK brand then a similar offering is available with Ladbrokes or Betfred. 

What sites are similar to Betfair?

Betfair differs from many other UK betting sites as it also has the betting exchange offering. If you are looking for a similar betting exchange to Betfair then we would recommend Matchbook or SMarkets. They are both good alternatives for the exchange. If you bet on fixed odds and are looking for an online sportsbook offering then a similar site would be bet365 or BetVictor.

What sites are similar to Ladbrokes?

As a well known UK high street bookmaker with a reputation for good customer service, trust and reliability we would suggest that William Hill would be a similar alternative to Ladbrokes.

What sites are similar to bet365?

bet365 is such a popular online bookmaker that many sports bettors are on the look out for a similar site to bet365 or a better site than bet365. If you are looking for a large UK focused online bookmaker which provides good odds, a great range of markets and top in play betting then we would say that BetVictor is a similar site to bet365.

Bookmaker Deposit Methods

Funding your betting account varies, typically starting at a £5 minimum. Withdrawal returns usually match the deposit method. Compliance with money laundering laws might require additional details, especially for different withdrawal methods. Check our reviews for specific deposit information.

Guide to Safe and Secure Online Betting Site Payment Methods
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Guide to Safe and Secure Online Betting Site Payment Methods

Pay by Phone

Paying by phone with services like Boku or Payforit offers secure, fast deposits without bank details. Check T&Cs for free bet eligibility. Use your mobile bill to fund betting accounts without an eWallet.

Best Pay by Phone Betting Sites
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PayPal

Most UK bookies accept PayPal, the most popular e-wallet for sports bettors. Some people like to use it to keep betting transactions off their bank statements, while others find it a much faster way to deposit money in and out of betting sites. Be aware that using PayPal could exclude you from welcome offers with some bookies.

Best PayPal Betting Sites
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Apple Pay

Many of the larger online betting sites support Apple Pay, and it's likely to be available on more sites soon. Deposit and withdrawal times will be the same as the bank cards being used through Apple Pay.

Best Apple Pay Betting Sites
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Google Pay

Google Pay offers a simple and safe method for deposits and withdrawals at UK sportsbooks, though not universally accepted. Check each sportsbook for specific limits and processing times.

Best Google Pay Betting Sites
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PaySafeCard

These are prepaid cards which can be used to fund online betting accounts. Fees aren't charged for deposits and so these are a popular way to fund online accounts for those who don't use bank cards.

Best PaysafeCard Betting Sites
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Debit Cards

A debit card is the most common deposit method for online betting sites, this is a straight transfer from a UK bank account. Bookmakers or any gambling companies are no longer allowed to accept credit cards as a deposit method. 

👍 Responsible Gambling, Identification & Affordability Checks

The Gambling Commission's tighter regulations increase user protection in online betting, leading to stricter ID verification processes. When opening new accounts or placing large bets, you might need to provide documents for verification, ensuring a safer betting environment.

For large bets or deposits, betting sites may perform affordability and money laundering checks, requiring pay slips or proof of funds. These requests are standard for compliance, ensuring responsible gambling practices and avoiding fines.

Deposit Limits Rules

From October 2025, players will be required to set a deposit before being able to deposit into a new betting site account.

Here are some common tips to help you with gambling responsibly online. For more information,take a look at our detailed responsible gambling guide. 

✋ When The Fun Stops Stop 🛑

You will have seen this slogan used by online bookmakers frequently over recent years. It is trying to get across the serious point that if you aren't enjoying gambling, you should stop immediately. You can use a process of self-evaluation to help you to understand if you have a gambling problem. There is a great tool at Gamcare. 

If you believe you have a problem, there is always someone to talk to at begambleaware. They can offer great advice, including helping you to self-exclude. There is a valuable service called Gamstop, which allows you to exclude all betting companies signed up to the program for a period of your choice. All UK-licensed bookmakers on this site will be part of the GamStop programme. For this reason (and many others) you should never join betting sites not on GamStop.

 🔚Set Limits and Use Bookmaker Tools

We strongly recommend that you record your gambling and set yourself limits. Only bet what you can afford to lose. Online betting sites have started to offer a number of tools to help you with this including 

  • Deposit Limits 
  • Session Limits
  • Account History 
  • Time Outs


Using playing time notifications to remind you how long you have been gambling and when to stop is a useful tool and so is setting a specific loss amount you are happy with in advance.

The Benefits of Online Betting v High Street Bookmakers

Online betting has been growing at a great rate in recent years, at the expense of high street betting shops. The Covid pandemic results in betting shop closures and as sports returned, sports bettors only had one choice if they wanted a bet and that was online. 

Many who hadn't already opened online betting accounts did so during this period, experiencing the benefits of betting by mobile phone via sites or apps. Once betting shops re opened, many had already experienced enough to stick with online betting. 

 📱The Best Mobile Betting Sites & Apps 

The best betting sites for betting via mobile or app are 

  1. BetVictor 
  2. Betfair
  3. Matchbook
  4. Paddy Power
  5. bet365
  6. Betway 


The BetVictor mobile betting app provides versatile sports coverage with exclusive betting app features. Betfair is far easier to use via mobile app than site and Matchbook is a great alternative exchange which also has a highly rated mobile offering. Read our full analysis of the best betting apps

The Best High Street Betting Shops

More and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of betting online but plenty still mix this with visits to the local bookies or even exclusively use the high street shop. These are the biggest high street bookies by the number of shops they run. 

  1. William Hill
  2. Ladbrokes
  3. Coral
  4. Betfred 
  5. Paddy Power 
  6. Boylesports

How Many Betting Shops are there in the UK?

Between March 2011 and March 2023, there are 3072 fewer retail betting shops on our high streets, diplsying the migration to online betting. This figure represents a drop of some 34% over the course of 12 years, averaging 256 closures per year, although that's not the whole story.

Year Number of High Street Betting Shops Change % on previous year
2011 9067 n/a n/a
2012 9128 61 0.67%
2013 9100 -28 -0.31%
2014 9111 11 0.12%
2015 8995 -116 -1.27%
2016 8915 -80 -0.89%
2017 8800 -115 -1.29%
2018 8559 -241 -2.74%
2019 8304 -255 -2.98%
2020 7683 -621 -7.48%
2021 6472 -1211 -15.76%
2022 6236 -236 -3.65%
2023 5995 -241 -3.86%
Share

91% of betting shop closures have occurred since 2018, when 2805 of the 3072 closures took place. Now, that represents close to 500 betting shops disappearing from our streets per year. (source Statista)

Table showing top high street bookmakers by number of shops

High Street BookmakerNumber of Shops March 2012Number of Shops March 2019
William Hill23202264
Ladbrokes21311828
Gala Coral Group17251529
Betfred13451620
Other16071079


If you are new to online betting, 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. 

These betting sites are all easy to use, offer a good range of betting opportunities, a good range of deposit methods, great customer service and an all round easy online betting experience. Make them your first port of call and once you are used to betting online, take a look around at other alternatives based on what sports you like to bet on or types of bet you like to place.

FAQ

FAQs about Online Bookmakers

  • Which are the best UK betting sites?

    bet365 is the highest rated sports betting site licensed in the UK according to the OLBG user ratings. The betting sites on this page are ordered by their user ratings so you can see the full list from highest rated to lowest rated. 

  • Which new betting sites are good?

    New betting sites are starting up all the time and you can see which are good by looking at the user reviews & ratings at OLBG. Our in house team also review all new bookmakers in detail before we add them to the site. So read their reviews too by clicking on the links on this page. 

  • Which are the biggest bookmakers?

    The biggest online bookmaker in the World is thought to be bet365. The company claims to have the Worlds largest online gambling community with a reported 35million + customers.

    Based on global revenue of all betting brands controlled, Entain (includes Ladbrokes, Coral, Bwin) is larger with Flutter (includes Paddy Power, Betfair) next largest.

    The big three bookmakers in the UK of Ladbrokes, Coral and William Hill are often referred to being the largest due to having the most retail outlets (high street betting shops).

  • Which betting sites give you free bets?

    It is rare for an online betting site not to offer a welcome bonus to encourage customers to sign up. You can see a full list of offers on our free bets page.

  • How long does it take to open a new betting account?

    We actually time this as part of our review of all new bookmakers we add to OLBG. Typically it takes between 2 and 5 minutes to complete the online registration and deposit funds and place our first bet. This can be delayed if the bookmaker needs to verify identification or funds. 

  • What information do I need to open an online bookmaker account

    Typically not much more than your name, address and payment details. This is why it is so quick and easy to open an online betting account. The exception though is if paperwork is required to verify your identity. This is understandable though and should be expected on occasions by customers. Bookmakers have very strict ID verification, money laundering and affordability checks which they must adhere to.

  • What deposit methods are available with online bookmakers

    For every single bookmaker listed on OLBG we also list all the deposit methods available. Just go to the review page to find out. The vast majority of UK customers deposit funds through debit cards. Many bookmakers do also accept other online payment methods such as PayPal and Skrill. Bookmakers are not allowed to accept credit cards as a deposit method. Make sure you check any welcome offer terms and conditions as the use of some payment methods may mean that you don't qualify for a free bet or bonus. 

  • Which is the most trusted UK Betting Site?

    According to OLBG ratings, bet365 is the most trusted UK betting site. According to trust pilot ratings 10bet has the highest trust rating followed by BetVictor. 

Summary & Conclusion

When looking for the best betting site for you, the key areas to consider are 

  • ✅ OLBG experts analysis of best sites overall and best by the sport and category which you are most interested in
  • 💬 OLBG user reviews to see what regular bettors say about their experiences at each site 
  • 💳 The payment methods which you want to use and which sites support them
  • 🔒 How Trustworthy, Reliable and Reputable each site is


The quick summary and conclusion from all our analysis is that these are the best betting sites in each category.

CategoryBetting Site
Best Overallbet365
Best New Betting SiteFitzdares
Best Football Bookmakerbet365
Best Horse Racing Betting Sitebet365
Best Tennis Betting Sitebet365
Best Golf Betting SiteStar Sports
Best for Casino GamesKwiff
Best Betting ExchangeBetfair
Best Sports Spread BettingSportingIndex
Best Cash Out Sitebet365
Best Bet Builder Sitebet365
Best in Play Betting Sitebet365
Best Site for Best Odds Guaranteedbet365
Best Weekly Free Bet ClubVirginBet


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