With over 100 different betting sites, finding the best can be confusing. I'll guide you through the features that matter, so you can find the most suitable bookie for you.
Best Sports Spread Betting Sites
These are the best betting spread sites in the UK based on data collected by our expert team from the UKGC-licensed bookmakers listed on OLBG. The list below contains the two reliable sports spread betting sites available to UK customers. If you are looking for the best betting apps based on all factors then head to our main betting sites page to see all UK Bookies listed in order of user review.
- Rated #1 Spread Firm by OLBG Users
- Acca Boosts and First Goalscorer Insurance
Best Sports Spread Betting Sites and Why
| Event Coverage | Markets | Odds | In Play | Live Streaming | Stats | Promotions | Overall score | OLBG User rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spreadex | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 27.0 | 3.9 |
| Sporting Index | 4.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 26.0 | 4.1 |
When it comes to finding the best spread betting companies, there are two main options: Sporting Index and Spreadex.
In this article we will cover every aspect of spread betting, comparing these two providers to determine which is the best for which type of user, covering everything that you need for your sports spreads as an option to fixed-odds betting sites.
Below are the details of the welcome offers from both companies. Read on for more information.
| Sports Spread Betting Company | Welcome Offer | Full Review |
|---|---|---|
| Sporting Index | £75 to bet with for new accounts | Sporting Index Review |
| SpreadEx | iPad or £300 cashback in 1st 28 days | SpreadEx Review |
This article will take a look at the various things that you may be looking for in a sports spread betting platform and how the two companies compare head to head. If, however, you are looking for a new bookmaker account away from spread betting then take a look at our bookmaker's rating list on our main page for UK betting sites.
If you are looking for somewhere to spread bet on sports, then one of the two featured platforms will have everything you need, whether you are starting to spread bet or have been sports spread betting on another platform for a time.
We wouldn't put anyone off opening an account with both as spreads can differ between the two platforms, so you will always have the choice, depending on your confidence in choosing one for your bet over the other.
1. Spreadex
Spreadex offers such ease of use and is brilliantly laid out. Spreadex is the market leader when it comes to spread betting.
Spreadex make themselves a must-have with their platform offering both spread betting and fixed odds. On the same site you can choose which markets you bet with and compare and contrast those markets for value. No longer the need to flip between a bookmaker site and a spread betting site, Spreadex has it all covered.
By having both spread betting accounts you can choose which firm has the best spread on a particular market, and ignore the one that has the poorer spread. Once you join one you will quickly see the benefit of opening the other sports spread betting account. Having both in your betting arsenal gives you more options to profit.
If you’re looking specifically for welcome offers or free bets you can head directly to the SpreadEx free bets page.
Pros
- Offer both spread betting and fixed odds, as well as financial trading.
- Incredibly easy platform to use.
- Market-leading Stats Centre
Cons
- Some smaller sports are quite limited
2. Sporting Index
Sporting Index offers unique markets in comparison to bookmakers or betting exchanges.
These markets are aimed at knowledgeable bettors who want to win more from their knowledge. Their spreads offers bettors with good sporting knowledge the chance to benefit more from this expertise.
With fixed odds betting with a bookmaker your return is, as it says, fixed. With spread betting you have the opportunity to win more when being shrewd. What's great about Sporting Index is that they offer a demonstration account where you can practice spread betting scenarios without losing money. If you are ready to sign up to this exciting way of betting, click any of the Sporting Index links.
If you’re looking specifically for welcome offers or free bets you can head directly to the Sporting Index free bets page.
Pros
- Market-leading odds.
- Fantastic in-play markets.
- Brillaint welcome offer.
Cons
- Event coverage a little limited sometimes.
What is Sports Spread Betting?
We'll dive into which is the best betting site for spread betting site imminently, but first a quick summary on what sports spread betting is. For our full, detailed explanation, head to our spread betting guide and find out more.
So, a ‘spread’ is a prediction within a specific market for a particular sports event. It is expressed in a SELL-BUY range. For example, the market could be Total Goals in a football match, with the spread set at 1.8 – 2.0.
If you think the outcome will is going to be higher than the set spread (so more than two goals scored), you would BUY. If you think less than 1.8 goals will be scored, then you would SELL.
The crucial difference in sports spread betting, as opposed to fixed odds betting, is that the more you are right, the more you win. If you BUY, and three goals are scored then you win, but you win more money if four goals are scored, and even more if five are, and so on. Likewise, get it wrong, and the more you're wrong, the more you're set to lose.
The amount you bet – your stake – is the amount you stand to win per goal.
Spread Betting Advice
Sporting Index v Spreadex Comparison - What You Need To Know.
Sporting Index v Spreadex Comparison Table
| Feature | Sporting Index | Spreadex |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1992 | 1999 |
| Welcome Offer | Yes | Yes |
| Financial Spreads | No | Yes |
| Sports Spread | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Sports | 19 | 23 |
| Fixed Odds Betting | Yes | Yes |
| In Play Betting | Yes | Yes |
| Bet Builder | No | Yes |
| Casino | Yes | Yes |
| Live Streaming | No | Yes |
| Results Service | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting Blog | Yes | Yes |
By offering unique markets you can decide whether a spread bet will win you more cash than a traditional bet. We put our in-house sports spread betting expert, Nigel Skinner to work to provide his insight on how each compares. For him it is essential to have an account with both to take advantage of the better features each has over the other.
Both Sporting Index and Spreadex do a great job of explaining “How to get started” with their spread betting videos. Spreadex just edge the “How to get started” because their guide features voice, whereas Sporting Index is just visual.
I Have an Account for Both Spreadex and Sporting Index I can play one against the other using one where the features are better and the other when it suits my confidence.
| Sporting Index Preferences | Spreadex Preferences |
|---|---|
| A Large Selection of Events | Best 'How to" Video |
| More Specials Markets | Clear Unfussy Layout |
| Comprehensive Video Guides | Better Navigation |
| Excellent 10 Commandments of Spread Betting | Mega Boost markets |
| Better Sign up Offer [June 2019] | Quicker Settling |
| Classy Mobile App | Faster In Play Markets |
| Better FAQ Section | Better Bet Slip |
| Slick Live Casino | New Markets Added Quicker |
Pros and Cons of Sports Spread Betting
There are plenty of advantages to sports spread betting, and it's important to frame them, as well as the disadvantages, in comparison to regular fixed odds sports betting.
Pros
- There's a wide range of sports to spread bet on.
- You can bet against favourites and make large profits is they lose.
- Compared to fixed odds betting, there is larger potential and greater profit to be won.
- Bettors can jump off losses early. If your bet is losing then you can exit a spread bet to prevent your loss becoming bigger and bigger.
Cons
- Losses can multiply more and more if you're wrong.
- The high-reward nature of spread betting can make it more addictive as people try to chase bigger wins.
- The swings in, and between, profit and loss are large. This comes from the prices in spread betting moving quickly and significantly given the volatile nature of spread betting.
Sports Spread Betting Bonus Offers (Sign-up)
Make sure you understand your liabilities before spread betting
If you are looking for a spread betting bonus offer then there are plenty of opportunities to see the details of both Sporting Index Free Bets and Spreadex Free Bets offers, or head to our general free bets page.
It is important to understand the full terms and conditions of the offers before committing to opening an account, but these two companies, have clearly set out the offer terms in a simple fashion so they can be easily understood.
Make sure you fully understand what you are doing before getting involved in spread betting, keep stakes and liabilities low, and have fun while you learn.
How Many Sports Can I Spread Bet On?
At the time the spread betting comparison table above was updated, the following sports were available with live markets to bet
| Sport | Spreadex | Sporting Index |
|---|---|---|
| American Football | Yes | Yes |
| Australia Rules | Yes | Yes |
| Baseball | Yes | Yes |
| Basketball | Yes | Yes |
| Beach Volleyball | Yes | No |
| Boxing | Yes | Yes |
| Cricket | Yes | Yes |
| Cycling | Yes | No |
| Darts | Yes | yes |
| Football | Yes | Yes |
| Golf | Yes | yes |
| Greyhounds | Yes | Yes |
| Horse Racing | Yes | Yes |
| Ice Hockey | Yes | Yes |
| Rugby League | Yes | Yes |
| Rugby Union | Yes | Yes |
| Snooker | Yes | Yes |
| Tennis | Yes | Yes |
| UFC | Yes | No |
| Volleyball | Yes | Yes |
| Specials | Yes | No |
| Virtual Sports | Yes | No |
| Politics | Yes | No |
| Motor Racing | No | Yes |
| Gaelic Football | No | Yes |
| Hurling | No | Yes |
| Handball | No | Yes |
Live Streaming
Spreadex nick a bit of kudos in this sports spread betting company comparison.
| Live Streaming? | |
|---|---|
| Spreadex | ✅ |
| Sporting Index | ❌ |
You should be aware that live streams are live to a point but can be anything up to and beyond 30 seconds behind the real action, so be very careful with fast-moving sports like Tennis or basketball when watching live streaming and getting involved with in-play spread betting based on what you are seeing.
How OLBG Reviews and Rates Sports Spread Betting Sites
Are you looking for the perfect spread betting site? Look no further! At OLBG, we've meticulously crafted an editorial process that ensures each review is thorough and reliable. Our comprehensive assessment involves a team of seasoned reviewers and dozens of regular sports bettors, dedicating a minimum of a month to each review. Here's an inside look at our review and rating policy, tailored to help you find the best spread betting sites.
Detailed Review Process
Key Factors We Assess:
- Customer Support: Prompt and helpful interactions.
- Banking & Payment Options: Variety and ease of transactions.
- Site Usability & Mobile Experience: User-friendly interface on both desktop and mobile.
- Range of Spread Betting Markets Covered: Comprehensive spread betting coverage.
- Types of Bets Accepted: Various options including antepost betting.
- Odds Offered: Competitive odds for spread betting.
- Promotions & Offers: Attractive bonuses and ongoing spread betting promotions.
- Initial Bonus Terms: Fair and transparent conditions.
- User Experience: Pleasant and hassle-free betting environment.
- Ease of Registration & Account Verification: Simple and straightforward processes.
- Live Streaming & In-Play Betting: Quality streaming and live spread betting options.
- Maximum Payouts: High limits for potential winnings.
Comprehensive Rating System
In the third and fourth weeks, our review panel rigorously tests each spread betting site, providing a rating out of 5 stars. They review the initial evaluation, offering additional feedback and insights. This collaborative effort ensures a well-rounded and accurate review, enriched by diverse spread betting preferences and experiences.
OLBG Members’ Feedback
Once the core review is complete, OLBG members who regularly spread bet are invited to try out the site and share their ratings and feedback. This community-based evaluation brings a practical perspective, highlighting real user experiences and preferences.
Real User Reviews
We aggregate reviews and ratings from regular sports bettors, allowing you to compare and determine the best spread betting sites for you. Reading through these genuine user experiences provides peer-to-peer endorsement.
User Ratings
Our members rate each bookmaker out of 5, contributing to an extensive database of reviews. For instance, bet365, with over 1,000 ratings, holds an impressive 4.4/5 score. You can explore individual reviews to understand why it’s a top choice among spread bettors.
We publish these reviews unedited (excluding content with swearing, potential libel, or specific disputes) to maintain transparency. For specific disputes, we advise direct communication with the bookmaker or consulting IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Service).
Staying Current
We constantly update our reviews, incorporating new feedback and significant changes to ensure they reflect the latest information. Major updates, like a site redesign or new sport additions, trigger a full reassessment, providing you with the most current and accurate data.
Comprehensive Comparison
We offer detailed comparison guides highlighting the best sites for different sports and bet types. This thorough comparison allows our review team to identify top performers and under performers, making your selection process easier.
Why a spread betting bookmaker may achieve a high rating at OLBG
- Competitive odds
- User-friendly site and mobile app
- Attractive bonuses and ongoing spread betting offers
- Excellent live streaming and event coverage
- Top-notch customer service
- Robust in-play spread betting opportunities
- Early market pricing
- No restrictions on winning accounts
Why online bookmakers are rated poorly by OLBG
- Confusing initial offers
- Difficult site navigation
- Lack of ongoing bonuses
- Poor odds
- Limited event coverage
- Inefficient customer service
- Early betting limits
- Transaction charges
Trusted by Many
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
- Latest tech: live streaming, cash-out, mobile.
- Generous welcome offers, free bets, promotions.
- Clean, modern design and a fresh look.
Cons
- Unproven track record; check license/regulation.
- Fewer markets than established betting sites.
- Limited customer support, slower problem resolution.
How To Choose The Best Sports Spread Betting Site For You
If you're on the hunt for a new spread betting site, there are several crucial elements you should consider to ensure a top-notch betting experience:
Key Factors to Evaluate:
- Trustworthy
- Reliable
- Low Risk
- Reputable
- Player Friendly With Their Terms and Conditions
- Everything Else You Want!
🔒 Trustworthy
With over 80 online bookmakers licensed in the UK, we only list those vetted by the UK Gambling Commission and good for spread betting in our bookmakers guide. Betting with non-licensed bookmakers offering spread betting can be risky and may lead to complications in case of disputes. For your peace of mind, always check if a betting site holds a valid license through the Gambling Commission website. Source: Trustpilot Betting Agencies
✅ Reliable
Not all licensed spread betting bookmakers meet our reliability criteria. We exclude those with a track record of pending payments, shifting terms and conditions, and poor customer service. While we highlight these issues in our reviews, the worst offenders don’t make our list.
🟢 Low Risk
Small, new companies in the UK market may pose higher risks due to potential cash flow issues. However, if they are UK Gambling Commission-registered, they must meet financial solvency criteria. Larger, more established companies typically present lower risks. While it's rare for bookmakers to close without honouring bets, choosing established operators for long-term (ante-post) wagers is advisable. Diversifying your bets across multiple bookmakers can also mitigate risk.
🌟 Reputable
Reputation is best gauged through user experiences. We gather over 500 user reviews from the OLBG community to offer detailed insights into various UK betting sites. These reviews cover customer service experiences and how disputes were resolved.
👥 Player-Friendly Terms and Conditions
We meticulously analyse each betting site's terms and conditions, withdrawal policies, and deposit terms. Some sites may impose charges for certain transactions or inactivity, so it's crucial to be well-informed. Our community reviews and research highlight these details to ensure you get fair terms.
Tips for Choosing Your Next Spread Betting Site:
- Minimum Deposit Requirements: Always check the minimum amount you need to deposit to activate your account.
- Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: Ensure the site supports convenient payment methods for you.
- Withdrawal Policies: Look for any fees associated with withdrawals.
- Betting Rules: Understand the minimum bet amount, maximum winnings, and specific rules for voided bets.
Join OLBG for free to access comprehensive reviews and share your experiences with other betting enthusiasts.
FAQs
FAQ
Betting Guide FAQs - Spread Betting
Is spread betting legal in the UK?
Yes, absolutely. Spread betting is legal in the UK and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a trading activity.
What are the downsides of spread betting?
The main downside is that with spread betting larger amounts quickly. You can lose 200%, 300%, 1000% in a matter of minutes, all as a consequence of leverage, thus the risks involved in spread betting are comparatively much larger than with other trading styles and can result in problems far beyond the consumption of your trading capital.
Is spread betting profitable?
Yes, it can be very profitable if your prediction of whether the market will rise or fall is correct, you'll profit and if it's incorrect, you'll lose.
Is spread betting the same as trading?
Spread betting is a form of derivatives trading that involves placing a bet on whether a market will rise or fall in price. You'd put up a certain amount of capital per point of movement, and your profit and loss is determined by the extent of the market movement multiplied by this bet.
