Experienced sports journalist and editor covering multiple aspects within the sports and betting industry. A football, NFL and rugby specialist, he is a judge at the Football Content Awards.
Best 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.
| 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 |
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
- Excellent Fixed-Odds Offering
- Acca Boosts and First Goalscorer Insurance
- UK Spread-Betting Titan
- Fixed Odds Betting Available
- Excellent in-play betting
Best Sports Spread Betting Sites and Why
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.
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.
Pros
- Market-leading odds.
- Fantastic in-play markets.
- Brillaint welcome offer.
Cons
- Event coverage a little limited sometimes.
What is 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.
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 |
Spread Betting Bonus Offers (Sign-up)
If you are looking for a spread betting bonus offer then there are plenty of opportunities to see the details of both Sporting Index and Spreadex offers on our 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 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
Our experienced in-house writers spend at least two weeks evaluating each betting site. They place at least ten bets, testing various sports, markets, and features. With over a decade of online betting experience, our reviewers provide insightful comparisons with personal experiences across multiple platforms.
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
OLBG boasts an industry-leading Trustpilot rating of 4.6 from over 800 reviews. Check out our Trustpilot reviews to see why we are a trusted source for betting site reviews.
Ready to find the best spread betting site? Trust OLBG's rigorous review process and extensive user feedback to guide your choice.
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.
How To Choose The Best 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.
Bookmaker Deposit Methods
There are many ways to fund your spread betting account. While this list is not exhaustive, it covers the most popular and trustworthy methods.
The minimum deposit is often £5, but it can be much higher for some bookies. Check out our review pages for online betting sites' minimum deposit amounts. In addition to varying by the bookmaker, this can vary by the deposit method used.
Bookmakers will generally return any winnings to the same card or payment method used to deposit unless instructed otherwise. Sometimes you will be asked to provide details to help the online bookmakers comply with money laundering regulations. Please understand that the online bookmakers are not being difficult, they are simply following legal guidelines. This will be even more likely if you withdraw using a different payment method than you used to deposit.
Visa Debit Card
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.
PayPal
Most UK bookies accept PayPal which is the most popular e-wallet with sports bettors. Some people like to use it to keep betting transactions off their bank statements, others find it a much faster way to deposit in and out of betting sites. Be aware that using PayPal could exclude you from welcome offers with some bookies.
Apple Pay
Many of the larger online betting sites support Apple Pay and it's like to be available on more sites soon. Deposit and withdrawal times will be the same as the bank cards being used through Apple Pay.
Skrill
Skrill is an alternative to PayPal. Used to be known as Mneybookers, this has always been a popular payment method for online gamblers. and is accepted at most sites.
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.
Take a look at the reviews for each bookmaker by clicking on the link in the above list where we will detail all the deposit methods available for each site.
With most online bookmakers listed here you may be able to easily transfer money between the bookies other products such as poker, casino and bingo. Transferring money between accounts is often very simple and if you only want to play the sportsbook you can just ignore this function.
Many people use payment providers such as Skrill (formerly Moneybookers) for depositing into, and withdrawing from online bookmakers, as these can be faster, more convenient than bank or credit cards. However sometimes using these methods may exclude you from bookmakers welcome offers. If so this will be mentioned in the terms and conditions of the welcome offer. For more info on which payment methods are accepted by which bookmakers please read through our bookmaker reviews.
👍 Responsible Gambling, Identification & Affordability Checks
In recent years the regulations for bookmakers have tightened as the Gambling Commission have looked to increase the protection of the user. This is fantastic news for the industry and all who use online betting sites but you need to be aware that you may have some small inconveniences when trying to open a new online betting site or if you are wanting to place large bets with a bookmaker. ID verification is very strict and sometimes you may be asked to send off copies of documents for ID and address verification.
Also if you are placing large bets and or making large deposits then online betting sites have a responsibility to ensure that you can afford to do so. You may be asked affordability checks such as showing your pay slips and or you may be asked for proof of funds for money laundering checks. Don't take such requests personally, all licensed online bookies must follow these regulations or they can face huge fines.
Here are some common tips to help you with gambling responsibily 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 do believe that you have a problem then 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 self exclude from all betting companies signed up to the program for a period of your choice. All UK licensed bookmakers listed on this site will be part of the GamStop programme. For this reason (and many others) you should never join betting sites not 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.
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
CEO & Gambling Industry Expert
Sam Darkens
Commercial Manager
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
Tipster Competition Assistant
Andy Powell
Content Editor
Jake Ashton
Senior News Editor
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.
Nigel Skinner
Blog Content Manager
Dan Tracey
Data Scientist and Football Editor
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.
Darren Brett
Tipster Competition Manager
Steve Madgwick
Editor-In-Chief
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.
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.
