Entertainment Betting Sites: 64 Bookmakers Compared on Reality TV, Entertainment and Novelty Bets

Top 10 Entertainment and Specials Betting Sites

Welcome Offers for the Best UK Entertainment Sites

Here are the sign up offers for the best sites – some are household names, others less well-known and may be new brands to you. After that, we'll go into detail on why they score so highly and which bettors they suit.

offer

Trade with 0% commission at Smarkets for 60 days

Use code COMMFREE to trade with 0% commission for 60 days. Min. £10/€10 first deposit using Debit Card or Instant Banking. Full T&C’s apply.18+. GambleAware.org

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offer

Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets

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.

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offer

Up to £20 Back AS CASH if your First Exchange Bet Loses

Max £20 refund on first bet. Bet must be placed in first 7 days of account opening. Payment restrictions apply for the promotion. T&Cs.

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offer

Bet £5, Get £20 in Free Bets

New Customer offer YSKARZ. Place a min £5 bet on the sportsbook at odds of min EVS (2.0) and get £20 in free bets. Free bet rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via Debit Cards will qualify for this offer. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly Paddy's Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply.

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offer

Bet £10, Get £30!

18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 17.10.2022. 3x £10 free bets. Free bets expire after 30 days. New customers signing up through mobile or tablet device only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad

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offer

Bet £5, Get £20!

18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first 5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x 5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + T&Cs apply.

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offer

Bet £5 & Get £20 in Free Bets!

18+ Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cash-out, restrictions & T&Cs apply.

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offer

Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets

New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.

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offer

£30 Matched Free Bet If Your 1st Acca Loses + 100 Free Spins on Gold Blitz

New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football or Horse Racing multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on Gold Blitz (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days from the new account being registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Bet the Responsible Way. Full terms apply.

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Top 10 Entertainment Betting Sites and Why

To expand upon the data presented at the top of this page, we delve deeper and explain the factors contributing to these bookmakers qualifying as the best for entertainment betting fans.

1. Smarkets

The best around. Smarkets scores highest among all bookmakers when it comes to stake limitations, as well as offering a very generous range of markets and events listed. If you want odds on who the next James Bond is going to be, or a roundup on the favourites for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Smarkets should be your first port of call.

Tap or mouseover chart elements for more info. Pinch to zoom.

2. SBK

Unsurprisingly, SBK’s offering is as good as Smarkets, but they are restricted by their app-only model. As good as their app is, it does mean that it’s not ideal for everyone. That said, their output on TV and specials is better than most, with some of the best odds around. 

3. Betfair

Jump onto Betfair’s “Special Bets” section and you can get action on anything from Love Island winners, to who will pick up gongs at the next Oscars. From odds on who will perform at the next Super Bowl halftime show, to an entire section on WWE markets. It caters to a wide range of users, all with the same slick and reliable interface that we’ve come to expect across its sports markets.

4. Paddy Power

It would be odd if Paddy Power wasn’t on this list, and didn’t offer a variety of novelty markets when it comes to entertainment and specials. Very much in keeping with it’s light-hearted brand, Paddy Power covers a decent range of betting opportunities in the TV and film world, not to mention awards shows and competitions – think Britain’s Got Talent, Eurovision, The Voice and the like. 

5. William Hill

Only just tipped by Paddy Power, William Hill has a consistently excellent offering on specials and entertainment bets. One thing that sets William Hill apart from a lot of its competitors is the merging of entertainment and sport, with odds on ESPY Awards winners right in among a tonne of reality TV markets and whether Harry Kane is going to get knighted or not. For sheer variety, William Hill is hard to beat.

6. Ladbrokes

While the actual number of markets available may not be as high as the others above Ladbrokes on this list, it still offers plenty to keep people interested, and odds to rival them all. It scores very highly on stake limitations, and even has a few novelty bets not seen on other bookmakers’ sites.

Tap or mouseover chart elements for more info. Pinch to zoom.

7. Coral

Easy to find on site or the app, a solid offering of markets, and very competitive odds – Coral is incredibly reliable when it comes to TV specials, in particular. Maybe not the breadth of markets compared to other bookmakers, and definitely not the same novelty bets that you may see elsewhere, but on our system it scores consistently well across most factors.

8. Betfred

While still a worthy top ten bookmaker when it comes to entertainment betting, Betfred’s Specials section can be a little tricky to locate first time around, which brings it down the list somewhat. Once there, the selection is great, making up with some interesting novelty bets rather than shed loads of markets. It’s these unique betting opportunities that sets it apart.

9. Betway

If we were just going off variety in markets, Betway would be right up at the top. As an overall package it’s not with the absolute best but you’ll find markets here that may not be anywhere else, or at least will be hard to locate on other bookmakers. In particular, the offering on UK TV programmes to bet on is greater than most, and novelty bets on current affairs can also be found.

10. Sky Bet

Rounding off the top ten is Sky Bet. Within its entertainment section they run price boosts that are often overlooked by other bookmakers in TV, music and film betting, making it a great option for anyone trying to find particular angles, or extra value in specific bets. As with boosts across its sports markets, these are clearly signposted and straightforward when it comes to taking advantage of. 

What The OLBG Team Analysed in Looking for the Best Bookmakers for Entertainment

At OLBG, we approach betting with utmost dedication and professionalism. Our team of experts meticulously assessed 64 online betting sites to curate a definitive shortlist of the top ten betting sites for entertainment and special betting in the UK. But our commitment didn't end there. We embarked on an extensive journey, immersing ourselves in the experience as authentic punters by placing bets, navigating apps, and scrutinizing every aspect of the sites.

Our mission was clear: to identify the optimal betting options for both enthusiasts and new punters, spanning diverse areas such as reality TV, awards shows, movies, and more. Through our rigorous process, we are confident that we have achieved just that. Rest assured, our comprehensive evaluations and hands-on approach ensure that we present you with the finest betting sites tailored to meet your needs effectively.

What is Specials Betting?

The shortest answer is that special bets are bets on markets that don’t involve sport. They can be referred to as entertainment bets, novelty bets, or just “specials”, basically whatever the specific bookmaker chooses. These are still events, like sports matches are events, but refer to the TV industry, film and so on.

As made clear by our top ten above, some of these markets are very predictable; what will win Best Picture at next year’s Oscars, for example. But bookmakers can put our markets for whatever they choose, so if there is something taking up the current zeitgeist, there is a chance punters will be able to bet on it.

The Data and How We Chose the Best TV Specials, Entertainment and Novelty Betting Sites

First, we put our political betting expert Jake Ashton on analysing 64 different online bookmakers, all listed here on OLBG, to see if they offered Specials Betting, Entertainment and TV Betting and more.

Our research into entertainment betting revealed some fascinating findings. Out of the 64 bookmakers analyzed, a surprising 49 of them offered Entertainment and Specials betting options to their customers. This included a variety of categories such as TV shows, movies, and awards shows like the Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys. We even delved into sporting events like the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Our goal was to thoroughly examine the breadth and depth of these offerings, including the number of current events listed. Additionally, we wanted to explore the different betting markets available for each event. Due to the unique nature of these markets, we also looked into any rules or limitations regarding staking.

To ensure a fair assessment, we developed a straightforward scoring system, allocating a maximum of 5 points per category. To gauge the number of markets available and the corresponding odds, we relied on Jake's informed perspective, derived from his valuable experience in the field.

By approaching this research thoroughly and incorporating expert insights, we have uncovered a wealth of information about entertainment betting and its various aspects.

Here is the Data

Number of Betting Events Listed For Betting

Here we have the top 5 betting sites offering betting on Entertainment based on the number of different TV shows, awards shows, and other specials and novelty markets were available.

As expected, there was little change in the overall placement of this top 5; given the importance of a wide range of events being available, Smarkets still came out on top, followed by their sportsbook arm SBK. Changes only really happened outside the top 10

Depth and Breadth of Entertainment Betting Markets

Once we get into an event, we like a good range of markets. So if it's something like Apprentice Betting, can we choose the winner, a runner-up, next to be eliminated, or even the gender of the next to get the boot.

Again, the availability of events seemed to go hand in hand with the range of markets, so I include the data combined in the table above.

Entertainment Betting Stake Limitations

Often in specials betting markets, limitations will be placed on stakes, whereby you may not be able to bet more than £10 on certain events and markets - We don't like restrictions, so we are very happy to score up those entertainment bookies who don't stop us having more than £10 on our prediction.

Now, here, as expected, we did find a difference in the overall top ten, because whilst it is all well and good to offer a wide range of events and markets, if you cant back that up by letting your customer bet on them, then what's it all for, Welcome to the top ten to Matchbook, . They may not have such a wide choice to bet on, but being a betting exchange they do have the benefit of restrictions only being as poor as the liquidity in the market.

offer

Get £30 in Horse Racing Free Bets when you bet £30

New Customers Only. Sign up using Bonus Code: HR30. Bet and settle £30 (2x £10 Horse Racing Back Bets, 1x £10 Horse racing Multiple) on Horse Racing only, each at odds of 2.0 or more and receive 3x £10 Horse Racing Free Bets once qualified. T's and C's Apply. Be Gamble Aware. 18+.

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Summary

🎯 Our research into entertainment betting was mind-blowing! Out of 64 bookmakers, 49 offered Entertainment and Specials betting 🎉 We explored TV, movies, awards shows like the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and even sporting events! Our scoring system and Jake's expertise helped uncover a treasure trove of information 💰🎥📈

🔍📊 We wanted a fair assessment, so we created a scoring system 💯📝 Our thorough research and expert insights uncovered a wealth of information on entertainment betting! 💰🤩

Top 5 betting sites listed based on the number of events and range of markets available:

1. Smarkets (36)

2. SBK Sportsbook (36)

3. Paddy Power (32)

4. Betfair (32)

5. Ladbrokes (31)

Stake limitations can restrict betting options, but Matchbook (24) stands out as a top ten contender due to the flexibility of a betting exchange 🏦💪

These findings present a comprehensive overview of the best options for entertainment betting, ensuring a rewarding and diverse betting experience. 💼📈 

Popular Betting in Entertainment and Specials

Television series, films, reality TV, and awards - the realm of entertainment offers a wide variety of fascinating markets for betting enthusiasts. Whether you're intrigued by the suspenseful plotlines of popular TV series, eagerly anticipating casting decisions for blockbuster films, captivated by the drama of reality TV, or passionately following the glamorous world of prestigious awards, entertainment betting promises an engaging and thrilling experience.

From "whodunnit" speculations in soap operas to betting on the possible twists and turns in popular series like Game of Thrones or Succession, TV series markets are teeming with opportunities. In the film sector, you can find odds predicting which actors may land coveted roles or make predictions on box office earnings. Reality TV embraces competition, talent, and dating shows, turning every announcement into a betting opportunity. And, when it comes to awards, nothing beats the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Oscars or similar events as contenders vie for the top spots.

As we delve deeper into each of these categories, we'll uncover the various betting possibilities they offer, providing distinct insights to guide both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike in their entertainment betting journey.

TV series

These markets are often based on plot lines from popular shows. Soap operas are common for “whodunnit” type bets, but you’ll also find markets for big shows that are part of the zeitgeist. Think of Game Of Thrones, Succession, Stranger Things and Doctor Who – bookmakers will run markets on what happens to characters in these programmes.

Films

Mostly based around casting, you can find odds on which actors will be cast in particular roles (usually historic, long-running, or blockbuster type films). There can be odds offered on who the next James Bond or Superman will be, but also things like betting on the over/under on takings at the box office.

Reality TV

Competition shows, talent shows, dating shows – anything that’s popular, and where a winner is announced at the end of it, attracts punters. Britain’s Got Talent, The X Factor, The Voice, but also Love Island, I’m A Celebrity and Eurovision, will have markets open at plenty of bookmakers.

Specials and Awards

Who will be Sportsperson of the year, be chosen as Time Person of the Year - Who will be the Next Pope, it's all included in Specials Betting.

The best examples are The Oscars or perhaps closer to home, BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) awards. There will be odds on who takes home specific gongs – Best Actor, Best Picture and so on – even before the nominees are announced. Sporting events throughout the year can see the SPOTY markets changing all the time. As the weeks pass the markets mature and favourites at the head of the betting change.

Popular Entertainment and Specials Bet Types

Outright

The simplest bet there is. Just pick who you think will win a specific event., whether that is an award, a TV programme, a competition, and so on.

Place

This is a bet on who will finish in the top places of a competition. So rather than nail your colours to the mast and pick a winner, you pick someone to finish in the top two, three, four (or however many places the bookmaker is offering). There is more chance of winning, but at reduced odds.

Forecast 

If placing is slightly easier to predict then outright betting, forecasting is the harder option. These require you to pick a winner and who will be runner-up (and maybe even third as well). This is high odds, high returns, and very difficult to get right.

Prop bets

Like in sport, a prop bet concerns a particular individual doing something outside of the event’s result itself. For example, you could bet on France getting a certain amount of points in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, regardless of whether they win or not.

Pros and Cons of Entertainment Betting

Much like sports, you might already be a fan of a TV show, and watch it religiously, so have a good base knowledge to feel like you can bet particular outcomes with a degree of confidence – it’s where you might find opportunities that other bettors may overlook.

However, unlike sports, TV shows can end (no one is canceling football any time soon), so it’s possible there’s a very finite time on particular bets that you like. You’re also at the mercy of more randomness, because there’s no form to speak of, and because less bookmakers offer these markets than sports, it’s harder to line shop and options can be more limited.

Pros 

✅ Possibility to utilize your knowledge if you're a fan of specific shows or films.

✅ Adds entertainment and intrigue to watching. 🎞️🔍

✅ Rising niche in the industry. 📈🆙

Cons 

❌ Challenging to line shop and find the best odds. 🛍️🔎  

❌ Fewer markets available than sports betting. 📉💼

❌ Limited promotions, bonuses, and offers. 🎁⚠️

Why should you bet on TV shows?

While outcomes are more random, it’s definitely easier to follow and understand. You don’t need to learn niche game laws, or work out what BTTS or BOG means, you can just pick winners on shows that you watch. Whether you’re a fan of a particular programme or not, betting on it will nearly always keep you interested and engaged, and most of the time, bookmakers will have lower limits on entertainment betting, meaning it’s easier to stay within budget.

How to Place Entertainment / Special Bets?

This will differ depending on the bookmaker that you are betting with, but only slightly, as most will follow a similar pattern. And if you are used to betting on sports, it is essentially the same process. 

• Sign up to a bookmaker, creating an account in the process

• Deposit your funds

• Find the markets to bet on, choosing which that you like.

• Add to your betslip

• Enter the amount that you wish to bet

How OLBG Reviews and Rates Entertainment Betting Sites

Are you looking for the perfect entertainment 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 entertainment 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 Entertainment Markets Covered: Comprehensive entertainment coverage.
• Types of Bets Accepted: Various options including antepost betting.
• Odds Offered: Competitive odds for entertainment.
• Promotions & Offers: Attractive bonuses and ongoing entertainment 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 entertainment betting options.
• Maximum Payouts: High limits for potential winnings.

Comprehensive Rating System

In the third and fourth weeks, our review panel rigorously tests each entertainment 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 entertainment betting preferences and experiences.

OLBG Members’ Feedback

Once the core review is complete, OLBG members who regularly bet on entertainment 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 entertainment 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 entertainment 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 entertainment bookmaker may achieve a high rating at OLBG

• Competitive entertainment odds
• User-friendly site and mobile app
• Attractive bonuses and ongoing entertainment offers
• Excellent live streaming and event coverage
• Top-notch customer service
• Robust in-play entertainment 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 entertainment bonuses
• Poor odds
• Limited entertainment 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 entertainment 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.

How To Choose The Best Entertainment Betting Site For You

If you're on the hunt for a new entertainment 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 entertainment in our bookmakers guide. Betting with non-licensed bookmakers offering entertainment 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.

Table: Top Trusted Betting Sites (Trustpilot Ratings)

Data correct as of 4/9/2024 - Source: Trustpilot Betting Agencies

✅ Reliable

Not all licensed entertainment 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 Entertainment 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.

If you're content with your current bookmaker but want a change, or you must provide proof of affordability and are looking for alternatives, we have recommendations for similar sites.

Similar Sites to Your Current Entertainment Bookmaker:

1. William Hill: Consider Ladbrokes or Betfred for a similar experience.
2. Betfair: Matchbook or Smarkets are great alternatives for betting exchanges; bet365 or BetVictor for fixed odds.
3. Ladbrokes: William Hill is a reputable choice.
4. bet365: BetVictor offers a similar range of markets and in-play betting.

Our guides and reviews are filled with information to help you choose the best entertainment betting site for your needs. If you prefer exploring various sites, take advantage of welcome offers, but always read the terms and conditions.

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 entertainment 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

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

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

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

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

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.

Nigel Skinner

Blog Content Manager

Nigel is a senior editor with 19 years of industry experience. Today he specialises in researching and writing about the betting angles to political and mainstream news stories and being the OLBG in-house expert on 'next football manager' betting markets.

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.

Darren Brett

Tipster Competition Manager

Darren has worked in the horseracing and gambling industries for over thirty years and has been writing about sport for most of that time. He has been the Tipster Competiton Manager at OLBG for over fifteen years, as well as overseeing our sister site, Grand National Guide. Darren's specialist areas are National Hunt racing, snooker and golf.

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 visitor

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.

Summary and Conclusion

When looking for the best bookie for entertainment betting, the key areas to consider are:

• ✅ OLBG experts analysis of best entertainment betting sites overall and best by the category which you are most interested in.
• 💬 OLBG user reviews to see what regular bettors say about their experiences at each entertainment betting site. 
• 💳 The payment methods which you want to use and which bookies support them.
• 🔒 How trustworthy, reliable and reputable each bookie is.

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