With sign-up offers like free bets no deposit, mobile apps, and terms and conditions differing from company to company, we’ve reviewed every major UK bookmaker to help you decide which best suits your needs.
UK Online Bookmakers
Time and time again, UK bookies’ sign-up bonuses are the best amongst the raft of online bookmakers, with bet365 and Betfair topping most people’s lists.
The William Hill new customer offer is another betting offer that should be considered as it’s straightforward to claim.
The UK gambling industry has recently received new legislation that saw some operators close their activities in the UK, so it can be challenging to keep track of who’s best to play with.
However, with Freebets, you can get the latest and best UK bookmaker offers added every week with exclusive welcome sign-up offers for you to enjoy.
And if you’re in Ireland, discover the best selection of bookmakers and explore exclusive offers and promotions for Ireland Bookmakers.
If you’re looking for top odds for football leagues worldwide, Freebets partners with some of the best online bookmakers for football betting. Here, you’ll find a vast collection of markets with competitive odds at the likes of William Hill, bet365 and Betfair – all of which also offer a mobile app allowing you to bet on the go.
Best Online Bookmakers For Horse Racing
The best online bookies also have special offers for horse racing events, such as the Grand National and the famous Cheltenham Festival, which always sees an array of Cheltenham Betting Offers and promotions for both new and existing customers. And for flat racing fans, there are always Royal Ascot Free Bets and special offers during this event.
Best Online Bookmakers For Tennis
Tennis betting is hugely popular, with tournaments occurring weekly throughout the year, plus the four Grand Slam events. The main focus is on the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, but bookmakers, including Unibet and William Hill, offer ongoing tennis betting promotions that are well worth checking out if you’re a tennis fan.
Best Online Bookmakers For Cricket
Following the England cricket team can be a rollercoaster ride, with plenty of highs and lows. However, the excitement of cricket is undeniable, and there are plenty of cricket betting opportunities on matches and competitions throughout the year, domestically and internationally.
From county cricket to the IPL to the Ashes series, there’s something for everyone, and bet365 are an excellent choice for cricket betting, with competitive odds, a vast range of betting markets, and live-streaming of selected matches, plus the ever-popular bet365 welcome bonus.
Best Online Bookmakers For Rugby
Both rugby union and rugby league are popular in the UK, so we offer free bets and other rugby betting offers on all major rugby events, from the Super League to the Six Nations and the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The current sponsors of the Super League are Betfred, and they offer some of the most competitive odds on all the action, plus some excellent ongoing rugby league promotions. For union fans, Betway are a top choice with their Free Bet Club, which sees you receive a weekly free bet if you wager a certain amount - perfect for domestic and international rugby union clashes.
Best Online Bookmakers For Golf
With golf being televised almost every week of the year, there is no shortage of golf betting opportunities for punters. We cover the biggest events on the calendar, and our golf betting experts provide their best bets and players to watch out for.
The leading golf betting promotion is extra places, with some bookmakers offering up to 10 places for each-way betting on the big tournaments. So, if you’ve got an each-way golf fancy, check out Paddy Power, who regularly offer enhanced place terms on the PGA, DP World, Tour, and LIV golf.
And this year sees the 2023 Ryder Cup, offering a vast range of betting markets as Europe takes on the USA in Italy.
How Do Online Bookmakers Work?
The internet has revolutionised the way gambling works. It used to be that punters could only place a bet at a race track, high street betting shop, or sometimes even via telephone betting.
Some switched-on traditional bookmakers such as Ladbrokes and forward-thinking new companies such as bet365 made the shift online, bringing punters everything they enjoy from a high street betting shop to the comfort of their own home.
Online bookmakers offer odds to customers through their trading teams across a vast number of sports. These odds include pre-event bets common in betting shops and in-play betting, where the prices change as the event unfolds.
Recently, online bookmakers have diversified their offerings with products such as online casinos, poker and even bingo. This requires vast technical knowledge, infrastructure and well-set-out rules to ensure that online bookies’ operation is smooth, fast and fair for all their customers.
How We Choose The Best Online Bookmakers
Choosing who to bet with can often depend on several factors, and we take a closer look at them below:
- Licensing: We ensure the betting site is licensed and regulated by a reputable gambling authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission.
- Security: Online security is essential, so we look for betting sites with SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information.
- Payment Methods: We ensure the betting site offers payment methods that are convenient for you, such as debit cards and e-wallets.
- Betting Odds: We want to provide value for our followers, so we only recommend betting sites that provide competitive betting odds.
- Betting Markets: Any betting site we recommend provides a wide range of markets, including the sports and events in which punters are interested.
- Bonuses & Promotions: Here at Freebets, we work with some of the biggest names in the betting industry to bring you unique betting bonuses and promotions.
- Customer Support: We look for betting sites that provide good customer support, ideally via 24/7 Live Chat, to answer your queries and resolve any issues.
Of course, many other things are also crucial to those wanting to back a winner. Live streaming can allow you to watch what you’re betting on and is perfect when coupled with in-play betting.
It all depends on what type of punter you are - If you like the occasional bet, then checking out bookmakers with the best betting offers is for you. At the same time, solid customer service support and excellent ongoing promotions are essential if you’re a regular punter.
Best Bookmaker Loyalty Bonuses
The best UK bookmakers don’t just offer sign-up deals, football betting bonus codes and promotions to new customers – they also keep their customers happy with different loyalty bonuses and promotions.
From free-to-play, free bets, and money-back specials, the best gambling sites, including 888sport and Virgin Bet, keep their customers feeling rewarded and coming back for more.
How To Deposit With Online Bookmakers In The UK
There are several payment methods available for depositing money with an online bookmaker, and we take a closer look at the most popular ones below.
- Debit Card: Linked to your bank account, a debit card can be used to make deposits and withdrawals. Deposits are instant, and there are usually no fees.
- E-Wallet: E-wallets are popular because they offer fast and secure deposits and withdrawals. You create an account with the e-wallet provider and then deposit funds into your account. You can then use these funds to deposit and withdraw at online betting sites. Popular e-wallet betting sites include PayPal Betting Sites, Skrill Betting Sites, and Apple Pay Betting Sites.
- Bank Transfer: This involves transferring money directly from your bank into your online betting account. There are no fees, but the funds can take several days to be processed.
- Prepaid Card: Prepaid cards are like debit cards, but you top them up using cash. Transactions are instant, and fees will vary depending on the provider. Popular prepaid cards include Paysafecard and Entropay.
Regulation & Licensing Of Online Bookmakers In The UK
Gambling laws in the UK provide some of the world’s most stringent legislation and protections. Gambling licences are in place to protect not only punters from unlicensed operators but also bookmakers and betting operators.
The UK Gambling Commission licences all UK online bookies and all members of other key organisations, prioritising punter and operator safety.
These organisations include the ‘European Sports Security Association’, GamCare (a leading national provider of information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling) and IBAS (an authoritative, independent third-party with adjudication for customers who have an unresolved dispute with their UK bookmaker).
Which Are The Best Betting Sites In The UK?
If you are looking for the very best betting sites, then here are the top names to consider.
Top UK Betting Sites | |
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Best Betting Site for In-Play Betting | bet365 |
Best Betting Site for Offers | BetVictor |
Best Betting Site for Enhanced Odds | William Hill |
Best Betting Site for Frequent Promotions | Betfred |
Best Betting Site for Odds | Paddy Power |
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bet365
bet365 is famous for it’s diverse betting markets, impressive in-play betting, user-friendly platform, famous bet builders, alongside generous Free Bets.
Known for being one of the best online betting sites, Bet365 places a huge element of their service on the in play section of their site. Here they offer everything a punter needs, from a wide choice of sports, excellent betting markets, quick updates, and great streaming coverage, so you can watch the game unfold.
So, whether you are an experienced in play punter looking for more, or you are new and want to find the best place to get started, bet365 offer a service seen as one of the very best.
Paddy Power
Paddy Power is synonymous with making betting fun, with humorous ad campaigns, alongside being recognised as one of the best bookies for Horse Racing.
When you are betting, there is nothing better than a great deal, and time and time again, Paddy Power has proven itself as the best site for betting enhancements. When the big events come around, Paddy Power offer regular enhanced odds offers for players, so you can get even more value with these events.
From football to horse racing and many other sports, these enhanced odds will be available ahead of the big action.
Betfred
Betfred are widely recognised as the best bookmaker for promotions, with Betfred founder Fred Done quoted as saying he “knows exactly what punters want”.
Betfred have a great reputation as being one of the best sports betting sites when it comes to promotions. If you are looking for something big to take advantage of, whether this is a general offer or something specific to a big event, then Betfred usually have you covered.
What’s great, and really makes their service stand out, is the further offers for existing customers that you can use after you’ve signed up and taken the welcome promotion.
888sport
888sport are known for their breadth in betting markets, and vast amount of in-play offerings. Perhaps not the biggest name, but 888sport are a big player!
When you place a bet, the odds you take determine what you win. Every time you don’t take the best odds, you are leaving potential winnings on the table. 888Sport are one of the sports gambling sites known for offering highly competitive odds, sometimes the very best available, or if not, close to the top of the list.
If your betting is all about getting the very best value, then these competitive odds across the board are going to really appeal to you.
Betfair
Betfair is one of the biggest names in the business, with it’s hugely popular Exchange and Sportsbook. The Sportsbook is a brilliant place for new punters!
Of all the websites for sports betting, Betfair have one of the very biggest services on offer. Their choice is excellent, with a huge range of betting markets available for all sports. When it comes to the big events, they go even deeper, for big football games, you will have hundreds of betting markets to choose from when looking to place your wager.
It’s not just football though, as Betfair stand out for their betting markets across many different sports.
Unibet
Unibet are one of the biggest UK bookmakers, since forming in 1997, they have become famous for their Horse Racing, Greyhound Racing & Darts offerings.
Looking to construct your ideal accumulator or craft a winning bet builder? Let Unibet’s ‘Market Insights’ feature be your trusty sidekick. This feature is like a crystal ball, offering you the freshest, most insightful stats at your fingertips just when you need them most – right before you seal the deal on your picks. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Unibet is far more than a one-trick football pony; it’s racing ahead with a diverse and impressive portfolio of betting markets.
From the high-stakes thrill of the world’s most prestigious horse races to the strategic battles of chess and beyond, Unibet is your passport to a world of exciting betting opportunities.
BetVictor
BetVictor is regarded as one of the best bookies for odds, providing some of the most enticing odds out there! BetVictor’s in-play odds are also some of the best!
Not only known for their odds, BetVictor is known for how they roll out the red carpet for their new customers, treating them to some of the most irresistible free bet offers in the game!
It’s safe to say BetVictor aren’t stingy when it comes to welcoming new players; they’re all about giving you a taste of the high life from your very first bet. From straightforward match bets to more elaborate and exotic wagers, BetVictor’s free bet offers are designed to suit every style of play and level of experience.
William Hill
William Hill are one of the most popular brands with punters, and it is easy to see why! Having been around since 1937, William Hill are a staple of UK betting!
Since William Hill have been on the scene for so long, they have established some of the biggest betting markets out there - covering basically all sports you can think of, such as football, horse racing, boxing and even more niche sports such as badminton and squash!
William Hill also have some of the best welcome offers in the business, and often give you the opportunity to split your bonus between either sports betting or casino bonuses, which means there truly is something for everyone at William Hill.
Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes are the home of football betting, with their famous acca insurance proving to be one of the biggest value promotions in the beautiful game!
Having been formed way back in 1887, Ladbrokes and their iconic red logo are truly engrained into British betting culture. Whilst being well known for their football offers, such as acca insurance and 2up&win, Ladbrokes are a one-stop shop for sports betting.
Due to their longevity in the marketplace, you truly know what you are getting with Ladbrokes. The online sportsbook offering, combined with over 1,800 physical stores, makes Ladbrokes a great place for punters new and old.
Betway
Betway, famous sponsors of West Ham and several PDC events, is a perfect place for a new bettor to start their journey, with competitive odds and great offers!
Despite their famous sponsorships in recent years, Betway are a relative newcomer to the UK bookmaker scene, only forming in 2006. Whilst still being junior in age compared to it’s competitors, Betway has shown some strong might to forge its name into the minds of UK punters!
Most renowned for their Free Bet Club, where punters can get up to £15 in free bets each week, Betway are the perfect place for someone looking for a new bookmaker who can provide a high level of offers for their regulars, alongside a smooth and responsive website and app.
New Betting Sites – Main Factors To Consider
When signing up for a new betting site, several key factors must be considered before doing so.
These include:
- Betting Odds: Use an odds comparison site to see how their prices compare to the competition.
- Sign-up Offer: Check out what kind of new customer bonus is on offer and the terms and conditions.
- Variety of Betting Offers: Bookmakers are battling for your business, so look at what ongoing sports betting offers are available and whether these fit your punting needs.
- Variety of Betting Markets: Variety is key in betting, so ensure that any new betting site has good betting market coverage across many sports.
- Payment Methods: Check out what payment methods the site accepts and if there are any fees involved.
- Customer Service: The leading bookmakers provide 24/7 Live Chat support, so look at the customer service options with any new betting site.
- Mobile App: Mobile betting is extremely popular, so look at whether the betting site has a mobile app and the overall user experience.
- Betting Needs: Every punter’s needs are different, so check that the betting site will provide the betting coverage you want - this may include a Bet Builder function, cash-out, or in-play betting.
- Other Special Features: Does the site provide extra features like live streaming and live stats? Is there a VIP Club or Loyalty Scheme?
Fair & Safe Betting Sites
As with any online transaction, finding a fair and secure website is paramount for betting. The betting sites we recommend are fully licensed and regulated to operate in the UK, with many holding a UK Gambling Commission license.
With safe betting sites, you can focus on enjoying your gambling and not worrying about your funds and whether you are being given a fair deal.
Responsible Gambling
UK bookmakers are required to promote responsible gambling. They must offer tools and information to help people gamble safely and avoid addiction - these include:
- Setting limits on how much money people can deposit and bet
- Offering self-exclusion tools that allow people to take a break from gambling
- Providing information about gambling addiction and how to get help
If you are concerned about gambling, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
Here are some additional tips for responsible gambling:
- Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose
- Set limits on how much time you spend gambling
- Take regular breaks from betting
- Be aware of the signs of gambling addiction
- If you are concerned about your gambling, seek help
FAQs

Are online bookmakers legal in the UK?
Yes, online bookmakers are legal in the UK, provided you are 18 or over.

Can I place a bet at a bookie in person and track it online?
Unfortunately, as far as we know, there aren’t any bookmakers who offer this service as of yet. However, some high street bookmakers allow punters to withdraw their winnings from an online bet in their shop, most often through a membership card style system.

Do online bookies have a mobile app?
All the leading UK online bookmakers have a mobile app for punters to download.

How do online bookmakers calculate odds?
As bookmakers try to determine the probability or the odds of a given outcome, a range of factors in real-time, such as news and injuries, can shift these odds on one particular outcome over time.

Which online bookies offer cash out?
Many leading UK bookmakers offer cash-out, allowing you to bank some profit if your bet is winning or to reduce your potential losses if it is not.

Do any betting sites accept PayPal?
Yes, a limited number of betting sites will accept PayPal - check out the payment methods for each brand to find out where you can bet with PayPal.

What betting sites do Irish lotto?
The Irish lottery has become a staple on many betting sites, all accepting various bets on the twice-weekly draw.

Can betting sites ban you for winning too much?
Bookmakers can place restrictions on accounts as they wish, but this rarely affects regular punters.

What betting site has the best odds?
No one site has the best odds all the time - the best betting value is found by shopping around for each event you are betting on.

Do all betting sites need verification?
The process may vary slightly between brands, but you must prove who you are with various ID checks.