Best Online Bookmakers 2023

Comprehensive guide to the Best UK Betting Sites

Check out our in-depth Betting Sites reviews of all the licensed & trusted UK bookmakers, find a list of new bookmakers in 2023.

Best UK Betting Sites

William Hill Sports

Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets (Mobile Only)

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Listed on the Stock exchange and licensed in UK and EU
  • Wide range of William hill promo code offers when signing up
  • Diverse range of games, betting and gambling
BetVictor

Bet £10 on Football, Get £40 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Unique ‘Betfinder’ Feature
  • Bet (winnings) calculator
  • Live racing, replay of all UK races & plenty racing promos
Bet365

Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • The world's favourite online sports betting company
  • Bet365 offers an amazing App including Live Streaming
  • The most comprehensive In-Play service
SpreadEx

Bet £10 Get £40

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Sports fixed odds, spread betting and casino on 1 account
  • Great welcome bonus
  • New Spread Betting Build Your Bet Feature
BetUK

Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Best betting odds & games
  • Play the widest and best range of online slots machines at Bet UK
  • Best UK offers our players one of the best selections of casino
Tote

Bet £5, Get £20 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • UK bookmaker that have a history dating back to 1927
  • All racecourses at the Tote
  • Racecards from all UK & IE
KWIFF

Bet £10, Get £20

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Amazing App Sports betting
  • Responsible Gambling Policy
  • Kwiff is supercharging betting - making it bigger
888 Sport

Bet £10 And Get £30 In Free Bets +£10 Casino Bonus

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Huge number of sports betting options, bonuses and promos
  • Live Horse Racing Streaming
  • Betting blog & betting guide
BzeeBet

Bet £10 and Get a £10 Free Bet

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Licensed by the UKGC
  • Good range of sports available
  • Cash Out - bet Builder and more
Betfair

Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • The world’s biggest betting exchange
  • Fixed odds, cashback specials and bonuses added to winnings on multiple bets
  • Wide range and coverage of daily enhanced odds offers
Paddy Power

Bet £20, And get it Back as Cash if it Loses

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Excellent football odds from leagues all over the world
  • Fun promotional offers and incentives for all customers
  • State of the art mobile app for betting on the go
Unibet Sports

Money Back as bonus up to £40 if your first bet loses + £10 Casino Bonus

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Amazing promotions and one of the best welcome offers in the market
  • Part of a trustworthy company
  • Competitive odds and variety of betting markets
Grosvenor

Double the Odds - Any Bet, Any Odds

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Excellent customer services
  • Great sports betting options
  • Very prompt payout
Virgin Bet

Bet £10, Get £20 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • New Sports Brand from the Virgin Empire of Sir Branson
  • Bet £10, Get £20 In Free Bets
  • Price Boosts on all Major Sports
Betway

£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 50 Free Spins

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Vast collection of sports and markets on the sportsbook
  • Established name in the industry and licenced by the UKGC
  • Smooth betting interface
Betstorm

Bet £10 and Get a £10 Free Bet

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Licensed in the UK
  • Huge selection of sports to bet on
  • Great welcome offer
21LuckyBet

Bet £20 and Get a £40 Free Bet

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • New UK Licensed Brand
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Decent betting odds
Livescore Bet

Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Excellent in play betting service
  • Android and iOS apps
  • Responsive and reliable website
10Bet

50% up to £50 Welcome Bonus

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Impressive coverage of international sporting events.
  • Available for iOS and Android
  • Multitude of daily promotions & free bets
SBK

Bet £10, Get £10 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • One of the best mobile only sportsbooks in the UK
  • Licensed and regulated by UK Gambling Commission
  • Bettors can submit their own betting tips

XtremeWin

Deposit £10 and Get £30 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • New UK online bookmaker
  • Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission
  • Decent odds and attractive welcome offer
Leovegas UK

Up to £100 Extra Winnings on your first bet (Mobile Only)

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Follow in play action with the LeoVegas alert app
  • Earn profit boosts by placing regular in play bets
  • Use the LeoVegas bet builder to build your own bets
Tebwin

Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Newly launched UK bookmaker
  • Awesome live betting platform
  • Competitive odds and attractive welcome casino offer
VegasMobileCasino

Bet £10 Get £20 Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Excellent Mobile Platform
  • New UK online bookmaker
  • Simple Registration and Validation Process

Spinzwin Sports

Bet £10 Get £20 Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Available on desktop & mobile
  • Regular on-site promotions
  • Licensed and regulated sportsbook and casino
Smarkets

Trade with 0% commission at Smarkets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • One of the best trading platforms
  • Lower commission at 2%
  • Modern, slick website

BetMorph

Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • New UK online bookmaker
  • Decent range and coverage of betting events
  • Good odds and attractive welcome offer
Sportingbet UK

Up to £50 in Free Bets, Odds Boost Token, 20 Free Spins & £10 Casino Bonus

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Long Standing Reputation
  • Variety of Sports & Live Betting
  • Instant Play and Downloadable App
Bwin Sportsbook

Get Your £20 Backup Bet

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Over 80 different betting markets
  • Comprehensive live streaming available to customers signed in to a funded account
  • Mobile apps on Android and iOS devices work very well
The Online Casino

Deposit £10, Bet £10, Get £30

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Excellent Odds and Prices
  • Regular Promotions for Existing Customers
  • Easy to use betting site
VBET

Guaranteed Free Bet up to £20

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Wide range of sports betting markets
  • In-play focus and innovative live sports betting feature covered on all of the latest odds
  • Simple, Quick & Easy sign-up process
Netbet

Bet £10 and Get a £10 Free Bet

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Various available payment options
  • Impressive VIP Programme
  • Get a £5 Free Bet when you place a £10 Acca bet each week
BetDukes

Bet £10 Get £10 in Free bet

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Good variety of deposit methods for funding your account
  • Wide selection of sports & markets to choose from
  • Cool betting features
Parimatch UK

Bet £10 Get £20 In Bonuses

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Licensed by the UKGC
  • High odds on sports
  • Good Offers for Existing Players
Betdaq

0% Commission on all sports for 100 days!

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • A wide range of welcome offers
  • Low commissions for betting exchange users
  • Ample Selection of Betting Markets and Leagues
BritainBet

Deposit £10 And Get £10 Free Bet

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Extensive selection of sports to bet on, with great market coverage in most popular sports
  • Complete missions to boost your earnings
  • Watch live streams of the sports you bet on
Ruby Bet

Bet £10 Get £20 Free Bets + 30 Free Spins on Starburst

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • RubyBet holds two gambling licenses, both of which are highly respected.
  • Wide range of sports betting markets and casino games.
  • Good range of secure payment methods
Karamba

Bet £20 and Get £10 in Free Bets + entry in £3000 Cash Tournament

Terms & Conditions Apply
  • Vast range of betting options and casino games
  • Instant & free of charge payments
  • Live betting with cash-out function

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

UK bookmakers are the best in the business. They have more sports, more betting markets, more bet options – and, vitally, they hold the appropriate licences and safeguards for punters.

Time and time again UK bookies’ sign-up bonuses are shown to be the best amongst the raft of online bookmakers, with the likes of bet365 and Betfair topping most people’s lists.

The William Hill new customer offer is another betting offer that should be taken into consideration as it’s a very easy one to get.

The UK gambling industry has recently received new legislation which compelled a few operators to close their activities in the UK, so it’s difficult to keep track of who’s best to play with.

With Freebets, you can get the best of the latest UK bookies that are added on a weekly basis with exclusive welcome sign up offers for you to enjoy.

Best Online Bookmakers for Football Betting

If you’re looking for top odds for football leagues around the world, Freebets partners with some of the best online bookmakers for football betting. Here, you’ll find a huge collection of markets with competitive odds at the likes of William Hill, bet365 and Betfair – all of which also offer a mobile app so that you can play 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 popular Cheltenham Festival which always brings out an array of Cheltenham betting offers and promotions for both new and existing customers.

How Do Online Bookmakers Work?

The internet has revolutionized 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 either through their own trading teams across a huge number of sports. These odds include the sort of pre-event bets that were common in betting shops and in-play betting where the prices change as the event unfolds.

In more recent times, online bookmakers have diversified their offering with products such as online casinos, poker and even bingo. This requires a vast amount of 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 a number of factors. As a punter, you should be attracted by the best odds that suit your bet along with favourable each-way terms.

However, reputation is also an integral part of making a bet. Luckily for you, most UK bookmakers are incredibly trustworthy, meaning there are no security issues. Safeguards are in place, bet limits are large and financial transactions are processed quickly.

Of course, many other things are also important to those wanting to back a winner. Live streams can allow you to watch what you’re betting on, while a host of markets within a large number of sports can also be appealing.

It all depends on what type of bettor you are. If you like the occasional punt then free bets upon sign-up bookies are undoubtedly for you, while if you’re a regular punter or are new to the game then good customer service support is essential.

Today, ‘in-play’ markets on sites which are easy to navigate and have plenty of ‘Money Back Specials’ on high-profile football matches are more popular, and the best way to make the most of your betting.

Best Bookmaker Loyalty Bonuses

The best UK bookmakers don’t just offer sign up deals and promotions to new customers – they keep their members happy too with different types of loyalty bonuses and promotions too.

From free-to-play games to money back specials from the likes of 888sports and Betfred, the best gambling sites keep their existing customers feeling rewarded.

How To Deposit With Online Bookmakers In The UK

All UK online bookies use the simplest and most popular deposit and withdrawal methods. Primarily this means Visa (debit and credit cards), Mastercard and PayPal.

However, Diners Club, EntroPay, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafe, Switch, Western Union, ClickandBuy and Bank Transfers can also often be used. Some UK bookmakers who have shops as well as an online site allow their customers to deposit and withdraw cash over the counter in their betting offices too.

Regulation & Licensing Of Online Bookmakers In The UK

Gambling laws in the UK provide some of the most stringent legislation and protections in the world. Gambling licences are in place to protect not only punters from unlicensed operators, but also to protect bookmakers and betting operators.

All UK online bookies are licenced by the government’s UK Gambling Commission and are all members of other key organisations which prioritise 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.

bet365 - Best Betting Site for In Play Betting

bet365 is known for being one of the best online betting sites, and a huge element of their service is 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 - Best Betting Site for Enhanced Odds

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 - Best Betting Site for Promotions

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 - Best Betting Site for Competitive Odds

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 - Best Betting Site for Markets

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.

New Betting Sites – Main Factors to Consider

  • Best odds
  • Best bonus & free bet sign up offers
  • Variety of sports betting offers
  • Variety of betting markets offered
  • Deposit and withdrawals methods
  • Customer service, chat and quality of support
  • Other special features as live streaming, stats, VIP, live scores, etc
  • Website & mobile app – user friendly & navigation
  • Personal user betting needs (fixed odds, building accas, betting live in-play)

Fair and Safe Betting Sites

When you are choosing where to play, top of the list should be to find somewhere that is fair and safe. These betting sites are ones which have a UK Gambling Commission license, something in place to make sure they are giving a fair deal to punters, and a body that ensures they hold the minimum standards within the industry.

With a fair and safe betting site, you can put your full focus on enjoying your gambling, and not worrying about your funds and if you are being given a fair deal.

FAQs

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Are online bookmakers legal in the UK?

Yes, online bookmakers are very much legal in the UK provided that you are 18 or over.

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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.

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Do online bookies have a mobile app?

Yes, most of the best UK online bookmakers do also have a mobile app. We review all of our online bookmakers featured here at Freebets, and mobile apps make online bookies some of the best available.

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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.

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Which online bookies offer cash out?

This is done for security reasons. Verification may be needed to confirm you are 18+ (the minimum legal age to gamble in the UK), and to prevent any type of fraud – protecting both the UK bookmakers and their customers.

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Do any betting sites accept Paypal?

Yes, a limited number of betting sites will accept Paypal from you, check out the payment methods on offer for each brand to find out where you can bet with Paypal.

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What betting sites do Irish lotto?

The Irish lottery has become a staple on many betting sites, all accepting a variety of bets on the twice-weekly draw that takes place.

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Can betting sites ban you for winning too much?

Bookmakers can place restrictions on accounts as they wish, but this is something that rarely affects regular punters.

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What betting site has the best odds?

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

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Do all betting sites need verification?

Yes, this may change very slightly between brands, but all will need you to prove who you are with various ID checks at some point.

Best UK Free Bets

888 Sport

Bet £10 And Get £30 In Free Bets +£10 Casino Bonus

Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager the bonus amount 40 times within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & Full T&C’s Apply. 18+. BeGambleAware.org

bet365

Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets

New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.

Tote

Bet £5, Get £20 in Free Bets

New customers online only. Place your first bet on racing pools for a minimum of £/€5 and win or lose you will receive £/€20 Placepot Tote Credit redeemable against UK & Irish Placepot bets only. Tote Credit cannot be withdrawn, exchanged, or substituted and expires after 7 days. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the bet-slip. Ten to Follow, virtual and football bets do not qualify. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleaware.org

Virgin Bet

Bet £10, Get £20 in Free Bets

*New members. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook, placed & settled at 1.5 min odds within 14 days of sign-up. Win part of E/W bets. 2 non-withdrawable £10 Free Bet Tokens: accept in 7 days, valid for 7 days from acceptance (ex. E/Ws & Multiples), stakes not returned. Click here for Rules & Exclusions. Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org

Paddy Power

Bet £20, And get it Back as Cash if it Loses

New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply.

William Hill Sports

Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets (Mobile Only)

18+. When you sign-up via Mobile using promo code P40 and place a bet of £10/€10 or more we will give you 4x £10/€10 free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. Virtual markets excluded. #ad

KWIFF

Bet £10, Get £20

Welcome Offer - Bet £/€10 Get £/€20 New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £/€10. Qualifying real money bet of £/€10. Min odds greater than or equal to 1.5 required. E/W bets excluded. Offer credited within 48 hours. Additional T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly

Betstorm

Bet £10 and Get a £10 Free Bet

New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £10, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits.