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At ClubSport, our goal is to provide readers with the most accurate and honest information on bookmakers. We have four core values that guide our work:
- Experience. Dedicated experts with years of evaluating UK bookies and their markets. We've seen bookies rise and fall.
- Independence. We're not afraid to highlight flaws regardless of a bookie's status.
- Honesty. We objectively assess sportsbooks as we believe that the numbers don't lie and flashy bonuses tend to evoke losses and jitters for players — we are open and upfront about all this.
- Simplicity. We were once average punters. We know how vital it is to explain even complex topics in clear, simple terms.
Top 5 UK Football Betting Sites: Review
- Over 70 countries for football betting
- 1500+ markets on EPL
- Diverse football outrights
- Bet Boost for football matches
- Maximum bets limits for successful bettors
Deposit £5 or more within 30 days of registering to get 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to £30. To use the Bet Credits, bet the value of your deposit (max £10) within 30 days. Bets should have at least one selection at odds of 1/5 (1.20) or more. Edited, fully cashed out, or void bets don't qualify. Bet Credits are non-withdrawable, and if unused for 90 days, they expire.
- 70+ countries for football betting
- 1300+ markets on EPL
- Excellent range of football prop stats bets
- #GetAPrice for football matches
- Only six countries for outright football betting
Register a new account, deposit £5+. Exclusions apply for certain payment methods. Place a sports bet of £5 win or accumulative up to £5 at odds of 1/2 or greater. For accumulators, each selection must be 1/2+. Avoid Tote or Pools. Bet within 14 days of registration. After, receive 4 x £5 Free bets. Use them within 7 days or they expire.
- 2500+ markets on EPL
- Over 150 football championships
- Boosted odds on certain football markets
- 90 Minute Payout feature
- Exceptionally low odds on primary football markets
Start by registering with promo code ZBHC01 and verify your number via SMS. Deposit a minimum of £5 using a Debit card and place a £5 bet on Betfair Sportsbook, ensuring minimum odds of 1/2 (1.50). These steps must be completed within 30 days of opening your account.
- Excellent betting range on top football matches
- Build-a-bet and Request-a-bet features
- Increased odds on trending football events
- Support is not 24/7 and is difficult to reach
Register a new account via the offer page, deposit a minimum of £5 (Neteller or Skrill deposits won't qualify), and place a single or each-way bet of at least 5p on any Sky Bet market with odds of 1/1 or greater. After betting, you'll receive £20 as four £5 Free bet tokens. Use them on any single or each-way market, excluding virtuals, within 30 days.
- 2000+ outcomes for EPL matches
- Wide coverage of events in Live
- Football Odds Boosts every day
- High margin for top football
- A bit complicated navigation
Register at William Hill with code "T60" and opt-in on the 'Vegas' promotion page. Deposit and bet a minimum of £10 on selected Vegas games, with a 30x wagering requirement on the £20 bonus. Also, place a £10 bet at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on any sportsbook market, using either additional deposits or winnings from Vegas. Post-qualification, receive a £40 bonus for sportsbook markets, excluding Virtuals. Wager this bonus within 7 days.
Top Sites Features in 2024
Back in the days, if you intended to place a football bet based on the analysis, you had to visit multiple platforms, painstakingly pooling bits of information and trends about the upcoming game. Picture this: hopping onto multiple football websites for the latest news and trends, visiting numerous platforms to grasp the team form and statistics. All this effort to make a mere 1x2 bet? Meanwhile, the betting world has morphed since, and now leading football UK bookmakers provide thorough analysis blocks encompassing statistics and trends on the match page. Additionally, they offer customers the facility to place bets with all possible combined options, and at any time during the match.
We've listed some of the most enticing features you might stumble upon on top UK football betting sites:
- Statistics and data. Comprehensive stats and data can help you make more informed betting decisions. As a rule, the match statistics are positioned smack in the centre, beneath the team names and above the odds, encompassing the league table and the Head-to-Head record (H2H). Some bookies offer even more detailed statistics. For example, for a Champions League group stage match Sky Bet showcases form overview, a table of all the groups, team averages for major football metrics (goals, shots, corners, etc.), and individual statistics for both attackers and defenders. This also includes their trend notes for the upcoming match, where they highlight a particular player's statistical pattern.
- In-play betting. In-Play betting allows you to bet during an ongoing match. The key hook of in-play betting lies in the rapidly fluctuating odds, so it allows you to utilise changing match dynamics to your advantage, just like a manager adjusting his tactics based on the game flow. Such a feature is offered by all football UK bookmakers on our list, but we can point out Ladbrokes. They provide good in-play betting service for many niche matches in less popular leagues.
- Live football streaming. This feature gives you the convenience of watching the match live from your betting platform. It's essential to bear in mind two things. In the first place, not all football matches will have live streaming available, especially those in third- or fourth-tier leagues. Additionally, all streams operate with a mild delay, meaning the odds won't instantaneously reflect the on-screen action. Among the bookmakers on our list, Bet365 can be singled out with certainty as the UK leader in live streaming, hosting the largest number of direct broadcasts.
- Cash out. It is a get-out clause that allows you to take a return before the event you’re betting on has finished. It can be handy if it looks like your bet might lose, so you can picture it as an early exit strategy from a risky bet. There's also an important detail to be noted, which is that the cash out odds will deviate from the initial odds. It could tilt in your favour (if your bet is winning during the match) or against you (if the bookmaker assesses your bet as potentially losing) as the game unfolds. On our list of top bookmakers, this feature is also one of the most popular ones. For instance, Sky Bet offers it on practically all types of football bets. The maximum amount that can be cashed out at Sky Bet is pegged at £500,000.
- Bet builder. These tools let you compile your own bet from numerous markets and give you a price instantly. For instance, you might combine the victory of a particular team with the event of a specific player scoring a goal. The one thing that a bookmaker won't allow in Bet Builders is incorporating mutually exclusive outcomes, like a home team victory and a final score of 1-1. Such a feature can be found in the separate ‘Bet Builder’ tab on the football match page at Betfair. For a Champions League group stage match, they provide nearly 1500 markets that can be combined using the Bet Builder.
- Request-a-bet. This feature allows you to request odds on unique and personalised bets, combining multiple scenarios in a single match. This feature bears similarities to Bet Builder, but it differs in the sense that the bookmaker proposes appealing combined outcomes initially and you can "order" a bet combination that isn't visible to other players. To illustrate, Sky Bet extends this possibility in two ways — through their Request-a-bet tool in mobile app or on their website, as well as through Twitter by tweeting Sky Bet via @RequestABet. They will set the odds for the requested combination bet and send you a link to it.
- Price boost. It can also be found with bookmakers under the names "Odds Boost" or "Bet Boost". In a nutshell — these are enhanced odds for outcomes. The bookies offer these bets for different outcomes, which can be primary, like 1x2, or they can be on combined bets and statistical selections. For a Champions League group stage match, Parimatch gives increased odds on Bet Builder and on certain events in the match, such as over 3.5 total goals, over 12.5 corners overall, etc.
An eminent clarification: There might not be all of these features available for every football match that takes place in every league in the world. The lesser known the league and the match, the lower the likelihood of features like Price Boost, Request-A-Bet, or advanced player statistics being present.
How we Evaluate Football Betting Sites
As we review football betting sites, there are certain criteria that we pay close attention to. We're not just having a flutter here, we're talking about a thorough analysis that ensures you're placing your trust and your cash in the right place. Let's kick off and share these standards with you.
Security and Licensing
Top bookies: Every bookie from our list
First things first, the safety of your money and personal details is paramount. Every betting site we analyse is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. If they don't have the seal of approval from the UK's official gambling regulator, they're not making it onto our list. It's that simple.
Available Markets
Top bookies: Sky Bet, Betfair
Next, we look at the spread of markets that each site brings to the table. A top-drawer site won't just cover the Premier League or the Champions League; it'll offer odds on matches from the Championship right down to League Two, and even non-league games worldwide.
Moreover, we're not just content with a quick glance at the match — we're peering right into the heart of it, looking at the distinct events you can have a punt on. We're not fussed about run-of-the-mill markets like team wins and goal totals. No, we're digging deeper at those smaller markets and other intriguing options. The more comprehensive the coverage, the better the site.
Odds Quality
Top bookies: Grosvenor Sport, Quinnbet
The figures matter, too. We're talking about the overall quality of the odds offered by the site. Imagine two betting sites: one offering odds of 2/1 (3.00) and the other at 21/10 (3.10), for the exact same event. On the surface, the disparity in the odds may not raise eyebrows for the odd wager. But stick with the habit of choosing poorer odds and over time, the lost potential winnings can stack up. Take, for instance, fifty £10 bets in a month’s time. Opting for the odds of 21/10 (3.10) could eventually spare you an additional £50 by the month's end — a tidy sum not to be overlooked.
User Interface
Top bookies: NetBet, 10bet
Ever tried to place a bet on a site that's about as easy to navigate as London in rush hour? It's no fun. That's why we consider the user interface. Everything should be crystal clear, with even a greenhorn being able to suss out how to place a bet within a couple of clicks. Navigating the website is evaluated based on how long it takes us to find everything we need during the assessment.
Customer Support
Top bookies: LeoVegas, Parimatch
Finally, we analyse the customer support offered by each site. Even the most experienced punters can run into issues or have questions. When that happens, you want to know there's a team of helpful professionals ready to assist you. Besides the performance of the customer support itself, an additional yardstick here is the ability to get into a support chat with a mere mouse click. Why do we bang on about this? Our experience doesn't tell porkies — a lot of bookies squirrel away the customer support button deep within their site.
Football Betting Sites with the Highest Odds
In football betting, understanding odds is as crucial as knowing the teams you are betting on. Simply put, odds are indicators set by bookmakers that reflect the possible outcome of a certain event, akin to predicting the weather based on the clouds' appearance.
As for the term 'margin', it's a concept you find in betting and other businesses too. Just like a trader might buy goods at a lower price to sell at a profit, a bookmaker builds a margin into their odds. The crux of the matter you need to know is this — the lower the margin, the better it is for you.
There is a formula for calculating the margin, but we certainly won't bog you down with heavy-duty sums, as the ClubSport team have already done all the number-crunching for you.
The table below highlights UK football bookmakers currently offering the best odds. We've compared all the bookies on our list, considering the upcoming matches in the EPL and the Champions League, to highlight the top five. Within the realm of football betting odds, Grosvenor Sport has proven to be the front runner.
| Bookmaker | EPL Margins | UCL Margins |
|---|---|---|
| Grosvenor Sport | 2.54% | 4.08% |
| Quinnbet | 4.05% | 4.64% |
| The Pools | 4.05% | 4.80% |
| Bet365 | 4.97% | 4.95% |
| Hollywoodbet | 4.88% | 5.72% |
Football Betting Offers
Top UK football bookies are not just about who has the slickest odds or the most markets. There's another player on the pitch, something that can make you pick one bookie over another in a heartbeat — the betting offers. These can come in all shapes and sizes, and there are even those specifically crafted for football. But it's not all sunshine and roses. You need to understand that bookies are, first and foremost, a business that rakes in hefty profits. They're not a charity just handing out free cash. That's why there are strict rules tied to these bonuses, which must be followed to the letter if you're to see a penny in your bank account.
So, let's have a look at the main types of bonuses offered by UK football betting sites.
Offers for New Customers
When you're the new kid on the block at a betting site, they'll often greet you with two main types of bonuses — deposit and no deposit.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are a bit of a rare bird. This is the most valuable bonus in a bookie's arsenal, provided the bonus terms are fair. As the name suggests, you don't need to part with your cash to claim this bonus. It's usually handed out in the form of Free bets and for a modest sum, roughly £5.
Of all the bookies on our list, only Copybet provides this kind of bonus. All you need to do is download the Copybet mobile app, register an account, and go through the verification process. You'll then receive a £5 Free bet in your account. You can use this Free bet on specified matches, which will be outlined in the promotional materials. There are no other specific wagering requirements — you place the Free bet and take home the net winnings (For example, if a placed £5 Free bet with a 2/1 (3.00) odds is successful, you will receive £10 (i.e £15 - £5 Free bet).
Deposit and Bet&Get Bonuses
Deposit bonuses are like the bread and butter of welcome offers. A deposit bonus is much more common than no deposit offers. You stick some money in your account, and the bookie tops it up with a cash bonus or a Free bet.
As a rule, wagering requirements are tied to a cash bonus. These rules include a wager — a multiplier like x2, x5, x7, and so on, which signifies the amount you need to bet to withdraw the bonus cash. They also detail the minimum odds, the time frame for the wagering, and the eligible markets.
On the flip side, 'Bet & Get' bonuses are different: these are primarily offered as Free bets and most often don't carry wager. Simply place a bet following the bookie’s specified terms, and you’ll receive a Free bet in return.
Splitting these two for clarity:
- For a deposit bonus, we take 10Bet offer. To claim, you sign up using a promo code such as PLAY10, then make a qualifying deposit (excluding Skrill or Neteller payment methods). You'd receive a 50% bonus up to £50, subject to wagering it eight times on single bets at min odds of 4/5 (1.80) or accumulators at odds of 2/5 (1.40) for each selection.
- 'Bet & Get' bonuses are simpler, like the one from Parimatch. They give Free bets after placing a qualifying wager, as most UK bookies do. Set up your account, opt in, and deposit at least £10. Bet that £10 on football at odds of 1/1 (2.00) or higher within seven days. Once your bet settles, you'll receive a series of £5 Free bets for various football markets. These Free bets have zero wager, but they do come with terms like minimum odds and expiry dates.
Offers for Existing Customers
The freebies don't dry up once you're part of the furniture. Bookies also have a few tricks up their sleeves to keep their existing customers feeling loved. Yet, as with welcome offers, the key is to look at the root of the matter — that is, the bonus rules.
Cashback and Loyalty Clubs
With cashback and loyalty clubs you might get a chunk of your losses back as a Free bet or earn points for every bet you place, which can be swapped for bonuses. The main thing here is not to overdo it. If you've already lost a fair bit, DON'T TRY to recoup your losses through cashback, as there's a high chance it will lead you to even bigger uncontrollable deposits.
At JeffBet, there's a fine English Premier League Cashback offer. You need to deposit £10 or more with the promo code EPLC and place bets on football. JeffBet will then give you back 10% of your lost money up to £500.
Odds Boosts
Odds boosts are as straightforward as they come. The bookie pumps up the odds on select events or on your accumulator bets (often it is called “Acca boosts''). Usually, matchups with boosted odds change daily. For instance, Bet365 offers Bet Boost and Acca Boost on major championships and Champions League matches. It works like this: for Bet Boost, you simply click on the boosted odds for a bet (for example, 16/5 (4.20) -> 7/2 (4.50).
For Acca Boost, you need to choose more than two events for an acca bet, and you'll receive up to a 70% odds boost. The size of the boost depends on the number of outcomes in the bet slip — the more outcomes, the bigger the boost. We don't recommend getting too carried away with these boosted odds, as the bookies often pick outcomes with potentially low winning probabilities.
Bet Insurance
Bet insurance offers are like a safety net for your wager. If your bet doesn't come up trumps, but a specific condition is met, you'll get your stake back, usually as a Free bet. You'll need to bet this amount according to the bookie's specific conditions to be able to withdraw.
QuinnBet currently (April 2024) has some fascinating football insurance bonuses. They have several such offers including Crossbar Insurance, Red Card Insurance, and Injury Time Insurance. Taking the Crossbar Insurance as an example, you need to place a pre-match bet on certain football markets with min. odds of 1/1 (2.00) and, if there's a crossbar hit during the 90-minute match, QuinnBet will refund your bet up to a maximum of £10 (note this, you won't get a full refund if your bet exceeds £10).
Referral Programme
Referral programmes are the bookie's way of saying 'thanks for spreading the word.' If you get a mate to sign up and have a punt using your referral link, you'll nab a bonus. Betfair has this kind of deal up its sleeve. For each mate who signs up using your referral link and punts at least £10 within 60 days, you'll bag a cash bonus of £10. But bear in mind, there's a cap to your generosity — Betfair restricts the number of referrals to five per account.
Football Betting Markets
Football is the national obsession with the share of 80% among sports spectators in the UK, and the bookies are well aware of this. They dish out hundreds of different markets on football matches. Gone are the days of straight-laced, yawn-inducing bets on which team will clinch the win. Nowadays, you could, figuratively speaking, place a wager on extraterrestrials landing on the pitch mid-match. We're having a bit of a laugh, of course, but let's break down the main football betting markets offered by the top UK bookies.
Match Result, or Winner Bet
The most plain of them all — the match result market. You're simply placing a bet on who will win the match, or if it will end in a draw. No fuss, no muss. The maximum stakes are always the largest for this kind of market.
Handicap
Handicap Betting is a market that levels the playing field by giving a goal disadvantage to the favourite and a goal advantage to the underdog. For instance, if you were to bet on Manchester United -1, they would need to win by more than one goal for you to win your bet.
Over/Under Goals
With the Over/Under Goals market, you're betting on whether there will be over or under a certain number of goals scored in the match. For example, if you bet on Over 2.5, you need at least 3 goals scored in the match to win.
Both Teams to Score
In the Both Teams to Score market, you're betting on both teams to score at least one goal each. It's a popular choice for those close fixtures where it's hard to pick a clear winner.
Correct Score
The Correct Score market is exactly what it sounds like. You're betting on what the exact final score will be. Despite the tempting odds, this is indeed a tricky bet where, more likely than not, you'll end up in the red over the long haul.
Draw No Bet
In the Draw No Bet market, you're taking the possibility of a draw out of the equation. You bet on either team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, your stake is returned.
Team Stats
This market allows you to bet on various team performance metrics such as the number of corners won, the number of cards received, or even the number of offsides committed. On such markets, the bookie typically imposes a limit on the maximum bet. That's because statistical markets, especially in non-top leagues, are not as well calculated by the bookie as the big markets like 1x2 and goal totals.
Player Stats
This market allows you to bet on all kinds of player statistics, from how many goals a player will score, to how many tackles they'll make. For instance, you could have a flutter on Harry Kane to score more than 2 goals in a match. Just like with team stats bets, the maximum stake limit won't be all that hefty.
Outrights
Outright bets are for those who like to play the long game. Here, you're not betting on a single match but the outcome of an entire competition. For example, you might bet on who will be crowned Premier League champions, or which team will tumble into relegation. Usually, the odds on these markets are large, often exceeding 1/2 (3.00). But as we've already mentioned, you might want to have a good think: “do I fancy waiting an entire season for one bet to pay off?”
Live Football on Betting Sites
Live betting, also known as in-play, refers to placing bets on an event while it's still taking place. For football, this could mean betting on the next team to score, the final score, or even specific player actions, all while the match is in progress.
While live betting offers a dynamic way to bet based on real-time information and match progression, live streaming takes this to another level by allowing you to watch the match directly from the betting platform. If the bookmaker provides a substantial amount of football match broadcasts, there's no need for you to subscribe to a separate sports streaming service. All you typically need to do is register an account and log in, which is generally sufficient to access the broadcasts. However, in some cases, bookmakers may have additional requirements, such as having a minimal amount in your account.
Benefits of Live Betting
- Instant updates. Imagine you're placing a bet on a soccer match between Aston Villa and Chelsea. Before the match starts, you analyse statistics, team line-ups, and other information, and you bet on Aston Villa to win.The match kicks off, and within the first 20 minutes, Chelsea scores two goals. However, watching the game, you notice that Aston Villa is dominating on the field, creating numerous scoring opportunities and is likely to score soon. Thanks to Live betting, you can place an additional bet that Aston Villa will score the next goal or even win the match.
- Fluctuating odds. Pre-match wagers are often meticulously calculated by bookmakers, unlike live bets. When betting in-play, you can capitalise on moments when odds don't accurately reflect the game's dynamics, as it's more challenging for bookmakers to assess real-time probabilities.
- Hedging and Cash Out. Certainly, you have the option to utilise the cash-out feature before the match commences, but its real value becomes apparent during the game itself. It's far more advantageous to employ it while the match is in progress, considering the unfolding dynamics, either to guarantee a win or to minimise losses. If you initially bet on one team but the game circumstances change, you can place another bet to reduce your potential losses or secure a profit.
- Expanded options. Live betting introduces a wider array of possibilities. Niche markets that are rarely available in pre-match options may emerge, such as the number of fouls committed by a football team or predicting the next goal scorer.
- Engagement. For many, the excitement of live betting enhances the overall viewing experience, making matches more thrilling. Add to this the ability to watch a live video stream of a match at the same time and you get a very thrilling combination that cannot be matched in excitement by pre-match betting.
Bookmakers' Apps for Football Betting
Modern betting applications provide complete freedom: you can register, make a deposit, study statistics, watch video broadcasts, in a word, everything is the same as on a desktop site. Moreover, apps can provide additional benefits. In advanced applications, push notifications can inform you instantly about goals, red cards, and other events on the field.
Some bookmakers reward users for using their software with special bonuses. In the end, it's just a matter of convenience: you can log into your account literally in an instant thanks to the biometrics — fingerprint scanner or face ID.
Top 3 Mobile Apps for Football Betting
Bet365
- Android version: 8.0.2.401
- iOS version: 8.171.0
Ladbrokes
- Android version: 7.0.1
- iOS version: 7.6
Sky Bet
- Android version: 4.5.0
- iOS version: 8.40.0
Football Betting Recommendations
It's crucial to remember that betting is a form of entertainment, and you shouldn't bank on it for a consistent income. Just as with any betting advice, it's merely a guide, not golden tickets. Right, let's wrap up this money-wise chitchat and move on to some tips the ClubSport team can give for clever betting on football:
- Stats as a starting eleven. Before making any bet, it is better to consult with leading sports resources. Analysis, form tables, and head-to-head records are as valuable as formation on match day. Of course, pulling off a full-on mathematical study on the next football match doesn't mean your bet's a dead cert. But a punt you've reasoned out to yourself is a sight better than a random stab at the odds.
- Matching markets. Align your bets with your knowledge. From goal scorers to possession stats, each market offers different opportunities. Track your betting markets – if you've got a knack for statistics-based bets, stick with it and don't scatter your efforts across all the different betting options available.
- Promotional play. Use bonus offers wisely, looking closely at the rules and critically assessing the likelihood of withdrawing any money from them. Our material has already touched on special football promotions from UK bookmakers. But let's hammer it home once more — it's savvy to use them as a cheeky extra rather than the main game plan for your football betting.
- Bankroll management. Maintain a disciplined approach to betting finances. Stake responsibly and avoid the common pitfall of chasing losses. The most standard approach adopted by many punters is the flat betting system. This method involves betting a consistent and fixed percentage of your total bankroll, regardless of your confidence level in the wager. It's a disciplined strategy that helps mitigate risk and manage funds effectively over the long term. If your total bankroll is set, a common flat bet might be around 2-5% per wager.
Match and tournament insight. Watch football with your own eyes. Truth be told, no amount of figures and someone else's analysis can top your own impressions of a team, player, or specific competition. The ClubSport team strongly advises keeping tabs on English tournaments like the English Premier League and the FA Cup. The former is, no doubt, the nation's most celebrated club competition with top-drawer quality of play. Watching these league matches sets a benchmark for the standard of football you expect. The FA Cup, meanwhile, is the world's oldest football competition and showcases the full beauty of the English game, featuring teams from across the divisions. The main charm of this championship is its capacity for upsets — when the underdog trounces a heavyweight from the EPL. And of course, always make time for the UEFA Champions League, where the creme de la creme from Europe's top divisions duke it out. The real gem of watching this tournament lies in getting a comparative look at the styles and tactics of clubs from different European nations.
Best Football Betting Sites FAQs
Is Football Betting Legal in the UK?
Yes, football betting is entirely legal in the UK, provided you are over 18 and betting with a site licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. On this page, we have compiled a list of the best legal sites for betting on football.
What is the Best Football Betting Site in the UK?
The top football betting sites in the UK include Bet365, Ladbrokes, Betfair, Sky Bet, and William Hill. These have been selected based on their wide range of markets, competitive odds, user-friendly interfaces, and reliable customer service.
Which Bookmaker Offers the Best Football Odds in the UK?
Grosvenor Sport takes the top spot for the best football odds in the UK, as of November 2024 research by the ClubSport team. There is a margin of around 2.5% for the English Premier League and about 4% for the UEFA Champions League. In our guide, you can find another four top-notch UK football bookies with cracking odds.