Best Betting Sites 2024

Why can you trust us?

The ClubSport team shares your passion for sport and betting and strives to ensure our site is helpful for both novices and seasoned punters. We provide up-to-date statistics, we track down consistent betting trends, we search for the best odds and recommend bookmakers with quality service and bonuses. We provide multiple options, and you make the ultimate decisions.

Top 5 UK Betting Sites: Review

Bet365

Bet365 has a comprehensive line-up, covering over 40 sports. Notably, it offers an extensive range of football bets, with more than 190 tournaments from around the world. The number of outcomes for top football matches is around 1,700 options, but a few days before the match it could be as less as 500-800 options. Nevertheless, the bookmaker provides a good selection of statistical markets, offering around 40-60 outcomes on markets such as corners, cards, and player statistics.

Bet365 also offers options for less popular markets. For instance, in the Indonesian Liga 1, closer to the start of a match, you can find not only a hundred popular outcomes but also bets on the number of corners.

Bet365's football margin is not as good as its choice of tournaments. You rarely find outcomes with a margin significantly lower than 5%. At best, it will be between 4.5 and 5% for 1x2 markets, and for Over/Under and Small markets, it will be around 5-6%.

Another plus for football fans is the variety of regular promotions. At the time of writing, there are six of them, including early payouts, zero-draw insurance, and boosted odds.

The bookmaker is also known for providing a wide range of modern features, such as Bet Builder (with 12 possible outcomes combined), video and audio streaming.

Apart from the average odds, another noticeable disadvantage is the difficulty in accessing customer support.

Pros & Cons

• Over 40 sports
• Diversity of football markets
• Several bonuses for football betting
• A lot of streams

• Average odds
• Difficult to contact support

Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets

Terms & Conditions

Bet

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.

Sky bet

The Sky Bet football line is quite impressive. The bookmaker offers betting on more than 150 competitions, including tournaments like the Hungarian League 2. The number of outcomes for top matches can reach 2,500. The variety of markets is also at a high level. In matches from the English Premier League (EPL) and other top football leagues, you can bet on goal scorers (including headers), the number of corners, goalkeeper saves, penalties awarded, penalties scored and missed, and shots on target. It's surprising that in this entire set, there are usually no cards (although the markets may vary from match to match).

When placing football bets, you can create a Bet Builder, and you can also see current betting trends. Additionally, the bookmaker offers a free game in which you need to predict the correct score for 6 matches to win £250,000.

We can’t call the Sky Bet’s odds very attractive, but they’re better than most competitors offer. For top-tier games, this is usually around 5.5% to 6% for 1x2 markets, ranging from 5.5% to 7% for over/under markets, and rarely less than 7% for less popular outcomes. In niche bets like Indonesian Liga 1, the margin starts at 7% and can go up to 10% (including 1x2 markets).

Among the bookmaker's advantages is an excellent welcome bonus: you will receive a £20 Free bet by placing a single bet of any size (from 5 pence), while the minimum deposit is just £5.

The main drawback of the bookmaker, in addition to the high football margins, is the difficulty of accessing customer support, and it doesn't operate around the clock. Furthermore, the range of just over 25 sports may seem insufficient to experienced bettors.

Pros & Cons

• About 2,500 outcomes for top football games
• Great Welcome bonus
• Free prediction game
• A lot of streams

• Difficult to get help from support

£20 in Free bets

Terms & Conditions

Bet

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.

William Hill

This veteran founded in 1934 is renowned for its vast selection of horse racing, with over three-quarters of them being streamed. In total, the bookmaker offers more than 30 sports.

Football, of course, also receives attention. WH provides over 130 competitions, slightly less than Sky and Bet365, but still quite substantial. Major matches feature over 2,000 outcomes, but they are not as diverse as one might hope. There are many markets related to goals scored, including Goal Method (foot, head, own goal, etc.). However, there is a slight lack of statistical markets. Sometimes you can find some of them closer to the event, like cards, but it’s less than many competitors provide.

Considering the generally low odds in the UK market, WH's margin is about average. Even in top matches, it does not drop below 5%, usually hovering around 6%. For niche leagues like the Indian Super League, you will typically pay the bookmaker no less than 9.5%.

Unexpectedly, WillHill reserves good odds for basketball. For NBA and Euroleague matches, you can find bets with a margin of 3.5 — 4.5%.

The bookmaker offers many regular promotions, with about half of them dedicated to football. These include odds boosts and free prediction contests where you can win Free bets. And, of course, you can use Bet Builder.

There don't seem to be any significant drawbacks to William Hill. It's a bit challenging to access live chat, and their Esports section is not impressive, but that's about it.

Pros & Cons

• Over 2,000 outcomes for top football games
• Regular football promotions
• Free prediction game

• Average football odds
• Lack of market’s diversity

Get £60 From A Minimum £10 Bet

Terms & Conditions

Bet

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. 

Betfair

Betfair's USP is that it's a betting exchange, where players propose both bets and odds themselves, meaning they compete against each other rather than the bookmaker.

The platform also has a sportsbook, offering more sports diversity compared to the exchange. Betfair provides over 30 sports (the exchange offers up to 20). Additionally, players can benefit from a generous welcome bonus:place a £5 bet and receive a £20 free bet.

For football betting, you have access to over 170 tournaments. However, the bookmaker's advantages in football largely end there. The betting options offered for top events is around 600 outcomes, but can significantly rise up to 2,500 for prime tier fixtures close to the start. While markets for shots on target, corners, and bookings are available, they aren't always accessible, and certain fields may remain empty.

The margin for top-tier football is extremely disheartening, ranging from 11% in the EPL to 15% in the Champions League when considering 1x2 markets. Totals are somewhat lower, typically falling between 5% and 7%. Even niche markets have a margin of no more than 8%. It's one of the most peculiar approaches to setting odds that we've seen.

Among Betfair's advantages are its well-organized horse racing section and the Bet Builder feature.

Pros & Cons

• Betting exchange
• Over 170 football events
• Decent welcome offer
• Great horse racing section

• Horrible football odds
• Humble choice of outcomes in top-football
• No exchange welcome bonus

Bet £5 Get £20 In Free Bets

Terms & Conditions

Bet

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.

Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes is one of the top UK betting sites, on par with Bet365 in terms of sports variety with over 40 options available. Popular sports for UK punters like football, horses, greyhounds, tennis, snooker and rugby can all be bet on along with politics, entertainment and more.

For English Premier League matches, Ladbrokes provides over 2,000 betting markets. Horse racing sees a great selection of UK and Irish races to bet on, including events in Stratford, Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Dundalk and many others. Greyhounds also covers tracks across the UK and Ireland.

In terms of margins, Ladbrokes takes around 6-6.5% on major EPL football matches.  On Tier-1 tennis matches, typically you will pay an additional 6% to the bookmaker.

Live streaming is offered for football, tennis, horse racing, snooker, darts, ice hockey through a dedicated "Watch Live" tab.

Bonus programs include close to 20 different sports-focused promotions. Among the most interesting are the free to play quiz games and correct score challenges where players have the possibility of winning Cash prizes, Free bets, and more. Also, there are enhanced odds provided on greyhounds and horses.

For customer support, Ladbrokes provides an FAQ, live chat, email and social media — a decent range, but accessing the live chat requires punters to first exhaustively browse the FAQ sections as that's the only pathway to the live chat.

Pros & Cons

• Over 40 sport types
• More than 2000 markets for premier football
• Live streaming across different sports
• 5-A-Side and 1-2-Free games with Free bets and cash prizes

• No way to find live chat support

Bet £5 Get £20 In Free Bets

Terms & Conditions

Bet

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.

How We Evaluate Betting Sites

The Cubsport team evaluates bookmakers with rigour. We operate in the interest of punters, those placing bets. It's simpler for us to recommend a good bookmaker and critique a poor one than to later address damage to our reputation. Primarily, we assess bookmakers based on three major categories.

• Technology and Product. How advanced and reliable are the platforms? We look closely at the technology and products they use.
• Bonuses and Payment Systems. Are their offers competitive? What payment methods do they support? We delve into their bonus schemes and transaction processes.
• User Experience and Support. Is the site user-friendly? How efficient is their customer service? We evaluate the overall user experience and the quality of support provided.

Now, to the details.

Technology and Product

When our Cubsport team sizes up bookmakers, we first check out how many markets, betting events, and championships they've got — especially in football. We also look at the bookmaker's margin, and here's the thing: a smaller margin means better odds, and that's a win for betters.

To stand out from the crowd, some bookmakers have cool features like Live Streaming. If they've got a lot of these and lay out a clear schedule — that's a big thumbs up from us. And in 2024, if a bookmaker doesn't have top-notch apps for both iOS and Android, they're missing out. If they do, and they keep those apps updated, it tells us they're on the ball and we're happy to point our users their way.

Our Top-3 recommendation in this category are:

• Bet365
• SkyBet
• Ladbrokes

Bonuses and Payment Systems

Let's talk money. Most of you will probably only use one or two ways to pay. But if a bookmaker offers loads of payment options, it shows they're modern and high-quality. Not every sport or bet will be your cup of tea, but having options is always great. And setting up these payment methods isn't a walk in the park, so it's a good sign of the bookmaker's effort.

New user bonuses? It's not all about the big bucks for us. Sure, a fat bonus looks tempting, but we dig deeper. How easy is it to get? What can you use it for? We stack it up against other offers out there to get the full picture. And if you're someone who bets regularly, look out for the bonuses for loyal users. Sometimes, they can be the real deal, even more so than those flashy welcome offers.

Our Top-3 recommendation in this category are:

• Betfair
• Bet365
• Ladbrokes

User Experience and Support

Support's a biggie. Whether you're new or a pro, there might come a time when you need some help. We care about how easy it is to get answers and how accurate those answers are.

When it comes to user experience, we start from the get-go: signing up. How smooth is it? Does the site feel modern or a bit last decade? Sure, what's easy for one person might not be for another, but we've got a strict way of testing out these sites.

We evaluate the ease of site navigation despite perceptions that it's subjective. We take our time to conduct the assessment as part of our review process. Due to our uniform standards across all sites, this time metric provides a precise measure of the site's user-friendliness.

Our Top-3 recommendation in this category are:

• Quinnbet
• Parimatch
• ThePools

And What About Reputation?

We've opted not to delve deep into brands. Size doesn't always matter with bookmakers. We've seen small ones who really care about giving their users a great time. But, some big ones? They seem more into online casinos than, let's say, football betting fans.

Now, when it comes to reviews, most come from unhappy folks. Happy customers rarely drop a comment.

But, we really notice when a bookmaker replies to feedback, especially on big sites like Trustpilot. If they're busy chatting and sorting things out there, big thumbs up from us! It shows they care about what people think. So, just like a bookie with cool apps shows they're in the hi-tech game, their response to feedback shows they've got heart.

Betting Sites Bonus Offers

Our team doesn't just look at the size of the bonus. We dig deep into the fine print too. In the UK, it's a bit simpler because most bonuses come as Free bets. This usually means there aren't any tricky wagering requirements like you might find with cash bonuses elsewhere. And with so much competition, the terms for these bonuses often work in your favour. So, if you play your cards right, you can really make these bonuses work for you.

Why stick with one bookmaker when there are loads of bonus offers out there? The key is to tell the duds from the real deals. We'll break this down more on our bonus offers page. For now, let's just spotlight our top picks in three categories: Best Overall Bonus Range, Top Welcome Bonus, and the Best Free Bet Club — a weekly or daily bonus for turnover.

Top 3 Betting Sites with the Best Bonuses

Top 3 Betting Sites with Fast Withdrawals

• Ladbrokes — Instant withdrawals via Visa Fast Funds
• Betfair — Instant withdrawals via Visa Direct
• Parimatch — Instant withdrawals via Visa Fast Funds

Betting Markets on UK Betting Sites

Betting is an intrinsic part of the UK's sporting culture, amplifying the thrill of competition and camaraderie among fans. While various sports attract punters, football, horse racing, and tennis lead the charge. Competitions like the English Premier League, The Grand National, and Wimbledon, in particular, see significant betting activity, making them some of the country's favourite wagering events.

Obviously, the more betting options available, the more flexible the betting options for the player. But what do these markets represent? Let's start with the most popular ones, which are available for different sports:

• 1x2 (Three-way bet). One of the most straightforward bets. Punters can bet on either Team 1 (1) or Team 2 (2) to win or the match to end in a draw (x).
• Totals (Over/Under). Here, bookmakers set a predicted total for a specific event in a game (like total goals or points). Bettors then wager on whether the actual total will be over or under that figure.
• Handicaps. A bookmaker gives one team a head start (or handicap) to level the playing field. For instance, a team might start with a -1.5 handicap, meaning they need to win by 2 or more points for bets on them to be successful.
• Double Chance. Allows bettors to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a 1x2 bet in one wager. For example, a bet might cover both a home win and a draw.
• Correct Score. As the name suggests, punters predict the exact final score of the match.

Diving deeper, seasoned bettors often seek out more specialised markets tailored to specific sports:

• Football: goalscorer, booking bets (yellow and red cards), scoring period (10, 15, 30 minute periods), method of scoring (by head, left leg, right leg).
• Horse racing: length markets, betting without the favourite, each-way (bet on win and place), combinations with big odds (double, trifecta, heinz).
• Cricket: top batsman/bowler, over/under Runs, mode of dismissal, partnership bets, man of the match

Top 5 UK Bookies with the Best Coverage

Let's delve into the top bookmakers' prematch betting coverage for prime tier fixtures in the most popular sports in the UK.

Best Odds on Betting Sites

Getting the best odds is paramount for sports bettors to maximise returns. Odds represent the implied probability of an outcome occurring, while the margin is the percentage cut the bookmaker takes from a betting market.

For example, in a tennis match with equal probability of victory for each side, the ideal odds would be 1/1 vs 1/1, because this is what reflects a 50% probability. But you will see something like 9/10 vs 9/10, because the bookmaker adds his tax to ensure his profit. Consequently, lower margins mean better odds and payouts for punters.

Top 3 UK Bookies with the Best Odds

• Grosvenor Sport — Top football margin: 2.3%
• Bet365 — Top football margin: 4.1%
• Hollywoodbets — Top football margin: 4.9%

Live Betting and Live Streaming on UK Betting Sites

Live betting, or In-Play wagering, allows punters to place bets during an ongoing match, adjusting to the real-time dynamics of the game. It contrasts with pre-match betting where wagers are placed before the start. On the other hand, live streaming enables bettors to watch a live video feed of the match directly from the event location.

Here are benefits of live betting and live streaming:

• Maximising odds. Adjust bets during the game to secure favourable odds, like waiting for enhanced odds after a game starts.
• Access to additional markets. Certain bets, like fouls or throw-ins in football, become available only during live betting.
• Informed decision making. Witness the initial game moments to make better betting decisions or opt not to bet.
• Observational impressions of the game. Rely on direct visual observation from streaming rather than just statistics.
• Media availability. No need for TV channels like Sky Sports; get the events directly on the bookie's page.

While live betting injects real-time thrill, it has inherent challenges. It often carries a higher margin, leading to less favourable odds for bettors. The fast-paced nature can also entice bettors into impulsive decisions. As for live streaming, UK bookmakers may require account registration, and not all events are covered. Furthermore, there's often a slight delay in the video, which can be crucial when placing time-sensitive bets.

Top 3 Betting Sites with Live Betting and Live Streaming

Beginner's Guide to Placing Bets on Betting Sites

Getting started with a bookie always involves several stages: registration, depositing, placing the first bet, and withdrawing funds. We won't deny that some aspects of these actions can cause problems, such as verification or payment questions.

However, there are basic instructions to help a UK newbie handle the main stages of interaction with a bookmaker more smoothly. Let's discuss them.

How to Register on a Betting Site

Here is a walkthrough of how to set up an account with a top UK bookmaker, using Ladbrokes as an example:

• Find and click the "Join" button on the homepage to begin.

• On the registration page, select your country and currency. Then enter your email, username and password.

• Input your personal details like name, surname and date of birth accurately as they appear on your ID documents.

• Add your contact details including mobile number and address. You can also opt-in for promotional emails.

• Click "Create my account" and you may be asked to set a deposit limit. Select "No, maybe later" if you wish to skip this step.

• The next step is just a formality, just check the box and click "Submit".

• Verification is the next step, which is mandatory for all licensed UK bookies. Different sites may display this step at different times, even after creating an account. On Ladbrokes, it takes place during the registration process. You need to ensure the accuracy of the entered data and click "Update details" or "Continue to account verification".

• Upload scans or photos of your driving licence or passport as proof of ID. To speed up the verification process, Ladbrokes recommends you to provide scan or photo of your driving licence.

• Once verified, your account will be created and ready to use.

How to Make a Deposit on a Betting Site and Claim a Bonus

Follow these steps to deposit funds:

1. Log into your betting account;
2. Find the "Deposit" or "Cashier" button located in the top right area;
3. Select a payment method. Among UK bookies, Visa/Mastercard, Bank Transfer, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, AstroPay, MuchBetter, and paysafecard are the most popular methods;
4. Enter your deposit amount while noting minimum/maximum limits;
5. Complete the payment process by following prompts. Funds will reflect shortly.

An important point: When you make your first deposit, you may participate in a welcome offer. For example, in order to receive the Mr.Play welcome bonus, you will need to deposit a minimum of £10 into your gaming account (and then place a qualifying bet). To put it simply, you will need to deposit not just the minimum deposit on the site, but a specific minimum to qualify and receive additional bonuses to start wagering.

How to Place a Bet on a Betting Site

Placing sports wagers is quick and easy with UK bookies. With the help of Mr.Play, we will examine this step by step:

• Access your bookmaker site and browse to the sport you want to bet on. Most commonly, sports options are listed on the left;

• Select a country/league, then click on the specific match you want to bet on;

• On the match page, available bet types like match winner, totals, spreads etc will be shown. Click on your desired outcome;

• In the betslip, enter your stake amount. Your estimated returns will populate below;

• Click "Place Bets" to confirm your wager.

An important point: To get a welcome promo, you might need to make a first bet with certain requirements. According to the Mr.Play bonus terms, the minimum odds for the qualifying bet are 1/1 (2.00).

How to Withdraw Money on a Betting Site

Follow these general steps to withdraw winnings from UK bookmakers:

1. Access your account and locate the "Withdraw" or "Cashier" section.
2. Choose your preferred withdrawal method (most bookmakers will pay out via the original payment option used to deposit funds).
3. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw. There may be minimum/maximum limits.
4. Provide any extra information requested, such as bank details for a wire transfer.
5. Verify the withdrawal through prompts such as confirmation emails or texts.
6. It takes longer to process withdrawals than deposits, so if you're withdrawing money to a bank account, for instance, you may have to wait 1-3 business days.

Betting Sites and Mobile Apps

According to a study conducted in the UK, the average daily usage of mobile devices is growing annually from 2019 to 2022. Therefore, it is possible that the number of punters likely to be placing bets specifically from mobile devices will also increase, as well as the interest in these apps.

In reality, UK bookmakers' mobile apps mostly offer the same functions to players as their desktop versions of the site, which makes them convenient for players.

You can use our step-by-step instructions and work with mobile apps. With just a few taps on the screen, you can also place a bet, since the process nearly mirrors the desktop version's betting procedure. The rest of the functions are also available, such as deposits, withdrawals, and live broadcasts.

However, there are a number of distinctive features and benefits of mobile apps:

• Placing bets anywhere with internet access. Mobile apps allow punters to wager wherever they are — at home, at work, commuting, or even at the stadium itself. Simply hook up to a Vodafone mobile internet package or any other UK major internet provider and download the bookie application. 
• More streamlined interface and layout. Apps cut out unnecessary elements and deliver core betting functions through clean, decluttered screens optimised for mobile usage. Mobile apps often have a less cluttered interface compared to desktop versions.
• Custom push notifications. Apps can send special alerts straight to a punter's device about anything from new promotions to match results to live in-play events. This keeps users engaged even when the app is not open. The key is to configure them correctly, as nobody needs annoying push notifications.
• Enhanced biometric security. Mobile login via fingerprint or face recognition provides extra security alongside traditional passwords on sports betting apps. This deters unauthorised access.

Top 3 Mobile Sports Betting Apps

• Betfair (Android/IOS)
• Bet365 (Android/IOS)
• William Hill (Android/IOS)

How to Check for a UK Betting Site License

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing all gambling activities within the UK, and it's known for its stringent standards and unwavering commitment to player safety. Consequently, legal sites are linked to regulators in several ways. Here's how to determine if a site is legal.

Detection of legality markings

• UKGC Logo. Licensed betting sites will display the UKGC logo prominently, often at the bottom of their homepage. This is an immediate sign of a site's legitimacy.
• Licence Details. Most genuine betting sites will list their UKGC licence number in the footer of their website. You can cross-reference this number with the UKGC's official online registry.
• Visit the UKGC Website. The most definitive way to confirm a site's licence status is to visit the UKGC's official website. Here, you can search for the betting site's name or their licence number to validate their legitimacy.

Why the UKGC License is Prestigious:

• Rigorous Vetting. Obtaining a UKGC licence involves a meticulous vetting process. Operators must prove they can offer a safe and fair gambling environment.
• Continuous Oversight. The UKGC doesn't just issue licences and step back. They continually monitor and regulate operators to ensure that high standards are maintained.
• Severe Penalties for Non-compliance. The UKGC has been known to impose hefty fines, and in some cases, revoke licence if operators fail to meet their strict guidelines. This ensures that operators take their responsibilities seriously.

In essence, a UKGC licence is a testament to a betting site's integrity, transparency, and commitment to player welfare.

Responsible Gambling Policy on UK Betting Sites

In the UK, responsible gambling is not just a recommendation; it's a stringent requirement for all licensed betting sites. Measures taken by UK gambling and betting sites include:

• Self-exclusion. Most sites offer players the option to exclude themselves from gambling activities. This means that punters can request to be barred from accessing their account or setting up a new one for a specified period.
• Deposit Limits. Players have the ability to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. This ensures that they do not spend more than they can afford.
• Reality Checks. Some sites have periodic reminders that pop up during gameplay to remind players of the length of their session, helping to keep track of time and discourage prolonged gambling.
• Access to Game History. Providing players with their playing history allows them to review their wins and losses. This helps in making informed decisions and understanding their gambling habits better.

Always remember that while betting can be fun, it's essential to approach it responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction or its consequences, don't hesitate to seek help.

Here are some support services for problem gamblers:

• GamCare. This is the UK's leading national provider of free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.
• GambleAware. An independent charity tasked to fund research, prevention, and treatment services to help reduce gambling-related harms in Great Britain.
• Gamblers Anonymous UK. A fellowship of men and women who have joined together to share their experiences, try to solve their common problem, and provide support to each other.

Betting Sites FAQs