As well as horse racing, football, and the usual sports, we also like to look for TV specials, political markets, and other non-sporting events.
With this in mind, we prefer to stick to websites that have a positive reputation within the industry. We’ll read through forums, browse social media, and generally get an idea of the reputation that a website has within the community.
VISIT SITE 
If the latter, is the mobile website as good as the desktop website?
The first outcome of this should be strong security; you should feel comfortable trusting the website and company with your information.
If researching alone, read through the terms and conditions and go for a bonus offer that is sensible and achievable; otherwise, you will be playing for weeks or months without actually getting your hands on the winnings.
Our reviews of the Best Betting Sites in the UK:
1) Betfred Review
With a history that spans back to the late 1960s, it’s fair to say that Betfred is one of the most experienced betting services around. As the industry moved online, Betfred did the same and they now have a fantastic platform for all customers to enjoy. Today, we have a brief review of this experienced name.
Markets and Sports
With access to around 30 sports, Betfred covers everything you’d expect including football, rugby, darts, horse racing, and tennis. However, they also offer markets from less-popular sports such as handball, hurling, and Gaelic football. For fans of the emerging eSports, you’ll be glad to know that this is also available.
Betting Features
Using the website or the app, all players have access to the cash-out feature when the bet qualifies; just head into ‘Open Bets’ and you should see the amount you would receive if you were to hit the button. Also, we love the live betting features from Betfred. Although there is a focus on football, there’s no reason why you can’t bet live on tennis and other sports. Betfred’s famous ‘#PickYourPunt’ campaign allows you to build your own unique bets.
While some companies steer clear, Betfred also stream some sports and this feature is free for most (as long as you have a positive account balance). With greyhound and horse racing, you’ll need to place a bet on the event you wish to watch.
Website and App
We’ve played on lots of different betting websites, and it always feels good to return to Betfred. The interface is clean and simple to use, all the sports and markets are easy to find, and you can even filter results to quickly find a team, league, or country. More people are using mobile devices than ever before, and Betfred has reacted with a brilliant app. Available for Android and iOS, it’s possible to place bets while also quickly navigating between games, lotto, casino, and bingo.
Since the app has the same appearance and layout as the website, it’s easy to move between the two, and this is something we enjoy.
Banking Options
You might find services with more depositing and withdrawal options, but Betfred will still have enough for most. Depositing is instant, requires a minimum of £5, and can be achieved through debit card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, paysafecard, and a bank transfer. Meanwhile, minimum withdrawals are low at £5 and you can use a debit card, Skrill, Neteller, or PayPal to get your hands on all winnings. Withdrawals take less than 24 hours for all methods except the debit card, which can take between one and three days.
Customer Support and Responsible Gambling
Finally, the telephone number and live chat feature are available around the clock. Alternatively, use the email address and the team normally respond within a couple of hours. If you need help instantly, the FAQs page is relatively detailed and provides good answers.
In terms of responsible gambling, Betfred provide reality checks, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and time outs.
2) 888sport Review
Key Features
- £30 welcome bonus
- Appealing orange and black website
- Available in various languages
- Unique markets such as gaming (CSGO) and world events
When it comes to 888sport, one of the things that first caught our attention was the number of novelty markets available to players. Most betting sites uk do football, cricket, and other major sports, but very few are able to excel in the novelty market. For example, we saw people betting on Game of Thrones back in the day as well as various reality TV shows. If you like something different, this is a superb choice.
Welcome Bonus
For all new users to 888sport, there’s a welcome bonus of £30 available. As long as you enter a special code (30f) when depositing for the first time, you should see two free £10 bets enter your account once you place a qualifying bet of £10. Additionally, a bonus bet becomes available for mobile.
User Experience
While playing around on the platform, we didn’t encounter any issues and we don’t think you will either. Like many betting platforms, there’s a black theme but the colour comes from a bright orange. Depending on your device, the website will adjust and display sports either across the top or down the left-hand side. As expected, the markets sit in the middle while the right-hand side holds the betting slip.
As well as separate sites for the Danish, Italian, Spanish, and Romanian markets, the standard website is available in various languages. To improve the user experience even further, we recommend downloading the app.
Markets
As we saw earlier, 888sport covers all major sports as well as dipping their toes into more selective markets. Whether you want to bet on the Sports Personality winner or even the Eurovision Song Contest, there truly is something for everyone. Additionally, those who like to bet on eSports will like 888sport for their CSGO and other markets.
Banking
Since the website is available in so many different languages, it’s perhaps not surprising to hear that many banking methods exist. This includes all major debit and credit cards, Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal. There’s a minimum deposit of £10, and you only need £3 in your account to withdraw (one of the lowest minimum withdrawals you’re likely to find).
Customer Support
Users from around the continent can call 888sport since they provide different numbers for each location, and this is if you haven’t found an answer to your question on the FAQs page already. If neither of these appeal to you, just fill out a short form on the website and somebody will get back to you. The lack of live chat is somewhat disappointing.
Bet Types
As we’ve come to expect these days, 888sport provides all the main betting opportunities that you’d expect at a betting site including accumulators, singles, and system bets.
Why Choose 888sport?
For us, 888sport is all about the expansive sports (and novelty markets), user experience with the app, reliable betting types, and generous withdrawal options. On the other hand, you might not like the lack of live chat.
3) Bet365 Review
Key Features
- Rewards for long-term customers
- Simple navigation
- Brilliant Match Live feature
- 24/7 customer support
From the list of key features alone, it’s easy to tell the advanced nature of Bet365. With a history spanning back to 2000, Bet365 achieved a revenue figure of close to £3 billion in 2019 and they have over 4,600 employees located around the world. It is one of the fastest growing betting sites in the UK, replacing traditional brick and mortar bookies.
Welcome Bonus
One reason Bet365 has been able to achieve such a strong reputation in the market has been their willingness to reward players with promotions and offers. If you choose to play on Bet365, you’ll find offers for greyhound races, football, horse racing, and various other sports. With the welcome bonus, they simply match all deposits up to the value of £25.
User Experience
There’s a surprising amount of information held on the home page, but it isn’t in any way overwhelming. Everything is laid out in a logical way, and this keeps navigation easy; you shouldn’t have a problem finding a market or sport. Not only does the website look fantastic, there’s an app available for Android and iOS too. The Match Live feature allows players to follow events, and this is one of the best around.
Markets
In truth, you can bet on any sport you want, and in any way that you want, with Bet365. We found European football, South American football, basketball, cricket, tennis, and all sorts of niche sports. Even if you want to step away from sport betting for a moment, you can place your money on political and social markets instead.
Banking
Although Bet365 is available to a number of countries, we’ll focus on the UK here. Now, the service accepts debit cards, credit cards, paysafecard, Apple Pay, PayPal, Google Pay, Neteller, and Skrill (including 1-Tap). There are no fees for either depositing or withdrawal, and the time taken for money to get into or leave your account depends on the method chosen.
Customer Support
When we saw that Bet365 were available 24/7, we were a little skeptical. However, we tested the claim and got through to customer support time and time again. The representatives are always helpful and professional in what they do. If you don’t want the live chat, they also have telephone and email support. Finally, the insightful FAQs page helps many to prevent having to contact the team in the first place.
Bet Types
As well as plenty of markets for sports, Bet365 also allows for single bets, multiple bets, accumulators, and various other bet types. We noted previously that the service allows us to bet on any sport and in any way, and this is completely true.
Why Choose Bet365?
It’s one of the most well-known names in the industry, offers plenty of sports, has great odds, and lots of depositing methods. Even after this, the customer support is advanced, and the app is easily accessible. If we had to split hairs, the interface is sometimes unintuitive when compared with other betting websites.
4) BetVictor Review
Key Features
- SMS customer support (among other options)
- History dating back to 1946
- White theme
- #PriceItUp social media campaign
Having launched all the way back in 1946, it’s fair to say that BetVictor has a long tradition in this area. While some newer betting sites UK are making an impact in the sports betting market, BetVictor is a name that needs no introduction. They started with physical betting locations before technology took hold and they now offer an online experience for all. However, experience doesn’t mean that BetVictor immediately becomes the most reliable choice.
Welcome Bonus
For the longest time, BetVictor have focused on innovation, and proof of this comes with the promotions on offer. Assuming your first bet has odds larger than 2.0 and a stake of £5, you’ll get two free £10 bets as a welcome gift. Additionally, you get £10 in casino credit. However, the good times don’t end there because stakes are refunded if a single selection lets down an accumulator with at least five selections.
User Experience
If we were to describe the layout of the BetVictor website, we would say that it’s modern and well organised. Page loading speed is fast, there’s all sorts of useful features like the calculator, and the whole platform is streamlined. We particularly like the white layout since this is something you don’t see too often in this niche.
Markets
On BetVictor, you have access to a wide range of markets and sports; we don’t think you’ll ever be disappointed. Additionally, they have ‘Bet Boost’ offers for certain sports and events. In particular, this offer focuses on baseball, football, and horse racing. During our time on the website, we also found unique markets like eSports and the PDC Home Tour.
Banking
Just as you expect from a UK betting site these days, BetVictor offers a plethora of depositing options. This includes debit cards, credit cards, Skrill, PayPal, paysafecard, PayNow, Neteller, and bank transfer. While minimum deposits sit at £10, the method you choose for withdrawal will determine the time it takes to get back into your account.
Customer Support
First and foremost, BetVictor boasts a FAQs page and this is something that not all services provide. If you need more help than this, you have three options; email, SMS, and live chat. Though the world has moved on in recent years, we like that BetVictor have stuck with SMS as a support option.
Bet Types
Finally, BetVictor allows players to place single bets, system bets, and accas. One reason why you might choose this platform over every other, however, comes with the #PriceItUp program on social media. You suggest a bet, and the traders will provide odds for you. Just tweet to get started.
Why Choose BetVictor?
All in all, BetVictor has one of the most expansive histories in this industry. Over the years, they have built a reputation as a reliable and enjoyable service. If we were to point out one problem, it would come from the lack of phone line. If you’re a mobile player, the Android and iOS apps work excellently.
5) Karamba Review
Key Features
- KaramBOT predictive algorithm
- 6am to 11pm customer support
- Player Prop and Fast Markets for unique betting
While some services like BetVictor have been in the game for many decades, some are forging their own history since the turn of the millennium. Karamba is very much in the second list, and they’ve captured a strong corner of the market since launching in 2005. As the service continues to improve, we’ve got a quick breakdown of their main features here.
Welcome Bonus
When you first join Karamba, the reward comes in the shape of a free £10 bet. To qualify, deposit £10 and make a bet with this £10 while ensuring that the odds are greater than 2.00. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to combine this welcome bonus with any other promotion currently ongoing. Some users have been disappointed after depositing and not getting the offer, and this is because some depositing methods are excluded; this includes Skrill (and 1-Tap), Neteller, and paysafecard.
Please note: The welcome bonus will expire after 14 days of your account opening.
User Experience
You might find the layout a little basic, but we would prefer them to follow the formula than take risks that just don’t work. If you’ve played on any other sportsbook, you’ll feel at home with Karamba. It’s easy to take account actions, scan the various markets, flick between sports, and then make a bet. What’s more, there’s even a predictive algorithm to help called KaramBOT.
Markets
With football, rugby, tennis, and various other sports, Karamba has good coverage. We even found sports like speedway and surfing for those with niche interests. If we look at football in more detail, the markets are extensive, and also go into the lesser competitions. For example, there are markets for u21, u20, and other youth competitions.
Banking
We’re going to assume you want to deposit in British Pounds, and this means you’ll have access to the following:
- EcoPay
- MasterCard
- Skrill (and 1-Tap)
- Visa
- paysafecard
- Neteller
If you deposit in Euros, this actually expands to include Trustly, Sofort, EPS, ecoPayz, and bank transfer. At Karamba, £10 is the minimum for depositing as well as withdrawing.
Customer Support
Overall, the customer support team on Karamba has a positive reputation for professionalism and helpfulness. They have an email address, live chat features, and a telephone number. It’s slightly disappointing that the support team isn’t available all around the clock, but they do still cover most hours with 6am to 11pm opening times.
Bet Types
You can expect live betting and Fast Markets for quick betting alongside the usual singles, system bets, and combos with Karamaba. With Player Prop betting, this is an enjoyable feature that sees players bet on specific actions for individual players on the pitch.
Why Choose Karamba?
We believe Karamba should be chosen for a good sportsbook, great additional features (like Fast Markets and Player Prop), and the simplicity of the website. On the other hand, we appreciate that some people might want more from the design.
6) MansionBet Review
Key Features
- ‘MB50’ code for 50% first deposit bonus
- App for Android and iOS
- 20-selection accumulators
- AFC Bournemouth theme (perhaps not ideal for Southampton supporters!)
Known for their online casino and poker features, Mansion quickly grew in the market and even went on to become the shirt sponsor for Tottenham for a period of four years. In 2018, they finally made the jump across through their sports betting site and haven’t looked back since.
Welcome Bonus
How does MansionBet entice people to their platform? For a start, all new players can use the ‘MB50’ code and receive a 50% bonus on all first deposits up to £50. Therefore, add £100 to your account for the first deposit and MansionBet will give you £50. As long as you’re a new customer, deposit a minimum of £10, and wager the amount six times, you get the bonus and can withdraw in no time.
User Experience
While they once sponsored Tottenham, they are partnered with fellow Premier League side AFC Bournemouth these days. Therefore, the platform matches the Bournemouth kit and offers a sleek black and red design. In truth, anybody who has visited a betting platform before will recognise MansionBet. You’ll see sports listed on the left, available markets in the middle, and a betting slip on the right – a standard layout in today’s market.
Other than that, navigation is easy, we can make aesthetic changes based on our preference, and it’s easy to switch between devices thanks to the advanced iOS and Android app.
Markets
As well as covering all the major sports and leagues, we found all sorts of markets from the lesser-known nations, so this is great news for the more experienced players who like to seek obscurity. Of course, MansionBet holds plenty of live betting markets too.
Banking
If you’re ready to deposit, you can use a debit card, credit card, paysafecard, or PayPal. The maximum deposit depends on the method selected, but minimum typically sits at £10. If you’re successful and have winnings to withdraw, the same methods are available and should take around three working days.
Customer Support
If ever you have a problem on MansionBet, the live chat and phone lines are manned between 9am and 11pm. Though this will cover most problems, we would like to see 24/7 support since this is available elsewhere. If you’re happy to use email during their off hours, this isn’t a problem for you.
Bet Types
While some UK betting sites limit their accas to 15 selections, MansionBet allows 20 (bring on the outlandish Saturday afternoon bets!). For the more sensible bets, you can also do a single, double, each way, and other bet types.
Why Choose MansionBet?
In our opinion, there are many reasons to choose MansionBet. This includes the fast payments, strong customer support (during working hours), the wide array of markets, and good site design. Sadly, users have had a couple of issues with the platform and it mainly revolves around the lack of payment methods and sometimes difficult, clunky interface.
7) Unibet Review
Key Features
- Friendly forum
- Positive reputation
- App for Android and iOS
- Known for NBA betting
With Unibet, we find a sportsbook with a positive reputation in the UK market. Having launched way back in 1997, it has built a level of trust with players and their adverts can be seen frequently on TV. Now, over 20 years after starting, it’s thought they have 11 million customers across at least 100 countries.
Welcome Bonus
As a new player on the platform, Unibet offer reassurance. Up to a value of £40, they actually return stakes on first bets if they’re lost. As an added extra, cashback is available for those who lose a Premier League bet due to a penalty ruling. When you get money back in this way, be aware that there’s a wagering requirement of 3x on the money.
User Experience
Although there was a slight hiccup with the verification process (some have called it slow), the registration process is simple on Unibet and the website itself is easy to navigate while looking great. Whether you choose the free app or a browser, Unibet is available on both iOS and Android devices. With a black and green theme, everything is laid out clearly and lends itself to a positive experience.
Markets
If you focus mainly on football, Unibet is a solid choice with tens of thousands of markets. On the other hand, Unibet is also known as the best place for NBA among the best betting sites; they frequently have special offers for the sport. Otherwise, you’ll find a selection of other sports and markets available.
Banking
In terms of banking, Unibet accepts debit and credit cards, bank transfer, paysafecard, Skrill, and PayPal. The minimum deposit changes according to the method you use, but it generally ranges between £5 and £10. If you’re a high roller, maximum deposits are set to £800 for paysafecard and £10,000 for all other methods. At the other end, withdrawal will take up to three days.
Customer Support
If ever you have a problem, your first port of call should be the FAQs page on the website. Before contacting the service directly, you can also post a question in the helpful community forum; hopefully, somebody with more experience can lend a hand. If all else fails, Unibet has a full selection of customer support options whether it’s email, phone, or live chat.
Bet Types
With accumulators, single bets, live betting, and more, Unibet has everything you need regardless of your betting style. For in-play betting, the best markets seem to be football, basketball, table tennis, tennis, and ice hockey.
Why Choose Unibet?
We believe there are three main reasons to choose Unibet:
- Advantageous promotions and offers for players
- Award-winning and reliable operator
- Extensive football betting
For drawbacks, perhaps the biggest is the fact that those who win their first bet don’t get much in return. Still, it’s a popular UK betting site and this won’t change for some time to come.
8) SportNation Review
Key Features
- iOS app
- Deep football markets
- 50% welcome bonus (up to £125)
- 24/7 live chat
As the sponsors of non-league side Solihull Moors FC, SportNation is a betting site that has grown in recent years. Alongside the sportsbook, they have in-play betting, live casino, casino, and even virtual offerings. With this in mind, will it be a reliable partner for your betting needs?
Welcome Bonus
In terms of a welcome bonus, they offer a 50% match on all deposits (with a maximum of £125). With this in mind, it’s actually one of the best welcome bonuses in the industry and you’ll struggle to find much better. Before withdrawing, there’s a wagering requirement of 6x and the odds of bets need to be at least 1.70.
Here’s how you access the welcome bonus:
- Deposit funds using the ‘SNWEL125’ code
- Place bets with your new balance
- Play through six times and with odds of 1.70 or higher
- Withdraw
User Experience
We enjoyed playing on SportNation, and we think you’ll like the simple orange and white theme; it doesn’t overwhelm and it’s easy to see the information clearly laid out. Although the app is only available for iOS, the website works well in a browser for Android users. When using the website, there is a small loading screen between pages, and this might get frustrating when trying to make a quick bet. Other than that, we can flick between sports, make selections, and change account preferences easily enough.
Markets
We were pleasantly surprised with the markets on SportNation, and this culminated in us betting on the Jamaican Premier League and various Asian youth leagues. After football, you can also bet on tennis, rugby, horse racing, golf, and more. In fact, they even venture into the Darts Home Tour and various other unique markets.
Banking
Unfortunately, some players will encounter a problem with the payment methods because they only accept Visa, MasterCard, ApplePay, and PayPal. If you use an eWallet, you might need to play elsewhere. In terms of withdrawal, minimums are set to £20 (this increases to £50 for PayPal). They suggest 48 hours for withdrawal processing, and then for all funds to enter player accounts within five working days.
Customer Support
There’s better news for customer support because they offer a callback request system for phone, an email address, and 24/7 live chat. Even after this, many players find the answers they need on the extensive FAQs page. SportNation is also partnered with GambleAware and provide a number of Responsible Gambling features to help protect players.
Bet Types
In terms of bet types, we like SportNation and this is because they have live betting, live streaming, accumulators, single bets, and everything else you’re likely to need.
Why Choose SportNation?
If you can overlook the limited banking methods, SportNation is a great service with many sports and markets, advanced customer support, a good iOS app, and a rewarding welcome bonus.
9) William Hill Review
Pros
- Vast array of sports markets
- Lots of experience (founded in 1964)
- 24/7 customer support
- Cash out and other great betting features
- Variety of banking methods
Cons
- Limited promotions
Introduction
For many, William Hill is considered the leader for all sports betting. Founded in the 1960s, it has a long history in the betting market and now employs around 14,000 people. After much success in the physical world, William Hill didn’t slow down during the shift to websites and apps.
Over five decades of growth, the company has expanded and continues to grow. In 2020, they bought Caesars Entertainment for just under £3 billion. However, you’re here to read about the betting site from William Hill. So, let’s take a look.
Key Features
First and foremost, you’ll quickly realise that it is loaded with sports and markets. If you’re a football fan, know that the biggest events tend to have well over 100 unique markets. Elsewhere, you’ll find markets for baseball, boxing, cycling, horse racing, tennis, greyhound racing, eSports, snooker, golf, and more. If you’re a player who likes to switch between sports, William Hill is a great place to start.
Secondly, another of the biggest benefits of William Hill’s betting site is that it has so many banking methods. In fact, the screenshot you see below covers less than half of the options.
After this, you can also deposit through Sofort, Euteller, Neosurf, Trustly, TrustPay, AstroPay, Qiwi, and more. In our experience, this is one of the longest lists of banking methods that we’ve ever seen. If you have a favourite eWallet, you can almost guarantee that the option is available with William Hill. Also, minimum withdrawal for lots of banking methods is set to £5.
In terms of a welcome offer, you’ll get £30 in free bets when you deposit and stake £10. In truth, we’ve seen better, and we’ve seen worse. Unfortunately, perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the betting site from William Hill is the below-par promotions. Fortunately, they make up for it slightly with the #YourOdds campaign. Essentially, you tweet #YourOdds with a selection and they will give you a price in return.
Continuing on the positive note, we like that William Hill has live streaming available for a list of sports. As well as some football fixtures, this includes basketball, tennis, and cricket. As long as you’re logged in, click on the live streaming section and you’ll see all the live events. Additionally, cashing out is easier than ever before. Just look at your active bets and those available will have the cash out button underneath.
Summary
Just in case this wasn’t enough, William Hill’s betting website also provides 24/7 support in five languages, an affiliate program, and an app for iOS and Android devices. If you don’t want the app, the website is responsive to all screen sizes. All in all, William Hill is an experienced and reliable name with lots of sports, plenty of banking options, and many other benefits.
10) BetRegal Review
Key Features
- Unique RegalOdds markets
- Extensive FAQs page
- App for iOS and Android
- Lots of eWallet depositing methods
While some betting websites launch to compete with the many sportsbooks on the market, BetRegal actually launched with iGaming in mind. After feeling the area was underserved, they went into the eSports and gaming markets and haven’t looked back since. However, what does this mean for the overall service? Let’s take a look!
Welcome Bonus
For all new customers, there’s a modest £10 free bet whenever you bet £10 for the first time. Although you’ll find better, we still shouldn’t turn our nose up at a free bet. For the qualifying bet, you’ll need to place £10 on a selection larger than 1/1. As seems to be standard these days, those who deposit through PayPal, Neteller, or Skrill won’t get to enjoy this bonus. When you get the free bet token, the selection needs to have odds of at least 4/5.
User Experience
With a blend of black, orange, and purple, we think the website actually looks great. You might not be surprised, but it has a standard bookmaker layout with sports down the left, markets in the middle, and then a betting slip on the right. This aside, we can change sport either through the left or through a small panel at the top. We like that the number of markets available in each sport is displayed in brackets next to the sport name itself.
Elsewhere, the pages load quickly, and this means you can go from looking at Premier League fixtures to Armenian table tennis games within seconds. Thankfully, they also offer customers an app for iOS and Android.
Markets
We mentioned Armenian table tennis, and this is probably a good representation of the depth of markets available on BetRegal. In addition to football, as perhaps the biggest market, BetRegal lists horse racing, basketball, tennis, badminton, darts, volleyball, cricket, boxing, handball, ice hockey, and a wealth of other sports. Of course, they also have a deeper eSports market than most with CS:GO, Starcraft 2, Dota 2, Rainbow Six, Overwatch, and more.
Banking
Withdrawal methods include credit and debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, Instadebit, PayPal, and Trustly. On the other hand, the depositing list includes Sofort, Skrill (and 1-Tap), Neteller, Zimpler, Euteller, EPS, paysafecard, and Entropay. Therefore, there’s plenty to choose from (especially for users of eWallets).
Customer Support
If ever you have a problem on the platform, they have one of the most detailed FAQs pages that we’ve ever seen. Also, you can contact through the form on their website, through the email address, and even through the advanced live chat feature.
Bet Types
Lastly, we can enjoy accumulators, single bets, live betting, and other betting types on BetRegal. The ‘RegalOdds’ section has unique bets like whether Martial or Rashford will reach 50 Premier League goals first.
Why Choose BetRegal?
The welcome bonus is simple, but this doesn’t mean BetRegal isn’t worth a go. We love their FAQs page to help users, they have plenty of gaming markets, and lots of other benefits.
11) Parimatch Review
If you’re in the market for a new betting site, Parimatch might be on the radar. If so, we have a short and concise review with everything you need to know.
Website Interface
On the whole, we enjoyed the black and yellow theme from Parimatch. The screen is never cluttered, the font is easy to read, and this promotes a relaxing experience. Sometimes, the wrong colours and a cluttered layout can lead to a stressful time on a betting website, but there are no such problems with Parimatch.
Welcome Offer and Registration
As with most betting websites, registering is simple these days and should only take a couple of minutes of your time. After clicking the ‘Sign Up’ button, you need to enter the applicable details and follow the on-screen instructions to open the account. Remember, you may need to prove your identity and address before withdrawing for the first time.
As a reward for creating the account, you’ll get £30 worth of free bets after placing a qualifying bet of £5 on a selection at odds greater than 2.00. Although £10 goes into your casino account, the other two are used for a single sports bet and an acca.
Sports and Markets
We were thoroughly impressed by the Parimatch betting site when it came to sports and markets; click on the A-Z option on the homepage and you’ll see a full list. This includes football, cricket, athletics, netball, F1, rugby, tennis, GAA football, snooker, futsal, golf, horse racing, and lots more.
As well as the exciting catalogue of sports, Parimatch also boast extensive markets for each event. Depending on the sport and event, you can find over 100 different markets. This being said, you will still find services with more markets.
Betting Features
To make the betting experience more enjoyable, Parimatch provide a few key features and this includes live betting. With information available in real-time, it’s not a bad platform for making bets on the fly. For those expecting the live streaming of big sports, perhaps this isn’t the platform for you. Instead, live streaming is restricted to eSports. On a more positive note, you’ll like the cash-out feature as well as the ability to build bets.
Depending on your play style, you may also like the virtual sports and eSports features.
Banking Methods
Unfortunately, one huge problem with the Parimatch betting service is that you can only use MasterCard or Visa to deposit funds into your account. This means there are no eWallets such as Neteller, Skrill, or PayPal.
Mobile Experience
If you like to place bets on the go, there is an app for iOS devices, and you should find this on the App Store. For Android users, there’s no app but the website is optimised for smaller screens.
Pros and Cons of Parimatch
- PRO: Trusted brand with a growing reputation
- PRO: Long history dating back to 1994
- PRO: Live betting and live streaming
- PRO: eSports and virtual betting markets
- CON: No app available for Android users
- CON: Only two banking methods
12) MrPlay Review
Pros
- Strong list of sports
- Simple welcome bonus
- Promotions for both new and existing players
- Good casino with a wide range of slots and live dealer games
Cons
- No iOS app
- No 24/7 support
- No live streaming
Introduction
As far as betting websites go, it’s fair to say that we can split the market into two; those with a presence before the mobile revolution and those who have taken advantage of the mobile revolution to launch. Starting in 2017, MrPlay is in the latter category. Based in Malta, the betting site now has four very important licenses:
- UK
- Ireland
- Malta
- Sweden
As a result of the international licenses, the website is available in English, Swedish, German, Finnish, and Norwegian. However, we’re sure bettors are more interested in the prominent betting features.
Overview of Mr Play
With regards to the sportsbook, it’s hard to pick anything that Mr Play does out of the ordinary…but this is actually one of their great strengths. Rather than thinking they had to change the industry and turn everything upside-down, Mr Play has entered with a solid sportsbook. The website has the typical three-tiered layout, navigation is simple with links across the top, and we can even move across to the casino, live casino, and other services from the sports section.
In terms of sports, there’s everything a bettor could want. This includes horse racing, greyhounds, football, tennis, rugby, NBA, MLB, eSports, cricket, darts, and volleyball. If we take football as an example, the markets are wide and varied with action from the Premier League, the Football League, and even the National South and North leagues. If you’re a fan of continental football, you’ll be pleased with the Europa League and Champions League markets.
If you join Mr Play, they start you off with a simple welcome bonus; just follow the instructions to Deposit, Bet, Get. Deposit £10, bet this £10, and then get a free £10 betting token. As long as the qualifying bet has odds of 1/1 or above, the free bet will enter your account regardless of the outcome. Other features of the service include live betting and cash out. There are lots of banking methods, and a particular focus on eWallets with Sofort, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, InstaDebit, Euteller, and more.
If we were to pick up on a couple of downsides, there’s no app (a problem for mobile bettors). On the other hand, the betting site is responsive and optimised for mobile players. Another negative would be the lack of live streaming. Disappointingly, live chat is only available between 7am and 1am (Central European Time). Though they have a phone number and customer support email, there’s nothing in place for those playing through the night.
Summary
There’s certainly a global appeal with Mr Play since they accommodate various languages, currencies, and banking methods. With an eWallet, you receive winnings within one day. If you can overlook the small problems, Mr Play is a positive addition to the industry.
13) NoviBet Review
Pros
- Strong odds
- Referral service (improved betting limits)
- Live streams and cash outs
- App for mobile players
Cons
- No eSports
- Weak welcome bonus
Introduction
When choosing between services, you need to learn everything there is to know about the betting site from Novibet. Does the website deserve your attention? Does it compare with some of the bigger names? Although other companies have more experience, Novibet is steadily gaining traction in the market and you can see the benefits of the service above. But what else should you know?
Key Features
To start, we’re going to talk about the welcome offer since this is one of the first interactions that you’ll have with the Novibet betting site. Unfortunately, the welcome bonus is a £10 free bet, and there are much better promotions in the market. If you like the other features we mention today, perhaps you can overlook the small welcome bonus. If not, there’s nothing wrong with looking elsewhere.
On a brighter note, we spotted lots of great promotions for existing players, and this already makes up for the welcome bonus a little. For example, Acca Price Boost can increase your potential winnings when staking on several outcomes. Elsewhere, we liked the daily coupon because it kept the experience fresh while on the platform. Sadly, there isn’t a VIP scheme for extra promotions and features.
In terms of sports, there are plenty of options with football, darts, cricket, basketball, and more. Also, Novibet’s betting site dips into entertainment and political markets (we know this brings joy to some players). One downside is the lack of eSports, but they have recently added virtual sports to the list of options.
Now, we get to some of the biggest reasons why Novibet is gaining attention in recent times. Firstly, the odds across most sports are extremely competitive. Secondly, the live offering is just as strong as the pre-match options in terms of prices and markets. If you’re somebody who likes to bet in-play, you won’t go wrong with Novibet. Thirdly, the customer support system is available around the clock. Although important for all customers, it’s still not something that every betting website offers. As well as the 24/7 live chat feature, you’ll have access to Messenger, email, phone, and even Skype whenever you need help with Novibet.
Available through the App Store, we also tested the application, and the experience is seamless from a desktop device. Navigation is simple, the design is strong, and we didn’t encounter any issues.
What about banking? As well as the main options from MasterCard and Visa, Novibet’s betting site also allows deposits through paysafecard, Skrill, Maestro, Trustly, RapidTransfer, Neteller, and PayPal. Therefore, there’s something for most players with debit cards and eWallets. The company also adheres to KYC (Know Your Customer) checks and this means having to verify an account before betting (this is now a legal obligation).
Summary
The welcome bonus is poor and there are no eSports markets, but those who can look past this can have an enjoyable time on Novibet!
14) Boylesports Review
Pros
- Apps available for Android and iOS
- 24/7 customer support
- Advanced betting calculator
- Cash out and other betting features
Cons
- Lack of live streaming
- No VIP program for sportsbook
- Lack of eSports markets
- Small welcome offer
Key Features
BoyleSports is now an accomplished name in the world of sports betting, and we’re sure some readers will find a good home on the betting site. After going through the simple registration process, you’ll need to deposit, and the good news is that there are plenty of methods available. As well as using a debit card, you’ll also have opportunities to deposit through Euteller, Trustly, Skrill, Google Pay, Neteller, Apple Pay, Fast Bank Transfer, and PayPal.
Once your account is loaded up, the good news extends because you can place the money on a host of different sports. While some will choose football, others will go for golf, cricket, darts, F1, rugby, tennis, boxing, or cycling. The BoyleSports betting site even has less popular sports like GAA football, volleyball, table tennis, and futsal. Don’t worry, there’s also greyhounds and horse racing.
On the whole, we like the design of the betting site and found it easy to navigate. In addition to all the markets on the left-hand side of the page, the navigation bar at the top makes everything easier to find (the betting slip always stays on the right!). What’s more, the blue, white, and grey appearance itself is easy on the eye.
Next up, customer support is available around the clock. Even if you have a problem at 3am, the live chat function is ready and willing to help. Alternatively, you can reach out to the customer support team through Twitter, a free phone call, or email. We tested various parts of the customer support package and the team were informative and helpful.
Two more features that we like from BoyleSports are the app for Android and iOS as well as the betting features. Although there’s no live streaming for many sports, this is available for greyhounds and horse racing. After this, we think players will appreciate the live markets, betting calculator, cash-out opportunities, and various other betting features.
We’ve been very positive about BoyleSports so far, but it’s time to dig into the potential problems. Firstly, the welcome offer could be much better. At the time of writing this, it’s a £5 free bet for those who deposit £10 and then place a qualifying bet of the same amount. It does get slightly better with the chance to get £20 in further free bets, but it requires three more qualifying bets (more work than most betting sites!).
Elsewhere, there’s no VIP program to reward loyal players in the sportsbook and the betting site is also notoriously low on eSports markets. If you need either of these two things from a bookie, steer clear.
Back to the positives, the minimum deposit is £5 for most methods and most of the other features mean that BoyleSports is a great choice for both beginners and experts.
15) Coral Review
Pros
- Established name in the sports market
- Over 30 sports in the sportsbook
- Known for strong welcome offers
- Live streaming for lots of sports
Cons
- No welcome offer when depositing through an eWallet
- Only three eSports markets
Key Features
With many sportsbooks creating confusing and convoluted welcome offers, it’s a relief to see a simple and effective welcome bonus from Coral. As long as you follow the guidelines, you’ll earn a £20 free bet; the qualifying bet is only £5. Unfortunately, the downside is that the welcome bonus isn’t available to those who deposit through Neteller, PayPal, paysafecard, or Skrill.
Once the free bet is in your account, there are over 30 sports to enjoy whether you like tennis, football, horse racing, athletics, bowls, chess, cricket, F1, golf, rugby, or something else entirely. Interestingly, there are also markets for politics, movies, music, and other areas of entertainment. For example, you can place your bet for the next Doctor Who in the TV Specials market.
After registering an account and going through the verification process, you can then deposit through a few different methods. This includes:
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Debit Card
- Neteller
- paysafecard
- ecoPayz
As mentioned, you’ll need to avoid certain depositing methods the first time if you want to earn the welcome bonus. Thankfully, minimum deposits start at £5 and this is all that’s required for the qualifying bet. Generally speaking, withdrawals to eWallets are completed within 24 hours while a debit card takes slightly longer.
In terms of betting features, players can actually watch a good number of live events on the Coral betting site. We’ve seen live streaming available for tennis, basketball, football, cricket, and many others too. Also, 2,000 live events per week keep players entertained. If you’re watching a sporting event on the TV, you can bet on Coral having live markets available (excuse the pun!).
Security is important with any betting site, and Coral have the foundations with a license from the UK Gambling Commission. Furthermore, they also have a license with the Gibraltar Gambling Commission. With these two licenses, the betting site is held to a high standard and players can be sure of a safe experience; this is important considering we’re trusting them with personal information and banking details. Even through changes in ownership, Coral continues to impress with Responsible Gambling measures, encryption, and other security tools.
If ever you have a problem, customer support is available 24/7 if you use the live chat function. Otherwise, you’ll get quick response through Twitter, a phone number, and email. All in all, Coral is an experienced name in the sporting world and even the website is pleasing in terms of appearance and navigation. Apps are available for Apple and Android users, and there’s a separate app for the casino.
Potential problems include the lack of eSports markets and the issue with having to deposit through debit card just to earn the welcome bonus. If you can overlook these problems, Coral is a strong sportsbook!
16) Fansbet Review
Pros
- Advanced app for Android and iOS
- Plenty of sports (including eSports!)
- Potential £100 welcome bonus
- Lots of eWallets for deposits/withdrawals
Cons
- No virtual sports
- No live streaming
- High minimum withdrawal
Key Features
If you like to bet on virtual sports or watch live streaming to complement the betting experience, FansBet probably isn’t going to be for you. However, these are perhaps the two biggest drawbacks and plenty of players can overlook them for a positive experience. Although no live streaming, most of the other betting features are present including live betting and cash out.
FansBet don’t have the experience of many names, having launched in 2016, but they get a lot of things right. For starters, the website is clean and offers a pleasant experience. Most players will enjoy the black and green appearance; the layout itself is recognizable (most websites use the three-tiered system these days). We think the website and app manage to find the perfect blend of simplicity and modernity.
What will you get for joining this betting site? Well, FansBet actually have one of the best welcome bonuses around for new players. After using a special code (FBWELS) and depositing, you have the potential of earning 50% up to a total of £100. What’s more, the wagering requirement is only 6x and you have 90 days to use it. At a time where sportsbooks seem to be minimizing their welcome offers, it’s a breath of fresh air to see FansBet come in with the huge offer.
In terms of sports, you’re also in good hands with everything you’re likely to need. This includes basketball, football, cricket, tennis, horse racing, greyhounds, darts, NFL, boxing, and motorsports. What’s more, they also have plenty of eSports markets, another area where some sportsbooks are struggling. At the time of writing this review, eSports had markets for Data 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, King of Glory, and Valorant.
Depositing and withdrawing are two core aspects of any betting site, and FansBet have the following available:
- Visa
- Skrill
- Trustly
- MasterCard
- Neteller
- EPS
- UPayCard
- SafetyPay
- paysafecard
We have good and bad news regarding banking; minimum deposit is only £10 but the minimum withdrawal is set to £30 for many methods. For many casual players, this might be too high.
Overall, we found FansBet to be a fantastic betting site, as long as the potential drawbacks aren’t deal-breakers for you. The in-play markets are well-populated, the Smart Pick feature helps to build a betting slip, and the mobile app is a brilliant way to place bets quickly. The iOS app is available on the App Store while those with an Android will need to download the APK file.
Of course, they have a license with the UK Gambling Commission in addition to the Malta Gaming Authority. Furthermore, they’re partnered with IBAS (Betting Adjudication Service) and GamStop. For peace of mind, they also use SSL encryption technology to keep all data safe.
FAQs
To finish, we’re going to answer some of the most common questions seen in this industry. By the end, you should be in a better position to understand the betting niche and then choose a site that suits your needs.
Which is the best betting site?
This is difficult to answer, and it all depends on what you need as a customer. While some people love Bet365, others will never move away from Coral and another group will always use Betfair. Often, it’s about finding a handful of bookies that meet your requirements and then testing them to see which you prefer. Fortunately, you have a head start with our brilliant list.
How do I start with a website?
If you find a platform and want to get started, you will need to create an account. After providing some basic information about yourself and verifying your account, you can deposit money and start betting.
Can I trust betting websites?
Before answering this question, we should state that we only ever list trustworthy and reliable bookmakers on our website. As long as they have the required license, you can absolutely trust a bookmaker in the UK. Over the years, nearly every company has been accused of something untoward, but it’s how they react that tells the real story. With the very best companies, they deal with the problem and become a better service as a result.
Should I avoid some platforms?
Avoid platforms that don’t have a license, don’t seem legitimate, have terrible reviews online, or those who ask for payment to be a member. Remember, bookies are clamouring for attention these days so they won’t charge you to create an account.
Can I get banned from a betting site?
You may have seen stories of people getting banned from betting platforms, and this is absolutely true. For the most part, it comes when a bookie suspects either cheating or money laundering. This being said, we must remember that the website has the power to close accounts; sadly, this has happened in the past when players were making large profits. Not all bookies operate in this way, however, and some will actually ban users who are making huge losses to protect them (despite affecting their profits).
Conclusion
If you want to find a new betting site, this is the place to be. We compare the UK’s strongest betting platforms and compare them across a variety of features. From here, you can choose the right fit easier than ever before. We will always keep this list updated, and we hope you’ve enjoyed reading our guide here today!
Carl Hughes - Editor
Carl Hughes is a leading expert on sports and casino betting. Carl began his career with a BSc in Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences from the University of Birmingham before working within the industry for some of the bigger names (GVC and Bet365) and has been praised as being "a leading sports betting commentator".