We’re a team of passionate and experienced punters who are proud to share with you our diverse and expert knowledge related to every aspect of sports betting. We enjoy gambling but also take it seriously because, at the end of the day, we’re still betting our hard-earned money. This makes it all the more important to us that we choose the best sports betting brands the industry has to offer you.
Through our reviews, we can help you in your quest to find the best UK betting websites that are the most ideal for you. We carefully analyse and test each sports betting site we review, so we can provide you with the most important information regarding their sign up offers, other promotions, betting markets, betting options, banking, support and more.
We cover it all and recommend only the top betting sites that we trust and where we are customers ourselves. We know what makes a site great, and our mission is to share this with you. Welcome to TBS.
MIN. deposit : 10
Outstanding track record
Fixed odds & spread betting
MIN. deposit : 10
Wide range of offers
Price boosts each day
MIN. deposit : 5
Free daily odds boost
Highly prestigious brand
MIN. deposit : 5
Extra places and BOG
Correct4 football game
MIN. deposit : 10
Boosted specials on football
Various free bet offers
MIN. deposit : 10
Money-Back football deal
Exceptional mobile apps
MIN. deposit : 10
Very well-regarded bookie
Fantastic range of offers
MIN. deposit : 5
Worldwide football coverage
Mobile apps are very good
MIN. deposit : 20
0% margin on football bets
Betting loyalty program
MIN. deposit : 10
Innovative social features
Free soccer betting tips
MIN. deposit : 10
Excellent track record
New Bet Boost each day
MIN. deposit : 15
Good range of football betting options
Fair odds
MIN. deposit : 10
Regular Rewards Boosts
Live global racing streams
MIN. deposit : 20
Huge range of promotions
Daily Power Prices
MIN. deposit : 10
Deep in-play section
Widespread racing streams
MIN. deposit : 10
Increasingly popular site
Free bet refunds on racing
MIN. deposit : 5
Famous Free Bet Club
#BetYourWay for football
MIN. deposit : 10
Acca protection & boosts
Wide range of deals
MIN. deposit : 10
New specials bets each day
Multiple acca promotions
MIN. deposit : 5
Horse racing Bet Boosts
Solid football bet builder
MIN. deposit : 10
24/7 customer support
Successful European brand
MIN. deposit : 10
#PickYourPunt bet builder
Solid Acca Insurance deal
MIN. deposit : 10
Up to 77% acca boost
Over 150 racing markets
With so many online bookmakers out there, we know that it can be quite challenging to make your choice when you’re seeking the best betting site. In our experience, we have found that following factors make some sports betting websites better than others:
Choose a welcome/sign up offer that you understand and that works with your budget. Some welcome offers are better for punters who prefer to casually bet on sports, while others are designed for those who prefer making big bets. Only you know your budget. Always choose responsibly.
The best betting sites have more than just welcome offers for their new players. They also offer ongoing promotions and loyalty schemes to their regular punters.
If you’re the type of punter who likes to bet on a wide range of sports and/or other novelty markets, you’ll find that many betting websites cover a wide range of both sport and non-sport markets. However, if you’re interested in betting on more local events, minor sporting events or specific leagues, be sure to research sites to make sure they offer what you want before you choose to sign up.
Obviously you want to win as much as possible. This is where choosing the best sports betting sites can get a little tricky. It’s difficult to know who is offering the best odds because all bookies claim that they do. If you want the best odds, you may need to have an account with multiple bookmakers, so you can place your bet with whichever one has the best odds for the particular event that
The top betting sites offer both a desktop and mobile experience. There’s no excuse for today’s online bookmakers not to have a mobile offering, especially one that is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
If you like watching sports as you bet on line, choose online betting websites that have a streaming feature. This lets you stream the sport live. Do keep in mind, however, that streaming options are not always available, and even the best betting sites don’t typically stream Premier League action.
To be perfectly honest with you, the only way to really know who offers you the best interface and overall experience is to try out all betting sites that interest you. Every site we review meets our approval, of course, but online betting is a very personal experience. Essentially, make sure the site runs smoothly and is easy to navigate to your liking.
The top sports betting sites always offer their customers offers. It is how they stay competitive with other online gambling sites. The following is a basic idea of how these offers work.
Online sportsbooks usually offer additional promotions to their punters as well. Most are time-limited offers released for certain sporting events, such as the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, the Euro, the World Cup, the Olympic Games, etc. That said, they may also have longer running promotions that include best odds guaranteed, ACCA savers, etc.
There are also loyalty schemes (some are by invitation only), that give punters the chance to earn perks, such as exclusive rewards, faster withdrawals and so on. Keep in mind that all promotions have terms and conditions. There are certain rules that must be followed (e.g. using a promo code, betting on certain markets, place bets on certain odds, etc.), in order to claim the offer and benefit from it.
Punters looking to take advantage of the wide range of bonuses and promotions available with online bookmakers today must be aware of the terms and conditions surrounding them beforehand, as these will likely have a significant impact upon your ability to make withdrawals. Many of the top UK betting sites introduce such promotions during the year, with the following being amongst the most important factors to take into consideration:
⚠️WAGERING REQUIREMENTS – The total bonus amount received will often have to be rolled over a certain amount of times before withdrawals become available, which ultimately makes this eventuality less realistic. The total turnover amount will differ between the top UK betting sites, however those who enjoy sports betting using bonuses must be aware of this.
⚠️MINIMUM ODDS – Meanwhile, minimum odds must be hit when it comes to both claiming bonuses and using them, with even the best online betting sites ensuring that punters can not simply bet on the overwhelming favourites. Such odds normally sit somewhere between 2/5 and 2/1, however the actual price will vary.
⚠️VALIDITY PERIOD – Having gained a bonus, whether it be with one of the best online betting sites or betting apps, punters will generally have a set period of time in which they must meet any wagering requirements in. Those failing to do so are likely to forfeit their bonus, making this another key aspect of the terms and conditions set by bookies.
⚠️BONUS CODES – Punters must also be sure to use any necessary bonus or promo code when making qualifying deposits, as failing to do so will mean that you miss out on a potentially lucrative offer. While the use of bonus codes has become rare over recent years, bettors must still be sure to check this beforehand.
Football is undoubtedly the most popular market when it comes to sports betting today, whether it be matches from the Premier League or another major league or tournament. The best online betting sites offer a huge number of markets and bet types today, whether it be the winner of matches, the total number of goals, first goalscorer or even the number of corners. There has never been a better time to start betting on your favourite teams and players, with both pre-match and in-play markets being available on a daily basis from around the world. Best bookmakers for football >>
Horse racing has long been a popular sports when it comes to betting, with meetings from the UK, US, Australia, France and South Africa, along with many more, being covered by the leading bookmakers. Ante-post markets are generally available months in advance, especially when it comes to events such as the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National and Kentucky Derby. Runners and riders are available to back right up until race time, with prices fluctuating depending on their form and the track conditions. Top betting sites for horse racing >>
Tennis betting is big business in the UK. More of the top tennis matches from the ATP and WTA tours are shown live on major television channels as well as live streaming sites. That has helped ramp up the interest amongst sports bettors, allowing them to research their pick and cheer on selections. Best betting sites for tennis >>
Both rugby union and league are now sports that are played in regions across the globe, with an increasing number of betting sites offering a variety of markets in this area too. Punters are able to bet on matches from competitions such as the European Cup, Six Nations and World Cup, while long-term markets are also available, perfect for those looking to take advantage of more appealing odds. Top UK betting sites for rugby >>
Greyhound races take place across the UK on a regular basis, with this still being an attractive option for punters, due to the excitement and potential rewards involved. Whether it be a meeting from Romford, Doncaster or Brighton, be sure to check out the vast number of bet types available today. Best greyhound betting sites >>
Snooker may not get fans off their seats very often, however this does not mean that it is not a sport that should be avoided when it comes to betting. Punters are able to bet on the leading snooker players in the world when it comes to outright matches and tournaments, as well as the highest break and the possibility of someone scoring a 147. Best snooker betting sites >>
With action from both the men’s and women’s game attracting a large number of bets on a weekly basis during the season, golf has long been a popular betting market, due to the potential rewards. Whether you are looking to bet on Tiger Woods to win another major or Rory McIlroy to birdie the last whole at St Andrews, all of the leading bookmakers now offer both pre-tournament and live golf markets. Best UK bookmakers for golf >>
The opportunity to back some of the most high-profile athletes in the world is available when it comes to boxing betting markets, no matter whether you enjoy the power of the heavyweight division or the speed of featherweights. Top betting sites for boxing >>
Despite the NBA dominating proceedings when it comes to the world of basketball, matches from around the world are now available to bet on with online bookmakers, with popular markets including the highest scoring player, possibility of overtime and which team will score the most points in the fourth quarter.
Away from sport, many bookmakers are now taking advantage of the ever changing political climate, with customers being able to bet on events including presidential elections and referendums. Best politics betting sites >>
eSports is one of the fastest-growing betting markets around right now, not just with younger fans, but with more seasoned punters too. The likes of Dota 2, LoL, and CS:GO get most of the attention, but the top bookmakers for eSports may also cover FIFA, Starcraft 2, Rainbow Six, and more. Better yet, you can often watch the action live too, for free, via Twitch streaming. Top betting sites for esports>>
Gaelic football might seem like a fairly niche betting market, but it actually enjoys excellent coverage among British sportsbooks. The top bookmakers will cover all the most important competitions, including the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and European Gaelic Football Championships. This coverage can include both pre-match and in-play betting, and – for the biggest tournaments – outright wagers too. Most popular betting sites for gaelic football >>
The popularity of darts has increased massively in recent years, and this has also seen a rapid growth in its interest as a betting market. From knockout tournaments like the World Darts Championship, to ongoing events like the Premier League, the best online betting sites will let you bet on darts year-round. Wagering in-play can be particularly thrilling here, but both pre-match and outright markets are also plentiful. Best bookmakers for darts>>
Table tennis definitely doesn’t get the same level of betting attention as some of the other sports on this list, but it actually has excellent coverage among the top bookmakers in Britain. All the biggest tournaments tend to be represented, including the World Championships, and you can usually wager both live and pre-match. Some of the very biggest bookies also provide live table tennis streaming for free. Top betting sites for table tennis>>
Football is the most popular sport for online betting in the UK, so it’s no surprise that it enjoys universal coverage among the best betting sites. Some are still better than others, however, whether for the number of competitions provided, the variety of bet types, or the quality of odds. Below, you can see the very best of the best.
Ladbrokes are one of the most prestigious bookies around, having been operating since 1886. And – thanks to the exceptional quality of their offers, interface, markets, and more – they remain the top betting site for football to this day.
➡️Great Football Betting Offers – Things get off to a great start on Ladbrokes, courtesy of their ‘Bet £5, Get £20 in Free Bets’ welcome offer, which is eligible on football markets. This is backed up by a brilliant range of ongoing promotions, which do a great job of mixing old favourites – like Acca Insurance and Daily Odds Boosts – with more innovative deals like ‘1-2-Free’.
➡️Top-Notch Live Betting – In-play has revolutionised sports betting, and the best football betting bookies have taken full advantage. Ladbrokes are no different. Live markets are available on hundreds of matches per day, covering the likes of Match Result and Over/Under Goals. Odds update regularly, cash-outs execute swiftly, and there’s even streaming for certain live games.
➡️Massive Range of Markets – With Ladbrokes, you get a truly worldwide selection of football markets. Whether it’s international tournaments like the World Cup, continental contests like the Champions League, or one of hundreds of domestic leagues, it’s all available to bet on here.
Horse racing is the second-most popular sport for British bettors. It’s more difficult to license than football however, so fewer bookies feature it. That said, the top betting sites in the UK really should include the ‘sport of kings’, and the brands listed below are the very best examples. Each one provides excellent event race coverage and high quality odds.
Bet365 have been one of the best betting sites of the last two decades, and – incredibly – they keep getting better. While this is certainly an extremely well-rounded platform, it’s especially strong on horse racing.
➡️Exceptional Coverage – The Bet365 horse racing section is truly extensive. Each day, you have the chance not only to bet on British and Irish races, but to enjoy those across Europe, North America, and even South Africa too.
➡️Helpful Special Offers – Of all the horse racing betting sites out there, Bet365 arguably has the best promotions of the bunch. Alongside classics like Best Odds Guaranteed, you’ll also find their valuable Price Promise, Each Way Extra, and ITV Racing offers. All help to either increase your chances, or boost your winnings.
➡️Live Streaming – Betting on racing is always pretty fun… but actually watching the races makes it even better! Bet365 offer an outstanding live streaming section, and – to access it – all you need is a positive account balance. With one, you’ll be able to watch every single UK and Irish horse race, and selected US events. For a £0.50 stake, you’ll be able to stream further international contests from the likes of France and Australia too.
There’s a huge range of special offers out there, but some are definitely better than others. The best betting sites provide deals which are clearly explained, fair, and which deliver genuine value. Most importantly, they help your money go further, and boost your chances of making a profit. Below, you can see the top bookie for betting offers right now.
William Hill are another of the best-known brands in sports betting. While they execute just about everything skilfully, they’re particularly renowned for both the quantity and quality of their promotions.
➡️Classic Sign Up Offer – The William Hill welcome bonus is a genuine modern-day classic. Called ‘Bet £10, Get £30’, this new customer offer is easy to both understand and use. In short, after a qualifying bet, you’re immediately given two generous £15 free bets to spend on any sportsbook product you please.
➡️Outstanding Variety – While the standard of promotions here is kept consistently high, it’s the sheer variety of them which truly impresses. Some are one-offs, while others can be used time and again. Some can be used however you choose, while others – such as Flash Odds – are picked by William Hill themselves. Basically, you’re not going to get bored of these deals any time soon!
➡️Multiple Sports Coverage – Rather than focusing on a couple of massive markets – like football and horse racing – William Hill provide some of the best betting offers around for the full range of sports fans. Some, like In-Play Insurance, are available on several selected markets. Others can be used on literally any sport you please.
It can obviously be tempting to go with the same old bookies. Nowadays though, some of the top UK betting sites around are actually the newer brands. These ambitious young sportsbooks often provide big offers and exceptionally good prices, all to try and attract fresh customers. If that sounds appealing to you, check out the best new betting site below.
The rate of progress in sports betting over the past few years has been stunning. For a perfect example of just how far the UK’s top new betting sites have come, look no further than SBK.
➡️Brilliant Mobile App – SBK’s decision to go mobile-only might have seemed like a gamble. The incredible success they’ve already enjoyed, however, has proven this to be a smart decision. In large part, this has been driven by the indisputable quality of the app itself, which is available on both iOS and Android.
➡️Innovative Social Features – There are so many features to discuss in an SBK sports betting review, but the social ones are arguably the most exciting of all. Between reading and writing tips, following the best bettors, competing for leaderboard positions, and monitoring market price movements, this is a platform which truly makes you feel connected to the betting community.
➡️Constantly Evolving – SBK started off pretty darn well, and has improved almost constantly since that launch. Throughout, SBK have shown a commendable commitment to ironing out bugs and listening to community feedback, meaning that this excellent and exciting app is only going to get better over time.
To receive our approval, the sites we review and recommend to you – like the top 20 betting sites above – must meet certain criteria. Here are the good things we look for when reviewing the best betting sites:
✔️Friendly interface – We investigate how fast an online betting site responds and how easy it is to navigate, on both desktop and mobile.
✔️Easy to sign up – We open betting accounts to find out how straightforward and fast the process is. The best online betting sites UK experiences are those that begin with simple, short and quick registration. It should never be complicated with long loading wait times.
✔️Easy to place bets – Backing your favourite sports team should be as easy as a few simple clicks of the mouse or taps on your phone. All available betting markets should be clearly marked and easy to navigate, so when you’re ready to place a bet, it should happen almost instantly.
✔️Great welcome bonus – Behind every great bookmaker is a great welcome bonus. Perks matter! Of course, you want to know what’s in it for you, and we let you know what types of offers you can expect when you first sign up, what you need to do to claim them, as well as the terms and conditions that might apply.
✔️Good odds for interesting events and/or matches – Our list of betting sites contains only those sites with considerably and reasonably good odds for football, tennis, boxing and any other markets the site might offer. The odds are the probability of an outcome and determines the returns you can expect from a wager if you win. For instance, if a betting site has 4/1 odds, and you place a bet online, this means for every £1 wager the return is £4.
✔️Attractive ongoing promotions – Good betting sites offer promotions beyond those that are reserved for newcomers. We check to see, not only if a bookie offers ongoing promos, but also how interesting they are. We’ll tell you about the offers and loyalty scheme that give you the highest value and that we think would be of interest to you.
✔️Extras – Some sites offer more than just your standard betting options, some also offer live betting/in-play betting/in-running betting, streaming options, etc. We’ll let you know about any extras that make the bookie exceptionally noteworthy.
✔️Wide range of markets – We’ll let you know what markets the sports betting sites cover. This doesn’t include only sports like football, rugby, boxing, horse racing, etc. but all available options, including other sports like darts, snooker, MMA, e-Sports, etc. and even beyond sports, such as TV, novelty, political betting markets and so on.
✔️Customer support – How reliable and knowledgeable is customer support? Are they friendly? How quickly do they respond to queries and can you contact them 24/7? We find out all the answers, including if the FAQ is helpful.
✔️Security – It’s safe to say that if there’s one thing the top 100 betting sites have in common, it’s that they are fully licensed and regulated and have high quality security. All the sports book operators in our online betting sites list fully protect and safeguard their customers’ privacy, personal data and funds transfers, around the clock.
❌No license to work in the UK – Bookies must meet basic legitimate betting websites UK standards as put forth by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). We don’t review illegal sites.
❌Website is slow – If a site takes forever to load, we’re not interested in what they have to offer, as they clearly haven’t taken the time to provide the best online gambling experience to their customers.
❌No welcome bonus and/or interesting promotions – As we already covered, perks matter! No welcome offers or ongoing-promotions shows that a brand doesn’t value its players.
❌Difficult to navigate the product – You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to find out what online betting websites have to offer.
Betting options are too limited – If there’s only a few markets and restricted betting options, you’re not getting a full experience.
With the demand for betting on the go being bigger than ever, it comes as little surprise that the majority of leading bookmakers have now introduced betting apps and easy to use websites in this area. Whether it be for iOS or Android devices, such platforms allow punters to bet on their favourite sports markets when away from their desktop.
The majority of the leading betting apps have been designed largely with iOS users in mind, however Android customers will be pleased to hear that they can still take advantage of a large number of mobile platforms. The likes of 888Sport, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, William Hill and Betfred are all well known for their mobile betting platforms, with each offering a dedicated app free of charge to punters. These apps deliver features including live streaming, cash out and Touch ID log-in, which add up to make them the preferred platform for many bettors today.
Live or in-play, as it is commonly known, betting has become a key part of many sports betting strategies, with bookmakers offering odds on events that are already underway. Odds fluctuate depending on what is taking place on the field, court or circuit, with punters who are able to place bets at the right time being in with a good chance of earning some significant winnings. Similarly, punters have also been aided by the fact that events are available to watch thanks to the live streaming features offered by leading bookmakers today. Only a small bet or positive account balance is required in order to gain access.
Live streams, whether it be football, tennis, horse racing or other disciplines, adds to the overall excitement of betting, while it also gives punters a chance to understand how an event is playing out before backing their favourite. For those looking for excellent options when it comes to both live betting and live streaming, bookmakers including Betway, William Hill and Coral are well worth checking out.
As opposed to a traditional online bookmaker, a betting exchange allows punters the opportunity to bet against other registered customers, who can offer and request odds with one another. Betting exchanges charge a small commission on all winnings made. However, they are becoming increasingly popular when it comes to sports betting, with the likes of Betfair, Matchbook , Betdaq and Smarkets being amongst the most recognisable names in this area.
No matter where you may choose to bet online, for your own protection, always ensure that the site is legally licensed to operate. All legitimate gambling sites that are UK-based are licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. This governing body was established in 2005 and was created for the sole purpose to regulate commercial gambling in the UK. It requires all gambling brands who want to operate in the UK market to meet certain strict requirements and regulations to ensure that these operators provide a transparent, consistent, fair, secure and responsible environment to their patrons. All sites licensed by the UKGC will display the Gambling Commission logo. Make sure you check for it before you sign up.
The laws surrounding betting in the UK are simple, with the industry being well regulated. The Gambling Commission ensures that gambling operators meet the required standards, which includes all online real money gambling platforms. The Gambling Commission works under the terms set by the Gambling Act of 2005, claiming responsibility for the regulation of online gambling in the UK.
There are now a huge number of UK-based licensed betting sites, along with a number of foreign-based platforms that cater for UK residents, with users being able to legally utilise them and place bets at their will. As well as this, authorities in the UK work hard to ensure that gambling is not associated with crime, conducted fairly and that children and vulnerable people are protected from harm.
As a result, those in the UK looking to place bets should do so on a platform that is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. Those over the age of 18 are permitted to gamble online legally and there are a number of organisations in place to help those who believe they have been treated unfairly or who are struggling with problem gambling. Additionally, residents in the UK are able to take home 100% of their winnings due to tax laws.
The minimum age for gambling in the UK has been set at 18 years, with this being the case for both brick and mortar betting shops and online betting sites. Anyone below the age of 18 placing bets will be guilty of a criminal offence, with bookmakers having to verify age and proof of identity before deposits can be made. Meanwhile, bookmakers will also set limits in terms of the maximum stakes accepted online, designed to help punters remain aware of their funds and the size of their bets so that they do not go over their means.
There’s never a guarantee of making money from your sports betting, even with the top betting sites in 2021, but there are definitely steps you can take to boost your chances.
➡️Do Your Research – The better informed you are, the better your picks will be. Get your hands on all the statistical analysis and expert betting tips you can before wagering on any game.
➡️Have Multiple Accounts – Having accounts with a range of the top online bookmakers allows you to carry out your own price comparison on a market you’re interested in, and quickly place your wager with the site offering the best odds.
➡️Use Those Betting Offers – Whether insuring your wagers, boosting your odds, or giving you free bets, special offers on the best UK betting sites help your money go further. Look to use them whenever you possibly can.
➡️Mix Your Bet Types – Pre-match, in-play, and outright wagers all offer a different blend of risk and reward. Mix and match these forms with the best bookmakers to enjoy the benefits of each.
➡️Bet Responsibly – Never bet what you can’t afford to lose. Also, stay patient and aim to make a long-term profit, rather than going for riskier short-term wins.
We are a team of veteran punters who are committed to sharing our experiences with you about the top online UK betting sites we have personally researched, tested and reviewed. We are passionate about online sports betting, and we believe that our knowledge and expertise as punters can benefit you as you seek to get the most out of your online betting experiences. Serving as a comprehensive and honest resource covering the many aspects of online bookmakers, TBS is your one-stop-shop for information about the best sports betting sites the UK has to offer.
Since we launched in 2017, our team here at Top Betting Sites has had one main aim: to help British bettors to become as informed as possible. This includes letting you know about the top betting sites you can choose between, and the very best special offers you can use. Overall, we want you to have a betting experience which is both enjoyable and profitable.
On this site, you have all the information you need to make this goal a reality. You can quickly find the very best UK bookmakers overall, for your favourite sports, or for a specific offer type you’re interested in. All that remains for you to do is to pick one of our recommended bookies, trigger their welcome offer, place a few wagers, and – quite simply – have fun.
You can see the top 20 UK betting sites at the top of this page. All betting sites have their own particular strengths though, so we’d advise you to target a bookie specifically suited to your needs.
Identify which sports and competitions you want to bet on, then list any ‘must-have’ features or payment methods you require. Test out the options which match these filters, and trigger the welcome offer on the one you enjoy using the most.
All TBS writers are highly-experienced users of the best betting sites, who are also major sports fans. Every guide is the unbiased result of expert analysis and extensive research.
Absolutely. We’ve checked that every betting site we recommend carries at least one license with a regulatory body, such as the UK Gambling Commission.
You will very rarely, if ever, be banned for legitimate wins on top betting sites. If you go against the site’s T&Cs though, expect your account to either be banned or heavily restricted.
All the top UK bookies have easy sign up processes nowadays. Just head to their home page, hit the ‘Register’ button, provide the required personal information, and set your username and password. In total, it should only take a minute or so to do this.
Dozens. The likes of football, horse racing, cricket, golf, and tennis enjoy the best coverage among top UK betting sites. Many will also provide markets for eSports, American leagues, and some more niche sports too.
We’ve included five top tips in this article. In general though, the most important steps you can take are to do as much research as possible, and to always bet responsibly.
Whilst there are a large number of reliable and trustworthy betting sites available to punters in the UK today, it is hugely important that you register with a bookie who offers a safe platform at all times. The first factor to consider is whether that bookmaker holds a valid license from the UKGC. Usually the Gambling Commission logo will be displayed on the footer of their website. Those who hold such a license can generally be considered safe, due to the high standards in which the authority has put in place. In order to be awarded a gambling license from the Gambling Commission, operators must meet strict standards when it comes to fair games, security and responsible gambling, all of which should be of importance to punters.
Leading betting sites work alongside respected and approved authorities in order to have their features and services regularly tested for fairness. Meanwhile, online betting sites should use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology in order to ensure that their platform is 100% secure at all times. SSL provides a private link between the betting site and the customer, helping to prevent malware and virus attacks as well as protect against the threat of fraud. The best betting sites will also work alongside gambling organisations in order to promote responsible betting at all times, with only those aged 18+ and who are able to provide a proof of identity accepted.
The minimum stake accepted will differ from bookmaker to bookmaker. That being said, the standard amount normally comes in at somewhere between 1p and £1. Such stakes are preferable for those who are not in a position to risk greater amounts, but who still wish to place bets at times where large odds and potential winnings are on offer.
What’s more, small stakes are ideal for those looking to gain a better understanding of how a betting site operates. However, it is worth keeping in mind that a deposit of such a small amount will rarely be accepted, with the majority of bookmakers only processing deposits starting at between £5-£10.
With the majority of bookmakers now offering a variety of bonuses and promotions in an attempt to entice punters into both registering and placing bets, wagering requirements are conditions that must be met in order to either claim your bonus or withdraw winnings. When it comes to sports bonuses, the wagering requirements are not as high as other forms of gambling, such as online casinos. Still, a minimum deposit, minimum odds and rollover amounts must be met.
For example, in order to receive a 100% matched deposit bonus, you will have to deposit at least £10 after registering your account. Similarly, qualifying bets may be required to meet odds of 1/2 or greater, while bonus funds may have to be turned over x5 before withdrawals can be made. Bookmakers introduce wagering requirements in order to prevent punters from taking unfair advantages of promotions. These terms and conditions also ensure that customers do deposit and bet, at least once.
Funds that are available for withdrawal in your account will be paid out through one of the site’s banking options. It is common for most online sportsbooks to require you to make a withdrawal with the same method you used to make your deposit. The only time a different banking option may be required is if the deposit method is not available for making withdrawals.
It is not uncommon for your withdrawal to take multiple days to process and for you to receive it. Also, it is important to note that with your first withdrawal, you will be required to provide ID (e.g. driver’s license passport, etc.) for proof of identity verification purposes. This is to protect both you and operator against fraud. Also, be advised that if some of the funds in your account is bonus money, you may not be eligible to withdraw these funds until you meet certain wagering requirements or other terms and conditions.
Gambling addiction does not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture or financial status. If you believe that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, you will find that most online betting sites provide you with tools and resources to help you stay in control of your gambling. These often include setting deposit limits, taking temporary breaks, self-exclusion, and contact information for organizations that offer help and support, such as the National Gambling Helpline at www.begambleaware.org. Always remember that above all else, betting should be fun. When the fun stops, so should you. Bet responsibly and within your limits