Your Guide To The Best UK Betting Sites in 2020

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 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 sports betting online brands 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.

Top UK Betting Sites – November 2020

T&Cs: New customers only • Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.5) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expires after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time • Withdrawal restrictions & Full T&C’s apply

New UK & NI customers only. 18+. Sign up using promo code ‘SPORTS60’. Deposit & place first sports bet at a minimum of £10 in one bet transaction at evens (2.0)+.

New customers only. Min Deposit: £10. First deposit matched up to £10. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Terms apply

New customers only. Min deposit £10 (UK debit cards only) Bet £10 at odds of evens (2.0) or greater. Multiple bets with cumulative odds of evens (2.0) count, each leg must have odds of 1/5 (1.2) to be eligible. Each way bets are eligible for this promotion. Upon qualifying bet settlement, 1 x £5.00 Free Bet will be credited to your account. Once the first £5.00 Free Bet has been used a further 3 x £5.00 Free Bets will be applied to your account. Free bet stake not returned after bet settlement. Valid for 7 days, each Free Bet must be used in its entirety.

18+. UK+IRE only. T&Cs apply.

New customers only. Deposit £10 min and claim in ‘my offers’ 1×100% mobile in-play profit boost. Max stake £10. Max extra winnings £100. Valid for 30 days. Skrill/Neteller deposits do not qualify. 18+ Full T&Cs apply. www.begambleaware.org

18+ New UK+IRE customers. Paypal and certain deposit types and bet types excluded. Min £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days on sports, stake not returned, restrictions apply. T&Cs apply,

New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any sportsbook market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £30. Only deposits made using Cards or Paypal will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. Paddy’s Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply.

New customers only; Use code: PLAY10; Min. deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Bonus amount is 50% of deposit up to £50; Offer can be claimed once per household; Wager the qualifying deposit and bonus amount 5x within 30 days to convert bonus winnings into real money; Wagers must be on min. odds of 1.80 on singles or combo bets with min odds. of 1.40 per selection to qualify; Max. stake contribution to wagering requirement is the value of your bonus; Terms apply; 18

New UK players only/First bet in first 14 days/ Any sport with 3 selections/ Deposit and min. 1.8 odds per selection/Minimum stake £5 maximum £30/ Certain payment methods excluded/ T&C apply/18+/begambleaware.org

18+. Cash stakes only. Min £10 stake required for initial £5 free bet. Min odds ½. Max £25 in free bets. Subsequent free bets equal 50% average of each 3 qualifying bets. 13 bets required to receive full £25 free bet. Qualifying bet must be placed within 30 days of opening account. Free bet expires after 7 days. Payment method restrictions apply. **18+. Opt in. UK/IRE customers only. Max Stake £/€20. Max free bet £/€500. 1st pre live single on selected markets. 90 mins only. Free/cashed out/combined Odds bets won’t qualify. Free bet expires after 7 days. T&Cs apply

18+ ,UK + IRE only, 18+, Full T&Cs apply

Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

Best Bookie For Football

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 best bookie for football to this day. 

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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.

Best Bookmaker For Horse Racing

Bet365 have been one of the dominant bookies 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. 

bet365 Open Account Offer

Open a new player account with Bet356 and deposit...Show More

Open a new player account with Bet356 and deposit £5+ into your account and your qualifying deposit will be matched in Bet Credits up to £100 when you place qualifying bets to the same value and the bets are settled.*Show Less

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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.

Bookmaker For The Best Betting Offers

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. 

William Hill New Customer Offer Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

Get £30 in free bets as a new customer! Open an...Show More

Get £30 in free bets as a new customer! Open an account using promo code P30 and place a bet of a minimum £10/€10 at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater, and William Hill will give you 2 free bets worth £15/€15 each. Free bet expires after 30 days of being credited. Free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. 18+, full T&Cs apply. Show Less

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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. 

Best New Betting Site

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. 

SBK Deposit £20 Get £20 Risk-Free

Register a new account, make a first deposit of...Show More

Register a new account, make a first deposit of £20 or more using Debit/Credit Card, bank transfer or Trustly, and place a bet on SBK. If your qualifying bet should settle as a loser, SBK will refund your stake in cash up to £20. 18+, T&Cs apply. Show Less

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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. 

How We Rank Our Websites

To receive our approval, the sites we review and recommend to you – like the top 10 betting sites above – must meet certain criteria. Here are the good things we look for when reviewing the best sports betting brands:

• 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.

With That In Mind, Here Are Some Of The Bad Things We Watch Out For:

• No licence 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.

 Top 3 Welcome Offers

Unibet £40 Money Back + £10 Casino Bonus

Get a £40 Money Back Sports offer and a £10 Casino Bonus when you create an account with Unibet. Simply register an account, make a minimum deposit of £10 and place a sports bet of minimum £1 with odds 2/5 (1.40) or higher. You’ll get your stake back up to a maximum of £40 in bonus money if your first bet loses + £10 Casino Bonus. Offer excludes horse racing, greyhounds and trotting. Sportsbook wagering requirements 3x at minimum odds of 2/5 (1.40). Casino wagering requirements 35x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. 18+, full T&Cs apply.

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GatoBet Bet £10 Get A £30 Free Bet

Sign up as a new player and make your first deposit using deposit code GATO and make a minimum qualifying bet of £10 on any event of your choice to receive a £30 Free Bet. The Free Bet is a one-time stake of £30, min odds of 2, stake is not returned, max conversion £30, 10x wagering the winnings. Skrill deposits excluded. This sign up offer is valid for 5 days from point of issue. 18+, full T&Cs apply.

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bet365 Open Account Offer

Open a new player account with Bet356 and deposit £5+ into your account and your qualifying deposit will be matched in Bet Credits up to £100 when you place qualifying bets to the same value and the bets are settled.*

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Bonus Terms and Conditions

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. 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. Whilest the use of bonus codes has become rare over recent years, bettors must still be sure to check this beforehand.

Betting Apps & Mobile Betting

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 Betting & Streaming

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.

Online Betting Exchanges

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 and Smarkets being amongst the most recognisable names in this area.

LICENSING AND REGULATION OF SPORTS BETTING IN THE UK

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.

Is Online Betting Legal In The UK?

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 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.

What Are The Restrictions Of Betting In The UK?

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.

How Can I Know If A Betting Site Is Safe?

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.

Why Trust TBS?

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.

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