Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and has a rich gambling history that dates back to the 16th century. Today, 20% of the population, over 1.5 million players, actively bet online.
Most wager on locally licensed bookies that come with high security and excellent player protection. However, lately, we have noticed many users registering with international operators who offer higher levels of anonymity and a wider range of payments, including cryptos and credit cards.
On this page, we will go over the best Scottish betting sites available. You can also find a thorough overview of the gambling regulations, alongside the best transaction options to top up your account and how to do it. Let’s start with our top recommendations.
Bookmaker Comparison | Local Licensed | International |
Licensing | United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) | Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake and other international regulators |
Payments | Debit Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Other E-wallets | Debit Cards, Credit Cards, E-wallets, Cryptos, 30+ Other Options |
User Experience | Fully localised for English bettors | All websites offer English language + support |
KYC Verification | Mandatory before betting | Depending on the website |
Taxation | No Taxation | No Taxation |
Scotland follows the example of the rest of the UK countries. This means no taxation on your winnings but strict KYC policies. For a more relaxed environment, you can register with international bookies instead.
Full List of Scottish Bookmakers
How We Rate Scottish Bookies
The number of options to choose from, both domestically and internationally, is through the roof. This is why you can check several criteria to ensure you are placing your wagers on the best Scottish betting sites.
Sports & Markets: Find a bookmaker that offers high odds and a wide variety of markets for all the sports you are interested in wagering. In addition, ensure that the payout is competitive across all selections, not only the popular ones.
Live Betting: Of course, most players enjoy playing after a match starts. This is why your sportsbook must offer thorough in-play betting coverage, including high odds, dozens of markets, and special bets like Fast Markets.
Features: Betting features have become essential to all users. Many use them in their everyday strategies. Some of the most common ones in Scotland are Request a Bet, Cash Out, and Live Streaming.
Payments: The most popular methods are PayPal, debit cards, and mobile wallets. However, local bookies in Scotland do not accept credit card or cryptocurrency deposits. This is why you should register with international ones if you prefer the latter options.
Bonuses/Promos: The main reason for creating a new account with a bookie is to take advantage of the welcome offer. Moreover, players are content when the site provides regular ongoing promotions, such as ACCA Boosts, Enhanced Odds, and BOG.
What You Need to Know About Betting in Scotland
Active Players | Legal Age | Local Currency | Player Protection |
2,000,000+ | 18+ | British Pound (£) | UKGC |
While Scotland has some laws that differ from those of the UK, this is not true with online betting. The industry was regulated in 2005 through the Gambling Act. The UKGC is the main authority that oversees all activities, with attention to shielding underaged or at-risk people from the risks of gambling. It also states the limitations of Scottish bookmakers that hold a local license, as well as the taxation on both operators and the players’ winnings.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?
Despite the tough regulations in the country, players do not have to pay any taxes on their profits. In 2001, PM Gordon Brown announced that the burden would only fall upon UK bookmakers. However, if you make any additional income through gambling winnings, it will be taxed.
What Are the Best Sports in Scottish Betting Sites
Football is by far the most popular sport in Scotland. Scotting football originates back to the 15th century, and the Scottish Cup is the oldest national trophy in the world. So, it is no surprise that football betting is the favorite pastime for the Scots. The Celtic vs. Rangers clash is among the biggest derbies globally and is thoroughly covered by all international bookmakers.
Additionally, horse racing is immensely popular among Scottish bookies, with high-profile events like the Grand National or the Ayr Festival gathering the most interest. Apart from the race winner, you can find an abundance of markets such as each/way,
Finally, sports that started in the country, like golf or rugby, are also widespread among punters.
Which Payments Do Scottish Bettors Prefer?
Punters' most popular deposit methods are debit cards, bank transfers, Paysafecard, and e-wallets, like Skrill and Neteller. PayPal bookies are very common, and major brands in Scotland offer a wide range of deposit options, including the ones mentioned above.
This means bettors can choose the transaction that suits them best to fund their betting account. On the other hand, credit cards have been banned in the UK, meaning local Scottish bookmakers do not offer them.
The same restriction applies to crypto deposits and withdrawals, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. If you want to perform payments via credit cards or cryptocurrencies, you should create an account with an international operator.
Online Betting in Scotland: What Does the Future Hold
Since the establishment of the Gambling Act 2005, the local market has become liberalized, and punters are free to bet on any sportsbook they want, including those that are not licensed domestically.
The future of gambling in the country looks promising, with newly licensed UK betting sites constantly coming into the scene. However, we do not expect any drastic changes to be made soon. Things will likely continue to work under the current regulations.
Gambling Regulations in Nearby Countries
⏩ Ireland: has a large regulated market for the most part, as all land-based operators, as well as many online providers, are fully licensed. However, betting sites in Ireland face no restrictions, and players are free to sign-up with the bookie of their choice.
⏩ Wales: adheres to the regulations set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), granting locals access to leading operators in the industry. The Welsh betting sites are also subject to regulation and hold Tier-1 international licenses.
⏩ Northern Ireland: has legal online and on-land gambling in all its forms. It is regulated by the same international commission overseeing the other British countries, the UKGC. Players can choose to bet on many top brands in the rich list of Northern Ireland bookmakers.
Yes, all forms of gambling in Scotland are legal according to the provisions of the Gambling Act 2005 and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), which was established on September 1, 2007.
Whether you are playing online or on high street bookies, the legal age is 18. However, if you are betting online with licensed operators, you must complete the KYC bookmaker verification before you can place any wagers.
Lately, we have noticed that many players elect international bookmakers that offer anonymity over locally licensed ones. Some of the top options that come with high odds, excellent promotions, and a wide range of payments are Mystake and Goldenbet.
On local sportsbooks, you can top up your account through debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, and Apple/Google Pay. For international operators, you can also make deposits via credit cards and cryptocurrencies.
No matter if you are playing on local or international bookies, winnings derived from gambling activities are not taxed in the United Kingdom.
Football betting is the most widespread in the country. Nonetheless, sports of Scottish origin, such as golf and tennis, along with rugby and horse racing, are also very popular among local punters.