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Best Betting Sites in the UK 2025

The United Kingdom is one of the world’s largest economies and home to 15,000,000+ gambling lovers. A lot of them still place wagers on high-street bookies, but most of them have already made the jump to online betting.

The Gambling Act of 2005 made all forms of gambling legal in the country. You can find hundreds of local sportsbooks, with many new ones making their appearance yearly. However, a large number of international operators has burst through the scene.

On this page, you can find a thorough list of all the best betting sites in the UK. We will also mention all the laws and regulations you must know before you start your gambling journey. But first, here is a list of the best bookmakers in the country.

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

Despite the absence of a tax on your winnings, UK betting sites have very strict rules, especially when it comes to payments and verification. This is why most players have opted for international bookmakers offering their services to British punters.

Full List of UK Betting Sites

How to Find the Best British Betting Sites

BMB_InfoDue to the sheer number of online bookmakers operating in the United Kingdom, finding the site that best suits your needs can prove challenging. This is why we have created a shortlist of aspects you should evaluate before creating a new account with UK betting sites.

Sports & Markets

Operators must offer a thorough coverage of the most popular sports in the UK. These include football, horse and greyhound racing, cricket, and tennis. Additionally, you should be able to bet on many special markets.

Live Betting

Pre-match betting is only half. Bookmakers must also provide an excellent range of in-play markets, as well as offer all the notable sports for live betting.

Features

Cash Out, Bet Builder, and Live Streaming (especially in horse racing) have become essential parts of most players’ strategies. However, in the UK, players want the option to ask for odds on markets that are not available on the sportsbook. This is possible through the Request a Bet service.

Payments

Most online bookies in the country only accept certain transaction options. Some of the most popular ones include VISA and Mastercard debit cards, PayPal or other e-wallets, as well as Google and Apple pay. Interestingly, credit cards and cryptos are not available to most operators.

Local Options

Apart from the available markets, sports, and payments, betting sites in the UK can be identified by several other factors, including the fractional odds format, the types of betting offers that players can claim, and their gambling licenses.

What You Need to Know About Online Betting in the UK

Active Players Legal Age Local Currency Dispute Resolution
15,000,000+ 18+ Pound (£) UKGC

Online betting in the United Kingdom has been fully regulated through the Gambling Act of 2005. The main regulatory authority that oversees all activities in the country is the UK Gambling Commission on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The 2005 Act specified all the laws surrounding online gambling, with a particular emphasis on the protection of minors and vulnerable individuals, the taxes on winnings and betting companies, as well all the limitations.

Is Sports Betting Legal in the UK?

BMB_LegalThe answer is yes. All online bookmakers and casinos who have obtained a UKGC or Gibraltar license are able to legally offer their services to UK bettors. The Gambling Commission ensures that all operators maintain all the standards set by the Act of 2005.

It also has the power to investigate operators at any point and enforce strict penalties on UK betting websites that deviate from those standards. For example, in March of 2022, 888 UK Limited was fined £9.4m after a UKGC investigation revealed that several websites in the company had social responsibility and money laundering failings.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?

BMB_Markets GenericInterestingly, gambling winnings are not subject to taxes in the United Kingdom. This happened back in 2001 when Prime Minister Gordon Brown transferred the responsibility from players to the betting companies.

The HM Revenue & Customs authority does not recognize online gambling as a trade, which means that even professional bettors are not required to pay taxes. They only need to pay income tax for sponsorships. On the other hand, you should know that any income you gain from gambling winnings is, in fact, subject to taxation.

What Are The Limitations of Local Betting Sites in the UK?

BMB_Versus SymbolSince registering, you first need to remember that UK betting sites demand that you verify your new account before you can place a wager. You must send all the necessary documents, including ID and proof of address. Otherwise, you will not be able to gamble on the website.

In addition, since the KYC process is very strict, it might take some time to complete it. The second limitation is tied to the payment methods you can use. Credit cards have been banned since 2020, while cryptocurrencies are also not accepted by websites holding a UKGC license.

Can You Use Betting Apps in the UK?

BMB_Mobile_AppsOn the plus side, all the top bookmakers in the United Kingdom have developed native applications that are compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows phones. Usually, you will not be able to find them in the Google or Play stores but rather locate them on the official website of the bookie. On the other hand, this is not the case for most offshore betting sites in the UK, where you can only visit mobile websites.

Can I Access Online Bookmakers Outside The Country?

If you want to bypass the strict regulations enforced by the UKGC, you can always choose to sign up and bet with any of the international online sportsbooks operating in the UK. The steps to opening a new account are similar. You can choose a brand from our lists, visit the website, and register. Note that international betting websites in the UK do not demand that you finish the KYC process, so you can start betting immediately.

What Is the Trajectory of Online Betting in the UK

The sports betting market alone creates over £6 billion in revenue in the UK annually. This amount has skyrocketed after the emergence of online gambling. According to Statista, user penetration is 21% and will be 22.2% by 2029. Next on, we will examine the most popular sports that generate the most revenue.

Football

BMB_Number_OneFootball is by far the most popular sport in the United Kingdom. On average, 46% of the population watches it, and even 10% participates in it. So, it comes as no surprise that online betting in the UK mostly revolves around football, primarily the English Premier League, which is the most lucrative competition in the world. What’s interesting, though, is that football attracts the lowest spenders in the UK, with only 7% of the people wagering on football spending over £100 per month.

Horse Racing

BMB_Number_TwoHorse racing occupies the second spot in the UK regarding viewerships and popularity. The biggest organization in the country, the Jockey Club, was founded back in 1750 and oversees hundreds of events on a yearly basis. When it comes to online betting, significant meetings, such as the Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival, take the lion's share of the bettors’ interest.

Cricket

BMB_Number_ThreeLocal bettors have a deep connection with cricket since the UK is the sport's birthplace. All around the year, high-profile matches are played in iconic venues such as the Oval or the Lord’s. Regarding online betting in the UK, studies have shown that 18% of the players bet at least £200 per month, which is considerably higher compared to football. However, only 10% of the total bettors in the United Kingdom place wagers on cricket every year.

Other Sports

BMB_Number_FourBritish players enjoy betting on more sports. More specifically, apart from the aforementioned ones, many users place wagers on Rugby Union, tennis, boxing, greyhound racing, golf, and darts. In addition, American leagues like the NFL and the NHL have gradually started to gain footing among players.

How To Bet Online in the UK - Step By Step

If you want to start playing on British betting sites, the process is pretty straightforward. As a reference, feel free to follow the steps below.

  • 1
    Choose a Bookie: Pick one of the designated brands from our list above and visit the official website. Make sure to reach each review carefully before signing up to ensure that the bookie offers all the services you are looking for.
  • 2
    Register an Account: First, you must create a new betting account by entering all your personal information. Remember that to be able to place wagers in the UK, you must first complete the KYC process.
  • 3
    Top up your account: Once your new account is up and running, you can go to the cashier and make your first-ever deposit. If you are looking to claim a welcome bonus, make sure you add enough money and use one of the accepted payment options.
  • 4
    Start betting: That’s it. After you complete all the steps above, you should be ready to start placing your wagers. Visit the official sportsbook and find the sport and market you prefer. Then, tap on your bet and add the stake.

Which Are the Top Payments British Bettors Use?

The days of only being able to add money to your balance with only 1-2 options are long gone. Today, online betting sites in the UK allow players to top up their balances with a plethora of methods. However, there are some notable restrictions you must know.

VISA / Mastercard: Almost all operators in the country accept debit card transactions, mainly via Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro. This is the easiest and most straightforward way to add money to your betting account in the UK.

Paypal: This is another popular transaction method with over 20 million users across the United Kingdom. The e-wallet is one of the most reliable gambling payments in the world. However, you should note that certain PayPal betting sites have restricted the option of welcome bonuses.

Apple Pay / Google Pay: Since most online betting in the UK happens on the go, many players have elected to link their phones with their debit cards and perform transactions almost instantaneously. For more information, feel free to check our Apple Pay bookmakers and Google Pay betting sites guides.

Is There a Betting Tax on Payments

Similarly to the tax on winnings, players do not need to pay a tax on payments used for gambling activities. This is the case for all types of transactions, including debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and mobile payments.

Can I top up my account with Cryptocurrency?

This question is tricky. On the one hand, betting websites in the UK that hold a UKGC license do not offer Bitcoin or any other type of cryptocurrency as a viable method for performing transactions. The reason is that the Commission has not approved cryptos as a valid payment option due to money laundering concerns.

On the other hand, you can visit international UK bookmakers that are licensed offshore and accept British bettors. Most of these sites offer cryptocurrencies as a means to top up your account and bet.

Is It Possible to Deposit with Credit Cards

In 2020, Great Britain became the first country to implement a ban on credit card transactions for online gambling. The main reason for this was to prevent larger harm to players. That way, people would limit the amount of borrowed money used for gambling activities. Even though the news did not reach all players immediately, studies have shown that the losses have been halted due to these measures.

Gambling Regulations in Other Countries

You will find that, despite their close proximity, there are many notable differences between the UK and neighboring countries when it comes to gambling regulations. Let’s take a look at some notable examples:

Ireland: Gambling laws in the country are not as strict compared to the UK. While gambling is regulated and operators can acquire a local license, you will find that many players can easily access international betting sites in Ireland with limited to no restrictions.

France: The country is well-known for its heritage of brick-and-mortar casinos, racetracks, and betting shops. Online gambling is also fully regulated, and players can take advantage of numerous French betting sites for sports betting, casino gambling, and poker.

Germany: Unlike the UK, gambling winnings are subject to a 5% tax. Not only that, but all wagers also include a small taxation. This is the main reason why many players are looking for unlicensed betting sites in Germany.

Online Betting in the UK: What Does the Future Hold

BMB_BookspyIn 2020, it was proposed that the government must re-evaluate the laws surrounding online gambling. Even though the process was late, in 2023, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) published a white paper called ‘High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age’.

The whole evaluation process ended in early 2024, and the new reforms will take place gradually from late 2024 until 2026. The main points outline the need to protect players from losing high sums of money.

Among the most notable changes, the maximum stakes for slot games are limited based on the player’s age and there will also be a ban on autoplay features, as well as functions that allow users to play many games simultaneously. Additionally, UK betting sites will be subject to a lot more scrutiny and will be required to provide regular reports of player’s deposits, stakes, and losses.

FAQ
Q: How do you bet on UK betting sites?

The first thing you need to know is that UK betting sites are well-regulated. So, as soon as you create an account, you will be required to verify your identity. Otherwise, you will not be able to place any wagers. Remember that the legal gambling age in the country is 18 years old.

Q: How many betting sites in the UK exist?

At this time, there are hundreds of online bookmakers that hold a UKGC license. However, sites such as Betfair, Bet365, William Hill, Ladbrokes and Coral hold the lion's share of players.

Q: What types of offers can I claim?

The most popular welcome bonuses mainly come in the form of Free Bets. Apart from that, most sites cater to the needs of players by providing daily promos such as ACCA Bonuses and Insurance or Enhanced Odds on all the top events.

Q: Can you use British betting sites abroad?

Yes, in most cases, you can do so through a VPN service. All you have to do is set up an account and get connected to a UK server. However, note that the operators can ban you if they detect that you are not betting from within the UK.

Q: Can I use PayPal Credit on betting sites in the UK?

No. This is because of the credit card ban that the United Kingdom enforced on online gambling as of April 14, 2020. On the other hand, you can freely use a PayPal debit card to fund your account on most UK betting sites.

Q: Are my winnings taxed on UK betting sites?

Interestingly, winnings derived from gambling are not taxable in the United Kingdom. This means that British punters who bet online get to keep all they win. This is true for any amount.

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