Best Welsh Betting Sites 2025

Being part of the UK, Wales has a vibrant gambling history since it was home to the first legal casino in 1961. Today, 800,000+ local players elect to place their wagers online on brands such as Betfred, William Hill or BetMGM.

Having a plethora of brands at hand is no problem for locals, but the stringent gambling regulations are. As a result, offshore bookies are gaining traction by offering reduced verification hurdles while keeping odds competitive and bonuses flowing.

On this page, we will examine their main similarities and differences as well as offer you a full list of the top Welsh betting sites. What is the gambling tax in the country? Do we expect any drastic changes in the near future? Let’s find out, starting from our most rated bookies.

Bookmaker Comparison	Local Licensed	International
Licensing	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 localized for English bettors	All websites offer English language and support
KYC Verification	Mandatory before betting	Depending on the website
Taxation	No Taxation	No Taxation

Full List of Welsh Bookmakers

How We Rate Welsh Betting Sites

The sheer number of choices available within Wales and abroad can be overwhelming. However, there is a short list of criteria you can consider to rate each betting platform:

Sports Betting Options: Choose a bookmaker with excellent odds and a broad selection of markets for your favorite sports. Also, ensure that the payout is competitive for all selections available in the sportsbook.

In-Play Betting: Except for pre-match wagering, it is crucial to select a platform that offers extensive live betting opportunities with high odds, multiple markets, and useful features.

Key Services: Modern bettors rely heavily on features that enhance their strategies. Tools like Cash Out, Bet Builder, and Live Streaming are especially popular in Wales, allowing for greater flexibility.

Payment Methods: PayPal, debit cards, and mobile wallets are among the most widely used options. However, local Welsh bookmakers typically don’t accept cryptocurrency or credit card payments.

Promos and Rewards: The betting bonus is a major draw for new players. Beyond that, ongoing offers like price boosts or accumulator bonuses keep players returning for more.

What You Need to Know About Betting in Wales

Active Players	Legal Age	Local Currency	Player Protection
800,000+	18+	British Pound (£)	GamCare

Gambling became legal in Wales in the 1960s. The Betting and Gaming Act of 1960 legalized land-based bookmakers and casinos. One year later, the first legal casino in Britain, the Casino Club Port Talbot in Wales, opened its doors.

Several betting shops and casinos were established in the following years, and the market began to thrive. Nowadays, all forms of online gambling are legal under the Gambling Act of 2005. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission, which assumed power on September 1, 2007, oversees all licensed Welsh betting sites.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?

Even though the laws and regulations surrounding online gambling in the country are very strict and tighten as the years go by, players do not have to pay any taxes on their profits. This is the case for both amateur and professional bettors. However, if you are playing on international Welsh betting sites, ensure you are transparent about your activities.

What Are the Best Sports in Welsh Betting Sites

Punters will have no shortage of sports to wager on at Welsh betting sites. Ranging from peak time football and basketball action to local and worldwide leagues, there’s everything you need for your session. Let’s see some of the most notable sports you can find.

Rugby

Rugby is the most popular sport in Wales and is seen as a symbol of Welsh identity. So, it is no surprise that rugby union is the most widespread in the country. Punters love to back the national team on the bookies that offer the best Six Nations betting odds.

Football

Football is considered the second most popular sport. The Cymru Premier, along with the EPL, are the leagues that players prefer to place their wagers on. Horse racing is also very popular among Welsh bookmakers.

Which Payments Do Welsh Bettors Prefer?

Locals' most common deposit methods are debit cards, bank transfers, Paysafecard and e-wallets, such as Skrill, PayPal, and Neteller. Players can choose the payment method that suits them the most with no restrictions whatsoever.

However, note that in licensed UK bookmakers, you cannot top up your account with credit cards or cryptocurrencies. If you prefer performing transactions with these methods, you should opt for international Welsh betting sites.

Online Betting in Wales: What Does the Future Hold

Since the 2005 Gambling Act came into effect, the Welsh sports betting market has been significantly liberalized. Players can place their wagers on any bookmaker they prefer, provided it holds a valid license issued by the UKGC.

Consequently, since the top sportsbooks in the country are fully regulated and completely reliable, there is no clear sign that things will take a turn for the worse in the future. However, due to the payment or even market restrictions in most licensed operators, and as a way to avoid the self-exclusion programs, many users play on international Welsh betting sites to ensure anonymity and more freedom.

Gambling Regulations in Nearby Countries

• Ireland: has regulated gambling, and players are free to choose from a plethora of providers both online and on land. Locals can easily access betting sites in Ireland, as few restrictions apply even for the bookies that do not hold a Tier-1 license.
• Northern Ireland: as opposed to its southern neighbours, is a UK country and no longer an EU-member state. This means that gambling is fully regulated, and operators have to follow strict UKGC guidelines. The list of Northern Ireland bookmakers is rich with top international brands.
• Scotland: just like Wales and Northern Ireland, has legal gambling that is overseen by the UKGC. The majority of Scottish bookmakers are fully compliant and offer competitive odds, markets, and promotions.