Best Betting Sites UK

What to bet on this week

The Australian Open began on Sunday and there's wall-to-wall tennis to enjoy throughout the night and the morning as the first Grand Slam of the year progresses through its first week. 

The majority of competitors towards the top of the betting in the Australian Open odds for both the men's and women's singles titles largely made it through round one, with reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova and two-time champion Naomi Osaka the biggest casualties.

Tennis betting sites have gone all in on the action in Melbourne, offering free bets, cashback on live bets and profits boosts for accumulators, giving tennis bettors plenty to work with.

There are eight spots up for grabs in the FA Cup fourth round this week as the third round replays take place on Tuesday and Wednesday and football tipster Greg Lea has compiled his best bets from the cup action, throwing them into a 45/1 accumulator.

The group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations also roll on with title holders Senegal having got their defence off to a winning start with a 3-0 win over Gambia. Some of this week's standout fixtures include hosts Ivory Coast taking on Nigeria and Ghana squaring off against Egypt.

The DP World Tour stages one of its big early events of the season in the Dubai Desert Classic, which gets underway on Thursday, while this week's PGA Tour offering comes in the form of The American Express from La Quinta, California.

In darts, newly crowned world champion Luke Humphries and teenage sensation Luke Littler are amongst a 16-strong field for the two-day Bahrain Darts Masters, which starts on Thursday. 

Award-Winning UK Betting Sites 

The Independent highlights top betting sites recognised for their impressive performance in various categories, earning awards for their online betting experiences.

🏆 Online Sports Betting Operator of the Year 2023: bet365 (Global Gaming Awards)

🏆 Sportsbook Operator of the Year 2022:  bet365  (SBC Awards)

🏆 Esports Operator of the Year: 2023 Betway (SBC Awards)

The Independent Picks for the Best Betting Sites in January 2024

Whether your passion is football, horse racing, golf, greyhound, darts, rugby, or bet builders, selecting the right UK betting site is essential. 

Our page categorises the top betting sites based on various sports and specific features. It includes welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, making it easy for you to find the perfect fit for your preferences.

Best Betting Sites For Football

Choosing the right betting site for football is important for a great betting experience. From predicting match outcomes to exploring exciting bet builders, check out some of the best UK betting sites below, each with unique features for football fans.

1. BetMGM

BetMGM, one of the top football betting sites, offers new players £40 in Free Bets with a £10 bet. Simply place a £10 bet, to unlock £40 in Free Bets, covering Bet Builder, Football, Horse Racing, and an Acca for varied betting options. 

We enjoyed the Golden Goals feature, a free prediction game. You can submit predictions for a chance to win the Jackpot. If no player gets all predictions correct, a guaranteed prizepool is paid to those with the most correct predictions

You can also get a weekly £5 Free Bet by placing £10 on a 4+ fold football accumulator and £20 on a bet builder. This activates your £5 free bet. 

Football bettors can get a 5x profit boost with the 'Golden Acca,' e.g., a 4-selection bet earns a 20% boost. Daily Golden Boosts include a 100% boost on Saturdays for Football Bet Builder. 

2. Bet365

Bet365 is one of our favourite betting sites for football accumulators. The Soccer Acca Boost increases winnings by 2.5% to 70% based on the number of selections.

Our favourite feature is the 'Edit Bet' option. It lets you add, swap, or remove selections and increase stakes on unsettled bets, both before the match and during play. The Edit Bet feature can be used on accumulators, allowing you to make modifications to unsettled accumulator bets. 

The 'Full Time Result - Enhanced Prices' promo allows you to get better odds on selected soccer matches in competitions like the Champions League and Premier League. Look for the "Enhanced Prices" option in the coupon, and you can get higher payouts for your bets. It's a way to boost your potential winnings on specific matches.

3. Betfred

Betfred stands out in premier league betting, offering PickYourPunt which allows you to create and customise your own unique bets. PickYourPunt is only available on selected leagues and matches. Access #PickYourPunt or tweet @Betfred for custom bets. 

The Acca Flex can increase your winnings by up to 50%. 5+ legs is the minimum number of selections to get a price boost. You get cashback of up to £10 for losing by one selection.

Our favourite feature is Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven. You place a pre-match bet on the first goalscorer. If your player scores twice, you get double the odds and treble the odds for a hattrick. 

Meet Our Football UK Betting Sites Expert

We have sourced the best betting sites experts to cover various sports and keep you updated on the top betting sites in the UK. Our experts have years of experience in the sports betting industry and personal experience with various online bookmakers.

Michael's Favourite Betting Sites for Football

💬 "Bet365 is my favourite UK betting site for football. The Edit Bet function is unique, allowing me to add, swap, or remove selections and increase stakes. Betfred has the innovative PickyourPunt feature, this allows me to customise bets. BetMGM, a new player in the UK, stands out with features like Daily Golden Boosts. " 

Best Betting Sites for Horse Racing 

Choosing the best betting site for horse racing can be difficult with the amount of options on offer in the UK. Our expert has picked the top betting sites for horse racing, taking into consideration important factors such as live streaming, best odds guaranteed and the quality of promotions.

With the Cheltenham festival approaching, these sites also have the best Cheltenham free bets.

1. Unibet

Unibet is one of the best horse racing betting sites, offering live streaming of UK and Irish races, best odds guaranteed, and a range of racing promotions. These include three 'Uniboosts' daily on any chosen horse, a daily Acca Boost, money back specials on ITV races, and more extra places than other bookies.

As sponsors of key events like the Unibet Champion Hurdle and with ambassadors like trainers Nicky Henderson and Richard Hannon, Unibet was named 'Horse Race Betting Operator of the Year' in 2021 and 2022. 

2. Kwiff

Kwiff is an innovative sports betting site. You can bet on a wide range of horse races and enjoy unique promotions. If your horse is 'First past the post' but isn't awarded the race, you'll still be paid out your winnings 

You can get a Surprise Bet up to £10, when your horse finishes 2nd to the SP favourite at selected meetings. A Surprise Bet is a bet made by Kwiff and could be on any sport. 

The odds on your bet could even get kwiffed. This is when the odds on your bet are suddenly improved. You could get kwiffed on any bet but you can’t control when it happens.

3. Fitzdares

Fitzdares are the official betting partner of Fulham FC and were awarded 'Racing Sportsbook of the Year' in 2020. They offer live streaming of UK, Irish and international racing, generous specials and boosts on racing multiples.

Receive a free bet if your horse finishes 2nd to one priced at 20/1 or larger in any UK & Irish race. You can get a percentage bonus on winnings on your Lucky 15, 31 and 63 bets, with the bonus amount varying based on the number of winning legs.

Meet Our Horse Racing UK Betting Sites Expert

We ensure that we get the best experts on board to guide you through the world of horse racing betting. Our dedicated horse racing UK betting sites expert brings extensive knowledge and experience to assist you in making informed decisions, offering insights, tips, and recommendations to improve your horse racing betting experience.

Diarmuid's Favourite UK Betting Sites for Horse Racing

💬 "Unibet is one the best betting sites for live streaming races and the Uniboosts feature is a good addition to the Unibet offers. I like Kwiff for its innovation and unique offerings. The odds on your bet can get 'kwiffed'. This is when the odds on your bet are suddenly improved. Fitzdares is the best site for Lucky 15, 31 and 63 bets."

Best Betting Sites for Bet Builders

1. Bzeebet

Bzeebet offers a versatile Bet Builder, covering various sports like football, tennis, rugby union, rugby league, American football and more. Choose from up to 30 markets per match, and the intuitive interface allows easy customization, including combining selections from different games or non-Bet Builder bets.

Boost your daily wagers with the 'BZ Combo Boost', providing up to a 77% boost for multiple winning bets. Participate in 'Free Bet Thursdays' by making combo bets of £20 or £50 during the week to earn a £5 or £10 Free Bet on Thursdays.

2. HeySpin

HeySpin allows you to create the bet you want with their Bet Builder feature. Available on Soccer (Football), Tennis, Australian Rules Football, American Football, Baseball, Basketball, Cricket, Ice Hockey, Rugby League & Rugby Union.

To increase your odds, you can pair your Bet Builder bet with another Bet Builder bet from a different match, or even single selections from other matches, to form a combo bet.  

3. NetBet

NetBet is another online bookmaker to make the process of building customised bets easy. Simply choose your match, click the Bet Builder toggle and start adding your selections, then just add your stake and place your bet.

It's not only football bet builders with NetBet, you can also build bets on the likes of cricket, rugby, basketball and American football, plus they also offer a Weekly Free Bet Club and enhanced odds on big events with BetPlus+.

Best Online Betting Sites For Greyhounds

Greyhound betting is popular for its speed, diverse betting options and live streaming. Boylesports are one of top Greyhound betting sites for punters. They offer money back as a free bet if your selection is 2nd to a SP favourite. 

Boylesports also have the best odds guaranteed on Greyhound races in the UK & Ireland. In addition to these promotions, Boylesports livestreams races and has virtual greyhound racing. 

Best UK Betting Sites for Tennis

The first grand slam of the year, the Australian Open, kicks off on January 14th. Among our recommended betting sites is bet365. The Tennis Acca Boost can that increase your winnings by 5%-70% based on the number of selections. With their 'Tennis Retirement Guarantee,' you get paid as a winner if your selected player's opponent retires hurt.

We also recommend the Kwiff Australian Open Free Spins Promo. Just bet £5 on any tennis market, single or acca, and get 10 Free Spins on Crimson Moon. We liked this promo for combining sports betting excitement with casino rewards, offering a unique experience for users who enjoy both sports and casino gaming.

BetVictor has an interesting offer for the Australian Open called the 'Australian Open Wheel.' Place a £10 bet or more on any Tennis market to spin the wheel for a chance to win a Tennis Acca (3+ selections) free bet or a Tennis In-Play Free Bet, up to £10.

Best Esports Betting UK Site

Betway

Betway was crowned the 2023 Esports Operator of the Year at the SBC Awards. Betway have a whole section dedicated to Esports Betting, including all the major tournaments. Betway have the best Esports odds on the market.

Betway covers betting markets on CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2, Call of Duty to name a few. Additionally, Betway offers Esports betting tips and pick to help players choose the best bets.

Best Betting Sites for the Darts

The Darts Premier League kicks off on February 1st, and our recommended darts betting sitess have exclusive offers for you. From sign-up bonuses to free bets, these sites bring extra rewards to your Darts Premier League bets. Check out our dedicated darts betting sites for the best odds and bonuses.

Top UK Betting Sites for Boxing

Prepare for the upcoming boxing fights with our top picks for the best boxing betting sites in the UK. These betting sites provide exclusive offers adding value for your boxing wagers. Our recommend betting sites will include all the best boxing betting markets are available including Round Betting, Total Rounds, and Will The Fight Go The Distance.

Best UK Betting Sites for Golf

The golf season is starting back up and the 2024 Masters are approaching. We have compiled as list of the best golf betting sites. offer the best odds, various markets, and special promotions designed specifically for golf punters.

Top Online Betting Sites for NFL

The NFL is in the business end of the season with the playoffs for the Super Bowl. The best UK betting sites will have a host of specials for the 4 Divisonal Round games this weekend. They will also cover all the main betting markets. We recommend checking out our dedicated NFL betting sites page to help you choose the best site for NFL betting.

How to Choose the Best UK Betting Site

Selecting the best UK betting site is important for a great betting experience. With many choices, it's important to consider various factors that suit your preferences. We'll break down key elements to help you make an informed decision and find the best betting site tailored to your needs

1. Licensed Bookmakers

When choosing UK betting sites, ensure they are licensed for legal use in the UK. All bookies recommended by The Independent are licensed, ensuring a regulated betting environment. Confirm licensing by checking the site's homepage or the UK Gambling Commission public register.

2. Offers and Promotions

Look for welcome offers and regular promotions, including free bets, on top UK betting sites.

3. Mobile Compatibility

With over 60% of online bettors using phones, pick bookmakers with great mobile experiences and betting apps for Android or iOS devices.

4. Competitive Betting Odds

Choose bookmakers with consistently competitive odds. Compare prices from different bookies for better value in specific sports or markets.

5. Payment Options

Select betting sites with flexible payment choices for quick transactions. Look for platforms supporting debit cards, e-wallets, or PayPal for convenience.

6. Customer Support

Prioritise sites with easy-to-reach support, including 24/7 live chat for quick and helpful responses to your queries.

7. Live Betting Options

Prioritise UK betting sites with comprehensive live options, including streaming, cash-out, and live updates for an engaging experience.

Different Types of Betting Offers:

• Welcome Bonus: A welcome bonus attracts new customers with a promo, often doubling the initial deposit. Example: a 100% matched bonus up to a specified amount.
• Free Bets: Offered in welcome packages or ongoing promotions, free bets come through loyalty programs, referrals, or event promotions for existing customers.
• Enhanced Odds: Boosted odds on selected events aim to attract new sign-ups or reward existing customers with higher odds than regular market prices. For example, the Betgoodwin World Darts Championship special offers Gerwyn Price to win outright at 6/1.
• Cashback Offers: A safety net for bettors, cashback promotions refund specific bets or a percentage of losses within a set period, mitigating losses.
• Acca Insurance: Acca Insurance refunds or compensates bettors narrowly missing wins on accumulator bets. If one leg loses, the site refunds the stake or provides a free bet.

Best Payment Methods for Online Betting

Choose a bookmaker that accepts your preferred banking methods. Best UK betting sites offer various options, including:

• Visa Debit
• Debit Mastercard
• Debit Maestro
• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Skrill
• Neteller
• ecoPayz
• Paysafecard
• Bank Transfer

Make sure the betting site you choose accepts the payment method you prefer for a smooth betting experience.

How to Deposit and Withdraw Funds

To deposit or withdraw funds on your sports betting site, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Go to the 'Deposit,' 'Withdraw,' or 'Cashier' section on your betting site, usually in the top menu or account dashboard.
2. Choose your preferred banking method from the options available.
3. Input transaction details, including amount and payment information (card number, expiration date, CVV, etc.).
4. Verify that the entered information is accurate and confirm the transaction.
5. Wait for payment processing. Deposits are often instant, but withdrawals may vary from instant to 1-3 days on different betting sites.

With these simple steps, you can efficiently manage your funds and enjoy a simple betting experience.

How the UK Gambling Commission Regulates Betting Sites

The UK Gambling Commission oversees gambling sites in Great Britain, including online casinos, bingo clubs, sports betting, and online betting. Established under the Gambling Act of 2005. It licenses and regulates gambling operators, ensuring strict compliance for player protection.

In addition to licensing, the Commission mandates responsible gambling practices. Betting companies must verify age, keep customer funds separate, and communicate rules, odds, and risks clearly. To promote fairness, prevent deceptive practices, and assist players, bookmakers provide responsible gambling tools, self-exclusion schemes, and information on help services.

How Bookmakers Operate

Bookmakers determine odds by adjusting the true probabilities of outcomes, aiming to build a margin or overround. The overround represents their profit margin. In the competitive online betting market, bookmakers often offer more attractive odds, reducing the overround to attract customers.

Understanding that total probabilities must add up to 100%, the bookmaker's margin is essentially the amount by which their offered odds exceed the true probability. In today's market, online betting sites typically operate with lower margins, providing better value for bettors compared to the past.

The Best Betting Sites: The Independent View

Choosing a good betting site is important. We've listed key things to consider: license, promotions, mobile use, support, and good odds. Our recommended sites do well in these areas for a great betting experience.

Whether you're new or experienced, our guide is here for you. We suggest new betting sites, giving you different options. Use our recommendations to find your ideal betting site.