I’ve been in the betting business since 2010, so I know what to look for when assessing sportsbooks.
This guide contains everything I know about the industry and the best football sites for 2024. So, if you want to score with each UK football betting site you use, I suggest looking at my top players.
Top football betting offer for August 2024
In the list below, I’ve rounded up the best UK sites for football betting. These sites understand the issue gamblers face and work towards making the betting experience more enjoyable.
Where I place my football bets
A closer look at my top football bookmakers
Those are my top 10 UK football betting sites, but why have I chosen them? Well, in the interests of full disclosure, here’s why I believe they’re ideal betting sites for football fans:
1. Betfred – Bet £10 get £50 in free bets (Code: SUMMER50)
- Year established: 1967
- No. of football markets: 33+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets (Use code SUMMER50)
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, paysafecard
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, email (support@betfred.com), phone (0800 028 7747)
Betfred has been around for decades, so it’s hardly surprising that it performs well in all areas. Football has been a particular penchant of founder Fred Done for years, and it shows.
The interface isn’t as flashy or rich with features as some sports betting websites, but the classic layout does make it easy to use. One aspect of the design I really like is the way competitions are segmented into regional tabs (UK, Europe, Rest of the World, International).
Betfred’s #PickYourPunt bet builder markets and bonus boosts are great, but the best markets, based on my analysis, are found in the coupons lobby. Coupons, such as Goals Galore, give you up to 300/1 odds for making 12 correct picks.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Plenty of innovative promotions |
| 300/1 odds for certain football coupons |
| Trustworthy bookmaker since 1967 |
| Build your own bets |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Website is basic |
| Could cover more football markets |
2. bet365 – Bet £10 get £30 in free bets (Code: TSPORT)
- Year established: 2001
- No. of football markets: 60+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Trustly, paysafecard, wire transfer, Click to Pay, Pay by Bank App
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: 24/7 via live chat, email (support-eng@customerservices365.com), Post (Customer Services, bet365 House, Media Way, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 5SZ)
Bet builder tools became all the rage a few years ago, so today, I don’t count them as a unique feature. Having said that, I still value betting operators that give you extra value for using these tools. That’s why bet365 is sixth on my list of the top football betting sites UK customers can use.
Most football fans know the name bet365 anyway, so I don’t need to remind you that it offers some of the best odds, excellent coverage of all leagues, and safe software. What you might not know is that bonus offers include a 25% payout boost on selected bet builder markets. Add early payouts, 70% acca boosts, enhanced odds, and substitute guarantees into the mix, and bet365 gives you more added value than other sports betting stars.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Well-respected gambling brand |
| Huge range of safe payment options |
| Impressive selection of football bonuses |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| The website’s layout could be improved |
| No phone support |
3. talkSPORT BET – Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
- Year established: 2022
- No. of football markets: 30+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Bank Transfer, FastFunds, Apple Pay
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: 24/7 via live chat, email (support@talksportbet.com), Facebook, Twitter
In my opinion, talkSPORT BET is the Manchester City of added value. By that, I mean this is one of the best football betting sites for bonuses. The welcome offer is ideal for novices as you get 3x the value of your opening bet (£10). From there, it’s all about enhanced odds, acca boosts, and match specials. Something else that caught my eye were the exclusive bonuses for mobile users.
What really sealed the deal, however, was the Footie 4 Play promotion. Available every week and free to enter, this competition requires you to name four correct scores to win up to £500 in cash!
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Best promos, including free prediction competition |
| Covers national, international and eSports football leagues |
| Excellent customer support |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Not many e-wallet payment options |
4. Vbet – Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
- Year established: 2019
- No. of football markets: 52+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, MuchBetter, Payz, Trustly
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, email (support@vbet.co.uk), phone (0203 582 4005)
Vbet is a relatively new online sportsbook, but it signalled its desire to become a major player in football betting by sponsoring five organisations, including the Argentinian Football Association and AS Monaco.
Covering all the major leagues is great, but it’s not unique. What I like about Vbet is the way its oddsmakers shine a light on football at all levels, including under-23, under-21, and under-19 club and international competitions.
If I’m being critical, I don’t like that you have to make a three-leg acca to get the welcome bonus. I also found a glitch on the homepage. Specifically, the “pre-match” link didn’t work. However, I was able to access the pre-match lobby using another search button.
My favourite feature at Vbet is the acca club. It has four levels (Gold, Premium, Platinum and Deluxe), and the number of selections you make determines the bonus you receive. Bonuses range from prize boosts to insurance covering all picks.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Invested in football teams and the sport |
| Unique acca club promotion |
| Free football picking competitions |
| Covers football at all levels |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Bonus terms could be better |
| Withdrawal processing time could be quicker |
5. Sky Bet – Bet £10 get £40 in Bonus Bets + £10 Just Eat voucher
- Year established: 2001
- No. of football markets: 50+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10 get £40 in Bonus Bets
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Solo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: 24/7 via live chat, contact form
I’ve known about Sky Bet since before I could use a bookie, online or in a shop. The company has been at the top of the UK’s sports betting tree since the start of the 21st century, and its ability to move with the times really impresses me.
Sky Bet has a solid football betting service. The daily enhanced specials, like Reveal Your Teams or Requestabet, are my favourite features, but there are plenty more positives. For example, the average Premier League game has over 700 different bets you can make. If you want a world-class performer in all areas, I suggest giving Sky Bet a try.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Industry veteran with an unmatched reputation for service |
| Impressive range of betting options and match stats |
| Requestabet service |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Android app prone to glitches |
| Interface isn’t the most exciting |
6. Paddy Power – Bet £5 get £20
- Year established: 1998
- No. of football markets: 100+
- Welcome offer: Bet £5 get £20
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Instant Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, paysafecard, Rapid Transfer
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: 24/7 via live chat
Paddy Power offers the same high-quality experience as its peers, but it also has a cheeky side that I love. This brand has a reputation for pushing the boundaries and that allows it to offer products and promotions other bookies don’t.
For example, a lot of promotions pay rewards in cash rather than bonus bets. This means they’re free of wagering restrictions. Paddy Power also offers football bets on things you won’t find elsewhere, such as what a manager will be wearing on the touchline and if two players will tussle in the tunnel. It’s this desire to be different that draws me to Paddy Power.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Unique and quirky betting markets |
| Promotions that pay rewards in cash |
| Request a bet service |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Odds aren’t always the best |
| Customer service needs to improve |
7. SBK – Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
- Year established: 2019
- No. of football markets: 53+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Solo, Trustly, Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, email (support@getsbk.com)
SBK claims to be “rewriting the sportsbook”. That’s a bold claim, and, if I’m honest, I don’t think it’s completely rewriting the rulebook. That doesn’t mean it’s not a reliable or trustworthy sports betting site with unique features.
I like the focus on less-popular football leagues, such as Japan’s J.League. I also like the fact it’s built for mobile devices. You can access the sportsbook via desktop computers, and I’m not sold on the dark colour scheme. However, the layout is streamlined to the point that it’s easy to find what you’re looking for, regardless of the device you’re using.
The standout feature, in my opinion, is advanced payouts. This feature allows you to get instant payouts on acca bets as individual selections win. Terms and conditions apply, and you can’t get advance payouts for all accas. However, it’s a novel feature that’s great for savvy bettors.
Do I think this means SBK is redefining our perception of what a sportsbook is? Probably not, but it’s good to see SBK trying something that other top-rated sports betting websites aren’t.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Great focus on international football leagues |
| Innovative advanced payout feature |
| Linked to the Smarkets sports betting exchange |
| Mobile-first interface |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| The design might not suit everyone |
| Odds could be better |
8. BoyleSports – Bet £10 get £20 in free bets
- Year established: 1982
- No. of football markets: 43+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10 get £20 in free bets
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, bank transfer, Boku, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, email (contact form), phone (0800 220 066)
BoyleSports is an industry veteran, so you might assume that it leans towards the “old-school” style of sports betting. In some ways, it does. The interface is a bit too busy for my liking, but it has a classic layout with a few modern touches, such as retractable menus.
I don’t mind sportsbooks that have a classic vibe, but BoyleSports is more than a throwback. Football promotions, such as early payouts if your team goes two goals ahead, are a nod to modern tastes.
For me, the main reason BoyleSports is a veteran operator that’s looking towards the future is its payment options. Specifically, you can make Boku deposits, which means payments are charged to your mobile phone bill. Not many sportsbooks offer this option, so, in my opinion, BoyleSports is one of the best online betting sites for mobile users.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Generous odds for special bets |
| Covers all markets, from the Premier League to the Korean K League 3 |
| Early payouts for football |
| Innovative mobile payments |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Too many page elements |
| Withdrawals could be quicker |
9. Star Sports – 50% rebate up to £25 + 25 spins if your first bet loses
- Year established: 1999
- No. of football markets: 50+
- Welcome offer: 50% Rebate Up to £25 + 25 Spins if Your First Bet Loses
- Payment methods: Bank transfer, cheque, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: phone (01273 936840)
Star Sports was born out of Star Racing, and this focus on horse racing is apparent from the off. Based on my analysis, it’s one of the best online betting sites for horse racing odds, but this is a football guide, so how does Star Sports compare to the competition in this department?
Quite well. The football odds are solid, and there’s a clear commitment to bookmaking as a time-honoured art. What I mean by this is that Star Sports is a no-frills betting site. There are a few touches of creativity, such as dropdown menus, which help keep the betting lobbies as compact as possible.
However, when you use this sportsbook, you don’t get a ton of extra features. That’s why I regard it as one of the top places to bet on football if you want a fuss-free experience.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Traditional and trustworthy bookmaker |
| Shop locator creates a nice link between the online and offline world |
| Competitive odds |
| Great customer service |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Poor selection of payment options |
| Main focus is horse racing |
10. BetVictor – Bet £10 get £30
- Year established: 1946
- No. of football markets: 30+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Trustly, Apple Pay, Neteller, Skrill, paysafecard, bank transfer, FastFunds
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, email (help@betvictor.com), SMS (+44 7488 883 406), social media (@BetVictor)
BetVictor has the same condensed three-panel layout as talkSPORT BET. I actually like this design, but it does require the developers to cram a lot of things into smaller spaces. The benefit, of course, is that you can use BetVictor as easily on a desktop device as a mobile.
Event-focused welcome bonuses are great, and the one I got for Euro 2024 was particularly impressive. However, I also noticed that Betfair has a season-long football welcome bonus (bet £10 and get £40 in free football bets).
The daily prize wheel is another nice feature because you get to spin it for free once per day. Bet builders and early cash out are also great, but my favourite feature is lucky dips. Lucky dip bets let you choose a wager that has unknown variables.
For example, a popular lucky dip bet is “Total Goals and Total Cards in a Game”. You know the general premise of the bet, but the total number of goals and cards you need for a win gets chosen at random. This is an exciting way to bet and a chance to unlock lucrative odds up to 400/1.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Free daily prize wheel promotion |
| Innovative lucky dips betting feature |
| Football betting tips on the blog |
| Tons of football-specific bonuses |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| The interface is a bit crowded |
| Needs to cover more markets |
11. BetMGM – Bet £10 get £60 in free bets
- Year established: 2019
- No. of football markets: 40+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10, Get £60 in Free Bets
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat
What does a US-based betting brand know about football (or soccer, as they’d call it)? Based on my analysis, quite a lot. What struck me most about BetMGM was its software. As well as being secure and reliable, there are subtle touches that make it extremely easy to use.
For example, you get a quick overview of popular bets in the “trending” panel. BetMGM’s developers have also added buttons and switches to the platform. For instance, you can toggle the “live only” and “stream only” buttons to filter the betting lobby.
Something else that makes it a great place to bet on football is promotions. Very few UK sportsbooks have loyalty programs, so I love the fact you can get perks via BetMGM Rewards. The icing on the cake is the Golden Goals picking competition. As well as being free to enter, this competition has a £2 million jackpot up for grabs every week.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Best sportsbook for software |
| Generous odds for all sports |
| £2 million Golden Goals promotion |
| Offers loyalty rewards |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Only offers live chat support |
| Could offer more payment options |
12. Betfair – Bet £10 get £50 in free bets
- Year established: 2000
- No. of football markets: 35+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Apple Pay, paysafecard, Rapid Transfer, bank transfer, MuchBetter
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: FAQ, live chat, email (contact form), phone (0844 871 0000)
Betfair’s design has changed a lot since I started using it back in 2014. Today, the old blue and white colour scheme has been replaced by gold and black. What’s particularly impressive about the updated interface is the way page elements have been stripped back to allow for more white space.
This, in my opinion, makes Betfair easier to use on mobile devices where space is at a premium. In terms of betting, I call Betfair a solid all-rounder. It’s trustworthy and reliable. The pre-made accas are handy, even if some of the picks are questionable (i.e. they’re a bit unlikely to happen).
I also like the #OddsOnThat specials. This feature allows you to tweet your idea to Betfair’s oddsmakers, and if they like it, the bet gets added to the website.
Perhaps the best reason to use Betfair is its commitment to responsible gambling. You can read more about this in my Betfair review, but let’s just say the responsible gambling team are incredibly proactive.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Long-serving online bookmaker |
| Linked to the world’s biggest exchange |
| Standout commitment to responsible gambling |
| Excellent selection of fast payment options |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Could cover more football competitions |
| Odds aren’t always the best |
13. Ladbrokes – Bet £5 get £25 in free bets
- Year established: 1886
- No. of football markets: 37+
- Welcome offer: Bet £5, Get £25 in Free Bets
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, bank transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal, paysafecard, Skrill, Trustly, instant bank payment, Neteller
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, email (contact form), phone (0800 731 6191), DM on social media (@ladbrokes)
Ladbrokes offers my favourite welcome bonus because you only have to wager £5 to get it. Other UK betting sites ask you to bet £10, and while that’s not a huge amount of money, £5 lowers the barrier to entry and makes the bonus more accessible to casual punters.
If I’m being super critical, Ladbrokes isn’t the best-looking betting site you’ll ever see. It’s functional and reliable, but the design hasn’t changed much over the last 20 years, so that’s something the developers could work on.
Aesthetics aside, Ladbrokes is one of the best places for accumulator bets because you can control different variables. Specifically, you can choose to boost your potential payouts or insure specific picks within your acca.
If that’s not enough, you can track your accumulator in real time and edit it, remove losing legs or cash out. This, for me, is fantastic. Accumulators are lucrative but hard to win, so the fact you can control these bets at Ladbrokes is extremely useful.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Excellent welcome bonus for novices |
| 1-2-Free picking competition with £50 prize |
| Responsive social media support |
| Great blog full of football tips and previews |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Website looks dated |
| Bit too much focus on racing at times |
14. 10bet – 100% deposit bonus up to £50 (Use Code SPORT)
- Year established: 2003
- No. of football markets: 60+
- Welcome offer: 100% Deposit Bonus up to £50 (Use Code SPORT)
- Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Neteller, Skrill, Trustly, paysafecard, Fast Bank Transfer
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: Live chat, email (support@10bet.co.uk), phone (0808-175-0550 -UK/+353 1 592 4242 – Ireland)
I’ll sing the praises of any sports betting site that dares to be different, so I have to give 10Bet props for offering a first deposit match bonus. It breaks from the standard “bet X, get Y” promotion, and I like the fact that bonus credits can be used for sports or casino gaming.
Other than a flexible welcome bonus, I often use 10Bet when I’m out of the house. That’s because the light-and-bright platform is easy to navigate, not least because you can save sports using the star icon and filter bet types using dropdown menus.
I also like the way football competitions are grouped by regions, such as Africa, Scandinavia, and Asia. A lot of betting sites list their competitions in a single table, which means you have to do a lot of scrolling. Grouping them by region streamlines the process, which is why it’s one of my go-to mobile gambling sites.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Interface is extremely easy to navigate |
| Bet on all football competitions, including friendlies |
| Unique welcome bonus |
| Save your favourite bets for quick access |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| The odds could be slightly better |
| Support agents aren’t available 24/7 |
15. CopyBet – Bet £10 get £50 in bonus bets
- Year established: 2016
- No. of football markets: 30+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10, Get £50 in Bonus Bets
- Payment methods: Instant bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, G Pay, Skrill, Neteller
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: 24/7 chatbot, email (info@copybet.com)
For someone so deeply entrenched in the world of football betting as I am, Copybet has been a revelation. The platform’s interface is quick and intuitive, with football listed as the first of the sports markets you can choose from.
However, what truly sets Copybet apart is its unique copying feature, allowing users to mimic the bets of successful punters, providing invaluable insights and increasing chances of success. In the “Tipsters” tab of the football betting interface, you can find the most lucrative candidates to copy from. The site’s dedication to football betting is evident, offering comprehensive coverage of matches worldwide. From Premier League showdowns to obscure leagues, there’s always something to wager on.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Trusted betting service |
| Join syndicates or create your own |
| Leaderboards and free bet promotions |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Doesn’t offer fixed odds |
| Only accepts debit card payments |
16. BetUK – Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
- Year established: 2018
- No. of football markets: 56+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
- Payment methods: 5
- Mobile app: Yes
Why is BetUK my favourite football betting site? Well, if I’m giving out awards for coverage, it gets gold. BetUK’s oddsmakers cover every football league you’ve heard of and some you probably haven’t. The Premier League gets the most coverage, but scroll down the day’s latest odds, and you’ll find Bundesliga bets, Serie A wagers and, for something a bit different, Uganda Cup markets.
What’s even more impressive is the fact that BetUK offers eSports football betting. I haven’t seen many UK bookies cover eSports football leagues so that alone is unique. However, when it comes to overall coverage, very few of my top-rated UK football betting sites can match BetUK.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Covers more football leagues than most |
| Offers eSports football betting |
| Competitive football betting odds |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Needs more payment options |
| Only offers live chat support |
17. Spreadex – Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets
- Year established: 2006
- No. of football markets: 50+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets
- Payment methods: 3
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: 7.30 am – 22.00 pm via live chat, email (info@spreadex.com), phone (01727 895 000)
I know spread betting isn’t to everyone’s taste, but Spreadex is one of my top football betting sites for this very reason. Yes, it’s a spread betting site, but it’s also a traditional sportsbook. This means you’ve got the ability to make football bets in a way that suits you.
Even better, you can learn the basics of spread betting on Spreadex and flit between the two mediums to find the best football betting odds. Sometimes, the fixed odds will be better; other times, you’ll find better spreads. In my opinion, this ability to survey both markets makes Spreadex one of the best betting sites for football.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Fixed odds and spread betting markets |
| Better-than-average welcome bonus |
| Great coverage of women’s football leagues |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Customer support isn’t available 24/7 |
| Not enough payment options |
18. Betway – £10 in free bets
- Year established: 2006
- No. of football markets: 70+
- Welcome offer: £10 in free bets
- Payment methods: 5
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: 8.00 am – 12.00 pm via live chat
I live online football betting sites that offer competitive odds on dozens of leagues and competitions. Betway does this just as well as any of the top-rated sportsbooks on this list. Its coverage of the leading football competitions is excellent. It offers plenty of bonus bets, and the software is well-refined.
However, the thing I really like about Betway is the fact it doesn’t discriminate between customer preferences. The welcome bonus is a great example of this. Giving newbies 100 free spins encourages you to move beyond football and seek out value elsewhere on the site. Based on this, Betway offers the best overall betting and gaming experience.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Best overall betting experience |
| Great deposit options, including Vyne and PayPal |
| Powerful bet builder tool |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Odds could be better |
| Needs more customer support options |
19. Parimatch – Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
- Year established: 2020
- No. of football markets: 30+
- Welcome offer: Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
- Payment methods: 4
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: 24/7 via live chat, email (help@parimatch.co.uk), Facebook, Twitter, SMS (+447700177678)
Usability is a concept that a lot of sportsbook reviews overlook. I get really frustrated with football betting sites that don’t list bets in easily identifiable ways. The developers at Parimatch understand the value of accessibility and usability. I know this because football bets are arranged in three simple ways.
Firstly, you use the top menu to find the types of markets you want. From there, you can tap the “matches” or “outright” buttons to display the results in a way you prefer. Finally, use the drop-down menus to reveal individual bets for your chosen competition. I love this three-step system, and it’s why Parimatch is one of my favourite football online betting sites.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Excellent, easy-to-use software |
| Fantastic customer service |
| Competitive football betting odds |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Could cover more markets |
| More promotions would be nice |
20. Unibet – £40 Moneyback on Losses + £10 Casino Bonus
- Year established: 1997
- No. of football markets: 50+
- Welcome offer: £40 Moneyback on Losses + £10 Casino Bonus
- Payment methods: 7
- Mobile app: Yes
- Customer support: 24/7 via live chat, phone (0800 329393), email (info-uk@unibetsupport.com)
Unibet is my go-to betting platform for in-play action. The live odds are always competitive, and the software is built in such a way that it rarely lags. My main reason for picking out Unibet as my go-to platform for live football betting is its streams and stats.
The amount of real-time information you can get via the website and app is tremendous. I’m someone who likes to base my decisions on as many variables as possible, and Unibet allows me to do this. So, if you live in-play action, give Unibet a try.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Generous live betting odds |
| Excellent live streaming service and in-play stats |
| Daily odds boosts and acca boosts |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Doesn’t accept PayPal deposits |
| Withdrawals could be faster |
Meet our football expert
I’ve been kicking around the gambling world since 2010. Poker was my first passion, but I’ve been playing, watching, and, subsequently, betting on football for most of my life. The lessons I learned as a poker player have served me well in the sports betting world. Learning to spot value in the market, bankroll management and understanding the nature of long-term EV (expected value) are all skills I use when I’m picking results.
I have the same methodical approach when it comes to recommending football online betting sites. I don’t just listen to what other people say or take a company’s claims at face value. I test everything. I go to the UK Gambling Commission website to make sure an operator is fully regulated and isn’t facing disciplinary action. I speak to customer support agents, and I go through the process of making bets.
Something else I like to do is compare odds across different sites to see who offers the best lines. It’s also good to read match previews and reviews from noted pundits like Jamie O’Hara & Jason Cundy and Gary Neville. This gives me an indication of whether the oddsmakers have the right take on a match and, therefore, if the odds offer any value.
Daniel Smyth
How I rank UK football betting sites
The way I rank football betting sites UK customers can use is based on a combination of evidence and experience. I’ve been in the game for over 14 years, so I know what I like and, moreover, what the betting public likes.
I understand the industry from a professional perspective and as a consumer. I combine this experience with what I find at licensed betting sites to find what I believe are the top platforms. The main metrics I assess when I’m using sports betting sites are:
Range of football games and leagues
Coverage is one of the most important qualities when it comes to football betting. It’s the most popular sport in the world, and bookies should treat it as such. I expect a sportsbook to cover the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and every other major league. I also want some variety in the form of non-league games, friendlies, internationals and games from countries as far-flung as Uganda. Then, if the oddsmakers really want to provide a comprehensive service, they should cover virtual and eSports football events.
Best betting odds
Odds matter when it comes to sports betting. I’m happy to acknowledge that a betting site won’t have the best odds guaranteed for every event or outcome. However, they should at least have some lines that are better than the market average. My tip for getting the best possible odds for any outcome is to use multiple sportsbooks. This strategy allows you to find bets and compare the odds across different platforms to find the most lucrative lines.
Live betting options
Live betting is one of the reasons I was first drawn to football. The fact a game can change in seconds makes it extremely entertaining. What’s more, if you’re able to read the flow of a game and see changes before the oddsmakers, live football betting can be potentially lucrative. That’s why I look at betting apps that aren’t overloaded with page elements. This allows me to see the latest in-play odds and take advantage of the best lines with a single tap.
Cashout features
In-play cashouts emerged about 10 years ago, and unlike other innovations, they’ve stuck around. That’s because you can improve your long-term EV if you know how to use this feature properly. Because in-play cashouts are a handy tool for improving your EV, I like to recommend football sportsbooks with this feature.
Football bonuses and promotions
I always say that very few things are guaranteed in gambling. I can give you all of my football betting tips and insights, but that doesn’t mean you’ll win every bet you make. Free bets and betting offers are the only ways to get guaranteed returns. As long as you follow the terms and conditions, you’ll get bonus bets, enhanced odds, cashback, or some other type of reward.
I make sure online football betting sites have sport-specific promotions such as acca boosts, bet insurance, and early payouts. I also review the terms and conditions. A lot of gambling pundits fail to disclose the true value of a bonus because they don’t look at the wagering conditions.
You need to know about qualifying bets, IP and household restrictions, rollover targets, and minimum odds. I not only tell you about wagering requirements, but I also make sure they’re suitable for all bettors, not just those with big bankrolls.
Mobile betting apps
Mobiles have become the dominant force in gambling over the last five years, with Gambling Commission data showing that over 50% of people use their smartphones to gamble. Based on this fact alone, the best football betting sites need to be available on iOS and Android devices. I also like bookmakers to have native betting apps because they aid the live betting experience.
Reputation and trustworthiness
A gambler is the sum of his reputation, and the same goes for gambling companies. One bad transaction or failure to pay a bet ruins a company’s reputation. That’s why I only recommend bookies with long-standing reputations for safety, quality, and customer service. Additionally, I’ll only ever recommend betting companies that are licensed in the UK.
Customer support
Tied in with the concept of reputation and trust is customer support. Live chat, email and phone support are minimum requirements. I also like to see companies actively engage with customers and non-customers on social media. I personally contact support agents to see how quickly they resolve issues (I’ve made up) and how polite they are.
🍀Irish? Find our list of the best Irish football betting sites🍀
Facts about football betting in the UK
- Did you know people who follow a football team are more likely to bet than those who don’t follow any team?
- Football betting accounts for 40% of all sports betting in the UK
- The most popular football betting offer for UK punters is ‘Bet £10 and get £30’
- Football betting winnings are tax-free!
- The Premier League is the most bet-on football league in the world it even outranks the World Cup
- The top 5 football bookmakers in the UK are Bet365, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, and Paddy Power, which account for over 80% of the total market share.
- Football/soccer betting makes up over a third (37%) of all sports betting in the UK.
- According to the UK Gambling Commission, the total gross gambling yield of the UK’s football betting industry was £5.3 billion in 2019.
Most popular football leagues to bet on
Football is the world’s game but, as we all know, some countries do it better than others. The leading UK football betting sites offer odds on all the top leagues and competitions, including these major players:
Premier League
England’s leading football league was founded in 1992 and still plays host to some of the biggest matches in the world. 20 clubs, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, currently fight for Premier League glory from August to May. Such is the commercial status of the Premier League that TV rights sell for £5 billion, and matches are watched by over 4.7 billion people.
To keep up with the 2024/25 Premier League season, check out what our pundits have to say:
- Premier League winner predictions
- Premier League top 4 finish odds
La Liga
La Liga is the pinnacle of Spanish football. The league was founded in 1929 and featured 20 of the best football teams in Spain. The average attendance for La Liga games is over 26,000, and some of the league’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, have won the most prestigious competitions in football.
Serie A
Italy’s Serie A has long been regarded as one of the toughest football leagues in the world. The skill differential between its 20 teams. It’s been that way since the league was originally founded in 1898.
Bundesliga
Germany’s top football league often doesn’t get the credit it deserves on the international stage because it’s been dominated by Bayern Munich since its inception in 1963. However, despite the fact Bayern have won the Bundesliga 32 times (as of 2023), the 17 other clubs that compete for glory every year, including Borussia Dortmund, are all strong.
Europa League
The UEFA Europa League was originally founded as the UEFA Cup in 1971. It was rebranded in 2009, and a league format was introduced. Today, 58 teams from countries around Europe can qualify for the Europa League. That number is whittled down to 40 and, eventually, 32 teams for the group stage. Sevilla won the Europa League for the 7 th time in 2023.
Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is the biggest prize in club football. In many ways, it’s second only to the World Cup and European Championship in terms of prestige. The format has evolved since the first Champions League game in 1992, but the fundamental premise of bringing together the top teams from leagues across Europe remains the same.
UEFA European Championship
The UEFA European Championship is the biggest national football tournament in Europe, first held in 1960. The most successful nations are Spain and Germany in the tournament’s history with three trophies each.
Most popular football betting markets
The best betting sites for football typically offer 500+ markets for major games. This means you can be as general or specific as you like when it comes to making predictions. Some of my preferred ways to bet on football are:
Match result
Match result is a simple outright bet that allows you to pick X or Y i.e. you’re betting on one team to win the match. Alternatively, you can bet on a draw.
Over/Under goals
Goals make football great, but if you’re not sure which teams are going to score, you can bet on whether the final result will be over or under a line set by the bookie. For example, over 2.5 means you’re betting on the number of goals scored to be three or more.
Both teams to score
This bet does exactly what it says on the tin i.e. you’re either betting that both teams will score or you’re betting against the proposition.
Correct score
Correct score bets require you to predict the result and the number of goals each team will score/not score. A typical scoreline bet would be: “Arsenal to beat Manchester United 2-1”. These bets aren’t easy to win, so the odds are usually long.
First goalscorer
First-player-to-score markets are great because you can often find some unexpected value. Strikers almost always have the shortest odds, so I like to look at attacking midfielders or defenders known for scoring headers from set pieces.
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How to choose a football betting site and sign up
Use my mini-reviews to get an idea of what each betting site offers in terms of football odds, bonuses, and features. Once you’ve done that, check out the full review for your chosen sites to get a comprehensive overview of what they offer. Finally, follow these steps to start your betting experience:
- Tap the sign-up link to start the registration process.
- Open the registration form and enter your details.
- Make sure your details match those on your ID so you pass the KYC checks.
- Verify your account and log in.
- Make a deposit.
- Claim your sign-up bonus (aka welcome bonus).
- Start betting to release your bonus credits.
How to place a bet on a football game
Here’s how to make picks and wager money at your favourite football betting site:
- Log into your account via the bookmaker’s website or the mobile app.
- Open the cashier page and make a deposit if you don’t already have money in your account.
- Go to the sports betting menu and tap “Football”.
- Scroll through the available submenus, e.g. live, matches, and all competitions.
- Select a game to view all the latest odds.
- Tap the odds next to your desired pick.
- Enter your stake in the bet slip.
- Tap OK/Bet to lock in your wager and wait for the result.
Payment options on UK football betting platforms
You’ll have various safe ways to pay when you use the best UK football betting websites and apps. Traditional methods such as Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfer are the most accessible because pretty much everyone has access to these payment options.
However, for the fastest withdrawals, you should use eWallets and mobile wallets like PayPal, Skrill, Apple Pay and Google Pay. In some instances, you’ll also be able to make deposits and withdrawals in person at an operator’s retail betting shops.
The main ways to make deposits and withdrawals are:
- Visa (debit card)
- Mastercard (debit card)
- Bank transfer
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Neteller
- paysafecard
- RAPID
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- In-person cash payments
Football betting sites tips to win real money
Before I give you my top football betting tips, I want to reiterate a previous point I made: there are very few guarantees in gambling. You can research a match, assess the odds and make what seems like an unbeatable prediction and still lose. Therefore, if you’re betting on football, don’t take anything for granted. Having said that, you can improve your long-term potential by following these five football betting tips:
Remember to bet responsibly
My top tip applies to all forms of gambling and picks up on the point I just made. The uncertainty of gambling means you should always use a conservative strategy. That means only risking a small percentage of your bankroll each time you place a bet. You should also limit the amount of time you’re active online and never make decisions when you’re overly emotional. Act rationally and responsibly at all times.
Analyse team form and player performance
I spend a lot of time pouring over statistics, match reports and tips from football pundits before I make a bet. The top UK betting sites for football offer a ton of information, so make use of it. Football is as much a game of data as it is tactics, flare and feel.
Use my list of football betting platforms
The reason I’ve revealed my 10 best football betting sites is not to show off how much I know about the industry but so you can have the best experience possible. My top picks are safe, reputable and offer something other bookies don’t. Using our secure sign-up links gives you direct access to the game’s major players and exclusive welcome bonuses.
Grab football bonuses and promotions
I’ve just said that our registration links give you access to exclusive welcome bonuses. That’s true, but these links are also doorways into worlds with plenty of ongoing offers. From odds boosts and acca insurance to free competitions, there are plenty of ways to get something extra when you bet on football.
Explore different football markets
The Premier League is where most football bettors focus their attention, but don’t be afraid to look elsewhere for action. In my experience, you’ll often find better odds (i.e. odds that aren’t priced as accurately as they could be) if you focus on minor leagues.
A skilled football bettor looks for situations where the oddsmakers haven’t assessed the situation as well as they could have. This often leads to the odds being slightly off, which, in turn, gives you a chance to get more value than you otherwise would have. You often find these situations in games outside of the major leagues.
Q&As about online football betting sites
1. How easy is it to deposit and withdraw money from football betting sites?
It’s easy to make instant deposits and withdrawals at the best UK football betting sites. You can use a variety of reputable payment processors at the top-rated UK sportsbooks, including Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and Skrill. Withdrawals can take up to five days, but eWallets such as PayPal allow you to receive your money within 24 hours.
2. Do betting sites offer football bonuses?
Yes, all licensed and reputable UK online football betting sites offer welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions. New customers get bonus bets when they make an initial deposit at my recommended football betting sites. From there, you can get daily odds boosts, enhanced payouts, early settlements and cashback. Some sportsbooks, including bet365, also let you win up to £250,000 in free-to-enter competitions.
3. What is the best football bet to make?
The best football bet you can make if you want the lowest amount of risk is an outright i.e. a win bet. Outright bets require you to pick the result of a match i.e. a team to win or a draw. The simple nature of these bets means they’re fairly low risk, which, in turn, means the odds are short. If you want bigger returns and don’t mind accepting more risk, acca bets are worth trying.
4. How do I understand the odds on these sites?
We’ve got various sports betting guides on how to read odds. You can also access betting guides on your chosen sportsbook. Betting odds are, basically, a statistical representation of how confident a bookmaker is in a certain outcome. The number also dictates how much you win based on your stake, e.g. 3/1 means you win three units for every one unit wagered.
5. Which football bookies have the cashout option?
All of the top UK football betting sites online have cashout options, including bet365, BetUK, and Sky Bet. The cashout feature lets you end bets before their natural conclusion. You’re given a price to end the bet, and if you accept, the cash is credited to your account, regardless of the final result.
6. Can I use my mobile phone for football betting?
Yes, you can use your mobile phone to bet on football matches from around the world using our top-rated bookies, including bet365. All of my suggested football betting sites UK customers can use are available in Google Play as well as Apple’s App Store. This means you can download an app to bet on football, claim bonuses and enjoy everything the top sportsbooks have to offer.
7. What football leagues do people in the UK bet on?
Here is the list of the top football leagues and tournaments for betting in the UK:
| Competition | Country | Teams | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League | European nations | 32 | August until May |
| English Premier League (EPL) | England | 20 | August until May |
| UEFA Europa League | European nations | 32 | September until May |
| English Championship | England | 24 | August until May |
| Serie A | Italy | 20 | August until May |
| Ligue 1 | France | 20 | August until May |
| La Liga | Spain | 20 | August until May |
| Bundesliga | Germany | 18 | August until May |
| League One | England | 24 | August until May |
| League Two | England | 24 | August until May |
| Scottish Premiership | Scotland | 10 | August until May |
| Scottish Championship | Scotland | 10 | July until May |
| Scottish League 1 | Scotland | 10 | August until May |
| FA Cup | England | 737 | August until May |
| WC Qualifiers | Worldwide | 210 | Summer every 4 years |
| EURO | European nations | 24 | Summer every 4 years |
8. Which is the best football bet?
In my opinion, it’s “both teams to score“. A Both Teams To Score (BTTS) bet is a wager on which both teams in a match will score at least one goal each. The bet is settled on the outcome of the full-time result and extra time does not count. If both teams score at least one goal each, the bet is a winner. If only one team scores, or neither team scores, the bet is lost.
My personal opinion on football betting sites in the UK
The online gambling world is great, but it’s full of duds, dead ends and dreadful apps. I know because I’ve made the mistake of using subpar platforms over the years. That’s why I wrote this guide. Online football betting is great, and I want you to get the most out of it.
My recommended sportsbooks are the proverbial Champions League contenders when it comes to odds, offers, and all-around service. So, if you’re going to bet on football, don’t waste time falling for non-league betting sites. Use my top picks and have some fun.
About the author
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org