Sports betting sites have supercharged the betting experience. Today, you can bet on your favourite team from major, minor and niche sports. Since you have all the information you need, you can build complex custom bets or keep things straightforward.
In short, sports betting is for every sports fan who wants to place a bet. From casual bettors to big hitters, there’s something for everyone. The only question left is which brands are worth your time. We’ve put together the best sites for you to get started with, and outlined everything that you need to know in this expert guide.
Compare the Best Sports Betting Sites in August 2024
BC.GAME Review by James Leeland
- Over 60 sports to choose from
- Friendly interface, smooth navigation, and a modern design
- Several cryptocurrency payment options
Bonus Code
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Dog Racing, Darts, Football, Handball, Hockey, Horse Racing, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Cricket, Badminton, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Starcraft 2, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Phone, Email Support
300% up to $20000
Get 180% (or 300% for new registrations within 7 minutes) with the first deposit (minimum $10), up to a maximum of $20,000 or an equivalent amount in other currencies. TCs apply. This offer is only available to new and eligible customers.
Bet365 Review by Jim Knight
- High max win limits up to $2,000,000
- Competitive odds across various sports
- Extensive live betting
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Darts, Football, Handball, Horse Racing, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Table Tennis, Boxing, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon, Cross-country Skiing
Gaming Licence
MGA – Malta Gaming Authority
Withdrawal Time
0 – 10 Days
Support Types
Live Chat, Phone, Email Support
100€ in Bet Credits
T&Cs apply, 18+
Duelbits Review by Jim Knight
- Almost 50% Cashback
- Boosted Odds Available
- Tournaments with top prizes
Bet Selection
Basketball, Darts, Football, Handball, Hockey, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Email Support
100% up to $100
T&Cs apply, 18+
Boomerang-bet Review by Jim Knight
- Great sports coverage
- Live streaming
- Competitive odds
Bet Selection
Basketball, Darts, Football, Handball, Hockey, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Starcraft 2, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Aussie Rules, Snooker
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Email Support
100% up to 500€ + 200 Free Spins
T&Cs apply, 18+
Bombastic Review by James Leeland
- Huge range of sports
- Live streaming
- Simple bet-building
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Darts, Football, Handball, Hockey, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon, Cross-country Skiing
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Email Support
50 USDT Free Bet
T&Cs apply, 18+
Unibet Review by James Leeland
- Wide range of betting options
- Very competitive odds
- Live streaming via Unibet TV
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Dog Racing, Darts, Football, Handball, Horse Racing, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon, Cross-country Skiing
Gaming Licence
MGA – Malta Gaming Authority
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Phone, Email Support
100% up to 40€
T&Cs apply, 18+
Betway Review by James Leeland
- Diverse range of betting markets
- Dynamic live betting features
- Competitive odds with low house margins
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Dog Racing, Darts, Football, Handball, Hockey, Horse Racing, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Aussie Rules, Snooker
Gaming Licence
MGA – Malta Gaming Authority
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Phone, Email Support
100% up to $60
T&Cs apply, 18+
GG.Bet Review by Jim Knight
- Wide range options of betting markets
- Competitive odds across a variety of sports
- Thrilling eSports betting features, including HD streaming
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Darts, Football, Handball, Hockey, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Starcraft 2, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon, Cross-country Skiing
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Phone, Email Support
up to 20% cashback
T&Cs apply, 18+
N1 Bet Review by James Leeland
- Live betting on popular sports, including eSports
- Combo Bet boosters for many N1Bet sports & leagues
- Watch live results on site
Bonus Code
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Darts, Football, Handball, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon, Cross-country Skiing
Gaming Licence
MGA – Malta Gaming Authority
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Email Support
50% up to 200€ + 300% Hunting Bonus up to 5000 EUR
T&Cs apply, 18+
LeoVegas Sport Review by James Leeland
- 35+ sports to choose from
- Consistently valuable odds
- Great for horse racing and greyhound racing
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Dog Racing, Darts, Football, Handball, Hockey, Horse Racing, Motor Sport, Rugby, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Cross-country Skiing
Gaming Licence
MGA – Malta Gaming Authority
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Email Support
Grab €30 worth of Free Bets!
T&Cs apply, 18+
Stake Review by Jim Knight
- Betting from $10 with no max win limits
- Live betting with interactive visuals, stats, and commentary
- Fast, secure, and borderless betting with cryptocurrencies
Bonus Code
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Darts, Football, Handball, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon, Cross-country Skiing
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Phone, Email Support
200% up to $2000
T&Cs apply, 18+
1xbet Review by James Leeland
- Fun live sports betting experience
- Over 45+ sports to choose from
- Full cash out from bets available
Bonus Code
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Dog Racing, Darts, Football, Handball, Horse Racing, Motor Sport, Rugby, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Starcraft 2, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Phone, Email Support
100% up to $100
T&Cs apply, 18+
Parimatch Review by Jim Knight
- Over 40 sports, fantasy sports, and eSports
- Bet builders and boosted odds
- Various betting markets
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Dog Racing, Darts, Football, Handball, Horse Racing, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Aussie Rules, Snooker
Gaming Licence
Gibraltar GFSC
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Email Support
100% up to $1500
T&Cs apply, 18+
20BET Review by James Leeland
- Advanced cash-out and bet builder features
- Get real-time stats and lively commentary
- Easy and secure bets with cryptocurrencies
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Darts, Football, Handball, Hockey, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Starcraft 2, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Email Support
100% up to 100€
T&Cs apply, 18+
22BET Review by Jim Knight
- Dynamic In-Play Betting Section
- Enhanced Odds and Specials
- Global Sports Variety
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Dog Racing, Darts, Football, Handball, Hockey, Horse Racing, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Starcraft 2, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Email Support
100% up to 122€
T&Cs apply, 18+
Vulkan.bet Review by Jim Knight
- Expansive offerings covering popular and niche sports
- Offers competitive odds in multiple formats
- Dynamic live betting capabilities for real-time engagement
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Darts, Football, Handball, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Starcraft 2, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon, Cross-country Skiing
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Phone, Email Support
100% up to 500$
T&Cs apply, 18+
William Hill Review by James Leeland
- Great range of football betting markets 40+ sports to choose from Fantastic live streaming for horse racing
Bonus Code
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Dog Racing, Darts, Football, Handball, Horse Racing, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, ESport League of Legends, ESport Starcraft 2, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Aussie Rules, Snooker
Gaming Licence
MGA – Malta Gaming Authority
Withdrawal Time
1 – 10 Days
Support Types
Live Chat, Phone, Email Support
30€ Free Bet
T&Cs apply, 18+
Roobet Review by James Leeland
- Fast-growing platform with a growing sports library
- Enjoy larger wins with Roobet’s high odds
- Live betting and streaming available
Bet Selection
Basketball, Cycling, Darts, Football, Handball, Motor Sport, Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Esports, American Football, Baseball, Golf, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, ESport League of Legends, ESport DotA, ESport Starcraft 2, ESport Valorant, ESport Counter-Strike, Alpine skiing, Aussie Rules, Snooker, Biathlon, Cross-country Skiing
Gaming Licence
Withdrawal Time
Support Types
Live Chat, Email Support
Get 20% cashback and a $5 free bet
T&Cs apply, 18+
Table of Content
- What are the Best Betting Sites Today?
- Best Betting Sites By Sport
- What Makes The Best Online Betting Sites Stand Out
- Additional Features Offered By Online Betting Sites
- Access In-Play Odds At Online Betting Sites
- Are Newer Betting Sites Worth A Try?
- Funding Your Betting Wallet at the Best Sites
- Quality Betting Sites Tackle Mobile Betting
- Top Sports Betting Sites Offer Bonuses
- All Legit Sports Betting Sites are Fully Secure
- Checklist For Top Online Betting Sites
- Ready to Get Started with the Best Betting Sites?
- Betting Sites FAQs
What are the Best Betting Sites Today?
Given that betting on sports online is becoming so popular, it’s no wonder why sports betting sites are a dime a dozen. Finding the best brands, then, can be a challenge. You need a site that’s fully licensed, safe to use, and, most importantly, has all the features that you need for a positive experience. A great betting site blows the old-school, land-based casino or bookie process out of the water, but ease of use should never be a compromise to your security.
The good news is that there are so many older, and even new betting sites out there (that we’ve reviewed extensively) that have gone above and beyond to offer you a top-notch experience in the safest digital environment possible, and we’ve put together a short list of options right here just for you:
Bet365 – An International Fan Favourite for Sports Betting
Bet365 sports betting selection
Bet365 Mobile sports betting options
- 40+ Sports Categories
- Competitive Odds
- Live Streaming Supported
- Wide Payment Method Support
- No Cryptocurrency Support
- Limited Welcome Bonus
Bet365 is an international brand with a huge fan following in multiple regions all around the world. It has a huge selection of features to enhance your betting experience based on the biggest sports in the industry – there are over 40 sports options to choose from! While it’s not big on bonuses, you’ll still get plenty of promotions to add to your betting strategy, like a 70% Acca boost, which pairs nicely considering that the site offers some of the most competitive odds in the sports betting industry.
What fans of this brand really love, however, are its features. Here, you can build your own bets, edit those pre-match bets by swapping, editing, or removing sections right up until the game starts, and then cash out early if you need to. Moreover, with its huge selection of payment options, Bet365 offers plenty of flexibility when it comes to getting hold of your bet winnings. On that note, though, it doesn’t have any crypto support. For that, you’ll want to head over to Stake.com instead.
Sports Bonus
100€ in Bet Credits
T&Cs apply, 18+
Stake.com – An Exciting Newcomer with Cryptocurrency Support
Stake.com sports betting
Stake.com mobile betting
- Accepts Cryptocurrencies
- 35+ Sports Categories
- Generous Bonuses and VIP
- Official Betting Partners w/ Big Sports Names
- Limited Fiat Currency Support
- Limited Live Streaming Options
Stake.com is a newcomer in the world of betting, but it’s also made a huge splash as a cryptocurrency betting operator. This brand accepts 20 different cryptocurrencies, making it a great pick for those with heavy eWallets (fiat currency bettors will have limited options here). Cryptocurrency support, meaning the ability to deposit, bet, and withdraw crypto like Bitcoin, is just the beginning.
Stake.com has recently entered into a sponsorship deal with an F1 team, meaning it’s now the official betting partner of Sauber (now rebranded as Stake), the UFC, and Everton. Expect specific boosts with these teams, as well as exclusive streaming, which is not always supported for other sports/events.
Stake.com also offers huge bonuses, though these bonuses are geared more towards the high rollers than casual players. For those who are big bettors, know that you have a VIP ranking system that gives you access to more frequent and unique bonuses. You also get a ticket entered in a $75,000 raffle for every $1000 that you wager.
Stake.com does have a large sports catalogue with 35+ options to choose from, but even here, it’s mostly geared towards the big sports options like football. If you’re a fan of eSports and want the biggest selection possible, you’ll want to head over to GG.Bet.
Sports Bonus
200% up to $2000
T&Cs apply, 18+
Bonus Code
GG.Bet – The Home of eSports Betting
GG.Bet sports betting and esports
GG.Bet has plenty of mobile betting options
- 30+ Sports Categories
- Cryptocurrency Supported
- Generous Sports Bonuses
- Fast Withdrawals
- Lack of Niche Sports and Leagues
- Limited Fiat Currency Support
GG.Bet is another cryptocurrency betting brand, only this time with its main focus being eSports. Here you’ll find one of the largest sportsbooks for eSports, so you can find, watch and bet on Dota2, CS:GO or League of Legends tournaments in a flash. That list is just a flavour, as well. Expect all major eSports tournaments and games to be covered here. GG.Bet does also cover more traditional sports, though it’s less likely to cover niche and lower league teams.
Like other big betting brands, GG.Bet also has great bonuses and promotions on a regular basis (and not just for newcomers). Expect to see bet insurance promotions, free bets, and more. GG.Bet even has its own VIP system where levelling up gets you unique bonuses and fun backgrounds for your avatar. Of course, the main caveat here is that all of these bonuses will be based in crypto, meaning that you’ll have to be sure to get your hands on crypto funds to participate in the, as traditional currencies aren’t as supported.
Sports Bonus
up to 20% cashback
T&Cs apply, 18+
22Bet – A Popular Sportsbook for Niche Sport Fans
22Bet football betting options
22Bet welcome bonuses and more
- 50+ Sports Categories
- Virtual Sports Covered
- Bonuses for Existing Players
- Apps Available
- No Cryptocurrency Support
- Slow Customer Support
22Bet is another popular betting brand that tries to cater to everyone. In this case, it does just that by covering 50+ different sporting categories, which have a big focus on niche sports, virtual sports, and eSports. This way, if you want to bet on sports like darts, chess, or other niche options, 22Bet has become one of the go-to options.
You can also expect great bonuses and promotions for new and existing players alike. From a 100% welcome bonus, to a reload sportsbook bonus on Fridays, to weekly races and birthday boosts, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to add a bonus if and when it suits you. You can also play on the website, or in a dedicated app on either your iPhone or Android.
The greatest downfalls at 22Bet is probably their customer support, which may test your patience sometimes. In addition, although it caters to niche bettors, it doesn’t mirror that by offering niche payment systems like crypto.
Sports Bonus
100% up to 122€
T&Cs apply, 18+
Best Betting Sites By Sport
There are a lot of online bookmakers out there and the list of professional sports you can bet on is getting longer.
Years ago, football and horse racing were the go-to sports that you could bet on. Nowadays, there is a wide range of sports including cricket, darts, bowls, table tennis, rugby league, snooker, American Football and cycling.
Take a look at the table below with the sports you can bet at with the top UK online bookmakers.
| Best Betting Sites | Sports Covered |
|---|---|
| Bet365 | Football, horse racing, cricket, rugby league |
| William Hill | Football, horse racing, golf, tennis, greyhound racing |
| BetVictor | Football, horse racing, greyhound racing, cricket, golf, basketball |
| BetMGM | Football, horse racing, tennis, golf, greyhound racing |
| Parimatch | Football, horse racing, cricket, golf, MMA, boxing |
| Betfred | Horse racing, football, golf, greyhound racing, rugby league |
What Makes The Best Online Betting Sites Stand Out
So, what makes the top betting sites stand out? How can you spot a high-quality betting site for yourself? There are many brands out there, and with new sites emerging all the time, it’s only natural that you want to know what you need to look for. This is why we’ve put together a list of the best features:
Bet Building Tools
One of the biggest draws of the best online betting sites is the fact that you can build your own bets. Bet builder tools let you create accumulator bets that are as complex as you want them to be. Then, the best of the best brands will take it a step further and let you edit those bets. This way, there’s no pressure when you’re building pre-match bets. You can tweak them until you feel like they’re right.
In-Play Betting
In-play betting is another top feature that the best online betting sites offer. With this feature, you can place bets during the game, allowing you to place new bets based on the changing facts and events that are playing out in front of you. We see live betting sites as a norm nowadays in most regions that allow sports betting. Live betting means constantly shifting odds, and what better way to assess those updates than live streaming?
Live Streaming
Online betting sites with live streaming are the crème de la crème. The top tier brand. After all, if you’re out and about, you at least want to have the option to watch the games that you’ve placed a bet on, especially if that’s a live bet. Will streams be as good as watching the game on your TV? No, but if you’re stuck in traffic, a waiting room, or anywhere else, you can watch it on your phone and make new decisions on your bets.
Of course, just because a site offers in-play betting doesn’t automatically mean they offer live streaming too. Consider live streaming to be the cherry on top. Not all bettors need or prefer to use bookie live streaming for their online bets, but it’s certainly a nice touch.
Early Cash Out
Odds change constantly during a game, which means that you could be on the up during a game, and then lose it all by the end of it. Since there’s no guarantee one way or another, betting operators offer early cash out. This way, you can secure your current winnings, or soften the blow of a loss by cashing out early before the match ends. It’s a feature that could be offered on both pre match and live markets.
Additional Features Offered By Online Betting Sites
When you are starting your betting journey, it’s not just about picking a betting site that looks good. There are a number of different factors you need to take in to end up with the best online betting sites.
We are going to cover some of the main features you need to look out for when selecting a good online betting site.
Sports And Betting Markets
This might seem obvious, but you do not want just run of the mill betting markets on the sites. You want to have a wide range to choose from, not just the markets themselves but you want plenty of choice when it comes to betting on a certain sport. Choose a betting site that has a lot of variety.
Stats And Research Tools
We always have a hunch about something happening before we put a bet on, that’s why we place that particular wager. Some of the best online betting sites now offer bettors a separate research and stats page that allows you to think about your bet in a more calculative way. This page could have relevant information about the teams playing, how many goals they have scored recently and even injury news. All important information that could help you decide whether a bet is good or not.
24/7 Customer Service
It might not seem much on the surface, but having someone available 24/7 is important when it comes to betting. Sport is not a 9-5 job from Monday to Friday, it is played all around the world in different time zones. You may be betting on a football match that is taking place at 0300 am in the UK and encounter a problem that needs sorting immediately. If the online betting site has 24/7 customer service, then your problem could be solved and you can continue your betting journey.
Live Betting
We will cover this section in more depth later on, but it is an important feature that all the top online betting sites are starting to incorporate into their sites. Betting pre-match will always be popular, but the fact you can now bet while the game is in progress is a game changer for a lot of bettors. They have the opportunity to follow the games and continue to bet.
Our top recommended betting bonuses of 2024
300% up to $20000
Bonus Code: oddsportal
Get 180% (or 300% for new registrations within 7 minutes) with the first deposit (minimum $10), up to a maximum of $20,000 or an equivalent amount in other currencies. TCs apply. This offer is only available to new and eligible customers.
100€ in Bet Credits
T&Cs apply, 18+
100% up to $100
T&Cs apply, 18+
100% up to 500€ + 200 Free Spins
T&Cs apply, 18+
50 USDT Free Bet
T&Cs apply, 18+
Access In-Play Odds At Online Betting Sites
Gone are the days where you bet on the winner of a match or tournament and just wait for that to be over. Yes, those bets exist but in-play betting is very popular and it gets you closer to the action.
Not all sports at the best online betting sites are covered with in-play odds, but the vast majority are. Live in-play betting is seen as a dynamic and exciting way to place bets. You can judge how a game is going and bet accordingly. You cannot do that if you are just betting on the match result outcome.
In-play betting is quite simple. You are betting on things to happen while the match is in progress. Some sports in-play betting work differently to others, so we will explain some of them below.
Football In-Play Betting
Live in-play betting on football matches is very popular. The in-play market opens right after kick-off and there will be a wide range of markets, including result, goals scored, double chance and even next goal. You can do these as single in-play bets or as part of a bet builder.
Tennis In-Play Betting
Live tennis is very popular. It is quite a fast-paced game so there are plenty of opportunities to place bets. There will be a bet builder section on live tennis matches which will include match and set winners, game points, next game to deuce and total games in the set. There is also a flash betting market which allows you to bet on the next available point. You have to be quick, hence the flash name, but it can be very exciting.
Cricket In-Play Betting
Live in-play betting is similar to tennis because there is a lot that can happen with every delivery. Depending on the format of the cricket match, it could take 20 overs, 50 overs or five days. There is always something to bet on in the match. Like tennis, there will be a flash bet section that allows you to place bets on what you think will happen in each over. Fun and exciting bets that can prove lucrative.
Are Newer Betting Sites Worth A Try?
Just because something is new on the scene that no one has heard about before, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a scam or cannot be trusted. The same could be said in terms of it being a success as well.
In our experience, you will know when a betting site is legitimate and offering good value. If the online betting site has an official licence to trade that is recognised by the relevant bodies, then it can be trusted and is safe to use.
We will never focus on an online betting site that does not hold a genuine licence.
It does not matter how long any bookmaker has been in business. As long as they hold the relevant licence, then they are free to operate as a gambling company.
Find out if the site you have discovered has a licence, then take some time to look around the site and see what special offers and bonuses they have. Some of the new online betting sites will try and entice new customers to the site. Trust your instinct on whether you think a bonus is worth it or not.
Funding Your Betting Wallet at the Best Sites
The top betting sites all support several payment methods, giving you options when it comes to how you pay. There will be some limitations, of course. Most betting brands won’t accept credit cards, for example, and only a few support cryptocurrencies. Fees, processing times, and even the minimum deposit will all change depending on the payment method you use and your region. Here’s just a brief overview of how each option will impact your betting experience:
| Payment Option | Processing Time (Deposit) | Processing Time (Withdrawal) | Fees (Deposit) | Fees (Withdrawal) | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard) | Instant | 1–3 business days | 0–3% | 0–3% | Varies by site, typically $10–20 |
| E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal) | Instant | 1–2 business days | 0–5% | 0–5% | Varies by site, typically $10–20 |
| Bank Transfers | 1–3 business days | 3–5 business days | 0–2% | Varies by site and bank, often free | $10–50 |
| Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum) | Minutes | 30 minutes to 1 hour | 0–2% | 0–2% | Varies by site, typically $1–10 equivalent |
| PaySafeCard | Instant | 3–5 business days | 0–2% | 1–2% | Varies by site, typically $10–20 |
| Apple Pay/Google Pay | Instant | 1–3 business days | 0–3% | 0–3% | Varies by site and device, typically $10–20 |
Quality Betting Sites Tackle Mobile Betting
You’ll notice that some of the biggest betting sites also offer apps. These online betting apps can streamline your betting experience entirely. After all, apps have all the visual assets and formats downloaded. This means that they can end up being faster and easier to use than their website equivalents, but only if they are bug-free.
The best sports betting apps will separate mobile sports betting from the operator’s mobile casino side, if it exists. This leads to focused sports betting, and cuts out the noise of other gaming distractions. However, some apps might blend the two gambling areas into one, and simply segment them out in tabs.
If there isn’t an app, that’s not an immediate deal breaker for mobile sports bettors, as most modern sites have optimised versions fit for use on smaller mobile devices. It sometimes is even preferred to those who dislike downloading any apps on their devices in general.
Top Sports Betting Sites Offer Bonuses
The best betting sites all offer bonuses and promotions for both their new and their existing customers, and if they are lagging on that front, there might be a good reason behind it. For example, sometimes you may encounter a bookie that is so well-established that it has a huge customer base already, and therefore doesn’t always have to compete as hard on sports promos to maintain its popularity or perhaps they prioritise being top of the odds comparison charts. However, in general, finding sites with good bonuses shouldn’t be that difficult, as it’s a major marketing tool.
Every bonus, however, comes with terms and conditions. That’s why it’s so important to know how to understand the bonus requirements, and how to spot the ones that suit your budget best. We’ve put together a list of the best bonuses from online betting sites so you can easily take advantage of the best deals today, and know exactly what you need to do to use them successfully.
All Legit Sports Betting Sites are Fully Secure
One of the big questions, especially for new bettors, is whether it’s safe to use these online betting sites. The good news is that the answer is yes. So long as you choose a licenced and reputable brand, you can rest easy knowing your bets are protected, your information is encrypted, and that everything is as fair as possible. All sites reviewed at Odds Portal are safe and legitimate.
Still, how do you check that these betting sites for sports are safe and secure? You check for these qualities:
- Is the site licenced? Some gambling authorities are stricter than others, so check to see where it’s licenced. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (GGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) are some of the strictest around.
- Is the site encrypted with SSL or TLS? (Shows up as HTTPS in the URL)
- Is there two-factor authentication?
- Check security certificates (McAfee, Verisign, TRUSTe)
- Are there public reviews and news about the site?
If you are able to verify these questions, then you are probably in good hands, but if you still aren’t sure, you can rely on our reviews to point out proper licensing.
Checklist For Top Online Betting Sites
The majority of the best online sports betting sites have been on the market for a number of years and already built up a reputation and fan base. Saying that, there are still some things you should always look for when you are choosing an online betting site.
Customer Service
No matter what we do in life, we will most likely find a problem we cannot solve. The same goes with gambling. There will be an incident that needs exploring and you will need help. The best online betting sites will have a 24/7 chat system that allows punters to get instant help. Not all bookmakers will offer this, but as long as you have a route to get your problem solved, you should get a quick response. Aside from the 24/7 chat, companies will have a social media account, email address and telephone number for you to contact them. Punters are encouraged to check out the FAQ section, because the problem might have already been solved.
Licence
As long as you remember that no company can trade as a gambling site or place odds on a site without a relevant betting licence, you will be fine. It is that simple. Whether it be a licence from the UK Gambling Commision or from the Malta Gambling Authority, it doesn’t matter as long as the licence is legit. We will never feature an online betting site new or old without the relevant licences.
Competitive Markets And Odds
As bettors we all want the best odds and markets. There is no hiding from that. A lot of the markets with most of the best online betting sites are similar, but if you search around you will find better prices. Whether that is companies trying to entice new customers to the site, there is always some value if you search hard enough.
Bonuses And Promotions
It doesn’t matter if the online betting site is 15 years old or six months old, the main aim is to get customers to the site. The best way to do that is to offer amazing welcome bonuses and special offers. This is a massive competition between companies as they want their bonus to stand out from the chasing pack.
Payment Methods
Most online betting sites will urge you to use a debit card in order to make your deposit and withdrawal transactions, but times are changing. Visa and Mastercard are the most popular ways to pay, but with digital payments and e-wallets on the rise, a lot of firms are relying on them. With smart phones being the choice of device for a lot of people, it is easy now to have Google Pay, PayPal or Apple Pay installed on your phone and bookmakers are incorporating that into their business and it makes paying and withdrawing funds a lot easier.
Ready to Get Started with the Best Betting Sites?
Now that you know more about what makes the best betting sites stand out, and have a quick list of top operators, it’s time for you to delve right into online betting. Perhaps you’re interested in a bookie with a huge international base like Bet365, or maybe you need a solid crypto sports betting bookie like Stake.com or GG.Bet. Or it’s possible you have more specific betting tastes and need an operator equipped to offer even the most niche sports out there, like 22Bet.
Well, the great news is that you can usually explore any betting website without having to create an account right away, so you can quickly check to make sure that your favourite team is covered, what features are included, and what types of bonuses are available right now. The only thing that matters is that the site is safe, it’s got the features you want to use, and it lets you bet on the teams you love.