Top UK Betting Sites 2025 | Best for New & Existing Players

Q: How can I check if a betting site is legal in the UK?

You should look for a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence number, typically in the site’s footer. To double-check, visit the UKGC Public Register and enter that licence number. It confirms the bookmaker is legally authorised to operate in the UK. At Gambling.com, we go one step further. We even provide the UKGC licence number before you go to the site , so you can verify its credentials with full transparency. Every bookmaker we recommend is fully licensed, compliant, and reviewed by our experts, so you can bet with confidence.

Q: Why can’t I use a credit card to place bets in the UK?

The UK Gambling Commission banned credit card use for betting to prevent debt-related harms. Any site accepting credit cards is breaking the law. Instead, licensed bookmakers accept alternatives like debit cards, PayPal, or other secure payment options.

Q: What is the legal age for online betting in the UK?

In the UK, the legal gambling age is 18. Bookmakers require identity verification (e.g. passport or driver’s licence) to confirm your age and comply with anti-fraud regulations. This step ensures only eligible users access gambling services. If a site doesn’t have these verification procedures in place, it should not be trusted.

Q: Are online betting sites in the UK safe to use?

Yes, as long as the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. All the betting sites featured in our rankings are fully regulated, use SSL encryption, and follow strict responsible gambling practices to ensure your safety.

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Our Picks For The Best Betting Sites in the UK

The best UK betting sites are fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, offer competitive odds, fast payouts, robust security, fair welcome bonuses and deliver a seamless player experience backed by strong user reviews.

At Gambling.com, we’ve refined our review process over more than 20 years of industry insight.

Our team of veteran sports bettors, ex-odds traders, and compliance experts rigorously tests each site to highlight the most trustworthy, high-performing betting sites in the UK.

New Betting Sites Ranked By User Ratings & Expert Testing

Discover the best new UK betting sites of 2025 — rated by real players and reviewed by our in-house experts.

Click a bookmaker’s logo to explore a full, impartial review with expert analysis and user insights.

New Betting Site	Standout Feature	User Rating
	Welcome Offer	9.5/10
	Bet Builder	9.4/10
	Early Payouts	9.3/10
	Esports Betting	9.1/10
	Live Betting	9.1/10
	Virtual Betting	9.0/10
	Free Bet Club	9.0/10
	Free Bets	8.9/10
	Odds Boosts	8.9/10
	Betting App	8.7/10

Choosing a New vs Established Betting Site

At Gambling.com, we’re committed to finding the best new betting sites in the UK - platforms that offer fresh features, bigger promotions, and a next-level experience.

Here is what you need to know when signing up for a new site instead of a more established one;

1. Bigger & Better Welcome Offers
New bookmakers go the extra mile to attract punters, often offering the most generous welcome offers.
These offers come with free bets that give you more value from the moment you sign up.
2. Faster Payouts & Modern Options
New bookmakers prioritise speed and convenience. Many support instant withdrawals, letting you cash out winnings in minutes rather than days.
They also tend to accept a broader range of payment options, including e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, and instant banking.
3. Innovative Promotions
New platforms feature more creative promotions than older betting sites that rely on traditional offers.
These can include profit boosts, early payout offers, and personalised loyalty rewards.
4. Slick Design & Mobile-First Experience
New betting sites are designed for modern users, meaning cleaner layouts, smoother navigation, and fully optimised mobile betting apps.
5. Cutting-Edge Features & Tech
New bookmakers introduce advanced betting tools and features to stand out in a competitive market.
Expect better cash out options, AI-powered bet suggestions, personalised dashboards, and gamified experiences that make betting more engaging.

"New betting sites often come up with big offers and bonuses to gain market share, so always keep an eye out and take advantage of these promotions."
Kevin Taylor | Online Betting Expert

Best Betting Site Offers

Our latest expert testing and real user feedback reveal which UK betting sites offer the most valuable welcome bonuses.

Each site listed here has been proven to treat new players fairly, with transparent terms and customer-first policies.

Betting Site	Ideal For	Sign Up Offer
	Acca Free Bets	Bet £10 Get £50
	Cashback	£30 if First Acca Loses
	Free Spread Bets	Bet £10 Get £40
	Free Bet Builders	Bet £10 Get £40
	Matched Deposit	100% Bonus up to £50

More Offer Types

Bet £10 Get £30 Offers

Bet £10 Get £40 Offers

Best Odds Guaranteed

Free Bet Clubs

"We communicate with betting companies and conduct in-depth research to ensure we only highlight offers with fair terms and conditions."
James Molloy | Compliance Expert

Best Betting Sites for Sports

Different betting sites excel in different sports, with some offering sharper odds, unique features, or deeper markets for specific events.

We break them down by speciality, so you can quickly find the bookmaker that best matches your interests.

Best Bookmaker	Sport	Standout Feature
	Football	£1m Prediction Game
	Horse Racing	Coral Racing Club
	Cricket	Live Cricket Streams
	Golf	Early Payouts
	Tennis	Live Tennis Streams
	Boxing	Big Fight Promos
	Darts	Live Darts Odds
	UFC	UFC Free Bet Club

More Sports

Formula 1 Betting Sites

Snooker Bookmakers

Rugby Betting Sites

Esports Betting

Best UK Bookmakers By Feature

Top online betting sites offer features that enhance your experience, from advanced cash-out controls and flexible bet builders to extensive live streaming coverage.

These tools can make a real difference when it comes to speed, control, and enjoyment.

£5 Deposit Betting Sites

Best Bet Builders

Fast Withdrawals

Bookies With Live Streams

More Sites Ranked By Feature

Best Betting Sites By Payment Method

Choosing a betting site that supports your preferred payment method makes all the difference.

To help you decide quickly, we’ve ranked the top online bookmakers by the most popular payment options — including PayPal, debit cards, Apple Pay, and more.

More Payment Options

How To Choose a New Betting Site

Start by deciding what matters most to you — whether it’s competitive odds, standout bonuses, smooth payment options, or deep coverage of your favourite sports.

We’ve reviewed every UK-licensed betting site to help you compare with confidence and find the right fit.

Here are the key factors to consider:

Range of Sports & Markets
You should always choose a betting site with plenty of markets for the sports you like to bet on.
The best bookmakers have lots of odds for popular sports like horse racing and football, as well as niche sports and novelty markets like entertainment and politics betting.

Competitive Odds
Odds comparison tests are a key part of our review process, ensuring we only recommend bookmakers with fair prices.
If there's a particular sport or market you bet on most, compare the odds across a few different sites to see which one offers the best value.
Payment Options
Choose a betting site that supports your preferred payment method. The best bookmakers process transactions quickly and accept debit cards and e-wallets (like PayPal).
Sites that allow credit card gambling should be approached cautiously, as this is banned in the UK .

User Experience & Interface
A smooth user experience is essential on both mobile and desktop. A bookmaker might offer plenty of features, but if it's slow or hard to navigate, it won’t make our top 50 list.
Most platforms let you explore markets before signing up, so take the time to get a feel for the site before creating an account.
Bonuses & Promotions
All of the best betting sites have welcome offers (usually free bets) and promotions for existing customers, such as odds boosts, loyalty rewards, and money-back offers.
Choose an online bookmaker that rewards its customers with offers, and ignore the sites that don't offer any perks.
Trusted & Licensed UK Bookmakers
It's essential to choose a site licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
This means that the bookmaker operates legally in the UK and is regulated by one of the most respected gambling authorities in the world.

Compare Betting Sites Instantly

We at Gambling.com make it easy to find the right bookmaker with our quick-compare tool.

Select up to three betting sites from the list above and click Compare to see a real-time breakdown of welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, features, payment options, and more — all side by side.

If you're undecided, this tool helps you spot the best fit fast. Give it a try and see the difference.

Responsible Gambling Tips

Betting should be fun — never a source of stress or financial pressure.

Here are some smart, practical ways to stay in control:

Set a budget: Choose a weekly or monthly limit that suits your finances and stick to it, win or lose.
Accept losses: Losing is part of betting. Avoid chasing losses or making emotional, high-risk decisions.
Use built-in tools: Make the most of deposit limits, loss caps, time-outs, self-exclusion, and reality checks.
Know where to get help: If gambling starts to feel harmful, reach out 24/7 to free, confidential support services like BeGambleAware, GamCare, or GAMSTOP.

For more information on responsible betting, visit our responsible gambling hub.

Why Gambling.com Is the UK’s Leading Betting Site Comparison Platform

Gambling.com reviews every UK Gambling Commission–licensed bookmaker using a strict ten-step process.

We check licensing, security, odds competitiveness, payout speed, and fairness of terms and conditions.

Our expert review team — made up of UK-based analysts, veteran punters, and former odds traders — scores each site across nine core categories, drawing on decades of industry experience.

Reviews are updated monthly to reflect site changes, and complete re-evaluations are conducted every three months. This ensures all ratings stay current and relevant.

What makes Gambling.com different? We include live testing, UK-based player focus groups, and real user ratings, so our recommendations are based on actual experiences from British bettors.

Ask The Experts: What Do You Want From a Betting Site?

Kevin Taylor
Kevin has been betting on sport online for over a decade and has used a number of different betting sites in that time. He likes to bet on football, basketball, and golf, and is never afraid to share his opinion if a bookmaker doesn't live up to his expectations.

"Speed and ease of use are non-negotiable - if a site lags, crashes, or takes too long to load, I’m gone. I want to place a bet easily, especially in-play bets where every second matters."
Kevin Taylor | Betting Expert

Dean Ryan
Dean brings 20 years of industry experience and a lifelong passion for horse racing to our team. He draws on his expertise as a tipster and #Racehour Podcast co-founder to analyse sites from the perspective of a passionate, experienced punter.

"Odds are king, plain and simple. I always compare prices across multiple sites, and if a bookmaker consistently falls short, they don’t make my shortlist."
Dean Ryan | Betting Expert

James Molloy
James is a huge football fan and a keen punter with a good eye for the best offers that provide the most value to users. As an expert in bookmaker compliance, James always likes to see robust responsible gambling features in place.

"A trustworthy site makes it easy to bet responsibly - I want clear deposit limits, reality checks, and a simple way to take a break if needed. If those tools are hidden or hard to access, that’s a red flag."
James Molloy | Compliance & Responsible Betting Expert

Michael Butlin
Michael has worked in the gambling industry for two decades and has been betting on sport for even longer, attending nearly every Cheltenham Festival since 1990. Michael's passion for beating the bookmakers helps him to critique sites from a bettor's perspective.

"Custom bet builders, live stats, and detailed in-play options set the best sites apart. I want tools that give me control and help me back a bet with real insight, not just guesswork."
Michael Butlin | Betting Expert

Diarmuid Nolan
Diarmuid is a hugely passionate horse racing fan and can be heard on the #Racehour podcast along with his Gambling.com colleague Dean Ryan. The podcast has garnered a large audience, with over 18.6k followers on X. Diarmuid's deep knowledge of the sport helps him to sort the best horse racing bookies from the rest.

"I always look for standout horse racing promotions like extra places, best odds guaranteed, and money-back specials. I like to bet ante-post, so a site must have plenty of future markets with competitive odds."
Diarmuid Nolan | Horse Racing Betting Expert

Our Rating Methodology

We follow a strict hands on review and rating methodology.

Our team signs up as real users to test key features — including registration, deposits, betting markets, promotions, withdrawals, and customer support.

Based on these findings, we assign each site a score using a consistent, transparent rating system.

Our expert reviewers evaluate a detailed 10-step process when evaluating each UK betting site — a hands-on review that takes up to two months to complete.

Verify licensing and security — We check that the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and uses top-tier security protocols.
Register and verify ID — We sign up as real users and complete full identity verification.
Deposit real funds — We fund the betting account using common payment methods.
Claim the welcome offer — We activate the sign-up bonus and evaluate the fairness of the terms and conditions.
Assess odds and market depth — We compare odds value and review the variety of sports and betting markets.
Test ongoing promotions — We claim offers for existing customers and examine the attached terms.
Place real bets — We test different bet types across a range of sports and events.
Contact customer support — We evaluate the quality, speed, and helpfulness of support responses.
Test device compatibility — We use iOS, Android, and desktop platforms to assess performance and usability.
Withdraw funds — We confirm withdrawal options and measure processing times.

This rigorous process ensures every rating reflects real user experience and practical site performance.

Award-Winning Betting Sites You Can Trust

We keep a close eye on the industry's top honours. When an online bookmaker earns recognition from respected industry bodies, we take note—and so should you.

These accolades reflect excellence in everything from innovation to player experience. Below, we spotlight bookmakers who have recently won the gold, earning respect from both experts and players alike.

Bookmaker	Award	Adjudicator
	Online Sports Betting Operator Of The Year	Global Gaming Awards
	Best Mobile Sports Product	International Gaming Awards
	Best Customer Service Company of The Year	International Gaming Awards
	Esports Operator of The Year	SBC Awards
	Best Football Betting Operator	EGaming Review Awards

How We Keep Our Rankings Fresh — And You Informed

At Gambling.com, rankings aren’t static—they’re living, breathing reflections of the market. We continuously monitor the performance of every bookmaker we review, updating ratings to match reality.

Each site is retested at least once a month. We look for new features, improved odds, updated betting markets, user experience upgrades, and shifts in customer service. If a bookmaker raises its game—or drops the ball—we update their rating accordingly.

That’s why our Top 50 list is refreshed monthly. You’ll find the best new UK betting sites alongside the latest performance shifts from long-standing names, so you always know who’s delivering the best experience.

Top UK Betting Sites Ranked by Experts – Over 150 Reviewed

Why trust Gambling.com?

Compare Our Best, Popular & New Betting Sites

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Our Picks For The Best Betting Sites in the UK

New Betting Sites Ranked By User Ratings & Expert Testing

Choosing a New vs Established Betting Site

1. Bigger & Better Welcome Offers

2. Faster Payouts & Modern Options

3. Innovative Promotions

4. Slick Design & Mobile-First Experience

5. Cutting-Edge Features & Tech

Best Betting Site Offers

More Offer Types

Best Betting Sites for Sports

More Sports

Best UK Bookmakers By Feature

More Sites Ranked By Feature

Best Betting Sites By Payment Method

More Payment Options

How To Choose a New Betting Site

Range of Sports & Markets

Competitive Odds

Payment Options

User Experience & Interface

Bonuses & Promotions

Trusted & Licensed UK Bookmakers

Compare Betting Sites Instantly

Responsible Gambling Tips

Why Gambling.com Is the UK’s Leading Betting Site Comparison Platform

Ask The Experts: What Do You Want From a Betting Site?

Kevin Taylor

Dean Ryan

James Molloy

Michael Butlin

Diarmuid Nolan

Our Rating Methodology

Award-Winning Betting Sites You Can Trust

How We Keep Our Rankings Fresh — And You Informed

FAQ

How can I check if a betting site is legal in the UK?

Why can’t I use a credit card to place bets in the UK?

What is the legal age for online betting in the UK?

Are online betting sites in the UK safe to use?

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