Best Football Betting Sites UK December 2024

Best football betting sites compared 2024

Top football betting sites reviewed

Read about the best betting sites for football currently operating in the UK, and what they can offer you, and your gambling needs.

Here are our top 10 football betting sites for UK gamblers right now...

1. bet365 – Overall best football betting site UK 2024

bet365 is our overall winner of the best football betting sites in the UK, offering an unparalleled experience for both seasoned punters and newcomers alike.

Celebrated for its expansive selection of football markets, bet365 covers everything from top-tier Premier League games to local leagues, providing access to over 80 competitions.

Punters can place diverse bets, including traditional over/under goals and final result predictions, as well as player-specific events like cards received and number of passes.

bet365’s innovative early payout feature allows punters to secure winnings ahead of time, enhancing the betting experience.

The site excels in live streaming, offering over 1,000 events per month and keeping users engaged with real-time action.

bet365 also includes features like bet builders, cash-out options, and enhanced odds markets, ensuring a comprehensive betting experience.

Additionally, their generous welcome offer and user-friendly interface underscore bet365's position as a secure and reliable platform.

Read our complete bet365 review.

I was immediately impressed by bet365’s in-play markets during a live football match. Placing a bet just before a corner kick and watching the odds shift in real-time added a level of excitement that few platforms offer.

bet365’s near-instantaneous withdrawal process is a major advantage, setting it apart from other betting sites where delays are common. This reliability, along with their consistently competitive odds, makes them a top choice for serious bettors.

While bet365 is a leader in sports betting, their online casino offerings don’t quite match the high standard of their sports markets. For those who prioritise sports, bet365 is excellent, but casino enthusiasts might find the selection less compelling.

Bradley Gibbs

2. BetVictor – Best football bookie for prices on top-flight football

BetVictor is a serious contender in the UK’s football betting scene, distinguished by its commitment to offering an extensive range of betting markets and competitive odds.

The site provides users with an intuitive, user-friendly experience that caters to football enthusiasts eager to wager on a broad spectrum of leagues and tournaments.

BetVictor’s reputation for offering the best average odds across Premier League fixtures, as verified by Oddschecker, sets it apart and underscores its value to punters looking for optimal betting opportunities.

The site's bet-builder tool is a highlight, allowing customers to craft personalised bets by combining different selections, including goals, cards, and corners.

This feature, along with innovative market options like predicting the next football manager to leave their post, adds a unique dimension to the betting experience.

BetVictor’s commitment to enhancing user engagement is further exemplified by its generous welcome bonus and a variety of football promotions throughout the season.

Although BetVictor offers a robust in-play section, live scores, and a user-friendly interface that ensures swift navigation.

Read our complete BetVictor review.

As someone who’s thoroughly tested various betting platforms, my initial experience with BetVictor was seamless, especially during the sign-up process. I quickly dove into Premier League markets, and the variety on offer was impressive, even prompting me to explore cycling bets, which I typically avoid.

One of BetVictor’s standout features is its rapid withdrawal process, easily outpacing other sites I’ve used. Their consistently competitive odds across both major and niche sports are another reason they’re a go-to for me.

However, BetVictor’s live streaming options are limited, mainly confined to horse racing, which might be a drawback for those who value real-time viewing. Despite this, the platform’s strong odds and extensive market selection more than make up for it.

Josh Miller

3. Betfred – Best football bookmaker for football odds

Betfred is a leading choice for football betting in the UK, offering a comprehensive range of leagues and matches with pre-match and live betting options.

With extensive market coverage and competitive odds, Betfred ensures punters have access to the best betting opportunities.

The betting site’s intuitive design facilitates easy navigation, allowing users to explore various markets and place bets efficiently.

One of Betfred’s standout features is its array of football promotions, such as Double Delight & Hat Trick Heaven, which offer punters the chance to amplify their winnings on goalscorer bets.

Betfred also offers live streaming for a range of events, including horse racing and tennis, enhancing the overall betting experience.

Despite occasional feedback on performance during peak times, Betfred’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its responsive customer service and regular updates.

This dedication, combined with a user-friendly interface and competitive odds, cements Betfred’s position as a top football betting site in the UK.

Read our complete Betfred review.

Having tested a wide range of betting platforms, my initial experience with Betfred stood out for its ease of use. Navigating through the Premier League markets was intuitive, though I found the political betting section a bit more challenging to locate, which could be streamlined for better user experience.

Betfred’s competitive odds and the frequent bonuses, especially during high-profile events like the Euros, are a major draw. It’s clear that Betfred prioritises rewarding its users, making it a strong contender for anyone serious about getting the best value from their bets.

Despite Betfred’s strengths, particularly in its user interface and customer service, the withdrawal times are a bit slower compared to other top-tier platforms, typically taking around five hours. However, this doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience, which remains robust for dedicated sports bettors.

Josh Miller

4. William Hill – Best UK football betting site for odds boosts

William Hill, a hallmark in UK sports betting, continues to impress with its extensive range of football markets, covering over 50 leagues and offering more than 80 markets per match.

The platform excels with live streaming and commentary for major games, enhancing the real-time betting experience for punters.

Recent updates have made the site more user-friendly, featuring the innovative #YourOdds tool for customised bets.

Established in 1934, William Hill boasts competitive odds across various sports, including horse racing with its Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) offer.

The mobile site ensures a smooth betting experience on the go, backed by quick bet slips and customisable start pages.

Despite the cluttered interface, the rich array of promotions and bonuses, particularly for football, make William Hill a top choice.

Committed to responsible gambling, it provides robust tools for managing betting habits, solidifying its position as a trusted bookmaker.

As someone who’s been involved in betting for years, my experience with William Hill has always been top-notch. I remember placing a Premier League bet and, months later, unexpectedly finding £500 credited to my account due to a correction on a bet I’d nearly forgotten about—a rare but very welcome surprise.

What sets William Hill apart in the competitive betting market is their exceptional payout speed. Unlike many other platforms where withdrawals can be slow, William Hill typically processes my payouts within minutes, ensuring my funds are always readily accessible.

William Hill excels in sports betting, offering competitive odds, a broad range of markets, and regular personalised promotions. However, for those who dabble in casino games, it’s worth noting that the casino side may not meet the same high standards. Overall, for serious sports punters, William Hill remains a reliable and expertly managed platform.

Bradley Gibbs

5. Coral – Best for free football prediction competitions

Coral, a key player in the UK betting industry, has successfully transitioned from high-street prominence to a strong online presence, particularly excelling in football betting.

The Coral betting site offers extensive market coverage, providing bets on over 70 leagues globally and more than 50 options per match.

The platform is user-friendly, with features such as live betting, quick cash-out options, and football-specific promotions enhancing the betting experience.

Unique offerings like the Bet Builder allow for personalised bets, making it highly engaging.

Coral also stands out with quick withdrawal times, a solid selection of free-to-play games, and consistent football-focused bonuses for existing customers.

Despite some critiques about the in-play market’s depth and site aesthetics, Coral’s strengths ensure it remains a top choice for both seasoned and new punters.

This combination of traditional bookmaking expertise with modern digital innovation positions Coral as a leading football betting site in the UK.

Read our complete Coral review.

As someone who’s tested numerous betting platforms, I’ve found Coral to be a reliable go-to, particularly when it comes to horse racing. I recall placing a bet on an outsider during the Cheltenham Festival, and not only did the horse come through, but Coral settled the bet almost instantly, with the funds landing in my account within minutes.

Coral’s promotions, especially their Best Odds Guaranteed on horse and greyhound races, are among the most consistent and genuine in the industry. It’s rare to find a bookmaker that offers such tangible value to its customers on a regular basis.

While Coral’s sports betting service is top-notch, particularly in terms of odds and promotions, their casino offerings don’t quite match up. For serious bettors, the sports section is where Coral truly shines, but those seeking a well-rounded gaming experience might find the casino section a bit lacking in comparison to other platforms.

Bradley Gibbs

6. Paddy Power – Best football betting site for money-back specials that run daily

Paddy Power stands out in the competitive UK football betting site landscape, known for its distinctive blend of comprehensive market coverage, engaging betting options and innovative promotions.

This Irish bookmaker has carved a niche for itself in its reliability and the secure betting environment it offers to its customers.

Despite its cautious approach towards sharp punters, Paddy Power remains a favourite for its extensive football market offerings, allowing bets on over 70 leagues worldwide and more than 50 aspects of any single match.

Their live streaming service enhances the betting experience by broadcasting thousands of games each season, making it easy for punters to stay engaged with the action as it unfolds.

Paddy Power’s site is celebrated for its user-friendly interface, ensuring that both new and seasoned bettors can navigate through the plethora of betting options with ease.

The site also stands out for its promotional value, offering a compelling welcome bonus alongside a variety of money-back specials and enhanced odds, particularly around major football leagues and European competitions.

Despite some criticisms regarding odds competitiveness and live streaming breadth, Paddy Power’s strengths in market variety, promotional offers, and user experience solidify its position as one of the top football betting sites in the UK.

Read our complete Paddy Power review.

One of my early experiences with Paddy Power involved an antepost bet on a horse race. The speed at which they settled the bet was impressive—within minutes of the race result, my winnings were already in my account, something I don’t see often even with other top-tier bookmakers.

Paddy Power’s customer service is a cut above the rest, especially when compared to other bookies I’ve used. Their team handles queries and issues with a level of professionalism and fairness that’s rare in the industry, which is crucial for anyone betting regularly.

While Paddy Power’s odds and market depth, especially in horse racing, are among the best, their reliance on chat support might not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer direct, verbal communication. However, their commitment to fair play—like paying out on official race results rather than just podium finishes—demonstrates a customer-first approach that’s increasingly rare. For serious punters, Paddy Power offers a reliable and well-rounded betting experience.

Josh Miller

7. 888sport – Best football sportsbook for a large choice of payment options

888sport has established itself as a formidable presence in the UK’s football betting scene, blending a rich tradition of sports betting with innovative digital solutions.

The site offers extensive coverage of football leagues globally, allowing punters to wager on over 50 different aspects of any one match.

Their dynamic live betting feature, complete with cash-out options, ensures bettors are well-equipped to engage with the game as it unfolds.

888sport’s commitment to enhancing the betting journey is evident through daily football betting offers and promotions, catering especially to accumulator enthusiasts.

The user experience on the 888sport site is streamlined for efficiency and ease of navigation, supported by a fast, reliable platform.

New users are enticed with a welcome bonus offering £30 in free bets plus a £10 casino bonus for a modest £10 initial bet, representing significant value.

With its solid range of free-to-play games, promotions tailored for football fans, and a commitment to providing competitive odds, 888sport secures its place as one of the best football betting sites in the UK.

Read our complete 888sport review.

I decided to try 888sport during the Six Nations rugby tournament, and I was impressed by their competitive odds. The process of placing bets was smooth, and adding funds via PayPal was quick and hassle-free, which is a significant advantage for any serious punter.

888sport’s interface is well-designed for efficiency, making it easy to navigate through various markets, even during high-traffic events. The frequent free bet offers are a strong incentive, adding value for regular users like myself who appreciate consistent rewards.

While 888sport performs admirably in most areas, the absence of a ‘2 goal early payout’ feature, which is common among top competitors, could be a limitation for some. However, their rapid and straightforward withdrawal process compensates for this, making 888sport a reliable and well-rounded platform for both casual and seasoned bettors.

Josh Miller

8. Ladbrokes – The most famous name in UK betting

Ladbrokes, a stalwart in the UK’s bookmaking landscape, delivers a compelling football betting experience through its robust online platform, earning high praise among punters.

This site stands out for its extensive coverage of football leagues, encompassing top-tier competitions like the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, as well as offering markets on lesser-known leagues around the globe.

Bettors can navigate through more than 2,000 betting options for significant matches, including a versatile range of in-play bets, enhanced odds, and the innovative Bet Builder tool for customised wagers.

The Ladbrokes platform is lauded for its user-friendly interface, ensuring seamless navigation and quick access to a multitude of features.

It enhances betting with live streaming services, allowing users to watch games as they unfold.

Additionally, the #GetAPrice feature empowers users to request unique bets via social media, adding a personalised touch to the betting experience.

Offering a sign-up bonus that’s competitive within the industry, alongside a plethora of football-specific promotions, Ladbrokes caters to both new and existing customers.

Read our complete Ladbrokes review.

Having navigated many betting sites over the years, I was cautious about Ladbrokes, but I was quickly impressed by how fast they verified my account, allowing me to place bets within minutes. I encountered a cap on my UFC bet, but the refund for the remaining balance was processed smoothly within 48 hours.

Ladbrokes’ customer service stands out in an industry where quick and reliable support is often lacking. Their ability to resolve issues promptly and process withdrawals within hours places them ahead of many competitors. It’s clear they prioritise customer satisfaction, which is crucial for anyone serious about their betting.

While their customer service and payout speed are excellent, Ladbrokes’ app could benefit from performance improvements and clearer communication on betting limits. Despite these areas, it remains a reliable platform for seasoned punters.

Bradley Gibbs

9. Unibet – Best for in-play football betting

Unibet’s online platform stands out in the UK’s competitive football betting landscape, offering a user-friendly design and extensive betting options.

Known for its reliability and innovation, Unibet provides football enthusiasts access to a wide range of leagues, from top competitions like the Premier League and UEFA Champions League to lesser-known events like the Copa Libertadores.

The site is celebrated for its intuitive interface, smooth navigation, and quick access to various betting markets, live streaming services, and the innovative Bet Builder feature.

This feature allows punters to customise their bets on football matches, enhancing engagement and personalisation.

Moreover, Unibet’s commitment to providing competitive odds and a broad selection of betting markets, including unique player-specific actions, makes it a preferred choice for discerning bettors.

While the platform offers strengths like live streaming for various leagues and the convenience of placing bets during live play, users must maintain a positive account balance to access some features.

Despite minor navigational challenges for lower-tier matches, Unibet’s focus on football, extensive market coverage, and user-centric promotions solidify its status as one of the best football betting sites in the UK.

Read our complete Unibet review.

I’ve used a range of platforms, but my first experience with Unibet stood out when I placed a horse racing bet using their odds boost feature. The speed of their payout was remarkable—by the time I opened my banking app, the funds were already there, which is rare even among top-tier bookmakers.

Unibet’s customer service and rapid payout times set them apart in a highly competitive market. Their odds are consistently competitive, and it’s refreshing to find a bookmaker that rarely imposes restrictions on the bets I want to place, allowing for a more dynamic betting experience.

While Unibet excels in many critical areas, their requirement to process withdrawals through e-wallets like Skrill rather than directly to a bank account could be a drawback for some. However, the speed and reliability of these transactions, coupled with Unibet’s overall performance, make this a minor inconvenience for serious punters.

Bradley Gibbs

10. Betfair – Best football betting exchange

Betfair, established in 2012, stands out as a top football betting site, offering both an exchange and a sportsbook.

Known for competitive odds, particularly in football and horse racing, Betfair excels in live betting and streaming services.

The site is user-friendly, providing quick access to promotions, favourites, and a streamlined bet slip.

Unique features like "Acca Edge" and the My Rewards Programme enhance the betting experience, making it a versatile platform for football bettors.

While some transaction fees and a limited VIP program are minor drawbacks, Betfair’s strengths, including robust market offerings, innovative features like cash out and bet builders, and excellent odds, solidify its position as a leading choice for football betting enthusiasts in the UK.

Read our complete Betfair review.

In my years of betting, Betfair’s platform has offered some of the most unique experiences, like when I placed a treble on a horse race only to find the app had cashed me out after the first leg, without my input. While this was unexpected, I was impressed by how quickly Betfair’s support team addressed the issue and even offered to re-stake the bet—a level of service you rarely see.

Betfair’s Exchange is a standout feature that sets it apart from traditional bookmakers. The ability to act as both the punter and the bookie by laying or backing bets against others provides far superior odds and a level of control that’s essential for serious bettors.

Despite the strengths of Betfair’s Exchange, there are limitations, such as the inability to place multiple bets on the Exchange itself and relatively standard odds on the sportsbook. However, the platform’s innovative approach and the depth of betting options make it a top choice for seasoned punters looking for more than just traditional betting.

Josh Miller

How we rate & rank football bookmakers

Our goal is to provide you with objective, unbiased reviews of UK betting sites, making it easy to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

We use a consistent set of nine criteria to evaluate each platform, ensuring that you can compare them effectively.

1. Safety: We ensure each site has a UK license and assess its track record, highlighting any safety features that protect your funds and data.

2. Mobile betting app: We review the mobile app’s design, functionality, and user experience, including ease of placing bets and any standout features.

3. Web betting site: We test the desktop site for usability, customisation options, and how straightforward it is to place bets.

4. Deposits & withdrawals: We evaluate the variety of payment methods, the ease of transactions, any fees, and how quickly you can deposit and withdraw funds.

5. Markets: We explore the range and quality of sports markets available, comparing them to other UK betting sites.

6. Pre-match betting: We assess the user-friendliness and versatility of the pre-match betting options.

7. In-play betting: We analyse the live betting experience, including market availability and usability during live events.

8. Welcome incentive: We detail and compare the welcome bonuses offered to new users, as these can be key deciding factors.

9. Customer service: We test customer support channels, including response times and the quality of assistance provided.

Scoring & overall rating

Each criterion is scored on a points system, which is then converted into a star rating.

We average these scores to provide an overall rating for each betting site, making it easier for you to decide which one best meets your needs.

As this guide is specific to football betting, we also focus on several football-specific criteria to ensure a comprehensive review.

We assess the variety and breadth of football leagues and competitions covered, including top-tier leagues, lower divisions, and international tournaments.

We also consider the diversity of football betting markets offered, such as match outcomes, over/under, BTTS (Both Teams to Score), accumulators, and innovative options like bet builders.

Additionally, we evaluate the availability and quality of live betting and streaming features, as well as the ability to create customised bets and the flexibility of cash-out options, all of which are crucial for football bettors.

We then weight this football-specific criteria against the overall rating.

With our thorough and clear reviews, you can trust that you’re getting an honest assessment, free from personal bias.

You can view our dedicated page for more information on how we test and review bookmakers here.

Additionally, you can view all of our bookmaker reviews here.

Please note: All the betting apps reviewed are available on iOS and Android devices and authorised by the UK Gambling Commission.

How do I choose a football betting site?

• Licensing: Ensure the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which guarantees that it adheres to strict regulations for safety, fairness, and responsible gambling. Sites licensed by the UKGC also offer legal protection for bettors, ensuring a secure environment for transactions and dispute resolution.

• Odds & markets: Compare odds across different platforms, as even slight differences can affect your potential returns. A good golf betting site should also offer a variety of markets, including outright winners, each-way bets, top finishes, and in-play options, allowing you to bet live as the tournament progresses.

• Bonuses: Look for competitive welcome bonuses, such as free bets or matched deposits, to get more value when you sign up. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, as wagering requirements and time limits may apply, which can impact how easy it is to withdraw winnings from bonus offers.

• User experience: A user-friendly site is crucial for a smooth betting experience, so choose a platform with intuitive navigation and clear bet placement processes. Additionally, sites with live streaming and in-play betting options provide a more engaging experience, allowing you to follow the action and adjust your bets in real time.

• Payment options: Ensure the site offers a variety of payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, and bank transfers, which should come with fast withdrawal times. Look for platforms that process withdrawals quickly with minimal or no fees, ensuring you can access your winnings easily.

• Customer support: Opt for sites that provide 24/7 customer support via multiple channels like live chat, email, and phone, ensuring help is available whenever you need it. Quick and reliable support is vital for resolving any issues you may encounter, such as payment problems or bet queries, efficiently.

Best football betting sites by category

If you need additional help on selecting a football betting site for you, we've separated some options based on various categories.

How to bet responsibly on online football betting sites

Although knowing your sports helps, betting is primarily luck-based, so use these top tips to practice responsible gambling when placing a bet:

• Limits: Betting sites allow you to set betting limits, i.e. limit how much you can bet in one session, a week, or a month.

• Cashouts: You can withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site, preventing you from spending all of your winnings.

• Help & resources: Betting sites provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations that can help with gambling addiction.

To help with gambling, we created a 'How To Bet On Sports' guide, that helps new gamblers understand the industry better - playing safer and more securely.

Problem gambling organisations and charities in the UK

The NHS Gambling Addiction page has detailed information on charities, trusts, and centres you can contact for help with gambling addiction. Plus, they have a lot of information on strategies for dealing with and preventing addiction in your day-to-day life. Click the link to access the page.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial policy

Our editorial policy ensures thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content through strict sourcing standards and diligent review by top betting experts and seasoned editors.

This process maintains the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

References

To test UK sports betting sites accurately, we dive into analytical research of the British gambling industry, to understand what features are best for you.

Below are the references we use when making these decisions:

• https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/lccp/condition/13-1-2-pool-betting-football-pools

• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-betting-duty-pool-betting-duty-and-remote-gaming-duty

• https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/378/culture-media-and-sport-committee/news/199092/mps-call-for-cut-to-football-gambling-adverts-to-shield-children-from-exposure/

• https://www.statista.com/topics/10452/sports-betting-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/#dossier-chapter1

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7780080/

• https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/research/sociology/projects/footballfansandbettingffab/

• https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/8431/