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The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Betway casino review: Stake £10 and receive 125 free spins
BETWAY was formed in 2006, and in almost 20 years of trading, have become one of the UK's favourite operators. They're a trusted name and have always aimed to provide the key elements that every casino player looks for. This casino and bookmaker has a reputation for offering a great choice of games along with some valuable promotions with fair terms. This Betway review will take a closer look to see if that reputation is justified, while examining all the important factors behind the platform. 🧑⚖️ The Sun's verdict: 4.62/5 When looking for a reliable online casino, we want the positives to significantly outweigh any possible downsides. That's certainly been the case at Betway, who have impressed in a number of key areas. Offers and promotions are a big plus at Betway. The welcome deal is generous, especially as there are no wagering requirements on those free spins. Ongoing promos continue in a similarly generous manner. Betway backs up those deals with a good choice of games, excellent infrastructure, and responsible gambling tools. It all leads to a solid rating on our Sun Factor, and why we consider Betway as one of the best online casinos in the UK. ⚡ Betway Casino quick facts While this Betway Casino review goes into great depth about the platform, here are some brief, essential facts: 📅 Year established 2006 📃 UKGC account number 39372 🎁 Welcome bonus Stake £10 and receive 125 free spins 🎰 No. of games offered 450+ 🧑💻 No. of game providers 20 💳 Payment methods Visa, Mastercard, Bank Transfer, PayPal, Trustly 💬 Customer support Live chat, email, social media platforms, FAQ 📱 App Yes, for both iOS and Android 💰 Betway bonuses and promotions In general, this is a very generous place to play if you're looking for offers and promotions. A big plus is the fact that Betway offers a no wagering deposit bonus, where winnings from 125 free spins are not subject to wagering requirements. Ongoing customers should also find good value through the life of their Betway account. The operator has a loyalty programme for regular players, and there's also a VIP section for high rollers. For more casual casino players, there may also be promos such as free spins and reload bonuses. Betway casino welcome bonus New customers at Betway Casino can get 125 free spins in return for depositing and staking £10. This is one of the most generous offers in terms of the number of spins provided, and a big plus is the fact that any winnings from the free spins are not subject to wagering requirements. There are terms and conditions to follow, and these include: Deposits must be made by debit cards: All other payment methods are not eligible for the offer. The £10 deposit must be wagered once on Betway Casino, Vegas or Live Casino games. 125 free spins will then be released. Free spins are worth 10p each, and are to be used on the Big Bass Hold and Spinner slot game. Spins must be used within 7 days of the account opening. 🎰 Betway casino games and software providers 4 A recommended casino must have a good selection of games, and that's the case here at Betway. There are more than 450 titles available and while slots dominate the schedules, the list also covers card and table games, together with many options over at the live casino rooms, which cover blackjack, poker, roulette, and other games. Betway also has a selection of branded, exclusive slots that players won't be able to find on other platforms. To keep the casino fresh, Betway works with many of the top game producers. The biggest names in the industry are here, including NetEnt, IGT, Pragmatic Play and Blueprint Gaming. By mixing in some more niche providers such as Iron Dog Studios and Snowborn Games, Betway provides a diverse list of interesting slots and table options. ⭐ Top 3 Highest RTP slots at Betway Casino 4 While Betway has one of the biggest ranges of slot games among UK casinos, some titles are more popular than others. These include high RTP games and the list includes High Society, Hitman and Huangdi - The Yellow Emperor. 🎰 Slot name High Society Hitman Huangdi - the Yellow Emperor 🪙 RTP 96.8% 95.84% 96.5% 🧑💻 Software provider Electric Elephant Games Global Games Global 📚 Theme Luxury Action Oriental 💫 Reels 5 5 5 🤑 Paylines 25 15 25 🔥 Volatility High Medium-high Medium-high 📅 Year released 2014 2007 2017 🏦 Payment methods at Betway Casino It's important for any casino to have a good range of payment options. It demonstrates flexibility and shows that they are accommodating to all players. At the same time, it helps an operator to build their customer base, so how does Betway shape up? The regular options are here, including debit cards and PayPal. There could be more e-wallets but it's a good range. Transactions are free of charge but check to see if your provider adds fees. Payment Method Min. Deposit Min. Withdrawal Processing Time Visa £5 £5 1-3 Days Mastercard £5 £5 1-3 Days Bank Transfer £5 £5 5 Days PayPal £5 £5 1-3 Days Trustly £5 £5 1-3 Days 📱 Betway Casino mobile app and play Betway has a casino app and it's available across all major software platforms, including iOS and Android. It can be downloaded from the usual stores and sources, or you can access it via a QR code on the main mobile site. Reviews are largely positive, with good loading speeds and minimal lag. Players can make deposits and withdrawals via the app, and they can also register for a new account. The Betway Casino app scores a respectable 4.7/5 on the App Store and 4.2/5 on Google Play. 👉 How to sign up at Betway Casino The sign-up process at any casino should be quick and easy. New customers want to play without any unnecessary delay, and here's how registration at Betway works: Use our link to visit Betway. Click on the 'Sign Up' button at the top right of the homepage. You will then be asked to choose a casino welcome offer. Betway also has a sportsbook promotion, among others, but you need to tick the casino deal. Enter some personal information – name, address and date of birth. Choose a username and password, and enter your email. Input your contact details – address and telephone number. Opt in for notifications if you wish, and then click on the button to complete registration. That's the process from start to finish but remember to keep ID documents on hand in case Betway needs to verify your identity. ⚠️ Responsible gambling at Betway Casino Responsible gambling is a big focus in the UK, and Betway is a platform that takes the matter seriously. The operator links out to third party charities and organisations and also has a range of tools in place to help the customer stay in control. Betway has an entire page dedicated to the subject, and this includes advice such as staying within budget limits. The tools in place are: Deposit Limits – set a cap on the amount you can deposit to your account. Stake Limits – a ceiling on the amount you can wager on games. Reality Checks – set reminders that go off when you've been on the site for a specified period. Timeouts – take a short break from Betway, starting at 24 hours. Self-Exclusions – essentially, these are extended timeouts and they can be permanent. It's a solid set of tools, suitable for today's sensible approach to responsible gambling from this independent online casino. ☎️ Betway Casino customer support Betway offers a number of ways for anyone who needs assistance to get in touch with customer support. The quickest way to answer any questions is via live chat, which is available 24/7. There is also a dedicated email address for those who aren't in a rush. Betway have also set up support channels via the popular social media platforms. Players who access the likes of X and Facebook on a regular basis may prefer to use these. The operator also has a list of answers to frequently asked questions, covering the basic queries. The only option that's missing is phone support. To summarise, Betway offers: Live Chat 24/7. Email customer service address. Social media support. Frequently asked questions. 👇 FAQ about Betway Casino UK While Betway Casino has effective customer service and a list of frequently asked questions of its own, it's worth running through some of the most common queries: 1. Is Betway Casino legit? Yes, Betway is a legitimate operator licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. This means that they can legally provide real money games to players in the United Kingdom and to others who can access the platform. 2. How long do Betway Casino withdrawals take? Betway states that most withdrawals will take between 1 and 5 days. The exception is PayPal, where the majority of returns will be processed within 24 hours. 3. Does Betway pay real money? Yes, Betway pays real money in return for winning real money stakes. Players can stake at a range of Betway games, and they can win cash prizes subject to the game rules. 4. Is it safe to play at Betway? Yes, it is safe to play casino games at Betway. The casino employs high levels of security in order to keep players' sensitive details encrypted and away from unwanted third parties. The operator is also licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. 5. Does Betway have free games? Yes, Betway casino has free demo versions of most of its games. These can be played without the customer staking any real money. However, it should be remembered that these are trial games only, and they do not offer real cash prizes. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Betmaster Casino Enters the UK: Behind the Scenes of the License Process
Have you ever wondered what it takes to get an online casino launched in the UK? It's a significant undertaking, with many steps that involve large financial commitments along the way. With Betmaster Casino recently launching as one the newest online gambling operators to hit British shores, studying how it has gone about getting up and running is an informative look behind the scenes of the UK gambling sector for both players and operators. Most fans of online gambling only see the end product. The flashy games, the lists of jackpot winners and the smooth user experience of a well designed online casino. But the reality is, getting it to that point is a whole lot of work from dozens or even hundreds of people. Who Are Betmaster and What Do They Offer? Betmaster Sportsbook and Online Casino is a Malta-based gambling operator that is newly-licenced to offer services in the UK. They offer all the bells and whistles you could want from a modern casino. That includes: A user-friendly mobile site built from the ground up A large selection of popular games from globally recognised developers Fast and secure payments Innovative rewards and bonuses Plus, a UK gambling license means they are duty bound to provide certain features for you the players. Responsible gambling tools, age verification and certified fair and secure games and banking options are all clear and present at Betmaster from launch. Which is not to say offshore gambling operators – of which there are many – can't and don't offer those features. But with a license to operate in Scotland, England and Wales, you're guaranteed by law to find safeguards that ensure everything is above board. Interestingly, Betmaster is a cryptocurrency-friendly casino in international markets. But under UK law, that isn't allowed. So, the operator has dropped crypto payment options for UK customers. Operators and crypto fans are busy campaigning against strict crypto regulations however, so who knows how that might change in the future. The Gatekeeper: The UK Gambling Commission All of the above regulation is overseen by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, or UKGC. This Government body is widely recognised as one of the world's strongest gambling regulators, although operators have criticized them for being overly strict and increasing regulation in recent years. The list of documentation required for a UKGC license is lengthy, so any organization wishing to acquire one will no doubt have several people working on the process. The whole process takes about 16 weeks to complete. There are three types of gambling licenses in the UK: Remote – for online services not based in the country Non-remote – for operators offering gambling from physical locations in the UK, or providing services to them Ancillary – everything else including bingo, phone and email betting In the case of Betmaster, they would have applied and been granted a remote license suitable for online gambling operators. The list of requirements is long, and at each step of the way there are costs. Some of the requirements, such as enforced Know Your Customer (KYC) checks or enforced slot betting limits may not be popular with gamblers who want their winnings and deposits moved as quickly as possible. However, the UKGC is adamant these checks are required to prevent fraud, money laundering and underage gambling. Operators also have to pay a relatively hefty fee for a license, as well as a 21% yearly tax. The fees start at £5000 a year for operators under £500,000 in annual revenue and go up to £800,000 a year for companies with more than £1 billion in revenue. Betmaster and the Booming UK Market Despite the significant financial and time cost, Betmaster clearly considers the juice to be worth the squeeze when it comes to the UK market. In 2024, Britains spent some £3.6 billion on online gambling – more than most other European nations. That number was also up some £250 million compared to 2023, showing it is a growing market that has not yet saturated. Multibillion dollar gambling operator FanDuel was actually founded in Edinburgh in 2009, although they no longer operate in the UK. Meanwhile the market from all gambling sources combined was worth £16 billion in 2024, resulting in some £3 billion in taxes for His Majesty's Revenue and Customs. Licensing is Good for Businesses and Players So, there is clearly a demand for new online casinos like Betmaster in the UK. The UKGC license, although strict, is a gold standard and will also look good for Betmaster when attracting customers to its separate international online casino business. Although it limits player deposits, blocks crypto transactions and requires stringent ID checks – the UK market is just too big to miss out on for online casinos based in Europe. Which is all good for players in the long run. More competition also means casinos bringing out bigger and better bonuses, promotions and rewards to stand out in a crowded market. All from fully regulated, safe and certified fair operators providing a service Brits clearly want. Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
03-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
GoldnBet.com Launches Comprehensive Casino Review Platform for UK Players Amid Dynamic Gaming Market Growth
London, United Kingdom — a specialised review and comparison platform for trusted online casinos, has officially launched to serve UK players seeking reliable gaming experiences. The platform addresses the evolving demands of British gamblers in a market that reported 7% growth in Q1 2025, helping players navigate the competitive landscape of UK-licensed casino operators. The platform is live at and features comprehensive reviews of verified casino sites specifically evaluated for UK player satisfaction, safety, and regulatory compliance. Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash Platform Emerges During Peak Growth in UK Online Gaming Responding to the UK's Expanding Digital Casino Market launches at a pivotal moment for UK online gaming. With the British gambling market generating £1.45 billion in online gross gambling yield during Q1 2025, representing a significant 7% increase from the previous year, the platform addresses the critical need for trusted guidance among the expanding pool of UK casino players. 'UK players are increasingly seeking transparency and expert guidance when choosing online casinos,' said a spokesperson for 'With over 2,343 gambling operators currently active in the UK market, our platform cuts through the noise by focusing exclusively on UKGC-licensed casinos that meet the highest standards of player protection and gaming excellence.' Specialised Casino Testing and Expert Analysis Methods Comprehensive Evaluations for Discerning UK Players What distinguishes is its rigorous, multi-faceted approach to casino evaluation. Recognising that UK players require protection under stringent UKGC regulations, the platform conducts thorough assessments across all critical aspects of the online casino experience. Key evaluation criteria include: UKGC licensing verification and regulatory compliance status Game variety and quality from leading software providers Welcome bonus terms and ongoing promotional value Payment method diversity and withdrawal processing speeds Mobile compatibility and app functionality Customer support responsiveness and expertise Security measures including SSL encryption and data protection Responsible gambling tools and player protection features User interface design and overall player experience Navigating UK Regulatory Excellence and Player Protection Emphasising UKGC-Licensed Casino Safety The platform exclusively features casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring all recommended operators meet the industry's most stringent regulatory standards. recognises that UKGC licensing provides UK players with unparalleled protection, including access to dispute resolution services and participation in the GamStop self-exclusion programme. The platform emphasises critical player protections: UKGC Licensing : Detailed verification of current licensing status and compliance history : Detailed verification of current licensing status and compliance history Player Safety : Comprehensive analysis of security protocols and fair gaming practices : Comprehensive analysis of security protocols and fair gaming practices Banking Security : Assessment of trusted payment methods and encryption standards : Assessment of trusted payment methods and encryption standards Responsible Gaming: Evaluation of deposit limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion tools Tailored User Experience for UK Casino Enthusiasts Player-Focused Features and Expert Guidance Understanding that UK players have specific preferences and requirements, categorises casinos based on factors particularly relevant to British gamblers, including GBP currency support, UK-friendly banking options, localised customer support, and compliance with current UK gambling regulations. Every casino assessment covers: Real money testing with UK payment methods Mobile platform performance on UK networks Customer support evaluation during UK business hours Bonus value analysis with clear wagering requirement breakdowns Game library assessment featuring popular UK-preferred titles Withdrawal speed testing and GBP conversion efficiency Integration with UK responsible gambling frameworks Supporting Informed and Responsible Gaming Decisions Educational Resources for UK Casino Players Beyond comprehensive reviews, provides educational content specifically designed for UK players, including guides on understanding bonus terms, recognising fair gaming practices, and utilising responsible gambling tools effectively. The platform maintains current information about UKGC regulatory developments and industry trends affecting UK players. Promoting Excellence in UK Casino Standards Commitment to Player-First Principles acknowledges the gold standard of UK gambling regulation and actively promotes the benefits of choosing UKGC-licensed operators. The platform emphasises the importance of responsible gambling practices while celebrating the entertainment value and innovation found at the UK's leading casino sites. The platform's review methodology prioritises transparency, with detailed explanations of evaluation criteria and regular updates reflecting changes in casino performance, new game releases, and evolving promotional offerings. About is a dedicated casino review platform launched in 2025, focusing exclusively on UKGC-licensed online casinos for UK players. The platform combines expert analysis of gaming content, regulatory compliance, and player protection measures with traditional casino evaluation criteria. is committed to transparency, player education, and helping UK users make informed decisions about safe and entertaining online casino experiences. The platform's expert team brings years of industry experience and maintains independence from casino operators, ensuring unbiased reviews that prioritise player interests above all else. Visit for comprehensive casino reviews, expert analysis, and trusted guidance on the UK's leading online casino platforms. Like this: Like Related
The Independent
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Best New Visa Casino Sites UK 2025
For many online casino players, Visa debit is the go-to payment option thanks to security and ease-of-use. All established casinos and most new online casinos allow Visa debit transactions and this payment method is typically valid on welcome offers. As such, we have produced a handpicked guide to the best new casino brands with this reliable and trusted banking source. All listed sites are UKGC-licensed and support Visa debit for fast deposits and withdrawals, and more details can be found below. Top 5 New Visa Casinos for UK Players Below, we have run through the best new Visa casino sites on the market, all of which are licensed and regulated by the UKGC. 1. Mega Riches Launch Year: 2024 Highlight: Luxurious branding with massive progressive jackpots and VIP rewards program. Mega Riches is among the best new casino sites that accept Visa. Having launched in 2024, it has become a trusted and reliable UK casino. The Mega Riches welcome offer provides a 100 per cent matched deposit bonus up to £25 as well as 50 Bonus Spins. In terms of Visa payment limits, customers are allowed between £10 and £10,000 per transaction. 2. Pub Casino Launch Year: 2024 Highlight: Cashback with no restrictions and fun pub-themed branding. Pub Casino launched in 2024 and has quickly become a top UK casino, and one of the top new online casinos with Visa. The Pub Casino welcome offer provides a 100 per cent matched deposit up to £100, with 40x wagering and a minimum deposit of £10. In terms of Visa payment limits, customers are allowed between £10 and £5,000 per transaction. 3. Casino Kings Launch Year: 2024 Highlight: Premium gaming experience with live dealer tables and exclusive slot titles. Casino Kings has quickly become a successful site since its launch, as well as a top Visa casino. The Casino Kings welcome offer consists of 75 free spins and a 150 per cent matched deposit bonus. Their site allows for Visa debit deposits and withdrawals, with a minimum deposit limit of £20. 4. Kachingo Launch Year: 2025 Highlight: Brand new online casino with vibrant design with gamification features and weekly tournaments. Kachingo is one of the newest Visa casino sites on the market, having only launched in 2025. The Kachingo welcome offer consists of a 100 per cent welcome offer up to £150 and 50 free spins. Visa is supported with instant deposits and quick withdrawals, with minimum deposits of £10. 5. Smooth Spins Launch Year: 2025 Highlight: User-friendly interface with fast-loading games and 24/7 customer support. Smooth Spins is another recent launch, having only started in 2025, though it is quickly proving to be one of the best slot sites around. The welcome offer is a simple play £10, get £30 bonus, with Visa accepted across the site and offering the latest in SSL encryption software. Visa deposits come with a minimum £5 limit, and withdrawals take around one day. Why Use Visa on New Casinos? There are a number of reasons why punters would use Visa as their chosen payment method when using new casino sites. For a start, Visa offers instant deposits that can be carried out in a simple manner, with sites often easy to use. In addition, Visa offers a secure method with SSL encryption and anti-fraud protections. In terms of ease of use, Visa is widely accepted by UK-licensed casinos, and is a method that is familiar to most players, with no new accounts or fintech apps required. As a reminder, the above only applies to debit cards, as credit card payments are not permitted to protect players from harm, per UKGC rules. How to Deposit at a New Visa Casino Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make a deposit at a new Visa casino: Step 1: Register your account. Step 2: Go to the cashier or banking option. Step 3: Choose Visa debit. Step 4: Enter debit card details. Step 5: Confirm the deposit and start playing. Why Trust Us? I am an iGaming writer and sports reporter who has been working for The Independent since 2023, specialising in is sports writing and gambling content of all kinds, from football matches and horse racing tips to online casino reviews. I have spent the last several months researching and testing out a wide range of online casinos and betting sites to find the very best online casinos, slot sites and more while prioritising responsible gaming over all else in my unbiased reviews. When using gambling sites be aware that they can be addictive, so please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies whether you're using betting sites, casino apps, betting apps, or any other gambling medium. Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. It's particularly important not to get carried away by any free bet offers or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:
The Independent
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Best Betting Sites UK: Top 10 Online Bookmakers For June 2025
Punters are spoilt for choice these days with hundreds of betting sites to choose from when it comes to betting on sports online. The days of being limited to whichever bookmaker was nearest to where you lived are long gone and bettors are spoilt for choice when it comes to online bookmakers, with countless options. That's why we've spent months researching the best betting sites to deliver impartial and reliable insights for readers. Placing a small deposit into a newly opened betting account usually enables punters to access free bets to use on sports of their choice, which helps to get a feel for the bookmaker you've just invested in. Our review of the best betting sites UK punters can find draws on research, experience and first-hand testing to assess each platform's odds selection, security measures, bonus offerings and more. By leveraging trusted third-party data and our reporting standards, we endeavour to provide readers with an accurate and up-to-date guide to choosing the right bookmaker. Top 10 Betting Sites UK June 2025 Rest assured that all of our recommended bookies are fully regulated and licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and we've even provided a link to their license number on the UKGC website in the table below. 1. Bet365 – Best For Football Betting Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The last 20 years have seen Bet365 become the industry leader among football betting sites, while their all-round appeal has led to their popularity with all types of punters. The Stoke-based firm cater for their customers with innovative markets on all sports, but they are particularly strong on football and recently backed up this commitment by agreeing a three-year deal to become Uefa's first betting partner for the Champions League. Bet365's European football offerings have an abundance of price boosts, early payouts and free-to-play games surrounding the continent's premier club competition. The only slight disappointment with Bet365's football product is that live streaming of Champions League matches is not available. You can use the Bet365 bonus code INDY2025 to claim a new customer offer which sees players receive £30 in free bets when they deposit and stake £10. New and existing customers can also take advantage of the Bet365 Super Boost, where odds are bolstered on a particular selection in one of the most popular betting events that day. Overall, the positives definitely outweigh the very slight drawbacks on Bet365, and it's not only football that they specialise in. In my eyes, they're up there with the best for a range of different sports, from horse racing to tennis. Chris Wilson, The Independent 2. William Hill – Best For Horse Racing Betting Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ William Hill is a well-respected, award-winning bookmaker having picked up the award for Best Horse Racing Betting Operator at the 2024 EGR Operator Awards, making them the premier option for racing punters in the UK. One of the main reasons it's the best option for racing bettors is because of their best odds guaranteed promo for bets placed after 8am online. It's a handy concession for early-morning backers and 8am is the earliest BOG commencement time we've found. Like Bet365, Hills offer new customers a sizeable bonus for signing up, with players gifted £30 in bonuses once they register and bet £10 via a mobile device after using the William Hill promo code R30. The bonus is paid out as three £10 free bets. These can be used as horse racing free bets, but are also available to wager on any other sport, excluding virtual sports. Not only do they offer healthy bonuses for new customers, but Hills offer regular price boosts with their Epic Boost feature, and they are also a bookmaker that gives away free bets to existing customers for big events like the Cheltenham Festival. On the negative side, William Hill's live streaming package is not quite up to scratch compared to some other racing bookmakers, like Bet365 for example, who provide users with access to a large archive of horse races to study. With top price guarantees, BOG and Non-Runner Money Back on several festivals, William Hill's racing product is unbeatable at the moment. It'd be good to see a free racing prediction game – like you can find on Bet365 and Betway – but overall it is an undoubtedly strong offering. Chris Wilson, The Independent 3. BoyleSports – Best For Golf Betting Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Established by John Boyle in 1982, BoyleSports is one of the best bookmakers available in the UK, especially when it comes to golf betting. Each-way betting is very popular with golf punters and Boyles allow customers to choose their own terms. For example, you may want to back Rory McIlroy each-way but you can select six, 10 or 12 places with the odds reflected accordingly. Boyles also run regular promotions around the majors, most notably their early payout feature whereby you'll receive a return if your tournament winner pick is the outright leader after three rounds, regardless of the final result. Away from golf, live streaming of horse racing is available on the BoyleSports site as well as their online betting app and the quality of the stream is excellent. As are the various promotions and bonuses available to customers which are neatly dotted around the site. The BoyleSports loyalty programme, called BoyleXtra, provides free bets and exclusive offers as well as prize draws to ensure you get the most out of your time betting with them. New players can gain £30 in free bets via the BoyleSports sign up offer once they have placed a minimum bet of £10 at odds in excess of evens, while they'll also throw in £10 credit for their casino sites too. Not only that, new customers get a 25 per cent winnings boost on all Premier League, Champions League and Europa League bet builders. It is difficult to find many meaningful faults with BoyleSports, which is why it's received a five-star rating. Their golf offerings are second to none, but they're also very good for other major sports such as racing and rugby betting. Chris Wilson, The Independent 4. Parimatch – Best For Boxing Betting Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Established in 1994, Parimatch has gained a fine reputation for innovation since entering the UK market in recent years, so much so that they've become the go-to online bookmaker for big boxing and UFC bouts. It's very common for Parimatch to run special welcome offers ahead of big fights, usually in the form of a ludicrously large price boost on either fighter to win. For example, when Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury fought for the second time in December 2024, new customers could pick their winner at odds of 50/1. They do similar offers for UFC betting and big Premier League games too. The only downside is that such offers are usually restricted to new customers only. Meanwhile, Parimatch is known to be one of the safest betting sites for responsible gambling, with their current CEO Sergey Portnov a former 'Leader of the Year' winner at the prestigious SBC Awards, thanks to his commitment to maintaining ethical practices. New customers can currently gain a welcome bonus of £20 in free bets, but if the terms and conditions don't suit you there are various other Parimatch sign up offers under their offers tab. While not perfect, we've given Parimatch a healthy score of four stars due to the emphasis on responsible betting and the value on offer in their welcome promos. Nevertheless, the presence of more promotions for existing customers would probably bring this bookie up to the top level. Chris Wilson, The Independent 5. Unibet – Best For Cricket Betting Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Launched online in 1999, Unibet has a long history of award-winning bookmaking. During the noughties, they were recognised as the European Sportsbook of the Year in 2006, 2008 and 2009 by the international magazine Egaming Review, while they were also crowned Sportsbook Operator of the Year at the 2014 IGA Awards. Today, they rank among the best betting sites across all of Europe and in particular the UK where they have really improved their offers on horse racing, football and cricket betting. For cricket, Unibet offer a range of promotions for major events such as the IPL and The Hundred, while they also offer live cricket streaming for select events on Unibet TV. The standard Unibet sign up offer provides new players with £40 in bonuses if they deposit and bet £10, but £20 of this credit is a casino bonus which may not appeal to every punter. One of the major positives when betting with Unibet is the variety of markets they offer for smaller sports. If you are a player that scours the betting landscape for value and innovation – as well as a wider range of sports – then Unibet is a solid option to consider. Chris Wilson, The Independent 6. BetMGM – Best For In-Play Betting Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ BetMGM is undoubtedly one of the best new betting sites in the UK having begun their journey into the British gambling market in 2023. Arriving with a reputation as one of the best casino sites and sports betting operators in the US, BetMGM have made giant strides in the UK in the last 18 months, aggressively marketing their horse racing and in-play products in particular. You'll find a vast selection of in-play options, from the most popular sports to bet on such as football and tennis, to niche betting events in eSports and table tennis. The data available to punters when live betting on tennis is particularly impressive, with real-time stats and head-to-head records, plus winning first serve and break point conversion percentages all updated by the minute. The BetMGM sign up offer provides new customers with £40 in free bets once you sign up and bet £10. It comes in the form of four £10 tokens that are free to use across several different sports and features, namely football, racing and bet builders. For existing customers, the best promotions are centred around odds boosts such as Golden Silks, which is their daily boosts on horse racing, and golden acca which is a profit boost for football accumulators. We particularly like BetMGM's in-play experience and their international racing markets, with races from America, Dubai, Australia and more all available on a daily basis. however, these in-play options are not limited to horse racing, with football a particular draw too. Chris Wilson, The Independent 7. Betway – Best Free Bet Club Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Betway are one of the most recognisable bookmakers in the country given their huge sponsorship presence in any number of sports, but predominantly football. The simplicity of Betway's Free Bet Club makes it stand out as the best loyalty promotion among the best UK betting sites. Moreover, you don't have to stake a huge amount in order to qualify for the weekly free bets, unlike some bookies out there. With the Betway Free Bet Club, punters who bet £25 per week on sports multiples – either accumulators or bet builders with three or more selections – will be rewarded with £10 in free bets (two £5 tokens). All you have to do is opt in via the Betway promotions page and meet the qualifying terms week to week to collect your free bets. The current Betway sign up offer is a £30 matched bet plus 100 free spins on their casino, but those on a lower budget can choose a bet £10 get £10 alternative offer via the link above. What is particularly appealing about the Betway Free Bet Club is how much value you can get back. By meeting the weekly criteria, you receive £10 in free bets for every £25 staked, effectively giving you 40 per cent back to reinvest. It's a great way to get extra bets for your money if you're someone who wagers regularly. Chris Wilson, The Independent 8. Betfred – Best For Accumulators Betfred have been a leading bookmaker in the UK since the 1960s and, after accumulating a large number of high street betting shops since the turn of the century, have since embraced the move to the online betting market. New customers can enter a Betfred promo code then bet £10 to get a £50 welcome bonus, which includes two free £10 accumulator bets, while the remaining three £10 tokens can be used on any sports betting markets. There's no doubt this welcome offer is up there with the best of them, but once you move past the newcomer stage there's lots of ongoing promotions to take advantage of. This includes Acca Flex whereby you can receive a bonus on your football accumulator winnings, or cash back if your multi only fails by one result. There are similar offerings for racing fans too, with 10% bonus funds added to winning Tricasts, Lucky 15s and Yankees for example. The same bonuses can also be collected for winning greyhound accumulators. As well as several accumulator promotions, Betfred's punters can earn sizeable profit boosts with Goal Fever, Double Delight and Hat-Trick Heaven, among other solid football bonuses. Darts, rugby and NFL are all catered for too with ongoing bonus offers found under the promotions tab. Betfred are undoubtedly one of the top 10 bookmakers in the UK in terms of their overall offerings. However, the only reason they don't get a five-star review is because there are a lot of T&Cs to meet in their promos, so make sure you do your homework before opting in. Chris Wilson, The Independent 9. BetVictor – Best For Live Streaming The BetVictor sign up offer may not be as appealing as some of their competitors, but players who sign up have access to a multitude of unique sports betting markets, with a strong focus on football and horse racing in particular. BetVictor boast a really good live betting platform and have an excellent user-friendly app and website which gives bettors access to their high-quality live streaming service. This will appeal to horse racing fans in particular, as BetVictor stream live racing from the UK, Ireland, France, USA, South Africa and the UAE. All you need is a positive betting balance in your account, or you'll also have access if you've placed a bet within the last 24 hours. However, be aware that if you plan to unlock a live stream by placing a bet, only outright markets will qualify and promotions such as price boosts for example are ineligible. Therefore, the simplest route to accessing live streams is to have some funds resting in your account. Regular racing offers for new and existing customers – including price boosts, lucky dips, BOG and daily specials – make them one of the best horse racing betting sites in the UK. As alluded to above, the current BetVictor welcome offer may not be to everyone's taste. It's a bet £20 get £40 in bonuses offer, but £20 of the bonus funds are reserved for casino activity and can't even be used on their online slots. Not all sports betting fans will be enamoured by BetVictor's sign-up package, but beyond the welcome offer there's a lot to like, especially in terms of markets for major sports. Their daily specials on racing are notable, while their live racing streams are as smooth as I've come across. Chris Wilson, The Independent 10. NetBet – Best For Bet Builders NetBet's rise to prominence in the UK betting market is down to their dedication to bet builders, which are a relatively recent phenomenon in the bookmaking industry. Bet builders enable punters to pick and choose several potential outcomes within one game and combine them on one slip at accrued odds. It's similar to an accumulator except the focus is usually on one specific match, although the best bet builder sites will allow you to combine selections across multiple matches and even multiple sports. NetBet is one such bookmaker. They pride themselves on their bet builder product and boast one of the largest lists of sports on which bet builders are permitted. Many betting sites restrict their bet builders to just football, but on NetBet you can choose football, cricket, basketball, American football, ice hockey, baseball, rugby and AFL. Even NetBet's promotions page is dominated by bet builder offers, with football punters often rewarded with a free £5 bet just for placing a £10 bet builder on a specific game, while similar offers are commonplace during the NFL season. The NetBet sign up offer is bet builder-centric with punters getting a £10 free bet builder bet and 25 no wagering free spins when they bet £10 or more on any sport at odds of evens or greater after registration. I've experimented with several bet builder sites over an extensive period and NetBet was a clear winner. Being able to combine NFL bet builder picks with NBA selections on one slip is a real treat for US sports fans especially, and the full list of sports you can include on your bet builder is impressive, opening up an entire new dimension for regular punters. We also keep an eye out for new betting sites making waves in the UK market and a select few can hold their own when compared with the biggest brands. We've been testing the newest UK bookmakers to find the best options for football, horse racing, free bets, price boosts, accumulators and more. Here's what stood out: 1. 442– Best Football Betting Site Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ Anyone who has any knowledge of football tactics will know exactly who Bet442 is being aimed at. Taking its name from the most famous football system of all time, Bet442 does alot to please fans of the beautiful game. There are regular special offers, such as Bet442 giving out a £25 free bet for the Club World Cup when a bettor placed an ante-post wager on the 2025/26 Premier League season. Bet442's sign up offer also gives bettors £20 in free football bets when they wager £20 after opening an account. It's a decent welcome bonus, although it was superseded at the time of writing by a money back Royal Ascot betting offer worth £50. It's worth checking to see what sign-up offers are available with Bet442 before opening an account, given the tendency with which they are changed. Other football-related promotions include an acca boost of up to 77 per cent on winning multiples and a well-built Bet Builder tool that those familiar with any other AspireGlobal betting sites will recognise. 2. BetGoodwin – Best New Horse Racing Betting Site Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ BetGoodwin focuses on horse racing, and their promotions reflect that, including the BetGoodwin welcome offer of 50 per cent back on your first day losses (up to £25). They have the biggest range of money back racing offers of any betting sites with punters able to recover up to £100, credited as free bets, should their selection finish second to a 50/1 shot or bigger, be beaten by a nose, lose by under half a length in a chase or fall when leading at the last obstacle. The first past the post promotion is another nice touch from BetGoodwin, meaning they'll pay out the initial result of a race and the official result should they differ. BetGoodwin's best odds guaranteed promo is only active from 10am on race day, which is later than some betting sites, but it does cover all UK and Irish races, as well as greyhound racing. BetGoodwin Pros BetGoodwin Cons ✓ Various £100 free bet racing offers ✗ Sign-up offer only applies to first-day bets ✓ Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) BetGoodwin Welcome Offer Review 3. LiveScore Bet – Best New Bookmaker for Free Bets Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ LiveScore Bet is the perfect new bookmaker for those who get their kicks out of free bets. The LiveScore Bet sign up offer provides £30 in free bets after a first deposit and bet of £10, while ongoing promotions include refunds for losing bets on Saturday's early Premier League game and selected horse races. As a regular acca bettor, I took full advantage of the weekly free £5 acca bet up for grabs on LiveScore Bet. Just opt in and place four or more acca bets, wagering a minimum of £5 on each, to claim the reward. LiveScore Bet Pros LiveScoreBet Cons ✓ Regular free bet offers on football and racing ✗ Fewer markets than some other new bookies ✓ Weekly free bets via acca club ✓ Early payout and accumulator insurance on football bets LiveScore Bet Sign Up Offer Review 4. talkSPORT BET – Best New Bookie for Price Boosts Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Launched in 2022, talkSPORT BET offers tons of price boosts across multiple sports, but none more so than football. Their Lucky Dip tool adds an extra element of fun, giving random enhanced odds on selected bets. If you aren't a customer already, there are regular special talkSPORT BET sign up offers to choose from. Recently, they've run sign up offers tied to the Cheltenham Festival, Champions League and Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fight. talkSPORT BET Pros talkSPORT BET Cons ✓ Daily boosted odds ✗ Live betting odds could be sharper ✓ Good selection of permanent free bet offers ✓ Regular special sign up offers TalkSPORT BET Sign Up Offer Review 5. QuinnBet – Best New Betting Site for Accumulators Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ We've found QuinnBet to have one of the largest number of betting offers of any betting sites UK punters have to choose from. Not all the offers are great, but the plethora of accumulator and system bet promotions they have are good. Punters can claim a free £5 bet every day by wagering £50 or more on accas (3+ selections), horse racing Yankees, Lucky 15s or bet builders. There's also a daily acca bonus promotion which rewards bettors with a free bet, up to a maximum of £50, Successful forecast, tricast, and yankee bets will receive a 10 per cent profit boost, while NFL and NBA bettors can insure their accumulators. Just place an NBA or NFL acca with five or more legs, and if one leg lets you down, QuinnBet will refund your stake in free bets. Finally, all accumulator and system bets qualify for QuinnBet's weekly money back offer, meaning bettors can get 25 per cent of their weekly losses refunded as free bets. QuinnBet Pros QuinnBet Cons ✓ Great selection of accumulator offers ✗ Large stakes required to unlock free bets ✓ Horse racing bettors well catered for ✓ Excellent customer service team QuinnBet Welcome Offer Review 6. BzeeBet - Best New Betting Site For Bet Builders Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆☆ Every online bookmaker now has a bet builder tool, but the best betting sites are the ones that have built on the original concept. Bzeebet allows punters to put together bet builders for Australian Rules, American football, baseball, basketball, cricket, ice hockey, rugby league, rugby union, football and tennis, way more sports than the average betting site. They also allow you to combine up to 30 markets from one event into a single bet. But more than the range of markets and sports is the ease with which bettors can construct their bet builders. If a bet builder is available for an event on Bzeebet, there will be a tab at the top of the page. From there, it's just a matter of combining the selections you want into a single bet. Bzeebet can certainly do more to raise their stock among betting sites with the Bzeebet welcome offer and their range of promotions areas to improve on. But when it comes to bet builders, they are doing something right. Bzeebet Pros Bzeebet Cons ✓ Simple and expansive bet builder tool ✗ Lack of offers for existing customers ✓ Regular bet boosts on a range of sports Bzeebet Welcome Offer Review 7. Betano - Best New Betting Sites UK For Sign Up Offers Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★☆ Betano are one of a handful of betting sites that consistently produce special sign up offers for new customers to take advantage of. Whether that's boosting the odds on Manchester United to win the Europa League to 50/1 or offering Galopin Des Champs at 30/1 to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, there's usually something different to go with their permanent welcome deals. The standard Betano welcome deals give punters a choice between a bet £10, get £30 in football free bets or a horse racing-specific promotion worth up to £40 in free bets. The standard and special sign up offers run by Betano are simple to understand and don't contain any wagering requirements. They are a nice introduction to one of the newest betting sites in the UK. The only problem is which one do you choose? Betano Pros Betano Cons ✓ Regular special sign up offers ✗ Odds could be more competitive ✓ Official Europa League and Aston Villa betting partner ✓ Daily odds boosts Betano Sign Up Offer Review 8. CopyBet - Top New Betting Site For Tips Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★☆ CopyBet's unique selling point is that it allows you to follow and copy the bets of sports betting tipsters, giving you the opportunity to benefit from their knowledge. It's easy to check out which betting experts are in form and to start following them, while you are able to access the profile of each tipster to see their stats over the entirety of their time using CopyBet. However, there's a lot more to it than just being a platform to follow tips, and they have built one of the best football betting sites in the UK. The CopyBet sign up offer gives new users £20 in free bets and the entire sum can be wagered on any pre-match of live football market. New users can also claim a 15 per cent daily profit boost token, which can again be used for football betting. CopyBet will regularly boost the odds of several selections for big football games, while their acca boost promotion is far more achievable than some accumulator betting sites offer with a winning double landing a five per cent boost, and up to a 20 per cent profit boost for successful five-folds. There's also the chance to win a £50 free bet or your favourite football team's shirt with their weekly free-to-play score prediction game. CopyBet strikes me as being a fair betting site with the way they structure their offers. There are elements we'd like to see improved, such as cleaner sportsbook pages, but football bettors should find plenty to like. CopyBet Pros CopyBet Cons ✓ Hundreds of tipsters to follow on a transparent platform ✗ Confusing sportsbook layout ✓ Free-to-play score prediction game CopyBet Sign Up Offer 9. 7Bet - Best Betting Site For Fast Withdrawals Launched in the summer of 2024, 7Bet already provides a strong betting service, They mainly cater towards football punters with their promotions, such as money back on losing bets if a match finishes goalless, although their early payout offer does cover tennis, basketball, baseball, American football and ice hockey. I noticed plenty of little touches you won't find on some new betting sites, such as a dedicated horse racing section with several streaming options and a good in-play service. What also caught the eye are the payment options and commitment to being among the best fast withdrawal betting sites. 7Bet pledges to process withdrawals, no matter the payment option, the same day as the request is made. Any withdrawal from 7Bet will take no longer than three days, althought in my experience, they were able to transfer my funds in a matter of hours. 7Bet Pros 7Bet Cons ✓ Most withdrawals processed the same day ✗ Poor mobile betting service ✓ Good selection of offers for existing customers 10. Betiton - Betting Sites With Cash Out Most of the best betting sites offer a cash out function, allowing bettors to lock in an early profit or cut their losses on losing wager. But how cash out works differs from one online bookmaker to the next, with some resticting which sports or bet types they offer cash out on. Betiton cover most bases when it comes to cashing out, offering the tool for both single and accumulator bets, while also giving punters the option of a full or partial cash out. Partial cash out lets bettors claim some winnings earlier, while leaving the remainder in play on the bet. The best live betting sites are often the top picks for cash out betting too and Betiton's superb in-play service, where the odds update in real time, means the cash out figure is regularly updated. Once bettors have hit the cash out button, I found Betiton would process the request very quickly. Betiton Pros Betiton Cons ✓ Cash out offered on a variety of sports and bet types ✗ Lack of offers for exisisting customers ✓ Stylish integration of stats into event pages ✓ Seamless cash out process Why Trust Us? Chris Wilson, a betting content producer and sports reporter at The Independent, has spent the last year or so using, testing and reviewing dozens of betting sites across the UK to come up with a list of the best across the country. We use a range of strict criteria when evaluating betting sites, with each site needing to provide high-value promotions and offers, a wide variety of games and payment methods, efficient customer service and a positive, enjoyable overall experience of gameplay. In addition, each betting site that The Independent recommends is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring that punters are kept safe while betting and that their details are secure. 5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Betting Site Now that we've established the top 10 betting sites and the best new bookmakers, we'd like to provide some advice on what you should consider before choosing the bookie that appeals most to you. 1. Payment Methods The best betting sites should offer a range of payment methods to suit everyone. Most UK online bookmakers will still place restrictions on their sign up offers which will require punters to make their first deposit using a debit card, but beyond that, there's no excuse for only offering a limited number of banking methods. Further down the page you can read all about the various payment methods you are likely to find on betting sites and the various pros and cons of those methods. 2. User Experience A betting app or website should be smooth and easy to navigate. Before registering, explore the bookmaker's site to see if finding the odds and markets you're interested in is straightforward. If you're using betting apps, a quick download will show how much storage it requires and whether it offers a seamless experience. Page load speeds and clear menus are crucial – if a bookmaker's platform is frustrating, take your bets elsewhere. 3. Customer Support Reliable customer support is essential. Test a bookmaker's live chat with a simple query to gauge response times and service quality. Emailing with a general question can also indicate efficiency. If a bookie lacks live chat or email support, consider whether they prioritise customer service. Delays in accessing funds or resolving issues can be frustrating, so choosing a bookmaker with prompt, helpful support is a must. 4. Betting Features Not all betting sites offer features like live streaming, in-play betting, bet builders or cash out. If these are important to you, confirm their availability before joining. For example, if you enjoy bet builders, ensure they cover your favourite sport. When in doubt, visit the bookmaker's help section or ask customer support directly – this also gives insight into their responsiveness. 5. Responsible Gambling Tools All UK-licensed bookmakers must provide responsible gambling tools, but quality varies. Self-exclusion, deposit limits and time-out options help players stay in control. Even if gambling feels manageable now, personal circumstances can change. Before signing up, check what safeguards are in place – choosing a bookmaker with strong responsible gambling features ensures you're protected, whatever the future holds. Recommended How To Bet On Football A Guide To Wagering With Online Bookmakers Types of Horse Racing Bets How We Select The Best Betting Sites UK Selecting the best betting sites involves examining all the key features of an online bookmaker. We test every key feature of a betting site, on both desktop and mobile, to ensure only the best make our list. Here's what we prioritise: UK Gambling Licence and Player Security All recommended betting sites hold a licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This guarantees fair play, secure transactions, and strong player protection measures. Trustworthiness and Transparency We make our own decision about a betting site, but that doesn't mean we don't consider other punter's opinions. Reading online user reviews can help us determine a betting site's credibility. We are also looking for transparency from a bookie, such as clear terms and conditions and a commitment to working with betters to resolve any issues. User Experience We test desktop sites and mobile betting apps for ease of navigation, fast loading times, and intuitive design. Both platforms should offer a trouble-free user experience. Offers and Promotions Beyond generous welcome offers, we look for regular promotions such as acca insurance, odds boosts, free bet clubs, and money-back specials across multiple sports, not just football and horse racing. Commitment to Safer Gambling Safer gambling isn't a slogan that betting sites can put on their pages. It's vital that bookmakers operate in a responsible manner and offer tools like deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion, and real-time reality checks to help players stay in control. Betting Sites Payment Methods Betting sites have moved on from only accepting debit card payments, and there are now a large number of ways for bettors to conduct their financial transactions. E-wallets, digital payment providers, and pre-paid cards are the norm when it comes to banking with the best betting sites, while Apple Pay and Google Pay have made mobile transactions far more straightforward. Each payment method accepted by betting sites has its pluses and minuses, and these are my findings on the most popular options. Debit cards The most common payment method found on betting sites. Nearly every online bookmaker will accept deposits and withdrawals made via Visa or Mastercard debit cards, and they are often required to complete sign-up offers. The biggest drawbacks with debit cards are the longer withdrawal times some betting sites place upon debit card transactions and the security risk of storing your card details with an online bookmaker. Bank transfer For bettors looking to move large amounts of money, a bank transfer is the most convenient and secure method. However, transaction times can be lengthy with deposits taking days to process. PayPal Seen as the original e-wallet provider, PayPal betting sites are now pretty common with the majority of UK online bookmakers accepting PayPal. Both deposits and withdrawals are often processed within minutes and there's the added security of not needing to hand over any bank details. The biggest drawback to using PayPal on betting sites is that many don't accept PayPal deposits when it comes to qualifying for their sign up offers. Skrill Skrill betting sites are slightly less common than PayPal, but I found plenty of big brands accept this e-wallet, including BetVictor and William Hill. Skrill make transactions super easy with their '1-tap' feature and offer enhanced security. However, my research failed to find a single sign up offer that accepted Skrill as an eligible payment method. Neteller The least widely accepted e-wallet of the big three providers, Neteller is an option at some of the best betting sites UK punters have to choose from, such as Betfred and Ladbrokes, but is still seen as a bit of a niche option. Just like Skrill and PayPal, transactions tend to be processed in a matter of hours, sometimes even minutes, and there's an added layer of security offered by using Neteller. Once again, making an initial deposit using Neteller may mean punters don't qualify for the welcome offers on betting sites. Apple Pay Apply Pay and the Google equivalent have revolutionised how transactions are carried out when using online bookmakers on mobile devices. A couple of taps is all it takes to complete a deposit and payments are instant. There's no need to give your card details to Apple Pay betting sites and the service has been improved so bettors can now make withdrawals using Apple Pay. The draw backs of Apple Pay are minor, with the withdrawal limits much lower than most other payment methods. Google Pay Google Pay lags behind its main rival for one big reason: you can't make withdrawals using the service. Everything else about Google Pay betting sites is the same as Apple Pay when it comes to the speed of transactions, payment limits and security, but Android users missing out on withdrawals is a big issue. Trustly Not to be confused with an e-wallet, Trustly is a digital bank transfer payment service that doesn't require users to enter any bank details on betting sites. Trustly works with a large number of UK banks, offering a secure payment option with far higher limits on withdrawals than debit cards and e-wallets, while deposits and withdrawals of any amount are processed faster than they would be via a bank transfer. The biggest issue with Trustly betting sites is that there aren't that many of them and it can't be used in conjunction with sign up offers. Paysafecard A Paysafecard is a pre-paid debit card that doesn't require bettors to enter any bank details with most betting sites processing deposits instantly. The cards do carry a far smaller deposit limit than most payment options for betting sites, but it's a good way to stay in control of any spending. Most betting sites won't allow withdrawals using a Paysafecard, but some, such as bet365, do now offer the service. Credit Cards and Cryptocurrency The use of credit cards to fund betting accounts was banned in April 2020 in an effort to stop people borrowing money to gamble. As a result, credit cards can no longer be used on betting sites. Punters may see some betting sites offering the option to pay with certain cryptocurrencies. However, using crypto to fund betting accounts is currently banned in the UK and the betting sites offering the service are off-shore bookmakers that don't have a UKGC license, meaning they are best avoided at all costs. What To Bet On Today - June 17 It's day one of Royal Ascot with the best flat runners from across the globe heading to the Berkshire track for five days of thrilling racing. The King and Queen will be in attendance on the opening day, which gets underway with the Queen Anne Stakes at 14.30. The feature race of the day is the St James's Palace Stakes at 15.40 with Field of Gold the favourite in the Royal Ascot odds on most betting sites, just ahead of 2,000 Guineas winner Ruling Court. There are four more matches in the Club World Cup today with the pick of the fixtures being the clash between Borussia Dortmund and Brazilian giants Fluminense at 17.00. It's day two of the HSBC Championship at Queen's Club with British number one Jack Draper and French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz among the big names in action. Draper is first up, taking on the American Jenson Brooksby, while Alcaraz faces compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. There's also action on the grass courts of Halle and Berlin throughout the day. Finally, the Florida Panthers have the chance to wrap up the Stanley Cup finals this evening when they host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the series. The Panthers won Game 5 in Canada and have won ice advantage this evening as they look to make it back-to-back Stanley Cup wins. Today's betting tips Royal Ascot Day 1 tips Online Betting vs In-Store Betting Given the large-scale advertising around sporting events, you would be forgiven for thinking that online sports betting dominates the UK gambling industry, but recent data from the UK Gambling Commission confirms otherwise. The UKGC's 2024 survey data revealed that 48% of UK adults surveyed had gambled in the previous four weeks, but lottery (32%) and scratchcard activity (14%) made up a large proportion of that figure. Among UK adults, 9% reported placing a bet during that time, making betting a significant but smaller component of overall gambling activity compared to those who only gamble on lotteries (21%). A closer look at the sports betting data reveals 8% had put a physical bet on in the previous four weeks, while 6% of those surveyed had placed a bet online. The bar chart above highlights key trends in UK gambling participation. A key takeaway from this UKGC data is that in-person betting remains slightly more common than online betting, with bookmaker shops and racetrack activity still holding their own in the industry. While traditional betting venues still attract a slightly larger volume of activity, the small gap between online and in-person betting is likely to shift towards digital platforms as betting sites and apps offer greater convenience, more competitive odds and better promotions. Responsible Gambling A recent study by the UK Gambling Commission found that certain types of gambling are more likely to lead to problem gambling in the future. Using casinos - online and in-person - and betting on sports scored highly on the UKGC's Problem Gambling Severity Index, and it's crucial bettors understand the risks before using any gambling sites. Gambling is a form of entertainment and should never be viewed as a way to make money. No matter how knowledgeable you are about sports, there's always a chance a bet will lose. Never bet more than you can afford and never chase your losses. These are two tried and tested rules for gambling. Gambling tools are available from the best betting sites, which provide them to help you remain in control of your gambling. Tools such as deposit limits, self-assessment questionnaires and game time reminders help bettors keep track of the time and money spent at betting sites. There's also the option to take a time out or exclude yourself from using betting sites if you feel the need to step away from gambling. If you ever feel like you are struggling to stay in control of your gambling, do not hesitate to reach out to any of the organisations below: BeGambleAware – For free, confidential help and advice GamCare – A national helpline, live chat and support group Gamblers Anonymous UK – A self-help group offering peer support meetings National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) – A network of local organisations providing treatment and support Gambling Therapy – Provides global online support and resources NHS Northern Gambling Service – Specialist clinics for problem gambling treatment GAMSTOP – free service that enables people to block themselves from all online gambling companies licensed in the UK. Recommended How To Bet On Horse Racing Spread Betting Explained What Is Handicap Betting? Best Betting Sites UK: FAQs What are the best betting sites for 2025? Personal preference plays a big role in deciding the best betting sites and punters may be best served by joining a selection of betting sites in order to maximise the wide range of offers available. If I had to pick a top five of betting sites, it would include bet365, BoyleSports, Unibet, Betfred & BetVictor. What are the best new betting sites in 2025? We've ranked out top 10 best new betting sites based on various categories, but as an overall package, the best betting sites for this year are LiveScore Bet, talkSPORT BET and Betano. The UK-licensed operators all have plenty to offer for both new and existing customers, with regular offers, competitive odds and a solid support structure. Can betting sites refuse to payout? It is unusual for betting sites not to payout when a wager has won, but there are examples of payouts being denied for various reasons. Bookmakers have cited the odds displayed for games being wrong as a reason to deny payouts, voiding the bet. If involved in a dispute with an online bookmaker, bettors can contact the UK Gambling Commission or IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Service) for help., Which betting sites accept credit cards? As of April 14, 2020, UK betting sites and online casinos are banned from accepting payments made via credit card. The UKGC also encourages betting sites to prevent e-wallet payments where the funds have been transferred from a credit card. How many betting sites UK are there? According to the UK Gambling Commission, the number of betting sites UK punters have to choose from currently stands at 175. Those are online bookmakers licensed by the UKGC. More betting sites can be accessed from the UK, but those are off-shore, unregulated and best avoided. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. More about Betting Bookmakers bet365 Betfred William Hill We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Independent a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK's best online gambling companies. Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare. Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.
