The Best Football Betting Sites in the UK

In this article, we reveal which are the best football betting sites in the UK according to our experienced betting pros. We have tested and researched all of the best football betting sites to come up with a select list that represents the crème de la crème. Our experts have tested dozens of sites, examining numerous relevant factors. We consider odds, market and match depth, site usability, free bets and bonus offers, and live streaming. After careful and thorough analysis, we can now reveal which are the best sites, with tailored recommendations depending on what type of football punter you are.

Top 5 Football Betting Sites Explained

Below, you can see why we have chosen the following as our top five football bookmakers.

bet365

Bet365 is a football betting site that needs no introduction. It is more or less universally acknowledged as being one of the best bookies in the world. And bet365 is especially good when it comes to the beautiful game. Bet365 has no real weaknesses as a football betting site and excels across most areas.

Their range of markets and leagues is first-class, while odds are excellent too. Long-term offers for existing customers, such as an early payout for a two-goal lead, “sub on, play on” and a generous acca boost, supplement the generous offer when you first join.

Betfred

Betfred was founded by brothers who used winnings from a bet on England to win the World Cup in 1966 to set the company up. That shows how important football is to Betfred and also speaks to the longevity and history of the site. The sportsbook is easy to use and mobile fans will love the app.

Like bet365, Betfred has no real weaknesses, but when it comes to promos and offers, they are top of the class. Fans of first goalscorer betting will love Double Delight and Hat-trick Heaven. This promo doubles or trebles odds if your player gets two or three goals. This offer can give your winnings a huge boost. They have lots of insurance and money back deals, an excellent boost on accas and plenty of in-play deals too.

Bwin

Bwin does not have a physical presence like the other names on this list, but do not think their offering is any less impressive. They supply customers with a range of markets, frequently offer build-a-bets and offer price boosts for the bigger fixtures.

For people keen on accumulator bets, know that Bwin has a rewarding acca boost. With just three qualifying legs, you can unlock the minimum bonus of 5%. For a slightly more ambitious, but still achievable, six legs, you can enjoy a 15% bonus. Few sites can match such a reward on an acca boost. The only limitation is that the only eligible football markets are Total Goals, Both Teams To Score, Match Result & Both Teams To Score.

Ladbrokes

As one of the biggest UK bookmakers, you would naturally expect Ladbrokes to be a great option for football betting. They do not disappoint either, as the long-running brand gives customers plenty to enjoy. As well as a regular free-to-play football game featuring a £10k prize, Ladbrokes offers acca insurance and acca boosts. With the former, players receive a refund, as a free bet, if one leg of their qualifying 5+ acca lets them down.

Ladbrokes are also great at providing a regular supply of special bets, odds with boosted prices and trending bets. By looking at these additional areas, players can mix up their betting experience and place bets on something they would not ordinarily back.

William Hill

William Hill have been taking bets from punters for almost 90 years. Although they offer the likes of casino games, poker and bingo, sports betting remains their true speciality. When it comes to football, one aspect that immediately stands out is the number of available markets. Even smaller matches will often have over 100 betting options, while for bigger games, there are usually well over 200. On top of this, customers can request their own odds through the #YourOdds feature or select from requests they’ve already made.

Another impressive thing about William Hill is its selection of bet builder promos. In qualifying matches, customers can enjoy a 25% win boost on successful builders. There is also the “impact sub” promotion that keeps bets alive following a substitution, by transferring the bet to the player coming on.

How Nostrabet Rates UK Football Betting Sites

Our team of experts take reviewing and assessing bookies very seriously. Nostrabet has been around for over 12 years now, and experience and expertise underpin everything we do. When it comes to analysing the best football betting sites in the UK, we use a similar system to our six-step bookmaker review process.

We also look at the same 10 criteria, weighting these according to how important we feel they are. Because safety and trustworthy are most crucial, security and licensing are the two areas where a football betting site can earn the most points with our experts. After all, what is the point of winning a bet if you can’t trust that you will get paid?

Overall, each of the 10 areas we consider carries similar importance. However, player opinion and “other factors” are not quite as crucial as the others. We analyse a wide range of football-specific data points. Moreover, because our experts know what really matters to football betting fans, we are confident that our picks represent the best of the best.

Best Football Betting Sites for:

Different bettors look for different features when betting on football. We understand this, which is why we realise there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best football betting website.

Odds

Odds matter the most to serious punters to whom value is everything. However, all bettors, no matter what their experience or the size of their bets and payouts, should aim to get the best odds. We have analysed a lot of data and crunched the numbers. Although there is no single sportsbook that will always have the best odds on every event, some are definitely stronger than others. Generally speaking, price-conscious football betting fans are well served by all the best football betting sites highlighted here.

However, Bet365 and Betfred would probably be the two that stand out above the others. Obviously, they will not always have the best odds on every market, but bet365 is a great all-rounder in terms of odds. Equally, Betfred tends to be very good when it comes to match odds on the biggest games.

Despite the importance we have placed on odds, they are not the only factor to consider when it comes to value. Additionally, punters should factor free bets, offers, money-back deals and other promotions, including odds boosts, into their calculations.

Event Coverage

Another important consideration is event coverage. Admittedly, many punters place most of their bets on the major games in the biggest leagues. However, some football bettors believe they can more easily beat the bookies when betting on less obvious leagues. Niche competitions, such as youth football, smaller leagues in places like Bolivia, and regional leagues within bigger football nations such as Germany, can often be great places to find value.

Of course, this is only the case if you follow these leagues closely. We strongly recommend betting on competitions you know little about, but for the savvy, these events can be very lucrative.

If you happen to be an expert on the Argentine reserve league, the Irish second tier, or one of the many, many less popular leagues offered by bet365, we strongly recommend joining this excellent sportsbook. They lead the way when it comes to the range of leagues, cups and competitions available.

Markets

Similarly, when it comes to markets, many punters stick to the most popular ones. Of course, there is nothing wrong with betting on match odds, correct score, over 2.5 goals and other major football betting markets.

However, once again, some punters may find they can more readily find value in less common markets. The best bookies offer well over 100 markets, even on some smaller games.

Unquestionably, it is once again, bet365, who we recommend as the best of the best. While William Hill is also very strong, bet365 is at the top of the pile, offering a massive range of markets even in some of their more unusual leagues. There are seemingly limitless options with a range of Asian handicap lines, different over/under bets and much more.

Promotions

Generally, all of the great sites we feature here offer a good range of football betting promotions. However, Betfred are the number one according to our experts. The self-proclaimed “Bonus King” delivers the goods, starting with a generous welcome free bet for new customers.

However, existing Betfred customers are treated exceedingly well too. There are regular acca bonuses worth up to 100% of your winnings, as well as frequent in-play promotions. Double Delight, Hat-trick Heaven is a massively popular long-term promo, and Betfred have some good free-to-play games with cash prizes too. Moreover, there are price boosts every day and occasional insurance promos.

However, bet365 is again very good, as are Bwin. This duo (though in fairness, Ladbrokes and William Hill too) all boast a fine selection of year-round football promotions. Money back specials on things like 0-0s and red cards, as well as early payouts in certain scenarios, all help make things more fun!

Live Streaming

Live streaming can be a huge plus for fans of less prestigious leagues that are otherwise very difficult to watch. While fans are unlikely to find many really big games available, due to rights deals, the best football bookies have a plethora of games that can be streamed.

Bet365 again lead the way and often has a massive choice of games available to live stream. Moreover, you can watch any game with the live streaming icon for free, as long as you have funds in your account or have placed a bet within 24 hours. Additionally, Bet365 even has a dedicated live streaming section of the site where you can see all available games.

Other sites, including Bwin, offer live football streaming, too. Note that Ts and Cs vary from site to site, and some may require you to have made a bet on the game in question. Moreover, geo-restrictions often apply, with different matches offered in different locations.

Popular Football Betting Markets in the UK

There are so many different football betting markets available to customers. However, most football fans stick to the following popular options.

Football Accumulator

Footy accumulators, or accas, include multiple selections that must all win. Therefore, they can be hard to win. However, they are popular because you can earn high amounts from a small stake. Note that accas can be made up of different football markets, with BTTS, 1×2 and Over/Under the most common.

BTTS

BTTS stands for both teams to score. It is a simple bet that requires both teams to score inside 90 minutes (plus injury time). Fans love it because it is very easy to understand. Moreover, it allows them to cheer goals for both sides!

Correct Score

Correct score is another footy wager that appeals to many due to its simplicity. Additionally, as with accas, the odds can be very rewarding, especially if you go for a wild score like 4-4. To win, you just have to predict the score at full time.

Draw No Bet

Draw no bet is a wager on which team will win a game. However, if the match ends level, you get your stake returned. This market appeals because it is low risk. Correspondingly, though, the odds are typically short.

Under/Over

Over/Under can refer to a range of markets, but is most commonly used for goals in a game. A typical line is over/under 2.5 goals. If fans think the match will see three goals or more, they back over 2.5. However, if they predict a low-scoring encounter, with two goals or fewer, they back under 2.5. Generally, the odds for both options are between 4/6 and 13/10. Occasionally, they may be higher/lower, though.

Asian Handicap Betting

Asian handicaps are popular with more serious punters because the odds tend to be very strong. The best football betting sites generally operate with very low margins on Asian handicaps. An Asian handicap is a bet on who will win the game, but a handicap is used so there are only two options, rather than three, on which to bet. For example, if you back Manchester United +0.5, the bet will win if United win or draws the match.

1×2

1×2, or match odds, is sometimes also called 90-minute betting or “to win”. Whatever it is called, it is the number one bet on football and hugely popular. You simply predict which team will win, or if the clash will end in a draw.

Popular Football Leagues to Bet on in the UK

There are so many different leagues and competitions to bet on. Although the very best football betting sites offer hundreds, most UK punters stick to the following:

Premier League

The Premier League is the most-watched on the planet, viewed in around 190 countries globally! Debate can be had whether it is the best in the world, but it is certainly the richest and one of the most exciting. It is the obvious pick for UK fans, especially those in England.

La Liga

The Spanish top flight can rival the PL for excitement and easily surpasses it in terms of Champions League success. Clasico big guns Real Madrid and Barcelona boast a lot of UCL titles between them, surpassing the number of titles all English clubs have together!

Serie A

Serie A was often thought of as a defensive league, but that has changed in recent years. Even so, the competition’s record appearance-maker is a man who has prevented many goals over the years. Legendary keeper Gianluigi Buffon played a massive 657 times in the competition. Moreover, second on that list is one of the greatest defenders of all time, Paolo Maldini (647).

Bundesliga

The Bundesliga has grown in popularity with UK punters in recent years due to the number of English players that have moved to German clubs. Three Lions stars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have both played in the Bundesliga, with Kane still banging in the goals for Bayern.

Champions League

The Champions League is the competition all clubs want to play in. It provides excellent betting options for fans, but for clubs, it offers a huge boost to finances. Real Madrid has won a record 15 finals. However, at the other end of the spectrum, Italian giants Juventus have lost seven of the nine finals they have appeared in.

Europa League

The Europa League can be considered the continuation of the UEFA Cup. However, the Cup Winners’ Cup was also essentially subsumed into the Europa League. It is the second-tier UEFA competition. It garnered more prestige when UEFA decided to award the winners a place in the following season’s Champions League.

UEFA European Championship

The UEFA European Championship is often referred to as the Euros. It takes place every four years and is an international competition that sees UEFA nations do battle. Spain has won it a record four times, with three of those victories coming this century. England have never lifted the Henri Delaunay Trophy, named after the Frenchman who envisaged the competition.

How To Choose The Right Football Betting Site For You

There are many factors a player should assess before deciding which is the right football betting site for them. However, here at Nostrabet, we value safety and security above everything else. Therefore, the four pillars we consider most important are: reliability, low risk, reputation, and player-friendly terms.

Those are all related because we consider the most crucial thing to be the certainty that you will be treated fairly. It is vital that winnings are paid quickly, terms and conditions are clear, and your personal and financial data are well-treated.

Our experts only recommend football betting sites with sound licensing and regulatory arrangements. Additionally, we test sites thoroughly and analyse user-generated reviews. We also filter out bookies who have onerous or unfair terms around offers, free bets, deposits, or withdrawals. To make sure you pick the right site, we recommend never using one that isn’t licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Additionally, check out bookmaker reviews for the full lowdown.

How to Place a Bet on a Football Game

To place a bet on a match, follow these simple steps at any football betting site (or one of the great UK betting apps):

Facts about football betting in the UK

Football betting in the UK is massively popular. The UK has one of the best-regulated gambling markets in the world, and the PL is the most-gambled-on competition on the planet. The latest UK Gambling Commission stats show that 48% of adults gambled within the last week. Although that figure includes the National Lottery, many punters love to bet on football.

Around £2.4bn was wagered on sports in the latest period. Football accounted for £1.1bn of that, around 46%. All winnings from UK bets are tax-free. Moreover, with all of the best football betting sites offering free bets to new customers, great value is available.

The UK does not lead the world in many fields, but betting giants like bet365 and Betfred are among the biggest, best and most respected bookies in the world. These companies also pay billions of pounds in tax to HMRC.

How to Successfully Predict the Outcome of a Football Match

Nobody can predict the future. Even the greatest pro gamblers in the world, using the best, most powerful computers and AI available, can come unstuck by a bad back pass in the 98th minute! Football betting is inherently uncertain, and you should treat any tips that claim otherwise with extreme caution.

However, if you use a multifaceted approach and exercise discipline, you can increase your chances of winning. You should be aware that predicting the outcome of a football match and finding value bets are not the same thing.

The former is easier than the latter, and you should use as wide a range of information as possible. Assess obvious factors like form, team news, motivation, home advantage and head-to-head record. However, look deeper and include things like the weather, tactical match-ups, behind-the-scenes issues such as player unrest and more.

If you have the technical expertise, experiment with building your own AI tool. Machine learning may be able to spot patterns you would miss, and the more information and data points you can provide, the more accurate your system is likely to be.

However, beating the bookies is very difficult, so experiment with small stakes. Moreover, always keep your gambling fun.

Responsible Gambling on Football Betting Sites

Keeping things fun is central to everything for most punters. Betting on football should be viewed as a hobby. Enjoy your wins, but accept that in the long term, most bettors lose. Only risk what you can afford to lose, and make sure you use the many responsible gambling tools the best football betting sites provide to their customers.

One of the most valuable tools is a deposit limit. Add this when you join a sportsbook, and then you will not be tempted to chase losses by depositing more and more. You can change these limits, but the 24 hours required means you at least have time to think twice. Loss limits are also good, while reality checks can be useful. At the most extreme end of things, time-outs and ultimately self-exclusion can be very helpful too.

If you think you have a problem with your gambling, seek support from services such as GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, the NHS, or GambleAware. Moreover, GamStop is a useful tool for self-excluding from all UK operators as a final resort.

Summary & Conclusion

There are many excellent football betting sites in the UK. However, we have highlighted the very best here and recommend checking them out. Before choosing which sportsbook you want to join, consider our reviews, the analysis of our experts, and the exact things you are seeking from a bookie. We also advise joining more than one bookmaker so you can access the best range of free bets and promotions, as well as the biggest odds and the widest range of leagues and markets.

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