Betting Sites UK July 2025 | Best & New Online Bookmakers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Can I have accounts with multiple betting sites?

Yes. You can join as many UK-licensed bookies as you like. Many punters do this to claim different welcome offers and compare odds. Just one account per site is allowed. If you self-exclude via GamStop, it applies to all linked sites

Q: Do I have to pay tax on betting winnings in the UK?

No. All gambling winnings are tax-free in the UK. You don’t need to declare them, no matter how much you win. The bookies pay tax, not the bettors.

Best Bookmakers Reviewed

Bettors Also Liked

Free Bets

Betting Apps

Football Betting Sites

Horse Racing Bookmakers

Best UK Betting Sites Reviewed

Here's a closer look at some of the best bookmakers in our 2025 list. Click through to full bookmaker reviews for these sites and you'll find expert opinion alongside user comments and ratings.

Betfred

Betfred (Gambling.com rating 9.6/10) lives up to its 'Bonus King' moniker by offering an extensive range of promotions for existing customers and a high-value welcome offer.

The site has around 20 existing customer promos at last count – far more than most competitors - alongside consistently strong odds on major sports and a fast, reliable app

While markets are thinner for niche sports like cycling and sailing, Betfred is one of the very best betting sites UK punters can choose.

Our full Betfred review has been recently updated for July 2025 with details of Betfred's latest betting offers and promos.

Betfred Pros

Outstanding welcome bonus
Lots of existing customer offers
Valuable odds for major sports
Reliable customer support services
Betting app loads quickly and is easy to navigate

Betfred Cons

Not many markets for niche sports
Bet builder only allows 5 legs
Desktop experience could be improved
Better international racing markets elsewhere

bet365

bet365 (9.1/10) is one of the world’s most popular bookmakers, renowned for pioneering live betting with in-play features and live streaming – over 600,000 events are streamed annually.

This global giant backs its reputation with a range of innovative promotions for existing customers, spanning 16 different sports with perks like early payout offers, acca profit boosts, and extra each-way places on big races.

While the website’s busy layout can be a bit confusing for newcomers and the bookie doesn’t offer telephone support, bet365’s combination of competitive odds, frequent promotions, and live streaming services keeps it among the best betting sites in the business.

Read our bet365 review, which has been rewritten for July 2025 to include up to date details of bet365's latest offers and features.

bet365 Pros

600,000 events streamed live annually
Highly-rated user-friendly app
UK-based betting company
Highly reputable brand (80 million+ customers worldwide)

bet365 Cons

Lacking money-back offers
Could use more darts markets
No telephone customer support

William Hill

Since the 1930s, William Hill has built a reputation as one of the UK’s top bookmakers.

Our tests revealed this bookie's commitment to high standards - it hits all the right notes for functionality and reliability.

The odds are consistently competitive and the range of promotions is impressive, especially for major sports like football and horse racing.

We found very few flaws, although the interface can be a little chaotic and cluttered on occasion.

Our William Hill review, has been updated for July 2025 to include up-to-date details of the latest promotions and features.

William Hill Pros

Trusted brand with rich UK heritage
Outstanding football and horse racing odds
#YourOdds feature creates unique bets
Enhanced odds on hundreds of markets weekly
Top price guarantee for horse racing

William Hill Cons

Interface can feel cluttered
No phone or email support options
Bet builder only covers 3 sports

Betway

Betway (8.9/10) has built a reputation as an all-round bookmaker that stands out for its loyalty rewards – notably the Betway Free Bet Club, which rewards regular bettors with free bets.

With frequently boosted odds (alongside standard odds on football and racing often beat competitors) and a dedicated Esports betting section, Betway offers broad appeal.

Aside from an occasionally frustrating automated live chat system, this bookmaker delivers a polished, user-friendly platform on both desktop and mobile.

We recently re-evaluated the site and refreshed our Betway review, which gives a detailed breakdown of the site's unique features.

Betway Pros

Free Bet Club rewards existing customers
Odds boosts and daily 'Super Boosts'
Impressive Esports betting section
High-value football and horse racing odds
Free prediction games with cash prizes

Betway Cons

Automated live chat can be frustrating
Some bet builder markets are limited
Welcome offer should be bigger
More F1 betting options needed

Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes leverages decades of online and offline experience to offer unique promotions and games that help it stand out from the crowd.

This long-running bookmaker has a history of innovation, evident in several offers rarely seen elsewhere.

While the mobile app could be a bit faster and more streamlined, Ladbrokes remains a top-tier bookmaker – combining rich high-street heritage with creative promotions and free-to-play games.

Our Ladbrokes review, updated for July 2025 explains why we give this site an 8.6/10 rating.

Ladbrokes Pros

Unique offers for existing customers
'1-2-Free' football prediction game
'Fanzone' promo with favourite team specials
One of the longest-established UK bookmakers

Ladbrokes Cons

Lacking MMA markets for big events
Mobile app could be quicker

Bwin

Bwin (8.2/10) has a particularly strong focus on football, though it’s slightly let down by a lack of promotions for other sports.

Having once sponsored giants like Manchester United and Real Madrid, Bwin unsurprisingly excels with its football betting options.

The platform offers live streaming of numerous sports. However, compared to its UK rivals, Bwin provides relatively few ongoing promos for existing customers, hence why it has a slightly lower rating than the very best sites in our list.

We've just scratched the surface here - our full Bwin review was recently rewritten and covers everything in further detail.

Bwin Pros

Free-to-play football prediction game
Competitive odds on football matches
Live streaming of 10 sports
Unique money-back welcome offer

Bwin Cons

Lack of promotions for existing customers
Withdrawals can be slightly slow
Sometimes lacks boxing & UFC markets

BoyleSports

BoyleSports (8/10) is a dependable bookmaker best known for its early payout offers, which apply across sports like football, tennis, darts, and snooker.

Horse racing and golf bettors get excellent each-way terms and you can boost or protect your accumulators across different sports.

The odds are good but not always the best available. The site looks busy, but their early payout offers are better than most competitors.

Our rating for this site is explained further in our recently updated BoyleSports review.

BoyleSports Pros

Lots of early payout promotions
Extra places on golf & horse racing
Choose to boost or insure accumulators
Excellent industry reputation
Golf odds tend to provide value

BoyleSports Cons

Site can feel cluttered
Welcome bonus isn't the biggest
Some apps have better user ratings

BetMGM

BetMGM (rated 9/10 by our experts) launched in the UK in 2023 and quickly carved out a reputation as a good option for football, horse racing, and darts betting.

Its partnerships with Premier League Darts and football clubs like Tottenham and Newcastle are reflected in standout darts promos and consistently strong football odds.

Overall, there are less existing customer offers than some rival bookmakers have - but it's a case of quality over quantity at BetMGM.

Read our recently updated BetMGM review for the full lowdown on what this site offers in 2025.

BetMGM Pros

Excellent odds for major UK sports
Golden Goals £1m jackpot game
Generous welcome bonus
User-friendly betting app

BetMGM Cons

Less existing customer promos than some other bookies
No phone customer support
Desktop loads slower than app

How We Review & Rate Bookmakers

At Gambling.com, we follow a strict hands-on review and rating system.

By combining expert research with user insights, we can confidently rank the best UK betting sites and explain why they stand out.

Our expert reviewers follow a strict 10-step process when evaluating each UK betting site which takes up to two months to complete.

Verify Licensing & Security: We check to ensure the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and is safe to use.
Register & Verify ID: We sign up to the each bookmaker and complete full identity verification.
Deposit Real Money: We fund the betting account using popular payment methods.
Claim Welcome Offer: We claim the sign-up offer and evaluate the fairness of the terms and conditions, along with the overall value of the bonus.
Assess Odds & Markets: We compare odds value and review the variety of sports and markets that can be bet on.
Test Ongoing Promotions: We claim offers for existing customers, assess their value, and analyse their T&Cs.
Place Real Bets: We test different bet types across a range of sports and markets, including pre-event, in-play, and outright bets.
Contact Customer Support: We evaluate the speed and helpfulness of customer support.
Test Across Devices: We use iOS, Android, and desktop platforms to assess a site or app's overall performance.
Withdraw Funds: We confirm withdrawal options and measure processing times.

This process allows us to compile in-depth reviews on each bookmaker and to ultimately assign a Gambling.com rating to each site.

New Betting Sites to Consider in 2025

Here's an overview of some of the best new UK betting sites of 2025 - rated by real users and reviewed by our in-house experts.

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

New Betting Site	Standout Feature	Gambling.com Rating
	Welcome Offer	9/10
	Bet Builder	8.2/10
	Early Payouts	8.3/10
	Esports Betting	7.4/10
	Live Betting	7.7/10
	Virtual Betting	7.5/10
	Free Bet Club	7.7/10
	Free Bets	8.3/10
	Odds Boosts	7.8/10
	Betting App	8/10

Why Choose a New Betting Site Over a More Established One?

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

Here are a few reasons why you might consider signing up for a new site instead of a more established one:

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

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

Best Betting Site Offers

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

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

Betting Site	Ideal For	Sign Up Offer
	Acca Free Bets	Bet £10 Get £50
	Cashback	£30 if First Acca Loses
	Free Spread Bets	Bet £10 Get £60
	Free Bet Builders	Bet £10 Get £40
	Matched Deposit	100% Bonus up to £50

More Offer Types

Bet £10 Get £30 Offers

Bet £10 Get £40 Offers

Best Odds Guaranteed

Free Bet Clubs

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

Best Betting Site by Sport

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

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

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

More Sports

Formula 1 Betting Sites

Snooker Bookmakers

Rugby Betting Sites

Esports Betting

Best UK Bookmakers By Feature

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

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

£5 Deposit Betting Sites

Best Bet Builders

Fast Withdrawals

Bookies With Live Streams

More Sites Ranked By Feature

Award-Winning Betting Sites You Can Trust

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

These accolades reflect excellence in everything from innovation to user experience:

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

UK Betting Site Payment Methods & Payout Speeds

When betting with real money, speed and security are vital.

Whether you’re topping up your account or cashing out a win, here’s everything you should know about deposits, withdrawals, and common pitfalls.

Credit cards are banned for gambling in the UK, so your go-to options are:

Withdrawal Method	Details
Debit Card	Standard: 2–5 working days With Visa Direct: often within 2 hours of approval Mastercard may be slower or revert to manual bank payout
PayPal	Fastest method overall Often hits your account within minutes once approved Funds can be spent instantly or withdrawn to your bank (instant option available for a small fee)
Skrill / Neteller	Fast like PayPal, sometimes even quicker Usually same day or within 24 hours
Bank Transfer	Typically 1–3 working days Some bookies offer instant bank withdrawals (if supported by your bank)
Apple/Google Pay Withdrawals	Money goes to the card linked to your wallet – essentially a debit card withdrawal

Minimum & Maximum Withdrawals

Minimum: Usually £5–£10
Maximum: Varies by site; big wins might require bank transfer or ID checks

Fees

Most UK bookies do not charge for deposits or withdrawals.
Be wary of currency conversion fees if using international banks
Some e-wallets may charge for instant bank withdrawals

Note: E-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Neosurf, Boku, Paysafecard, and ecoPayz may not be eligible for sign-up offers.

PayPal Betting Sites

Trustly Bookmakers

Skrill Betting Sites

PaysafeCard Bookmakers

More Betting Payment Options

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

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

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

Cathal Austin
Cathal spent more than a decade as a journalist covering sports and breaking news before joining the Gambling.com team. He now utilises his research and reporting skills in his role as a betting site reviewer. Since 2022, Cathal has reviewed over 300 betting sites and apps, helping readers to find safe, trusted platforms for betting online.

"I tend to favour sites that cover the basics well - I want a good selection of markets for the event I'm betting on at good prices - promotions and features are secondary."
Cathal Austin | Betting Expert

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

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

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

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

Responsible Gambling Tips

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

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

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

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

How We Keep Our Rankings Updated - And You Informed

We update our betting site rankings at least once a month, sometimes more often when needed.

When good new betting sites launch, we review the entire list to see if they deserve a spot. Recently, Easybet and Puntit both earned places in our rankings.

We also reward sites that improve. If our testing shows an existing bookmaker has made their platform better, they can move up the list. Matchbook is a recent example - their improvements earned them a place in our rankings.

We regularly check every bookmaker that's already featured, rewriting our reviews based on fresh testing and current performance.

We monitor the betting market constantly to make sure our rankings stay current and fair.

In terms of recent updates, our NetBet review, LiveScore Bet review and Tote review have all been updated to cover each site's latest features.

Betting Sites UK | Best & New Online Bookmakers July 2025

How to Compare Betting Sites

Why we Created This List of Online Bookmakers

Why Trust Gambling.com?

Why trust Gambling.com?

Bettors Also Liked

Best UK Betting Sites Reviewed

Betfred

bet365

William Hill

Betway

Ladbrokes

Bwin

BoyleSports

BetMGM

How We Review & Rate Bookmakers

New Betting Sites to Consider in 2025

Why Choose a New Betting Site Over a More Established One?

1. Bigger & Better Welcome Offers

2. Faster Payouts & Modern Options

3. Innovative Promotions

4. Slick Design & Mobile-First Experience

5. Cutting-Edge Features & Tech

Best Betting Site Offers

More Offer Types

Best Betting Site by Sport

More Sports

Best UK Bookmakers By Feature

More Sites Ranked By Feature

Award-Winning Betting Sites You Can Trust

UK Betting Site Payment Methods & Payout Speeds

Minimum & Maximum Withdrawals

Fees

More Betting Payment Options

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

Kevin Taylor

Cathal Austin

Dean Ryan

Diarmuid Nolan

Responsible Gambling Tips

How We Keep Our Rankings Updated - And You Informed

FAQ

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

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

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

Are online betting sites in the UK safe to use?

Can I have accounts with multiple betting sites?

Do I have to pay tax on betting winnings in the UK?