The best football betting sites in the UK today

The best football betting sites in the UK today

Plenty of factors go into deciding your favourite football betting sites whether it’s the odds and markets available or the bonuses on offer. Here at FIRST, we aim to give you a helping hand so we’ve reviewed some of the UK’s best online football betting sites.
By James Walters, Sports Betting Expert

How to choose a football betting site

How to choose a football betting site

It can be hard to choose a preferred football betting site but there are a few key factors that can sway you towards a specific bookmaker.

Bonuses

Checking out the welcome bonuses available for new customers can be the perfect opportunity to have a profitable start after opening your account. Shop around to find the best value possible.

Bonuses
Deposit and withdrawal options

Sites will have minimum deposits and withdrawals, whether it’s £5, £10 or more. Certain football betting sites will also have more deposit and withdrawal options.

Deposit and withdrawal options
User experience and user interface

Your favourite sports betting sites will be slick and simple to use. The interface should be clear and obvious how to place your bet.

User experience and user interface
Customer service

Many have a live chat option, while some will have a contact form, an email or a phone number.

Customer service
Games selection

Some football betting sites will offer more markets/events than others. Some may not offer Bet Builders or enhanced offers and promotions.

Games selection
Mobile and desktop compatibility

Your user experience shouldn’t differ whether you’re on mobile or desktop. The sites should both operate the same and be efficient and simple to use on both platforms.

Mobile and desktop compatibility
VIP programmes and loyalty rewards

Signing up to a football betting site based on a welcome offer is all well and good but what do they do to keep you there? Many sites will have VIP programmes or loyalty rewards to retain existing customers.

VIP programmes and loyalty rewards
Security and fairness

When you choose your preferred site your personal information should always feel there’s the necessary security measures in place while betting.

Security and fairness
Responsible gambling features

Football betting sites should always have responsible gambling tools. They can range from deposit limits to time-outs or even self-exclusion measures. Information on how to contact organisations who help with safer gambling should also be available.

Responsible gambling features

The best football betting sites, reviewed

The best football bookmakers, compared

Bookmaker Welcome offer Breadth of competitions Features available Mobile/app compatibility

What football betting bonuses can you claim in the UK?

Taking advantage of bookies’ football bonuses can be very profitable. But what’s available to bettors?

  • No deposit

    This isn’t common with UK bookmakers. However, if you see an offer, a no deposit bonus allows you to place a bet without wagering your own cash.

    No deposit
  • Bet builders

    Select a team to win, both teams to score, a player to have a couple of shots on target and watch the odds rise!

    Bet builders
  • Predictor games

    Most major bookmakers offer predictor games to land anything from free bets to the jackpot if you correctly predict scorelines. SkyBet’s Super 6 is the most well-known game where you can win £250,000. Just check that it’s free-to-play.

    Predictor games
  • Deposit match

    Deposit matches are very common. An example of a welcome offer could be; bet £10 and get a £10 free bet.

    Deposit match
  • Reload

    For existing customers to entice you to keep betting on football on their site. The free bet will be added to what you deposit to give you more to play with.

    Reload
  • Cashback

    Football betting sites may offer cash or a free bet back if one leg of an accumulator loses. Just read the T&Cs as there may be minimum odds or selections involved.

    Cashback
  • Free draws and exclusive events

    Some sites will offer free competitions to win prizes. You could claim free bets, tickets for football games or cash jackpots.

    Free draws and exclusive events

What to watch out for when using football betting bonuses

What to watch out for when using football betting bonuses
We’ve discussed what football betting bonuses are available but it’s always worth bearing in mind what the wagering requirements are. Always read the T&Cs and check that you are eligible to claim the offer.

Many welcome bonuses will have a minimum deposit (usually £10) as well as minimum odds, usually 1/2 (1.5). If you don’t meet the requirements, you won’t receive the bonus. There will also likely be expiry dates on free bets you receive so make sure you don’t lose them!

Sign-up offers are solely for new customers but Bet Builders, cash back and predictor games will be for existing customers. Always check the T&Cs and make sure you’re well aware of whether the games require wagering or are free-to-play.

Most popular football competitions to bet on

Premier League
Premier League

Premier League football betting is naturally very popular as it is the biggest league in the world which attracts some of the world’s best players. The unpredictability of the league makes it the most-watched competition for UK - and many worldwide - fans.

Champions League
Champions League

The most prestigious European competition in football. Every team dreams of lifting the trophy and the competition only includes the best teams on the continent.

Europa League
Europa League

If teams can’t qualify for the Champions League, the Europa League is next in line. It still features some of the best teams in Europe on Thursday nights.

Europa Conference League
Europa Conference League

A competition only founded in 2021 but it allows more teams to play European football. One Premier League side features.

FA Cup
FA Cup

The oldest club competition in the world. More than 700 teams compete from August until May to lift the trophy at Wembley. Who doesn’t love a good cup upset?

Carabao Cup
Carabao Cup

Another English knockout competition that was founded in 1960. Every club from the Premier League to League Two (92 in total) enters the competition.

Serie A
Serie A

Italy’s iconic top division has been popular with European football fans for decades. AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus are among the biggest clubs.

Bundesliga
Bundesliga

Germany’s top division, founded in 1963, features Bayern Munich and other well-known sides including Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. They’re well known for bringing through young talent.

Ligue 1
Ligue 1

France’s top division has been heavily dominated by Paris Saint-Germain in recent years but Monaco, Lyon and Marseille are trying to close the gap.

La Liga
La Liga

Spain’s highest professional league features European powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona. Their ‘El Clasico’ rivalry is often remembered for the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi battles.

World Cup
World Cup

The biggest prize in world football which is held every four years. Club rivalries are put to one side as countries unite to cheer on their best players.

Euros
Euros

The UEFA European Championship is the biggest international competition in Europe. Like the World Cup, it's held every four years and it was founded in 1960.

Copa America
Copa America

The South American equivalent of the Euros which usually guarantees fireworks. It was first held in 1916 and Argentina are the most successful country in the competition.

Nations League
Nations League

Another European international competition was added to the schedule in 2018. It’s been won by Portugal, France and Spain.

Championship
Championship

England’s second tier is one of the most entertaining leagues in the world. It’s highly competitive and unpredictable which makes it increasingly popular for bettors.

Popular football markets to bet on

Full-time result Full-time result
You back one of three options: home win, draw or away win. You can add more than one result to build an accumulator and boost the odds.
First/anytime goalscorer First/anytime goalscorer
Backing an anytime goalscorer means you need the player to score within 90 minutes. Extra time in cup competitions doesn’t count. For a first goalscorer bet, you need them to score before anyone else.
Both teams to score Both teams to score
The options are simply yes or no. For ‘yes’ you need both teams to find the back of the net, while ‘no’ can be 0-0 or 5-0.
Over/under goals Over/under goals
You’re backing there to be over or under a certain number of goals. The usual number is 2.5, while bookmakers will also offer 1.5, 3.5 and more.
Double chance Double chance
You’re backing two of the three outcomes on the full time result market. Home win or draw, away win or draw and home or away win are the three options.
Draw no bet Draw no bet
You back the home or away team but if the game finishes level, the bet is voided and your stake is refunded.
Correct score Correct score
Correct score bets are bigger prices as the likelihood of predicting the score is lower than predicting the final result.
Handicap betting Handicap betting
Handicap betting gives one team an advantage or disadvantage before the game. If you back Arsenal -1 against Liverpool, they must win by two or more goals for the bet to win. Liverpool essentially have a one goal lead and if the game finishes level or Arsenal win by one goal, the bet is a loser.

Basic tips and strategies for football betting

Basic tips and strategies for football betting
Football betting online is never guaranteed so put a strategy and system in place to help you long term.

The first basic tip is to do your research. Understand what you’re betting on and don’t just place a bet without knowledge of the league or game.

You should also stick to a budget and track your football bets (profits and losses). Don’t bet more than you have and always manage your bankroll. Never chase losses or place emotional bets. Studying your betting history, both wins and losses will help you formulate a plan and a strategy for football betting.

Knowing specialist sports or markets also gives bettors an advantage. If you’re really into a niche sport or a specific football league, there could be an opportunity to spot value bets.

Shop around with bookmakers to find the best odds, welcome bonuses, bet boosts and more. If one site is offering 1/2 (1.5) but you can get the same pick for evens (2.0) elsewhere, you’ve found value in the market.

Step-by-step guide for signing up to a football betting site

The process from signing up to a football betting site to placing a bet is relatively simple.

Visit FIRST
Visit FIRST

Firstly, check out FIRST’s page and see which site suits you. Our link will send you to the correct landing page.

Sign up
Sign up

Sign up and create your account. You’ll need to enter your personal details (full name, date of birth, email address, contact number and full address) and verify your account before you can deposit funds.

Make a deposit
Make a deposit

There will usually be numerous deposit methods and also keep an eye out for the welcome bonus. More often than not you’ll have to meet deposit requirements to get the offer.

Place your first bet
Place your first bet

Now your money is in your account you’re free to place your first bet. Let’s hope it’s a winner!

Popular payment and withdrawal methods

Debit card

The most popular method with bettors. Visa, Mastercard and Maestro are usually available.

Debit card
Paypal

Also widely accepted and it’s popular due to the speed and security benefits. Payments are encrypted and fraud monitored.

Paypal
Apple Pay/Google Pay

One of the most convenient deposit methods. If you have your debit card linked to your phone, it’s only a couple of clicks.

Apple Pay/Google Pay
Paysafecard

Not as common as the options above but if you shop around you’ll see a few sites have it listed as a method. It's safe and you don’t have to share your banking details.

Paysafecard
Skrill

Is an e-wallet accepted by numerous bookmakers. You don’t have to share your card details and deposits/withdrawals are quick and easy.

Skrill
Neteller

Another e-wallet option. It’s regulated and licensed to add another level of security.

Neteller
Cryptocurrencies

Some sites will allow the use of Cryptocurrencies. Transactions are fast and safe. It will likely become even more common in the coming years.

Cryptocurrencies

How do we rate football betting sites?

Numerous factors influence the selection of the best sites. We want bettors to have all the tools and knowledge available to make their own decisions. Below is a list of criteria we use when writing our unbiased reviews of football betting sites before we give them a rating out of five.


See how FIRST rates the best sports betting sites on our dedicated page.

  • Site design and user experience
    Site design and user experience
  • Mobile and app compatibility
    Mobile and app compatibility
  • Welcome bonus and sign-up offers
    Welcome bonus and sign-up offers
  • Amount of football markets available
    Amount of football markets available
  • Features (in-play betting, request-a-bet, esports betting)
    Features (in-play betting, request-a-bet, esports betting)
  • Promotions and VIP loyalty schemes
    Promotions and VIP loyalty schemes
  • Withdrawal and payout methods/efficiency
    Withdrawal and payout methods/efficiency
  • Customer support options
    Customer support options
  • Responsible gambling tools available
    Responsible gambling tools available
  • Licensing and safety of site
    Licensing and safety of site
Legal situation with gambling in the UK? Legal situation with gambling in the UK?

Betting in the UK is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and any site that we recommend will be covered by them.

They promote safer gambling by adhering to The Gambling Act 2005 (GA), which is the primary gambling regulation in the UK.

The legal age to bet in the UK is 18 years old.

Responsible gambling Responsible gambling

Betting is a recreational activity. It should be fun and you should always be in control.

All bookmakers will have responsible gambling tools available. These will likely include deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion. There will also be links to the likes of GamStop, BeGambleAware and the Gambling Commission.

Use the basic tips and strategies for football betting such as tracking profit and loss margins to keep on top of your finances.

You can find more information on FIRST’s responsible gambling in sports betting page. As well as the list below of several responsible gambling organisations available.

  • GamCare
  • BeGambleAware
  • GamStop
  • Gamblers Anonymous
  • National Debtline
  • Gordon Moody - Tackling Gamblers Anonymous
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FAQs

  • Many well-known bookmakers offer live streaming so bettors can watch matches. SkyBet, bet365 and Paddy Power all offer streaming services on numerous leagues including La Liga and Serie A. Some may require you to have placed a bet on the game so always check the site’s terms and conditions.

  • According to the UK Gambling Commission website, there are 175 online bookmakers licensed to accept bets. These range from well-known sites to lesser-known options.

  • Yes, most sites will offer football-specific promotions and bonuses. This could be in the form of an enhanced odds selection, free bets or money-back offers. Some bookmakers will offer loyalty rewards for staking a certain amount each week.

  • In-play betting is available on most UK football betting sites, however, not every match will be covered. Major competitions such as the Premier League and Champions League will be covered but foreign leagues could have fewer options.

  • Yes, you can watch live football on betting sites, however, not every match will be available. Broadcast deals can limit what’s on offer. For example, Premier League football isn’t streamed on betting sites but FA Cup games that are on terrestrial television might be.

  • Sites use an in-depth algorithm and a team of knowledgeable traders to calculate odds for matches. They’ll assess the amount that has been placed on specific markets, while injury news will also affect the odds.