In this article, the expert team at Wisegambler.com has been hard at work ranking the top 5 brands from their commercial partners, selecting Betfred, home to the best football betting offers, markets, and odds, as the number one.
- Betfred – Bet £10 Get £50 in Bonuses
- BetMGM – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
- Copy Bet – Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
- BetVictor – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
- William Hill – Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets
- Spreadex – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
- Betway – Get £10 in Free Bets
- Fitzdares – Bet £50 Get £25 in Free Bets
- Boylesports – Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
- bet365 – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
- Tote – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
- 10bet – 50% up to £50 Welcome Bonus
- Virgin – Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
- Livescore Bet – Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
- Sky Bet – Get £30 in Free Bets
- AKBets – 25% Bet Boost on Initial Bet up to £100
bet365 T&Cs: Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware GamStop Gambling Commission
DISCLAIMER: This article is provided by wisegambler.com, part of the Acroud group and all opinions are their own. All offers are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change without notice.
Football is one of the biggest sports in the United Kingdom, and it is no different when it comes to betting. Continue reading to learn more, including how to sign up, what to bet on, and more.
What are the Best Football Betting Sites in the UK?
The top 5 best football betting sites have been ranked to help you decide where is the best place to play. Experts have reviewed each brand to help you make your decision. Continue reading below for everything you need to know.
1. Betfred – Bet £10 Get £50
Betfred, a recognised and long-standing brand name in the football betting industry, occupies the number one spot. It has top odds across the biggest leagues, competitions, events, and more that are regularly boosted and updated to make it difficult to beat elsewhere. It has great and regular promotions for new and existing customers, alongside a highly rated customer support team. Users have reported that the wait time can be long when requesting assistance; however, the support they receive makes up for the wait.
Pros: ✅
- Recognised football betting brand.
- Regular offers and promotions.
- Competitive odds.
Cons: ❌
- Wait time for the customer support team can be long.
Betfred T&Cs: New customers only. Register (excl. 13/04/24) with WELCOME50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
2. BetMGM – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
In the number 2 spot is BetMGM, one of the newer sites to arrive in the UK after conquering the US. While it may have some befriending of football bettors to do before it reaches the same status as Betfred, it is taking no time to work its way up the rankings. Offering lots of fantastic betting markets, competitive odds and a slick and modern platform, it is safe to say it is going down well with the UK audience. It has some exciting offers across the top football leagues and competitions and live streaming of matches where in-play bets can also be placed alongside.
If you are interested in learning more about the BetMGM signup offer for new customers, we have a dedicated page and bonus code for you here.
Pros: ✅
- Modern and sleek platform.
- Range of football betting markets
- Live streaming is available
Cons: ❌
- A new brand to the UK market
BetMGM T&Cs: New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. 18+ BeGambleAware.org.
3. CopyBet – Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
Home to an exclusive tipster feature, Copybet is another top football betting site that brings something different. Use Copybet tipster bets as inspiration to place your own or simply copy their bets! Alongside are lots of competitive odds; whether it’s the Premier League, La Liga, or the Champions League, there is something for everyone. The site also offers customers the ability to live stream matches; however, various issues have been reported with this feature, and it has been seen to be out of service.
Pros: ✅
- Exclusive tipster feature
- Wide range of competitions
- Consistently competitive odds are available
Cons: ❌
- Live streaming features can be intermittent
CopyBet T&Cs: BET 10 GET 50 offer is available only for the customers who signed up on 01.02.2024 or later. The qualifying bet should be either a single or multiple bet, start at £10, and have 1.9 or greater odds. Each free bet lasts for 7 days. Offer stands for verified UK clients. No Cash-Out. Max payout – £500.
4. BetVictor – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
One of the oldest operating bookmakers in the country, BetVictor is a reputable and widely respected bookmaker when it comes to football betting sites. With one of the largest ranges of football betting markets, there is so much to keep players returning despite the bookmaker not having a customer loyalty program in place. However, a highly rated mobile app is in place so players can take their betting on the go, and the site is fully compatible with mobile devices via browser.
Pros: ✅
- Reputable football betting site
- Top-rated new and existing customer promotions
- Mobile app
Cons: ❌
- No customer loyalty programme
BetVictor T&Cs: 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds. No cash out. Get £40 in Free Bets on selected events. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Debit card / Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly.
5. William Hill – Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets
Completing the list is William Hill and its experienced platform that knows just what keen football bettors are after. It has a quick and easy signup process on an easy-to-navigate platform whether you are new or experienced at football betting sites. It has frequent promotions across a wide range of betting options, including in-play betting that can be used alongside its live-streaming offerings. The live betting options, however, could be expanded to match the services provided by competitor sites.
Pros: ✅
- Experience bookmakers
- Live streaming is available
- Quick and easy signup process
Cons: ❌
- Live betting options need to be explained
William Hill T&Cs: 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. #ad
What Makes The Best Football Betting Sites?
To be considered one of the best football betting sites, according to our experts, the criteria covered in more detail below must be comfortably met and remain consistent throughout a player’s experience at a site.
Welcome Bonuses & Signup Offers
A key feature to entice new customers to register at football betting sites is having a competitive and valuable welcome offer. This is often the first thing visitors see when checking out any football betting sites and can include deposit match bonuses, free bet offers, exclusive bet boosts and more. A good welcome bonus is usually a sign of a good betting site and one where customers are valued and promotions are regular. All top football betting sites will have a strong welcome bonus as a staple part of their site.
Existing Customer Promotions
While it is important for football betting sites to appeal to new customers with sign-up bonuses, bookmakers must also retain existing customers and give new ones a reason to return. To be one of the best football betting sites, there will need to be plenty of promotions for existing customers. These can include log-in bonuses, milestone rewards, loyalty programmes, odds boosts, acca boosts, and more. Head to the dedicated promotions section at your chosen football betting site to find out what is available.
Licensing and Player Safety
All football betting sites must have the relevant licences and player safety tools to operate legally in the UK. Each site included above is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission in Great Britain. They all promote responsible gambling, with relevant tools available at each site should players feel they could benefit from such support. Also included are various betting integrity awards ensuring sites are fair and encryption software to ensure the safety of customers’ details and security when performing transactions.
Range of Betting Markets for Football
Football betting sites will need to have plenty of variety if they are to appeal to football fans and keen football bettors. Offering a wide range of different betting markets at a site is more likely to attract more users as there are more opportunities to place different bets, try out new markets and be something that every football bettor has used before. The football betting sites our experts have recommended all offer a fantastic range of markets.
Mobile Compatibility and App
A feature becoming increasingly important and almost a requirement to be considered one of the best football betting sites is that the platform is fully compatible with mobile devices. You can access the site on your phone via the browser or by downloading an exclusive app for your iOS or Android devices. Each site should be able to adjust its features for use on a smartphone, such as page orientation, screen dimensions, mobile data, font sizes, layouts, and more.
The growth of football betting apps has increased hugely in recent years. If you want to know which brands have the best football betting apps on the market, click here.
Live Streaming and In-Play Betting
To be considered one of the best football betting sites UK, it is becoming a necessity to offer customers the option of live-streaming games while betting at the site. Not only does this increase the attraction of a site, but it can also enhance the use and popularity of any live in-play betting features present, as users can place bets and watch the game in the same place. Place bets according to the action happening and follow them live, being able to cash out early, claim limited-time offers, enhanced odds and more.
Competitive Odds
The best football betting sites will need to provide consistently competitive odds across the top matches to secure a spot in the list of the best. Sites must match the closest competitors and/or have regular offers, enabling them to have even better odds up for grabs for a limited time. Customers can be keen to compare and place their bets on the site where they can get the best value and the best odds.
Payment Methods
All football betting sites UK accept various payment methods, enabling most users to choose their preferred one when using the site. Alongside this, there must be safe and secure methods of payment that are recognised. This includes well-known debit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, bank transfer and cheque. Accepted methods can vary from site to site when it comes to deposits and withdrawals, so we encourage you to check prior to which methods are accepted and for what action.
Customer Service
It is so important for sites to have a really good customer support team to provide users with help when needed. Providing that support comes in various ways, one being a strong FAQ page with lots of queries and answers readily available for everyone to explore where they can and, more often than not, have the answer they need within seconds. Beyond the webpage, the best football betting sites will provide additional support through other channels such as email, web form, telephone and live chat. Some operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while others operate throughout the day.
Responsible Gambling Features
Finally, having responsible gambling features at all the football sites, UK is required to be one of the best online football betting sites. This includes links to websites such as BeGambleAware and the relevant contact details so that those users who feel they may benefit from the support and guidance of the professionals can access it in their time and need. For example, at Betfred, the contact phone number for the National Gambling Helpline can be found alongside links to the website.
How to Sign Up to a Football Betting Site
Registering at any of these top football betting sites is quick and easy. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
- Click the provided link of any of the above football betting sites that you wish to use and head to the sign-up page.
- To start the registration process, enter your personal details, such as your name, address, date of birth, email address, and phone number when prompted.
- Once complete, you can create a unique, memorable username and password that will become your personal login details for that bookmaker.
- Sign in and get started exploring everything the site has to offer!
What Football Events Can I Bet On?
A wealth of different footballing events are available to bettors at football betting sites. Whether wagering on your own team, a league in another country, or a tournament such as The World Cup, we have included the most popular amongst football bettors below.
Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is a European tournament in which the top sides from the continent’s leagues come together to battle for the title of Champions of Europe. It is such a spectacle of top talent featuring the best of the best up against each other. It happens every season and takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday nights from September through to May/June. It consists of a group stage, a round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final. The winners secure a place in the tournament the next season, while the rest of the sides must finish in the top 4 places of their domestic leagues to qualify.
Premier League
One of the biggest leagues in the world is the Premier League. Featuring the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, among others, it is one of the most watched, attended, and betted on in the football league. No game is predictable, and there are plenty of opportunities to etch your name into a club history book. The league consists of 20 teams, with the bottom 3 getting relegated at the end of each season.
La Liga
La Liga is the top league in Spain, featuring the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla and more. Its top teams regularly feature in European competitions and have been home to some of the world’s best players. The league works in the same format as the Premier League, where 20 teams play each other twice, and the bottom 3 get relegated.
Serie A
The top league in Italy is Serie A, home to Italian football giants like Inter and AC Milan, Juventus, Roma, Lazio, Napoli, and many more. Recognised as a league with some of the best defences in the sport, the top teams regularly appear across European competitions and see recognised names from around the world head out to join an Italian club.
Bundesliga
Made up of 18 teams, the German Bundesliga contains some of the best sides in the world. Bayern Munich regularly dominate the title race, having been on an 11-year spell of becoming German champions. Some other recognised sides that often play in Europe are the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt. The league works a little differently to the rest, seeing only two sides get relegated, with the team finishing 16th heading into a play-off match with the third-placed side in Bundesliga 2.
Europa League
The Europa League is the second-tier competition in European club football. It contains the fifth-place sides in the domestic leagues and sometimes the sixth, depending on whether the winner of the FA Cup has already qualified. It is also the competition where teams who are knocked out of the Champions League head to continue their quest for European glory. It is also an opportunity for clubs outside of the top four spots to get a chance to place against top sides in Europe.
The Euros / The World Cup
The Euros and The World Cup are international tournaments that grip the footballing world. Happening every 4 years, 2 years apart, the best teams in Europe come together to battle it out to become champions (Euros) or World Champions (World Cup). It is a time that brings football fans from all over together; both tournaments take place during the summer months during the summer break from the domestic leagues.
Popular Football Betting Markets
So many different markets are available at the best football betting sites. Whether you prefer predicting the score, the goal scorer or the first to score, there is something for everyone. We have included the most popular online football betting markets below.
Match result betting markets are where you can place your wager on what you think the result will be after 90 minutes: a win, a draw or a loss. Get it correct, and you will win your bet.
Wagering on Both Teams to Score (BTTS) means you think that both sides playing each other will get on the scoresheet by the end of the match. It does not matter how many goals the sides score, but to win your bet, both teams must score at least once.
Over/Under Goals are a popular option at football betting sites and involve wagering on how many goals will be scored over or under a certain number in decimal form. For example, if you bet on a match to have over 2.5 goals and it ends with 3 or more goals scored, you will win your bet.
First Goalscorer bets do exactly as they say on the tin. Place a bet on who you think will be the first to score a goal in a match. A simple and regularly placed bet across football betting sites.
Similar to a match result bet, just more specific. Betting on the correct score of a match involves predicting the result correctly, not just win, lose or draw, but the exact result: 3-2, 1-1, 1-0, etc.
Popular Football Betting Bonuses
There are many different bonuses available to customers at the best football betting sites, and below, we have discussed the most popular in more detail to help you decide which are best for you.
Free Bet offers are often included in a site’s welcome bonus when new customers register at a site. They provide an opportunity to try out the features at football betting sites risk- and worry-free, as you are not required to spend any more of your own money.
For more information on the best free bet offers currently available in the UK right now, click here.
Enhanced odds are limited-time offers across selected odds when it comes to big matches and occasions. These can be claimed by both new and existing customers and provide opportunities for potential higher returns if your bet wins.
Another popular bonus at football betting sites is the no-deposit option. With this option, you can place your wager without needing to make a deposit first, making it one of the best football bets.
One of the most popular bonuses at football betting sites is bet builders. Build your own bet by adding multiple markets from a match all into the same single bet.
Place an acca bet at any of these best football betting sites by adding different matches to the same bet. Acca bets are great for football, particularly as they allow you to include matches across different days. To win your acca, all of your selections must win.
Payment Methods
The best football betting sites all accept a wide variety of payment methods so that there is something that everyone knows, uses, or trusts. Below, we have included a list of football betting sites’ most popular payment methods.
- Visa Debit
- Mastercard
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Paysafecard
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Bank Transfer
Watch Out for Terms and Conditions
When claiming any bonuses from football betting sites, it is important to be aware of the key terms and conditions that apply to any offer. Whether this is wagering requirements or free bet expiry times, we have included some of the key ones below.
If you are claiming a free bet offer from any of the best football betting sites, you must be aware that these will expire after a certain amount of time. You have a limited time frame in which you can use them, which is often between 24 hours and 7 days. Occasionally, some sites can offer 30-day timeframes. Always check the T&Cs prior to claiming.
Another important feature is that free bet stakes are not returned to you. If your bet wins and you have placed it using free bets, you will receive the winnings but no additional bet credits you staked originally.
Also commonly attached to some offers are wagering requirements, which require you to wager a certain amount ‘x’ your initial amount before you can withdraw any of your winnings. These are found in the T&Cs of each offer they apply to.
What to do if you have a gambling problem
We understand that gambling can be fun, but it’s important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery.
Here are some resources that can help you:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to bet on football in the UK?
It is 100% safe to bet on football in the UK at any of the sites included above, which are licensed and regulated by the UKGC.
Is In-Play betting available at the best football betting sites?
Live in-play betting is available at all of the best football betting sites so that customers can follow the action live and place or amend their bets accordingly.
What does cash-out mean?
To ‘cash out’ on your bet means that you opt for your bet to pay out prior to settling at an amount you believe will be the highest you can get back if a match does not look to be going in your favour.
Which betting site is the most trustworthy?
All football betting sites included in this article are completely trustworthy to play at, including the number 1 pick, Betfred.
