Online sports betting is picking up steam in the UK. According to the Entain Group, more than £100 million got wagered on the 2021 edition of the Grand National horse race across the industry, a UK internet record.
The country generates a gross gambling yield of £14.2 billion, with year-on-year growth, contributed to the rise of remote gambling. It comprises 39.9% of the overall market. This sphere got birthed in 2005 with the creation of the UK Gambling Act, and operators have not looked back since.
According to the UKGC, there are 2,576 licensed gambling operators, with many of these operating on the internet. Thus, it is growing harder to figure out what are the best sportsbooks for UK players. Below, we describe what makes a good sportsbook and all the aspects you should keep an eye on when selecting your betting home.
What Makes a Good Sportsbook?
Locating the best online sports sites is as essential as picking the correct events to risk your pocket change on hunting for riches. The most crucial elements that you should pay attention to when making your selection are:
· Reputation.
· Gaming license.
· Ease of use.
· Mobile compatibility.
· The number of available markets.
· Competitive odds.
· High bet limits.
· Variety of wagering options.
· A vast selection of payment methods.
· Fast payouts.
· Promotions.
· Decent customer support.
You should check all of these before signing up with a given operator.
According to law, platforms that offer gambling services to UK residents must have a license from the UKGC. That is an executive public body of the UK Government that regulates this activity in Great Britain. All sites that have UKGC approval also must take part in the nationwide GamStop self-exclusion scheme. However, such platforms are not the only betting options, as international ones are also in play.
Top US sportsbooks have either a license from a state regulatory body or an offshore one, such as those located in Panama, Gibraltar, or Curacao. These are equally reliable licensors that have been in this industry since its inception. Many of them also accept UK residents, who will not face any legal ramifications for using their service.
Given that the purpose of you visiting a gambling site is to wager on sporting events, at the top of your criteria should be the betting options on offer. These include what markets are available. Meaning, can you bet only on popular sports such as football and basketball, or can you also enjoy a little niche action, such as darts, handball, snooker, and Aussie rules? Some sites even let you wager on pro wrestling leagues like the WWE. As a rule of thumb, the more markets on hand, the merrier.
The ability to use functions such as cash out, a bet builder, making in-play, and multi-bets are also of paramount importance. These enhance the betting experience by diversifying it, allowing for more ways to win. They infuse the gambling experience with added excitement and more prize potential.
Naturally, to make quality use of these options, the platform must be user-friendly, which entails an easy-to-navigate interface, quick load times, and seamless device compatibility. The latter is essential, as the UKGC claims that smartphones account for more than 50% of gambling traffic. The best online sportsbook in the UK should be optimized for mobile access and have a dedicated app.
Another area that can make or break the gambling experience is payment processing. The methods provided, their transfer speeds, and associated fees. Look for sites with a vast array of payment options and little to no withdrawal fees. Always ask which sportsbook has the quickest payouts? Cryptocurrencies are the best choice for speedy withdrawals. They also keep your financial history a secret. It is worthwhile to explore them as an option.
Loyalty rewards and Welcome Bonuses are also things that you must consider. However, always be wary of generous offers, as they may hide many requirements in their fine print. Also, know that it is never worth signing up at a mediocre platform so that you can take advantage of a few enticing promotions. In the long-haul, the trade-off is not comparable. Perks such as free bets and cashback will not make up for subpar service and limited wagering options. The latter substantially affects your ability to turn a profit via this pastime.
How to Choose the Best Online Wagering Sites?
If you are stuck, pondering between a pair or more contenders, suggested things to do to narrow your selection include:
· Read the best online betting reviews.
· Sign-up and explore multiple sportsbooks at once.
· Consult other bettors on social media.
There are many ways to figure out which sportsbook is the best for you; sites like Safest Betting Sites provide trusted and reliable reviews on the best online sportsbooks. The SBS platform is one of the most respected sports gambling info hubs on the internet. It prides itself in analyzing and rating sportsbooks from top to bottom, covering all the mentioned aspects. It even examines the financial viability of the companies behind popular sportsbooks.
You can find pretty much everything you need to know about an operator via an SBS review. However, if you do not want to get your hands dirty yourself, you can register at a few sites that have the title best and compare their features in the following order:
1. What markets are available?
2. How low/high do the stakes go?
3. Is there live betting?
4. What deposit/withdrawal options can you use?
5. Can you wager from your phone?
6. How do the promo offers stack up?
7. Do these platforms also have poker and casino games?
If you are not lazy and willing to put in the legwork necessary to acquire this first-hand information, do so. An alternative approach is to ask around on social media or on betting forums. Experience bettors lurk in dedicated Facebook groups and on forums, where they share their knowledge with other like-minded enthusiasts regarding this activity.
You can become a member of one of these tightly-knitted communities and ask other’s opinions concerning an operator you are considering. The terrific thing here is that you will get multiple answers based on different experiences with a specific online sportsbook.
What Are the Best Online Sportsbooks for UK Players?
Yes, sports betting is a booming sector, with the number of available platforms continuously rising. However, when the topic – the best online sportsbooks appear, the answer is not always a definite one. A lot comes down to personal preference. However, to avoid being non-committal, we will mention that most bettors prefer the following three internet sportsbooks:
· BetNow
· BetWay
· 888sports
BetNow is a newer gambling site that has made waves in a relatively short period. Established in 2015, it is a Curacao-licensed operator that accepts players from all corners of the globe. It boasts an excellent racebook and online casino on top of its robust sportsbook. A massive perk of using this site is getting an initial deposit match of 100% up to £1,000 with the bonus code BN100. It also has a terrific bet-builder function that most punters adore.
BetWay is a brand that most UK residents will recognize as the sponsor of West Ham United. The two have been inseparable since 2015.
BetWay has been in business since 2006, and it has partnership agreements with multiple football clubs. Among bettors, this platform is famous for its soft odds, live streaming, and rewards program. It treats its users to a £10 free bet every week.
888sports is a brand of 888 Holdings, an online gambling juggernaut with roots going back to 1997. It is one of the most respected operators in the sector’s history. 888sports features super-quality betting software, a ton of year-round promotions, and enormous wagering limits. 888sports new customer deal consists of a promo that gives you £30 in free bets for the first bet of £10. The offer also includes a £10 casino bonus.
To Wrap Up
The online sports betting landscape can be a minefield. Thus, it is best to stick to tried-and-tested sites that have years of experience. Nothing stops you from registering at multiple platforms or changing the one you have been betting on for a while. Look into line or odds shopping and how you can use it to your advantage.
It is all about finding a good fit, a platform that provides an adequate balance of security, vast betting options/markets, and promotions. Though, as mentioned, you should never favor the latter. Read reviews to acquire information, but also aim to do some research on your own. You know what suits you best and what you are looking for better than anyone.
