Bettors have never had it so good when it comes to the number of options available. Here in the UK, horse racing fans opening a new betting account face, quite literally, 100s of options.
Of course, choice is always a good thing, but how do we determine which sites are worth our time?
Trawling through each site or simply signing up with the first operator that catches your eye are two sub-optimal options. Alternatively, you can heed the advice of seasoned punters who, thanks to decades of experience in the industry, know how to sort the wheat from the chaff - which is where our guide to the best horse racing betting sites in the UK comes in.
Without further ado, we now present our betting site checklist and our 15 top UK horse racing websites - all of which offer a secure platform to ensure a safe betting environment for all users.
We are confident that seasoned horse racing punters and those new to the sport will find a site to meet their betting preferences amongst our carefully curated selection.
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in the UK in 2024
How to Pick the Right Horse Racing Betting Site?
With so many bookmakers available, there is simply no reason to accept second best. However, the breadth of options can appear daunting at first. So, what are the key factors to consider when selecting a new betting site? Most operators will have a selling point of some description, but in our opinion, any betting site must tick the following boxes.
Great Value Welcome Bonus
In such a competitive market, bookmakers must go out of their way to attract new players. The primary way they do this is via an enticing new player offer. If a site doesn’t go to the trouble of providing an eye-catching incentive to open a new account, it probably isn’t worth your time. Sign-up Deals come in many shapes and sizes, with the following bankroll boosting options commonly available.
- Bet and Get Offers, e.g., Bet £10 to Get a £20 Free Bet.
- Matched Deposit Bonuses, e.g. Deposit £50 to receive an additional £50 in Bonus Funds.
- Enhanced Odds Specials: Place your first bet at hugely inflated odds.
Check out the offers in our bookmaker reviews below to find the right deal for you. Of course, there are no rules stating that you may choose just one promotion – feel free to take advantage of as many sign-up deals as you see fit.
Security and Legitimacy
Never bet with an online betting site that is not fully licenced to operate in your jurisdiction. A licence from a respected body such as the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority guarantees that the site is legitimate, safe to use and employs the highest security standards, such as SSL data encryption and cutting-edge firewall systems. In addition, licenced sides are required to promote responsible gambling through the provision of a suite of player protection tools.
Licencing information should always be listed at the foot of a betting site's home page. If a site does not have the required licensing, take your business elsewhere.
Competitive Odds
A betting site's product is the odds it provides. You should, therefore, favour sites which offer the best value odds and avoid being short-changed by subpar pricing. We have prioritised high-quality odds in selecting the bookmakers on the list below.
Regular Promotions
An appealing welcome offer may provide the initial attraction, but the best betting sites continue to offer added value for existing players. Our list of the top UK horse racing betting sites contains several bookmakers who offer incentives such as Boosted Odds, Free Bet Clubs, daily Free-to-Play Games, and more.
Top Class Customer Services
We are confident that you will enjoy a smooth betting experience at any of our recommended bookmakers. However, it is reassuring to know that you can reach a member of the customer service team if you need to. The best betting sites offer email, telephone, and Live Chat support and resolve queries quickly and effectively.
Our Ranking System
Rather than assigning a numerical rating to each bookmaker on our list, we aim to provide a more rounded view of each operator, encompassing the above factors, in addition to site-specific features, range of markets, ease of use and more.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what it takes to make a top-notch betting site. Ready to select a site of your own? Dive into our reviews of the best UK horse racing betting sites to find the bookmaker that most aligns with your betting preferences.
Betfred
Betting brands don’t come much more well-known than Betfred. Born in a single shop in Ordsall Salford in 1967 – funded by founder Fred Done’s winning bet on England to win the 1966 World Cup – Betfred is a great British betting success story.
Now one of the UK’s largest independent bookmakers, Betfred exploded onto the online betting scene in 2004, bringing its customer-focused approach, great value odds and bonuses to a global audience.
One of the sporting world’s biggest supporters, Betfred has sponsored high-profile horse racing, rugby, football, snooker, and darts events over the years and continues to give back to the industry on which it built its business. Fully licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and Gibraltar Gambling Commission, Betfred’s uncomplicated approach delivers one of the best sports betting experiences online.
Pros:
- Superb Value Sign-Up Deal: Betfred offers one of the most eye-catching bet-and-get-style deals on the market. New players placing an initial bet of £10 or more will receive £30 in Free Bets!
- Market Leading Horse Racing Promotions: Betfred’s nickname “The Bonus King” is fully deserved. Whatever your sport of choice, Betfred goes out of its way to add a little value to your betting life. Horse Racing fans benefit from:
- Best Odds Guaranteed on UK and Irish Horse Racing.
- Extra Place and Super Extra Place races.
- Free Bet if 2nd and Free Bet if 2nd or 3rd on selected races.
- 10%, 20% and 25% Winnings Bonus on successful Lucky 15s, Lucky 31s and Lucky 63s.
- 3x, 4x, and 5x the odds on Lucky 15/Yankee, Lucky 31/Canadian, and Lucky 63s/Heinz bets containing only one winning selection.
- Live Streaming: UK, Irish, and International Horse Racing join Football, Tennis, and more on Betfred’s excellent Live Streaming menu.
Cons:
- Rarely the Best Price for the More Fancied Runners: Finding negatives with Betfred is like looking for a needle in a haystack. If we have one small complaint, it is that Betfred rarely offers the outright best price for the market leaders in racing. However, that is a minor quibble - easily offset by the value of the racing promotions.
- Payment Options More Limited than Elsewhere: This “con” is only likely to affect a minority of customers. Betfred accepts Visa and Mastercard Debit Cards, Neteller, Skrill, PayPay, and Paysafecard, but if you prefer to pay via ApplePay, Payviaphone or other means, you may need to look elsewhere.
A true titan of the British betting industry, Betfred built its success the old-fashioned way, i.e. by offering a top-class product and excellent value. That proved a winning combination in the single-shop bookmaker days and continues to hit the mark in the online age. Solid across all sports, Betfred is incredibly hard to beat in the hugely popular areas of Horse Racing and Football.
Boyle Sports
Our friends on the Emerald Isle certainly love their racing. In addition to providing flat and jumps racing with superstar equine performers, Ireland is also home to a selection of the best bookmakers in the game. Included in that number is the exceptional BoyleSports site.
Much like betfred, BoyleSports began as a single brick-and-mortar betting shop, this time opening in Markethill, County Armagh in 1982. By 2020, the John Boyle-founded business had become Ireland’s biggest high-street bookmaker and exploded into life on the online scene.
Offering an excellent range of horse racing offers and features, a customer-focused approach, and competitive odds, it is no surprise that BoyleSports ranks as one of the top UK Betting Sites with racing fans.
Pros:
- Excellent Welcome Offer: New Players at BoyleSports who place a bet of £10 or more at Evs (2.0) or greater will receive £25 in Free Sports bets PLUS a £10 casino bonus!
- Superb Regular Promotions: Whatever your sport of choice, BoyleSports has something to offer. We love the early payout specials on Football, Golf, Darts, Boxing, Cricket and more, whilst horse racing fans can enjoy:
- Best Odds Guaranteed on UK and Irish Horse Racing and Greyhound Racing.
- Money Back as a Free Bet if 2nd to the Favourite in selected races.
- Extra Place Races Every Day.
- Acca Loyalty: Place 5 x £5 Acca Bets with combined odds of 3/1 (4.0) or greater to earn a £5 Free Acca Bet.
- Live Streaming: Having placed your bets, watch the action unfold courtesy of the BoyleSports Live Streaming service, which includes all UK and Irish horse racing.
Cons:
- Fewer payment options than other bookmakers: The exact payment options available will depend upon where you are in the world. UK players may deposit via Visa and Mastercard debit cards, Paypal, Paysafecard, Bank Transfer, and Boku pay by mobile. That should be more than enough to meet the needs of most players but is a little less than some other sites.
- Wagering Requirements for Casino Bonus: For most sports betting fans, the casino element of the welcome bonus will be no more than a nice added extra. However, you should note that winnings from this part of the offer are capped at £100 and come with a 5x wagering requirement.
Fully licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and Gibraltar Gambling Commission, the BoyleSports site and equally excellent mobile app score top marks for safety and reliability. Offering 24/7 customer service, great odds, and a selection of offers which leave many rivals behind, horse racing fans will be delighted with what they find at this top-class Irish operator.
10Bet
Launched in 2003, 10Bet quickly caught the eye of sports betting fans with its classy layout and smooth functionality – both on the desktop version of the site and the slick mobile app. Offering Sports Betting, Casino, and Live Casino, 10Bets brilliant design received recognition when the site won the 2019 Fresh Award for design and branding.
10Bet is undoubtedly one of the better-looking sites on the market, but is far more than just a pretty face. The range of sports and markets, both pre-event and In-Play, compares favourably with the competition, as do the selection of regular promotions and horse racing features.
Pros:
- 100% First Deposit Bonus up to £50: 10Bet immediately ensures you have a little extra to play with via this great value new player deal. Simply sign up and make your first deposit (using Bonus Code: Sport), and 10Bet will match the value of your first deposit up to a maximum of £50.
- Horse Racing Live Streaming: Racing fans will be delighted to learn that 10Bet offers Live Streaming on all UK and Irish Racing, in addition to many meetings from further afield. Note that a minimum bet of £1 on the race in question is required to access the Live Stream.
- Fast Withdrawals: 10Bet takes pride in the speed of its withdrawal process. Whatever withdrawal method you choose, the site will aim to process your withdrawal within 1-2 business days.
Cons:
- No 24-hour Customer Service: You can contact the 10Bet Customer Service Team between 8am and 11pm via phone and 8am and 1am via the Live Chat facility. However, if you have a query outside these hours, your best bet is the comprehensive Help section, which provides clear answers to many of the most common questions.
- No Best Odds Guaranteed: 10Bet deserves credit for the speed at which they provide odds on horse racing, with the site amongst the first to market for many of the biggest races. However, 10Bet does not currently offer the Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) concession.
Despite being relatively new to the online betting scene, 10Bet's smooth design, intuitive user interface, and excellent features, such as the great Live Streaming and In-Play area, have ensured a rapid rise to the top. Barring the lack of the BOG offer, racing fans will find a lot to like at a site fully licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and Swedish Gaming Authority.
Luckster Sports
Launched in 2022, Luckster Sports is one of the newest players on the online betting scene but has quickly attracted a loyal band of players with a comprehensive sports betting, casino, and live casino menu.
Managed by Market Play Ltd and powered by AG Communications Ltd, the site is fully licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority and has the EDPO security standards and data protection seal of approval.
Whilst based in Malta, Luckster Sports boasts a distinctly Irish theme, as evidenced by the Leprechaun logo and predominantly green colour scheme. Players drawn in to sample the luck of the Irish will find a range of features and promos, including esports live streaming, Bet Builders, and Boosted Winnings of up to 77% on accumulator bets.
Pros:
- Attractive Sign-Up Offer: We like a site which keeps things simple with their New Player deal, and Luckster’s quick and easy sign-up offer should appeal to most players. Simply open a new account, deposit, and place a bet of £10 or more at odds of Evs (2.0) or greater to receive a £10 Free Bet.
- Competitive Horse Racing Odds: During our time using the Luckster Sports site, we found that the horse racing odds stacked up well against the competition. In most of the races we looked at, Luckster Sports offered the outright best or joint best market price on three or four selections – that’s a rock-solid tally for a single betting site.
- Great All-Rounder: Luckster Sports offers odds and markets on over 50 sports and events. The big guns of horse racing, football, golf, and tennis are included in that number, as are around a dozen esports disciplines, and the lesser-spotted Stock Car Racing, Futsal, and Pesapallo.
Cons:
- No App: Luckster Sports did not offer a dedicated sports betting app at the time of review. This may be a drawback for some players but needn’t detract from your experience, as the mobile version of the site performs smoothly on iOS and Android-powered devices.
- Limited Live Streaming: Luckster Sports is an excellent option for esports live streaming, but that coverage does not extend to horse racing or many other popular sports.
Luckster Sports provides more than enough to meet the needs of most online punters. The range of sports on offer impresses, as do the competitive horse racing odds and the great value Boosted Winnings on Accas deal. The lack of horse racing live streaming is a slight negative, but it’s hard to find much else to fault with this welcome addition to the 21st-century betting scene.
Mr. Play Sports
With its instantly recognisable handlebar moustache logo, Mr Play promises a fun experience for sports betting fans and casino players. Falling under the Marketplay Ltd umbrella, this light and airy addition to the online betting scene is fully licenced by the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority – ensuring the highest security and fairness standards.
Horse racing fans will be delighted to learn that the sport of kings features on the extensive list of sports and events. Other highlights include a top-class esports offering – with many events available to stream live – and an excellent football betting product, including a slick Bet Builder and Boosted Winnings on accumulator bets.
Pros:
- Solid New Player Deal: Mr Play hits the right note straight off the bat with an easy-to-achieve Welcome Offer; register for a new account, place a bet of £10 or more at Evs (2.0) or greater to receive a £10 Free Bet.
- Excellent Racing Odds: Mr Plays horse racing odds compare favourably with many of the biggest names in the game. When assessing the day-to-day and ante-post markets, we found that Mr Play offered the best price or joint best price for leading fancies in many races, including at major meetings such as the Royal Ascot Festival.
- Superb Range of Sports: A list of around 30 sports and events is enough for many betting sites. Not at Mr Play, which lists odds and markets for over 50 disciplines, including a huge selection of esports, football leagues from around the world, and niche disciplines such as Gaelic Hurling and Waterpolo.
Cons:
- No Best Odds Guaranteed: Whilst the overall value of the odds at Mr Play is excellent, the site does not currently offer the popular Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) deal.
- Live Streaming restricted to Esports: Whatever your esport of choice, you can watch the latest action unfold by placing a bet of as little as £1. However, horse racing fans must head elsewhere to watch their bet in action.
Mr Play offers almost everything you would expect from a modern betting site. The latest 128-bit SSL and firewall technology protects your data at all times, the site performs smoothly on mobile and tablet devices, and responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits and reality checks are easily accessible. Throw in the all-encompassing sports menu and great value racing odds, and the absence of racing live streams seems a minor hindrance. Well worth a look!
ZetBet Sportsbook
Zooming onto the online betting scene in the early 2020s, ZetBet was soon up to speed with the needs of modern sports betting fans. Licences from the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority combine with the latest 128-bit SSL encryption technology to provide a safe, secure and fully regulated platform at a site with much to offer.
Part of the Marketplay network of online betting sites, Zetbet benefits from all the perks of its sister sites, including a rewarding sign-up deal, highly competitive odds, and slick mobile functionality.
Pros:
- Welcome Bonus and Regular Promotions: Players opening a new account at ZetBet are rewarded with a £10 Free Bet Token. Simply sign up, deposit, and place a bet of £10 or more at minimum odds of Evs (2.00) to qualify. The pick of the regular offers is the excellent Boosted Winnings on Accas deal – place an acca containing four or more selections and gain additional winnings of up to 77% if successful!
- Wide Selection of Payment Options: Whatever your preferred payment method, you should have little trouble getting your cash in and out of the ZetBet site. Supported deposit/withdrawal methods include Visa and Mastercard Debit Cards, Bank Transfer, Paypal, Trustly, Astropay, Paysafecard, and Skrill.
- Smooth Mobile Performance: Whilst ZetBet does not offer a dedicated sports betting app, the site deserves credit for the work put into the mobile version of the site, which performs smoothly on all Android and iOS-powered devices.
Cons:
- Few Racing-Specific Promotions: The Boosted Winnings on Accas offer adds value for general sports punters, and the Loyalty Program ensures casino gamers receive a little extra for their play. However, an offer for horse racing fans would be a welcome addition.
- No Best Odds Guaranteed: Finding a betting site which offers the Best Odds Guaranteed promotion isn't as easy as it used to be. ZetBet is amongst the firms that do not provide this perk.
Boasting an aesthetically appealing orange and grey scheme, the ZetBet site is very well-designed. The slick and intuitive interface makes finding the latest pre-event and in-play markets a breeze, whilst the presence of a Bet Builder and Cash Out Facility shows that the operator has its finger on the modern betting pulse. The welcome offer and Boosted Accas add value, but the addition of Best Odds Guaranteed and Live Streaming would improve the otherwise solid racing offering.
VegasLand Sportsbook
The visual style of Vegasland may suggest a 1970s design, but this offering from the excellent Marketplay Ltd only sprang to life in 2022. As the name suggests, Vegasland aims to bring all the delights of Sin City to a screen near you, including a Casino, Live Casino, and comprehensive sportsbook.
Fully licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and utilising cutting-edge 128-bit SSL encryption technology to protect your data, Vegasland ticks all the necessary safety and security boxes and provides a distinctive betting experience in the heavily populated online scene.
Pros:
- Stylish Retro Layout: There are many betting sites under the Marketplay Ltd umbrella, but in our humble opinion, Vegasland is the best-looking. We love the sports betting and gambling capital of the world combo – all passed through a beautifully retro filter.
- Exceptional Range of Sports and Markets: Whichever sport you hope to bet on, we would be surprised if you don’t find it on the all-encompassing Vegasland menu, which comprises 50 sports and events. The big guns of horse racing, football, golf and tennis are, of course, included, as are more niche pursuits such as Gaelic Football, PesaPallo, and Volleyball, 11 esport disciplines, and a range of specials, including political punts and betting on the Oscars.
- Quick and Easy Sign-Up Bonus: To take advantage of the Vegasland welcome offer, simply sign up, deposit, and place a bet of £10 or more at odds of Evs (2.0) or greater. Complete those steps, and you will soon find a £10 Free Bet Token in your account.
Cons:
- E-wallets Excluded from Welcome Offer: New players who deposit via PayPal, Neteller, Paysafe, Skrill, or Skrill 1-Tap will not be eligible for the Sign-Up Deal.
- No Racing Live Streaming: The range of markets and competitive odds deliver an excellent horse racing betting product. However, you must head elsewhere to watch your bets in action. Vegasland offers Live Streaming on some events – most notably esports – but this feature does not currently extend to horse racing.
If you like your online betting to come with a nostalgic retro flavour, Vegasland is well worth a look. Despite the old-fashioned stylings, the site is fully up to speed with the needs of modern betting fans, with features such as a slick Bet Builder and eye-catching In Play area. Vegasland also stacks up well against the competition with its great value racing odds, but it would be nice to see a horse racing promotion or two added to the menu.
QuinnBet
Established in Ireland with a base in Gibraltar, QuinnBet first entered the online betting scene in 2017. Less than a decade after their launch, this top-class operator is amongst the most instantly recognisable in the industry, thanks to their top-class product and high-profile sponsorships, which include Scottish Football sides Dundee United and Hibernian.
Any bookmaker which supports sport earns the thumbs up from us, but that is far from the only impressive feature of this customer-focused company. Licences from the UK Gambling Commission and Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner - plus gold standard GlobalSign SSL data protection - ensure you are in safe hands, whilst the great value racing odds and regular promotions put many competitors in the shade.
Pros:
- Excellent Racing Promotions: QuinnBet stands out thanks to its great value promotions. The following list represents only a selection of the QuinnBet highlights available to horse racing punters:
- Daily Extra Place Races.
- Money Back as a Free Bet if second to a favourite priced at 6/4 or greater. (available on all UK and Irish races)
- Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK and Irish racing.
- Money back as a Free Bet if your selection is beaten by a head or less in selected races.
- Money back as a Free Bet if your selection falls in selected races.
- Choice of New Player Offers: New UK players can select one of two welcome deals:
- Free bet up to £35 (based on 50% of first-day losses plus 10 Free Spins
- Place a £10 Create-a-Bet and receive a £10 Free Bet plus 10 Free Spins
- 24/7 Customer Support: You can reach the QuinnBet Customer Service team at any time, thanks to the 24/7 Live Chat facility.
Cons:
- Limited payment options: QuinnBet does not accept e-wallet deposits, with Visa and Mastercard Debit Cards, Revolut and Monza the only supported payment methods.
- No Android App: The QuinnBet app is only available for iPhone users. However, that is unlikely to affect the experience of Android users, as the mobile version of the site performs smoothly on small-screen devices.
Aside from the restricted payment methods, it’s hard to find much to fault with an operator who recognises the needs of the modern punter and delivers in style. If horse racing and football are your betting sports of choice, QuinnBet should feature towards the top of your list, thanks to the exceptional selection of regular promotions, which add real value over your time using the site.
Spreadex
Launched in 1999, Spreadex is one of the biggest players on the UK spread betting scene. However, spread betting is far from the only feature found under the Spreadex bonnet. Also offering a traditional Fixed Odds Sportsbook, Casino, and Financial Betting, the site wins our award for the most extensive range of betting choices amongst our top bookmakers.
The value of the odds matches the array of options, with Spreadex crowned the best value bookmaker for the 2022/23 Premier League season – horse racing fans will find the prices just as appealing. Fully licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and Financial Conduct Authority and boasting one of the slickest apps in the game, this British-based firm is impossible to leave off our list.
Pros:
- Great Welcome Offer: New Fixed Odds customers benefit from one of the best value sign-up deals on the market: place a bet of £25 or more at odds of 1/2 (1.50) or greater to receive 5 x Free £5 Fixed Odds Bets, 4 x Free £5 Spread Bets, and 50 Free Spins on the popular Starburst slot game!
- Rewarding Racing Promotions: Spreadex offers double the odds for a single winner on Lucky 15, 31, and 63 bets, in addition to a Money Back as Free Bet deal if your selection finishes second to a horse priced at 33/1 – helping to ease the frustration when an outsider spoils your betting party.
- Refer and Earn Scheme: Spread betting customers can earn a Free £100 Total Goals Bet for introducing a friend to the site.
Cons:
- Does not support E-Wallets: Spreadex does not currently accept e-wallet transactions. You may deposit or withdraw via a UK Debit Card, Bank Transfer, or Cheque.
- Spread Betting can be confusing to the inexperienced: Punters will have no trouble understanding the intuitive Fixed Odds section of the site. However, it is advisable to ensure you are aware of the ins and outs of Spread Betting before diving in at the deep end. Unlike traditional betting, you may lose far more than your unit stake in spread betting.
Spreadex is hard to beat for horse racing betting choices; from the traditional win and each-way bets to winning distances, the performance of the favourites at a given meeting, and much more, the site presents a dizzying line-up. Further selling points include the brilliant sign-up deal, regular promotions, top-class customer service, and a cutting-edge app for Android and iOS-powered devices.
Kwiff
Setting foot onto the online betting landscape in 2015, Kwiff aimed to disrupt the status quo with a truly innovative betting platform. Operating under a UK Gambling Commission licence, the Malta-based company provides a betting experience unlike anything you find elsewhere – any time you place a bet at Kwiff, whatever the sport, there is a random chance that your odds will be Supercharged or “Kwiffed” – this can be anything from a small boost to an increase of 20x the quoted odds. E.g. place a bet at 2/1, and you may suddenly find your odds have been Kwiffed to 40/1!
Having taken the opposite approach to most betting sites – launching as an app-only site before adding a mobile version, the mobile betting experience is amongst the best around, whilst the welcome deal and regular promotions measure up well against the competition.
Pros:
- Random Supercharged Odds: Already touched upon above, it is worth reiterating how exciting the random supercharged odds system is – adding a layer of excitement EVERY TIME you place a bet.
- Surprise Bet Sign-Up Offer: Kwiff’s outside-the-box thinking doesn’t end with the Supercharged Odds feature; it also shines through in their unique sign-up offer. New players placing a bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2 (1.50) or greater will receive a Free £30 surprise bet – randomly generated by the Kwiff algorithm. A Surprise Bet can be on any market and any sport.
- Rewards Club: Kwiff offers solid regular promotions, including Money Back as a Surprise Bet if second to the favourite at selected meetings, Acca Insurance (Acca Shield at Kwiff), and a bet-and-get deal on e-football. However, our favourite is the Rewards Club – Stake £25 or more across five bets at 1.50 or greater to receive a Free Surprise Bet of up to £20.
Cons:
- Limited Payment Options: Visa and Mastercard Debit Cards, Paypal, and ecoPayz are the only deposit and withdrawal methods supported by Kwiff. That should be enough for most players but is something to be aware of if you prefer an alternative payment system.
- No Live Streaming: The in-play section impresses with solid infographics and stats, but the lack of live streaming counts against it.
It’s refreshing to see a site take such a unique approach to sports betting. Thanks to the random supercharged odds, surprise bets, and excellent app, Kwiff is one of the most exciting additions to the market in the 21st century.
LiveScore Bet
LiveScore.com will no doubt be familiar if you ever checked how your favourite football, basketball, or cricket team is getting on in their latest game, with the site well-established as the go-to destination for score updates from around the world.
Given the quality of the Live Score service, it’s fair to say we had high expectations when LiveScoreBet launched in 2020, but this top-class site has surpassed even those. Quite simply, LiveScoreBet has everything you could want from a modern betting site, and if you enjoy betting on horse racing and football, you are in for a treat.
Pros:
- Brilliant Horse Racing Features: When selecting a horse racing betting site, many fans look for Best Odds Guaranteed, Extra Place Races, and Live Streaming of all UK and Irish racing. LiveScoreBet has them all!
- Excellent Value and Easy-to-Achieve Sign-Up Offer: Open a new account at LiveScoreBet, place a bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2 (1.50) or greater, and you will receive 2 x £10 Free Bets!
- Great Regular Promotions: On top of the sign-up offer, LiveScoreBet keeps the added value coming with the following eye-catching deals:
- £5 Free Bet Every Week: Place a £5 Bet Builder Bet to get a £5 Free Bet.
- £10 Free Acca Bet Every Week: Place 2 x £10 Acca Bets to receive a Free £10 Acca Bet.
- Money Back as a Free Bet if your horse finishes second or third: Available on selected races every week.
- Free to Play Games, including the daily Search for the Phoenix game, which awards Free Spins and Cash Prizes, and LiveScore Squads, which awards cash prizes if one of your five selected footballers scores in the designated fixtures.
Cons:
- Few Payment Options: It’s hard to find many negatives at this excellent operator. However, the fact that they only support Visa and Mastercard Debit Cards, Paypal, and Trustly may be a drawback for some.
The LiveScoreBet desktop site and equally excellent app (available for iOS and Android devices) have everything in place to become one of the biggest players in the game - Bet Builder, Cash Out, great regular promotions, highly competitive odds, and everything the horse racing punter could need.
Fully licenced by the UK Gambling Commission and the Government of Gibraltar, LivesScoreBet is our pick for the best betting site to launch since 2020. Check them out if you haven’t already.
BetUK
Founded in 2012 by Intellectual Property and Software Limited (IP&S), BetUK now falls under the MGM-backed LeoVegas umbrella, following the 2018 sale to the giant of the betting and gaming world.
As is the case with all sites in the LeoVegas Group, BetUK offers a top-class experience – this time with a firm focus on the UK market. Backed by an excellent Android and iOS app, you can expect competitive odds, well-thought-out promotions, horse racing live streaming, and much more at a site fully licenced by the UK Gambling Commission.
Pros:
- Rewarding Welcome Offer: BetUK immediately grabbed our attention with its eye-catching new player deal. Sign up and place a bet of £10 or more at odds of 4/5 (1.80) or greater to receive £30 in Free Bets (1 x £10 Horse Racing Free Bet, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder Bet, 1 x £10 Free Football Bet).
- Regular Promotions: In addition to the Bet-and-Get New Player deal, BetUK offers a host of impressive promotions for existing players, including:
- 2 x £3 Free Bets Every Week: Stake £15 on Horse Racing each week to receive a £3 Free Bet. Offer available twice per customer per week.
- Win up to £50,000 in Free-to-play Racing Six Game: Pick the winner of the six selected races to take your shot at the bumper Jackpot – a prize pool of £500 is also available to the best-performing players each week.
- £5 Free Bet Every Week: Place a £10 Bet Builder Bet with odds of Evs (2.0) or greater to earn a £5 Free Bet.
- Very Competitive Odds: The competitiveness of the odds is always an important factor when selecting a new betting site, making BetUK an excellent choice if value features towards the top of your online betting wish list. When looking at the early racing prices, BetUK offered the best market price or joint best price on a selection of runners in every race we analysed. The football odds were similarly impressive. Taking the odds for a weekend slate of Premier League features as an example, we found that BetUK offered the best or joint best price for at least one outcome in all ten fixtures.
Cons:
- Live Streaming limited to horse racing and greyhounds: Horse racing and greyhound streaming gives BetUK an edge over many competitors. However, this service does not extend to other sports.
- Fewer payment methods than some other sites: Visa Debit Cards, Bank Transfer, PayPal, and ApplePay are available at BetUK. That will be enough to cater to most players but is less than a few other betting sites, with Skrill and Neteller the most notable absentees.
Of all the sites in the LeoVegas catalogue, BetUK boasts the most distinctly sporting feel. The patriotic red, white, and blue colour scheme will hit the right note with many UK players, who will come for the great value and varied sign-up deal and stick around for the excellent odds and rewarding promotions and offers.
Grosvenor Sport
Grosvenor will need little introduction to casino gaming fans. Launched in 1970, Grosvenor now has over 50 brick-and-mortar casinos spread over the length and breadth of the UK – making the company one of the nation’s leading real-world casino establishments.
A huge success on dry land, Grosvenor has proven just as proficient in cyberspace, with their all-encompassing casino, live casino, and sports betting website a cut above many names more associated with online betting – offering an excellent horse racing area, a diverse range of sports, and imaginative promotions and offers.
Pros:
- Live Streaming and Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG): Two must-have features for many horse racing fans, and Grosvenor offers them both, with the BOG concession available from 9am on the day of the race – earlier than many other sites.
- Great Football Promotions: It is refreshing to see a site go the extra mile with its promotions, and Grosvenor deserves credit for a selection of offers not found elsewhere. During the football season, Grosvenor gives you the chance to take a shot at a £2000 Jackpot in the Free-To-Play Target 21 game, which is available for every Premier League Match Week, as is the Fantasy 5 game, which offers up to a tasty £10,000, and will spark the interest of Fantasy Football fans.
- Over 40 Betting Events: Whilst horse racing may be the focus for many readers, it’s nice to know that other options are available if something takes your fancy. Grosvenor lists 35 sports on their menu - plus six individual disciplines grouped under the Esports tab. In addition to the leading betting sports of Football and Horse Racing, you can find odds for Cricket, Tennis, Golf, Boxing, F1, Baseball, Surfing and many more – many of which are available as In-Play options in the Live Betting area.
- Fully Licenced and Regulated: Grosvenor possesses licences from the UK Gambling Commission and the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, ensuring they adhere to the highest safety and security standards.
Cons:
- No First Past the Post: The only hole in the otherwise excellent horse racing product is that Grosvenor does not offer the First Past the Post concession. It doesn’t occur all that often and is a strange omission by the site.
- Only Five Payment Methods: If you use Visa or Mastercard Debit Cards, Paypal, Paysafecard, or Apple Pay, you will have no trouble depositing and withdrawing from the site. However, you should be aware that these are the only methods supported.
Being so well known as a casino operator, we were intrigued to see how Grosvenor would fare in the sports betting world. It’s fair to say that they have surpassed our expectations by some way and are amongst the very best sports betting sites available to UK Players.
BetVictor
Few bookmakers can match BetVictor when it comes to UK Racing heritage. The company originated from a business formed by one William Chandler (owner of Walthamstow Greyhound Track) in 1931, before passing on to his son Victor Chandler Snr in 1946, followed by his son Victor Chandler Jnr in 1974 – a real family affair.
Undergoing several name changes - to VC Bet in 2004, back to Victor Chandler in 2008, and finally to BetVictor in 2012, the Chandler era came to an end in 2014, with the company falling under the control of legendary businessman, racehorse owner, and punter, Michael Tabor.
With such a rich racing history, it is no surprise that BetVictor is amongst the most widely respected sites with UK Betting fans. That reputation is well deserved for a company which has embraced the digital age in its trademark sophisticated style.
Pros:
- Choice of Welcome Offers: Sports betting fans may select one of the following two Welcome offers at BetVictor:
- Horse Racing Welcome Offer: Bet £10 on horse racing at odds of Evs (2.0) or greater to receive 1 x £5 Free Bet on any Horse Racing market, 1 x £5 Free bet on any Lengthen the Odds market, 1 x £5 Free Bet on any Virtual Horse Racing Market, and 1 x £5 Free Bet on any In-Play Horse Racing Market.
- Football Welcome Offer: Bet £10 on any football market at odds of Evs (2.0) or greater to receive 1 x £10 Acca Free Bet, 1 x £10 Bet Builder Free Bet, 1 x £10 In-Play Free Bet, and 1 x £10 Free Bet on any football market.
- Best Odds Guaranteed: Take a price between 9am and the start of the race, and, if the horse drifts in the market, you will be paid out at the bigger price.
- Horse Racing Live Streaming: BetVictor provides Live Streaming of UK, Irish and International Horse Racing. All customers who have placed a bet within the last 24 hours or have a positive account balance may access the Live Stream service.
- Loyalty Club: Place five bets of £5 or more at odds of 1/2 (1.50) or greater, and you will receive a Free Bet Prize Box. Each box contains a Free Bet of between £1 and £25.
Cons:
- Limited Bet Builder Options: The Horse Racing service is hard to fault, but for football betting fans, the Bet Builder covers fewer options than you will find elsewhere.
Woven into the fabric of the British sports betting scene, fully licenced by the UK Gambling Commission, boasting an impressive app, excellent odds, and great racing features, BetVictor remain one of the best choices for UK betting fans.
Bet365
Founded by Denise Coates in a portacabin in 2000, using a £15m loan against the family’s chain of betting shops, bet365 is one of the most spectacular betting success stories of the 21st century.
Since launching online in 2001, to say that bet365 has enjoyed a meteoric rise would be an understatement. Still based in Stoke-on-Trent, the company now boasts offices in Manchester, Malta, Gibraltar, Bulgaria, Armenia, and Australia and is one of the biggest betting sites on the planet.
Offering Sports Betting, Casino, Poker, and Bingo, and fully licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, bet365 is renowned for its extensive range of sports and markets, excellent value, and cutting-edge features.
Pros:
- Multi-Award-Winning Site: Many betting sites claim to be the best, but bet365 can back up those claims with a host of coveted industry awards, including the EGR Operator of the Year and SBC Bookmaker of the Year on multiple occasions.
- 300% Sign-Up Bonus: Deposit and place a bet of £5-£10, and bet365 will reward you with Free Bets to the value of 3x your initial deposit, e.g. Deposit and Bet £10 to receive £30 in Free Bets.
- Market Leading App: The bet365 app sets the standard to which other bookmakers aspire. Slick, intuitive, and bringing all the features of the desktop version, the bet365 app is hands down the best bookmaker app we have used to date.
- Huge Live Streaming Section: bet365 also lead the way when it comes to Live Streaming options, with Horse Racing, Football, Esports, Basketball, Tennis, Badminton and many more included on the extensive menu.
Cons:
- No Loyalty Club: Finding faults with this excellent operator isn’t easy, but if we are being picky, it would be nice to see a Loyalty Club added to the mix.
With Best Odds Guaranteed, Live Streaming and highly competitive odds, bet365 ticks all the right boxes for horse racing fans. Whatever your betting sport of choice, you will find a lot to love at this leading British operator. Further highlights include one of the best Bet Builders around, innovative Cash Out options, and great value Bet Boosts. When using bet365, it doesn’t take long to understand why the site has picked up so many awards!
Lottoland
With a name like Lottoland, there are no prizes for guessing that this Gibraltar-based operator is one of the UK’s leading sites for betting on lottery-style products. However, that name provides only a glimpse of everything available at this rock-solid betting site.
Founded in 2013, Lottoland initially focussed on Lotteries, Scratchcards, and Casino Games, but in 2019, they added a wide-ranging Sports Betting section. Fully licenced by the UK Gambling Commission, the Sports Betting area offers odds and markets on over 40 events and a few decent promotions.
Pros:
- Lottery Betting: There is no getting away from this site's main selling point, namely that you can place bets on close to 30 global lotteries, offering prizes ranging from £1,000 to hundreds of millions. At Lottoland, you are not betting with the lottery – as you would when buying a lottery ticket – but placing a traditional-style bet on the result.
- Bet Club: Bet £25 or more on Accas between Saturday and Thursday to receive a £5 Free Bet on Friday – available every week.
- Low Minimum Deposit: Lottoland is an excellent choice for players who like to keep their betting small or just fancy a little flutter without making a large deposit. The minimum deposit via Visa or Mastercard Debit Card is only £1.
- Well-Designed Site: Lottoland deserve credit for the effort put into the site design. Navigating between the various areas is almost always as easy as one click of the button, whilst the predominantly white backdrop helps features, such as In-Play events and Boosted Odds Promotions, pop from the screen.
Cons:
- No UK Horse Racing: The Lottoland sports menu may be extensive but does not include UK horse racing, although Irish and International Racing is available.
- Underwhelming Sign-Up Offer: If your first bet at Lottoland loses, you will receive your stake back as a Free Bet, up to a maximum of £5. In such a competitive market, this offer is unlikely to do enough to stand out from the crowd.
If the idea of a life-changing lottery bet appeals, Lottoland could be your go-to betting site. On the other hand, the lack of UK Horse Racing may be a dealbreaker for some, which is a shame, as Lottoland offers a slick modern experience and competitive odds across many sports. Away from the betting aspects, we found the Customer Service Team to be friendly and responsive, which always counts as a plus.
Virgin Bet
There must be a fair chance that you are already familiar with the Virgin brand. Founded in 1970 by Richard Branson and Nic Powell, the multinational company has its fingers in an awful lot of pies, including Airlines, Holidays, Communications, Finance, Radio, and many more. It seemed a shame for betting to be left out, and in 2019, Virgin corrected that omission with the launch of the excellent Virgin Bet site.
Based in Gibraltar, Virgin Bet is fully licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, making it a safe and secure option for online betting fans.
Pros:
- Top Value New Customer Offer: Virgin Bet ensures that new players get off to a flying off with an excellent sign-up promotion – sign up, place a bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2 (1.50) or greater, and you will receive 2 x £10 Free Bets. Free Bets are valid for seven days from the point of issue.
- Weekly Acca Club: Place 4 x £5 Acca bets between Monday and Sunday to receive a Free £5 Acca Bet. Qualifying Accas must contain four or more selections and have total odds of 2/1 (3.0) or greater.
- Great Racing Features: Horse Racing fans are well catered for at Virgin Bet, with highlights including:
- Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) on all UK and Irish Horse Racing
- Live Streaming of UK, Irish, French, US, and South African Racing
- Daily Extra Place Races
- Money Back as a Free Bet if your horse loses in a selected Saturday race
- Free to Play Games and Offers: The added value isn’t restricted to racing, with a selection of deals available across a range of sports. Keep an eye out for the special Price Boosts and Bet-and-Get offers, and don’t forget to log in every day between Monday and Friday to discover your players for the Virgin FIVES game – earn cash each time any of your selected players scores in the weekend slate of fixtures.
Cons:
- Few Payment Methods: Virgin Bet only accepts PayPal and Visa and Mastercard Debit Cards – enough to cater to most players, but something to be aware of if you prefer a different payment solution.
- Limited Esports Menu: Virgin Bet deserves credit for accepting bets on Esports, but the range of games is a little smaller than available elsewhere.
Much like most things Virgin turn its hands to, Virgin Bet has everything in place to be a huge success. Racing fans are likely to love what they find, with the combination of BOG, Live Streaming, and regular promotions creating a top-class experience. Barring the limited payment methods, Virgin Bet is hard to fault whatever your sport of choice, with the desktop site and equally excellent app amongst the best in the UK.
Paul Harrison
Falling in love with racing at a young age, Paul’s passion for sports and betting took him to Salford University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics with Gambling Studies. Having spent ten years in the employment of a leading bookmaker, Paul opted to go it alone and pursue his dream job as a freelance writer.
Over three decades after his first introduction to the Sport of Kings, his obsession with all things racing-related remains undimmed. When not pouring over the racing form, you can find Paul walking his beloved dog or riding the rollercoaster of life as a Newcastle United fan.
