For sports fans in the majority of the world, it is impossible to separate ourselves entirely from the sports betting industry.
From endorsements on football shirts to race sponsorships to relentless TV adverts, the world of gambling is never far from the action.
While many fans are seasoned punters and others enjoy the occasional flutter, betting is still an alien concept to many in 2023, with the first question often being where to start.
Here, you can take a look at which betting sites are standing out at the moment and what makes them the best bookmakers UK-wide right now.
What makes a good betting site?
We have all seen the adverts trying to entice us to download betting apps, usually with free bets or some other sign up offer as our apparent reward.
With so many companies all offering pretty much the same thing – plus, they all have such similar sounding names – how on earth are we supposed to choose?
The first thing to consider is the number of betting markets available; the sites that offer the most sports and events, and the ones that allow you to bet on more features and possibilities within those sports and matches.
The more choice you have on offer, the better your chances of finding the bet you want to place.
Then there are the odds and boosts; you want to find the sites which offer the better odds as it is all very well having a winner at 14/1 only to find out you could have had it at 20/1 somewhere else.
Bookies that regularly offer boosted odds on certain markets are always ones to consider, as they are among the simplest bonuses for returning customers.
Which leads us on to another point; what will the site offer me as a returning customer? Are the free bets and potential prizes only for new customers, or will I be rewarded for my loyalty?
Nowadays, the extra features of the app can be just as crucial as the betting aspects themselves, such as whether or not live streaming is offered, and on which sports? An online casino is also a draw, while bookies coming up with their own games are very much in at the moment.
On the more practical side, having a wide variety of payment options, with Apple and Google Pay as well as debit cards, is very much a plus. Being able to deposit and withdraw your funds with ease and speed is also a must.
Safety, too, is paramount. We would not recommend using a betting site not affiliated with the UK Gambling Commission and, furthermore, apps that allow us to set deposit limits and take breaks are crucial for our well-being.
The Best UK Bookmakers in 2023
Now we know what we are looking for, which betting sites and apps in the UK come top of the tree at the moment?
Bet365
One of the biggest names in the business both in the UK and worldwide, it is no wonder why Bet 365 continues to be a top choice for many punters.
At the most recent UK Bookmaker Awards, Bet365 was a winner in various categories, including banking – thanks to their speedy withdrawals, with customers often having their winnings in their bank accounts within a couple of hours – and in welcome bonuses, with £30 in free bets available for an initial £10 deposit.
Bet365 were also top in the betting experience category, which is no wonder as their range of sports and markets is endless, plus they rival actual TV companies for their live streaming capabilities.
William Hill
One of the kings of the high street betting industry, William Hill’s transition to online betting has been seamless.
A traditional name we can trust, but that is not all they have going for them, having recently been awarded best market selection – if you want to place that niche bet, William Hill is the place to start.
Lots of markets and options available often leads to a difficult site to navigate, but despite their vast sportsbook, William Hill’s site is simple to use.
Daily promotions and top quality horse racing coverage through streaming & their own radio station gives them more plus points.
Paddy Power
Humorous adverts and outlandish promotions have made Paddy Power a recognisable name, but there is more to them than that.
As well as promoting themselves, Paddy Power know how to promote their markets, with sign up offers that rival the award-winning Bet365, Paddy Power keep the free bets and bonuses flowing for existing customers and loyalty scheme members.
And not just on the 1:30 hurdle from Chepstow, but on the very biggest events, such as Champions League matches.
Sky Bet
Sky Bet’s focus used to be geared towards the live events shown on Sky Sports, but now their sportsbook is one of the best in the business.
But the focus on live events is perhaps what has created one of the best sites for in-play markets, with a list of events updated 24/7 to keep you informed at all times, plus plenty of streaming options for horse racing and football.
Moreover, with a casino, poker, bingo, their own games as well as a partnership with ITV for the ITV7, it has an unrivalled multi-platform experience.
Betfair
What always keeps Betfair near the top of the betting site table year after year is its uniqueness as the only betting exchange within the biggest names in the UK.
An option that likely attracts the seasoned gamblers rather than newbies, Betfair’s exchange gives you the chance to lay bets – betting on something not to happen.
With most companies on the market only allowing back bets, Betfair is the only place where you can practically create your own bets, rather than rely on available markets.
Still, they have good sign up offers for new customers, another reason to explore the site.
