With so many sports betting apps on the UK market, I can easily see how the average person would find it difficult to choose among them.
For one thing, the betting world is constantly evolving, and bookmakers are always offering new and exciting features to draw people in, and that goes double for apps.
My favourite October betting offer
Add to this the fact that the homepage of each app is designed to be as enticing and user-friendly as possible, making the decision even harder!
But don’t worry though – I am here to help. Below, you’ll find my curated list of the best betting apps available to bettors right now, based on my analysis of their key features to find the best experience for your mobile device.
📱 Best sports betting apps – Top iOS and Android bookies
Take a look at my list of mobile apps with the best user experience and betting bonuses for players:
- talkSPORT BET
- Betano
- Betfred
- VBET
- bet365
- Sky Bet
- SBK
- Midnite
- Paddy Power
- Parimatch
- Copybet
- BetMGM
- Ladbrokes
- 10bet
- kwiff
- Betfair
- bwin
- William Hill
- LiveScore Bet
- AK Bets
- Betway
- Fafabet
- Jeffbet
- Betgoodwin
- Betzone
- Spreadex
- BetUK
- Sporting Index
- BoyleSports
How I ranked the best betting apps: My criteria
I used a set list of criteria to determine which were the best sports betting apps in the UK. These factors are based on my research and experience as a veteran bettor, as well as tests conducted on a range of mobile phones. Therefore, I ranked each sports app listed here based on the following:
Usability
To start with, I analyzed the experience of accessing and using each sports betting app. This included how easy it was for me to download, sign-up, deposit, and place my first football bet, as well as the overall user experience. I paid close attention to the menu layout and navigation, ensuring they were user-friendly and efficient. Thanks to user feedback and my own experience, I was able to assess how intuitive the interface is for new members.
Licensing
I checked that each of the sports betting apps listed was licensed and regulated by the UKGC. This ensures the safety of my readers and confirms that the apps are reliable. Licensed companies follow strict regulations, providing a secure environment for all users. The reason for this thorough checking is to guarantee that every app meets high standards of security and trustworthiness.
Range of markets
All of the betting apps I have recommended provide punters with an extensive range of markets covering different sports and events. Even more so, I looked for mobile bookies that provided consistent market diversity across sports. Still, if you’re not into betting on the most popular sports, you’ll have to check if the bookie has your favorite sport or race on offer and whether the welcome football bets apply to that sport.
Competitive odds
The best betting apps on my list all offer up-to-the-minute odds for all bettable events. In other words, you can rest easy knowing you won’t find better odds elsewhere. Fans of “The Beautiful Game” will be guaranteed to find competitive football odds, for example. With thanks to real-time data, these apps ensure the best possible evens for your wagers.
Range of payment methods
It goes without saying that players need to be able to get their money in and out of their betting accounts with ease. I checked the number of payment methods that the sites have available and have judged them accordingly. I prioritized operators with fast withdrawals, too, so you won’t have to wait too long after bet settlement. A good system for wager deposit and withdrawal is crucial.
Bonus offers
Everyone loves a good bonus offer, and I’m no different. Be it enhanced odds, cash-out options, or free bets, I ensured the bonus sections of all of the bookies I recommended have only the creme de la creme of bonuses and promos for new and existing customers. Special bonus codes and accas (accumulators) are always a plus, and the best offers can significantly boost your football bets.
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A rundown of the best UK betting apps 2024
1. bet365
From what I’ve seen so far on the market, bet365 offers one of the best sports betting apps in the UK. I found quite a few betting markets, an assortment few operators can compete with. I could also bet on many live tournaments throughout the year and had access to a conveyor belt of exciting promotions to take advantage of.
One of the features that won me over offered by the company is its Bet Builder. This allowed me to build my bets and combine odds from across different events and markets. The app frequently updates its Bet Builders to include new options and features.
The app consistently receives high ratings, often achieving five stars, thanks to its user-friendly interface and reliability. Although some users have mentioned occasional bugs, the developer frequently updates the app to address these issues and improve the overall user experience. The app is suitable for users of all ages (+18), provided they meet the legal gambling age requirements.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Thousands of live events are available |
| A comprehensive selection of sports and markets |
| Bet-Builder and other unique features |
| Huge football markets |
| Low minimum deposits |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Constant updates can hinder the experience |
2. William Hill
As you probably know, William Hill is one of the oldest and most established bookmakers in the UK. When I gave it my patronage, the company surprised me pleasantly by constantly innovating, and I particularly liked features like Acca Freedom Insurance, BYO Freedom, and #YourBet. These specials made it stand out as one of the industry’s best, in my opinion.
On top of this, I could watch plenty of live streams for ongoing games and races, while I bet on one of the most impressive selections of betting markets anywhere in the world.
New customers can also benefit from a generous welcome bonus, which adds significant value to the initial betting experience. Additionally, the variety of bet offers and rewards available ensures that there’s always an enticing promotion or special bet offer to take advantage of.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Innovative betting features |
| A huge array of markets |
| Stylish and user-friendly design |
| Range of promotions |
| Plenty of banking options |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Limited customer service options |
3. Unibet
I’ve always known Unibet as a leading bookie, and I was pleased to see they followed this success with one of the best sports betting apps in the UK. I was able to access an array of sports betting markets, as well as a selection of promotions and bonuses to take advantage of. Had I gotten bored of sports betting, Unibet also would have had me covered with apps for its different verticals, including poker and casino.
Unibet’s welcome offer for new bettors rewarded me with valuable options on both its sportsbook markets and casino vertical. As a new customer, I got money back on my initial sports bet (it could’ve been placed on all sportsbook markets), as well as a bonus token to use in Unibet’s casino section.
The welcome offer came with a max bonus limit, ensuring that new customers could start off with a substantial boost. Unibet’s app also allows for betting on multiples, giving bettors the flexibility to combine different bets for potentially higher returns. The overall rating of the app reflects its comprehensive features and user satisfaction.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| User-friendly design |
| Range of regularly updated promotions |
| Tons of live streams |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Different apps for different verticals can be confusing |
4. BetVictor
BetVictor is one of the most user-friendly sports betting apps I’ve ever seen. I liked everything, from its slick design that makes it easy to use for first-time users, to just how many options I had for betting on all sorts of sports and events.
Obviously, BetVictor offers a big range of sports betting markets to back up its sports variety. The selection of prop bets available on football games left the biggest impression on me, but I was also excited to see a fairly strong esports section, something many UK bookies are lagging behind on.
The app’s user interface is visually appealing, with a clean image and easy-to-navigate settings. Additionally, there is plenty of info available on each betting market, ensuring that users can make informed decisions before placing their bets.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Simple interface |
| Big selection of football betting markets |
| A great choice for those who enjoy esports |
| Plenty of customer information services |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Limited live streams compared to competitors |
5. Paddy Power
Paddy Power’s sports betting app scores highly across my proverbial board. I loved its simple but sleek design and found it a great spot for those interested in football and horse racing in particular. If you like races, as I do, this operator usually has several offers on display for horse racing fans.
Like the other apps I included on this list, Paddy Power has sought to make itself stand out with some competitive content, including a unique fantasy-sports-style promotion. For football enthusiasts, the app provides detailed stats and match insights, allowing users to analyze goals and other key metrics to make informed bets.
With so many football matches to bet on, you’ll always find interesting things to wager on, ensuring a dynamic and engaging betting experience. Whether you’re looking for the next potential winner or specific match outcomes, Paddy Power’s app offers a rich array of options to keep you involved.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Competitive odds |
| Unique fantasy-sports-themed promotion |
| Emphasis on sports betting and horse racing markets |
| Regularly updated selection of promotions |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Some markets are not as in-depth as competitors |
| Not as many features as some of its competitors |
6. Coral
As I’m sure it is for you, Coral is one of the most recognizable betting brands in the UK for me. I grew up surrounded by the company’s huge high-street presence, and it has managed to bring that customer-focused betting experience to mobile users, based on what I’ve seen from its app.
As a player, I could enjoy a range of great markets, with the horse racing odds immediately catching my eye. The selection of football-based bonuses was also a huge plus for me, as it will be for a lot of customers. Coral’s marketing strategies, including these appealing bonuses, play a significant role in attracting and retaining bettors.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the key features of the Coral App – the #YourCall option. This allows players to request odds on their events and places, providing a personalized betting experience. For those looking to bet on specific goals or unique outcomes, this feature can be especially valuable.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Recognizable brand |
| #YourCall and other great features |
| Lots of information available for horse racing and football |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Not as many markets as some bookies |
7. Ladbrokes
Another high-street giant that made my list is Ladbrokes. Ladbrokes is one of the biggest betting brands in the UK, and I can honestly say it offers a top-quality mobile betting experience.
I found myself spoiled for choice with this veteran operator, which provides a great selection of sports betting markets, as well as a range of novelty betting markets including politics and entertainment. The app also offers player stats and detailed information, which can be crucial for making informed bets. Additionally, Ladbrokes frequently updates its app with performance improvements and enhancements to ensure a smooth user experience.
Another feature I thought was great when I used the Ladbrokes app was being able to connect bets made in-store with the online app, allowing me to cash out paper bets.
| 👍 Pros |
|---|
| Ability to connect in-store bets with the mobile app |
| A huge array of bonus features |
| Competitive odds, especially for football |
| 👎 Cons |
|---|
| Admin fees for non-active accounts can be applied |
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More expert bookmaker reviews
I leave no stone unturned when reviewing bookmakers and casinos, and neither do my colleagues. Take a look at our reviews of some of the best betting sites in the UK:
What to look for in a sports betting app
Competitive odds
When I’m comparing them, one of the biggest factors that can set an app aside from the rest of the pack is the quality of the odds. With so many bookies covering major events, the ones who can make themselves stand out with quality odds are going to have an advantage in my – and any other – book.
Additionally, good apps provide timely notifications about odds changes, upcoming matches, and potential betting opportunities, helping you stay informed and make the most of your betting experience. Competitive odds can significantly reduce potential loss and maximize your potential returns.
Betting market variety
Another key factor is ensuring that the bookie you register with covers the sports you want to bet on and has all of your desired markets. If it’s a football market you’re after, be sure to read my colleague’s guide to the best football betting sites to help inform your choice. You can place a money bet on anything from the Premier League to the Bundesliga with top-rated operators – as long as you’re eligible to sign up with them.
Otherwise, your sportsbook of choice should have all the biggest sports and sporting events included, like tennis, boxing, basketball, rugby, cricket, baseball, hockey, golf, etc. Simply choose the sporting event you bet on and deposit the bonus bet before the expiry date.
Security
Above all else, I want my readers who become players to feel safe when using an online bookie, and that extends to making bets on their app. The gambling apps I have listed here are all up to speed with the latest and best security developments.
This includes the use of SSL encryption software, and in many cases, two-factor authentication for security purposes. Most of these bookies are listed among ours safe betting sites, so you can confidently use them with your browser as well.
Modern features
The sports betting world is incredibly competitive, especially when it comes to football and other top sports. As such, having useful features such as cash-out and boosted bets, as well as benefits such as acca insurance (money back on your bet if one of the legs of your accumulator fails) is something that can make one operator stand above the rest. In-play betting sites are also in high demand as they add an extra layer of excitement.
Besides the modern features, a user-friendly layout, clear logo, and easy-to-navigate interface enhance the overall user experience. Having a promotional code available for new and existing customers can provide extra value and incentives to choose one betting app over another.
Bet calculators
Having access to a free bet calculator on sports betting apps is incredibly convenient, especially if you hate maths. This tool calculates the potential payout, risks, and stakes of a wager, saving you time and effort. With just a few clicks, the calculation is done, and the bettor can decide whether to take the risk or not. This feature makes it easier to make informed decisions and maximize potential payouts while minimizing risks.
Live streaming and coverage
There is nothing more exciting than watching the action unfold when you have a bet riding on it. All of the sports betting apps I have listed here provide top-quality streams of major events. If they don’t have an actual stream of an event, they will still offer live coverage in some capacity or another.
This ensures that you can keep up with how your team is performing and make informed decisions in real time. Live streaming adds immense value to the betting experience, making it more engaging and thrilling as you watch potential wins unfold right before your eyes.
Customer support
As well as feeling secure, I also like to feel like the operator has my back in case I have an issue on their mobile platform. The top UK sports betting apps I listed here all offer top-quality, around-the-clock customer service to help you every step of the way.
If the customer service agents also help me with SMS verification or any other part of the sign-up process, explain payment restrictions for bonuses, and provide any type of support and issue resolution I might need, they’re good customer service agents in my book.
Betting bonuses
Bonuses offering bet tokens if you make a qualifying 1st deposit, bonus bets based on your first bet stake, specials targeting racing bets, price boosts, etc. are commonplace with all household name bookmakers now.
However, an operator will stand out to me if they have mobile-specific promotions, as well, offering to up my winnings on, say, a racing pool bet made on my phone, or a partial refund of singles or placement bet losses made on mobile devices paid out to my balance. This bonus amount is rarely spectacular, but it might just cover your betting needs for a specific leg of a bet or sports bets on point spreads, for example. Look for a valid bonus code or promo code to ensure you’re getting the best offers available.
Of course, as always, make sure you check the eligibility requirements of every offer, including its min deposit, min odds, set markets, time limits, payment exclusions, whether returns can be cashed out immediately, and other circumstances before opting in.
Other bonuses
A good betting platform often has weekly and even daily promotions. But if you need more than just a football app for wagering and want to try out casino games, then look for operators that also offer casino bonuses. If you like games like poker, roulette, blackjack, bingo, scratch cards, and even slot games and jackpot slots, you’ll be able to find a customer offer tailored for you. Using a bonus code can sometimes unlock additional perks or enhance the value of the bonuses you receive.
What are the common payment methods supported on betting sites and apps?
A bookmaker can offer everything, but if you can’t get your money in and out of your account with ease, then it is a waste of time. Thankfully, most top online bookmakers make it nice and easy to deposit your stake and withdraw funds with various payment types.
The most common method for depositing money is using Visa or Mastercard debit cards. It is important to note that players based in the UK are unable to use credit cards to make deposits for any gambling purposes, but that’s about it in terms of consistent payment exclusions. Debit card payments are also rarely part of payment method exclusions within sportsbook bonus terms, so you should have no trouble bypassing restrictions and getting your hands on those free bet credits as soon as you make a qualifying bet with a debit card deposit.
On mobile devices, it is also common to be able to use Apple Pay or Google Pay to make speedy deposits and power any betting transaction. These payment options can offer convenience and are also one of the fastest deposit methods available. For smartphone users looking to streamline their betting experience, these methods can be particularly beneficial. Check out my co-writer’s guide to bookmakers that accept Google Pay for a more comprehensive search.
Talking of speed, any betting app worth its salt will be able to process withdrawal requests with minimal delays. That’s why e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are also extremely common on sports betting sites and their mobile counterparts. These allow players to make a deposit using a third party, which can also be a preferred option for those who value privacy. E-wallets also tend to be one of the quickest methods for withdrawing funds from online sportsbooks, allowing winners to access their profit without unnecessary delays.
💰Find the best PayPal betting sites here💰
Q&A session about UK betting apps
1. Which betting app has the best cash out?
Almost all of the betting apps I have listed offer players the chance to cash out their wagers. Having a good cashout option can be a lifesaver when you have a sense that a result that is currently going your way is about to turn on you.
The best cash-out options tend to be on William Hill and bet365. These two apps both offer up-to-the-second updates and keep you right in the thick of the action. As such, you can time your cash-outs really well and can quickly turn a potentially losing situation into a potentially profitable one.
2. What is the fastest betting app?
In my experience, William Hill is the quickest of the sports betting apps listed. However, this is very marginal, with all of the bookies offering a top-quality mobile betting experience, both on iPhone and Android smartphones and tablets, from registration to cashing out.
The operator has a really easy user interface that allows instant access to depositing options and sports betting markets. For any player looking to place a bet quickly, the streamlined interface ensures that entering details and navigating the app is as efficient as possible.
In terms of payments, it will depend on which method bettors choose to use, with debit cards and PayPal being among the most efficient available.
3. Are betting apps free to use?
Yes. Betting apps are free to download in both the App Store and the Google Play Store. Of course, if players want to win any money at an online bookmaker, then they are going to need to deposit their funds and bet with them. While the apps themselves do not have any associated costs, players should be aware of the prices for placing bets and withdrawing winnings.
There are also various ways to manage your betting budget and make deposits, depending on the payment options available. Compared to other betting apps, the costs and fees might vary, so it’s a good idea to compare and find the most cost-effective option for your needs.
4. Do the best betting apps come from the best bookies?
Yes, and no. Being one of the best betting sites has its own criteria and ranking that I apply to review them, while I use a different methodology to review the best betting apps. This means that if you are deemed good enough to be called one of the best betting apps, you won’t necessarily be called the best operator as well. Similarly, a top bookmaker does not automatically guarantee a top app.
However, some operators, like BetVictor and bet365, have made it onto both of the lists. For those interested in checking out their offerings, you can follow the link provided to explore the features of their apps on both smartphone and tablet devices. If you have specific favourites, it’s worth comparing both the app and the bookmaker’s overall service to ensure you get the best experience.
5. Are bonuses still available on sports betting apps?
Yes. If a bookmaker is offering a bonus on account opening, you will be able to claim it on both their desktop site and their mobile app, but only once per IP address. In some cases, operators may run a bonus specifically for players on mobile devices, so be sure to check out the promotions page when you first download the app.
This is true for welcome bonuses and no deposit-free bet offers, as well as betting offers for existing customers, so don’t worry, you won’t be missing out!
Also, if mobile betting sites also double as casino operators, you might be able to get your hands on a casino bonus to use on slots, bingo, table and live dealer games, etc. Still, these bonus funds or free spins will probably fall under wagering requirements you’ll have to fulfill (e.g., play the bonus and your resulting spin winnings at least 40 times before you can cash it out).
About the author
Liam Hoofe
Liam is an experienced iGaming and sports betting journalist based in Cardiff. He has worked in the sports betting industry since 2017 and has provided content for some of the biggest casino and betting brands in the UK. He has also covered football and other sports for both regional and national newspapers.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
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