In This Article
- Top Betting Apps UK January, 2026
- Best Applications Reviewed
- What Is a Betting App & How Does It Work?
- How to Choose the Best UK Betting Apps
- Sports Betting App Download & Registration Process
- What Are UK Sports Betting Apps?
- Top Bonuses Available January, 2026
- Banking Options at UK Betting Apps
- Get Ahead of the Game – App Betting Tips to Remember
- Responsible Gambling
- Have You Found the Best Betting Apps in the UK?
Top Betting Apps UK January, 2026
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#1
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#1
Boyle Sports |
Bet £10 Get £25 In Free Bets |
Bet £10 Get £25 In Free Bets |
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Get Offer |
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#2
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#2
Highbet |
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets |
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets |
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Get Offer |
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#3
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#3
Paddy Power |
Bet £5, Get £30 in Free Bets |
Bet £5, Get £30 in Free Bets |
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Get Offer |
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#4
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#4
Sky Bet |
Place Any Bet and Get £30 in Free Bets |
Place Any Bet and Get £30 in Free Bets |
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Get Offer |
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#5
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#5
William Hill |
Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets |
Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets |
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Get Offer |
Best Applications Reviewed
The following betting apps UK players can download came out on top during our extensive reviews. We’ve highlighted their biggest selling points as well, so it’s easier for you to choose an app based on your individual needs and preferences. Each one excels in its own unique way, so there’s no wrong pick:
1. Best App Overall; Most Comprehensive Range of Sports Markets
William Hill
William Hill offers a vast range of sports and special markets in its app, outpacing other platforms we’ve reviewed (and just about every other sports betting app out there, too).
With more than 30 different betting categories to explore, William Hill is easily the best betting app UK players can get into for sheer variety. The app also impressed us in terms of banking flexibility and ease of use, but if you’re the sort of punter who likes to jump from one sport to another, few other options give you this kind of coverage.
Quick Overview
William Hill offers a vast range of sports and special markets in its app, outpacing other platforms we’ve reviewed (and just about every other sports betting app out there, too).
With more than 30 different betting categories to explore, William Hill is easily the best betting app UK players can get into for sheer variety. The app also impressed us in terms of banking flexibility and ease of use, but if you’re the sort of punter who likes to jump from one sport to another, few other options give you this kind of coverage.
Pros
- More than 30 different sports and markets categories
- Extremely flexible banking options and limits
- Superfast sign-up on mobile
Cons
- Most promotions are for football and horse racing only
- No reload deals right now
🥇 Why it’s Best for Sports Variety
Checking out William Hill’s range of markets via the app is super-straightforward. Just tap the Menu button and it’ll pull up a full A-Z of what’s available to bet on, and you can also dip into the most-visited sports at the top of the menu. Scroll down and you’ll be able to explore markets from American football to volleyball (with lotteries and specials covered in between). It’s a nice long scroll, but if you know what you’re looking for, you can get into the action in seconds.
🏟️ Sports Available to Bet on at William Hill
The William Hill app offers markets in Aussie Rules, baseball, basketball, boxing, cricket, football, golf, greyhounds, horse racing, motor racing, rugby league and union, tennis, and UFC. And that’s just to start. You’ll also find niche markets in esports, TV and specials, politics, virtual sports, handball, futsal, hurling, cycling, badminton, and more. You’ll also be able to bet on special events and competitions such as the Olympic Games and the football World Cup when they roll around.
💡 Expert’s Opinion
William Hill is a trusted bookmaker that’s been on the UK high street for decades, so it’s not surprising it offers one of the top betting apps UK punters can download. Sleek, streamlined, and always easy to use, it’s absolutely packed with the most popular sports and some niche entries. The odds and market depth are highly competitive, and the deposit and withdrawal rules are more than reasonable.
You may find that other iOS and Android betting apps offer more promotions, but if you value variety the most, you can’t go wrong downloading the William Hill app.
Key Features
🥇 Why it’s Best for Sports Variety
Checking out William Hill’s range of markets via the app is super-straightforward. Just tap the Menu button and it’ll pull up a full A-Z of what’s available to bet on, and you can also dip into the most-visited sports at the top of the menu. Scroll down and you’ll be able to explore markets from American football to volleyball (with lotteries and specials covered in between). It’s a nice long scroll, but if you know what you’re looking for, you can get into the action in seconds.
🏟️ Sports Available to Bet on at William Hill
The William Hill app offers markets in Aussie Rules, baseball, basketball, boxing, cricket, football, golf, greyhounds, horse racing, motor racing, rugby league and union, tennis, and UFC. And that’s just to start. You’ll also find niche markets in esports, TV and specials, politics, virtual sports, handball, futsal, hurling, cycling, badminton, and more. You’ll also be able to bet on special events and competitions such as the Olympic Games and the football World Cup when they roll around.
💡 Expert’s Opinion
William Hill is a trusted bookmaker that’s been on the UK high street for decades, so it’s not surprising it offers one of the top betting apps UK punters can download. Sleek, streamlined, and always easy to use, it’s absolutely packed with the most popular sports and some niche entries. The odds and market depth are highly competitive, and the deposit and withdrawal rules are more than reasonable.
You may find that other iOS and Android betting apps offer more promotions, but if you value variety the most, you can’t go wrong downloading the William Hill app.
Key Features
2. Top App for Promotional Variety
QuinnBet
Out of all our reviewed betting apps UK punters can download, QuinnBet offers the best variety in cashback, free bets, and boosts across the board.
While the app doesn’t offer a conventional deposit matching bonus, it provides creative spins on regular freebies and specific promotions for certain sports, all accessible through the app’s streamlined interface. It’s super easy to manage your account, make a deposit, and load up a bonus or two whenever you want to.
Quick Overview
Out of all our reviewed betting apps UK punters can download, QuinnBet offers the best variety in cashback, free bets, and boosts across the board.
While the app doesn’t offer a conventional deposit matching bonus, it provides creative spins on regular freebies and specific promotions for certain sports, all accessible through the app’s streamlined interface. It’s super easy to manage your account, make a deposit, and load up a bonus or two whenever you want to.
Pros
- Fantastic range of welcome and ongoing promotions
- Accepts a broad variety of cards
- Competitive range of sports
Cons
- High deposit and withdrawal compared to other apps
- No mobile-exclusive deals
🥇 Why it’s Best for Promotion Variety
Other betting apps for UK players we’ve reviewed in this guide tend to lean into free bets and acca boosts, but QuinnBet goes a step further and supports you with solid promotions (and reasonable terms) from the moment you join through your regular betting activities. It’s particularly weighted towards horse racing and football fans (not surprising, given how popular football is in particular).
💰 Promotions Available at QuinnBet
At the time of writing, QuinnBet is offering 50% cashback on £25 as a welcome deal, up to 25% weekly cashback, up to £50 daily acca free bets, a 20% boost on bet builders, extra places on horse races, 10% boosts on tricasts and Yankee bets, nil-nil football free bets, US sports acca insurance, free bets if you’re second to the SP favourite in a horse race… the list honestly goes on.
💡 Expert’s Opinion
We like QuinnBet’s app mainly for its simple menus and its decent range of sports and markets, but its promotional offerings far outstrip the competition right now. Terms and conditions obviously apply, and there don’t seem to be any mobile-exclusive deals right now, but sheer variety elsewhere more than makes up for this lack.
It might not be the best-known of the betting apps for UK players right now; however, it’s slowly but surely growing in popularity. So, if you want to get in before the bandwagon, now’s your chance!
Key Features
🥇 Why it’s Best for Promotion Variety
Other betting apps for UK players we’ve reviewed in this guide tend to lean into free bets and acca boosts, but QuinnBet goes a step further and supports you with solid promotions (and reasonable terms) from the moment you join through your regular betting activities. It’s particularly weighted towards horse racing and football fans (not surprising, given how popular football is in particular).
💰 Promotions Available at QuinnBet
At the time of writing, QuinnBet is offering 50% cashback on £25 as a welcome deal, up to 25% weekly cashback, up to £50 daily acca free bets, a 20% boost on bet builders, extra places on horse races, 10% boosts on tricasts and Yankee bets, nil-nil football free bets, US sports acca insurance, free bets if you’re second to the SP favourite in a horse race… the list honestly goes on.
💡 Expert’s Opinion
We like QuinnBet’s app mainly for its simple menus and its decent range of sports and markets, but its promotional offerings far outstrip the competition right now. Terms and conditions obviously apply, and there don’t seem to be any mobile-exclusive deals right now, but sheer variety elsewhere more than makes up for this lack.
It might not be the best-known of the betting apps for UK players right now; however, it’s slowly but surely growing in popularity. So, if you want to get in before the bandwagon, now’s your chance!
Key Features
3. Excellent Mobile In-Play Betting Platform
Betfair
Betfair’s in-play mobile betting is easy to access with two taps of the app. From the very front of the platform, you can start exploring live markets in football matches all over the world, and the odds refresh and change before your eyes.
In-play betting is nothing new for UK providers, but Betfair’s app has a lightning-fast odds refresh system, stacks of live sports to dip into, and even a few live streams here and there. You don’t even need to sign up to check out the latest games and matches, statistics, and a huge range of niche markets.
Quick Overview
Betfair’s in-play mobile betting is easy to access with two taps of the app. From the very front of the platform, you can start exploring live markets in football matches all over the world, and the odds refresh and change before your eyes.
In-play betting is nothing new for UK providers, but Betfair’s app has a lightning-fast odds refresh system, stacks of live sports to dip into, and even a few live streams here and there. You don’t even need to sign up to check out the latest games and matches, statistics, and a huge range of niche markets.
Pros
- Superfast betting experience in-app
- Low deposit and withdrawal limits
- Fair bonus terms and conditions
Cons
- Relatively low number of sports compared to other apps
- Fewer bonuses compared to other apps
📱Why it’s Best for Mobile In-Play Betting
In-play betting on the go has never been easier. Open the app, log in, and jump straight into Betfair’s super-simple interface, swipe through current games and matches, check out stats, and leap on odds while they last. Although other apps in our list offer in-play markets, Betfair was by far the fastest during our tests.
🎾 In-Play Betting Through the Betfair App
Using the Betfair app, you can explore live, in-play markets in football, tennis, darts, cricket, basketball, ice hockey, table tennis, esports, and volleyball. Plus, you can dive into diverse markets such as match results, over/under on goals, total games, and even who will win the coin toss.
💡Expert’s Opinion
Out of the iOS and Android betting apps UK punters can download right now, Betfair offers the fastest, easiest way to leap into live games, and it doesn’t shy away from niche markets. You can’t always expect that with sportsbook apps, and it’s nice to see Betfair doing more than the bare minimum. We think the app has tons going for it from a user experience standpoint simply because it avoids overcomplicating things.
Key Features
📱Why it’s Best for Mobile In-Play Betting
In-play betting on the go has never been easier. Open the app, log in, and jump straight into Betfair’s super-simple interface, swipe through current games and matches, check out stats, and leap on odds while they last. Although other apps in our list offer in-play markets, Betfair was by far the fastest during our tests.
🎾 In-Play Betting Through the Betfair App
Using the Betfair app, you can explore live, in-play markets in football, tennis, darts, cricket, basketball, ice hockey, table tennis, esports, and volleyball. Plus, you can dive into diverse markets such as match results, over/under on goals, total games, and even who will win the coin toss.
💡Expert’s Opinion
Out of the iOS and Android betting apps UK punters can download right now, Betfair offers the fastest, easiest way to leap into live games, and it doesn’t shy away from niche markets. You can’t always expect that with sportsbook apps, and it’s nice to see Betfair doing more than the bare minimum. We think the app has tons going for it from a user experience standpoint simply because it avoids overcomplicating things.
Key Features
What Is a Betting App & How Does It Work?
Betting apps for UK players are programs you can install on your phone that save you from having to visit bookmakers’ websites. They’re designed specifically for gambling on the go, meaning they fit smaller screens and offer quick and easy market searches and bet building. It’s hard to say exactly when betting apps in the UK and elsewhere became the norm, but it’s estimated that we’ve been able to bet via mobile since at least 2000.
App mania, however, gripped the nation in the 2010s. By 2015, people were spending more than 80% of their mobile internet time using apps. It’s around this time, if not slightly before, when the bigger bookies in the UK started offering mobile downloads.
To find a betting app, you can usually head to a bookmaker’s website via mobile to download, or search in your device’s app store. Be careful to download an official, licensed app that’s developed by and for the bookie in question.
Why Choose to Bet Using an App?
Betting apps in the UK make wagering quick and easy. Just open your phone, tap the app, and you’ve got thousands of markets ready to go.
Other benefits of betting with an app include:
- 📱 A streamlined sportsbook interface that’s designed specifically for your phone (mobile sites just morph to the devices using them)
- 🏦 Convenience for using e-wallet apps already on your device (such as Apple Pay)
- 💰 Exclusive deals and promotions tied to mobile play
- 💨 The ability to pick up and play whenever you want
- ⏩ Painless installation (you’re downloading and betting in minutes)
Betting on Apps vs Desktop
Betting via desktop is only convenient if you’re sitting at your desk! Mobile betting apps offer the same features and functionality as their desktop counterparts, only they’re developed for the smaller screen. Let’s compare a few differences between betting apps UK and their desktop equivalents.`
| App | Desktop |
| Built for small screens | Designed for laptops, PCs, and Macs |
| Scrollable with your finger, touch-controlled | Requires a mouse/touchpad, may need pinch-to-zoom |
| Developed specifically with mobile users in mind | Developed as a catch-all solution that loads on all devices |
| Requires download space | Doesn’t need you to download |
| Some information may be tucked away in menus to save space | Easier to see more information on one screen |
| You’ll often need to bet on one market at a time | You can open multiple markets/betting features in separate tabs |
| You can bet anywhere with an internet connection, on the go | You’re restricted to wherever you plug your device in |
There are clear pros and cons for both apps and desktop sites. However, we typically lean towards betting apps in the UK, simply because they are the quickest, cleanest, and most convenient way to explore markets and build bets on the go.
How to Choose the Best UK Betting Apps
When selecting the best betting apps for UK players to download, we thoroughly test their accessibility, security, promotions, performance, and overall user experience.
Here’s what we look for when researching betting apps in the UK, and why.
- Licensing & Security Stack: If a betting app isn’t licensed by a recognised body, it’s unlikely to offer a safe and legitimate experience. The same applies to security measures. Does the app require a strong password, biometrics, and multi-factor authentication? These are things you should ask before picking your preferred app.
- Fast Download, Login, & Smooth KYC: We select apps that you can download and log into in just a matter of seconds. Once registered, we also expect the Know Your Customer (KYC) ID check process to run smoothly.
- App Speed & Performance: Native apps are usually much faster than mobile versions of websites. That said, if an app frequently crashes, slows down even on WiFi or 5G, and takes a long time to load menus, it’s getting a bad mark.
- Live Betting UX: The best betting apps for UK players to download will feature live sports, allowing you to easily bet on matches, games, and races that are currently underway. Apps that shine in this category automatically update with the latest odds, present in-play markets in an accessible way, and may even offer streaming.
- Bet Slip Ergonomics: Adding bets to your app slip should be intuitive and easy, with no menu clutter, obvious buttons and drop-downs, and with clear information organised in a hierarchy you’d expect (i.e., ‘add to slip’ buttons available below market descriptions).
- In-App Promos & Bonus UX: The best apps should make it easy for you to access all the bonus deals and promotions you can access on desktop. It’s extra positive if there are exclusive deals for mobile app users, too.
- Payments Experience: Is it easy to deposit and withdraw funds from the app, or do you have to navigate through multiple menus to complete the process? Does the app crash or show unexpected error messages? It’s important to know all of this and more before spending at any specific platform.
Sports Betting App Download & Registration Process
Downloading betting apps in the UK is quick and easy. Here’s a general step-by-step guide (but remember, the process will vary depending on the app):
- 1️⃣ Head to the bookmaker’s mobile site and tap to download the app. Alternatively, open your device’s app store and search for the bookmaker, then tap to install.
- 2️⃣ Open the app and tap ‘Sign Up’. Fill out your name, date of birth, phone number, address, and email. You may also need to set up a security question.
- 3️⃣ Tick any boxes to say you agree to the terms and conditions, and tap ‘Sign Up’.
- 4️⃣ Verify your email address and phone number.
- 5️⃣ Provide proof of your name and address through the app’s KYC process. This is usually quick but can take a few hours.
- 6️⃣Once verified, log in to the app and make a deposit with your desired payment method. Then, find a sport you want to bet on either through the top icons or through the search menu.
- 7️⃣ Scroll down and select a market, and select the odds. Add to your slip and enter your stake, and your bet will be placed.
What Are UK Sports Betting Apps?
UK sports betting apps let you place wagers, track live matches, and manage everything from one easy spot on your phone. They offer quick access to popular sports, in-play markets, and helpful features like cash out, bet builders, and personalised odds. For most bettors, these apps are the fastest and simplest way to keep up with their favourite events.
Are Betting Apps Legal in the UK?
Betting apps are legal in the UK, and thousands of people use them every day through well-known and trusted providers. Even in cases where a casino site is licensed abroad, the law focuses on the operators, not individual bettors, so you aren’t at personal risk for using them. The key is to stick with apps that have been properly checked, reviewed, and proven reliable. That’s the approach we’ve taken here, making sure each option has been looked at closely before recommending it.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Betting Apps
Before you start using sports betting apps, here’s a quick breakdown of their pros and cons:
Pros:
- ✅Push notifications for score updates, boosts, and cash-out moments
- ✅Gain access to mobile-specific promotions, like free bets or reloads
- ✅Enjoy the same pre-match and in-play markets from your phone
- ✅Incredibly easy to use and can be taken with you anywhere
- ✅Perfect for quick in-play wagering
Cons:
- ❌Navigation differs across apps, so switching can feel clunky
- ❌Older phones may struggle with performance or updates
- ❌Live streams and graphics may use more battery/data
- ❌Some apps may lag during peak in-play moments
There are numerous benefits to using betting apps; however, you should only ever use them with caution, and you should never use them if you know you have gambling problems.
We recommend taking a close and careful look at non-GamStop casinos and bookmakers and ensuring you understand their terms, conditions, restrictions, and expectations before registering and depositing money. If you’d prefer to use betting apps for UK players that are regulated here, the choice is yours!
Top Bonuses Available January, 2026
The best betting apps UK and beyond always have a strong selection of welcome bonuses and regular promotions to keep your bankroll topped up. These vary from cash matching deals to free bets, and even cashback from losses you’ve made. Here’s a quick breakdown of the bonuses available at our top five sites, followed by more details on what each promotion does.

| Deposit Match Welcome Bonus | Reloads | Rebates | No-Sweat Bets | Odds Boosts | Competitions | Other | |
| William Hill | Bet £10, Get £40 in Free Bets | N/A | N/A | Money Back if No Winners (Greyhound Traps) | 100% Football Acca Boost, 25% Bet Builder Win Boost, Daily Racing Boosts, Daily Racing Extra Places | Final One Standing (Elimination Game) | Substituted Player Rollover, Two-Goal Lead Winner, Tweet Your Bet, Get Odds |
| QuinnBet | N/A | N/A | 50% Back up to £25 (Welcome Deal), 10-25% Weekly Cashback, US Acca Insurance, | Cashback on 0-0 Football, Free Bet if 2nd to SP Favourite, 2x Daily Free Bets on US Sports, 2x General Daily Free Bets | 20% Bet Builder Boost, Daily Extra Places, 10% Tricast, 10% Yankee | N/A | £50 Daily Acca Free Bets, |
| Betfair | Bet £10, Get £50 in Bet Builders | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Friend Referral |
| Paddy Power | £30 with a £5 Bet | N/A | N/A | Free Bet if 2nd or 3rd to SP Favourite | Daily Extra Places | Eliminator (Parlay Game) | Substituted Player Rollover, Pay £10 in Shop, Get £10 on App, Friend Referral |
| Betfred | Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets | N/A | N/A | 100% Stake Back on Football Bet Builder | Football Acca Flex (Boost), Player-Voted Turbo Boosts, Racing Extra Places, Up to 5x Odds Boosts, 10% Tricast | Beat Fred Freeplay | Two-Goal Lead Winner, Double Delight, Hat-Trick Heaven (+ In-Play), Up to 25% Bonus on Racing, Rewards4Racing, |
Deposit Match Welcome Bonus
When you first register through a betting app, you may find a welcome offer that matches your deposit. Essentially, this means the bookmaker will give you a sports credit equal to the amount you pay in (up to a point). For example, a bookie app might give you 100% matching up to £250, meaning you get £500 to bet with. These deals frequently have wagering requirements, meaning you’ll need to re-bet a certain amount of money before you can take winnings away.
🥇Best for Welcome Bonus
None of our top bookmaker apps currently offers deposit match bonuses, but all do offer welcome deals. We think Paddy Power’s bet £5, get £30 offer is the best value promo running right now. That said, as always, make sure to read the terms and conditions attached (that goes for football betting apps and all other platforms, too).
Reloads
Reload deals are similar to welcome matches, only they’re aimed at regular players. For example, you might receive a 100% match on your second deposit and a 50% match on your third reload (meaning half of the money you pay in).
🥇Best for Reloads
We weren’t able to find reload deals through any of our top betting apps in the UK at the moment, but that doesn’t mean offers won’t become available in the future. It’s worth registering for promotional emails and following the bookie of your choice on social media for news on recurring promotions.
Rebates
Rebates give you a certain amount of money back from any losses you make through the betting app the week before. For example, a bookie might give you 10% of your losses from one week, the next Monday morning. These deals often appear as part of VIP programs, but it’s worth registering for promotional emails so you can access them as soon as they become available.
🥇Best for Rebates
QuinnBet outstrips the competition with its fantastic array of rebate and insurance deals. Right now, the app offers 50% cash back on losses worth up to £25 as a welcome deal, up to 25% weekly cashback on select sports and markets, and accumulator (acca) insurance on US sports bets.
No-Sweat Bets
No-sweat bets are essentially free bets! UK sites occasionally offer them to new customers and as part of ongoing promotions to provide punters with a safety net. With a no-sweat bet, if you win, you get paid your winnings (as expected). If you lose, you get your bet amount back. These deals frequently have odds limits attached, so, like with all offers, make sure you check all the terms and conditions.
🥇Best for No-Sweat Bets
QuinnBet, again, stands head and shoulders above the app pack for free bets, with your money back when football betting if a match draws nil-all, a freebie if you come second to the SP favourite in horse racing, and two daily free bets for you to use on US and general markets. Terms and conditions will vary on these deals, too, so keep your eyes peeled.
Odds Boosts
Odds boosts don’t change how likely something will be to happen, but instead give you extra money if your bet converts! For example, if you place a bet on a market at 2/1 on a booster, the betting app may increase it to 4/1. That means you get double the winnings back if it converts.
🥇Best for Odds Boosts
Most of our best betting apps in the UK offer a good range of boosts, but William Hill just clinches the top spot overall thanks to sheer variety. Through the app, you can access a 100% boost on football accas, 25% boosts on wins through bet builders, and claim extra places and boosts on horse racing every day.
Competitions
Some UK betting apps host exclusive competitions where you can unlock free bets and boosts just for placing wagers. For example, you might find that a bookmaker asks you to pick a winner in a certain game each week to earn points on a leaderboard. In some cases, you could win major cash prizes as well as extra perks to use in the sportsbook.
🥇Best for Competitions
William Hill’s Final One Standing competition is great fun and our top pick from the competitions our big five have to offer. This competition gives bettors the chance to win a share of £500,000 by picking a Premier League football team to win each week. If you win, you proceed to the next round, but you can’t pick that team again. Pick a losing team, and you’re out.
Other
As you can see from our betting app bonuses table, there are lots of different promotions that fit neatly into the ‘other’ category. Deals such as rollover bets when a player you’ve bet on gets substituted, early payouts if your team is ahead by two goals, and friend referral credit are all common across the top bookie apps we’ve reviewed. Of course, it’s worth checking out what each perk has to offer in the fine print and comparing which you feel is right for you. You’ll find that many betting sites feature such bonuses that fall outside of your usual deposit-matches or free bet offers.
🥇Best for Other Bonuses
Betfred leads the way in terms of best of the rest, with two-goal lead early payouts, double delight/hat-trick heaven, racing rewards, 25% racing bonuses, and in-play rewards available. It’s on par with QuinnBet in terms of promo variety, and there are plenty of acca and tricast boosts to explore here as well.
Banking Options at UK Betting Apps
Most UK gambling apps will let you deposit and withdraw with debit cards, but e-wallets have always proved popular with punters. That said, not all betting apps will carry your chosen banking method, so it pays to check out what you can pay in and cash out with before you register and start playing.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can typically bank with at UK betting sites, and which of our top apps accept them. Remember, some betting apps accept a wider variety of options; however, you should also focus on things like transaction times and fees.
Credit & Debit Cards
Debit cards tend to be the default option, usually Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro. Quick to pay with and securely linked to your bank, punters use them because they’re convenient and readily available. That said, it can take a few days to withdraw to cards, and you won’t be able to hide your betting activities from your bank. Due to changes implemented by the UK Gambling Commission, betting apps in the UK no longer accept credit cards; luckily, all of our top five UK betting apps accept debit cards.
E-Wallets
E-wallets are, for many punters, even more convenient than cards. Services like PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Skrill, and Neteller allow you to connect a card or bank account with a digital payment gateway, meaning you can just sign in, make a payment and/or withdraw without your bank seeing the reason why. E-wallets also tend to offer fast withdrawals, with most providers returning winnings within a few hours to a few days. The downside to e-wallets, however, is that they’re not always widely accepted, may incur fees, and may restrict access to certain bonuses.
PaddyPower, Betfair, William Hill, and Betfred all accept a range of e-wallets (details on these in our table below). QuinnBet only accepts Apple Pay, excluding cards and open banking.
Cryptocurrencies
A cryptocurrency is a digital payment option (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin) that removes processing time and gives you complete privacy. Banking is instant with crypto, and you may even get a slight boost to your winnings depending on the exchange rate. However, crypto is sometimes risky to use and often requires a high buy-in. Plus, you’re more likely to see them on mainstream UK bookies. Case in point! None of our top five UK betting apps accepts cryptocurrencies at this time, likely because of their market volatility.
Other
Some UK betting apps and websites let you pay in with prepaid credit (such as Paysafecard), which is secure and easy to control, but offers no withdrawal option. Otherwise, there are bank and wire transfers, which are super secure and predictable, but which can take several working days to process. In some cases, you may even be able to pay in and cash out with a cheque, but this can take weeks to settle.
Paddy Power, Betfair, Betfred, and William Hill all accept Paysafecard and bank/wire transfers.
| App | Debit Cards | E-Wallet | Cryptocurrency | Other | Min. Deposit | Min. Withdrawal | Max. Deposit | Max. withdrawal |
| William Hill | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro | PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Apple Pay | ❌ | William Hill Plus, Paysafecard, Bank Transfer | £1 | £5 | £99,000 | Varies on Method |
| QuinnBet | Visa, Mastercard, Electron, Maestro, Revolut | Apple Pay | ❌ | Open Banking | £10.00 | £10.00 | Unclear | Unclear |
| Betfair | Visa, Mastercard | Apple Pay, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter | ❌ | Paysafecard, Instant Bank Transfer | £5 | £0.01 | Player Determined | Unclear |
| Paddy Power | Visa, Mastercard | PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter, Apple Pay | ❌ | Paysafecard, Bank Transfer, Pay By Bank | £5.00 | £0.01 | Player Determined | Unclear |
| Betfred | Visa, Mastercard | Skrill, PayPal | ❌ | Paysafecard, Instant Bank Transfer | £5 | £5 | Up to Unlimited | Varies on Method |
Get Ahead of the Game – App Betting Tips to Remember
While no one can predict the future, there are ways you can make the most of your bets and work mobile apps to your advantage. We’ve put together a few useful tips you can try at betting apps in the UK, but remember, there are no guarantees.
🤿 Dive Into Your Chosen Sport
The best way to improve at picking winners is to understand your markets, the top players, and the teams with the best chances of winning even the tightest of clashes. To do this, you’ll need to keep on top of the latest news and watch or listen to games and matches across a season. Studying form doesn’t always guarantee you’ll be brilliant at picking winners, but it gives you more confidence when making difficult or educated decisions.
🧮 Check Odds at Different Apps
Not all apps have the same odds or even the same markets. You don’t have to swear loyalty to one or two, either, if you find that there are better deals at other bookies. Compare the five top betting apps in the UK shared in this guide, for example. Are there major differences in in-play odds? Can you get a boost on a futures market that’s exclusive to a specific app?
🤔 Think Carefully About Welcome Bonuses
You don’t always have to accept welcome deals when you sign up for new betting apps. Some of them are great for stretching your bankroll, but remember, there will usually be wagering and minimum odds requirements attached. So, read any fine print attached to deals carefully, and if you can bypass the bonus and just make a deposit, do so. Of course, you can also take up multiple welcome deals at different apps if you feel so inclined.
❌ Don’t Do Accas Right Away
Accumulators, Accas, or parlay bets are some of the riskiest wagers you can make at UK betting apps. They require you to place multiple wagers in a single bet, and for that bet to convert, they all need to win. The longer the acca, the longer the odds, and the larger the potential payout. Our tip here is to dissuade you from this style of betting if you’re just getting started. We recommend beginners start by betting low on simple odds and work up their knowledge and confidence to move up to acca betting.
🛤️ Track and Learn
If betting the same way and on the same type of markets or teams over and over again isn’t working out, change things up. Try looking into in-play betting, consider prop bets instead of outrights, and consider switching sports. The best betting apps in the UK in our list all offer tons of variety, so you can switch up your bets. Plus, it pays to keep track of the bets you make and the returns you get. Does your data suggest you’re better off betting low on niche markets, for example?
Responsible Gambling
As exciting as it is to have that extra skin in the game from anywhere, it pays to keep track of your gambling habits. If you find you’re chasing wins or using betting apps for the sake of it, it might be time to take a step back and seek help. Gambling should never control your life or affect your relationships.
All five of our best betting apps UK players use have responsible gambling tools and features. That means you can ask for help with curtailing your betting activities and the money you spend, and set healthy time limits for apps.
There are also free resources available in the UK if you need additional support or are experiencing a crisis. Be sure to check out:
- GambleAware: 24/7 online help
- GamCare: Online support guides
- The National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133)
Have You Found the Best Betting Apps in the UK?
The best betting apps UK players can download offer quick, easy ways to find a huge range of niche sports and specials markets. When betting on mobile, you want to be able to add to slips and grab free bets within seconds, without muddying through awkward menus. All of the apps we’ve listed in this review tick those boxes and more, having passed our strict ranking criteria.
At the top of our sports betting apps UK list is William Hill, largely due to its fantastic range of sports and markets, as well as its smooth navigation, solid banking coverage, and a healthy selection of bonuses and support options. All five of our picks are worth registering for and exploring, but make WH a priority.
Take a look at the top betting apps UK players are downloading right now and grab a welcome bonus or two to explore some markets!
