UK Bookmaker Guide
Best Betting Sites UK 2026
We rank bookmakers by what matters most to football bettors: odds quality, market depth, live streaming, and cash-out reliability. Updated monthly using real margin data from our odds comparison engine.
bet365
Avg Margin
2.8%
Markets
1200+
Live Streaming
Yes
Cash Out
Yes
Pros
- Best live streaming coverage
- Lowest margins on football
- Huge range of in-play markets
- Fast withdrawals
Cons
- Account restrictions for winners
- Interface can feel cluttered
Betfair
Avg Margin
2.3%
Markets
1000+
Live Streaming
Yes
Cash Out
Yes
Pros
- Exchange offers best odds
- Lay betting available
- Very low margins via exchange
- Price Rush feature
Cons
- Exchange can be complex for beginners
- Sportsbook odds less competitive
William Hill
Avg Margin
3.5%
Markets
900+
Live Streaming
Yes
Cash Out
Yes
Pros
- Trusted heritage brand
- Excellent each-way terms
- Good accumulator offers
- High street presence
Cons
- Margins higher than competitors
- App can be slow at peak times
Paddy Power
Avg Margin
3.2%
Markets
850+
Live Streaming
Yes
Cash Out
Yes
Pros
- Money back specials
- Great promotions
- Entertaining social media
- Competitive football odds
Cons
- Can be slow to settle bets
- Some markets limited
Sky Bet
Avg Margin
3.4%
Markets
800+
Live Streaming
No
Cash Out
Yes
Pros
- Best mobile app UX
- Request-a-Bet builder
- Good acca insurance
- Sky Sports integration
Cons
- No live streaming
- Margins above average
Side-by-Side Comparison
Quick comparison across key metrics
| Metric | bet365 | Betfair | William Hill | Paddy Power | Sky Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odds Quality | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Markets | 1200+ | 1000+ | 900+ | 850+ | 800+ |
| Live Streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cash Out | Full + Partial | Full + Partial | Full | Full + Partial | Full |
| Mobile | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Welcome Offer | £30 Free | £20 Risk-Free | £30 Free | £20 Risk-Free | £30 Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good betting site for football?
The best football betting sites combine low margins (meaning better odds for you), extensive market coverage across leagues, reliable live streaming, responsive cash-out features, and a solid mobile experience. We rank bet365 highest because it excels across all these criteria.
How do odds margins affect my returns?
The margin (or overround) is the bookmaker's built-in edge. A lower margin means the odds are closer to fair value. For example, a 2.8% margin on a football match means the bookmaker keeps about 2.8p of every £1 wagered. Over hundreds of bets, even small margin differences compound significantly.
Should I use multiple betting accounts?
Yes. Using multiple accounts lets you compare odds and always take the best price available. Even a 5% improvement in odds on average can turn a losing strategy into a profitable one over the long run. Most serious bettors maintain accounts with at least 3-4 bookmakers.
Are these betting sites licensed and regulated?
All bookmakers listed on WagerBase hold active UK Gambling Commission licences. This means your funds are protected, disputes can be escalated to an independent adjudicator, and the operator must meet strict standards for fairness and responsible gambling.
All bookmakers listed are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Offers subject to terms and conditions. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only. BeGambleAware.org