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Best & New Football Betting Sites: Top UK Bookmakers for 2026

Frank Monkhouse

Frank Monkhouse

Last updated 21 Jan 2026

If you’re looking for the best football betting sites UK gamblers can join today, you’ve arrived at the perfect page. Flashscore’s gambling expert Frank Monkhouse delivers everything you need to know in his easy-to-follow guide. There’s information on the new football betting sites, the most generous odds, standout promotions and more. In short, it’s your one-stop shop for gambling on the beautiful game.

Top Bookies for Football Betting - Full List

Compact view
  • Claim a welcome bonus when you join.
  • Registration is quick, easy and secure.
  • Deposit and withdraw using a range of trusted methods.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 day

Apps
18+ New customers only. Place a £10+ bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get £30 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets only. Free stake not returned with winnings. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
  • Strong and trustworthy brand reputation.
  • Generous welcome bonus for new players.
  • Lots of sports, competitions and teams to bet on.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 day

Apps
New cust. Deposit £10+ in 7 days and bet on sports. Min odds apply. Reward = 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders and 2 x £10 Sports bet). Valid 7 days. Free bets not valid on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply.”
Best Offer
  • Free bet credits for new players.
  • Price boosts and cashback for existing members.
  • Instant deposits and quick withdrawals.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 3 days

Apps
For new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. 18+
  • Available online and as a physical store.
  • Offer several markets and competitive odds.
  • Provide regular betting insights and tips.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 day

Apps
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
  • Free bets for new players.
  • Ongoing bonuses for existing players.
  • Instantly deposit funds and quickly withdraw winners.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 3 days

Apps
18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stake not returned). Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Bet Builder+ T&Cs apply.
  • SpreadEx’s sports spread betting.
  • A variety of live streams are available regularly.
  • Various promotions available.
Payment methods
Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. 18+ www.gambleaware.org. Place a £10 fixed odds single or £10 each-way bet at minimum odds of 1/2 and get 3 x £10 free fixed odds bets, 3 x £5 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x £5 Winning Favourites spread bets and a £1 racing Race Index spread bet.
  • Large range of betting markets and competitive odds.
  • Ongoing promotions and games.
  • Enhanced places on horse racing for each-way bets.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

0 - 5 days

New customers only. First single & E/W bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 4 X £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.
  • Competitive odds and markets across football and horse racing.
  • Ongoing and regular promotions.
  • Several welcome bonuses to choose from.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

2 - 10 days

New customers only. Place a min £10 bet at min odds of 2.0. £40 worth of Free Bet Tokens awarded on bet settlement. 4 x £10 each with betting restrictions. 7 day expiry. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). 18+ GambleAware.org. Bet The Responsible Way.
  • A welcome bonus for new customers.
  • Ongoing promotions for existing bettors.
  • A wide range of sports, competitions, and markets.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 4 days

Apps
18+ New Customers. Opt in, deposit and bet min £5 (up to £40) on Sports at 1/1+ odds within 3 days of registration. Should your first bet lose, get your initial stake up to £40 Free Bets for set markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
  • Competitive odds and markets across many sports and events.
  • Features like ‘0% margin’ and ‘Bore Draw’ options.
  • Data-driven insights are available for select sports to enhance decisions.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 3 days

1st deposit only. Min deposit £10. Max bonus £10. Min odds 1/1 (2.0). Max winnings £100. 5-days bonus expiry. User Agreement and Bonus T&Cs apply. +18 gambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
  • Competitive odds and markets across many sports and events.
  • Features like ‘0% margin’ and ‘Bore Draw’ options.
  • Data-driven insights are available for select sports to enhance decisions.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 3 days

T&C Applies to users registered 26/01/2026 or later | Deal ends on 31/01/2026, 8:00 PM BWT | No wagering requirements apply | Max stake £25 | General T&Cs apply”al T&Cs apply
  • All new players qualify for free bets.
  • Gamble on a user-friendly website or modern mobile app.
  • Bet on over 200 pre-match and live markets in every Premier League match.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 5 days

Apps
New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on Football on odds of min 1.5 (1/2), get £50 in Free Bet Builders after the qualifying bet has been settled. Rewards valid for 90 days. Only deposits via cards and Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.

88%

18+ New UK Customers Only. Bet £10+ on any sportsbook markets at odds of evens (2.00) or greater. No cash out. Get 50% back of your first day’s losses (from first bet settlement until 23:59) as a Free Bet up to £25, valid for 7 days. Min. 3 bets on different events required, with 2 bets being at least 50% of your largest stake. Place at least 1 bet of £10+ at odds 2.00+ to receive a £5 Free Bet even if your account is up or losses are under £5. T&Cs Apply. GambleAware.org. Gamble Responsibly.
  • Free bet for new players.
  • Bet pre-match or live.
  • Cash out your bets on the website or mobile site.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 day

Apps
New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit and bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+
  • Betfair offers a diverse range of betting markets across various sports.
  • Betting exchange to bet against other members.
  • Many deposit and withdrawal methods available.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 5 days

Apps
Place a min £10 bet on Sportsbook on odds of min EVS (2.0), get £50 in Free Bet Builders, Accumulators or multiples to use on any sport. Rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via cards or Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.
  • Free bet for new customers.
  • Profit boosts for winning players.
  • Free horse racing livestream.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 3 days

Apps
18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€10 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€10 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. 
  • Welcome bonus for new players.
  • Generous odds on football and sports.
  • Wide range of betting markets.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

0 - 3 days

Available to verified customers residing in the UK. Opt-in is required. Place your first bet of £10 at minimum odds of 1/1 on any sports market within 7 days of registering. Get £30 in Free Bets (2 x £10 Horse Racing Free Bet + 1 x £10 Football Acca Free Bet) T&Cs apply. 18+ Please gamble responsibly.
  • New customers qualify for a generous welcome bonus.
  • Existing customers enjoy several recurring promotions.
  • Securely deposit funds and withdraw winnings.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 5 days

Apps
T&Cs: 18+, New customers only. Opt in, deposit & bet £10 on any sports (odds 2.00+) in 7 days. No cash out. Get 4x£5 sports free bets for set markets (odds 2.00+), which expire in 7 days. T&Cs Apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
  • Welcome bonus offered to all new players.
  • Competitive odds on Premier League football.
  • Betting available on a wide range of popular sports.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 3 days

Apps
18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device or app, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
  • Large number of sports and specials covered.
  • Wide range of sports live streamed.
  • Regular Odds Boosts offered.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 3 days

Apps
18+| GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Opt in. Deposit and Bet £10+ on sports at min odds of 2.0+ (1/1) for £30 in Free Bets within 7 days. Debit cards or instant bank transfers only. Free bets expire within 7 days of issue. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply.
  • Generous welcome bonus for new customers.
  • Ongoing promotions for existing players.
  • Fast and secure deposits and withdrawals.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 - 3 days

Apps
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply.
  • Comprehensive market offering.
  • Insightful Blog and Bet Calculator.
  • Regular prizes with free-to-enter competitions.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 day

Apps
18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 or more on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds within 7 days of registration. No cash out. Get £30 in Free Football Bets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. gambleaware.org l Please gamble responsibly
  • Free bets for new players.
  • Ongoing bonuses and promotions.
  • Bet using your laptop or mobile.
Payment methods
Withdrawal

1 day

Apps
New cust only. Deposit and Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+BeGambleAware.org T&Cs Apply.

Table of contents

  1. 1.Football Betting Tips and Strategies: How to Bet Smart on Football
  2. 2.Football Betting Site Licenses and Regulations

Football Bookmakers: Key Features Comparison

I’ll now reveal the best betting sites for football in the most important categories. Click the link to one or more to join and secure the welcome bonus free bet.

When searching for the best bookies for football, look no further than bet365. The UK-based sportsbook has the most generous odds, the widest range of markets, and an excellent welcome bonus for new customers. You can gamble on the Premier League and Championship now.

Bet365 Pros and Cons

  • Free bet credits for new players.
  • Price boosts and cashback for existing members.
  • Instant deposits and quick withdrawals.
  • HQ-quality live stream of major sports.
  • Bet Builder, in-play, live betting and other features.
  • Certain payment methods don’t qualify for the bonus.
  • The live stream doesn’t cover some sports.
Overall rating
98%

Bonus Offers & Free Bets

98%

Usability, Look & Feel

98%

Mobile App

97%

Payment Methods

97%

Customer Service

98%

Licence & Security

100%

Rewards & Loyalty Program

98%

98%

For new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. 18+

It’s important to always get the best odds every time you gamble on football. From the list of online football betting sites, I recommend BetMGM. You’ll enjoy great odds and interesting markets on the top leagues, with BetMGM often boasting market best price.

BetMGM Pros and Cons

  • Strong and trustworthy brand reputation.
  • Generous welcome bonus for new players.
  • Lots of sports, competitions and teams to bet on.
  • A fast, responsive and secure mobile betting app.
  • Ongoing bonuses for existing players.
  • No telephone support.
  • Doesn’t yet accept crypto deposits.
  • May limit or ban some players.
Overall rating
99%

Bonus Offers & Free Bets

100%

Usability, Look & Feel

99%

Mobile App

99%

Payment Methods

98%

Customer Service

100%

Licence & Security

100%

Rewards & Loyalty Program

97%

99%

New cust. Deposit £10+ in 7 days and bet on sports. Min odds apply. Reward = 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders and 2 x £10 Sports bet). Valid 7 days. Free bets not valid on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply.”

The top football betting sites offer bonuses to new and existing customers. Check Ladbrokes now and you’ll find a welcome bonus, enhanced odds on the top leagues, profit boosts or cashback for accumulator backers, enhanced each way place terms and other delights.

Ladbrokes advantages and disadvantages

  • Free bets for new players.
  • Ongoing bonuses for existing players.
  • Instantly deposit funds and quickly withdraw winners.
  • Watch horse racing and sports on the live stream.
  • Benefit from a long list of features, including live betting.
  • Cash-out isn’t available on every bet.
  • Some payment methods don’t qualify for the welcome bonus.
Overall rating
96%

Bonus Offers & Free Bets

95%

Usability, Look & Feel

96%

Mobile App

95%

Payment Methods

96%

Customer Service

96%

Licence & Security

98%

Rewards & Loyalty Program

95%

96%

18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £5 free bets (selected sportsbook markets only, valid 7 days, stake not returned). Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Bet Builder+ T&Cs apply.

I make no apologies for returning to bet365. The app features on our list of the top 10 football betting sites, as it’s an all-rounder. As well as great odds, bonuses and markets, you can also watch games from the top football leagues and competitions on an HD-quality live stream.

Bet365 Pros and Cons

  • Free bet credits for new players.
  • Price boosts and cashback for existing members.
  • Instant deposits and quick withdrawals.
  • HQ-quality live stream of major sports.
  • Bet Builder, in-play, live betting and other features.
  • Certain payment methods don’t qualify for the bonus.
  • The live stream doesn’t cover some sports.
Overall rating
98%

Bonus Offers & Free Bets

98%

Usability, Look & Feel

98%

Mobile App

97%

Payment Methods

97%

Customer Service

98%

Licence & Security

100%

Rewards & Loyalty Program

98%

98%

For new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. 18+

Betfred is one of the best football bookmakers due to its interesting accumulators. Wager on the cream of this weekend’s EPL, midweek action from the Champions League, games from the international stage and more. There’s match-winner, both teams to score and other coupons.

Betfred pros and cons

  • Available online and as a physical store.
  • Offer several markets and competitive odds.
  • Provide regular betting insights and tips.
  • No esports betting available.
  • No loyalty programme for regular bettors.
Overall rating
97%

Bonus Offers & Free Bets

96%

Usability, Look & Feel

96%

Mobile App

97%

Payment Methods

97%

Customer Service

98%

Licence & Security

100%

Rewards & Loyalty Program

93%

97%

New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

If you enjoy gambling on a mix of the most popular leagues and more unique competitions, Unibet is worth a look. Wager on everything from the Premier League and Scottish Premiership, to La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, European Championships, and your favourites.

Unibet pros and cons

  • Large number of sports and specials covered.
  • Wide range of sports live streamed.
  • Regular Odds Boosts offered.
  • Fines relating to Responsible Gambling.
  • Some niche odds not as great as other sportsbooks.
  • Relatively basic customer service options are available.
Overall rating
80%

Bonus Offers & Free Bets

79%

Usability, Look & Feel

84%

Mobile App

83%

Payment Methods

78%

Customer Service

77%

Licence & Security

90%

Rewards & Loyalty Program

72%

80%

18+| GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Opt in. Deposit and Bet £10+ on sports at min odds of 2.0+ (1/1) for £30 in Free Bets within 7 days. Debit cards or instant bank transfers only. Free bets expire within 7 days of issue. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply.

Football Betting Tips and Strategies: How to Bet Smart on Football

Football betting at any of the sportsbooks mentioned in this article is fast-paced, unpredictable, and fun. You can get closer to the action than ever before by predicting the winner, calling the first scorer or wagering on how many goals will be scored in a match.

Beating the bookies takes more than simply picking your favourite team and setting your stake. To make reliable and consistent profits, you must be disciplined. Follow these points to improve your bets and ramp up your profits.

Get the best odds every time you gamble

Open an account with as many sportsbooks as possible, collecting the welcome bonuses. A good spread increases your chances of getting the top offer every time you wager on the beautiful game.

Study the stats

In almost two decades working in the gambling industry and a lifetime betting on football, I’ve learned one thing for sure. The more research you do, the better your bets will perform. Use Flashscore to study the stats, check the head-to-head form, and get updated league standings.

Create a staking plan

Regardless of which league you bet on or market you choose, it’s essential to have a staking plan and stick to it. Never adjust your stake to chase winners or respond to a winning streak. A good staking plan is often the difference between profit and loss.

Get the in-play value

It pays to bet with a bookmaker with a reliable football live stream. You can place your bets and watch the play on your mobile or laptop, looking for any hints, trends or clues. Watch the match and seize on any value available in the live betting odds. It’s a test of football knowledge and patience.

Spread the love

Flashscore and major bookmakers cover all major leagues from across Planet Football, and so must you. Many gamblers make the mistake of sticking with the Premier League or Champions League, but you’ll find the real value in less popular competitions, including the Italian Serie A.

Football Betting Site Licenses and Regulations

When searching for your next online bookmaker, you’ll find a long list of options. The problem is, each app promotes itself as the best in the business. There are also some dangerous, offshore, illegal and unlicensed betting apps around.

When choosing a bookie, your first check should be that they’re licensed and regulated. Look at the bottom of the homepage for the license information and number. A sportsbook should be licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. If it’s not or you’re having to search for it, my advice would be to move along.

You’ll be happy to learn that all bookmakers promoted on this page are legal and licensed.

Meet the Author

Frank Monkhouse

Frank Monkhouse

Sports Betting Writer (Flashscore)

I have been involved in the gambling industry for almost 20 years, filling a number of important roles, from the trading floor to content editor. My previews and predictions lean heavily on the stats and trends to help readers identify the value and find winning bets. As a former professional boxer, I boast a unique insight into sports and enjoy covering the biggest events.

FAQ

What is the best betting site for football?

Choose any bookmaker on this page and bet with confidence.

What is the best betting app for football?

Personally, I’m a huge fan of the bet365 football betting app.

Which bookmaker has the best football odds?

BetMGM is notorious for offering better football odds than most other sportsbooks.

Is it possible to bet on football transfers?

Yes, most of the apps on this page offer football transfer betting under specials.

Is it worth it to bet on women’s football?

Yes, women’s football is competitive, unpredictable and offers great odds.

How does football handicap betting work?

The favourites in the match-betting market will start with a one-goal deficit and their opponents a one-goal head start.

How to win at football betting?

Study the statistics, browse the various markets, and adhere to a staking plan.

Is football betting profitable?

It can be when following the advice contained in this article.

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