Recommended online betting apps in the UK
If you’re just getting started with mobile gambling, it can be tricky to know where to turn. There is a huge variety of betting sites available across the world and they all promise to deliver a top experience that’s better than that of their competitors. But they can’t all produce the best betting apps!
To find out who’s really got this product down to a T you’ll need the help of some eagle-eyed review experts. And that’s exactly where we can help you out. We don’t just produce details for any old operator here on our site. We take pride in knowing that our team has sorted the wheat from the chaff. And what you’re left with is a list of incredible sports apps.
Take your pick from the brands shown here and you’ll find your way to sports betting heaven in no time at all!
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An introduction to betting apps
Applications are the answer to many problems. The internet produced a world of new possibilities for all manner of industries. But as the offering became more in-depth and webpages grew, it became clear that it wasn’t practical to have so much happening on a smaller screen. The answer was to shrink the pages or build a program that could offer a specific experience without the unnecessary bumph that users loathed.
Mobile optimised pages certainly have their place in the new order of things online. But apps can offer so much more. Their creation was proactive and allowed for a ton of features rather than trying to overcome the pitfalls of a webpage as you try to miniaturise it.
More and more people are betting on mobile
The betting industry has grown at an incredible rate over the years. And with this influx of customers came a huge demand for bigger and better things. We used to accept shoddy mobile offerings a few years ago. But that just won’t cut it anymore.
Punters have high standards and are looking for the sleekest designs combined with the very best functionality that an operator can muster. It’s hard for the bookies to keep up. But with a dedicated app at their disposal, they have a real chance of staying one step ahead of the game.
Where the mobile gambling industry will go, we’re not sure. It may eventually incorporate VR headsets or maybe we’ll be teleported to the bookmakers to enjoy the fun! Either way, one thing is certain, and that’s that the mobile app won’t be going anywhere any time soon.
How we rate and review mobile betting apps
A decent sports app needs more than a few flashy graphics and bright colours. It must be functional but at the same time tick many other boxes.
If we simply released details of every app on the market, the list would be enormous. So we have to whittle it down to the very best. And that means running a full check of everything that the application has to offer.
User experience and interface
One of the first things that you notice when checking out an app is the interface. The design and how everything is laid out is incredibly important to the user experience. You don’t want to be left guessing where to find the things you need.
There are several important parts to a site that can affect how easy it is to navigate. You want to be able to find all of the best betting options plus your account details as well. And then there are things such as promotions that also need to be readily accessible at the click of a button.
We take our time to work through every corner of the best betting app UK. And if it is just too hard to get what we need, then it doesn’t make it onto our list of top products.
UK License
For punters coming from the UK, a UKGC licence is imperative. Any operator in this area must have one of these licences to be able to provide the services. It is a legal requirement that can have harsh penalties as a consequence for not complying with the law.
Operators offering gambling games fall under the jurisdiction of the UK Gambling Commission. And this is regardless of what type of gambling they have available – be it sports betting, bingo or casinos.
Playing at a site without a valid licence is done so at your own risk. We never recommend that you access sites that don’t have at least some form of legal protection for the players and punters.
Live streaming options and in-play betting
When it comes to the betting action, things don’t get more fast-paced and enjoyable than live streaming and in-play betting. It has become one of the most popular offerings that the best betting apps UK can provide its customers. And some punters simply won’t give a site another look if the app does not offer this kind of entertainment.
We check that there are plenty of events available on the best gambling apps and not just on the main website. As more and more people take to their mobiles to perform all kinds of tasks on the internet, watching videos and live streaming sports events are becoming the norm and not the luxury like they used to be. And while all this is going on, betting fans want to be able to place a bet during the game. In-play betting is fast-paced and an extremely fun way to have a flutter.
Market and sports selection
There are loads of different matches and races etc available across the sports betting niche. And not all of them are as mainstream as each other. There are some events that are less popular but they still have a fairly decent following. And fans of these want to be able to enjoy a bet on these games too.
And within these individual sports, there are many different ways to place a bet. The number of markets available for each event is incredibly important as it can affect how much entertainment you can find with any given brand. Gone are the days of simply choosing a winner. Now, punters demand a selection of great wagering opportunities. And the more that are available, the better it is for everybody involved.
We always take the time to look through the selection of various sports and markets that are displayed on any of the best online betting apps. If there isn’t a good enough mix, then it is unlikely that they will make it onto our shortlist.
Odds and pricing
The odds for each of the markets is also high on our list of things to check. Every potential outcome has its own price and it needs to be fair. You can’t expect a bookmaker to produce the highest prices for every single market, but they need to be up there for the majority of them.
The slightest discrepancy in a set of odds can greatly affect the profit that you stand to make from your bet.
Bonuses and promotions
An enticing aspect of mobile betting apps are the bonuses and promotions they offer. These incentives can be the deciding factor for many punters choosing between different sports betting apps. They often come in the form of welcome bonuses for new users, cashback deals, enhanced odds, or free bets for particular events. It’s important, however, to read the terms and conditions of these offers carefully to fully understand what you’re getting into.
Some bonuses may seem generous at first glance, but come with stringent wagering requirements or short expiry dates. We thoroughly examine the bonuses and promotions offered by each betting app, ensuring they provide real value to punters and are not just marketing gimmicks. Only apps that offer fair and worthwhile promotions make it to our top products list.
Modern technology
And the tech that the operator chooses to employ is one of the most important aspects of their gambling app. Going cheap and picking the most basic software will save them some money in the beginning. But the longevity of cheap football streaming apps, for example, will suffer as fans start to find flaws with the program.
Getting the best bet app up and running is nowhere near as costly as it used to be. In the old days, you needed an entire team of experts to create even the most simple of free betting apps. But thankfully, that is no longer the case. And these products can now be up and running very quickly and with far less financial implication than in the past.
A modern bookmaker app needs to work at lightning speed and produce everything that the customer wants in a matter of seconds. And when it all comes together perfectly, the experience is second to none.
Betting app of the week
VBet
VBet is a popular online betting app that offers users a wide range of options for sports betting, including football, basketball, and horse racing, along with casino games. With its user-friendly interface, secure transactions, and comprehensive coverage of global sports events, it provides an immersive betting experience forall types of punters.
- Smart and sleek design
- Plenty of betting options
- Doesn’t take up lots of memory
VBet is a well known brand in the betting world, but they also offer plenty of casino games on the site as well as the app. This gives players a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to online gambling.
Browser betting vs. Using an application
When it comes to betting on your favourite sports, you have two choices. You can either access the action directly through mobile betting sites or you can download the best bet app.
Some Brands will have both methods at their disposal. And this is great for customers as they can decide which one they prefer to use. But regardless of which method you go for, you want to make sure that it is able to offer you exactly what you need. And the best way to find out is to try it out for yourself or go by the judgment of the review specialists who have been working in the industry for a long time.
Our team has years of experience under their belts. As a result, they are perfectly placed to advise you on the best ways to play.
Mobile betting apps
Up first, we have the best betting apps. The great thing about these is that they are created with the punter in mind. Everything that you see on an app is there because it needs to be. So you will not be fighting your way through any unnecessary information that you might find on larger web pages. Admittedly, those details are there for a reason but you don’t always need them getting in the way when you want to place a quick bet.
Everything you want should be accessible at the tap of one or two buttons. This makes it incredibly convenient to get straight down to the area of the action that you are after.
The best betting apps are saved on your device so it won’t take long to load it up and get going. However, this does mean that it will use up some of the memory on your phone or tablet. On the whole, this is a small price to pay for the overall experience that an app offers.
Advantages
- App-specific bonus deals
- Easy navigation
- Fast and convenient
- Free
- Less clutter
- Not too demanding on your device’s RAM.
- Easy to use on the go
- Certain offline elements may be available
Disadvantages
- Uses device memory
- Not available for every brand
- Regular updates will be necessary
- Push notifications will appear randomly
- Tempting to bet more frequently
Browser based sportsbooks
So what’s the alternative? Playing with your mobile phone’s web browser means that you can access the betting site in exactly the same way as you would with any other website. Most mobile phone users are completely used to this kind of connection. So even the technophobes among us won’t have any problem accessing their account.
But this form of familiar connection will take a little longer than the best bet app. Web pages need to load their content onto your screen. And depending on your internet connection, this may take some time. And this also depends on the size of the page that you are viewing. Moreover, your phone spec will also play a big part in this.
But it does mean that you don’t have to take up any of your phone’s memory. There is nothing saved directly to your device and this can help with the overall performance of the machine.
Advantages
- Nothing to download
- Familiar format
- Accessible anywhere you have an internet connection
- Optimised Pages load fairly quickly
- All betting sites can provide the service
Disadvantages
- Slightly slower loading speeds
- No access to app specific promos
- Internet cache can slow down your device down
Top football betting apps in the UK
The best football betting apps can provide some top enjoyment. And we’ve got plenty of places for you to get involved. Football is the most popular sport in the UK with millions of fans tuning in each week to catch the latest action. And all this leads to some awesome betting prospects.
888 Sport
888 has been in the gambling business for a fair amount of time. It started out in 1997 as an online casino brand. And around 10 years later, they entered the bingo and sportsbook arena. Their football app is available for both Android and Apple customers and makes navigation super simple. There is a search bar to find everything you need quickly as well as a menu with the most popular sections listed. There is live betting available plus an enhanced wincast function on several sports.
Bet365
Another huge name in the football betting niche is Bet365. They began as a family business in 2000 and are now one of the largest bookies on the market. Their app is downloadable for both Android and iOS and you can get hold of it easily at the respective application stores. Some top features include live stats, betting offers, live stream, in-play bets and a simple deposit and withdrawal function. All in all, it’s a top app with everything you need.
Paddy Power
PP is an Irish bookie that first hit the gambling scene in 1988. They now offer some of the best football betting markets available anywhere on the net. The football app comes complete with special offers for mobile customers as well as easy access to all areas of your account. Odds are laid out clearly within each sports genre. In addition, they have loads of live betting, streaming and easy access to top casino games as well.
Top cricket betting apps in the UK
Cricket betting has exploded over the last decade. It’s no longer seen as a long and slow-moving sport for middle-class men. The new T20 format makes the game more enjoyable for fans as it’s fast-paced, exciting and is over in a couple of hours! There’s plenty of betting action to get hold of and the following apps will help make it effortless.
Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes is one of the oldest bookmakers in the UK. They have been offering sports gambling for over 100 years and began with the noble sport of kings with a track-side setup. Their cricket app is second to none and has one of the easiest welcome deals to get your hands on. The exact offer changes from time to time but they always make it extremely user friendly. They too offer an aesthetically pleasing app with simple navigation. The usual selection of odds is easily found as are live betting and various streaming options.
Bet Victor
BV is another sportsbook with a long history. Since the 1930s, they have been offering a range of markets in loads of different sports. They also sponsor many large events and have an international following. The cricket app on offer is well laid out and presents all the essential elements. Lots of markets are at your disposal as well as fast payments and various offers. The main downside is that the live streaming options aren’t as good as some of their competitors.
William Hill
WH sports is a household name in the UK and is making great inroads into the American market too. They have a top cricket app with some of the best match odds around. Live streams, in-play bets and top prices are just some of the main pulls. The app is well designed and even a novice app user will find everything they need easily.
Top horse racing betting apps in the UK
The exciting horse racing niche is one of the most fiercely contested gambling areas. There are some enormous events that attract fans from around the globe and betting is rife. Horse racing apps are widely available and easy to download from the best brands.
Coral
Some consider this to be the best betting app for horse racing. But of course, this is a matter of opinion. They have a focus on responsible gambling with easy limit selectors to keep you safe. The app offers daily deals as well as easy navigation and a handy custom bet area. Moreover, the usual streaming, in-play wagers and loads more are available.
Betfred
This sportsbook has a top reputation and is well known for fast payouts and a smooth transaction process. The app has an incredible range of horse racing odds that are easily accessible thanks to the convenient menu and other shortcuts. You can find all of the live streams on offer and enjoy in-play bets at the touch of a button. It’s an attractive app with plenty to offer.
Betway
Betway is well known for its top offers for new customers as well as a host of other positive attributes. They also place an emphasis on rewarding current customers with some incredible promos. The app is available for both Android and Apple customers and is easily downloadable. Check out the Price Boost feature that can achieve a number of amazing odds on some popular markets.
Best sports betting apps with live streaming
When choosing the best bet app, one thing that can sway your decision is the quality of the live streaming available. Some operators may only provide a few of the most popular events. But some go the extra mile sourcing live streams for an incredible range of sports.
Just as regular customers have access to various streaming packages, so too do the bookies. Although the problem for regular punters is that most of these packages are across various channels with separate companies. And it can mean paying many subscriptions for the privilege. For the bookie, however, they can access packages that we cannot. And this gives them a huge advantage as they are able to pull everything together in one place without breaking the bank. And this is how they are able to reproduce live streams for their customers as a free service.
We take all this into consideration when deciding which apps to represent on our website.
In-play betting and betting apps
In-play betting goes hand-in-hand with the live stream service. If you are going to place your bets during an event then it always makes sense to watch the action take place. So you need the best bet app that will provide everything in one place.
The list of in-play markets keeps growing bigger and bigger every year. There are now some incredibly exciting ways to get involved in pretty much any sports match.
All of the sites shown here provide a great mixture of in-play bets and live streaming services combined.
Bonuses and free bets on betting apps
Most punters love to get their hands on some freebies. There are many different ways that a bookies can reward customer loyalty and also incentivise new customers to create an account.
Some betting app offers are straightforward and don’t cost you any money while others may produce the goods at a price.
Sports betting apps with free bets
Lots of apps prefer to go down the route of the easy free bet. And we appreciate that this appeals to many people and is far easier for them to manage and operate.
You may find that there are some restrictions as to where you can place your bet. One of the first things to look out for is the events available. If it isn’t one that interests you, then you might not get the full benefit from a deal like this.
And you should also check the fine print to see if there are any restrictions on the type of markets that you can play. There could be rules about the size of odds etc that will determine just how lenient the deal actually is.
No deposit offers
No deposit deals are always a top way to have some free betting action. They don’t require you to spend any cash and this makes them extremely appealing to everybody. Usually, the only thing you need to do is create a new account at the bookies that is offering this promotion.
These types of deals will normally be fairly modest though. If you don’t want to splash the cash, then you shouldn’t expect to see thousands of pounds worth of free bets come your way. These types of deals may be something as simple as a free bet as we’ve seen before. Alternatively, there could be some bonus cash that you can spend in other ways. You can use this bonus money to place bets of your choice and sometimes it’s also possible to use it across different gambling games. Many bookmakers have casinos and bingo websites as well. So the hybrid no deposit deal can provide many different betting opportunities for the gambling enthusiast.
Deposit based offers
Now you may be wondering why you would want to take an offer that requires a deposit over one that does not. And the simple answer is the size of the deal that you can land. As we mentioned before, no deposit deals are usually quite small. So if you are hoping to earn something a little more valuable, then you’ll want to start thinking about spending some cash first. How they work is very simple. You need to make a deposit into your sports betting account and in return, the bookmaker will reward you. Sometimes they will match your deposit, give you some free bets, or maybe even both. Either way, you can expect to see quite a healthy return for your initial deposit.
As with all promos, always check the terms and conditions to see how you can spend any winnings that arise from your bonus cash. It isn’t always possible to simply withdraw the money. You may find that winnings come back to you as bonus credit that you need to use a few times at that site before you can take the cash out.
Mobile-specific bonuses
A top incentive that bookmakers can deploy to encourage customers to download the app is to create an offer surrounding the technology. It isn’t unheard of for them to add enhanced odds or even hand out free bets to those who are prepared to try out the new tech. After all, the operator has spent a lot of time and money creating the program. And now they want to see the customers use it.
One plus side, or downside depending on which way you view it, is that an application sits on your device. And this means that a brand can push notifications of any offers available directly onto your screen.
One advantage this brings is that you will always remain in the know when new deals and promotions arrive. But the downside is that you may not want to be bombarded with marketing messages.
But it is worth pointing out that notifications from applications on your device can usually be stopped. And you can do this in your phone’s settings.
Downloading and installing a bet app
Downloading an app onto your device should be pretty straightforward. And there are a couple of different types of applications that you can find at today’s modern bookmakers.
The first type is a web app. And this is a packaged version of an optimised web page. Usually, you can simply download it directly from the bookie’s website. It’s a kind of hybrid between a dedicated app and a website.
The second type is a fully functioning application that you are probably more used to. And the details of this type of app will be dependent on the type of phone you have or the operating system that it uses.
Betting apps for Android
It seems that the mobile consumer market is split down the middle between Android and iPhone users. And this has created the need for two different variations of the same application. The software behind Android and iOS is different. So they need to create them separately.
Some brands will produce an application first for the Android market. It could be a beta version that they release to iron out any creases while users are getting to grips with the tech. When everything is working perfectly, they then move on to creating the iOS version.
The only way to know which format a brand has created is to check their website or search the Google Play Store and App Store.
But when you locate the link to download the app it is extremely simple to get everything finished. There’s nothing more for you to do other than click to accept the download. Your phone’s tech will do all the heavy lifting for you.
When you’ve finished downloading it, you can then go ahead and log into your account. Now you are able to place your bets and perform any other transactions that you wish.
Betting apps for iPhone
Downloading and installing applications on your iPhone is very similar to the above Android format. The main difference here is that you need to go to the App Store instead of the Google Play Store. But if you have an iPhone then you will be familiar with this. Again, when the app is downloaded, you can enter your username and password to begin your app adventure.
New betting apps in the UK 2024
As more and more customers begin to adapt to the new way of placing bets via their mobile, the more brands that we find offering their own applications. Lots of more established sites are adapting their strategies and creating these top mobile programs. Some of the biggest names on the market will now have this tech at their disposal.
But it isn’t just the well-known companies that have this available. New brands are also getting on board. And this has created an enormous choice for the consumer.
On this page, you will find a great selection of both old and new operators. And it is entirely up to you which one you decide to go for. And don’t forget that there is no limit to the number of apps that you can download. You can have accounts at several bookmakers running at the same time. It is often a great idea to do this as it means you will have access to many different odds across the board.
Should you go for a new app or a more established app?
So should you go for a new app or stick with a brand that has been around for a while. This all depends on what you prefer. As we said, all of the brands shown on this page will offer you a fantastic product. But there are certain advantages to choosing one over the other.
Sports betting companies that have been around for a while will have the benefit of time and experience on their side. They have been in the industry for a while and know exactly what the customers like. They’ll have learned from their mistakes and now they are able to hone their skills to provide exactly what is needed. However, the downside to this may mean that a brand is slightly set in its ways.
And this is where new companies can really begin to shine. A new brand can learn from the mistakes of the older companies and put everything together to provide the very best service. And as an up-and-coming brand, they will also likely be less risk-averse.
You can find some of the latest tech and new and innovative ways to create bets and perform other functions with these new companies. Their ideas don’t always work perfectly but at least they think outside the box and provide the customers with something new and exciting. And this can mean great possibilities for the punter.
Staying safe when using apps
Whether you are using a sports betting application or a mobile site, the main priority remains the same. You need to stay safe regardless of how you are connecting to the betting entertainment.
We always run a thorough assessment of any sites that you see on this page. But it is always worth you doing your homework as well to remain extra secure while betting online.
Make sure the app is licensed
One of the first checks that you can perform is to see if there is a valid licence in place. We will have already done this for you with any of the brands listed here on our website. But in case you are thinking of looking elsewhere, then this should be your first safety check. Any company offering gambling entertainment in the UK must have a full UKGC licence. Without it, they are not acting within the confines of the UK laws.
It is easy to check out these credentials. It takes nothing more than a quick look at the bookie’s website to see the type of licence that they hold. You should see the UKGC licence number clearly marked.
Is sensitive data encrypted via SSL?
Any data that changes hands between you and the betting operator needs to be done so in an encrypted way. You cannot send plain text from place to place and not expect somebody else to get their hands on it.
One of the best types of encryption tech that we have available is SSL. This kind of encryption protocol means that everything you send and receive is scrambled and encrypted so that nobody can intercept it. Take a look at the web address and you should see a small padlock symbol. This means that the website is utilising the very latest in encryption tech. And this is good news for your money and data too.
Payment options for mobile apps
Using a sports app still requires you to deposit some money into your account to take full advantage of the betting opportunities on offer. You can do this in many different ways and use any of the products available. It is entirely your decision which one you think is best. Any fantastic betting operator will offer you a choice of many of the different payment platforms.
Paypal
Starting off with the electronic wallet products. This type of payment transfer has been around for the last couple of decades. It has become a staple in the e-commerce environment. And you can store your funds in your online account and use them however you wish. And with PayPal, you have many different places where you can spend your cash.
It is a well-known brand throughout the world. As a result, you can make transactions in many different currencies. The majority of online bookmakers in the UK will accept PayPal as a form of payment.
You can send money to your betting account as well as make withdrawals back to your PayPal account using this platform. And the great news is that sports betting websites generally don’t charge anything to use this method.
Skrill
Skrill is extremely similar to the PayPal product. You top up your account with cash from your bank account or from another place and move it to your desired destination. It will cost you 1% to add funds to your Skrill account. However, making a payment into your betting account will normally be free.
Transactions are instant and you can use it to send money to and from your betting account.
Neteller
One of the other most popular electronic wallets on the market is Netteller. It works in exactly the same way as the other products. However, the transaction limits with this company are usually much higher. For this privilege, you will need to pay 2.5% to add funds to your account.
The great thing about this product is that it aims to protect the privacy of the punter. So you will not see any transactions appearing on your bank statement as a result.
The major downside to this platform, and all electronic wallets, is that it can be difficult to secure a welcome bonus at a UK bookies. Many of them will not take this payment in return for a deposit bonus, for example.
Boku
If you would like an incredibly convenient and safe way to transfer small amounts of cash to your bookies, then why not consider mobile payments. Companies such as Boku will facilitate the transfer of cash from your mobile phone credit or monthly bill and send it to your betting account.
Transaction limits are low and the maximum in one payment is just 10. Again, this may present a problem if you are hoping to trigger a welcome bonus. Some of these promos require a minimum deposit of higher than £10 to land a freebie.
Debit cards
Debit cards have been in use for many years. They are the simplest way to send cash directly from your bank account straight to your bookie’s account. All you need are the details on the front of the card and the security code on the back to get your cash moving.
It is generally free to use this product, transaction limits are pretty high and your money should hit your account straight away. When making withdrawals, you should allow a couple of days to see the cash come back to your bank account.
FAQ
Hopefully, you have all of the information that you need to get started with the best apps. But if you need a little extra info, then check out the frequently asked questions below.