Join me as I go through the safest betting apps for UK, and also share some tips on how to bet safely online.
Best December betting offer
Online safety has never been more of an issue than now, so I have rounded up and tested the safest betting sites in the UK and put them all in one place. Here you go:
My top-rated trusted UK betting sites
- talkSPORT BET
- Midnite
- Betfred
- bet365
- Sky Bet
- SBK
- BetMGM
- Paddy Power
- Casumo
- Copybet
- Spreadex
- Sporting Index
- Betfair
- Ladbrokes
- 10bet
A closer look at the safest betting sites & apps
1. Safest betting site chosen by us : BetUK
BetUK covers all of the bases for me regarding customer well-being and overall safety. It uses state-of-the-art security features to make sure that all personal information is kept safe. It offers an extensive collection of resources for those who may need support with their gambling habits. The site even holds a remote bookmakers license from Revenue Commissioners for Ireland.
As well as being secure, BetUK is also a brilliant bookmaker, offering a big selection of betting markets and free bets for players to take advantage of.
| ✨ Highlights |
|---|
| Excellent KYC policy |
| State-of-the-art security and encryption |
| Range of responsible gambling tools |
| Huge range of betting markets |
2. Runner-up: bet365
bet365 is one of the most well-known brands on the planet. When I signed up and made my first deposit everything ran smoothly. What really stood out for me was the responsible gambling section where bettors can find helpful tips to stay in control of their betting.
| ✨ Highlights |
|---|
| Top encryption tools |
| Safe banking methods |
| Easy-to-use app |
3. BetVictor
BetVictor is one of the most secure bookmakers on the market. The operator uses SSL encryption technology to ensure the safety of all data and transactions.
I felt safe with the two-factor authentication system which provided an added layer of security, ensuring enhanced safety measures on mobile devices. Something, I also found out is that BetVictor also has a dedicated anti-fraud team.
| ✨ Highlights |
|---|
| Two-factor authentication |
| 128-bit SSL encryption technology |
| Brilliant customer service |
4. Parimatch
Parimatch is a recent entry into the market, and before testing, I hadn’t encountered them before. I was pleasantly surprised by the safety features offered and the betting experience.
Along with a licence from the UKGC, the site is also covered by the Government of Gibraltar and the GBGA. Parimatch also offers some of the best responsible gambling support in the industry.
| ✨ Highlights |
|---|
| Multiple licenses |
| Competitive odds |
| Secure payment methods |
5. Spreadex
Spreadex is my chosen betting exchange site, with the operator offering some of the most competitive lay-betting markets around (believe me I have checked)
As well as having a licence to provide betting services in the UK, Spreadex is also supported by the Financial Conduct Authority.
| ✨ Highlights |
|---|
| Supported by the Financial Conduct Authority |
| Excellent exchange odds |
| Third-party certificates |
How I rank betting apps for safety
Knowing how to identify a safe sports-betting site is a skill that all punters have. When ranking betting sites here are the criteria that are most important to me.
- Licence: When you sign up for a new bookie, the first thing you should check is its licence. All sites providing betting services in the UK should be licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). This information should be clearly on display (Usually found in the website footer). Rest assured all of the sites I have listed are fully licensed by the UKGC.
- Security features: When testing betting sites I always look at the security features on offer like two-factor authentication.
- Transparency: All the providers I have listed provide clear terms & conditions when it comes to offers and payments.
- Anti-fraud measures: Many of the top bookmakers will have anti-fraud teams dedicated to stopping fraudsters from scamming their players. With fewer operators, scams can be quite ubiquitous. Thankfully, the ones I tested all have anti-fraud teams in place.
Why you should only bet on safe betting sites
There are plenty of reasons you should avoid a shady bookmaker. The two biggest ones are your money and your details. Betting with an unlicensed bookmaker could lead to your money going missing or your details and data being sold to third parties.
What makes this worse, is that if you are using an unlicensed operator, you will not be able to dispute any of these issues. Betting with a UKGC-licensed bookmaker ensures that you have a governing body that you can contact to tackle any disputes that may arise.
Luckily, the UK has one of the most secure betting markets in the world. The UKGC has strict guidelines and a zero-tolerance approach to any wrongdoing. By choosing a betting app that is licensed and regulated by the UKGC, you know that you can deposit your money and bet without worrying about where it is going to end up. Being able to gamble safely ensures not only the protection of your data but also that you can have a stress-free experience.
Even if a sportsbook app offers all the sports promotions and betting markets for sports like Premier League football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, horse racing, etc., it won’t be worth your time if it doesn’t have a UK Gambling Commission license, ensuring people are covered from the legal side of things.
The same rules apply with casino gambling sites that double as sportsbooks and vice-versa: Whether you’re playing poker, slots, bingo, craps, blackjack, roulette, keno, lottery games, or betting on any sport found on a bookie’s betting market list, check the reviews to ensure a gambling site is legit, has a good reputation, and has the UKGC’s verification.
Reviews of the most trusted UK betting sites
I have reviewed every bookmaker that I recommended on this page thoroughly. Read more about some of the sportsbooks we trust the most:
Q&A session about safe betting in the UK
Let’s answer the most important questions British punters have about ensuring their bets are placed in a safe environment.
1. How can I keep my betting account safe?
All of the betting apps we have listed here are safe and secure and hold licenses from the UKGC. However, there are still steps that bettors can take to ensure their account is kept safe.
Firstly, make sure your password is secure. Choosing password123 probably isn’t the best way to protect your betting account if you were to lose your phone or computer. Going for something that is a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters is the best advice we can give. Even better, get hold of a password generator and manager to deal with this for you. Updating your password every 90 days is also a smart move.
If the app offers it, we always recommend using two-factor authentication. This will require you to enter another code or answer a question before you can access your account. You can also add this to the depositing option on a lot of apps.
Finally, we recommend not saving your financial data in the app. If your phone is lost and someone manages to get into your account, you don’t want them to have instant access to your card or e-wallet. Inputting your information each time can be laborious, but it is one of the smartest ways to protect your money.
2. How can I check my online betting account balance safely?
Checking your account balance is a quick and easy process. All you need to do is log in to your sports betting app and click the display balance button. This is typically located in the top corner. Most of the bookmakers we have listed will have the option to hide your account balance. We recommend taking this, as having your balance on display, especially in public, can attract a lot of attention.
3. Is it safe to bet when using public WiFi?
While all of the betting apps we have recommended use SSL encryption technology to prevent hackers, we do recommend that bettors approach using public Wi-Fi with caution. Many of the early-day concerns about public Wi-Fi have vanished but there is still an argument that you are more at risk when using a public network than a private one.
It should also be noted that some public Wi-Fi may not allow players to access casinos or bookmakers.
4. Which payment methods are the safest to use when betting?
All of the payment methods you will find on the bookies apps we have listed are safe and secure. The payment method a player chooses to use will come down to personal preference. For example, some players may prefer to use an e-wallet like PayPal over debit card options, as they don’t want to share their banking details directly with an operator.
Just because all of the payment methods are safe, doesn’t mean that players shouldn’t take some precautions. We recommend that players don’t save their financial data in their betting accounts. This ensures that you will not have your funds taken if someone else gets into your account. What’s more, pay attention to which payment restrictions apply for bonuses, as you often won’t be able to claim a deposit bonus using e-wallets, and this will also limit your withdrawal options.
5. What should I do if I think my betting account has been hacked?
If you think your betting account has been hacked, you should contact your betting company immediately. They will be able to provide you with all of the information you need regarding log-ins and money transfers.
We also recommend contacting your bank straight away if you have concerns about money being taken out of your account. It is also a good idea to remove any cards or financial information linked to your account. If you feel as though you are unsafe, then closing your account and starting a new one is also a good option.
Summary – stay safe when gambling online
Monitoring your safety and security when betting online can feel like a bit of a minefield, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of top online bookmakers in the UK that offer a safe and secure experience to their punters. The operators we have listed in this guide all adhere to UKGC guidelines and provide a safe environment for their customers to bet in.
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.