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If you are interested in betting with a UK bookmaker then check out our list below. We bring you a complete list of free bets and offers from the leading UK bookies. There are plenty of promotions to choose from, so take a look and grab a betting offer that suits your needs.
The UK has a strong sports betting industry, backed by reliable regulation, just one of the reasons why more than one in five 18-65 year olds bet online. Convenient, easy to use and accessible to all, online betting has enjoyed a steady rise in popularity.
By contrast, the number of brick-and-mortar bookmakers is starting to tumble; in September 2018 there was 8423 licensed betting shops in the UK. By contrast, online betting was moving in the opposite direction, increasing its market share.
But what should you know about UK bookmakers? Should you trust new UK bookmakers? Here’s the facts that every bettor needs to know.
The betting industry has always been heavily regulated in the UK, and since 2005 the UK Gambling Commission has overseen the licensing. To get approved to operate as a bookmaker, they must be able to demonstrate financial stability and resilience, together with procedures that protect the funds from players.
No bookmaker is allowed to operate in the UK without a licence and with so many available to choose from, it’s madness to even consider betting with an unlicensed bookmaker. The Gambling Commission has a register where you check the details, including website and current status of a bookmaker’s licence.
Online bookies are subject to the same strict regulations and those with premises in the high street. When you’re placing a bet it’s imperative that you can trust the bookie, and that’s one of the roles of the Gambling Commission. The best UK bookmakers for you may also be fairly new to the market but once you’ve checked them out, you can use their services with confidence.
Once you’re certain that the UK bookmakers you’re considering are licensed, how do you choose between them? There are some factors you might want to consider.
If you’ve had a win, you’ll want to receive your payout pronto, whether it’s to enjoy your winnings or to reinvest it into a bigger bet. Whatever the reason, it’s not much fun being kept hanging around and for many people would be a major deterrent in deciding whether to use the bookmaker again.
There can be a marked discrepancy in how quickly bookies pay out the money, especially after a big event. Some seem to be far more efficient in turning things around, while others leave you twiddling your thumbs. Of course, there may be regulatory requirements to navigate, such as proof of ID. That’s a legal must-have and not a delaying tactic from the bookmaker. However, once you’ve gone through this process once you won’t need to repeat it for the next bet so it’s a pain that’s worth grinning and bearing.
You should be able to see the estimated payout times either on the bookmakers own websites or in reviews. Only you can decide how quickly is acceptable, but there will be an obvious variance between the service of some.
All online bookmakers accept bank transfers which means you should be easily able to move money into your account using your debit card. Most bookmakers will also accept credit cards.
Some bettors are reluctant to link their main payment cards directly to their bookie account. This could be for several reasons, including minimising the risk of getting carried away. It’s possible to find Paypal betting sites, or bookies who accept e-wallets to make life less stressful all round. Alongside Paypal, other options for payment and withdrawals could include Skrill and Neteller.
You would be forgiven for thinking this is an area which is fairly standard because after all, don’t all bookies operate in the same markets? You might be surprised to learn that’s not necessarily the case as some specialise in some sports more than others.
For example, if you’re looking for football accumulators during the summer when the Premier League is on a break, you’d need to find someone who has a good variety of overseas football. Not everyone offers a comprehensive choice in this niche market so make sure you know what you want to bet on and find UK bookies which offer the facility.
You’ll discover there’s no shortage of free bets from UK bookmakers when you’re signing up as a new customer, but once you’ve been with a bookie for a while the deals might seem to dry up. Although free bets no deposit required are the most lucrative type of incentive, the best UK bookies also offer reload deals to motivate bettors to keep on coming back rather than looking elsewhere.
The bonuses and rewards offered will vary significantly from one bookmaker to another depending on the promotions they’ve got on. The only time they’re all likely to align is during major events such as the Grand National when they’ll be vying to take top billing. This means it’s very worthwhile in comparing deals, so don’t forget to check the Yesbets page for the latest information.
All of the above factors will allow you to narrow down the market to find a UK bookie that’s not just reliable but one that offers the best deals, such as free bets. Although a bookmaker can obtain a licence from anywhere in the world, one that’s based in the UK is generally accepted as preferable.
A UK bookie will understand the markets you want to bet on far more intimately and tailor its service specifically towards the British public. Many have a strong history, originally with bricks-and-mortar betting shops, before moving into online sports betting. This provides a pedigree which can’t be beaten and when combined with top-quality customer service and enhanced odds, it’s hard to find a reason to look elsewhere.
Yesbets lists an enormous range of UK bookies, all of whom are licensed to operate in the UK market. We bring you the latest information, promotions and deals so don’t place a bet anywhere without checking you’re getting the best offer first.
