Best UK Betting Sites

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  Coral

  Established in 1926, Coral is one of the oldest betting brands in the UK. Offering a long list of gambling products, Coral has made a great name for itself amongst UK sports fans, offering odds on an impressive selection of markets. The majority of punters head to Coral to place football bets, with hundreds of football markets able to be utilised on the site. As one of the most popular betting sites in the UK, Coral’s user numbers are always climbing. This is arguably because Coral is renowned for offering great odds on Europe’s top five leagues. This is only bolstered by the site’s strong promotional offering, with betting promos offered throughout the sporting calendar. These range from free bets and acca insurance deals to bonus reloads and more.

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  William Hill

  William Hill is an international bookmaker with a reputation for offering competitive odds on top and niche betting markets. With roots dating back to 1934, William Hill is one of the UK gambling industry’s veterans. Although an older brand, the William Hill betting site is constantly evolving, with new and exciting features introduced on a regular basis.

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  Betvictor

  Founded in 1946, Betvictor is one of the most experienced names in sports betting. Featuring all the sports and tools you would expect from a modern betting site, BetVictor can easily serve all bettors with all types of betting interests. What’s more, BetVictor is easy to navigate on all types of devices; desktop and mobile. Players also have the option to download the BetVictor betting app, betting as and when they please whilst on the go. The BetVictor app is free to download from both the App Store and Google Play.

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  Bet365

  As well as being a generous betting site, Bet365 is also a safe online betting environment, with the brand utilising 128-bit SSL encryption technology to protect players’ data. So, if confidentiality is important to you, Bet365 could well be the best betting site to register with.

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  Paddy Power

  Paddy Power exploded into the world of gambling in 1988, providing a fresh and exciting approach to sports betting. At the turn of the millennium, Paddy Power launched its impressive website which quickly evolved into one of the leading UK betting sites. The Paddy Power betting site is amongst the most bet-on platforms in the country, with Paddy Power free bets, generous cash out prices and its range of betting features being the site’s biggest selling points.

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  32Red

  When signing up to 32Red, you will quickly notice how advanced the betting site is, with its sleek design and sensible layout making it a true pleasure to navigate. Boasting more than 20 years in the betting industry, 32Red understands what bettors desire, giving them a full inventory of special offers, features, markets and tools to utilise. It’s for this reason that 32Red has become a multiple award-winning betting site.

Betting Guide

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  The Growth of Betting

  Betting is a pastime that has been enjoyed by Britons since the Middle Ages. Betting was first associated with the rich and elite who could afford to splurge money on the outcome of chess games, cockfighting matches and horse races. Today, more than 20 million people in the UK are categorised as ‘active’ bettors, with the list of betting options available forever-growing. Now, 80% of UK bettors choose to place their bets via betting sites, with millions of bets placed with online bookmakers every week.

  Betting sites provide an environment where players can place bets online, meaning bettors no longer need to venture to the local betting shop to bet on their favourite sports in person. Online betting rose to prominence in the UK in the 1990s/early Millennium, with web-based betting products launched by some of the most reputable gambling brands during those years. These included Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Betfred and William Hill. Since then, online betting has snowballed, with thousands of betting sites now promoting a vast variety of sports betting markets and promotions for players to enjoy.

  
  

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  Bet Types Explained

  The types of bets you can place via betting sites will be dependent on the betting provider you have signed up with. In the UK, there is a huge variety of bet types players can choose from. These are:

  • Single Bet: A single bet is when a player places one selection, with the selection having to be correct for the bet to be successful.
  • Double Bet: Double bets are bets that encompass two sleetions on two different events. For the bet to be successful, both picks must be accurate.
  • Treble Bet: A treble bet will include three selections in different events. All three predictions must be correct in order for the bet to be paid out on.
  • Trixie Bet: A trixie bet is when a bettor places four bets on three selections in different events.
  • Patent Bet: When placing a patent bet, a punter will place seven bets on three selections in different events.
  • Accumulator Bet: An accumulator bet, or acca as they are also known, is a multiple bet where the bettor places two or more selections; all of which have to come in for the bet to be a success. An accumulator can have a maximum of 20 choices.
  • Yankee Bet: A yankee bet incorporates eleven bets on four separate events. These are usually equal in value.
  • Lucky 15: A lucky 15 bet is when a player puts on 15 bets on four separate events. These consist of 4x singles, 6x doubles, 4x trebles and 1x four-fold accumulator.
  • Heinz Bet: A Heinz bet consolidates 57 bets into one multiple bet. These bets include 15x doubles, 20x trebles, 15x four-fold accumulators, 6x five-fold accumulators and 1x six-fold accumulator.
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  Betting Markets

  Whether you are interested in betting on football matches, ice hockey games or even the Olympics, there will be a betting site ready and waiting to process your bets. Where the majority of UK betting sites used to carry just the most-followed sports, most betting sites now feature an extensive list of 50+ sports markets for players to pick and choose from.

  • Popular betting markets: The most popular betting markets you will find listed by bookmakers include football, horse racing, boxing, golf, greyhounds, formula 1, darts, rugby union, rugby league, cricket, basketball, American football, MMA, athletics, tennis, snooker, pool and hockey.
  • Alternative sports betting markets: Alternative betting markets, or niche betting markets as they are commonly referred to, cover unique betting selections outside of the norm. These can include anything from chess and canoeing to virtual sports.
  • Special betting markets: Many betting sites now feature a ‘Specials’ tab. This page will host betting markets that do not come under the remit of sport. These commonly surround popular culture, with odds on Eurovision Song Contest winners, the next actor to play James Bond and Oscar winners being displayed.
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  Safe Online Betting Tips

  Remaining safe when betting online should always be a player’s priority. This is why educating yourself on how to gamble responsibly is a worthwhile task. Below, we provide some safe online gambling tips for you to take note of.

  • Set limits: By setting budgets and time limits, you will keep a handle on your betting, making sure you don't overspend or spend too much time gambling online. It is also important to never borrow money to bet with.
  • The fun factor: Try to remember that online gambling is a fun pastime; not a way to make money. This will ensure you avoid chasing your bets and throwing good money after bad.
  • Understand your bets: Equipping yourself with as much information about your bets as possible is advised. From potential winnings to cash-out options, knowing all the facts will only serve as a benefit.
  • Keep a clear head: Avoid betting when under the influence of alcohol. This will ensure you make sensible betting decisions and are not irresponsible with your gambling funds.

Betting Sites 101

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  What Makes a Great Betting Site?

  The quality of an online betting site can depend on all sorts of factors, from odds value, diversity of markets to ease of deposits; the list goes on. This is why below, we have cherry-picked the most important features to look out for when comparing betting sites. 

  • Sign Up Process: The sign-up process on a betting site has a significant impact on your initial moments as a player. The more straightforward the process, the better, with lengthy, tedious sign up processes often putting players off registering an account. 
  • Betting Site Credibility: Great betting sites will have a great reputation. You can gain an idea of a betting site’s reputation by conducting a quick Google search and reading online reviews left by real customers. 
  • Markets and Bet Types: Betting sites with an extensive inventory of betting markets and bet types are preferable as they are likely to feature your chosen betting market and bet format. 
  • Welcome Promotions: Betting sites with a generous welcome package always stand out as they give new players a great incentive to sign up and explore the free betting opportunities available. The most advantageous welcome promotions include risk-free bets, no deposit bonuses, deposit free bets and free bet bundles. 
  • Ongoing Offers: Although the sign up offer will be the predominant deal on a betting site, only the best betting sites continue to offer betting promos. This is why locating a bookmaker that promotes ongoing offers throughout the year should be the priority for players. 
  • Betting Site Security: Ensuring your personal and payment data is safe and protected when betting online is understandably of great importance. Leading betting sites utilise the most advanced SSL encryption technology to ensure this. Betting sites that start with ‘HTTPS’ rather than ‘HTTP’ are secure with an SSL certificate. 
  • Interface and Navigation: The ease of use of a betting site will have a significant bearing on whether or not it is enjoyable to bet on. When shopping for a new online betting site, paying particular attention to its interface and navigation is advised. 
  • Customer Support: An online betting site is only as good as the way it treats its players. To be a top-rated betting site, having a long list of customer support features is required.
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  Best Betting Site Features

  Different betting sites have different features; some unique, some standard. Special features are created to amplify players’ online betting, giving them more options and easier ways to bet on the markets that interest them.

  • Live Betting: Live betting has become hugely popular in the UK. Live betting gives players the opportunity to bet on an event whilst it is in-play. For instance, you can bet on the next goal to be scored in a football match that has already started. In-play betting odds can vary hugely from one betting site to the next, as can the range of markets you can bet on in-play. The most common markets include football, tennis, golf, cricket, darts, MMA, boxing, rugby and snooker.
  • Live Streaming: A large part of the betting experience is watching the event you have bet on pan out, whether that be a race, football match or volleyball game. This is why many of the best betting sites have live streaming features, permitting players to bet on and watch sporting events all in one place. 
  • Quick Betslip: In many cases, putting on a bet is something that needs to be done quickly. UK betting sites worth their salt will have a quick bet feature that permits plays to place a betting selection in just a few seconds. 
  • Cash out: Betting sites with cash out give players the option to settle an open bet as and when they wish. This is a favourable feature if a bet you have placed is not looking likely to come in, allowing you to settle the bet early and limit the amount of money the bet stands to lose. 
  • Betting Promotions: Betting promotions make the time spent on betting sites more enjoyable. Whether it be a free bet, acca insurance deal or an enhanced odds offer, betting promotions are a feature everyone wants to see when signing up to a bookmaker. 
  • Online Betting Security: The more secure a betting site, the better. With cyber threats at an all-time high, online bettors will understandably want to ensure that their personal and payment data is safe and secure. This is why betting sites that utilise SSL encryption technology are regarded as the safest. 
  • Customer Support: Customer support features vary from one betting provider to the next. The most advantageous are live chat, email support, on-site FAQs and telephone helplines. However, in recent years we have seen more betting sites offer support via Whatsapp and social media apps too.
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  Betting Sites vs Betting Apps

  Although most online betting sites are responsive and can be used on all types of devices and sized screens, many opt to bet using dedicated betting apps. There are numerous benefits to betting using online betting apps. Here are just a few: 

  • Convenience: Betting using a betting app is hugely convenient. This is because placing a bet via an app is much quicker than doing so via desktop. This can be beneficial when you want to place a bet quickly prior to a game or in the live markets. 
  • Betting App Promotions: Most UK betting sites will offer unique promotions via apps, meaning additional free bets and bonuses can be claimed when using mobile applications over betting sites. Betting sites will use push notifications to inform players as and when new promotions become available. 
  • Live Streaming: Live streaming is one of the biggest mobile betting trends of the decade, with live betting technology integrated into almost all betting apps. This permits players to bet and on and watch sporting events all on one screen, making way for an enhanced remote betting experience.
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  Mobile Betting Sites

  Mobile is now the preferred method to place bets in the UK, with more and more people wanting to stake their selections while on the go. This is why UK betting sites have been under pressure to ensure their betting products and services can be accessed and enjoyed seamlessly on all types of devices. Over the past decade, a huge focus has been placed on ‘responsive’ betting sites. These are sites that automatically adjust for different sized screens and viewports, allowing bettors to access betting sites on desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones and even some smartwatches.

  Due to the increasing demand for mobile-friendly betting sites, lots of bookmakers have gone one step further than simply making their websites responsive, launching online betting apps for players to download. In more cases than not, betting apps are free to download and can be sourced from both the App Store and Google Play.

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  Football Betting Sites

  Football bets make up over 80% of betting predictions made online, being the sport at the centre of the UK gambing industry. As the most enthralling spectator sport there is, football is without doubt the most adrenaline-pinching betting market. This is why 95% of UK betting sites feature football betting!

  The most commonly-visited football betting sites are Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Bet365, William Hill, Grosvenor, Coral and Unibet. However, many new betting sites are starting to gather momentum, with most football bettors switching between betting providers on a regular basis. 

  As well as the unpredictability of the game, football is an interesting betting market due to the incredible selection of bet types and selections players can place. At any given time, players can place a bet on a match’s final result, the first goal scorer, both teams to score, the number of cards to be issued, the number of corners in a game, the goalkeeper’s likelihood of a clean sheet, the winning margin and so much more!

  What's more, football betting sites have become more sophisticated as the years have gone by, with various betting tools introduced to enhance online gambling sessions. These include in-play betting, online betting calculators, quick bet slips and live streaming.

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  Horse Racing Betting Sites

  Horse racing is the second most popular sport to bet on after football, with both high-profile racing events and intimate meets being of interest to the UK betting community. It is important to note that not all betting sites are horse racing betting sites. This is why conducting research before signing up to a bookmaker is always advised.

  Some of the most popular betting sites associated with the world of horse racing include Paddy Power, William Hill, Bet365, ToteSport, Betfair, Ladbrokes, Betway and Betfred. These are the highest ranked horse racing betting sites due to the competitive racing odds, extra places promotions and unique horse racing free bets they have to offer.

  You will find that many of the aforementioned betting sites will have sponsorship agreements in place with horse racing tracks, with bookmakers eager to promote such sponsorship deals via innovative promotional campaigns.

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  eSports Betting Sites

  In recent times, an increased number of betting sites have started to feature eSports markets on their sportsbooks. In fact, eSports is the fastest-growing market for bookmakers globally. eSports (electronic sports) is a term that covers competitive video gaming, with betting sites now permitting punters to bet on the outcome of various eSports tournaments and events.

  Due to the engaging spectator quality to eSports, eSports betting is growing at a rate of knots, with all types of markets being covered by new and established betting sites alike. The most bet-on eSports tournaments in the UK are:

  • CS:GO
  • DOTA 2
  • Call of Duty 
  • League of Legends
  • FIFA
  • King of Glory
  • Starcraft II

  Betting sites credited for their eSports coverage include BetVictor, Coral, 888Sport, Bet365, Sky Bet and William Hill. However, with eSports becoming a favoured market, we are seeing competitive eSports odds and free bets being offered by almost all UK bookmakers.

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  Betting Sites with Casinos

  As online betting has progressed in the UK, players have expanded their knowledge and changed their tastes, taking a varied approach to gambling by not sticking to just one market. Many bettors enjoy switching between placing bets and playing casino games, making betting sites with online casinos hugely desirable. Now, more than 70% of UK betting sites have casino games integrated into them. Some of the most popular include Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Bet365, Betfred and Coral. You will find many betting sites promoting casino bonuses, free spins and many other casino promotions.

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  Customer Service on UK Betting Sites

  The way a betting site treats its players will have a significant bearing on the overall betting experience punters will receive. For instance, if a player has a query or a complaint, knowing that their enquiry will be taken seriously will be important to them. The most conventional channels betting sites offer customer support through are:

  • Live Chat: Live chat is the preferred contact method for most punters looking to get in touch with their betting site’s customer support team. Available on all devices, including desktop and mobile, live chat is both convenient and puts you in contact with a customer support representative immediately. Famous betting sites such as William Hill, Betway, Betfred and Coral all offer this service for its players to tap into. 
  • Telephone: Many bettors wish to speak to customer support directly, preferring to talk to someone over the phone and have a real conversation to get their query heard and resolved. This is why most betting sites offer a telephone customer support feature. 
  • Email: Email support is convenient for most as it’s available for use 24 hours a day. Email customer support is suited to those who do not have time to stay on hold on the phone or wait for a response on live chat. It remains the most commonly-used contact method for betting site customers. 
  • On-site FAQs: Betting sites of all varieties feature FAQs on their site, aiming to give players answers to commonly asked questions quickly. The objective of FAQs is to give players the answers they need without having to take the time out of their betting sessions to contact the customer support team.
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  Betting Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

  The options available when it comes to paying for bets and withdrawing money is hugely important when comparing betting sites. When reviewing a betting site’s payment methods, the more options available to you, the better.

  The most commonly-found payment methods on UK betting sites include Debit Cards, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PaySafeCard and Bitcoin. These are all regarded as safe and secure payment providers.

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  The Best Online Betting Promotions

  Betting promotions are one of the many ways UK bookmakers attract and retain players, with the more attractive the betting offers featured, the more value added to the player’s online betting experience. Below, we profile the most advantageous betting promotions you can claim from UK betting sites today.

  • Free Bets: Free bets are regarded as the ultimate type of betting promotion, essentially giving players the ability to bet for free. Working as free betting tokens, players that claim free bets can enhance their bets without parting with cash they don’t want to. Please remember that there are many different free bet options available, all of which have varying advantages, deposit requirements and rollover stipulations. 
  • Acca Insurance: Accumulator betting holds a great deal of risk, with various selections needing to be correct in order for the bookmaker to pay out on the bet. This is why acca insurance deals are so popular as they allow for some wiggle room. Acca insurance means that if one/two of your selections are incorrect, the bookmaker will still pay out. 
  • Enhanced Odds: Enhanced odds promotions allow players to utilise higher than usual odds on a particular betting selection. These deals are commonly offered on high-profile events such as Premier League matches, The Grand National and so on. 
  • Refer-a -friend Betting Bonuses: Many betting sites will offer players an incentive to refer their betting site to friends and family members. Betting sites will offer players free bets in exchange for the referral which can be sent via text, email or a unique web link. 
  • Extra Places Offers: Extra places is an advanced betting offer for each-way horse racing bettors that pays out on additional runners. For instance, if a betting site usually pays out on the first 4 horses placed, an extra places offer will see them pay out on additional horses placed in that race. 
  • Loyalty Bonuses: A loyal player is gold to a betting site. This is why UK betting sites will reward players for choosing to bet with them regularly. This is often achieved via loyalty bonuses, with betting sites issuing players with regular bonuses as a way of thanks. What’s so great about loyalty bonuses and free bets is the more you bet, the more rewards you will be awarded with.
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  Which Betting Sites Offer Free Bets?

  Think free bets are only featured on established betting sites? Think again. Due to the popularity of online free bets, bookmakers understand that to be competitive they need to offer a healthy list of promotions. This is why we are seeing an increase in the number of new betting sites promoting sizable free bets; especially new player free bets. 

  Looking for a betting site with free bets? With so many on offer, separating the good from the great can be hard. Betting sites with the best reputation for offering healthy free bets are: 

  • Ladbrokes 
  • Bet365 
  • Grosvenor Sports 
  • Paddy Power Sports 
  • BetVictor 
  • BWin 
  • Virgin Bet
  • William Hill 

  If you want to begin your online betting journey on a high, starting with the above operators is advised.

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  Betting Sites: Types of Free Bets Offered

  Free bets are the most sought-after variety of betting promotions offered by online betting sites. Reducing players’ risk of losing their own money, free bets can enhance player experiences tenfold. As a result of their popularity, free bets now come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Below, we list the most beneficial types of free bets players can claim, along with an explanation of the top features of each.

  • Risk Free Bets: Risk free bets are highly desirable due to the reduced risk they bring players. Risk free bets are issued to players after they have placed and lost their first bet. For example, if you have claimed a £100 risk free bet and lose £100 on an initial bet, the bookmaker will reimburse you to the tune of £100. 
  • No Deposit Free Bets: No deposit free bets are ideal promotions for the more risk averse as they do not require players to deposit any money whatsoever in order to issue the free bet. This is a favourable term that makes no deposit free bets increasingly popular. 
  • Deposit Required Free Bets: Dissimilar to no deposit free bets, deposit free bets are free bet promotions that require the player to deposit a predetermined sum in order for the bonus to be supplied. 
  • Matched Deposit Bonus: Matched free bets or ‘matched deposit bonuses’ are promotions where the bookmaker will match a player’s deposit with a free bonus. For example, if you claim a £100 matched free bet and you deposit £100, your betting site will award you with a £100 free bet, giving you a total of £200 to bet with. 
  • Event Free Bets: The majority of free bets available on betting sites will have stipulations regarding the events the free bets can be placed on. Event specific free bets can be used on one, specified event. For instance, Grand National free bets can only be spent on Grand National bets. 
  • New Player Free Bets: Most free bets are offered by betting sites to players when they sign up. These offers are categorised as new player free bets. New player free bets can come in all sorts of variations, including no deposit free bets, matched deposit free bets, risk free bets and much more.
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  Are New Betting Sites Worth it?

  If you are searching for a new betting site to register with, you will quickly notice the sheer volume of new brands on the market; many of which you will not have heard of. But, you may be sceptical about registering with a betting site unknown to you. It is however important that you do not switch your mind off from new betting sites. This is because new brands will be offering sizable free bets and betting promotions in an attempt to stand out and make a name for themselves. Aside from competitive promotions, new betting sites also work with the latest online gambling technologies, meaning they can offer superior betting features and a wider range of markets than most established betting sites.

  If you are considering betting with a new brand, just ensure that the betting site holds a valid gambling licence and takes the subject of responsible gambling seriously.

Betting F.A.Q

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  How do I sign up to an online bookmaker?

  Signing up to an online bookmaker is simple. As part of the registration process, you will need to provide your name, address, contact details, date of birth and create login details.

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  How many online sportsbooks can I sign up to?

  There is no limit to the number of betting sites you can sign up to in the UK. This means bettors can sign up and claim multiple welcome bonuses from a variety of online betting operators.

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  How do I choose a betting site?

  There are many factors to consider when comparing betting sites to register with. These include the welcome free bets on offer, how easy the sign up process is, the variety of markets and so on. This is why reading reviews and conducting research is always a wise move.

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  Which betting sites have the best betting odds?

  The best betting sites credited for their competitive odds include Ladbrokes, Betfred, Bet365, Coral, MansionBet, BoyleSports, Dafabet, Unibet and 10Bet.

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  Can I bet on my smartphone?

  The majority of betting sites in the UK are now responsive, meaning they automatically adapt to all sized screens, including smartphones. Most betting sites will provide the option to download a betting app free of charge.

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  How do I pay for bets?

  Topping up your betting account can be achieved via many methods. However, each betting site will have its own list of payment methods and processors that it accepts. These can include Debit Cards, Paypal, Neteller, Skrill, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PaySafeCard and others.

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  How much money should I bet?

  “Only bet what you can afford to lose” is a common saying in gambling. That’s because spending money you don’t have to spare can be a troublesome move. Our advice would be to assign a budget from your disposable income to your online betting activities and stick to it.

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  Are free bets really free?

  Free bets are different from one betting site to the next, especially with regards to qualifying criteria. Where some free bet promotions will require the player to deposit money to unlock it, some do not. No deposit free bets are actually free in the sense that you don't have to put any of your own money on the line.

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  How betting.bet Can Enhance your Online Betting Experience?

  Betting.bet is an online portal where players can search for, compare and claim the best betting offers featured on UK betting sites. All of the betting sites found on betting.bet have been reviewed and verified by our team of sports betting experts, meaning you can browse with confidence when on betting.bet.

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  Can betting sites ban you?

  There are some instances where betting sites can ban players or restrict their playing options. This can be if they suspect a player is cheating in some way. A bookmaker can also close a betting account if they detect signs of problem gambling.