Without sounding overly dramatic, the quality of your chosen betting app can make or break your online betting experience.
Pick the right one, and you’re off to the races with a spring in your step. Pick the wrong one, and it can cost you more than your time and effort to download it.
That’s where BettingTools is here to help. We’ve looked at the best UK betting apps to see what they have to offer. There are so many to choose from nowadays, and cutting through the noise can be a job in itself.
This guide explores each app’s strengths and weaknesses. I highlight essential features that you should look for when choosing a mobile sports betting app. Of course, I explain my criteria for rating these applications, which you can use, too. The best betting apps UK will all excel at the most important factors, which we have highlighted on this page.
Top 10 Betting Apps for UK Punters
Online betting and gambling have been licenced and regulated in the UK for 25+ years, so this is one of the world’s most developed markets. As such, punters have some tremendous apps to choose from.
Based on the number of downloads, ratings, and other metrics, these are the top-rated UK betting apps.
#1. 10bet
10bet has been offering online gambling services since 2003, and it has grown from strength to strength in that time with now over one million UK players. Combing an exceptionally good sportsbook with hundreds and hundreds of casino games, you can play all this and virtual sports right on their award-winning app.
That award was the Fresh Awards for design and branding back in 2019, and with the app available on both iOS and Android devices, everyone can get their hands on this slick, easy-to-use and fast app. In fact, there’s even an app-specific bonus for players, as you can get your hands on £10 when you bet £50 through the app.
You can see why we rank 10bet so highly by reading out 10bet review and getting your hands on the welcome bonus here.
- Google Play Store Rating: 2.8/5
- App Store Rating: 3/5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Available on both Android and iOS | No VIP program |
| App-specific bonus | Lack of live streaming |
| Can bet on sports and play casino games | |
| Award-winning app |
#2. Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes is one of the best-known betting companies in the UK. After an indifferent reception to online betting, Ladbrokes has now established itself among the best betting apps for British punters.
The design looks a little dated, but it does the job that you want it to. Moreover, it packs everything that is found on the desktop into the app. This gives punters one-tap access to free prediction contests, promotions, quick coupons, a bet builder, and other betting tools.
- Google Play Store Rating: 4.0/5
- App Store Rating: 4.6/5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many promotions and offers | Bland design and layout |
| Exceptional coverage of UK sports | Pop-ups for casino games can be annoying |
| Low minimum deposits and withdrawals |
#3. Betfred
Betfred is another high-street bookmaker that is now a dominant name in the online betting app niche. Although I wouldn’t say the app is cutting-edge in terms of design, I like it. The menus make for effortless navigation, and the ‘odds’ buttons are large, so they are easy to use.
The Betfred app has multiple features associated with this bookmaker, including PickYourPunt, cash out, Racing Post data, and live betting. Moreover, the betting app is also home to casino games, bingo, and lotto. The bookie is one of the most trusted operators in the UK and is always well priced and Betfred always has some amazing promos like Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven.
- Google Play Store Rating: 3.8/5
- App Store Rating: 4.4/5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free bet promotions | Not as many live streams as some other bookmakers |
| Racing form guides | |
| Easy to use |
#4. BetVictor
BetVictor started as a high-street bookmaker, but the company now operates only online. This focused approach has helped BetVictor build one of the top UK betting apps.
Although some apps offer a more extensive array of sports and betting options, BetVictor is hard to beat for fans of horse racing and football. The app includes various functions, such as Bet Finder, Bet Builder, quick and partial cash out, in-play betting, and racing guides.
- Google Play Store Rating: 3.4/5
- App Store Rating: 4.7/5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good horse racing coverage | Fewer sports than some bookmakers |
| Simple, user-friendly design | |
| Includes casino games |
#5. betway
With close to 20 years of experience in the online betting and gambling industry, Betway is a trusted and reliable brand. Its mobile app, which is available for Android and iOS devices, has a tried and tested design. Other than minor tweaks and enhancements over the years, the layout is the same as it was ten years ago.
In addition to lightning-fast access to pre-match and live sports, the Betway app provides a Bet Builder feature, cash out, live streaming, and the acclaimed Free Bet Club.
- Google Play Store Rating: 4.2/5
- App Store Rating: 4.8/5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| #1 app for esports betting | Some users complain the app is slower (than previous versions) |
| Simple design is perfect for new and experienced punters | Live streaming service could be expanded |
| Multiple payment methods |
#6. Midnite
Midnite has become somewhat of a disruptor since entering the betting world in 2018. It is a platform that excels in esports and sports betting markets, and is known as an exciting all-rounder in betting spaces that now offers live casino and horse racing betting options, too.
The Midnite betting app really stands out from the competition due to its fan-centric, modern features. All of the typical tools you would expect to find are there such as bet builder and cash out, but there are also some additional perks like CashMode that have been designed to offer innovative customer experiences.
The esports coverage on Midnite is certainly the best we have seen, with plenty of in-play action available, as well.
- Google Play Store Rating: 4.6/5
- App Store Rating: 4.6/5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit £10 | No 24/7 customer service |
| UK based company | Few football betting markets |
| Excellent esports betting markets and odds | No Android app |
#7. Coral
Coral is one of the most well-known bookies in the UK, with 40+ sports betting markets and hundreds of leagues and tournaments to choose from. Anyone who signs up for a new Coral account is rewarded with a £20 welcome bonus in the form of a free bet, giving you a nice early boost to test the waters.
Although all of the bookies on this list offer a vast array of sports and markets, Coral is the place to go to if you can’t find a certain market elsewhere. The odds are also very competitive, particularly for football events, and Coral keeps users engaged with regular new promotions and offers.
- Google Play Store Rating: 4.5/5
- App Store Rating: 4.6/5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit £5 | Competitors often offer better odds for pre-game football matches |
| Trustworthy operator that has been operating for almost a century | Some popular options are missing from the list of available payment methods |
#8. BoyleSports
BoyleSports is one of Ireland’s biggest bookmakers that has really developed their offering in recent years to become one of the most popular betting options in the UK.
One of the most noticeable improvements for BoyleSports is the betting app. There have been new features launched such as the Fantasy5 free to play promotion which has gained a lot of traction. The live streaming service is also top quality on the BoyleSports app, which is part of a new and improved live betting feature.
These improvements have seen BoyleSports earn a spot on this list, and we look forward to further improvements in the years ahead.
- Google Play Store Rating: 4.3/5
- App Store Rating: 4.4/5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit £5 | Slower withdrawal processing speeds |
| Fantastic range of promotions | The promotions page can be confusing |
| Great horse racing coverage | Limited live streaming |
#9. bet365
For more than twenty years, bet365 has been a pioneer in the online betting world. I adore the bet365 betting app. The design is simple but fulfilling. Despite the size of this online bookmaker, navigation around the app is effortless. Moreover, it’s fast with very little lag, which enhances the user experience. There is no doubt bet365
bet365’s app is packed with exciting features, including live betting and streaming, a bet builder, edit bet, full, partial, and auto cash out, and a bet tracker.
- Google Play Store Rating: 4.6/5
- App Store Rating: 4.7/5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 200,000 live streams | Some updates seem unnecessary |
| Great market depth | |
| Many betting tools and features |
#10. 888Sport
888Sport will be a familiar brand for UK bettors with their adverts appearing regularly on the TV and radio. One of the standout features on the 888Sport website and app is the excellent weekly prices, which are superior to a lot of the competition.
The 888 brand has got a stellar reputation in the gambling world, with any players who access their sites safe in the knowledge that their money is protected and your winnings will always be paid in a timely manner. Like all of the betting apps on this page, their safety and security levels are of the highest standard.
They excel in greyhound and horse racing betting, with numerous attractive promos attached to these markets.
- Google Play Store Rating: 4.4/5
- App Store Rating: 4.5/5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit £10 | Limited live streaming |
| Excellent navigation, UI, and mobile app | iOS app works only on iOS 14 or later systems |
| Bonuses for different sports | Odds Boosts are available only on select sports |
My Criteria for Choosing the Top UK Sports Betting Apps
To determine the top UK betting apps, the team at BettingTools and I have compiled a criteria checklist. This has been drawn up using our combined years of experience. We feel the best sports betting apps should all meet this criteria as a minimum.
- Licence: It goes without saying that a betting app that doesn’t hold a valid UKGC licence is rejected without a second thought. The UKGC is there to help and protect customers, which BettingTools fully supports. All apps in the UK need to be fully licensed for you to be able enjoy playing without worrying about your details being passed on to third parties without your consent.
- User Experience (UX): Many components contribute to the UX, and we assess them all. Speed and ease of navigation are both vital, as well as responsiveness. We stay away from apps that lag (and freeze) because these can cost us money when the odds change.
- Sports & Markets: Completeness is the key to betting apps that fulfill our criteria. We look at the choice of sports and events to ensure everything is covered. Diving in further, we also assess that the market depth meets our standards.
- Fair Bonuses & Promotions: All betting apps have a range of bonuses and promotions, but the terms and conditions are not always friendly to punters. We value the fairness (to players) of a bonus above the GBP amount.
- Payments: The betting apps need to support a range of payment methods, including debit cards, e-wallets, and prepaid cards/vouchers. In addition, this also overlaps with the UX. The processes for deposits and withdrawals must be streamlined, making it effortless for new and seasoned punters.
- Cash out options: Nowadays, I feel the best mobile betting apps must have a cash out option. This is especially the case for punters who enjoy placing accumulators. There should always be a generous cash out offered for a specific bet, and you get extra marks if you offer partial cash out or auto cash out.
- Customer Support: I’ve been betting online for years, and there are still times when I reach out to customer support. All the apps we’ve handpicked offer easy-to-access live support options, including live chat and telephone. Moreover, we value knowledgeable staff that can address our queries promptly.
- Strong Odds: Are you a punter who likes short-priced favourites, or do you prefer taking risks with selections with longer odds? Check the markets and bets that interest you and compare the odds across various apps. A reminder that these do fluctuate, but you can still get a feel for where the best value is.
- Betting Tools and Features: Obviously, our focus is on betting tools. Apps with bet calculators, form guides, expert tips, and predictions carry greater value. Moreover, features like bet builders, cash out, same game accumulators, and live streaming need to be factored in. Again, consider what is important to you and look for apps that are dominant in these areas. There is no ‘one size fits all’ answer.
Of course, we also pay close attention to the bookmaker’s odds and margins. However, these are extremely variable. For instance, one app can have the best EPL betting odds one week, and that baton can be passed to another app the next (week).
Best Betting App for Football – Betfred
When searching for the best football betting app, it’s difficult to look beyond Betfred. It has the full package for punters, with matches from more than 40 countries covering 100+ leagues, cups, and tournaments.
However, Betfred backs up its global coverage with unparalleled depth to markets, particularly when looking for bets away from Europe’s top leagues. Football punters can enjoy live streams from the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Serie A, among others. It also has some eye-catching football promos like Early Payout, Bore Draw Money Back, and up to 70% Extra Winnings with ACCA Boosts. Market coverage is key with football betting apps, as if you are an avid watcher of football from all over the world, you may feel you can benefit from some excellent prices on more niche matches.
It is also easy to get started at Betfred as the bookie is one of the few recommended low deposit betting sites where you can deposit from just £5. Not everyone wants to bet big at the weekend and Betfred knows this, which is why they set their minimum deposit so low.
Best Betting App for Horse Racing – Ladbrokes
Several betting apps are vying to be the number one for racing fans, but my pick of the best horse racing app is Ladbrokes. It has wall-to-wall coverage of all UK and Irish meetings, as well as a strong selection of international racecards.
I like the depth of markets, which include Win, E/W, Top Finish, Place Insurance, Forecast, Tricast, Win by 3+ Lengths, and Totepools. Live streams are available, with the addition of parade coverage for UK and Irish meetings.
Promotions are another positive aspect of the Ladbrokes app, as punters can take advantage of Pays Extra Places, BOG, Price Boosts, and Tote Placepot Guarantee.
Best Betting App for Welcome Bonuses – bet365
UK punters have many attractive welcome bonuses to pick from. However, the offer from bet365 ‘Bet £10, Get £30 In Free Bets’ catches my eye the most.
The £10 qualifying bet must be at odds of 2.0 (evens). With some sturdy research, this is a winnable bet, which makes the £30 in free bets truly free. The free bets are awarded as 3 x £10 (Sports).
Terms and conditions apply, including exclusions for certain payment methods. So, please read the small print before deciding on the welcome offer that you want to claim.
Best Betting App for Price Boosts – Sky Bet
Price Boosts, also known as Price Pumps or Enhanced Odds, are commonplace on UK betting apps as bookmakers battle for your custom. Ladbrokes, Betway, William Hill, Coral, and Betfair all offer a strong selection of boosts.
However, Sky Bet is the one for me. It has Price Boosts across a wide range of sports, such as football, horse racing, rugby, darts, Formula 1, cycling, and American football. Furthermore, boosts are also available for non-sports events like politics. As well as this, they also have an amazing acca feature called the Sky Bet Acca Freeze that is great for betting on football. You can freeze part of your acca giving you more chance of landing that bet.
Of course, some enhanced prices are better than others. I still recommend using some of our betting tools to help you compare odds effectively to ensure you get the best value.
Best Betting App for ACCAs – betway
Any UK betting app worth its salt gives special attention to ACCAs. This is one of the marque bet types among both new and experienced punters.
bet365 is a good option with its 70% ACCA bonus promotion. Ladbrokes and Coral also have some special offers, including ACCA Insurance. However, I prefer the betway app because of its Free Bet Club. All I have to do is bet £25 on trebles or ACCAs in a week, and I get two £5 free bets.
Best Betting App for Live Streaming – bet365
For the best betting app for live streaming, I return to bet365. This app has more than 600,000 live streams a year, including football from Europe’s top leagues, Grand Slam tennis tournaments, NBA, NFL, cricket, horse racing, and greyhounds.
Moreover, punters only need a funded bet365 account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to view a live stream. The app has multiple features, such as bet in-stream and a video wall, which enhance the experience.
Tips for Finding the Right Betting App for You
As a punter, you are unique. The things that matter most to you and your sports betting experience likely differ from the next person. For instance, you might prefer lots of free bets and price boosts over live streaming. Use these tips to identify what matters most to you, and that will guide you toward the right app.
- Find a good bet builder. The Bet builder has become one of the most prominent ways to bet on football over the last couple of years. Most apps these days will include the bet builder feature, but it could go by a different name. For example, Betfred call their bet builder ‘Pick Your Punt’ while William Hill’s is called #Your Odds.
- Do some shopping: If there is a match you are particularly interested in, have a shop around of some different oddsmakers to find out the best price before betting. Usually, most of the odds offered by the top apps are similar, but you could find there is a specific odds boost or a much better price just from doing a little bit of looking.
- Find a good live streaming app. It is always beneficial if we find an app that provides live streaming alongside live betting, and numerous apps have then rights to live stream events on a daily basis. Lots of apps stream horse races every day, whether they are UK or Irish meetings, while the best football apps have a high definition quality stream and audio commentary so you can watch action unfold as you bet
Betting Apps vs Mobile Websites
Given that all of the UK’s leading online bookmakers have mobile websites, you may wonder if you need an app at all. The honest answer is, no, you don’t need one, but there are advantages. It’s for you to decide if those advantages are a good enough reason to hit the download button.
Betting apps are designed for mobile users, so the user experience is better. Apps tend to be faster, easier to navigate, and smoother than responsive mobile websites. When betting in-play or watching live streams, it is these details that matter.
Of course, installing a bookmaker’s app on your phone (or tablet) takes up storage space, but this is minimal on modern devices. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. I use both options. For my more-favoured betting sites, I go with the app, but with other brands that I only visit now and then, the mobile site matches my needs.
How to Download a Sports Betting App
Downloading a betting app is no different from any other app. Furthermore, Google supports UK betting apps, which saves the hassle of downloading APK files and installing them manually. Follow these steps when you’re ready to get started.
- Choose the betting app you want from our approved list of bookmakers. You can visit their websites using the links we have provided.
- Once on the bookmaker’s website, scroll down the page to find the Android and Apple download buttons. Alternatively, you can search in the Google Play Store or App Store directly. However, we recommend going via the website to ensure you download the official app. All modern gambling apps should be available for iOS and Android devices.
- At the Play or App Store, click ‘Download’. Depending on your device and internet speed, downloading and installing the app only takes a minute or two.
- With the app’s icon added to your home screen, tap on it to ‘Open’.
- You can now register an account or sign in if you already have one.
Betting Apps FAQs
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What is the best online betting app in the UK?The best online betting app in the UK is the one that matches your wants and needs. Think about what matters most to you (i.e. big bonuses, best odds, market depth, low deposits, etc), and then find an app that ticks those boxes.
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Can you use a UK betting app when abroad on holiday?The quick answer is no, you can’t. Most apps have a geolocation feature, allowing them to know where they are being accessed from. This often prevents you from using them when abroad. Some suggest using a VPN to circumvent this issue, but we don’t recommend that solution. If the bookmaker discovers you’re accessing its platform via a VPN, your account may be suspended.
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Are betting apps free?Yes, they are. All of the apps featured on BettingTools.com are free to download. You are only asked for your banking details when you decide to make a deposit. You should never have to pay for a betting app; it is that simple.
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Are betting apps safe?Absolutely, yes. Modern apps have multiple layers of security features to ensure users are safe at all times. These include 2FA for logging in and SSL certification for encrypting your data. You can also help by using strong passwords and always logging out after using the app in case you lose your device.
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What is the number one betting app in the App Store?The highest ranked betting app in the Sports category in the App Store is bet365’s app. It is ranked 5th overall in Sports. The next betting app (ranked 8th) is Paddy Power, followed by BetVictor (11th).
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What is the best betting app for beginners?
Betway’s app is extremely easy to use, making it ideal for beginners. That said, most apps are user-friendly. Instead of looking for an app for beginners, I advise choosing an app that offers what you are looking for. If the app fits your wishes, you will soon learn its ins and outs.
