As you would expect, British-based bookmakers make it easy for punters in the UK to place bets on their favourite sports teams and players. However, European betting sites are also worth checking out. Often offering different markets, bonuses and features, European bookies are increasingly popular for those in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
So, if you are looking for European football betting sites, European horse racing sites and more, keep reading our complete guide.
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The number of European betting sites available to punters in the UK is multiplying. As such, punters can struggle to select the best bookie. However, we at Safebetttingsites.com made an effort in analysing all the best betting sites, so you can rest assured that our recommended European sportsbooks have all undergone strict testing. When reviewing them, we have ensured that they all score highly in the following areas:
While they may appear identical to the naked eye, on close inspection, European sportsbooks can actually be quite different from UK sportsbooks. But just what are the main differences? Firstly, European betting sites often cover more niche sports. Sports such as Bandy, futsal and beach volleyball are generally more popular outside of the UK. According to Beste Casino Zonder Cruks, gambling sites based in different countries may well offer alternative markets.
Elsewhere, verifying your identity can often be easier on European sites. While this is not necessarily a good thing, some will enjoy the fact that they are not required to upload a valid document after registering an account. Similarly, with punters in the UK not being able to deposit funds using a credit card with domestic bookies, greater freedom is offered on Euro sportsbooks.
Decimal odds are likely to be the default on European sites. While this can generally be changed with the click of a button, it may lead to confusion for some to start with. Below are the main pros and cons of European betting sites for players in the UK:
What we like:
What we don’t:
By now, you should have a clear picture as to what our top ranked European betting sites have to offer. However, the table below provides a simple breakdown of the features found with each bookie:
Betting Site | Cash Out | Live Streaming | Bet Builder | Live Betting | Virtual Sports |
Unibet | |||||
10Bet | |||||
BoyleSports | |||||
Midnite | |||||
BetStorm |
Football is the biggest sport in Europe. Major leagues are held in England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Meanwhile, the Champions League and Europa League are also bet on weekly throughout the season. A host of pre-match, live and outright markets are made available by online bookies. Popular markets include 1×2, total goals, first goalscorer, both teams to score and number of corners. So, regardless of which team you support, be sure to check out the best European football betting sites below:
Horse racing is hugely popular in the UK. However, meetings also take place across Europe, including France, Germany and Belgium. Races can be bet on daily, with many also being available to watch live. So, whether you wish to place an ante post bet on the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or a pre-race wager on the Palio di Siena, the European horse racing betting sites listed below are recommended:
Whether it be Wimbledon, the French Open, Monte Carlo Masters or another tournament, European tennis betting sites feature almost endless opportunities. Punters can bet on the winner of events, as well as a host of pre-match and in-play markets.
In many cases, live tennis streaming is also available, making it possible to watch the players in action via desktop or mobile. Whether you are a diehard Novak Djokovic fan or are looking to bet on the future matches of Britain’s Emma Raducanu, the following European betting sites have all bases covered:
When it comes to golf, the European Tour is one of the biggest organizations around. Dating back to 1972, the European Tour is now home to some of the biggest tournaments in the calendar, including the PGA Championship and DP World Tour Championship.
Bets can be placed on all European Tour events, including which golfer will win the tournament, top 10 finish and to make the cut. If it is European Tour betting sites you are looking for, we recommend the following:
New European betting sites are launching all the time. Attempting to compete with established bookies, such sites will often introduce standout bonuses and modern features in an attempt to attract new customers. For punters in the UK, it is the following that are among the best new European betting sites today:
European betting sites are all different. For example, some score higher than others surrounding live betting, while others stand out because of their promotions. This is why it is important to do your research before signing up. The table below shows which the best European bookmakers are in some of the most important areas:
Best for Football Betting | Unibet | Range of Payment Methods | BetStorm |
Top New European Sportsbook | Midnite | Top Value Odds | Unibet |
Best Sportsbook Site for Live Streaming | 10Bet | eSports Betting | Midnite |
Leading Betting Offers | BoyleSports | Top Site for Live Betting | 10Bet |
Gambling regulations vary across Europe. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the laws in different countries. Of course, for European betting sites to legally operate in the UK, they must hold a licence from the Gambling Commission. Below, we discuss gambling regulations in some of the leading European countries:
The legal gambling age in France was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1987. Meanwhile, in 2009, the French Government introduced a new law that opened the market to those from other European countries. Three separate gambling licences can be acquired in France, online sports betting, online horse racing betting and online poker games. An overview of top-rated French betting sites can be found on ParisSportif.
Separate gambling licences are also available in Germany, including betting, sports, card games, casino and lottery. Gambling is subject to regulation across all 16 states, with laws surrounding online betting having become clearer since the introduction of the new GlüStV in July 2021. Since the implementation of the new German State Treaty on Gambling, restrictions have been placed on casino gaming, including the introduction of the 5-second rule for online slots. However, you can also find a “casino ohne 5 sekunden regel“.
Betting products, including sports, casino, poker and lotteries, are permitted in Spain. However, they are subject to licensing and authorisation. However, fantasy games and eSports are not currently regulated.
Despite many forms of gambling being illegal in Italy, sports betting is deemed legal. It is only the state that can allow this form of gambling, with online gambling having become liberalised since 2006. In order to acquire a gambling licence in Italy, operators must have a turnover of more than €1,500,000 in the last 2 years and pay €350,000 to AAMS for technical management, administration, and supervision.
Check out this comprehensive list of the best Italian gambling sites.
Gambling regulations in the Netherlands are governed by the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit), which oversees the licensing and regulation of both online and offline gambling activities. The Remote Gambling Act, introduced in 2021, opened the online gambling market, allowing licensed operators to offer sports betting, casino games, and poker to Dutch residents. Operators must meet strict requirements to obtain and maintain a license, including safeguarding against gambling addiction and ensuring player protection. Dutch players can only gamble on sites that have been officially approved by the Kansspelautoriteit.
Additionally, some operators offer “casino’s zonder Cruks,” which are gambling sites that do not require registration in the national self-exclusion system, Cruks. Each “casino zonder Cruks” typically operates without an official Dutch license, but such platforms typically hold licenses from other gambling authorities.
Here’s an overview of the top-rated newly-established gambling sites in the Netherlands.
In Sweden, the gambling market is regulated by the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen). However, there are also Swedish non-licensed casinos that operate outside the national regulatory framework. These platforms are not registered with Sweden’s self-exclusion system, Spelpaus, and therefore do not adhere to the same standards for player protection and responsible gambling. A “casino utan svensk licens” is usually licensed and regulated by third-party gambling authorities and typically may offer more freedom in terms of bonuses and wagering options.
One of the main selling points of top European sportsbooks is promotions. Offers are available to new and existing customers, helping punters to maximise winnings and minimise losses. Each offer comes with its own unique terms and conditions, which will impact your ability to qualify and make a profit. Below are the most common offers found on European sportsbooks:
For new players, the most common offer is a matched deposit bonus. As the name suggests, your opening deposit will be 100% matched. For example, a £10 deposit will result in an opening balance of £20. Wagering requirements are common with this type of bonus. Meanwhile, minimum deposit, payment restrictions and other terms and conditions are also present in most cases.
Free bets can be won by both new and existing punters on European betting sites. For newcomers, some bookies offer a free bet. For example, bet £10 get £30 in free bets. Meanwhile, free bets can also be triggered by those already registered. For example, place £10 worth of live bets and receive a £10 free bet. Minimum odds, eligible markets and maximum winnings are among the most common T&Cs with free bet offers.
Accumulator bets are hugely popular today. However, there is nothing worse than missing out on winnings because of just one inaccurate selection. This is where acca insurance comes in. In the event of your acca bet losing due to just a single pick, your stake will be refunded.
Most common with football markets, punters have the chance to earn winnings early. For example, if your pick goes two goals clear in a match, your bet will be settled early, regardless of what occurs during the remainder of the tie.
On many European betting sites, price boosts are found daily. As the name suggests, prices are enhanced on selected markets. For example, the odds on Manchester City to beat Liverpool in the Premier League could move from ½ to 2/1. Price boosts can be taken advantage of by both new and existing customers.
Those placing acca bets will also potentially receive boosted earnings. The amount will depend on the number of selections featured on your bet. For example, 15+ picks could result in a 77% boost, with just 3 picks being boosted by just 5%.
Top European sportsbooks make it easy to register an account. However, it is still worth understanding the process before getting started. Using Unibet as an example, the following is a step by step guide surrounding how to sign up:
Choose from available European betting sites, based on their markets, odds, promotions and other factors. Enter the sportsbook on desktop or mobile. Spend a few minutes familiarising yourself with the design and interface.
Click or tap on the “JOIN NOW” button, located in the top-right hand corner of the page. Enter the relevant personal details, including your full name, country of residence, email address and date of birth. Agree to the bookie’s terms and conditions, before creating a username and password where necessary. Complete the remainder of the registration form, before confirming your new account.
Before you can login to your new account, punters must verify it. This is achieved by opening your welcome email, before tapping on the relevant link. After doing so, login to your account by entering your username and password.
Enter the cashier page, before selecting your preferred payment method. Enter your debit card, e-wallet or cryptocurrency details, as well as the deposit amount. Confirm the transfer and wait a few seconds for funds to appear in your sportsbook account.
Now that you have funds to bet with, browse available sportsbook markets. Focus on sports that you have a good knowledge of. Add selections to your bet slip as you please and view available bet types. Enter your stake and confirm the bet.
Many of the best-known European sportsbooks can now be accessed via dedicated apps. While top European sports betting sites are generally fully functional via your mobile browser, the efficiency of apps makes them well worth downloading. Available on iOS and Android in most cases, download links can be found via the App Store and Google Play, respectively.
Apps make browsing markets, placing bets, claiming bonuses and withdrawing winnings on your smartphone or tablet simple. All pages have been optimised for mobile use, with the speed of apps setting them apart. Of course, you will need to ensure that you have enough space on your device to process the download. Meanwhile, apps also require regular updates. Below are our top ranked European betting apps:
Unibet
10Bet
Midnite
Before placing bets on the best European sports betting sites, punters must first deposit funds to their account. Generally, a host of payment methods are available, making it quick and simple to withdraw winnings too. While credit cards may be accepted by European bookmakers, it is important to remember that this option has been banned in the UK. As a result, debit card, e-wallet and cryptocurrency payments are now the most common. Deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawals can take anywhere from 1-5 working days.
European gambling sites differ in terms of currencies accepted. Some will only be available in Euros, while others will feature British Pounds. While fees are rare, some European gambling sites do come with a processing fee for payouts. If it is quick transfers you are after, e-wallets, including Skrill, Neteller and PayPal, are likely to appeal. Meanwhile, it is now common for European betting sites to feature the likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether.
All available payment methods are safe to use. Encryption technology and firewalls protect personal and financial details, ensuring that third parties and fraudsters are unable to gain access. When selecting your preferred payment method, consider processing times, fees, usability and mobile platforms.
An increasing number of European betting sites are now available to punters in the UK. Whether you are looking to bet on football, horse racing, tennis or another sport, European bookmakers have clearly recognised the importance of the British market. Our top ranked EU sportsbooks are all licensed by the Gambling Commission. Meanwhile, they are also safe to use at all times. So, take a closer look for yourself, claiming your welcome bonus when signing up!