Mobile apps take online sports wagering to the next level, making it easy to place bets on top sports events from anywhere. User-friendly interfaces, instant notifications, and exceptional security mean you don’t have to compromise betting quality. We uncover the most trustworthy UK betting apps, with a reputation for seamless compatibility, top promos, quick transactions, and the most competitive odds.
UK Mobile Betting Apps: Key Information
⚖️Compatible Operating Systems |
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🔥Most Popular Payment Methods |
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⏰Average Crypto Payout Speeds | Within 24 hours |
🛡️Types of Betting Apps |
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🏆Best Betting App for iPhone | William Hill |
🏆Best Betting App for Android | Betfair |
📱Our Top Pick for Live Betting | Virgin Bet |
💸Leading Online Betting Apps For Cash Out | Sky Bet |
⚽Top Football Betting App | 888Sport |
🏇No. 1 Horse Racing Betting App | Paddy Power |
Leading Sports Betting Apps Ranked & Reviewed
Many bookies in the UK offer betting apps, but only a handful provide truly unmatched mobile wagering. We’ve ranked the best ones in the UK’s App Store and Google Play by category, outlined key findings and reasons why to download.
Best iPhone Betting App: William Hill
Over one million downloads, and a user rating of 4.7/5 on the Apple AppStore shoots William Hill to the top of our list of the best betting apps for iOS. Its sleek, user-friendly interface makes it easy to uncover all the top in-app features on offer. WH Stories offering the hottest pro picks, a bet builder hub for composing your own accas, Racing Radio for blow-by-blow coverage of top races, and Betting TV with live-streaming of top sports are just a few of the features provided. Responsible gambling tools and seamless deposits and withdrawals are all a few taps away.
- ✅ Why we picked: Ranks as one of iOS’s top mobile betting apps
- ❌ Reason to avoid: Live chat assistance could be more responsive
🔥Mobile Bonus | Bet £10 to get up to £40 in free bets |
⭐iOS User Ratings | 4.7/5 |
⭐Android User Ratings | 4.4/5 |
🥈Runner Up: Virgin Bet – Close on the heels of William Hill is Virgin Bet with an iOS AppStore rating of 4.7/5. Scan the bookie’s QR code directly from its website to quickly access and download the app on your Apple iPad or iPhone.
Best Android Betting App: Betfair
If it’s the hottest betting app for Android you’re after, Betfair is the way to go. Featuring over one million downloads from the Google PlayStore and an average rating of 4.5/5, it’s a top pick for many UK mobile bettors. Newly updated, Betfair’s Android app offers faster, more responsive mobile betting, covering a range of sports and events. In-play wagering and live streaming are easily accessible, as are the in-app bet builder and 90-minute payout offers. Its low download size (44Mb) ensures it won’t take up space on your device and is compatible with Android 9 and newer.
- ✅ Why we picked: Newly updated app with faster, more responsive interface
- ❌ Reason to avoid: Not compatible with an OS older than Android 9
🔥Mobile Bonus | £50 in free multiples when you place a £10 bet |
⭐iOS User Ratings | 4.7/5 |
⭐Android User Ratings | 4.5/5 |
🥈Runner Up: Sky Bet – Build your own bets on your Android device and get odds updated in real-time for in-play wagering using Sky Bet’s Android app. Notifications keep you updated on all the latest news, odds, and stats, as well as hot promos.
Our Top Pick for Live Betting: Virgin Bet
Virgin Bet takes in-play betting on mobile to the next level. Offering downloadable apps for UK bettors using iOS and Android devices, the bookie ensures you can get your hands on the latest live odds and stream sports events live no matter what device you have. BOG promos, odds boosts, and a fun in-app game that unlocks even more bonuses are just some of the offers you can access on mobile. Turning on notifications will enable Virgin Bet to let you know when live games are kicking off and share the results of games you’ve missed.
- ✅ Why we picked: Seamless live streaming of top sports events
- ❌ Reason to avoid: Larger app size of 164 Mb
🔥Mobile Bonus | Bet £10 and get £20 in free bets |
⭐iOS User Ratings | 4.7/5 |
⭐Android User Ratings | 4.3/5 |
🥈Runner Up: Paddy Power – Offering live streaming on all UK and Irish horse races, and on over 100,000 other sports events each year, Paddy Power’s iOS and Android sports apps are a close runner up to Virgin Bet. A bet builder tracker and several top promos make betting on live games even more thrilling.
Online Betting App For Cash Out: Sky Bet
When it comes to the top 10 betting apps in the UK for cash out offers, Sky Bet is at the top of the list. Use TouchID or FaceID to sign into your app quickly, to not miss out on in-play events. With a few taps, access a range of cash out lines on top football matches and use the Request a Bet feature to easily combine your predictions into a single bet. Seamlessly add funds to your betting account using mobile-friendly options like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- ✅ Why we picked: Features the best cash out markets on mobile
- ❌ Reason to avoid: No options to retire a false or accidental bet
🔥Mobile Bonus | Place any bet to get £30 in free bets |
⭐iOS User Ratings | 4.6/5 |
⭐Android User Ratings | 4.4/5 |
🥈Runner Up: 888Sport – As one of the best apps for sports overall, 888Sports makes it easy to take control of your wagers by providing cash out options on its apps. Using this feature, you can withdraw early and counter potential losses.
Football Betting App: 888Sport
888Sport doesn’t play around when it comes to unmatched mobile football betting. Both its iOS and Android apps are quick to download and give you access to thousands of daily football markets on the EPL, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and many other highly anticipated football events. The user-friendly platforms make it simple to access top betting features, like in-play betting and live streaming, bet builders, odds boosts, and a bet finder. Opting in for notifications will give you the latest promo updates, sports news, and highlights.
- ✅ Why we picked: Unmatched mobile football coverage
- ❌ Reason to avoid: Has a lower rating on the Apple AppStore
🔥Mobile Bonus | Bet & get welcome offer up to £30 |
⭐iOS User Ratings | 4.5/5 |
⭐Android User Ratings | 4.4/5 |
🥈Runner Up: Betfair – With instant access to popular accas, football specials, in-play wagering, and odds on 15 footie competitions in Europe alone, Betfair brings the heat. You can also find odds on football tournaments played in 85 other countries, and unlock some hot football-related offers.
Horse Racing Betting App: Paddy Power
Paddy Power isn’t just one of the leading horse racing betting sites in the UK, it is also the top app for racing bettors. Scoring high with iOS and Android users, the app offers top horse racing promos and live streams of the UK’s most-anticipated events, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Grand National, and the Royal Ascot. Multi-race bet builders, acca stats, and bet builder trackers are just some of Paddy Power’s mobile features that take your mobile racing betting experience from old to gold.
- ✅ Why we picked: Delivers the most in-depth horse racing coverage on mobile
- ❌ Reason to avoid: Requires iOS 15 or later
🔥Mobile Bonus | Place a £5 bet and get £30 in free bets |
⭐iOS User Ratings | 4.7/5 |
⭐Android User Ratings | 4.4/5 |
🥈Runner Up: William Hill – Racing Radio is one of WH’s top mobile features, which allows you to listen along to racing commentary and updates while you’re on the move. Goodwood, Irish Oaks, and the Royal Ascot are some of the top races you can get odds on at this top racing betting app.
Why Mobile Betting is a Game Changer
According to the UKGC and its statistical data, bettors prefer mobile betting apps over any other form of wagering. But what is it that makes these betting apps so popular? Let’s look:
- Instant Access – Top betting apps eliminate the need to search for your bookie online and fill in sign-in credentials by creating an icon on your device’s home screen. These icons launch the app with one tap and sign you in automatically, offering immediate access to the betting action.
- Improved Security – Mobile devices are ahead of the game when it comes to security by offering features like facial recognition or biometric sign-in. Using your fingerprint to log in to your betting account is much more secure than entering a passcode.
- Notifications – The best sports betting app offers notifications you can enable on your device. These updates will give you a heads up when a new promo launches, when odds on live events change, or when a game is about to begin. Some apps also let you know the outcome of an event and whether your wager was successful.
- Convenient Payments – Many mobile applications offer convenient ways to deposit and withdraw betting funds by partnering with payment systems like Apple Pay or Google Pay that allow you to transact with a few clicks. These options also mean you no longer have to type in all of your payment information, offering a much quicker and safer option.
- Availability – Since your mobile device goes everywhere with you, so do your online betting apps. This means you can place bets from anywhere, anytime, without having to whip out your laptop or switch on your computer. You can also check results, make withdrawals and deposits, and watch games while on the move.
💡Pro Tip: One thing to keep in mind is your internet connectivity – you don’t want to lose out on live betting action because of a drop in connectivity. You can mitigate this by using a price promise or using a preset early cash out to ensure you don’t lose out.
How Our Top Sports Betting Apps Compare
Use the table below to compare the best UK betting apps and their features to find the ideal bookie:
Bookmaker | Sign Up Bonus | Mobile Bonus | Price Boosts | Acca Insurance | Min Deposit |
William Hill | £30 Bet & Get | Bet on the app and get £40 in free bets | ✅ | ❌ | £5 |
Betfair | Bet & get offer for £50 in free multiples | £50 in free multiples when you place a £10 bet on the app | ✅ | ❌ | £5 |
Virgin Bet | Bet £10 and get £20 in free bets | Bet £10 on the app and get £20 in free bets | ✅ | ❌ | £5 |
Sky Bet | Place any bet to get £30 in free bets | Place any bet on mobile to get £30 in free bets | ✅ | ✅ | £5 |
888Sport | Bet & get welcome offer up to £30 | Bet & get mobile welcome offer up to £30 | ✅ | ❌ | £5 |
Paddy Power | Place a £5 bet and get £30 in free bets | Place a £5 bet on mobile and get £30 in free bets | ✅ | ✅ | £5 |
How We Rank the Best Mobile Betting Sites
Picking betting apps is easy if you know what to look for. Check out the criteria UK betting sites must meet to rank as top choices for mobile betting. Making sure your chosen app measures up ensures an unrivalled mobile betting experience.
1. Betting App ExperienceThe app’s overall experience should be unmatched, from being quick and easy to download to offering a fast installation and set up. |
2. Mobile Betting BonusesBesides offering all the promos featured on the online platform, top bet apps will also have a good selection of app-only offers that boost your bankroll. |
3. Live Mobile Betting & StreamingAll the best betting apps offer seamless live betting that covers the most anticipated sports events. Apps that stand out as top-notch take things further by providing live streams of these events in high definition without constant buffering or lagging. |
4. UX Design and UsabilityResponsive, easy to navigate, and glitch-free are just a few boxes that top betting apps should check to qualify as top picks. |
5. Technical PerformanceThe overall technical performance of the app is crucial. Applications that lag in the middle of live betting or that randomly close while you’re in the middle of placing a bet are worth avoiding at all costs. Reading user reviews is a great way to understand how apps perform on a technical level. |
6. In-App FeaturesKey features offered by apps include notifications, bet builders, the option to stream sports in full-screen mode, and one-tap quick bets. Apps worth downloading will always showcase features that make mobile betting as seamless as possible. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading a UK Betting App
Whether you’re signed up with a UKGC-regulated bookie or one of the top non-Gamstop betting sites, you’ll need to download the app to access the betting platform on your device. If you’re not sure how to do this, follow along with the quick steps below:
iOS
- Open the Apple AppStore on your device.
- Search for the name of the bookie to find the app.
- Tap the app and then the “Download” option.
- Wait for the app to download and install on your device.
- Exit the AppStore and find the app icon on your home screen.
- Tap the icon and sign in to your betting account.
- Choose the option to sign in using biometrics going forward.
- Begin placing bets.
Android
- Launch the Google PlayStore on your device.
- Type in the bookie’s name in the search bar.
- Tap the app to view its details and check that it is the correct one.
- Hit the “Download” option and wait for the app to install.
- Close the PlayStore and locate the bookie’s icon on your device.
- Tap the icon to launch the bookie and sign in using your online credentials.
- Enable the option to sign in using your fingerprint going forward.
- Tap the “Sportsbook” tab to load the betting options.
- Begin betting.
Mobile Browser Betting vs Betting Apps
Betting sites offer two types of mobile platforms, downloadable apps and mobile-optimised websites. While both have their advantages, we find native apps provide greater convenience and safety.
Feature | Mobile Browser Betting | Betting Apps |
Availability | Accessible on all iOS and Android operating systems | Specific to an iOS or an Android OS |
Security | Average – SSL encryption and password protection | High – TouchID, FaceID, 2-FA, encryption |
Bonuses | Access to all bonuses offered on the online website | May be limited to select offers, but may also provide exclusive mobile-only offers |
Accessibility | Requires you to access the platform via your mobile web browser and sign in each time | Requires a download from an app store, places an icon on your device, and ensures instant access and launching |
Transactions | Require you to input details like debit card info | Compatible with payment apps and allows for quick, one-tap payments. |
Notifications | Typically, don’t provide notifications | Offer the option to enable notifications that provide updates on price boosts, betting outcomes, and live events. |
UX Design | Since you’re accessing the online website on your device, these are usually user-friendly but lack the responsiveness and technical features of specifically created apps. | May lack features found on optimised websites, but are typically more responsive and user-friendly, featuring specific in-app offerings. |
The Latest Bonuses & Promotions for Mobile Bettors
Like online bookies, betting apps offer exciting promotional offers that you can claim. Usually, you’ll find the same promos offered online on the app. However, some of the best UK apps for betting also feature exclusive mobile-only bonuses. Top mobile promos include:
- 💰Welcome Promos – These bonuses are created for new bettors signing up with the bookie. Many bookies offer unique mobile welcome offers created explicitly for app users. For example, William Hill offers an app-only welcome offer of up to £40 in free bets.
- 💰Acca Freeze – Bookies like Sky bet offer an acca freeze promo for mobile app users. This bonus allows you to place a freeze on an acca bet of five selections or more. You can apply the freeze to one of these five legs before the match ends to ensure you get the results you want.
- 💰Bet & Get Offers – Betfair offers £50 in free multiples when you place a £10 bet on the app. Many apps offer bet and get promos, where if you stake a bet of a specific value, you’ll receive a bonus as free bets.
- 💰Daily Odds Boosts – Sites like William Hill often feature specific odds boosts that apply to app users only. By checking the app daily, you can pick up exciting price increases on the hottest events of the day.
💡Pro Tip: If you sign up online before downloading the betting app, wait before depositing and claiming a bonus. Some bookies offer alternative welcome offers for app users that can be more generous, but you won’t be able to claim these if you have already unlocked the online welcome offer.
Common Mobile Payment Options
The payment options provided by betting apps in the UK usually mirror those you’ll find at online bookies. These include Visa and Mastercard debit cards, e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, and bank transfers. Some mobile betting platforms may also offer cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The top crypto bookies are ideal if you’re looking for a more anonymous way to bet or after instant payouts.
However, the best sports betting applications are beginning to introduce digital payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. These wallets provide seamless mobile transactions by storing your card details on your device, allowing you to make payments with a single tap.
It is worth noting that while these options allow you to transact on your device using a debit or credit card, UKGC-regulated bookies don’t accept credit card transactions, even through digital wallets like these.
Are Mobile Betting Apps Safe to Use?
Mobile betting apps are among the safest gambling platforms to use. Offering features like biometric logins, two-factor authentication, and higher encryption standards, they ensure top-level security. Since it is also far more challenging to hack into downloadable apps than online websites, these platforms offer an even greater standard of safety.
Using secure digital payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay also adds to your safety and doesn’t require you to share payment information on the betting app. However, we always recommend joining betting sites and apps that are licensed by top gaming authorities like the UK Gambling Commission.
Your Ultimate Checklist for Picking the Perfect Betting App
The only way to ensure an unmatched mobile betting experience is to download and sign up with the top betting apps in the UK. By checking off the boxes on this checklist, you’re guaranteed to find yourself the best betting app with the hottest offers, odds, and features:
- ✅Check the app licensing – Make sure your chosen app is safe and reputable by reviewing its licence. These apps are fair in their payout times and terms and conditions, focusing on bettor safety.
- ✅Inspect the bookie’s in-app features – Check out the features the bookie offers on its app and how well they work. Top apps will have a selection of offers like bet builders, cash out markets, live streaming, and unique promos.
- ✅Test the app for ease of use – Once you have downloaded it, test it before making a deposit. Apps that take too long to load or that glitch are not ideal, particularly for live betting.
- ✅Read user reviews – Take five minutes to go online and read reviews of betting apps. Other users will give an unfiltered point of view of these apps, how well they work, and their downfalls.
- ✅Review compatibility – Ensure the app is compatible with your device and model. Some apps only work with more recently launched operating systems, making it essential to check the app requirements before you download it and deposit funds.