Sports betting sites have enjoyed a huge rise in popularity over the last few years. They offer convenience, a massive selection of markets, fast payments and some big bonuses for new customers. It’s no wonder that the high-street bookie is struggling to keep up with their online betting counterparts.
The online shift
Brick-and-mortar bookmakers spent most of the 19th and 20th centuries building up enormous portfolios of betting shops around the UK. Various brands were bought out by multinational investment firms, some merged to create more firepower and others remained as independents.
But one thing they all have in common is the shift in consumer behaviour around the late 1990s.
The internet was an unknown entity for a while around the 1990s. Many used the tool as a way to send messages and keep in contact with old friends. But others realised the potential in this magical tech and put it to work creating gambling sites. The best betting sites had a hard time persuading the public that it was the way forward. But the trend eventually caught on and now we have hundreds of thousands of betting websites registered in the UK and elsewhere.
Leading online sportsbooks
Having plenty of sites to choose from is obviously great for the punters in many respects. However, too much choice can also make it hard to know where to turn. So many customers will rely on the honest opinions of the top review sites out there.
To help you out, we’re going to take a quick look at 4 of the best online sportsbooks. And you can discover even more bookmakers here.
Unibet
This top brand started out as a humble phone betting service in the late-1990s and went on to become one of the most popular bookies out there.
If you watch the Premier League, then you’ll recognise the logo from around the grounds on many ad boards. And in Scotland, Rangers fans will also know them as the training shirt sponsors as well.
They have a massive selection of online sports markets to choose from. Furthermore, they have a slick site that makes everything easy to find. The mobile version gives you access while on the move and they also have a top casino section to boot.
Ladbrokes
If long-term reputation is important for you, then you don’t have to look any further than Ladbrokes.
This brand has been trackside at major horse racing events since the early 1900s. As a result, it’s one of the best-known names in sports betting around the UK. The brand still sponsors a number of high-profile horse racing events. In addition, they were official sponsors of the Scottish Professional Football League.
You can find an unrivalled selection of sports at this site as well as some decent bonus incentives for new customers as well. There is also a casino section available for those fans.
Mr Green
When it comes to online gambling, the Swedish certainly know a thing or two about top entertainment. They have been leading the way in sports betting and casino tech since the igaming market exploded 25 years ago.
Mr Green was a little late to the party and didn’t make a stir until 2007. But since then, it’s grown to dizzy heights in the industry. Their highly-sought-after website presents a host of sports events on which fans can have a flutter. Moreover, they have a superb selection of slots and casino games too.
Betway
Sports fans will recognise this logo from a host of different sporting events in the UK and further afield too. They sponsor West Ham FC with a multi-million-pound shirt deal. You’ll also see them around cricket pitches, horse racing tracks, esports, ice hockey and NBA games as well.
This global reach has led to a massive influx of betting fans joining the site from all over the world. They have licences to operate in many official markets and provide an exceptional sportsbook, casino and bingo rooms as well.
