Stuart Bingham reveals his simple plan to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Crucible | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Stuart Bingham is in the Rocket's firing line in Sheffield (Picture: Getty Images)
Stuart Bingham says it is a simple enough mantra that he will take into his World Snooker Championship clash with Ronnie O'Sullivan: 'Don't miss!'
The 2015 world champion had to come through qualifying to get to the Crucible but has impressed since arriving, beating Gary Wilson and Jack Lisowski so far.
Next up is the biggest test in the game, facing the world number one, but Bingham has beaten him before at the Crucible, downing him at the same quarter-final stage on his amazing run to the world title.
Having conquered the Rocket in the past, he knows how tough a task it is, but says there is only one piece of advice worth listening to.
'Don't miss. Simple as that,' he said. 'I remember playing Ronnie in the semi-final of the Grand Prix, before the World Championship in 2015 and he beat me 6-0. It's good to play him beforehand because you get used to the way he plays and his aura. I ain't played him for a few years.
'So you've got 95 per cent of the crowd on his side and you're playing the best player in the world. Easy as that!
'You've just got to get involved in the match and try and stay with him. He's going to have a little spurt here and there, you've got to try and stick in there.'
Bingham beat O'Sullivan 13-9 in 2015 (Picture: Getty Images)
O'Sullivan was far from faultless in his second round win over Ryan Day, with the Welshman spurning a number of opportunities and Bingham hopes it will be more of the same from the Rocket against him.
'I watched a little bit of his match with Ryan, he gave Ryan a fair few chances so I'll hope he plays like that,' said the 47-year-old. 'But Ronnie's Ronnie. We're 1-1 in quarters, he bashed be up a few years before 13-4.
'So I'll have to touch up on my game, need to score a bit heavier. My safety's good, I'm happy with that but I need to score heavier to have a chance.'
O'Sullivan has not been pushed in wins over Jackson Page and Ryan Day so far (Picture: Getty Images)
Bingham is somewhat freewheeling as a qualifier in the quarter-finals, while O'Sullivan is bidding for a record eighth world title, but Ballrun says there is pressure on everyone in the sport's greatest tournament.
'I'm going for my second. He's going for his eighth. So we've got our own pressures and thoughts,' he said. 'I'm sure he'd love to get to eight.
'To be honest he maybe should be on 12, that's how good he is. But he's obviously fighting for his 8th, that might be why he played a little bit poorly against Ryan, he's got that added pressure.
'But you can't take anything for granted with Ronnie. He's the best player to ever pick up a cue and you need to play really, really well to have a chance.'
Joshua fought the former UFC heavyweight champion March and was among those to offer his support to the Ngannou, writing: 'May the memories you shared bring you comfort.'
Ngannou confirmed the tragic news in an Instagram post, writing on Monday: 'Too soon to leave but yet he's gone.
'My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he's laying without life.
'I was my best self next to him and now I have no clue of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most. How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?
'Please help me if you have an idea because I really don't know what to do and how to deal with this.'
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor was also among those to pay his respects to Ngannou.
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He wrote: 'I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.'
Ngannou's coach Eric Nicksick also commented on the tragedy via his social media. He wrote: 'It's been a heavy few days, words can't express the pain we all feel for the Ngannou family during this time.
'Please keep Francis and his family in your heart, and may this be a reminder of the fragility of life. Say 'I love you', more often, tomorrow isn't guaranteed.'
Jorginho expected to sign new contract at Arsenal | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Jorginho is expected to extend his stay with Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal star Jorginho is ready to put pen to paper on a new deal with the club.
Jorginho, 32, joined Arsenal from rivals Chelsea for a fee of around £12million in January 2023 and has gone on to make 51 appearances in all competitions for the north London giants.
The midfielder agreed to an 18-month contract on arrival at Arsenal, with the option of a further year.
There has been uncertainty surrounding Jorginho's future given that deal is due to expire at the end of the season and a return to Serie A has been mooted as a possible option in the summer transfer window.
However, according to The Athletic, Jorginho is expected to extend his stay – rather than leave on a free transfer – after being offered a new contract, which will come as a great relief to Mikel Arteta.
Jorginho is not a guaranteed starter for the Gunners but has established himself as a trusted member of the squad and Arteta has been keen for the vastly experienced Euro 2020 winner to commit to the club for the foreseeable future.
The report claims Thomas Partey's situation remains unclear, with the 30-year-old Ghana midfielder set to enter into the final year of his deal this summer.
Arsenal must decide whether to cash in on Partey while they have the chance or risk losing him on a free transfer in 12 months time.
Arteta has been keen for Jorginho to commit his future to the Gunners (Picture: Getty)
Speaking to TV Play earlier this month, Jorginho's agent Joao Santos insisted his client was in 'no hurry' to decide his future and refused to rule out a summer switch to Italy.
'Did Arsenal call us for a renewal? No, right now they're focused on the Champions League return leg against Bayern Munich,' Santos said.
'We're in no hurry. If they were to call us in a month or two to discuss the renewal, that's fine with us.
'Would Jorginho like to return to Italy? Yes, of course because he grew up in Italy and he likes everything about the country.'
Arteta views Jorginho as the ideal role model for Arsenal's young stars (Picture: Getty)
Arteta has repeatedly sang Jorginho's praises since his arrival from Stamford Bridge, viewing the Champions League winner as the perfect role model for Arsenal's younger players.
'For all the kids at the club, if you want to look at somebody, just look at him,' the Arsenal manager said after the side's victory over title rivals Liverpool in February.
'He's won everything but you ask him not to play or play one minute last week he's happy to go there.
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'Ask him to play 90 minutes at that rhythm and he's able to do that. I'm really lucky to have players like this.
'It's a game that I had in my mind. I was imagining how much we were going to need him. He's a really intelligent player, his biggest quality is that he makes the people around him better.
'He connects everybody. I think he was man of the match.'
Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur reveal romance secrets amid Challengers success | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur have been together since 2020 (Picture: Getty)
Following the release of sexy tennis movie Challengers, real-life couple Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur have lifted the lid on their own steamy romance.
Social media has been in a frenzy over the movie directed by Luca Guadagnino, which has scored 83 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating universal acclaim.
With everyone talking about the film, British No.1 Boulter and Australian world No.11 De Minaur have taken the time to open up about their own relationship.
The power couple have been together for four years but initially hid their romance from fellow players across the ATP Tour and WTA Tour as well as the public.
They have now revealed the extreme lengths they went to in order to avoid speculation and the tricks they played to keep their relationship a secret.
'Remember that time when we were having breakfast on like separate tables?' a giddy Boulter said in a video posted by the WTA.
The duo melted hearts in the Wimbledon mixed doubles last year (Picture: Getty)
'That was the early stages,' De Minaur added. 'We would rock down to breakfast at different times.'
Boulter elaborated further, explaining it was 'different times, like 10 minutes later' with her boyfriend De Minaur confirming they did it to 'avoid speculation'.
'It's so true, so people wouldn't find out,' Boulter said, with the lovebirds clearly enjoying their trip down memory lane as De Minaur added: 'Works every time!'
Boulter and De Minaur have both enjoyed successful spells since their relationship went public with the Briton clinching her maiden WTA Tour title last year and following it up with the San Diego Open trophy on clay in March this year.
De Minaur, meanwhile, earned a spot inside the world top 10 and recently beat Rafael Nadal at the Barcelona Open on the Spaniard's favourite clay surface.
'I think what was very important in the early stages, we talked about tennis being the No.1 priority and that we would make all of this work,' De Minaur said.
'Just finding that balance. Like, I thought it was going to be quite tough.'
Boulter added: 'That was the tough part I think. The very start of the relationship was hard.
'It's crazy to think this time last year I was playing in Japan, I was ranked like world No.150.'
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De Minaur then chimed in and said: 'I remember you telling me, 'I will not be playing a clay-court swing in my life, I refuse to play on clay' – and now here you are! Top 30.
'It fills me with a lot of joy being able to say I told you so. I think we are helping each other.'
Boulter teased her boyfriend in response and said: 'I take full credit for you making the top 10!'
New online bookmakers in the UK this month | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
(Picture: Acroud Media)
If you are looking for the best new UK bookmakers for all your sports betting needs, you have come to the right place.
The experts at Wisegambler.com have been hard at work trying and reviewing the best of their commercial partners, placing Pub Sport at the top. For more about how these sites were chosen, how to sign up, offers and more, continue reading below.
Pub Sport – Acca Boost on all Football Bets up to 50%
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DISCLAIMER: This article is provided by wisegambler.com, part of the Acroud group and all opinions are their own. All offers are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change without notice.
Best New Online Bookmakers UK
Here's a rundown of the top ten bookmakers, according to the experts at Wisegambler.com:
Our top pick for this list is Pub Sport! The site features an attractive and classy sportsbook interface that makes finding your bet of choice easy as pie. It also has competitive odds, so you know you'll be getting a good deal; this is especially true for e-sports, which enjoys fantastic coverage at Pub Sport. However, This site has one glaring issue: the complete lack of racing bets. This isn't a site for fans of horse or greyhound racing.
Next up is BetMGM, a well-known US brand that's been doing well since its launch in the UK. We love the sportsbook's extensive sports coverage, which includes all the major markets as well as more niche options like handball and Gaelic sports. BetMGM also has some top-tier mobile apps on iOS and Android that offer all the same features as the website, including the reliable SSL encryption security to keep your data safe. However, a surprising hurdle for some users is the severe lack of diverse payment options.
Pros:
Excellent sports coverage
Dedicated mobile apps on iOS and Android
Reliable SSL encryption security
Cons:
Limited payment methods
BetMGM UK also features on our list of the best online gambling sites in the UK. Want to know which other brands made it on that list, head over to our page here.
Next up, we're bringing you Copybet, a sophisticated sportsbook that stands out thanks to its unique 'Tipsters' feature. It allows you to copy the bets of other successful punters or even earn some easy money by signing up as a tipster yourself. In addition to that, the massive range of sports betting options available and the convenient iOS and Android apps make Copybet a hard act to follow. Unfortunately, it is let down by its lack of any live streaming coverage.
AK Bets stands out for its in-depth coverage of horse and greyhound racing, but it also hosts a wealth of other betting markets for you to pick from. The website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, not cluttering the screen but presenting a lot of information at once. Plus, we love the phone-a-bet feature, so you have more options for making your bets. The major downside is the limited collection of promos, which is usually a big draw for other sportsbooks.
Quinnbet is a smaller sportsbook but still has all the great features of the players in the big league. The promotional lineup is excellent, with something to suit any bettor, and the site has been designed with user-friendliness in mind. We also appreciate the quality of the customer service at Quinnbet, which is responsive and friendly and leaves you feeling valued as a customer. On the flip side, the site lacks payment options, only supporting debit cards and DBT, so if you cannot transfer with these, you'll have to look elsewhere.
PlanetSport Bet is a lesser-known sportsbook, but we think it stands out for the variety of its betting options and competitive odds. It supports 'in-play' betting to help enhance your spectating experience, and if you need some help when making wagers, you can visit the 'Tips' tab to learn something from successful bettors. However, the customer support leaves something to be desired with few contact options, particularly its missing live chat support.
talkSport Bet is a sportsbook hosted by the well-known talkSport radio. It's one of the newer bookies on the market, only launched in 2022, but with this kind of expertise and branding behind it you can be confident this site will make an impression. It has a particularly large collection of betting markets available, so there'll be something for you no matter what you want to bet on. And while we felt the live streaming options were limited, the promotional offers were great, especially where Best Odds guaranteed was concerned.
Virgin Bet is a name that'll be familiar to anyone in the UK, and you'll be glad to know this is a solid sports betting platform that doesn't coast solely on brand recognition. The site is well-designed with a clean, easy-to-navigate interface and even in-play betting options. We also love that Virgin Bet supports betting apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to take your bets on the go. The main letdown is that Virgin Bet's live streaming service is limited, only covering racing events.
LeoVegas is one of the best mobile betting platforms available, hosting some of the top dedicated apps you can find. This is because LeoVegas was released mobile-first and continues to prioritise the on-the-go experience. The mobile-friendly interface translates nicely to desktop, with a clean and easy-to-use design, and we love how fast the withdrawal process is at LeoVegas. Unfortunately, this is a casino service before a sportsbook, so if you're after a dedicated sports betting experience, LeoVegas may not be the best choice.
BetUK's well-designed sportsbook interface hosts a fantastic range of sports betting options, with stand-out football coverage. We were also blown away by the quality of the customer support service at BetUK, which was friendly and helped us with our issues promptly and clearly. BetUK doesn't support many payment options, which could limit some users, but the mobile compatibility opens up BetUK to the mobile market, so you make your bets from any device you have.
Pros:
Great football coverage
Stellar customer support service
Mobile friendly
Cons:
Limited payment options
Best New Betting Sites Per Category
Depending on the sport you follow, whether it is your favourite or one you enjoy betting on, you want to be playing at the best site. To help you choose where to play, we have included the best new bookmakers for the most popular sports below.
Football
Copy Bet
Home to lots of football betting markets and promotions, Copy Bet is a great destination for keen football bettors after the latest odds and live in-play betting features.
BetMGM
Despite coming over from the US, BetMGM has mastered the world of football betting and offers lots of great promotions and enhanced odds across the Premier League and beyond.
TalkSPORT Bet
Home to enhanced football betting offers and exclusive access to talkSPORT radio, play and listen live to all of the latest football matches, scores and news.
Virgin Bet
The top featured market at Virgin Bet is football, with all of the top European Leagues and international matches available to users. Take advantage of exclusive enhanced odds and money-back specials at this site.
BetUK
BetUK offers a wide range of betting markets alongside regular offers and promotions for new and existing customers across the top domestic leagues, European competitions, leagues around the world, and more.
Horse Racing
BetMGM
Offering one of the largest selections of horse racing markets, with the most valuable promotions, BetMGM is one of the best new UK bookmakers for betting on horse racing.
BetUK
Full of great offers and enhanced odds for a limited time, BetUK is a popular new online bookmaker for horse racing enthusiasts.
TalkSPORT Bet
At this new bookmaker, you can bet and listen live to the latest horse racing events with exclusive promotions and competitive odds.
LeoVegas
Home to many horse racing betting markets, exciting new and existing customer promotions, and a great mobile platform, LeoVegas is one of the best new bookmakers for all your horse racing betting needs.
Copy Bet
A newly added category to Copy Bet is horse racing, which offers one of the best and biggest markets for fans and punters. Get exclusive tips on the latest races only at Copy Bet.
Tennis
BetMGM
BetMGM offers all the latest tennis odds and offers. Whether the US Open, Wimbledon, Andy Murray, or Emma Radacanu, this new UK betting site has the latest on each tournament and player.
Pub Sport
Find lots of exclusive offers and live streaming capabilities at Pub Sport when it comes to the top tennis tournaments around the world.
AKBets
AKBets offers a wide range of tennis betting markets and is one of the go-to destinations for new bookmakers. It offers the latest odds on tennis tournaments throughout the year.
LeoVegas
Take your tennis betting on the go at LeoVegas with the new bookmaker's great mobile app, featuring exclusive tennis offers and more on an easy-to-use platform.
Copy Bet
Copy Bet offers fantastic promotions across a range of tennis betting markets, so there is something for everyone. Grab the latest odds and take advantage of the new bookmakers' live in-play betting features, too!
Golf
QuinnBet
One of the most popular sports for keen bettors at QuinnBet is Golf. Get all the latest odds on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, The Masters, and the Ryder Cup.
Copy Bet
Copy Bet features enhanced odds, various promotions, and exclusive tips from experienced sports bettors. It is a top golf betting site that users highly recommend.
Pub Sports
A sleek and user-friendly new bookmaker that offers all of the latest odds and markets across golf, Pub Sports is one of the best places for golf fans and bettors alike to gather and play.
TalkSPORT Bet
Listen and bet live on the latest golf tournaments, matchups, and players to win overall at TalkSPORT Bet, which offers a wide range of markets across the PGA tour and LIV Golf.
BetUK
BetUK is home to many different betting options and opportunities to grab exclusive offers across the world of Golf on all the top tournaments and players across the year.
Motor Racing
Virgin Bet
Whether you are a fan of Formula 1, Formula E, IndyCar or Nascar, you can find all of the best odds across a wide selection of different betting markets of all the motorsport events at this new bookmaker.
LeoVegas
Wager on race winners, constructors champions, race weekend specials, and driver specials across F1 and F2 at LeoVegas. Also, get the latest odds on NASCAR, IndyCar, Rally, and Supercars.
Planet Sport
Whether you are just a fan of F1 or all motorsports, with two separate categories, fans and bettors can easily navigate their way between the two at Planet Spor, having all your motorsports latest odds and updates in one place.
Pub Casino
Home to regularly updated odds across F1, IndyCar, Rally, Formula E, and Speedway, Pub Casino is a go-to destination for motorsport fans who like to get involved with race day betting.
AKBets
AKBets is home to some of the best odds on the latest Formula 1 season. Choose from podium places, race winners, fastest laps, classified finishers, and lots more at this new UK bookmaker website.
How to Sign Up to a New Online Bookmaker
Signing up for any of these new bookmakers is quick and easy. To help you get started, we have included a step-by-step guide below.
Click the link to any of the new UK bookmakers listed above to be taken to the sign-up page.
Enter your personal details like your name, address, date of birth and phone number.
Once you have completed the signup process, create a memorable username and password combination to become your personal login.
Sign in to your account and make your first deposit.
Place your first bet.
Enjoy!
How does Wisegambler.com Review New Bookmakers?
When reviewing these new UK bookmakers, the betting experts have a list of criteria that must be met to be considered one of the best. Below, we have listed the criteria used to review each bookmaker.
Reviews and Real Player Feedback
The first feature analysed before recommending any new bookmakers is the reviews and feedback left by real players at the site. This is where the most reliable and truthful comments will come from and will be what makes potential new customers believe they are signing up to a great site with lots of happy customers. Many potential new users will want assurances from people just like them before registering and using any new betting sites.
Range of Sports Betting Markets
To reach and attract the largest audience possible to new bookmakers, the platforms must have a range of different sports betting markets for customers to choose from. The market depth must be substantial and allow customers to explore new avenues, sports and types of bets to keep their time at new betting sites fresh.
Odds
One of the biggest features of the top new bookmakers is the odds available for customers. These must be competitive, valuable, and able to challenge competitor sites, offering something customers can not get anywhere else. In order to attract new customers and retain existing ones, this is a key focus for sites and experts when performing the review process of rating new bookmakers.
Bonuses and Promotions
Another highly important feature for any new online bookmaker is that the site has a strong variety of bonuses and promotions for customers. This applies to both new and existing customers and involves having a highly competitive and attractive signup offer alongside various valuable offers to make users return, such as login bonuses, loyalty bonuses, enhanced odds, and more. All the sites included above have the strongest offers available for everyone who uses the platform.
Mobile Betting Capabilities
Many customers of new UK bookmakers will, at one time or another, use their go-to site on their mobile, so it is important that the platform is fully compatible. New bookmakers must ensure the site can adapt to screen orientation and size adjustments between desktop and mobile, run smoothly on mobile data, and allow customers to access the site wherever they are. The sites will need to be fully compatible with a mobile browser and/or an exclusive mobile app to download across iOS and Android devices.
Customer Service
Customers must have quick, easily located support at any new online bookmakers and be available via various methods. Many sites offer around-the-clock support, while others are available from early morning until night. Support must be available via various channels, ensuring there is a method for everyone to reach the team. This is usually by email, live chat, telephone, and an FAQ page. The best new UK bookmakers will have support teams and options to match.
Live Streaming Services
So many new UK bookmakers offer customers the ability to livestream matches and events across various sports. This is a massive attraction to potential customers and provides the option to watch live alongside placing live in-play bets, having everything all in one place. The best new bookmakers will offer smooth live streams across sports such as football, boxing, and horse racing.
Licensed or Unlicensed?
The final criterion new bookmakers must meet is the correct licencing to operate legally. Before registering with any new UK bookmaker, it is vital to check that it is licenced by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) to ensure it operates within the law. This information is often found in the footer of each web page, alongside any encryption, security and responsible gambling information.
What Bonuses Do New Betting Sites Offer?
New betting sites offer fantastic bonuses for new and existing customers, and here, you will find the most common bonuses offered and claimed.
Signup Offers
Sign-up offers are high-reward, exciting offers used to attract new customers to register with a new UK bookmaker. Often consisting of more than one reward, the main purpose of the offer is to catch the user's attention, make them see it's the best, sign up, and claim the offer to continue using the site. An example of a sign-up offer is receiving your deposit matched or your money back if your first wager loses.
Free Bets
Free bets can be found as part of signup offers or existing customer offers and rewarded after a promotion has been claimed that offers them. These bets allow customers to place wagers at a site without having to spend any more of their own funds and even, sometimes, keep the winnings, too! Free bets are a really good opportunity for users to try out new features and betting markets to encourage them to return for more and experience new ways of betting.
No Deposit Bonuses
Claiming a no-deposit bonus allows users to place a wager at any new bookmakers without needing to spend their own funds making a deposit beforehand. It is another fantastic way to try out what a site has to offer and decide if you wish to sign up and return. These are rare offers and tend to be attached to signup and welcome bonuses, so they are worth claiming!
Loyalty Bonuses
This type of bonus is for existing customers at a new bookmaker's site who frequently return and use the site. Loyalty bonuses reward these customers with extra and exclusive promotions just for them to show that their loyalty and custom is noticed, valued and appreciated by the brand. These can also often be gained through loyalty/VIP programmes where repeat customers climb up through the levels to earn rewards.
Refer-a-friend
These bonuses are where existing customers at any new betting sites can earn themselves and their friends exclusive rewards and offers simply for referring them. This can be the likes of free bets, no deposit bonuses and more. Often, these types of bonuses require your friend to register and complete their first bet, waiting for it to settle for both of you to receive bonuses to take advantage of at a site.
Money-Back Specials
Money-back specials are bonuses where customers can receive their money back in the form of a cash refund or a free bet if their initial wager results in a loss. Claim this offer and feel assured that even if you lose, you do not lose your money and can have a second chance to place another bet and potentially win!
Enhanced Odds
A popular and frequent promotion run at new bookmakers is enhanced odds. This bonus sees existing odds replaced for a limited time when a big event or match takes place that day, often increased in value but for nothing extra from you. Enhance your potential winnings by wagering on enhanced odds, but be quick! These are not available for long and are often found on short-price favourites.
If you loved this article as much as we do,click here to find out more about wisegambler.com and how they rank brand new casino sites.
New Bookmakers vs Established Bookmakers
New bookmakers offer the advantage of being modern, innovative and sleek platforms ready to appeal to the target audiences in a new digital age. New sites will also have shiny and valuable sign-up bonuses to attract users to register and play at the site for the first time and get its brand out there. However, being a new online bookmaker is not easy as there will not be features such as reviews from real players or much information about the site or brand from like-minded people to promote trust and reliability in the site. However, every new bookmaker must start somewhere, with new features and a different approach to the traditional bookmakers, so attracting the desired customer base should be simple.
Whilst we believe that new online bookmakers can be of the same high quality as established ones, if you're not convinced, see what the experts at wisegambler.com have to say about the UK's best known betting brands here.
What to do if you have a gambling problem
We understand that gambling can be fun, but it's important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery.
All the new bookmakers included in this article are safe to use and licenced by the UKGC. We always recommend checking for the relevant licences prior to using any new UK bookmakers.
How often do new bookies launch in the UK?
It has been reported that around 20-30 new UK bookmakers enter the market each year.
What deposit methods are available at new bookmakers?
New bookmakers often offer recognised and popular payment methods such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, Bank Transfer and more!
Is live streaming available at new betting sites?
All of the new betting sites included in this article offer customers the ability to live stream sports exclusively when logged into their accounts.
Do I need a bonus code to signup to a new bookmaker?
Not all new UK bookmakers will require a bonus code to sign up, so we recommend checking the above prior to claiming an offer to see whether a bonus code is required.
Mark Lawrenson claims 'woke' BBC axed him for being '65 and white' | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Mark Lawrenson featured on Football Focus for 25 years (Picture: Getty)
Mark Lawrenson has claimed that the 'woke' BBC axed him as a football pundit for being a 65-year-old white male.
The Liverpool legend featured on BBC show Football Focus for 25 years with his first appearance on Match of the Day coming even earlier.
Lawrenson, 66, last appeared on Football Focus at the end of the 2021-22 campaign before the BBC went 'top of the woke league'.
Two years on, Lawrenson has opened up about his exit from the BBC and has slammed the national broadcaster for how he and his fellow pundits were treated.
'I wasn't happy with the way they dealt with me, basically,' Lawrenson told The Ben Heath Podcast. 'I'd been there nearly 25 years, great, but I was just signing one-year contracts, season to season.'
Lawrenson added that he was 'really p***ed off' but 'kind of knew' what would happen because he was '65 and white'.
He then suggested that Steve Wright, Ken Bruce and Sue Barker had been treated similarly and insisted that the BBC was the most woke media outlet in the country.
The BBC have decided not to respond to Mark Lawrenson's claims (Picture: Getty)
Quizzed about the BBC's controversial decision to briefly suspend Gary Lineker in 2023 after he compared the Home Office's migrant boat policy to Nazi Germany, Lawrenson said: 'They're frightened to death.
'Absolutely, totally frightened to death. I think day by day the integrity of the corporation gets chipped off.
'It used to be absolutely fantastic, but they are woke plus 100 per cent.'
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Metro.co.uk approached the BBC for a response over Lawrenson's claims but they were not willing to make a comment.
Last month, Alan Shearer defended the BBC after Jeff Stelling blasted the broadcaster for a 'terrible production decision' on Match of the Day.
Stelling took issue with how Newcastle's 4-3 win over West Ham was covered, with pundits failing to properly analyse Kalvin Phillips' foul on Anthony Gordon, which led to a penalty and subsequent goal.
Paris Saint-Germain can take a big step towards the Champions League final with victory at Borussia Dortmund | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Kylian Mbappe is PSG's most dangerous player (Picture: Getty Images)
Here's your starter for ten. Which English footballer has scored the most goals in the Bundesliga?
How about Harry Kane? No, although he'll undoubtedly top the list sooner rather than later. Okay, it must be Kevin Keegan because he won the Ballon D'Or in 1978 and 1979 when playing for Hamburg. Incorrect.
Well then, let's go for Tony Woodcock, a dual European Cup winner with Nottingham Forest who played for FC Koln? Nope and you're out of guesses.
The answer is Jadon Sancho who scored his 40th goal in Germany's top flight at the weekend when he hit the net for Borussia Dortmund in a 4-1 defeat at RB Leipzig. Since January the 24-year-old has been on loan with BVB, where he spent four successful years from 2017 to 2021, after falling out with Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag.
He also scored in a 2-0 home victory over PSV Eindhoven to help Dortmund into the Champions League quarter-finals where they then beat Atletico Madrid after a couple of humdingers in Spain and on home soil to set up a semi-final battle with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Ligue 1 champions reached this stage of the competition by beating Barcelona over two legs and their attack is led by classy Kylian Mbappe, who is set to move to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Jadon Sancho loves scoring for Dortmund and found the net in their Champions League last-16 first leg match against PSV Eindhoven (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
He has scored eight of his 43 goals this season in the Champions League and is obviously a big threat to a Dortmund side beset by injuries.
Winning the final at Wembley on Saturday, June 1 would equate to getting their hands on the holy grail for PSG and they head across the border full of confidence after taking four points off Dortmund in the group stages.
They are also unbeaten in 15 games away from home in all competitions stretching way back to a 2-1 reversal at AC Milan at the beginning of November.
Mbappe can send PSG to victory by opening the scoring at 15/4 with bet365 and he's a concrete bet at 11/10 with the same firm to get on the scoresheet at any time.
Sancho is 4/1 with SpreadEx to find the net but back PSG to win at 29/20 with bet365 and Betfair while a 2-1 victory for the Parisians is 10/1 with William Hill.
Sporting boss Ruben Amorim could be Erik Ten Hag's replacement at Old Trafford
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham can light up the Champions League semi-finals
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• Aidan O'Brien's classy City of Troy will take some beating in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday. Triumphant in all three starts last year, including the Dewhurst Stakes over course and distance, the bay colt must be followed even at 4/6, which is available with multiple firms. Fallen Angel, trained by Karl Burke, is 7/2 with William Hill for the 1,000 Guineas on Sunday.
• Globetrotting Japanese raider Forever Young, a fine winner already this year at Medan and Riyadh, looks each-way gold for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs when the 150th Run for the Roses is staged on Saturday. Also victorious on home soil in his young undefeated career, he's worthing supporting at 8/1 with Betfred, bet365 and Paddy Power.
The Brazilian joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020 and went on to help the Blues win three trophies, including the Champions League.
It is not clear if Chelsea tried to persuade Silva to sign a contract extension but Hargreaves believes the Stamford Bridge hierarchy should have done everything in their power to keep him at the club.
Boehly's ownership of Chelsea has been widely criticised, with the club's heavy spending and awarding of remarkedly long contracts yet to lead to success on the pitch.
'Chelsea should have kept him on. I think they should have kept him,' the ex-England midfielder said on Premier League Productions.
'The reason why they are struggling this season is because they have no leaders, no experienced players.
Thiago Silva is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season (Picture: Getty)
'They need more of them, not less. You don't let the guy go who's won the Champions League and been one of the best centre-backs of all time.
'He could have stayed to mentor all those brilliant young centre-backs they have, like Colwill, Badiashile and Disasi.
'Having players like Thiago Silva in the dressing room is priceless. A guy like Thiago, who has been there and done it, he doesn't fold in the big moments.
Graeme Souness believes Mohamed Salah made 'secret deal' with Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp
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'He can still play. I think he'll go back to Brazil and play there. It's so important to have mentors when you come through – that guy would be the best mentor ever.'
In an emotional statement, Silva said his love for Chelsea was 'indescribable' and hinted at returning to Stamford Bridge one day.
'Chelsea means a lot to me,' he said. 'I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years.
'It is already hard saying goodbye in the most normal of circumstances but when there is a mutual love, it's even harder. But once a Blue, always a Blue.'
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Arsenal legend Ian Wright said Silva's announcement was 'sad' as he paid tribute to a player who has enjoyed a 'great career'.
'A very sad video to watch,' Wright said. 'He was very emotional and it's a tough one because there does come a time in your career, and he is getting old, when you start to feel this is winding down.
'That day is coming and that has, obviously, happened to him. The announcement was very emotional because he knew it was coming and now he has to put it out there.
'What was really quite sad to watch was how he couldn't control the fact that he has accepted it in himself, and you see him in tears. It is sad. It's sad to see because a great career is winding down.'
The results mean Arsenal's lead at the top of the table is just one point, with Man City set to win the Premier League if they win their four remaining games.
Arsenal will hope to keep Pep Guardiola's team honest by taking nine points from their final three games, with the Gunners facing Bournemouth and Everton at home in-between a trip to Manchester United.
The Old Trafford game is Arsenal's toughest fixture on paper but ex-United midfielder Hargreaves cannot see his former club causing many problems.
'They can be anything, United, it's mad,' he said on Premier League Productions. 'Even at home to Burnley, it was Burnley who had more possession.
'That game might suit United because they'll be able to play on the counter and hit them on the break.
'But Mikel Arteta does such a great job in formulating game-plans to nullify those threats so I think Arsenal will beat Man United.
'United can't control games, the middle of the pitch is so open and Arsenal's midfield is brilliant with [Martin] Odegaard and [Declan] Rice. So I don't see United troubling Arsenal.'
The Red Devils have little to play for in the Premier League but will conclude the 2023-24 campaign with a FA Cup final against Manchester City.
While Arsenal prepare for fixtures against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Everton, defending champions Man City face Wolves, Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham as they chase a record fourth consecutive title.
'I'd love to see a LIV-style breakaway!' O'Sullivan said. 'I'd love to get a phone call which says "do you want £600million to play for three years" I'd love that phone call. Wouldn't you?
'Would you turn that down? If someone said "come and work for my radio station for three years and we'd pay you £600million" would you turn it down?'
It is a fair question from the Rocket but the possible breakaway tour in snooker is not offering that kind of money, instead around £320,000 guaranteed, with prize money to be won on top of that.
O'Sullivan is into the quarter-finals at the Crucible where he faces Stuart Bingham (Picture: Getty Images)
Players including Kyren Wilson and Jack Lisowski have admitted they are at least tempted by an offer elsewhere and the Rocket says they are welcome to make their own choices.
'I don't know. I don't get involved in it. Each to their own, everyone's got to do what they've got to do,' said the world number one.
'I know what I want from the sport, I know what I'm prepared to do and I know what I need in return from it. As long as I keep getting that I don't mind playing. Everyone has to make that decision up for themselves.
'Everyone's in different positions in the game, stages of their careers. One might work better for one person. Working more or less could work for others. It's not always about money. It's about the time as well. That's the most important thing, for some people it's money. It's really hard to give you a straight answer.'
Stephen Maguire and Dave Gilbert love-in before World Championship showdown | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Stephen Maguire and Dave Gilbert are big fans of each other (Pictures: Getty)
Stephen Maguire and Dave Gilbert were full of praise for each other as players and people ahead of their World Championship clash, but they will be ready for battle at the Crucible.
Both men are former semi-finalists but had to come through qualifying after disappointing results over the last couple of years.
However, they have shown their quality so far at the Crucible, with Maguire beating Ali Carter and Shaun Murphy, while Gilbert has downed defending champion Luca Brecel and Rob Milkins.
With the clash set for the quarter-finals, it will be a contest that has been played out ever since their junior days, and they are still going at each other in their 40s.
'I've been a Stephen Maguire fan since we were kids,' Gilbert told Metro. 'He was the one I looked at and thought would win everything. I'm amazed he's never won a world title.
'If I wasn't playing him I'd probably be hoping he did go on and win one, but obviously not this year. I think he's a top lad, he's always been straight with me and he's like that with everybody. He's a good guy.'
Maguire added: 'It's mad isn't it. To play Shaun and then Dave back-to-back, you're talking 11-years-old playing in junior tournaments. Young, ugly kids running about trying to pot balls. It's mad that we're still here 30 years later.
'I've always said Dave's a great player. He was a great junior. It took him a while to break through, but everybody rates Dave, that big cue action with the long backswing. He's good to watch.
'He's a cracking boy off the table. He was a good junior, I was decent. We're doing well. We're doing all right for ourselves.'
Gilbert sees it as an even contest but will be drawing on fond memories of a quarter-final win over Maguire at the Masters in 2020, feeling that he is returning to that kind of form.
'I think it probably is a 50-50 game If I play well I can win, if Stephen plays well he can win. I think it'll be a great game,' said the Angry Farmer.
Maguire was fired up during his second round win over Shaun Murphy (Picture: Getty Images)
'We haven't played that much over the years. The Masters was probably the last time I felt I could play the game, so hopefully it's the same feeling and same result.
'That was one of my best wins, such a big thing playing at the Masters for the first time and I felt like I handled it really well. Hopefully more of the same again.
'We've both struggled but our rankings probably aren't correct. We're both better than about 32 in the world. We've both not done so well lately. But he's had a fantastic career, nearly every snooker player would swap with him.
'He's obviously still got game, he's in the quarter-finals and probably feeling confident like I am.'
Gilbert and Maguire begin their quarter-final contest at 10am on Tuesday at the Crucible.
The best gambling sites in the UK – top brands for betting and bonuses | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
(Picture: Acroud Media)
Most gambling sites nowadays do their best to cover all bases, from sports betting to slots to poker. The experts at Wisegambler.com have decided that the best all-round UK gambling site from their commercial partners is BetVictor, but you can see their full list of recommendations below:
bet365 T&Cs: Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware GamStop Gambling Commission
DISCLAIMER: This article is provided by wisegambler.com, part of the Acroud group and all opinions are their own. All offers are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change without notice.
Best Gambling Sites in the UK Reviewed
The following are the experts' picks for the top five all-round gambling sites UK!
Taking the place of honour is BetVictor. The sportsbook is nigh unparalleled in UK gambling, with competitive odds, an intuitive user interface and some generous bonuses. The casino sections of BetVictor are also stellar, with a jaw-dropping range of live dealer titles and a smaller but high-quality collection of regular casino games. If we're looking for issues with the site, we'd have to say the sportsbook livestream coverage is limited to only a few major events.
Pros
✅ Wide range of sports and markets
✅ Modern and user-friendly platform
✅ Mobile friendly
Cons
❌ Limited live streaming
BetVictor T&Cs:18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds. No cash out. Get £40 in Free Bets on selected events. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Debit card / Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly.
Betfred sets itself apart with one specific feature — the range of bonuses. Betfred is famous for its expansive range of betting promotions across all its gambling services. We also love the big update the Betfred website recently underwent, with a shiny new look that improves user experience and adds an element of professionalism. As a gambling site, we were disappointed with the comparatively small collection of table games available in the regular and live casinos. However, the overall library is strong, with many titles from top developers.
Pros
✅ The best lineup of promotions around
✅ Reliable British betting brand
✅ Many casino games from top-tier developers
Cons
❌ Small lineup of table games
Betfred T&Cs:New customers only. Register (excl. 13/04/24) with WELCOME50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin' Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
This is the oldest brand on our list, first entering the sports betting business in 1939 and still standing strong 80 years later. Since then, William Hill has expanded into a sprawling gambling empire with its live casino, vegas, bingo and poker services to complement it! Each is of fantastic quality with excellent games, live dealer options and top-notch service. Unfortunately, William Hill's website is bland compared to its competitors; certainly user-friendly, but not very exciting to look at.
Pros
✅ Well-established betting brand
✅ Hundreds of games, including live dealer options
✅ Friendly and responsive customer support
Cons
❌ Bland website design
William Hill T&Cs: 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. #ad
BetMGM is a brand familiar to any avid US sports bettor, but in 2023 it made its way to British shores and made one hell of a splash! Its classy user interface spreads from the desktop to the dedicated mobile apps, with BetMGM proving to be the pinnacle of modern gambling platforms. The casino and sportsbook are well-balanced and cohesively designed, so users looking for either will be satisfied. Its one major issue is the distinct lack of payment methods, with only a handful available, which prevents many users from using the site.
Pros
✅ Competitive odds and promotions
✅ Seamless mobile experience
✅ Live betting and streaming
Cons
❌ Limited payment options
BetMGM T&Cs: New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply. 18+ BeGambleAware.org.
888 is one of the older UK brands on the market and has a fantastic reputation to accompany it. This is a one-stop shop for gambling enthusiasts with a combined sportsbook, casino and poker site! The sportsbook boasts many betting markets, the poker site hosts many variations, and the casino features a plethora of games, including original content! While the service is excellent overall, we must criticise the support limitations, with some customer contacts reserved exclusively for VIP customers.
Pros
✅ Trusted and reputable brand
✅ Wide variety of sports and events
✅ Mobile-friendly
Cons
❌ Live chat customer support only for VIPs
888 T&Cs: New online 888sport customers in the UK and Ireland, excluding re-registered customers. Valid from 15/01/2024. Min Deposit £/€10 with code 30FXS. Qualifying bet: 'real money' stake of £/€10+, odds 1/2 (1.5)+. Free bet, consists of 3x £/€10 tokens: 1x £/€10 horseracing, 1x £/€10 football, 1x £/€10 in-play, which will be credited upon qualifying bet settlement and must be used entirely before expiration in 7 days. No cashing out, each way bets, permutations, or combining with 'real money' stakes. Payment restrictions apply. T&Cs apply.
Best Gambling Sites for Betting
BetMGM — the sophisticated betting interface lends itself to user-friendliness, and the live streaming is superior.
BetVictor — renowned for its odds on football and horse racing betting, also features some of the best sportsbook apps on the market. Click here for more information on the best football betting sites.
WilliamHill — a highly experienced betting brand with unbeatable odds on horse and greyhound racing.
10bet — there are fewer betting markets, but the interface is modern and the betting promotions are varied across many different sports.
bet365 — a highly respected sports betting site with a slick interface and some of the best horse racing promotions in the business.
Best Gambling Sites for Casino
WilliamHill — the Vegas service at William Hill has a high-quality variety of casino games from many top developers.
Betfred — stands out for its plethora of casino bonuses, so you can play more of its excellent lineup for less.
888 — with its original games and fantastic user interface, 888 makes for a top-tier casino experience.
BetVictor — BetVictor's casino selection is smaller than others but makes up for it in sheer quality. The site is also attractive and has exceptional mobile compatibility.
BetMGM — The game selection features titles from all the best game developers and hosts it all on a classy website and mobile app.
Best Gambling Sites for Slots
Betfred — Their hundreds of slot games come from only the best developers in the business, and all benefit from the fantastic casino promotions Betfred is famous for.
WilliamHill — with more than 1000 slots on offer, William Hill will leave any slot enthusiast satisfied.
888 — the 1000+ slots feature all the classic titles we expect from a top gambling site, and 888 even hosts a selection of original gaming titles to set itself apart from the competition.
Boylesports — features an elite lineup of slots with huge jackpots and exciting themes to keep the slot experience from growing repetitive.
Planet Sport Bet — doesn't have the biggest selection of slots but is picky about the developers they come from, offering more titles from smaller but excellent-quality game studios.
Best Gambling Sites for Bingo
Betfred — this is one of the most extensive bingo services offered by a multi-service gambling site, with a huge range of bingo variations and unbeatable promotions.
WilliamHill — boasts an excellent selection of bingo variations, including rush bingo, speed bingo and your classic 90 and 75-ball games.
Boylesports — doesn't host the most bingo games, but it's easy to find a game to suit you and the site is super beginner-friendly.
Unibet — only hosts 90 and 75-ball varieties, but there are always games on offer and at all buy-in prices! From penny rooms to six-figure progressives, Unibet will surely have something that suits you.
bet365 — one of the most impressive bingo sites we've seen, from its attractive design and fantastic collection of Virtue Fusion games, to the promotions available.
Best Gambling Sites for Blackjack
BetVictor — while the table games are a little slim here, the blackjack is well served. You'll find many variations, especially if you prefer live dealer varieties.
Unibet — features a good balance of blackjack variations in both the regular online casino and live casino options.
888 — the collection of live dealer blackjack options at 888 is more than any fan could hope to need. And while the non-live variants are slim pickings, they're all high quality.
BetMGM — the live casino blackjack titles come in more varieties than you ever thought existed, all with excellent chat functions and entry minimums starting from just £1.
10bet — the library of blackjack titles is extensive on all accounts, and the experience of playing them is a dream with the fantastic website they're hosted on.
Best Gambling Sites for Roulette
BetVictor — you can find fantastic roulette options at both the live and regular casinos. Not to mention that BetVictor hosts original online roulette tables.
William Hill — the regular online roulette options aren't the biggest at William Hill, but the live pickings are top-notch. You can find all sorts of roulette variations too, including American, European and Arabic.
Boylesports — the roulette options at Boylesports are highly varied, with many unique kinds like spread, diamond, and even themed games.
bet365 — the bet365 roulette lineup is excellent, with unique variations like mini super spin, penny roulette and Dragon Jackpot in addition to the classic wheels.
Livescore Bet — Livescore Bet is one of those gambling sites you'd never expect to have an impressive roulette range, but it knocks it out of the park with an impressive collection of top-tier live roulette games.
Mobile Gambling Sites
In the modern era, mobile devices are steadily but surely outstripping PCs as people's primary source of internet access. As such, online gambling sites need to offer mobile services to rival their PC browser sites! There are many betting apps out there, but they vary wildly in quality. The following are the best you can get in the UK, according to the experts at Wisegambler.com:
BetVictor
BetMGM
888
bet365
10bet
How to Sign Up to an Online Gambling Site
Signing up to online gambling sites has never been easier, with simple online forms that take minutes to complete. While each casino will be slightly different, just follow these basic steps, and you can start playing or betting online today:
Use one of our affiliate links to reach the sign-up page for your chosen gambling site
Click 'Join Now' or similar to open the registration page
Enter your personal details like name, date of birth, address and contact details
If you have a promo code, enter it before finishing account creation
Confirm your account, verify your email, and get playing
Where Can I Play Online Poker?
Online poker is a little more specialised than other online gambling services, but you can still find plenty of online poker games in the UK. These games alter the rules a little and should be approached differently than regular poker, but there are also online-specific tournaments and game types that only work well online. If you're a poker fan, the experts at Wisegambler.com recommend these sites in specific:
888
BoyleSports
bet365
Unibet
William Hill
What is the Best Live Casino?
Live casino sites exist to add a personal touch back into the online gambling experience. Live dealer games are hosted by a human croupier instead of a computer program. You can see them through a live stream and interact with them and other players through a chat function. These games have grown highly sophisticated and even have unique options like game shows! You can find many quality live casino sites, and here are the favourites of the Wisegambler experts:
William Hill
BetMGM
10bet
Betfred
BetVictor
Where Can I Play Online Lottery?
Lottery services at online gambling sites — usually shortened to lotto in the UK — are a little rarer than the other features we've looked at so far. These can function similarly to bingo sites, with rooms you can join and play in, or you can play instant win titles like scratch cards. The experts at Wisegambler.com recommend the following sites for players looking for lotto options:
Betfred
Boylesports
BetVictor — scratchcards and instant-win only
William Hill — scratchcards and instant-win only
How does Wisegambler.com Review Online Gambling Sites?
So now that we've shown you the expert-certified best gambling sites in the UK, it begs the question: what makes these 'the best?' The Wisegambler experts have shared their top judging criteria below so you know what you can expect from all of their top picks:
Welcome Offers and Promotions
One of the first features we look at is the promotional lineup. Of course, this includes the welcome offer — we want to know how generous it is and what it entails. Is the welcome bonus different across the various gambling services, or are they combined, like free bets awarded alongside free spins?
Beyond that, we look at the existing promotions — bonuses shouldn't be exclusively heaped upon new customers. This means recurring deals like reload bonuses or weekly free spins. We also give bonus points for services with VIP schemes, rewarding loyal players and giving them a reason to hang around.
We have put together a list of the best free bets available in the UK right now, head over to our page here.
Variety of Games and Betting Markets
A gambling site would be nothing without its primary content. If a site hosts both casino and sports betting, we want to see a high-quality offering for both. This means a variety of game types — slots, instant win, table games, live casino options — and betting markets that either cover a wide range of sports or allow for an in-depth betting experience. We feel that quality far outstrips quantity in this category, and we'd rather see a site do a small number of things well than have many mediocre services.
User Experience
This may seem obvious, but it's a point that we often overlook in the competition to have the most games or the biggest bonuses — is the gambling site pleasant to use? User experience should be at the top of any service's priority list. This means we expect an attractive, easy-to-navigate interface, intuitive account management systems and quick loading times.
Mobile Compatibility
Mobile gambling has grown exponentially more popular in the past decade, and we've come to expect some level of mobile compatibility from all gambling sites we look at. We want all the gambling sites we consider to at least have a well-adapted mobile website. The best of the best will also have functional apps for both iOS and Android, which streamline the process further. Not all apps are made equally, though, so we need to know these apps work well and consistently please customers.
Licensing and Safety
These are UK gambling sites, so every one of them is guaranteed to have a reliable licence. Without a UKGC or otherwise approved regulator attached to the site, it can't operate in the UK at all. But we like to see when a gambling site has two or more licences! This is usually because it's catering to an international market, but this also gives us more confidence in the stability and legitimacy of the site. Additionally, all gambling sites worth their salt need some kind of web security to protect user data, especially regarding transactions.
Customer Service
Finally, when we recommend a gambling site, we first want to know that the users will be well cared for. So, the site should feature a robust customer support service with multiple points of contact and swift response times. We're especially pleased with the trend towards social media contacts, which allow for near-instant communication between gambling sites and their customers.
If you want to know more about how wisegambler.com's team ranks and reviews online gambling brands, click here.
What Payment Methods are Available at Online Gambling Sites?
You can use many different methods when making payments at online gambling sites. Here's a look at some of the most popular options:
Debit cards — the default payment method. You can use VISA and debit cards at just about every online gambling site in the UK.
PayPal — is a popular online payment option, allowing for fast and secure payments that don't require you to input your details every time.
Paysafecard — prepaid cards like this allow you to make quick payments from a dedicated pool of money. These are particularly good for players trying to control their spending, as you can't spend more than is on the card.
PaybyMobile — an increasingly popular method in the UK. This allows you to pay using your phone number and simply add the charge to the end of your phone bill. This method often has daily transaction limits.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission: How Are Gambling Sites Regulated?
In the UK, all gambling businesses are regulated by the UKGC — the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. It is a non-governmental regulatory body, however it does enforce UK gambling legislation. For a gambling business of any kind to legally operate in the UK, it must hold a licence from the UKGC — this includes gambling sites, land-based casinos and even arcades.
The UKGC's primary role is to ensure that gambling companies treat users of these establishments fairly. This prevents companies from withholding a player's winnings, capping withdrawals, or taking advantage of vulnerable people like addicts, children and the elderly. The UKGC is notorious for being one of the strictest gambling regulators in the world, so you know you can trust sites licenced by it.
What to do if you have a gambling problem
We understand that gambling can be fun, but it's important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery.
Gambling websites operating in the UK must be licenced and regulated by the UKGC. With such a reliable licence, you know you can trust any UK gambling site.
Is Online Gambling Legal in the UK?
Yes, online gambling is legal in the UK. This is thanks to the extensive gambling legislation, ensuring that online gambling operates above board and protects vulnerable parties.
Why Should I Trust Wisegambler.com?
Wisegambler.com has a team of gambling experts on hand who understand the ins and outs of online gambling services. You can trust our team and its collective decades of experience in this field.
Is online gambling better on mobile or desktop?
This will entirely depend on your preference, although, as a general rule, online gambling sites are designed to work on desktops first and are later ported to mobile devices. Many mobile betting apps can also be very hit or miss.
Are Online Gambling Sites easy to use?
Yes, most online gambling sites are designed to optimise user experience and be simple to use or play on — all of our top recommendations sport easy-to-use websites.
