Safety and security is of paramount importance when gambling online. Protecting customers’ personal and financial data is integral to the reputation of all betting sites, as are the provision of responsible gambling tools and the possession of relevant licences.
The best sites for safe online betting will offer a combination of the latest encryption software, a range of trusted payment methods, accessible customer support and responsible gambling tools to keep their customers safe and their data secure.
Below, we’ve broken down all the information you need on betting safely online, including the best safe bookmakers and information on licensing, data security and payment methods.
How we choose the best secure bookmakers
We consider a range of stringent criteria when evaluating which safe bookies to recommend.
Licensing - The most important factor is licensing and regulation. A betting site must be fully licensed by the UKGC to ensure that they comply with UK regulations surrounding data security and use of private information.
Payment methods - The best sites for safe online betting will also have a range of accessible, secure payment methods.
Security software - As an extension of this, secure bookmakers will have the latest encryption software, such as SSL encryption, ideally with added features such as two-factor verification. As technology improves, we look for the operators that are keeping up with security trends, offering protection via passcodes, Face ID and Touch ID.
Responsible gambling - All of the most trusted safe betting operators will also display an easily accessible range of responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits or loss limits. Sites will also have an extensive customer support network including live chat and email.
Best sites for safe online betting: Ranked and reviewed
The best safe bookies have to meet our high standards before we recommend them – the operators below deliver an outstanding overall product.
BetMGM
Although a new betting site in the UK, BetMGM brings a formidable reputation from the USA. Its betting product meets those same high standards, ensuring that customers can rest assured that they’re using a safe and reliable operator.
BetMGM offers the latest encryption software and accepts payments from a variety of methods, including PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
The site also provides excellent customer support, offering a 24/7 live chat, and offers a range of readily available responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, loss limits and self-exclusion.
BetVictor
BetVictor is titan of the industry that has a longstanding reputation as one of the most trusted names in gambling in the UK.
The company has SSL encryption on its betting site, as well as two-way verification. Customers have a number of options for deposits and withdrawals, including Apple Pay and PayPal (bear in mind you cannot use some payment methods to unlock welcome offers).
BetVictor also has many customer support options, including a live chat. It takes responsible gambling seriously too, with a range of tools available through its Safer Gambling Portal.
Bet365
Bet365 is arguably the best operator on the market. It offers a complete package for users, and is one of the most trusted operators in the UK. As well as possessing a UKGC license and thorough methods of security, it offers SSL encryption and two-way verification.
Deposits and withdrawals are both secure, offering a wide range of payment methods, including addition to e-wallets such at Neteller.
Bet365 also offers 24-hour customer support, with a live chat that is informative with quick response times. Deposit limits, loss limits, reality checks and self exclusion are available with responsible gambling tools.
Betfred
Betfred are one of the biggest advocates of safe gambling online, and are one of the UK’s most well-known bookmakers.
As with most of the top safe betting operators, Betfred offer encryption and two-way verification, as well as providing various payment methods, including debit cards, PayPal, Skrill and instant bank payments to several banks.
Through its safe gambling hub users can access a wealth of resources for responsible gambling practices, including self assessment, deposit limits, loss limits, time outs and self exclusion.
Customers can contact Betfred 24/7 through its live chat, email and through a phone line, which is a feature not universally available on all betting websites.
Betway
Betway offers reliability and a trustworthy operation for all customers.
Betway has multiple licenses across the world and provides SSL encryption to protect all information, while verification is required to open accounts. It also offers a variety of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals.
Betway is committed to responsible gambling with links to a number of charities and support organisations on hand at the bottom of the betting site. Tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, time outs and self-exclusion are in place for those users that require further assistance.
Customers can contact Betway with issues through its 24/7 live chat as well as email and social media.
Licensing and regulation
Are online bookies safe? Put simply, yes – if they carry a license from United Kingdom Gambling Commission. Our recommended sites all have licenses with the UKGC, so you can rest assured that they are safe to use.
Licensing ensures fair play and protection for the customer, upholding their rights and maintaining a safe gambling environment.
Trusted sites display information related to licensing at the bottom of every page on their site, along with the company’s account number on the Gambling Commission’s public register.
Data security: Protecting your information
Betting operators are required to safe keep personal, financial and other data relating to their customers.
UKGC licensed bookies offer the latest forms of encryption as well as requiring two-factor authentication from their users. These keep data safe by converting it into code, making it more difficult to obtain, leak or decode.
Two-factor authentication works through several methods. One method is by generating random one-time use passwords once your own details have been verified, making it hard for anyone else to access your account. Others include Face and Touch ID.
Safe payment methods
For obvious reasons, having a range of trusted, safe payment methods on offer is vital for all secure bookmakers. These methods should be fast, reliable and most importantly secure for all users.
Debit card - Both Visa and Mastercard debit transactions are secure on safe betting websites. Deposits are usually instant, while withdrawals can take up to 24 hours to complete.
Bank transfer - This method is more dated, but is still widely accepted. Transfers are secure, although the transaction times are longer.
PayPal - PayPal is perhaps the most secure payment method online. Customers do not need to enter the financial details into a PayPal betting site or app. Bear in mind, PayPal deposits are not always eligible for welcome bonuses.
Skrill/Neteller - These e-wallets offer the same level of security as PayPal, although they are not as widely accepted due to their popularity. These methods may not be eligible for deposits to unlock welcome bonuses.
Customer support
The best online sports gambling sites enhance their safe betting environment by providing a wide range of customer support options.
Bet365, BetVictor and William Hill have standout support services, such as 24/7 availability on their live chat, and quick response times on emails. Betfred stand out for offering a phone line that is not commonplace among many of its competitors.
Mobile app
Understandably, the safety of mobile betting apps associated with these sites is an important topic. However, customers have nothing to worry about – the best betting apps also offer secure mobile platforms.
Betting apps offer the usual high level of encryption, touch/face ID, a range of payment methods and several safer gambling tools on offer to ensure that your mobile betting experience is as safe as possible.
Responsible gambling
Safer gambling tools are essential for a safe betting experience, as they help users to avoid betting more than they can afford. Gambling should never be a way to make money, so the best safe operators ensure that customers can feel protected and have strong measures to re-affirm that stance.
Secure bookmakers offer responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. These can often be accessed through dedicated safer gambling pages on each site. There should always be a wealth of resources to read on these pages for those users that require assistance.
Pop-up notifications on desktop sites and betting apps at regular intervals ensure that users remain in control of their gambling online. The same can be done on casino sites or slot sites if you explore gambling beyond sports betting.
Also be mindful not to get too enticed by free bet offers which may seem like good value on first glance, but they can become addictive if you chase too many of them.
Should you wish to seek help for gambling-related issues, there are several charities and healthcare providers who offer support and information:
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