Safety and security is of paramount importance when gambling online. As with all transactions, protecting customers’ personal and financial data is integral to the reputation of a betting site.
Safe betting online consists of both responsible gambling tools and the relevant licences, as well as adherence to gambling regulations. It’s crucial that punters choose a betting site that is licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
The best safe betting sites 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 safe betting, including the best safe online betting sites, information on licensing and data security, and a rundown of responsible gambling.
How we choose the best safe betting sites
We consider a range of factors when evaluating which safe sports betting sites to recommend. We only recommend sites that have met our stringent list of criteria, ensuring that you receive the best product on the market.
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, use of private information and, of course, their betting product itself.
Payment methods - The best betting sites will also have a range of accessible, secure payment methods, with options such as bank transfer and PayPal that will keep user data safe.
Security software - As an extension of this, safe betting sites will have the latest encryption software, such as SSL encryption, ideally with added features such as two-factor verification.
Responsible gambling - All of the most trusted safe betting sites 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 safe betting sites: Ranked and reviewed
The best safe betting sites have to meet our high standards before we recommend them to our readers. The operators below have met that threshold to deliver an outstanding product for betting online.
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. BetVictor does not rest on its laurels though, consistently ensuring that customers can feel safe and secure.
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 betting site on the market. It offers a complete package for users, and is one of the most trusted operators in the UK. As well as possesssing 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 sites, 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 sites.
Betway
Betway offers reliability and a trustworthy operation for all customers.
Users can rest assured that all their activity is secure, as Betway has multiple licenses across the world (though it is regulated in the UK by the UKGC) and provides SSL encryption to protect all information, while verification is required to open accounts.
Betway offers a variety of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, notably debit card, Trustly and PayPal.
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 betting sites 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 for betting online.
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 sites are required to safe keep personal, financial and other data relating to their customers. But, how do they keep this data safe and secure.
Licensed bookies in the UK 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 betting sites have dedicated information online explaining their encryption process and other relevant information.
Safe payment methods
For obvious reasons, having a range of trusted, safe payment methods on offer is vital for safe betting sites. These are the best payment methods available from safe online sports betting sites, all using the encryption and two-way authentication security.
Debit card - The most popular method available for transactions online. Both Visa and Mastercard debit transactions are safe and secure through safe betting sites. Deposits are usually instant, while withdrawals can take up to 24 hours to complete.
Bank transfer - This method is becoming a more dated approach, but is still widely accepted by safe betting sites. Bank transfers are secure, although the transaction times are longer than other methods.
PayPal - PayPal is perhaps the most secure payment method online. Customers do not need to enter the financial details into the PayPal betting site or app. All payments can be made using your PayPal username and password. 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 compared to their rival. These methods may not be eligible for deposits to unlock welcome bonuses.
Customer support
The best safe online sports betting 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 safe betting sites.
Mobile app
Understandably, the safety of mobile betting apps associated with these sites is an important topic.
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 is never a sure way to make money, no matter how knowledgeable you are about sport. Sports betting can be addictive too, so please take steps to remain in control of your budget and time.
The best safe betting sites offer plenty of 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.
Should you wish to seek help for gambling-related issues, there are several charities and healthcare providers who offer support and information:
Choosing the best safe betting site summary
When choosing the ‘best’ safe betting site, remember that each user has different preferences for betting online.
Our recommended safe online betting sites are licensed and regulated by the UKGC, carry the latest encryption software and offer two-way verification. A variety of secure payment methods and responsible gambling tools are also on hand.
Be sure to take all this information in mind before choosing your safe betting site. Remember to enjoy your betting experience, but conduct it in a safe manner through licensed and secure bookies.
We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Safe Betting Sites FAQs
What are safe betting sites?
Safe betting sites are operators that are licensed by the UKGC and have the latest security software such as SSL encryption, two-way authentication, secure payment methods and responsible gambling tools.
What are the best safe online betting sites?
There are several safe betting sites that stand out for quality online, but the best options are the market are BetMGM, BetVictor and Bet365.
What payment methods are available on safe betting sites UK?
Customers can use debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, Skrill and Neteller among other options on safe betting sites.
Are responsible gambling tools available on safe sports betting sites?
Yes. Customers should have access to a wide range of support tools including deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs.
