Safety and security is of paramount importance when using betting sites. Protecting customers’ personal and financial data is integral to the reputation of an online bookmaker, as are the provision of responsible gambling tools and the possession of relevant licences.
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 and information on licensing and data security.
How we choose the best safe betting sites
We consider a range of stringent criteria when considering which safe sports betting sites to recommend.
Licensing - The most important factor is licensing and regulation. A betting site must be fully licensed by the UKGC to ensure they comply with UK regulations surrounding fair play, data security and use of private information.
Payment methods - The best betting sites will also have a range of accessible, secure payment methods.
Security software - As an extension of this, safe betting sites will have the latest encryption software, such as SSL encryption, ideally with added features like 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 – the operators below deliver an outstanding overall product.
BetMGM
Although still classed among new betting sites in the UK, BetMGM brings a formidable reputation from the USA. Its betting product this side of the Atlantic meets those same high standards, so customers can rest assured that they’re using a safe and reliable operator.
BetMGM offers the latest encryption software and accepts a variety of payment 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 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, although 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. Bet365 offer top of the line security systems, including SSL encryption and two-factor authentication.
Deposits and withdrawals are secure and include a wide range of payment methods, with bet365 being one of the first Apple Pay betting sites before it was widely accepted.
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 gambling sites.
As with most of the top safe betting sites, Betfred offer encryption and two-step 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. Customers can also contact Betfred 24/7 via live chat, email and post if they have any concerns.
Betway
Betway offers reliability and a trustworthy operation for all customers.
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. It also offers a variety of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, including being one of only a handful of Trustly betting sites.
Betway is committed to responsible gambling with links to a number of charities and support organisations on hand at the bottom of every page. 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 the UK 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 keep safe personal, financial and other data relating to their customers.
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 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:
Debit card - Both Visa and Mastercard debit transactions are secure through safe betting sites. 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 processing times are longer.
PayPal - PayPal is perhaps the most secure payment method online. Customers do not need to enter the financial details when using PayPal betting sites. 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. 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.
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 gambling platforms.
Betting apps offer the usual high level of encryption, touch/face ID, a range of payment methods and several safer gambling tools to ensure that your mobile betting experience is as safe as possible.
Responsible gambling
Gambling is never a sure way to make money, 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:
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.
