What’s the world’s most popular sport? The answer is simple — football. From a fan’s and bettor’s perspective, it is the most dominant sport globally. With hundreds of leagues across Europe and the world and plenty of action during the week, Saturday and Sunday, the best football betting websites enjoy incredible traffic daily.
Sergio is our CEO and betting expert. He is a big football fan. Sergio is the guy that runs it all and the one who got the BetZillion idea. Sergio’s favourite sports include football, handball, futsal, American football, and boxing.
The great Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti once said:
Football is the most important of the less important things in the world.
Carlo Ancelotti
He was undoubtedly right. This game enjoys a cult status among sports, and players such as Pele, Diego Armando Maradona, Leo Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo are true legends in history. Even if you’re not a football fan, you have surely heard about these players. Regardless if you’re a fan, you can bet on soccer online and still earn loads of cash by simply following your intuition.
Betting sites for soccer have made it very easy to place bets these days. Add to that the promise of bonuses beyond your imagination, and it’s easier than ever to bet. If you’re looking for the top football betting sites online, you’re at the right place.
List of the Best Bookies for Football ⭐
The online betting market at the moment is pretty focused on football betting. The football season begins in late summer in most parts of the world and lasts almost until the next summer. There are dozens of competitions and events all year long to get the best payouts, not counting the World Cup or Euros held once every four years.
The best soccer betting site will have it all, but finding one isn’t that easy. To be honest, the market is pretty saturated these days, and not all bookmakers are of equal quality. That’s where BetZillion comes in. With my best football bookies guide, I’ll show you the sites worthy of where you can build your accumulator easily and place bets on the top fixed odds. Don’t worry – most of our recommended bookmakers also have live odds.
The list of bookies you’ll find on this page has a line for each football event and the best odds on various competitions and tournaments. Simply put, my guide is everything you need to start betting on this sport.
This table allows you to compare various sportsbooks in terms of different aspects. You can find out which is the best betting site or the platform that offers the best bonuses. I will also tell you what’s the top mobile app or what’s best for live betting. Additionally, I can help you find a high-payout bookie, a safe bookmaker, and other features you may need.
This one has been around for quite some time now; established in 1934, it is one of the most well-known soccer betting websites, offering its users a wide range of sports on which they can bet. Initially, it was built as a single shop located in London, but later, it expanded its branches all over the UK and launched its online version in 1998. This bookmaker gives users lots of possibilities, such as betting on the NFL, NBA, college football, NHL, and MLB, among other sports leagues where one might try their luck.
Betfred is the Best Sportsbook for Soccer Betting Bonuses 🎁
Betfred Website
Established in 1960, Betfred is a large bookmaker that operates many shops throughout the United Kingdom. This sportsbook offers fair odds and a mobile app for seamless betting on smartphones and tablets.
If you are looking for an eye-catching soccer bookie to give you massive bonuses on your next big bet, then Betfred has got your back covered with its exclusive offerings in the sports betting sections for customers based in the UK/US.
In the UK, Betfred provides new customers with a welcome offer that includes free bets; here, you must register, deposit & bet £10 or more to become eligible; within 7 days, qualify with odds of 2.0+.
At Betfred, there are plenty of other betting markets available, covering the most popular sports, like betting on the NBA, college football, basketball, and MLB online sports leagues. They also have a mobile betting app for iOS and Android, and their website experience is impressive, as it features games from top-rated providers. The best thing about this bookmaker, though, is a live betting option, which comes with regularly updated odds.
To sum it up, this is a good betting website that allows you to try different soccer markets and teams without spending too much. Betfred is a solid pick for starting your football betting journey with its competitive offer and reasonable requirements.
Established on 1 October 1963, Ladbrokes is among the most famous betting sites globally. With competitive odds for everything from the Premier League to obscure league gems, it’s an excellent one-stop shop for all bettors.
If you’re registering a new account on this UK-based platform, you can get the Ladbrokes sign-up offer, which will give you £20 in free bets when you bet £5. What’s more, their app accepts various banking options like eWallets, debit cards, and more, making it user-friendly alongside fast deposits directly from banks. Furthermore, being regulated by the Gambling Commission means that they have firewalls, SSL encryption, and responsible gambling tools in place – so if safety is important, Ladbrokes has got your back.
Launched only in 2017 but already one of the strongest contenders on the market when it comes down to live betting experience – this is what sets 22Bet apart from other bookmakers out there today!
It isn’t just about placing bets before games start. At 22Bet, users can make their predictions while matches are still ongoing, which makes things even more interesting for punters who love action-packed events such as these ones. Whether it’s player performance bets you’re after, team performances, goal scorers, or even minute-by-minute betting for that extra fun factor, then look no further than the 22Bet sportsbook.
Smooth gameplay, coupled with easy navigation through their site, makes it possible for even newbies in sports betting to find any game they want to bet on.
The government of Curacao has certified 22Bet, and its product is regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC), so you can be confident that this site will provide a safe environment for you when you sign up.
The said sportsbook also provides an option for live betting where punters can place in-play bets on sports like football, basketball, tennis, and golf. The odds are pretty competitive with cash out options available, too. In short, William Hill promises a safe betting experience through an impressive mobile app version, user-friendly interface, and 24/7 customer care service.
Ivibet is the Best Online Sportsbook for Soccer with High Payout 💰
Ivibet Website
Ivibet has quickly become one of the top online sportsbooks for soccer fans due to its high payout rates and wide range of features. Owned by TechSolutions Group B.V., it is licensed and regulated in Curacao, which is recognized as one of the leading authorities within the betting industry.
It’s also one of the most popular betting sites. On registration, Ivibet will give you a 100% match bonus on your first deposit, up to €/$150, which means that if you deposit €/$150 then they will double it, so your account balance would be €/$300.
But make sure that your deposit is not less than €/$10. Otherwise, this offer will not be available to you. The best thing about this bonus is that it only comes with low wagering requirements x6 times. There is also a mobile app available for download on iOS devices as well as desktops, both offering the same features as the website version.
SpinBetter is the Safest Bookmaker for Football Betting 🛡️
Ivibet Website
Founded in 2019, SpinBetter has already made a name for itself among soccer enthusiasts when it comes to the safety aspects of betting online among the masses. This bookmaker supports multiple languages, too! Apart from football betting, there are other sports like tennis, basketball, boxing, and many more to choose from here. Live in-play betting is available on various sports, including Esports, with decent results and stats sections provided so the bettors can make their correct predictions accordingly.
They are licensed by the Curacao e-Gaming Authority, a reputable regulatory body that ensures fairness in all betting activities conducted through this platform. The best thing about this bookie is that new customers get a 100% up to €100 welcome bonus, which they can use to place bets on different sports.
Also, SpinBetter cares about your security so much! They implement standard security measures within industry standards level, such as SSL encryption technology among others, thereby safeguarding both financial info & transactions conducted here.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Mobile Apps available for iOS & Android
Simple but stylish website design
Easy navigation makes it user-friendly
CONS
No live streaming feature is offered for in-play events
Launched in 2020, 20Bet has already become one of the best football betting sites for those who want a feature-filled experience. They offer a welcome bonus of up to €100 as a 100% matched deposit bonus.
They have pre-match and live betting options available to cater for diverse preferences along with exciting features, such as bet builders, which enable you to combine multiple selections into a single wager, potentially resulting in bigger payouts.
The same goes for their mobile app, which can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices as well as smartwatches. Their banking is just as impressive, offering credit cards, crypto, eWallets, etc.
The chart below highlights the strengths of seven different football bet sites, including William Hill, Betfred, Ladbrokes, 20Bet, Ivibet, and SpinBetter.
Between 2022 and 2027, it is expected that the UK Gambling Market will grow by USD 3.29 billion at a CAGR of 5.36%. There are many factors leading to this massive growth, such as introduction of multiple reputable UK betting platforms, Esports adoption, and a huge popularity of sports events.
Football is one of the biggest sports British punters love watching and betting on. Bookmakers play a vital role in the UK betting market, acting as intermediaries between punters and various football leagues throughout England.
The UK’s Gambling Commission ensures that customers are treated fairly while protecting them from fraudulent activities within this industry. Major football online betting sites like William Hill or Ladbrokes are most popular within the UK betting market because they offer the widest range of bets.
The Best Legal Football Bookmakers in the UK with the UKGC License
In this curated list, you can find all licensed & top-rated UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission) sportsbooks. These bookies work under strict regulations, making sure that everything is fair towards customers. These sites provide only competitive odds, which, coupled with fantastic customer service, leave nothing more desired when it comes to betting options.
The Best Offshore Football Sportsbooks in the UK
This custom list of sportsbooks is specifically made for UK bettors looking for alternatives to UKGC licensed betting sites. These offshore bookies also feature unique betting experiences with different features, odds, and markets. They don’t work under UKGC jurisdiction but are licensed by other reputed government bodies, which ensure a secure & transparent betting environment.
The Best Soccer Betting Sites in the USA 🇺🇸
In recent years, the US has seen significant growth and development within its betting market as industry leaders, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, MGM Resorts International, etc., have established themselves among others. What may surprise you even more is that by 2029 online sports betting alone will have approximately 54.7 million users generating revenue close to around $17.07bn.
Among these you will see Bovada which stands out from other platforms. It was launched back in 2011 boasting a VIP program, live games as well as numerous bonuses. With an interface that’s user friendly & coverage so extensive throughout various markets this site provides nothing less than premium betting experience.
Another noteworthy bookie is Everygame, where new users can get up to a $200 sign-up bonus. It has been around since 1996, making it one of the oldest sportsbooks still operational today. What sets them apart, mainly, is their customer support, which is available 24/7 and on mobile apps. Thus, it is a convenient choice, especially for those who prefer betting on the move.
BetWhale offers new users a generous 125% bonus up to $1,250! The platform offers customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as great promotions, excellent security, and multiple Esports betting opportunities. The game platform boasts an extensive lineup of events and equal conditions for all bettors.
XBet, on the other hand, is known for its live betting options, sports variety, and flat payouts. Launched in 2013, the site has become popular among bettors who enjoy in-play excitement. You will absolutely like their easy payout system.
When it comes to offering variety as well as value in your wagering activities – there’s no one better than BetAnySports.eu. Not only does this website cover more than 25 different types of sports, but it also provides attractive bonuses together with an easy-to-use interface. In addition, they also give out unique cashback bonus offers of up to 25%.
The Best Live Sportsbooks for Football 🔴
As mentioned earlier, many of my recommended bookies have live streams, allowing you to watch the action as it unfolds. It is especially great for live bettors since the odds for these bets change often.
Watching the matches is a must if you love to put your money on live betting odds. It will show you how the momentum swings and help you adjust your bets accordingly to raise your chances of winning.
The Best Football Mobile Betting Apps 📱
Nowadays, punters prefer to place their bets on the go. Why sit in front of a screen when you can do it from your phone? We’re doing everything else from our phones via apps, so football betting should be no exception.
The best football betting apps allow easy and quick betting on all leagues and events. It’s not just about markets. Betting apps also allow you to earn exclusive bonus offers that are in place to promote the use of the apps. Many bookmakers will focus on such promos and are fully oriented toward mobile betting, which shouldn’t surprise.
Mobile betting apps are pretty easy to download and install nowadays, not to mention lightweight. Remember that they’re often unavailable for download from the App or Play Store. Sometimes, you’ll need to sideload the apps and install them on your phone to use them.
The apps will have an identical layout and design to the desktop website. It will allow you to easily choose your bet pathways and navigate the mobile app, with every element being accounted for and at its regular spot.
Football Betting Bonuses 🎁
You should choose soccer online betting sites instead of betting shops for many reasons. Bonuses and promos are some of the more prominent ones. You see, online bookies offer a wide range of bonuses and promotions you can use on matches. You’ll almost certainly get a free bet on sign-up and possibly earn more free bets later.
Kick off your new GTbets.ag account with our top-rated CASH sign up bonus. Make your first deposit to receive a 100% cash bonus up to $500, and then 50% up to $250 on your second deposit. Full T&Cs apply.
Earn a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on your first-ever deposit at Jazz Sports. Use Promo Code JAZZ50 and your extra 50% will be added to your sports betting balance. Full T&Cs apply
All our recommended bookmakers are licensed and safe.
The welcome free bet is a common occurrence at most soccer bookies. You will likely need to deposit and possibly place your first bet to claim it. Of course, that will require you to register first, as you will need a funded account to claim free bets.
Read the terms and conditions carefully to complete the wagering and other terms on time. The best bookmakers for football betting will give you a nice free bet to start with, possibly a Bet 10 Get 10 offer that’s great for beginners.
Football Odds 🎲
Champions League Odds:
Europa League Odds:
Premier League Odds:
How Football Odds Work
All sports odds you’ll find online can come in 3 different versions – American (moneyline), fractional, or decimal. Out of these three, decimal odds are the most popular and easiest to understand. UK punters will surely go for fractional odds, while Americans will go for moneyline.
The good news is that you don’t need a calculator to decipher the returns. Most bookies have built one in the system, which will instantly calculate what you’re owed if you win. As mentioned, the best online soccer betting sites will also have a switch (toggle) that will let you change the type of odds.
I’m here to help if you’re unfamiliar with the different odds types.
American odds: also known as moneyline, these odds are characterized by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign in front of the underdog or favorite, respectively. While they look confusing, they are simple to understand. The odds for the favorite (for example -200) indicate how much money you should place to win $100. When it comes to the underdog (for example, +300), the moneyline odds show how much you’ll win for every $100 you place. In this case, it’s $300 ($300 profit + the original stake);
Fractional odds: this type of odds represents the amount of profit won to the stake. They are most popular in the UK and football markets. If you compare football odds, they seem the odd one out. However, they’re easy to understand. For example, odds of 3/1 will bring you a profit of 3 units for every single one you stake;
Decimal odds: decimal odds are popular in Europe but are starting to take over the online betting market. They are the easiest to understand, representing the amount you’ll win for every $1 you wager. For example, a bet of $10 on odds of 2.5 will bring you a profit of $15 and a total return of $25.
Football Bet of the Day
With so many football matches every day, it can be hard to pick one. That’s why bookies often decide to promote a special type of bet known as a bet of the day. It features the best soccer odds for today and is picked by experts who provide their knowledge to the site.
The football bet of the day is a great way to stake on a match if you don’t know where to start. As you know, bookmakers have their blogs led by former football players and experts who share their expertise daily. One of their specials is the bet of the day, which can be available on any match, competition, or market.
Many of these offers may come with boosted odds, so they’re pretty valuable for punters. If you’re browsing markets and can’t find anything of value, you can hit on the bet of the day and raise your chances to win big.
While it’s not a surefire way to win, the soccer bet of the day is a great idea to pick a match you might win, so you might want to try it.
How Does Football Betting Work?
Thanks to soccer betting lines, putting your money on a soccer bet is easier. Even if this is your first time betting online, you should have no trouble doing it. Many sportsbooks offer handy guides to help you make your first bet and enjoy the art of football betting.
Of course, you must follow a few unwritten guidelines to win your bets.
First things – make sure to choose a reputable bookie. The market is saturated with great sites and rogue sportsbooks, so you’ll need to pick the trusted option. The good news is that by choosing one of BetZillion’s recommended sites, you don’t have to worry about your safety;
Next, register at that bookmaker and make your first deposit. Keep an eye out on welcome free bets – the majority of sites will offer such a bonus;
As soon as you’re ready, head to the football betting menu and browse the selections;
A good bookie will have both fixed and live soccer betting odds. Shop for odds before setting on a sportsbook since they tend to vary a lot;
You can choose between matches for today, tonight, this week, or next. In most cases, football odds are available weeks in advance;
When you’re ready, add selections to your bet slip by clicking on the odds;
If you can’t understand moneyline odds, most bookies have a toggle that will let you switch to decimal or fractional;
Wait for the match to end. If you prefer football betting in play, you should check if the bookie offers live streaming – the big ones usually do.
As you can see, football betting is not rocket science. Online sportsbooks have made it quite simple, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding your feet, even if this is your first time.
How to Bet on Football
Betting on football is easy, but winning your bets is not simple. Everyone can win their bet slip once in a while, but you must follow a few tips and tricks if you want to be a successful punter.
You will first need to learn how to manage your bankroll to win your bet slips more often. It’s a crucial yet often overlooked tip that many ignore. However, if you don’t mind your bankroll, you can quickly get into a lot of trouble. It’s ideal to impose limits on yourself that can be a lifesaver if you bet often.
You also need to follow tips and tricks to win your bet slips. Champions League betting might look attractive, but if you approach it without a strategy, you will be losing at the end more often than winning. If you want to bet on football like the pros, you will have to follow the betting tips. Many of these will be available at the bookie you’ve joined, so you shouldn’t have to look far to find good advice.
If you want to beat the bookmaker, it’s impossible to do so by placing bets without systems or strategies. While you shouldn’t look at online football betting as a source of income, you will need to use betting strategies to become a pro punter if you want to be successful.
Most Popular Football Competitions
The UEFA Champions League is one of the most exciting annual events in football because it involves Europe’s best teams. It currently involves at least 32 teams but is scheduled to expand, incorporating more teams and creating more betting action. The teams play against each other in hundreds of matches, and you can place wagers on dozens of standard and special betting markets.
Best betting site for
Champions League
The Europa League is one of the pre-qualifying events for the UEFA Champions League. It involves 12 groups of 4 teams competing for spots in the UCL, making the action entertaining. The league comprises hundreds of games and plenty of betting opportunities across dozens of betting markets, including Over/Under, Correct Score, Both Teams to Score, Half-Time/Full-Time Score, Asian Handicap, and Special Bets.
Best betting site for
Europa League
The World Cup is football’s ultimate league, comprising national teams from all over the world. It takes place once every 4 years and comprises hundreds of matches. Interestingly, participating teams will increase to 48 in the next World Cup, scheduled for 2026, creating more matches and betting opportunities. Practically all bookies cover the World Cup, and you can bet on dozens of markets with competitive odds.
Best betting site for
World Cup
Many diehard football fans will say the Premier League is the best in Europe. It certainly is the most exciting one, with several teams fighting for the trophy each year, often to the last round. The thrill is certainly huge whenever Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, or Tottenham take the field, especially when trading blows with each other. Another famous English football competition to bet on is the FA Cup.
Best betting site for
Premier League
La Liga is the top-tier league in Spanish football. It is home to teams with planetary popularity, such as Barcelona and Real Madrid. Some of the world’s biggest stars play in La Liga, including the legendary Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Best betting site for
La Liga
The Italian Serie A may not be as popular as decades ago, but it is still a top-tier competition. Juventus may be the most successful team in the past decade (or a few), but Milan, Inter, Roma, and Lazio are always gunning from the top.
Best betting site for
Serie A
The Bundesliga is Germany’s top flight in football. It’s a highly competitive league with plenty of successful teams, including current European champions Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga quality is rising thanks to talented teams such as Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig.
Best betting site for
Bundesliga
As the most popular sport globally, there are plenty of football competitions and events with sky-scraping popularity. The World Cup is one example. It is held every 4 years, but it generates a lot of attention even among non-sports people. Seeing your national team compete against other countries can’t be described in words. The fact that the tournament takes place every 4 years makes it even more exciting.
The European Championship is also popular but nowhere near the global craze the World Cup causes. While football is popular worldwide, it’s a major hit in Europe. Footie fans can enjoy a wide range of matches yearly in Europe’s top-5 leagues and the Champions League and Europa League.
While the top-5 leagues are certainly popular, nothing beats the Champions League in Europe. It’s the premier competition for the top European clubs. The highly coveted tournament has millions of viewers annually and generates an impressive income from streams and TV rights.
Outside of Europe, I can mention the Club World Cup as one of the top football tournaments of all time.
Online Bookmakers vs Retail Sportsbooks
While betting on football has been dominant in retail sportsbooks several years ago, online bookies have taken over the business since then. Let’s compare these options.
Pros & Cons of Online Betting Sites
PROS
CONS
PROS
Convenience: Easy access from anywhere with an internet connection.
Variety of Markets: A wide range of sports and betting options available.
Better Odds: Often provide more competitive odds compared to retail sportsbooks.
User-Friendly Interfaces: Online platforms are typically designed for ease of use.
Bonuses and Promotions: Many online bookies offer sign-up bonuses and ongoing promotions.
Live Betting: Ability to place bets in real-time during events.
Comprehensive Information: Access to the latest stats, trends, and betting tips.
CONS
Technical Issues: Risk of website outages or slow loading times.
Security Concerns: Potential for online fraud or hacking.
Less Social Interaction: Lack of the communal atmosphere found in retail sportsbooks.
Responsible Gambling: It is easier to lose track of spending and time when betting online.
Withdrawal Delays: Possible delays in withdrawing winnings compared to cashing out at a retail location.
Pros & Cons of Retail Bookmakers
PROS
CONS
PROS
Social Experience: Engaging and interactive atmosphere with other bettors.
Instant Gratification: Immediate cash payouts for winnings.
Trust and Security: A tangible, physical presence may offer a sense of security.
In-person Assistance: Direct customer service from staff.
Tradition and Experience: Enjoyment of the traditional betting environment.
CONS
Inconvenience: You must travel to the location, which takes time and effort.
Limited Markets: Fewer betting options compared to online bookmakers.
Operating Hours: Restricted to the opening hours of the establishment.
Higher Overheads: Potentially less competitive odds due to higher operational costs.
Crowds and Noise: Can be busy and loud, which might not suit all bettors.
Betting Tips & Predictions
You need to follow betting tips and predictions to increase your chances of winning.
The good news is that the best football bookmakers in the world have a blog run by experts that offers a flurry of tips for upcoming matches. Predictions and previews have become common at betting sites, so if you don’t know where to put your money, you should look at football betting tips for tonight or tomorrow. They’re free and can easily be found at the bookies you choose. Tips and predictions are precious for close matches where it’s hard to pick aside.
If you want to beat the bookies, your best chance is to rely on expert tips and predictions. At the same time, the blogs that offer tips will also share them regarding different bet types and give you ideas on how to maximize your profits. You’ll learn the best way to bet on football accumulators and other bets, making you a better punter.
Bottom Line
As the world’s leading sport, football is a joy to bet on worldwide. Below you’ll find fun facts about soccer betting explained that every fan should know.
Football is popular all over the world, but especially in the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Brazil and Argentina;
Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrigo Hernández, Victor Osimhen, Jude Bellingham, Lautaro Martínez and Lamine Yamal are the most prominent players of the twenties.
Street soccer, indoor soccer, futsal, and freestyle soccer are most similar to football;
I hope this guide helped you learn more about football betting. I’ve given an overview of the process and listed the top soccer betting sites at the moment.
If you’re a football fan, read BetZillion’s guide, and you’ll immediately become a much better punter.
Sergio is our CEO and betting expert. He is a big football fan. Sergio is the guy that runs it all and the one who got the BetZillion idea. Sergio’s favourite sports include football, handball, futsal, American football, and boxing.
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