Safe betting sites - UK’s most trusted betting sites June 2024 • PressWay • Your Route to Real News

06 June 2024 , 07:19

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SINCE the threat of online fraud has never been greater, bookies must work tirelessly to ensure that their customers remain safe at all times.

Not all of them do a good enough job, and I'm here to help you select safe gambling sites from the long list of operators we work with, so you can bet with peace of mind.

Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here

The most trusted UK betting sites and their safety features

Along with sports coverage, odds, and promotions, security is another factor that separates the safest betting sites from the rest.

Below, I'll go in-depth about each of the top-ranked bookies, focusing on how they keep their customers safe whether you are accessing them through your browser or betting app:

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1. BetUK

I really enjoy playing at BetUK, and I certainly feel safe doing so. While being licenced in the UK, BetUK also uses state-of-the-art encryption technology to safely store personal information.

Meanwhile, the fact that the bookie is also regulated by the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland further demonstrates the reliability of BetUK.

Pros
✅ Top security features
✅ Regulated and experienced bookmaker
✅ Multi-channel customer support

Cons
❌ Limited payment options

Visit BetUK here

2. Spreadex

Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, Spreadex has been regarded as a safe betting platform since it was founded in 1999.

With both spread and fixed odds sports markets, the bookie is also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Regular anti-fraud checks are undertaken, while your personal details are protected through SSL encryption and firewall technology.

Spreadex is accessible on desktop and mobile, and I have found both experiences to really smooth on all my devices.

Spreadex offers a large number of markets and promotions, and has everything for all types of players.

Pros
✅ Range of security features in place
✅ Mobile-friendly
✅ 24/7 customer service

Cons
❌ Not as many sports covered as some other bookies

Visit Spreadex here

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3. BetVictor

BetVictor is another betting site that features extensive security features, such as a SSL certificate. This means that all data is encrypted as it moves to the bookie’s server.

A dedicated anti-fraud team is also in place, while the bookie recently added an additional layer of security authentication to customer accounts. This is not something that makes it harder to play in any way, but it does mean that accounts cannot be accessed, even if your password has been compromised.

Pros
✅ Variety of betting markets
✅ Safe gambling options
✅ Support for 2FA

Cons
❌ No phone support

Visit BetVictor here

4. bet365

One of the absolute favourites among players all over the world, and also one of my most used bookmakers.

Not only does bet365 deliver when it comes to sports markets, odds, and live streaming, but the betting site is also completely secure. An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is in place to protect punters and their personal details.

Meanwhile, 256-bit Digicert SSL encryption is also in place, along with more than one firewall. Having long held a licence from the Gambling Commission, bet365 is rightly regarded as one of the most trustworthy bookies in the UK.

Pros
✅ Comprehensive security features
✅ Competitive odds
✅ Variety of betting markets

Cons
❌ Less player ‘prop’ bets when compared to other bookies

Visit bet365 here

5. Unibet

Personal details at Unibet are protected by 128-bit SSL encryption technology, with their certificate in this area being granted by Trustwave.

Meanwhile, an Intrusion Detection System keeps an eye on all activity, including suspicious activity.

With a dedicated fraud department too, Unibet has long been known as one of the safest betting sites in the UK. The Unibet privacy policy can be read at all times too, which is another good sign of their trustworthiness.

Pros
✅ One of the safest online bookmakers in the UK
✅ Established online bookie
✅ Great customer support

Cons
❌ Less sports promos when compared to other bookies

Visit Unibet here

6. Betway

All payment methods accepted by Betway are safe to use. Meanwhile, the bookie is one of the few to have earned an ISO 27001 accreditation from eCOGRA.

Betway is also linked to ESSA and the Remote Gambling Association (RGA). Betway Limited, a company based in Malta, controls all data, while 128-bit encryption technology from Rapid SSL protects all personal details.

Pros
✅ Secure payment options
✅ Sports and casino welcome offer
✅ SSL encryption

Cons
❌ Other bookies have more competitive odds

Visit Betway here

7. Rhino.bet

Rhino.bet was founded in 2021 and is licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.

The bookie is also associated with ESSA, while using advanced SSL encryption to secure players' data. Meanwhile, only secure payment methods are available. Rhino also takes responsible gambling seriously, being linked with leading organisations, such as BeGambleAware.

Pros
✅ Modern design
✅ Latest security features
✅ Range of sports betting markets

Cons
❌ Welcome offer could be more generous

Visit Rhino.bet here

8. Ladbrokes

Dating back to 1886, Ladbrokes is one of the most experienced bookies in operation today.

Their betting site features pages dedicated to safer gambling, privacy and cookies, which is always a good sign. Ladbrokes is regulated by the Gambling Commission, while also being associated with IBAS, BeGambleAware and GAMSTOP.

128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology is used, helping to keep all activity safe for members.

Pros
✅ Hugely experienced bookmaker
✅ Range of security tools
✅ Linked to many responsible gambling organisations

Cons
❌ Mobile site not as easy to use

Visit Ladbrokes here

9. Grosvenor

Grosvenor is licensed in both the UK and Gibraltar, nations that are home to two of the most respected gambling authorities. While only accepting a handful of payment methods, they are all safe to use, and honestly they cover the most used ones including debit cards.

Live help is on hand at all times, while the bookie also features pages dedicated to responsible gambling, terms and conditions and privacy policy. SSL encryption is used on all platforms to protect players too.

Pros
✅ Established gambling brand
✅ Latest safety tools in place
✅ Live support

Cons
❌ Lack of additional betting features

Visit Grosvenor here

10. Luckster

Despite only being founded in 2022, Luckster has already established itself as a reliable bookmaker, and it is certainly an operator I have been very pleasantly surprised by. Owned by Marketplay Ltd, Luckster is licensed in both the UK and Malta.

128-bit SSL encryption technology is again in place, with the server in use being protected by a firewall. Help is on hand 7 days a week, while all payment methods facilitate secure deposits and withdrawals.

Pros
✅ One of the best new betting sites
✅ Good range of payment methods
✅ Generous welcome offer

Cons
❌ Basic betting site design

Visit Luckster here

11. Vegas Mobile Casino

Established in 2014, Vegas Mobile Casino holds a licence from the UK Gambling Commission.

All payment methods accepted are safe to use, including Apple Pay and Trustly. The bookie also uses 128-bit SSL encryption to ensure that all transactions are completed safely.

Firewall technology is also in place, while credit and debit card payments are processed by several world-renowned companies.

Pros
✅ Experienced bookie
✅ State of the art security technology
✅ Efficient customer support

Cons
❌ Outdated website design

Visit Vegas Mobile Sports here

What makes a betting site safe?

Many people in the UK today place bets on sporting events online. It is important to only sign up with safe and trustworthy bookmakers. Below are the key features that I look out for when recommending safe betting sites:

Gambling licence - Betting sites in the UK must hold a licence from the Gambling Commission in order to operate legally. I would never plar nor recommend a site without, and you should also avoid any site with a UK license. As one of the most respected gambling authorities in the world, only fair, secure and trustworthy bookies make the grade. The Gambling Commission also ensures that bookies stay on top of their game in terms of safety.
Anti-fraud team - Leading bookies in the UK also have anti-fraud teams in place to look out for suspicious activity. The activity of fraudsters can often go unnoticed by punters. As a result, it is reassuring to know that members of staff are on hand day and night to protect bettors.
Encryption technology - State-of-the-art technology is now used by online bookies. Whether it be Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption or a firewall, such tools offer another layer of protection for those signing up. Such features make it more difficult for fraudsters to gain access to your personal details, including payment information.
Trusted payment methods - On that note, transfers on safe betting sites are processed on secure servers. This helps to ensure that funds move safely from your bank or e-wallet account to your betting account, and vice-versa. Therefore, don't be surprised by payment method exclusions on these sites. A bookie offering unfamiliar payment methods should be questioned. Look for sportsbooks with trusted and tried deposits and withdrawals with e-wallets (PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill) and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard).
Secure Login - Whether on a desktop or mobile device, the only individual who can gain access to their betting account must be the person who created it in the first place. You will require your username/email address and password to log in. Meanwhile, many bookmakers feature codes and touch/face ID login for mobile users.
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