Our Bet365 review finds that in a crowded market, this bookmaker remains a giant of the UK betting scene. This in-depth, hands-on test of its features, bonuses, and overall performance will determine if it's the right choice for UK sports fans.
Our honest Bet365 review summary
As one of the world's most popular online bookmakers, with over 80 million customers, Bet365 has a formidable reputation. Our testing confirmed that this is largely well-deserved, starting with a straightforward welcome bonus of “Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets” for new punters.
We found the sports coverage to be vast, offering everything from Premier League football betting and UK horse racing to niche markets like Gaelic sports and handball. The mobile apps are genuinely world-class, with consistently high ratings on both the App Store and Google Play, making on-the-go mobile betting exceptionally smooth.
Customer support is available 24/7, and the platform supports a broad range of payment methods with fast withdrawal times. However, the platform is not without its flaws, most notably the complete lack of a loyalty programme and a significant volume of user complaints regarding customer support and abrupt account restrictions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unmatched live streaming and in-play betting platform. | Complete lack of a loyalty or rewards programme. |
| World-class mobile app experience on iOS and Android. | Mixed user reviews regarding customer support quality. |
| Unique cash-out features including partial and auto cash-out. | Higher minimum deposit of £25 for PayPal. |
| Huge market depth across more than 38 sports. | Reports of winning accounts being restricted or limited. |
Is Bet365 safe and legit?
Yes, Bet365 is legit and operates as one of the most trusted and secure online betting sites in the world. The platform is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) under licence numbers 55148 and 55149, ensuring compliance with the strictest standards for player protection, fair play, and responsible gambling.
Bet365 is operated by Hillside (New Media) Limited, part of the Bet365 Group, which has been in operation since 2000. The company is headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, UK, and employs over 6,000 staff globally. This UKGC gaming license is among the most respected regulatory frameworks in the industry.
The site uses advanced SSL encryption technology to protect all user data and financial transactions. Bet365 adheres to strict data protection policies, including full GDPR compliance. No major security breaches have been reported, and the platform is regularly audited for fairness and security.
Bet365 provides responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks, session limits, and self-exclusion options. The operator also provides direct links to trusted support organisations such as GamStop, GamCare, and GambleAware, ensuring help is available for those experiencing gambling-related harm.
Bet365 bonuses & promotions: What's on offer?
Bet365 provides a solid range of offers, focusing on direct value through boosts and early payouts rather than complex loyalty schemes.
Getting started: A welcome £30 in bet credits
The Bet365 sign-up offer is Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets. This promotion is available exclusively for new customers in the UK and Ireland.
To claim it, you need to deposit at least £5 and place a qualifying bet of the same value. Because the offer is a 300% match, a £5 bet gets you £15, while a £10 bet gets you the full £30 reward. The key condition is that your qualifying bet must include at least one selection with odds of 1/5 (1.20) or greater.
Once this bet is settled, the £30 reward is credited to your account as “Bet Credits,” which are essentially free bets. The value of the Bet Credits stake is not included in any returns from winning bets.
Reading the fine print: What you need to know
The most critical terms for the welcome offer are straightforward.
- Payment Exclusions: PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay cannot be used for the qualifying deposit unless you have completed specific ID verification.
- Time Limits: You must claim the offer within 30 days of registering.
- Expiry: Once your Bet Credits are added to your balance, they will expire in 7 days.
Your Bet Credits will be removed if your account remains inactive for seven days, so be sure to use them in good time.
Value for regulars: What's on offer week-to-week?
Bet365 offers consistent value for loyal players through several standout promotions:
- 2 Goals Ahead Early Payout: If the football team you back goes two goals ahead at any point, your bet is settled as a winner, regardless of the final result.
- Soccer Acca Boost: Get a boost of up to 70% on winning football accumulators with two or more selections.
- Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG): On all UK & Irish horse racing, if you take a price and the Starting Price (SP) is bigger, you get paid at the higher odds. This applies from 8 am on the day of the race.
- Each-Way Extra: This feature allows you to increase or decrease the number of places for an each-way horse racing bet, adjusting the odds accordingly.
A notable drawback is that Bet365 does not offer a traditional loyalty scheme or a free bet club, which is a common feature among its main competitors.
Bet365 sports betting markets review
Bet365 offers one of the largest sportsbooks available to UK punters, with an impressive depth of markets across more than 38 sports.
The coverage of popular sports is exceptional, including:
- Football: Premier League, Champions League, European leagues, and global competitions.
- Horse Racing: Broad coverage of all UK & Irish racing, plus major international meetings.
- Cricket: From the County Championship to the IPL and international Test matches.
- Rugby: Both Union and League from around the world.
- Tennis: All major ATP and WTA tour events.
- US Sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL markets.
To illustrate its depth, the bookmaker also offers markets on niche sports such as Gaelic Sports, Handball, Snooker, and Darts.
Betting odds and value
Our analysis found Bet365's odds to be highly competitive, frequently market-leading. Value is enhanced through daily Bet Boosts on selected markets, with occasional Super Boosts offering significantly enhanced prices. For horse racing punters, the Best Odds Guaranteed promotion provides excellent and reliable value.
The live betting and streaming experience
This is where Bet365 truly excels. The in-play betting service is top class, covering a huge array of sports with a fast and intuitive interface.
The live streaming service is a major strength. The general rule is that streaming is available to any customer with a funded account or who has placed a bet in the last 24 hours. However, for some events, simply being logged into your account is enough to watch. The range of events is impressive, including FA Cup matches, Spain's La Liga, and major international tennis tournaments, all streamed directly on the site and app.
The Cash Out feature is another standout, offering innovative options not found everywhere. Punters have superior control with Partial Cash Out, allowing them to take some profit while leaving the rest of the stake to run, and Automatic Cash Out, which settles the bet when it reaches a pre-set value.
Bet builder and other standout features
Bet365's custom betting tools are simple, fast, and effective.
- Bet Builder: Available across multiple sports, including football, tennis, and basketball, this feature lets you combine markets from the same event into a single bet. These Bet Builders can also be combined with others into multiples.
- Player Builder: A popular variation of the Bet Builder that focuses on creating customised bets based on an individual player's performance statistics.
A look at other betting products
Beyond the sportsbook, Bet365 offers a full suite of online gaming products.
Casino games
The Bet365 Casino features over 950 games, including a huge range of slots, classic table games like blackjack and roulette, and a full live dealer section. A separate, dedicated mobile app is available for casino players.
Bingo and poker
Dedicated bingo and poker rooms are available, each operating as a standalone platform with its own unique promotions, communities, and mobile apps.
Virtual sports
A virtual sports offering is available 24/7. Punters can bet on a continuous stream of simulated events across sports like football, horse racing, greyhounds, and cricket.
The Bet365 site and app experience
The usability of Bet365's platforms is a key reason for its popularity.
Website design and navigation
The desktop website uses a functional green, yellow, and dark grey colour scheme that prioritises efficiency over flash. Despite the sheer volume of markets on offer, the layout is clean and intuitive, making it easy to find specific sports, events, and odds without feeling overwhelmed.
The mobile betting experience
The Bet365 app is a core strength. Available for both iOS and Android via the Bet365 app download from the App Store and Google Play, the sports betting app is consistently rated as one of the best in the industry, holding a 4.7-star rating on the App Store and 4.6 stars on Google Play.
Its intuitive design provides seamless access to all key features, including live streaming, cash out, and the bet builder. The app includes biometric login (Face ID/Touch ID), push notifications for bet updates, and full in-play functionality. While some user reviews report occasional performance issues after updates, the overall mobile betting experience is excellent.
Betting limits and payouts
Minimum stakes are typically low, making the platform accessible to all. The maximum payout limits are very high, particularly for major sports. For example, the payout limit for top-tier football is up to £2 million, while for darts it is up to £250,000.
Customer support channels
Bet365 offers a full range of customer support options, including 24/7 Live Chat, email, phone, and post. However, user feedback on the quality of this service is notably mixed. While our testing finds the support responsive, a significant number of punters on review platforms report negative experiences.
Common user grievances often cite a drawn-out KYC verification process, unhelpful automated bots, difficulties withdrawing funds, and accounts being closed without a clear reason. Some users have also reported being required to complete a “safer gambling call,” where they are asked detailed questions about their earnings and personal finances.
Bet365 payment methods: How to deposit and withdraw
Banking at Bet365 is fast, secure, and free.
How to deposit
Deposits are instant for most methods, with a standard minimum of £5.
| Method | Min Deposit | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard Debit | £5 | Instant | Free |
| Apple Pay | £5 | Instant | Free |
| Google Pay | £5 | Instant | Free |
| PayPal | £5 | Instant | Free |
| Trustly | £5 | Instant | Free |
| Paysafecard | £5 | Instant | Free |
| Wire Transfer | £100 | 1-3 days | Free |
How to withdraw
Withdrawal times are very competitive. A verified account is required before you can make your first withdrawal.
| Method | Min Withdrawal | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard Debit | £5 | 1-3 Banking Days |
| PayPal | £5 | Within 24 hours |
| Trustly | £5 | Within 24 hours |
| Apple Pay | £5 | 1-3 Banking Days |
| Wire Transfer | £100 | Within 24 hours |
| Paysafecard | £5 | Within 24 hours |
Bet365 vs competitors: How does it compare?
To help you decide whether Bet365 is worth it, we've compared it against four other popular UK bookmakers: NetBet, Planet Sport Bet, Paddy Power, and William Hill.
Here's how Bet365 stacks up in key areas.
| Feature | Bet365 | NetBet | Planet Sport Bet | Paddy Power | William Hill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Welcome Bonus | Bet £10 Get £30 | Bet £10 Get £20 | Bet £20 on a treble, get a £10 free ACCA | Bet £10 Get £50 | Bet £10 Get £40 |
| Mobile App | iOS & Android (4.7★) | iOS & Android | iOS & Android | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Live Streaming | 600,000+ events/year | Good coverage | UK/Irish Racing | Ample | Considerable |
| Odds Value | Very Good | Competitive (96%+ payout) | Good | Good | Good |
| Sports Coverage | 38+ sports | 26 sports | 20+ sports | 30+ sports | 35+ sports |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | Live Chat & Email | Email only | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Payment Methods | Ample (incl. PayPal) | Extensive (incl. PayPal) | Limited | Broad (incl. PayPal) | Sufficient (incl. PayPal) |
| Best Odds Guaranteed | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Loyalty Programme | No | Yes | Daily rewards | Yes | Yes |
| UKGC Licensed | Yes (#55148) | Yes | Yes (#50122) | Yes | Yes |
Bet365 vs NetBet
NetBet offers a strong all‑round package with 26 sports, competitive 96%+ payout odds, and a broad set of payment methods including PayPal. Their welcome offer, unlocked with the NetBet promo code, delivers solid value, and the mobile apps cover the essentials well.
Bet365 pulls ahead on scale and depth. It provides 38+ sports, a far wider market variety, and 600,000+ live‑streamed events per year, compared with NetBet’s more limited coverage. Bet365 also offers Best Odds Guaranteed on UK/Irish racing.
If live streaming and market depth matter most, Bet365 is the stronger option; if you want competitive odds and a simple, good‑value welcome offer, NetBet holds its own.
Bet365 vs Planet Sport Bet
Planet Sport Bet focuses on a streamlined UK‑centric experience with 20+ sports, dedicated apps, and live streaming limited to UK/Irish racing. Their welcome offer centres on risk‑free value rather than free bets, and they provide daily rewards, which Bet365 does not.
Bet365 is the more feature‑rich platform. It offers 38+ sports, full 24/7 live chat support (Planet Sport Bet is email‑only), and vastly broader live streaming.
Bet365’s overall coverage and in‑play tools are more advanced, but Planet Sport Bet appeals to players who prefer a lighter, racing‑focused setup with ongoing daily perks.
Bet365 vs Paddy Power
Paddy Power leans heavily into promotions, entertainment, and customer rewards. The Bet £10 Get £40 welcome offer is one of the more generous among major UK brands, and the platform’s personality is a big part of its appeal.
Bet365 edges ahead in technical execution: the app is rated higher, the in‑play interface is faster, and the streaming library is significantly larger. Both offer Best Odds Guaranteed and strong payment coverage.
Based on our Paddy Power analysis, it's the better fit for promo‑driven bettors, while Bet365 is for those who prioritise performance and live betting.
Bet365 vs William Hill
William Hill blends tradition with modern features, offering 35+ sports, Best Odds Guaranteed, and a loyalty programme that Bet365 doesn’t match. Its long retail history adds a layer of trust. Our William Hill review gives a clearer picture of how the platform performs across both desktop and mobile.
Bet365’s strengths are more technical: 600,000+ streamed events, a higher‑rated mobile app, and more flexible Cash Out tools. William Hill appeals to bettors who value loyalty rewards and the option to bet in‑shop; Bet365 suits those who want the most complete digital experience.
Why choose Bet365 for sports betting?
After a thorough review, it's clear why Bet365 remains a top choice for the best sports betting site in the UK. Its key strengths are undeniable: its live betting engine is arguably the best in the business, the mobile app sets the industry standard, and innovative features like the Bet Builder and advanced Cash Out options give punters unparalleled control. The fast and reliable payment system is another major advantage, with most e-wallet withdrawals processed within 24 hours.
However, the gambling operator is not perfect. The most significant weaknesses are the complete absence of a loyalty program for existing customers and the widely mixed reports regarding customer support and account restrictions. While many users have a seamless experience, the volume of negative feedback on these issues cannot be ignored.
Ultimately, Bet365 is an excellent choice for both new and experienced punters who prioritise a feature-rich betting platform, market choice, and a first-class mobile betting experience. If you value a deep sportsbook and world-class live betting above all else, Bet365 is one of the best options available and comes highly recommended.
FAQ about bet365
Bet365 was founded in 2000 by Denise Coates in Stoke-on-Trent, UK. It remains a private company and is not part of a larger corporate group.
Yes, it is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Its sports betting license is held under account number 55148, and its gaming license is under account number 55149.
Yes, bet365 offers Best Odds Guaranteed on all UK and Irish horse racing. The offer applies to bets placed from 8 am on the day of the race.
Bet365 rarely explains restrictions beyond calling them a “commercial decision.” In practice, limits are usually applied when an account triggers the bookmaker’s internal risk checks.
For example, consistently taking early prices or showing patterns linked to long‑term profitability. When this happens, stake limits can be reduced to very small amounts, which many users feel makes the account difficult to use.
No. Bet365 does not offer a traditional loyalty or rewards programme. Instead, it focuses on ongoing promotions, boosts, and in‑play features.
The minimum withdrawal varies by method. For most options, it starts at £5, though bank transfers require £100. Processing times depend on the payment method you choose.
Yes. Bet365’s Bet Builder is available on football, basketball, tennis, and selected other sports, allowing you to combine multiple selections from the same match.
Bet365 is available in several countries, but access depends entirely on local gambling laws. If you travel outside the UK to a region where Bet365 isn’t licensed, the site and app may be blocked, and you won’t be able to place bets until you return to a permitted location.