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 in 2025.
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 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 betting exceptionally smooth.
Customer support is available 24/7, and the platform supports a comprehensive 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. |
| Extensive market depth across more than 38 sports. | Reports of winning accounts being restricted or limited. |
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 primary new customer 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 between £5 and £10 and place a qualifying bet of the same value. 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. It's important to remember that 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 method exclusions apply, meaning you cannot use certain methods for your initial qualifying deposit. Furthermore, your Bet Credits will expire and 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.
The bet365 sports betting markets review
Bet365 offers one of the most comprehensive 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: Extensive 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 allows you to combine different 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 comprehensive 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 mobile apps are a core strength. Available for both iOS and Android, 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. While some user reviews report occasional performance issues after updates, the overall mobile 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 verification process, unhelpful automated bots, difficulties withdrawing funds, and accounts being closed without 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 of charge.
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 |
Final verdict: Why choose bet365 for sports betting?
After a thorough review, it's clear why bet365 remains a market leader. 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 platform 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 prioritize a feature-rich platform, extensive market choice, and a first-class mobile 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.
This is one of the most common complaints about bet365. While the official reason is usually a “commercial decision,” there is a widespread belief among seasoned punters that restrictions are most often applied to accounts that win consistently. For many users who report this issue, stakes are “dialed back to a pound or two,” rendering the account effectively useless. This remains a significant point of frustration for a portion of the user base.