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European Betting Sites

European Betting Sites

Author: Steven D. Thompson

Updated: 05/12/2024 03:40 PM

The ever-growing popularity of European betting sites means that a wide range of top-class sportsbooks are now available to punters all across the continent. Naturally, some are better than others. If you are looking for the best European betting sites, you are in luck. Our experts have done all the necessary legwork to find the best operators and their key features, so let's walk you through everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Key Facts About European Bookmakers

There are several reasons why online betting sites in Europe are such a hit among punters. Whether you're placing football bets for the UEFA Champions League or looking into horse racing, our recommended European betting sites distinguish themselves from their counterparts through some unique features. Let's take a closer look at why EU betting sites are so popular in European countries and the rest of the world.

Top Reputation

The EU is home to some of the most distinguished online gambling regulators in the world. The Malta Gaming Authority comes to mind first, as it has been the regulatory body behind some of the most prominent international platforms for betting in Europe. Other reputable institutions for issuing licences include the Swedish Gambling Authority and the Government of Gibraltar.

Such a regulator adds a big layer of trust among punters, so you won't need to fear for your online safety while gambling. Robust security features such as SSL encryption will safeguard you from unauthorised cyberattacks.

Rich Selection of Sites

Some estimates say that the online gambling revenue in the EU will continue to rise for the next five years, with the number of active online gamblers reaching about 75 million by 2029. This shows that online betting is on the rise and will continue to flourish in the coming years.

As a result, more and more online bookmakers will appear, thus satisfying the appetite of bettors within EU borders. European bettors will have an overabundance of European bookmakers to choose from, and we will make sure to update our lists accordingly and only recommend the best of the pack.

Strong Player Protection Mechanisms

Domestic EU regulators emphasise safe gambling and player protection. Besides SSL encryption protocols, you can expect advanced responsible gambling and KYC procedures that can add another layer of security to your betting journey.

The best sports betting sites in the EU provide useful self-exclusion, deposit and loss limits, so you can utilise them to protect yourself against losing big sums of money. You will also notice links to responsible gambling organisations such as GamCare, so if you feel like you need any assistance, feel free to reach out to them.

How We Rank and Evaluate the Best European Betting Sites

Since the sheer quantity of European sports betting sites is vast, to say the least, it would be unwise for you to rely on each flashy bookmaker you come across blindly. That is where we come in, as our team of experts has developed a rigorous method of testing and raking each European bookmaker. Below, you'll find our main criteria for identifying the top bookmakers in Europe.

Licence & Reputation

There are several well-respected online sports betting regulators within the EU, so it is imperative for us to find operators that hold a valid operating licence. This could be the UK Gambling Commission or any reputable regulator. We don't stop there, as we also inspect various forums where registered bettors can voice their concerns about a bookmaker, which will give us a clear picture of its reputation.

Range of Sports & Markets

Football is the most coveted sport among European bettors, but not everyone wants to indulge in it. The punters' preferences in Europe can be quite diverse, and the best EU betting sites will seek to cater to them by offering a plethora of sports and betting markets to accompany them. It is also important for the online bookmaker to have a comprehensive live betting section with tons of betting markets.

Bonuses & Promotions

The best bookmakers know that bonuses and ongoing promotions are key marketing tools to attract new punters and keep the already-registered ones loyal. Since bonuses are a great way for bettors to boost their bankroll and prolong their betting journeys, we are on the lookout for operators with versatile and rich promo sections that will cater to new and avid punters.

Payment Methods

A vital pillar that can shape your online betting endeavour for the better or worse is the list of payment methods. A good betting site will have versatility when it comes to deposit and withdrawal methods. Therefore, we only seek European bookmakers with a wide range of payment options and flexible limits that will cater to the needs of various types of bettors.

Bonuses at European Betting Sites

Since the European betting market is very diverse and competitive, bookies will offer you some great chances to earn an edge with various free bets and bonuses. These betting promos can be more than helpful in enhancing your potential wins. As one would imagine, every European online betting site will have its own unique bonus structure, but here are the most common ones you will encounter:

Welcome Bonus

A welcome bonus is a reward European sportsbooks offer to newly registered bettors when they make their first deposit on the site. Depending on the bookmaker you choose from our list, you may expect a deposit match bonus on your first deposit. Another common type of welcome bonus is a free bet offer.

Second Chance Bets

This is a bet that you get as a bonus bet refund if your first wager on the site is a losing one. That way, the European online betting site will provide you with a safety net against losses right from the start of your gambling journey.

Free Bets

Apart from being structured as a welcome bonus, you may get free bets as a standalone promotion. As the name itself suggests, a free bet offer will let you place wagers on sporting events without the stake being deducted from your account balance. However, note that free bets expire after a certain period, and they always have wagering requirements attached.

Reload Bonuses

Reload offers are among the most attractive bonuses you can get as a registered punter at the best European bookmakers. Such offers will "reload" your account with extra funds, so they are specially crafted for existing punters who have already made a deposit on the site. Be aware, though, that reload bonuses are not valid for as long as welcome bonus packages.

Cashback Offers

European betting companies will often let you amortise your losses over a certain period through cashback incentives. To claim a cashback bonus, you will need to satisfy a minimum loss criteria. The best aspect of cashback deals at European bookmakers is that the funds you get are often attached to your real money balance with no wagering requirements.

Odds Boost

Some of the top-rated European betting sites on our lists will boost the odds for a specific game or a prop bet to make the entire wager more attractive to punters. That way, you can enhance your potential wins, so always check whether the EU bookmakers you have chosen have a dedicated section for events with boosted odds.

Referral Bonus

European sports betting sites will use all available tools to try and expand their presence. As part of their expansion strategy, newest betting sites will allow registered bettors to send referral links to friends and family. Once they register through the links and make their first deposits, the referrer will be eligible to claim a bonus, usually coming in the form of a free bet or even better, a no deposit free bet.

High Roller Bonus

Even though the vast majority of European punters at EU betting sites are casual bettors, there will be a small portion of high rollers. European betting operators will seek to personalise their gambling journey a bit and offer special high-roller bonuses with higher minimum deposit amounts, bigger wagering requirements, etc. These offers may even include risk free bets -- a favourite among bettors.

Loyalty Programs

Finally, every top-class EU sports betting site, especially VIP bookies, will value the loyalty of frequent bettors. So, by placing bets on their favourite football events or events from any other sports, bettors from European countries will get to climb loyalty levels and claim various perks along the way. Depending on the level you reach, you can expect better cashback deals, faster withdrawals, personalised bonuses, free bets and more coming your way.

Regardless of the promotion you claim at your chosen European sportsbook, be aware that strict terms and conditions may apply. Browse through them before using a bonus at the top betting sites to see all about their wagering requirements, duration, eligible sports, minimum odds per event, and so on.

Advantages and Disadvantages of European Betting Sites

Even though European betting sites offer numerous sports bet options for punters, just like any form of online betting, there are some downsides you need to know of. Fortunately, the pros of betting at the best bookmakers for European punters heavily outweigh the cons. Let's take a closer look

Pros

Secure and reliable operators for betting in Europe
A plethora of betting markets for all popular sports and niche sports bets
Fast deposits and withdrawals with secure payment methods
An array of rewarding bonuses
Mobile-optimised websites
The best sports betting sites have dedicated betting apps

Cons

Country restrictions may apply
Payment method restrictions for some bonuses

Popular Payment Methods at European Betting Sites

If a sportsbook is to make it in today's European online gambling industry, it must offer multiple payment solutions. It is a fundamental strategy for optimising punter experience, as different bettors have varying preferences when it comes to deposits and withdrawals. So, here are the most common and popular payment methods you will encounter at the best European sportsbooks:

Debit/Credit Cards

The likes of Visa and Mastercard will always have a prominent role in the online betting industry. Their widespread acceptance and ease of use make them ideal for depositing and withdrawing at EU bookmakers. On the flip side, if you intend to use cards for payments at European bookmakers, be aware of the possible fees and the fact that not every bank will allow you to use your card to bet online.

PayPal

E-wallets are the top options for online gambling, and PayPal is arguably the most globally recognised brand. You can use PayPal by linking your banking account and then leverage the e-wallet for swift and secure transactions at most European bookmakers. PayPal is among the most chosen payment methods at European gambling sites due to its rigorous security measures, geographical reach and fast transaction times.

Skrill

Betting in Europe with Skrill offers several distinct advantages for punters. The fast transactions and user-centric approach of Skrill are some of the reasons punters choose if for betting at online sportsbooks in Europe. Savvy players will also be happy to hear that they won't need to disclose any banking information when making Skrill deposits and withdrawals at sports betting operators.

Paysafecard

Prepaid vouchers like Paysafecard seem to have been the highlight of the past few years when it comes to online betting transactions. Thanks to these payment methods, punters can make completely anonymous deposits by wagering preloaded amounts on previously purchased cards. Paysafecard is a great option for budget management and it eliminates the risk of unauthorised transactions.

Apple Pay & Google Pay

Both options for betting in Europe function very similarly. They support seamless contactless payments directly from the iOS or Android device you own, which just adds to the convenience of using them. You can link your credit or debit cards to Apple Pay and Google Pay and use them to make swift and efficient transactions at many European betting sites. However, it's important to note that these methods are deposit-only.

Bank Transfers

Bank transfers stand out among sports betting platforms as they allow you to make transactions directly from your online bank account. This option just further simplifies the process of making deposits and withdrawals, and it also minimises the risk of fraud. Nevertheless, due to the banks involved and the security mechanisms, bank transfers usually take much longer to complete than e-wallet transactions, for example.

How to Register at European Betting Sites

Now that you've learned about the top-class European online betting sites, the one thing that is left for you is to start your online betting journey at one of them. For that, you can simply follow a four-step process, so here is the full guideline.

Step 1

Choose From Our Suggested EU Betting Sites

Since we leave no stone unturned when reviewing European sports betting sites, our suggestions are always a good starting point. Take some time to compare the operators and their key features, and choose the best betting site for you.

Step 2

Sign Up & Verify Your Account

You can now proceed with the short sign-up process by filling out the registration form. Provide your personal details and you will be done in a matter of minutes. Note that, usually, you will instantly be asked to verify your account via email or SMS before you can make deposits and place bets.

Step 3

Deposit

Head over to the Cashier section of the European betting operator and select one of the featured payment methods. Fill out the specific payment method information and deposit at least the minimum amount required. Deposits are usually instant, so you will be able to start betting in no time.

Step 4

Claim Your Welcome Bonus & Bet

Read the T&Cs of the welcome bonus and claim it if it is to your liking. Use the additional funds to place bets on all popular sports and enhance your potential wins. Once you are done with the welcome bonus, a range of other promotions await, all of which can make your experience much more enjoyable.

Why Bet at European Betting Sites?

Besides the common traits of European betting companies, there are some added benefits that come with placing bets on them. You will get to make use of them only if you sign up at any of our suggested European bookies, so here are a few reasons why you should do exactly that:

Competitive Odds

Hefty Bonuses

Numerous Payment Methods

Wide Range of Betting Options

The best European betting sites will provide you with a good value for your real money bets through competitive odds -- both for pre-match and live betting markets. In addition, as briefly touched upon above, thanks to promotions such as boosted odds, you can even further enhance your winnings.

Best European Betting Sites by Category

At Betpack, we are well aware that European bettors often have varying preferences on how their ideal sports betting site should look. Different features will be more appealing to some players compared to others, so for you to have an easier time choosing a European betting site, here is how our experts handpicked them by category. Each of these top sports betting sites excel in a certain category, which means there's something in store for all bettors.

Category	Bookmaker	Licence	Features
Best New European Bookmaker	BillyBets	Pagcor	Extensive list of bonuses, VIP program, casino section
Best Sports Betting Markets at a European Bookie	Mozzart	MGA	Solid wagering requirements on bonuses, low minimum deposit, top-notch reputation
Best for VIP European Bettors	NetBet	UKGC	Free bets, high withdrawal limits, casino section, well-established bookie
Best Crypto European Bookmaker	Cryptorush	Curacao	Crypto-friendly, no KYC needed, rewarding welcome bonus
Best Bonuses at a European Betting Site	WinWin	Curacao	Multi-language platform, VIP program, limitless withdrawal
Best European Bookmaker for Extra Sports Betting Features	Weiss	Curacao	Bonuses, online casino section, e-sports betting
Best EU Bookmaker for Sporting Event Variety	50Crowns	Curacao	Low minimum deposit requirement, VIP program, great variety of crypto payment methods
Best European Bookmaker for High Withdrawal Limits	Beterr	Curacao	Efficient live support, boosted odds
Best EU Bookie for Betting Market Variety	Lunubet	Curacao	Live streaming, early cash out, bet builder
Best European Sportsbook for Free Bets	ZotaBet	Curacao	Comboboost bonuses, VIP bets feature, diverse betting markets

Dos and Don'ts of Betting at European Betting Sites

Regardless of your preferences and betting style, there is a certain online betting etiquette you must follow to enjoy your experience. Let's start with the dos:

Do your research: By this, we mean both researching on the bookies and specific teams/players/tournaments. Start by looking through our list of suggestions and then do specific sports research before betting.
Do claim bonuses: The right bonuses can significantly prolong your betting journey, so always be on the lookout for the top offers. Don't forget to read the associated terms and conditions as well.
Do bet on what you know: Always bet on sports you are familiar with or have done the necessary research for. Don't just spend money completely blindfolded.

As for the don'ts, here are some practices to avoid:

Don't bet beyond your limits: The golden rule of online betting is that you should never bet more than what you can afford. After all, wagering at the best betting sites in Europe should be an enjoyable experience, not a source of financial stress.
Don't chase losses: If you're having a bad day while betting at a European bookmaker, just call it a day. Don't think that a winning betslip is around the corner and lose big chunks of money as a result.
Don't bet emotionally: Never put money on the line based on emotions. Always base your betslips on facts and research. Furthermore, make sure that each selection meets the requirements for qualifying bet settlement to maximise potential returns.

Conclusion

Europe has always been a hotbed for betting, regardless of whether it is at land-based shops or through modern online gambling platforms. With so many options to choose from, it might be overwhelming for newbies to find their most suitable sportsbook, but that is where we come in.

Our experts have done thorough research on the best betting sites in Europe, and you can take full advantage of our ready-made list. Simply compare them and choose the one that you deem the most suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Online Betting Legal at European Betting Sites?

There is no uniform EU legislation that will legalise or prohibit online betting, so each member state is left to decide the gambling laws all by itself. As such, our suggested European bookmakers are legit and secure as long as they are licensed by reputable authorities.

Which Sport Is the Most Popular for Betting In Europe?

Football dominates the betting landscape in Europe, but basketball, tennis, cricket, horse racing, as well as boxing are not to be underestimated as well.

Which Are the Best European Bookies?

To find the best European betting sites, you can take a look at the list prepared by our experts. These online betting sites are licensed by reputable agencies and stand out with their betting markets, sports events variety and bonuses.

Can UK Customers Get Bonuses for Betting at European Bookmakers?

Yes, both UK customers and punters from around the world can benefit from betting bonuses such as free bets when placing wagers at the top betting sites in Europe. Just make sure to meet the minimum deposit requirements.

Can I Bet on Virtual Sports at European Bookies?

Yes, most European bookmakers feature virtual sports events for punters to bet on. You can simply check the betting markets of your preferred European bookmaker to confirm they feature virtual sports events.