Are you one of those punters looking for established bookmakers from the UK? If the answer is affirmative, then you've come to the right place. Finding a bookie is not a difficult thing today, but becoming a member of an established bookmaker with a strong reputation and great offer is another thing.
Bookmakers have a long tradition in the United Kingdom. It seems that people in the UK have been fascinated with betting on sports (and other events) for centuries. But, in the past, they had access to individual bookies and now they can place bets in established betting shops and online too. But, with so many choices, it can be easy to get confused. That's why we have created this list that includes established bookies (bookmakers) from the UK.
After 1 May 1961 betting shops opened at a rate of 100 a week. After six months there were already 10,000 set up. About 1,000 casinos were opened in the first five years. Two more Gaming Acts in 1963. A bookmaker having a large number of customers certainly suggests that the company is reliable and offers high quality services. If it were otherwise, it would not have been able to attract so many customers. Bookmakers with more than 10 million users are the most popular platforms for betting. Remember, in the UK you have everything. You'll be able to find the biggest independent bookmakers UK, as well as some of the larger, more ‘household name-y' type companies. In short, if you want to learn about the biggest bookmakers in the UK, then keep reading.
- Get familiar with the history of the best bookmakers in the United Kingdom
- Find out how they've started and where they are now
- Check their offer and learn more about their operations
- New Bookmakers 2021. People like to try new things. The insatiable urge to explore and expand horizons is in human nature. Therefore, it's only natural for sports enthusiasts and avid punters to want to try new bookmakers.
- VBet is operated by Vivaro Limited, which was founded in Armenia in 2003. In 2016, the company secured a licence to operate in the UK, and in doing so became the first BetConstruct powered bookmaker to receive a UK.
The bookmakers you will find on this list have years of experience in this field. Most of them are present online and offline. We are talking about bookmakers that have tons of positive reviews and almost no complaints. So, let's reveal our list of 9 established bookies (bookmakers) from the UK.
1. Coral
Established: 1926
Founder: Joe Coral
Headquarters: London, UK
Number of sports offered: Over 15
Online version: yes
Coral is one of the oldest bookmakers in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1926 by Joe Coral. Just like many other businesses of this type at that time, Coral was focused on providing greyhound racing bets. Over the years, the ownership and structure of this bookie have changed for a few times. For instance, in 1979 it merged with Mark Lane and became Coral Leisure Group.
But, the most important changes have happened in the last few years. First of all, Gala Coral was purchased by Ladbrokes and became Ladbrokes Coral. However, both Ladbrokes and Coral still have betting shops and sites that have their names (they work separately). It's worth mentioning that GVC Holdings have bought Ladbrokes Coral in 2018.
Players can place bets on over 15 sports with the help of this bookmaker. They can do this online or in one of the hundreds of betting shops across the United Kingdom.
History Of Bookmaking
- Coral is one of the oldest bookmakers in the United Kingdom
- They are running over 1500 betting shops across the UK
- Their website is still one of the most popular online bookies in the country
2. Betfred
Established: 1967
Founder: Fred and Peter Done
Headquarters: Warrington, UK
Number of sports offered: Over 20
Online version: yes
It's impossible to put Betfred aside when we are discussing the most established and prominent bookmakers that come from the United Kingdom. Betfred was founded in 1967 when brothers Peter and Fred Done have opened their first betting shop in Ordsall, Salford. It's interesting that they have used the money they've earned from betting to establish their first shop. We should also mention that Betfred has started as Done Bookmakers and changed its name in 2004.
The year 2004 was important for this bookie because this was also the year when they have launched their website allowing players to place bets on the World Wide Webs. In addition, they have launched an online casino and also let people play lotto, bingo, virtual sports, and online poker games.
Nowadays, this popular brand has more than 1500 betting shops in the UK. Betfred is a bookmaker that has sponsored many sporting events, teams and athletes in the last two decades.
- Betfred was once known as Done Bookmakers
- They have rebranded in 2004 when they opened their website
- Betfred runs more than 1500 betting shops across the UK
3. Ladbrokes
Established: 1886
Founder: Pennington and Schwind
Headquarters: London, UK
Number of sports offered: Over 30
Online version: yes
Did you know that Ladbrokes is a reputable bookmaker from the UK that was named after a village (Ladbroke)? But, what's more important, did you know that this is the oldest bookie in the UK that still serves punters across the UK? It all started back in 1886 when the company started offering bets on horse racing. Another interesting fact is that this was one of the first gambling companies that were present on the London Stock Exchange (back in 1967).
In 2016, there was a merger between this bookmaker and Coral. In 2018, GVC Holdings acquired Ladbrokes Coral. However, this brand is still working independently. Together with Coral, they have more than 4000 betting shops all over the United Kingdom and more than 30000 employees. They are running successful sports betting website too. Their offer includes bets on more than 30 sports.
- Ladbrokes is the oldest operating bookmaker in the United Kingdom
- They have merged with Coral in 2016
- Ladbrokes has hundreds of betting shops and a successful website
4. William Hill
Established: 1934
Founder: William Hill
Headquarters: London, UK
Number of sports offered: Over 30
Online version: yes
Starting from 1929, William Hill decided to accept bets on greyhounds. In 1934, he moved his successful business to another level when he established the company. Until the 1960s, this bookmaker was operating in a semi-legal way because betting was officially illegal (but tolerated) in the UK. When the laws were liberalized, William Hill became one of the fastest-growing bookmakers in the United Kingdom.
It's good to know that this company changed its ownership many times from the 1970s till now. For instance, they were owned by Sears Holdings, Brent Walker and Grand Metropolitan. In 2002, William Hill was listed on the London Stock Exchange. They have more than 16000 employees, over 2300 betting shops and one of the most successful online betting sites. With more than 30 sports in the offer, William Hill remains to be one of the favorite places visited by both traditional and online punters.
- William Hill is the UK's largest betting operator
- This company was founded in 1934
- William Hill has more than 2300 betting shops in the UK and a very popular website
5. Totesport
Established: 1928
Founder: UK government
Headquarters: Wigan, UK
Number of sports offered: Over 25
Online version: yes
Tote is a word used to describe a system of betting based on the so-called totalizator. Basically, the dividends are calculated based on the amount staked instead of the odds offered. This system was invented in the 1920s and the UK government has decided to create a bookie that will promote it. So, this is one of the rare bookmakers in the United Kingdom that were founded by the government.
This Wigan-based bookmaker was focused on horseracing and pool betting for decades. However, once they went online, their interests have changed and players can now place bets on more than 25 sports with the help of Totesport (The Tote). Keep in mind that Totesport was acquired by Betfred in 2011. Nowadays, they have more than 4000 employees and betting shops in many cities in towns in the UK. Just like most UK sportsbooks, this one has a UK Gambling License and a license issued by the government of Gibraltar.
- Totesport is a bookmaker that's also known as The Tote
- It was established by the government in 1928
- Totesport is now owned by Betfred
6. BetVictor
Established: 1946
Founder: William Chandler
Headquarters: Gibraltar
Number of sports offered: Almost 30
Online version: yes
When this bookie was established back in 1946, it was known as Victor Chandler International LTD. This bookmaker has a typical history of a well-established sportsbook from the UK. This was a family business focused on greyhounds and horseracing. Even though the business was managed from the UK for over 50 years, the owner has moved the operations to Gibraltar in 1998.
In 2004, Victor Chandler International became VC Bet and in 2008 it got back to its original name. In 2014, the company changed its name to BetVictor. This is one of the most successful bookmakers in the United Kingdom with more than 500.000 active users not only in the UK but also around the world. As a registered player, you can place bets on almost 30 sports in BetVictor's betting shops or on their official website.
- BetVictor was also known as Victor Chandler International and VC Bet in the past
- This bookmaker was established in 1946
- They have appeared as sponsors of many notable sporting events
7. Jennings Bet
Established: 1961
Founder: Tom Jennings
Headquarters: Essex
Number of sports offered: Over 20
Online version: yes
Some of you might not recognize this name, but the truth is that Jennings Bet is an established bookmaker that comes from the UK. This bookie was established in 1961 right after gambling and betting became completely legal in the UK. One of the main reasons why many bettors have not heard about this sportsbook is the fact that they keep their betting shops in the southeastern part of the UK.
There are more than 100 betting shops managed by Jennings Bet as well as a modern betting site. They have appeared on the Internet with their exclusive offer in 2007 and starting from 2013 they have created a mobile version of their site. The offer of sports found on this site might not be the greatest we've seen, but with more than 20 sports it should be enough for the most passionate bettors.
- Jennings Bet is an Essex-based bookmaker
- They have betting shops only in the southeastern part of the UK
- Jenning Bets has betting shops, a website and a mobile version of their website
8. Toals Bookmakers
Established: 1932
Founder: –
Headquarters: County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
Number of sports offered: Around 25
Online version: yes
Uk Bookies
Toals Bookmakers, also known as ToalsBet, is one of the first legal bookies in Northern Ireland, UK. This bookmaker was established in 1932 in County Antrim as a small betting shop. But, after a short period of time, they have opened more than 50 betting shops all over Northern Ireland. This is one of the bookmakers in the UK that have telephone betting services too.
In 2015, Toals Bookmakers has gone online. Today, they have a mobile version of their site too. This bookmaker has a rich offer with almost 25 sports in play and good odds. Their website has an in-play section too. It's good to know that Toals Bookmakers has a license issued by the UK Gambling Commission.
- One of the most famous UK bookmakers that come from Northern Ireland
- Toals Bookmakers has more than 50 betting shops across Northern Ireland
- This website was founded in 1936 in a small city in Antrim County
9. BetAnsells
Established: 1920
Founder: –
Headquarters: Abbots Langley, UK
Number of sports offered: Over 15
Online version: yes
Here's a well-established bookie from the UK, that's quite popular among players that prefer land-based betting. BetAnsells was established in 1920 in the village of Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire. They have been providing betting services since 1961.
BetAnsells has seven betting shops across this part of the UK. They are offering bets on all popular sporting events not just in the UK but around the world. For four generations this bookmaker has been operating successfully. This bookie has a license issued by the UK Gambling Commission and even though they have a website where players can check the odds, you can place bets only in their betting shops or via phone.
- BetAnsells was established in 1920
- They are running seven betting shops at the moment
- You can place bets via phone or in their betting shops
People like to try new things. The insatiable urge to explore and expand horizons is in human nature. Therefore, it's only natural for sports enthusiasts and avid punters to want to try new bookmakers. New is neither necessarily bad nor good despite popular opinions which divide the public in half when it comes to this matter.
When it comes to sports betting online, going for newly-launched betting sites carries its pros and cons. Fortunately, that's is exactly what your friends at BestBookmakers.co.uk are here for – to guide you through the myriad of choices and present you with only the best new bookies, all vetted and objectively rated by our group of sports betting industry experts.
Not only will we list the top emerging bookies out there but we will also give you clear pointers on how to pick the best ones of the lot – while at the same time teaching you how to avoid rogue and suspicious ones.
Bet £10 get a £10 Freebet
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£10 in Bet Credits
✅Advanced betting exchange
✅Easy to use
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✅Brilliant mobile and desktop design
✅Watch live streaming* sports on your PC or Mobile
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✅Mobile version and iOs/Android Apps
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✅Awards free bets and bonuses
- Ladbrokes is the oldest operating bookmaker in the United Kingdom
- They have merged with Coral in 2016
- Ladbrokes has hundreds of betting shops and a successful website
4. William Hill
Established: 1934
Founder: William Hill
Headquarters: London, UK
Number of sports offered: Over 30
Online version: yes
Starting from 1929, William Hill decided to accept bets on greyhounds. In 1934, he moved his successful business to another level when he established the company. Until the 1960s, this bookmaker was operating in a semi-legal way because betting was officially illegal (but tolerated) in the UK. When the laws were liberalized, William Hill became one of the fastest-growing bookmakers in the United Kingdom.
It's good to know that this company changed its ownership many times from the 1970s till now. For instance, they were owned by Sears Holdings, Brent Walker and Grand Metropolitan. In 2002, William Hill was listed on the London Stock Exchange. They have more than 16000 employees, over 2300 betting shops and one of the most successful online betting sites. With more than 30 sports in the offer, William Hill remains to be one of the favorite places visited by both traditional and online punters.
- William Hill is the UK's largest betting operator
- This company was founded in 1934
- William Hill has more than 2300 betting shops in the UK and a very popular website
5. Totesport
Established: 1928
Founder: UK government
Headquarters: Wigan, UK
Number of sports offered: Over 25
Online version: yes
Tote is a word used to describe a system of betting based on the so-called totalizator. Basically, the dividends are calculated based on the amount staked instead of the odds offered. This system was invented in the 1920s and the UK government has decided to create a bookie that will promote it. So, this is one of the rare bookmakers in the United Kingdom that were founded by the government.
This Wigan-based bookmaker was focused on horseracing and pool betting for decades. However, once they went online, their interests have changed and players can now place bets on more than 25 sports with the help of Totesport (The Tote). Keep in mind that Totesport was acquired by Betfred in 2011. Nowadays, they have more than 4000 employees and betting shops in many cities in towns in the UK. Just like most UK sportsbooks, this one has a UK Gambling License and a license issued by the government of Gibraltar.
- Totesport is a bookmaker that's also known as The Tote
- It was established by the government in 1928
- Totesport is now owned by Betfred
6. BetVictor
Established: 1946
Founder: William Chandler
Headquarters: Gibraltar
Number of sports offered: Almost 30
Online version: yes
When this bookie was established back in 1946, it was known as Victor Chandler International LTD. This bookmaker has a typical history of a well-established sportsbook from the UK. This was a family business focused on greyhounds and horseracing. Even though the business was managed from the UK for over 50 years, the owner has moved the operations to Gibraltar in 1998.
In 2004, Victor Chandler International became VC Bet and in 2008 it got back to its original name. In 2014, the company changed its name to BetVictor. This is one of the most successful bookmakers in the United Kingdom with more than 500.000 active users not only in the UK but also around the world. As a registered player, you can place bets on almost 30 sports in BetVictor's betting shops or on their official website.
- BetVictor was also known as Victor Chandler International and VC Bet in the past
- This bookmaker was established in 1946
- They have appeared as sponsors of many notable sporting events
7. Jennings Bet
Established: 1961
Founder: Tom Jennings
Headquarters: Essex
Number of sports offered: Over 20
Online version: yes
Some of you might not recognize this name, but the truth is that Jennings Bet is an established bookmaker that comes from the UK. This bookie was established in 1961 right after gambling and betting became completely legal in the UK. One of the main reasons why many bettors have not heard about this sportsbook is the fact that they keep their betting shops in the southeastern part of the UK.
There are more than 100 betting shops managed by Jennings Bet as well as a modern betting site. They have appeared on the Internet with their exclusive offer in 2007 and starting from 2013 they have created a mobile version of their site. The offer of sports found on this site might not be the greatest we've seen, but with more than 20 sports it should be enough for the most passionate bettors.
- Jennings Bet is an Essex-based bookmaker
- They have betting shops only in the southeastern part of the UK
- Jenning Bets has betting shops, a website and a mobile version of their website
8. Toals Bookmakers
Established: 1932
Founder: –
Headquarters: County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
Number of sports offered: Around 25
Online version: yes
Uk Bookies
Toals Bookmakers, also known as ToalsBet, is one of the first legal bookies in Northern Ireland, UK. This bookmaker was established in 1932 in County Antrim as a small betting shop. But, after a short period of time, they have opened more than 50 betting shops all over Northern Ireland. This is one of the bookmakers in the UK that have telephone betting services too.
In 2015, Toals Bookmakers has gone online. Today, they have a mobile version of their site too. This bookmaker has a rich offer with almost 25 sports in play and good odds. Their website has an in-play section too. It's good to know that Toals Bookmakers has a license issued by the UK Gambling Commission.
- One of the most famous UK bookmakers that come from Northern Ireland
- Toals Bookmakers has more than 50 betting shops across Northern Ireland
- This website was founded in 1936 in a small city in Antrim County
9. BetAnsells
Established: 1920
Founder: –
Headquarters: Abbots Langley, UK
Number of sports offered: Over 15
Online version: yes
Here's a well-established bookie from the UK, that's quite popular among players that prefer land-based betting. BetAnsells was established in 1920 in the village of Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire. They have been providing betting services since 1961.
BetAnsells has seven betting shops across this part of the UK. They are offering bets on all popular sporting events not just in the UK but around the world. For four generations this bookmaker has been operating successfully. This bookie has a license issued by the UK Gambling Commission and even though they have a website where players can check the odds, you can place bets only in their betting shops or via phone.
- BetAnsells was established in 1920
- They are running seven betting shops at the moment
- You can place bets via phone or in their betting shops
People like to try new things. The insatiable urge to explore and expand horizons is in human nature. Therefore, it's only natural for sports enthusiasts and avid punters to want to try new bookmakers. New is neither necessarily bad nor good despite popular opinions which divide the public in half when it comes to this matter.
When it comes to sports betting online, going for newly-launched betting sites carries its pros and cons. Fortunately, that's is exactly what your friends at BestBookmakers.co.uk are here for – to guide you through the myriad of choices and present you with only the best new bookies, all vetted and objectively rated by our group of sports betting industry experts.
Not only will we list the top emerging bookies out there but we will also give you clear pointers on how to pick the best ones of the lot – while at the same time teaching you how to avoid rogue and suspicious ones.
Bet £10 get a £10 Freebet
✅Huge betting market variety
✅Plenty of promotions
✅Awesome live betting arena
£10 in Bet Credits
✅Advanced betting exchange
✅Easy to use
✅Obscure markets
Get up to £100 in Bet Credits
✅Brilliant mobile and desktop design
✅Watch live streaming* sports on your PC or Mobile
✅Huge range of bet types
RISK FREE BET UP TO £10
✅Different sports and betting markets
✅Mobile version and iOs/Android Apps
✅Reliable Support
Bet £10 get a £10 Accumulator Bet
✅Powerful Desktop Interface
✅Live Scores & Stats
✅Great In-Play Graphics
£10 Backup Bet with Bwin
✅Amazing coverage of European football
✅Regular enhanced accas for football
✅Awards free bets and bonuses
Up to £25 Matched Free Bet!
✅Wide Variety of Betting Markets
✅Regular Ongoing Promotions for Loyal Players
✅Special acca promotions
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