A bookmaker is a licensed company or individual that accepts bets on sporting events and other outcomes. Bookmakers set odds based on the estimated probability of each result and pay out winning bets according to those odds while earning revenue through a built-in margin known as the overround or vig.

How do bookmakers make money?

Bookmakers make money by building a small profit margin into the odds they offer. This margin, commonly called the vig or overround, means the combined implied probability of all possible outcomes exceeds 100%. Over a large number of bets, this allows bookmakers to generate consistent profits regardless of individual results.

What are the best betting sites?

The best betting sites combine competitive odds, broad market coverage, reliable payments, strong live betting features, responsive customer support, and responsible gambling tools. The right choice depends on your betting preferences, which is why comparing bookmakers before registering is always recommended.

Why should I compare bookmakers?

Comparing bookmakers helps you find better odds, more betting markets, stronger promotions, and features that suit your betting style. Even small improvements in odds can significantly increase your long-term returns without increasing your stake.

Which bookmaker offers the best odds?

There is no single bookmaker that consistently offers the best odds across every sport and every event. Prices vary between operators based on their trading models and customer activity. Comparing odds before every bet is the best way to maximise value.

Are online bookmakers safe?

Licensed online bookmakers are generally safe to use. Reputable operators employ encryption technology, identity verification, responsible gambling tools, and secure payment systems to protect customer funds and personal information.

What is a betting exchange?

A betting exchange allows customers to bet against one another instead of betting against a bookmaker. The exchange simply provides the platform and charges a commission on winning bets. Because prices are determined by market demand, exchanges often offer highly competitive odds.

What is the difference between a bookmaker and a betting exchange?

With a bookmaker, you place your bet directly against the operator, who sets the odds and accepts the risk. With a betting exchange, other users offer the odds, and you bet against them instead. Traditional bookmakers often provide more promotions and betting features, while exchanges typically focus on pricing and flexibility.

What are competitive odds?

Competitive odds are prices that offer better potential returns than those available elsewhere. Since bookmakers price events differently, comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks helps identify the most competitive offers before placing a bet.

What is Best Odds Guaranteed?

Best Odds Guaranteed is a promotion most commonly available on horse racing. If the starting price is higher than the odds you originally accepted, the bookmaker settles your winning bet at the higher price, increasing your potential return.

How do free bets work?

Free bets allow you to place wagers using promotional funds instead of your own money. Depending on the bookmaker's terms, winnings are usually paid out without returning the value of the free bet itself.

What is a qualifying bet?

A qualifying bet is a wager that must be placed to unlock a promotional reward such as free bets or bonus bets. Promotions often specify minimum stake amounts, minimum odds, and eligible betting markets.

Why do betting odds change?

Odds change because bookmakers constantly react to new information, betting activity, injuries, weather conditions, and market movements. These adjustments help manage risk while reflecting updated probabilities.

Can I have accounts with multiple bookmakers?

Yes. Many experienced bettors maintain accounts with several bookmakers so they can compare odds, access different promotions, and benefit from each operator's unique strengths.

Which payment method is the fastest?

Most deposits using Apple Pay, Skrill, Neteller, Trustly, and debit cards are processed instantly. Withdrawal times vary between bookmakers, but e-wallets are often among the fastest methods available.

Are betting apps better than desktop websites?

Modern betting apps provide almost all the functionality available on desktop, including live betting, Bet Builders, Cash Out, account management, and payment options. Many bettors now prefer mobile apps because of their speed and convenience.

What should I look for when choosing a bookmaker?

Look beyond the welcome bonus and consider factors such as licensing, competitive odds, betting markets, payment methods, live betting, customer support, responsible gambling tools, and overall user experience.

Bookmakers | Compare the Best Online Betting Sites & Odds

Gambling can be addictive — play responsibly.
18+ only. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. For free, confidential support visit begambleaware.org.

This page may contain affiliate links

Published 7 July 2026Updated 8 October 2026

0/5

Stake

Stake has become one of the world's most popular crypto gambling platforms, combining a comprehensive sportsbook, online casino, and its exclusive Stake Originals under one account.

+Supports more than 20 cryptocurrencies
+Huge sportsbook
+Modern and responsive interface
+Strong VIP rewards program

200% up to €1000

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Get bonus

Quick facts

Founded

2017

Company

Medium Rare N.V.

Casino

Yes

Sportsbook

Yes

Stake Originals

Yes

Live Casino

Yes

Cryptocurrencies

20+

Mobile

Web and App

VIP Program

Yes

Support

24/7 Live Chat & Email:

License

Curaçao Gaming Authority

Ranking

Sportsbook
Casino
Bonus
Mobile Experience
Payments
Customer Support
Security
Overall

0/5

BC.Game

BC.Game has made a name for itself as one of the more recognisable crypto gambling platforms, combining thousands of casino games with a fully integrated sportsbook. Launched in 2017, the operator focuses heavily on cryptocurrency payments, generous-looking promotions and exclusive games.

+Extensive casino game selection
+Excellent cryptocurrency variety
+Exclusive provably fair games
+24/7 live chat support

220% Deposit Rakeback

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Claim bonus

Quick facts

Casino

BC.Game

Established

2017

Licensing

Curaçao; current status should be checked

Casino games

Over 10,000 reported

Sportsbook

Yes

Live betting

Yes

Welcome bonus

Up to 220,000 BCD advertised

Cryptocurrencies

Over 100 supported historically

Live casino

Yes

VIP programme

Bronze to Diamond

Mobile compatibility

iOS and Android browsers

Customer support

24/7 live chat and email

Ranking

Casino Games & Software
Sports Betting
Bonuses & Promotions
Payment Methods & Withdrawals
Mobile Experience
VIP Programme
Security & Fairness
Customer Support
Overall Rating

0/5

bet365

bet365 is one of the world's most established online betting platforms, offering a premium sportsbook alongside an online casino, poker, and bingo. During our review, we found excellent sports coverage, competitive odds, and one of the strongest live betting experiences available, making it a compelling choice for both new and experienced bettors.

+One of the best sportsbooks available
+Live streaming
+Outstanding live betting platform
+Competitive odds
+Large online casino

100% up to €200 + 50 Free Spins

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Get bonus

Quick facts

Founded

2000

Sportsbook

Yes

Online Casino

Yes

Poker

Yes

Bingo

Yes

Live Betting

Yes

Live Streaming

Yes

Bet Builder

Yes

Cash Out

Yes

Partial Cash Out

Yes

Mobile Apps

Android & iOS

Payment Methods

Cards, PayPal, Bank Transfer, E-wallets, Trustly

Welcome Offer

Up to £30 in Free Bets (market dependent)

Casino Bonus

Up to 500 Free Spins (selected markets)

License

UKGC, MGA, SGA, DGA, GGL, DGOJ, ADM, KSA, GRAI, SPA, NTRWC, AGCO

Ranking

Sportsbook
Live Betting
Live Streaming
Bonuses
Online Casino
Mobile Experience
Payments
Customer Support
Security
Overall

Subpages

Gambling can be addictive — play responsibly.
18+ only. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. For free, confidential support visit begambleaware.org.

This page may contain affiliate links

Published 7 July 2026Updated 8 October 2026

0/5

Stake

Stake has become one of the world's most popular crypto gambling platforms, combining a comprehensive sportsbook, online casino, and its exclusive Stake Originals under one account.

+Supports more than 20 cryptocurrencies
+Huge sportsbook
+Modern and responsive interface
+Strong VIP rewards program

200% up to €1000

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Get bonus

Quick facts

Founded

2017

Company

Medium Rare N.V.

Casino

Yes

Sportsbook

Yes

Stake Originals

Yes

Live Casino

Yes

Cryptocurrencies

20+

Mobile

Web and App

VIP Program

Yes

Support

24/7 Live Chat & Email:

License

Curaçao Gaming Authority

Ranking

Sportsbook
Casino
Bonus
Mobile Experience
Payments
Customer Support
Security
Overall

0/5

BC.Game

+Extensive casino game selection
+Excellent cryptocurrency variety
+Exclusive provably fair games
+24/7 live chat support

220% Deposit Rakeback

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Claim bonus

Quick facts

Casino

BC.Game

Established

2017

Licensing

Curaçao; current status should be checked

Casino games

Over 10,000 reported

Sportsbook

Yes

Live betting

Yes

Welcome bonus

Up to 220,000 BCD advertised

Cryptocurrencies

Over 100 supported historically

Live casino

Yes

VIP programme

Bronze to Diamond

Mobile compatibility

iOS and Android browsers

Customer support

24/7 live chat and email

Ranking

Casino Games & Software
Sports Betting
Bonuses & Promotions
Payment Methods & Withdrawals
Mobile Experience
VIP Programme
Security & Fairness
Customer Support
Overall Rating

0/5

bet365

+One of the best sportsbooks available
+Live streaming
+Outstanding live betting platform
+Competitive odds
+Large online casino

100% up to €200 + 50 Free Spins

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Get bonus

Quick facts

Founded

2000

Sportsbook

Yes

Online Casino

Yes

Poker

Yes

Bingo

Yes

Live Betting

Yes

Live Streaming

Yes

Bet Builder

Yes

Cash Out

Yes

Partial Cash Out

Yes

Mobile Apps

Android & iOS

Payment Methods

Cards, PayPal, Bank Transfer, E-wallets, Trustly

Welcome Offer

Up to £30 in Free Bets (market dependent)

Casino Bonus

Up to 500 Free Spins (selected markets)

License

UKGC, MGA, SGA, DGA, GGL, DGOJ, ADM, KSA, GRAI, SPA, NTRWC, AGCO

Ranking

Sportsbook
Live Betting
Live Streaming
Bonuses
Online Casino
Mobile Experience
Payments
Customer Support
Security
Overall


	bet365	Unibet	BetMGM	Stake	22bet
	5.0 To bet365	5.0 To Unibet	5.0 To BetMGM	4.0 To Stake	3.0 To 22bet
Best For	All-Round Experienced Players	All-Round Players	Casino & Sports Bettors	Crypto Bettors	All-Round Crypto Players
Welcome Offer	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Live Betting	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Live Streaming	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Bet Builder	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Cash Out	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Odds Provider	Own	Kambi	Own/Kambi	Own	Own
Fast Payouts	✗	✓	✓	✓	✓
Casino	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Live Casino	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Poker	✓	✓	✗	✓	✓
Bingo	✓	✓	✗	✗	✓

Bookmaker	Primary Licence(s)	Available Regions
Stake	Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA)	Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and selected international markets*
22bet	Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA)	Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and selected international markets*
bet365	UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and multiple local licences	Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and other regulated markets
Unibet	UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and multiple local licences	Europe, Canada and selected regulated markets
LeoVegas	UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and multiple local licences	Europe, Canada and selected regulated markets
BetMGM	UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and multiple local licences	Europe and United States
Betsson	Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) and multiple local licences	Europe, Latin America and selected regulated markets
ComeOn	Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and multiple local licences	Europe and selected regulated markets
10bet	Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and multiple local licences	Europe, Latin America and selected international markets
Interwetten	Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Austrian licence and multiple local licences	Europe
Betsafe	Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) and multiple local licences	Europe, Canada and selected regulated markets
Casumo	UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and multiple local licences	Europe, Canada and selected regulated markets
888sport	UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and multiple local licences	Europe, Canada and selected regulated markets
VBET	Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and multiple local licences	Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and selected international markets

Bookmaker	Best For	Key Features	Suitable For
Stake	Crypto Betting	Cryptocurrency payments, fast transactions, extensive sportsbook, live betting	Crypto users and international bettors
22bet	Crypto Betting	Wide selection of sports, esports, live betting and international markets	Crypto users and international bettors
bet365	Advanced sports betting	Competitive odds, live betting, Bet Builder, live streaming, extensive betting markets	Football fans, live bettors and experienced players
Unibet	Horse Racing & Football	Strong product, covers a lot of sports, bingo, casino, poker and betting under same account	Players looking for an all-in-one gambling platform
LeoVegas	Mobile Gambling	Award-winning mobile app, intuitive interface, fast payments, well-curated casino	Mobile-first bettors & casino players
BetMGM	US Sports	Excellent coverage of American sports, live betting, award-winning casino	NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL fans
Betsson	Competitive Odds	Wide sportsbook, reliable odds, live betting and user-friendly platform	Value-focused sports bettors
ComeOn	Promotions	Regular offers, odds boosts, Bet Builder and user-friendly sportsbook	Bonus hunters and casual bettors
10bet	Football Betting	Extensive football markets, live betting and competitive pricing	Football bettors
Interwetten	European Sports	Strong football coverage, competitive odds and fast sportsbook interface	Europeans focused on European competitions
Betsafe	Scandinavian Bettors	Wide sports coverage, live betting and simple user experience	Nordic and European sports bettors
Casumo	Sports Betting & Casino	Modern interface, smooth navigation and mobile optimisation	Casino players and casual bettors
888sport	Bet Builders	Flexible Bet Builder, live betting, football markets and regular promotions	Accumulator and Bet Builder bettors
VBET	Live Betting Markets	Extensive live betting, international coverage and large sportsbook	Bettors who prefer bet in-play

Payment Method	Typical Deposit Time	Typical Withdrawal Time
Apple Pay	Instant	1-3 business days
Visa / Mastercard	Instant	1-3 business days
Bank Transfer	Up to 1 business day	1-5 business days
Pay by Bank	Usually instant	1-3 business days
Skrill	Instant	Within 24 hours
Neteller	Instant	Within 24 hours
Trustly	Instant	Within 1 hour
Zimpler	Instant	Within 1 hour
PayPal	Instant	Within 24 hours
Cryptocurrency	Within 15 minutes	Within 6 hours

Sport	Typical Number of Markets
Football	300–1,000+
Basketball	150–500+
Tennis	100–300+
Horse Racing	50–200+ per race
American Football	200–500+
Baseball	150–400+
Ice Hockey	100–300+
Golf	100+ tournament markets
Cricket	100–300+
Rugby	100–250+
Darts	50–150+
Esports	100–400+

Bookmakers

Stake

Quick facts

Ranking

BC.Game

Quick facts

Ranking

bet365

Quick facts

Ranking

Subpages

Bookmakers

Stake

Quick facts

Ranking

BC.Game

Quick facts

Ranking

bet365

Quick facts

Ranking

Subpages

22bet

Quick facts

Ranking

Unibet

Quick facts

Ranking

BetMGM

Quick facts

Ranking

Bookmakers

Best Bookmakers & Betting Sites at a Glance

Bookmaker Licences & Availability

UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA)

Why Compare Bookmakers & Betting Sites?

What Is a Bookmaker or a Betting Site?

How Bookmakers and Betting Sites Work

How Bookmakers Calculate Odds

Why Odds Change

How Bookmakers Manage Risk

Fixed Odds vs Betting Exchanges

Understanding Betting Odds

Decimal Odds

Implied Probability

Overround (Vig)

Why Different Betting Sites Offer Different Odds

How Odds Movement Works

How Comparing Odds Saves You Money

How Oddsator Compares Bookmakers

Why You Can Trust Oddsator

How to Choose the Best Bookmaker

Licensing

Competitive Odds

Sports Coverage

Payment Methods

Customer Support

Mobile Apps

Responsible Gambling Tools

Bookmaker Strengths Comparison

Betting Features Explained

Live Betting

Bet Builder

Cash Out

Odds Boosts

Best Odds Guaranteed

Live Streaming

Sub On, Play On

Statistics & Match Centres

Types of Sports Bets

Single Bets

Accumulator Bets

Bet Builders

System Bets

Handicap Betting

Asian Handicap