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Those looking to bet at European sportsbooks are in luck. The ever-growing popularity of sports betting across the continent has meant that a wide variety of top-quality betting sites are available to those in Europe, the US and beyond.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best online European sportsbooks on the market and give you expert advice to help you choose between them.
We only feature the most trusted betting sites in Europe. Since no two are the same, each excels in a different area. Below, you’ll find a list of the top European sportsbooks and why each is great.
Best European Sportsbook Overall – 22Bet
Best Premier League Betting Site – Bet365
Best European Football Betting Site – Betway
Best European Sportsbook for Mobile – 20Bet
European Sportsbook with Free Bets – 888sport
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Best European Sportsbook Overall – 22Bet
Our Rating
4.5/5 stars.
22Bet is our top choice for European players. The site has all the makings of an excellent bookmakers, from great odds to industry-leading payouts.
To start with the basics, there are hundreds of European and international sporting leagues covered. Betting lines are available for Europe’s most popular sporting events including betting on tennis at the French Open, betting soccer for the Champions League, wagering on the Tour de France at cycling betting sites and more. Additionally, 22Bet has lines for entertainment events, world politics and eSports, too.
Deposits on site are accepted via popular bank wire deposits, cryptocurrencies and Skrill, as well as less common options such as Webmoney and Boku. Moreover, deposits start at €1, which is significantly lower than the €5-€25 average at other sportsbooks. Withdrawals are similarly flexible, with payouts starting at €1.50 and same-day options (such as Bitcoin) available.
Last, but not least, new players to 22Bet can claim a 100% match bonus up to €122. The bonus must be used in accumulator bets with odds of 1.4 or more. While this is a little trickier to play through, the 5x wagering requirement is low compared to other bookmakers, which sweetens the deal.
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Best Premier League Betting Site – Bet365
Our Rating
4/5 stars.
Bet365 is The Sports Geek’s top EFL betting site recommendation. The user-friendly interface and betting options like match winners, over/under goals, and player-specific bets make it a top choice. Bet365 provides highly competitive odds and features live-streaming for numerous matches, enhancing the in-play betting experience right through knock-out matches. On top of this, this Premier League betting site offers great featured football bonuses.
Bet Boosts: Bigger winnings on selected football markets.
2 Goals Ahead Early Payout: Single bets paid out if your team leads by 2 goals.
Soccer Acca Boost: Up to 70% bonus on accumulators.
Soccer Substitute Guarantee: Stake returned as Bet Credits if your player is substituted before half-time.
Some matchups can also be watched live via video streaming through the site. You’ll need to be a registered player to watch. Just filter the live betting section by ‘Streams’ and tap the play button next to the moneyline odds.
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Best European Football Betting Site – Betway
Our Rating
4/5 stars.
At Betway, odds are posted for each match from the English Premier League to Myanmar’s third tier, and everything in between. The football tab on site includes a comprehensive in-play (live-betting) section, which is easy to navigate due to the layout of the odds being split by location. For example, you’ll be able to easily see which French, German and Italian games are on right now. For select games, live streaming is also available.
Betway offers competitive odds across virtually all football leagues. Yet major competitions like the Champions League are often included in the Betway Boosts. These enhanced odds are often best-in-class for underdog moneylines and can add value to your payout. The Betway Boosts tab is among the list of sports on the site.
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Best European Sportsbook for Mobile – 20Bet
Our Rating
4/5 stars.
20Bet is our top choice for betting apps, or most likely, betting through your web browsers, which most sites are optimized for nowadays. The site is unique in offering a dedicated sportsbook app for iOS and Android devices, as well as a fully-optimized mobile site which works in-browser, too. Many European sportsbooks are no longer developing apps due to limited device compatibility and cost. However, 20Bet provides both options to give players the ultimate flexibility
The 20Bet downloadable app is sleek, with a dark, high-contrast design which makes finding odds easy. However, the optimized site also holds up well. There’s a menu bar across the top of the screen for quick navigation. Both versions work seamlessly in landscape or portrait mode, and the differences in navigation are tiny. In short, you can play either way on a mobile at 20Bet and still receive an exceptional gaming experience.
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European Sportsbook With Free Bets – 888sport
Our Rating
4/5 stars.
888sport is the best place to pick up regular free bets. While all promotions on site are strong, the chance to win a €5 free bet once a day is first-class. To earn one, you’ll have to win a bet with odds of 5.00 or higher with a wager of €10. While these odds are quite steep, it’s worth noting that all sports are included, and accumulators count.
When you’ve claimed your free credits, you’ll have to use them within seven days. You cannot use the free bet to play each-way or system wagers, but all others count. For example, you can bet the moneyline on any upcoming Champions League match. If you win any cash from the free bet, there are no wagering requirements attached.
Since 2008, our team of independent experts have been creating sportsbook reviews to recommend the best the industry has to offer. In that time, we’ve developed a rigorous method of testing and ranking each bookmaker. Here are the key factors we take into consideration:
We research each bookmaker’s reputation to check for a history of unresolved complaints or poor service. Though not all quality sportsbooks are licensed, we rank those with current licensing and regulation by respected international bodies, such as the UK Gambling Commission, a bit higher.
Some features (like site-wide TLS encryption and ID verification) are standard across the online sports betting industry. Therefore we look for online sportsbooks which have further security measures in place. For example, bookmakers with firewalls and information security management systems are preferred.
In addition to all the major European betting events, we look for bookmakers offering odds for less popular European league teams. We also check for obscure sports, politics, or entertainment bets. Sites with a wide variety of resources on European sports (such as blogs and betting predictions) are also preferred.
You should be able to deposit and withdraw from a sportsbook in your currency of choice. That’s why we prefer sites with a wide variety of sportsbook banking options. Euros and cryptocurrencies are the standard, while acceptance of USD, GBP, and other currencies can help a sportsbook rank higher.
We look for European bookmakers which offer excellent promotions to new and returning players alike. In addition to the size of the bonus, we evaluate wagering requirements, expiration times, and eligible bets, to ensure that the bonus conditions are fair and accessible to bettors.
How to Choose the Best European Online Sportsbook
In order to choose which European sports betting site is right for you, you’ll have to first think about what you’re looking for. In particular, consider these points:
What Sports Do You Want to Bet On?
We recommend participating in online sports betting only after thorough research. For that reason, it’s a good idea to think carefully about which sports you’re interested in, as some sites are better than others in specific areas.Though Betway is our top choice for soccer bets (or football), Bet365 is an excellent choice for eSports betting fans. The site features league coverage of popular games like DOTA2 and League of Legends, as well as eBasketball and eSoccer. Also, their live-betting section links to live streams and real-time graphics for many games.Those looking to bet on pop culture and entertainment might prefer the offering at 22Bet. The site has odds on 150+ entertainment events, including award shows, TV shows, and music festivals. We’ll cover which sites are best for each sport in more depth later.
What Payment Method Are You Using to Bet?
The next factor to consider is which deposit or withdrawal method you would like to use. The vast majority of sportsbooks accept Visa and Mastercard, since they’re the most popular way to pay online in Europe. However, card withdrawals are rarely offered. Most crypto betting sites accept major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which have near-instant transactions for both deposits and payouts. However, if you would rather pay via bank transfer, eWallet or through a prepaid card, you’ll first have to verify that your site of choice offers these options. Then, take a look at the minimum and maximum limits. Note that each payout method has a different withdrawal time. For example, bank transfers can take up to a week to process, while eWallet payouts tend to happen on the same day as the request is approved.22Bet accepts an enormous range of payment methods including ten eWallets, 36 types of cryptocurrency, and bank transfers. The site accepts deposits of €1 upwards via Paysafecard. However, withdrawals via Paysafecard are not offered, so you would need to choose another way to receive your payout.
What Types of Bets Are You Looking to Place?
Every sports betting site has moneyline betting odds for the major European sporting leagues. The vast majority have over/under odds and spread betting, too. However, if you’re looking to bet on accumulators, live games or props, you may want to consider a specialist site.For example, the Bet Builder at Betway is one of the easiest tools in the industry. It allows you to combine odds across major markets in football, tennis, basketball, American football, baseball, rugby, hockey, Aussie rules, boxing and MMA with just a few taps.On the other hand, Bet365 is the best live betting site because of the live video stream and real time graphics. For weird and wonderful prop bets, we’d recommend 22Bet. Across each Premier League matchup throughout the season, 22Bet has 1,200+ pre-game betting lines available.
Do You Want to Claim a Sports Welcome Bonus?
Welcome bonuses aren’t for everyone due to expiration times, wagering requirements and other conditions. That said, when you find the right offer at top bonus betting sites, it can significantly boost your sports betting bankroll. Smart bankroll management gives you more chances to win.In the first instance, consider whether you’d like to claim a welcome bonus. Our favorite welcome bonus right now is the 100% match up to €122 found at 22Bet, which comes with a 5x rollover. You should also consider whether ongoing promotions are important to you. Sites like 888sport offer free bet promotions daily, while 20Bet has weekly reload boosts of between 50-100%.
Though many European nations regulate and license online bookmakers which operate within their territories, offshore sportsbooks are also available. These sports betting sites are based outside of countries in which they operate, but adhere to the laws and requirements of their jurisdiction. For example, many offshore European sportsbooks are based in Malta.
These offshore sportsbooks are safe to play at, and accept players from the USA, Europe, and further afield. As we’ll discover, they offer a wider variety of playing options to bettors because they are not subject to the restrictions which many European nations have set.
Here is a brief overview of the legality of sports betting in the Big Five:
United Kingdom
Sports betting, both online and in-person, is legal in the UK for those over the age of 18. The Gambling Act of 2005 stipulates exactly how gambling in the UK is regulated. The nation has some of the toughest regulations and highest standards of security, ethics and transparency as set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which licenses all bookmarkers. The UKGC license (which sites like Bet365 have) is seen as the gold standard in online gambling licenses.
France
Similarly, both online and in-person sports betting is legal in France as long as the bookmakers are licensed by French regulators. There are a few different regulatory bodies. The Pari Mutuel Urbain oversees racebooks, while Authorite Nationale des Jeux is responsible for online gambling. Law No 2010-476 (also known as the French Gambling Act) was passed in 2010 just before the World Cup and made online sports betting legal through private bookmakers. In the first month alone, French bettors registered over 1.2 million new accounts at online sportsbooks.
Germany
The legal landscape of sports betting in Germany is complicated. There are 16 Deutsche Länder (provinces), each of which set their own gambling laws over and above the federal agreements. For example, all German residents over the age of 18 are legally allowed to bet on sports under the 2012 Interstate Treaty on Gambling. However, there are restrictions to ensure each bookmaker is licensed, and players can’t wager more than €1,000 per week. Similarly, online sportsbooks which are licensed through the German regulator (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder) are subject to these limitations. Offshore sportsbooks which are not subject to these restrictions are still available to German players.
Spain
Online sports betting in Spain is subject to the Spanish Gambling Act. As such, each bookmaker is legally obligated to hold a federal license in order to operate across the whole country. The federal body which regulates online sportsbooks is the General Directorate for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ). However, there is also the option to operate regional sportsbooks online. These would instead by licensed by the regional authorities in Spain’s 17 districts.
Italy
As in the other Big Five countries, Italy’s federal body, the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, regulates both online gambling sites and in-person betting shops. However, the web-based licenses granted by this body for are unique in that they encompass all forms of online gambling. These include casino, poker, bingo, eSports, lotteries, horse betting, fantasy sports and classic sports betting.
Popular European Sports to Bet On
According to Statista, the most popular sports to bet on in Europe include football, basketball, tennis and boxing. Take a look at a few of Europe’s most anticipated sporting events throughout the year:
Football (Soccer)
FIFA World Cup betting is by far the biggest betting event, both in Europe and around the world. However, this event only happens every four years. If you can’t wait until 2026 to watch the action, the Champions League is also popular. Around $13 billion is bet on the competition every year.For more regular action, check out the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, and German Bundesliga. Betway’s extensive coverage of European football leagues and regular enhanced odds makes it the best place to bet.
Basketball
Some of the biggest names in NBA basketball are European: Luka Dončić is Slovenian, Nikola Jokić is Serbian, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is Greek-Nigerian. Basketball leagues exist in almost every European country, but they’re particularly popular in Eastern countries like Croatia, Lithuania and Slovenia. The EuroLeague is basketball’s answer to the Champions League and features 18 teams from across the continent. We recommend 22Bet for basketball betting due to the unparalleled volume of lines offered for each game.
Tennis
Tennis is enormous across Europe, which isn’t surprising given the dominance of European players in the senior circuit. The sport is most popular in Switzerland, home of Roger Federer. The most popular tennis betting events are the Grand Slams, in particular the French Open and Wimbledon, which take place in European time zones. 888sport is an excellent place to bet on tennis given the dedicated odds booster and quality of the live betting section. With most of the senior matchups covered live, you can enjoy betting on the action with real-time graphics.
Boxing
The most popular boxing matchups in history, even across Europe, have involved Americans. Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson are the most recognizable names in boxing across the continent, and it’s unclear who, if anyone, will rival them in popularity. Nevertheless, boxing betting remains a popular pastime across Europe, especially in the UK. 20Bet is our top boxing betting site because we’ve found that the moneyline odds for the biggest matchups are highly competitive compared to others.
Golf
Did you know that Europe has almost 9,000 registered golf courses? While the majors of the US Open, The Masters and the PGA Championship are well-watched around the world, the Open Championship reigns over Europe. The competition is played on UK soil every July. For betting on golf and place each-way bets, head to 888sport.
Rugby
Rugby was founded in England during the 19th century. Since then, the sport has become a fan favorite in the other UK nations as well as Ireland, France and Italy. Internationally, the Six Nations tournament draws plenty of attention each spring. However, country-specific leagues like the UK’s United Rugby Championship and France’s Top 14 are also popular. We like Bet365’s rugby offering because of the extra time bonus. If your pre-match bet on the full-time or second-half market is unsettled at the end of normal time, it will carry into extra time and be settled at the final whistle. This is more player-friendly than other sportsbooks which count bets as lost if they haven’t been settled before normal time.
Esports
Europe has long been key in the development of esports as a global phenomenon. ESL Play, based in Germany, is the largest independent esports league in the world. 22Bet is the premier esports betting site due to the sheer volume covered. The site has dedicated tabs for FIFA esports betting, Mortal Kombat, DOTA, PES, League of Legends and more for esports betting players.
Payment Methods Available at European Betting Sites
Sportsbooks in Europe accept a wide variety of online betting banking methods. However, not every site accepts the same range. Check that the site you choose accepts the deposit and withdrawal methods you prefer. Be sure to review the minimum and maximum limits, payout times, and potential fees. Here are some of the most popular payment methods used by European bettors:
The bonuses available at European sportsbooks can add a significant boost to your betting bankroll. You’ll usually need to claim these while making a deposit, so it’s a good idea to research them ahead of time. There are a few common bonuses available, from welcome bonuses for new registrants, to VIP and reload promotions which cater to returning players.
Each promotion comes with strict terms and conditions to keep things fair for both parties. For example, rollover requirements mean that players must bet their bonus money a certain number of times before requesting a withdrawal. A 5x rollover on a $10 match bonus would mean you had to bet a total of $50 (5 x $10) before withdrawing any of the bonus funds.
By enforcing these terms and conditions, the sportsbook is protected from those looking to cash in on a bonus and immediately withdraw the extra funds. Expiration times, bet limits and odd restrictions are also often in place, so we recommend always reading the fine print before claiming a bonus.
Here are the best sportsbook bonuses available at European bookmakers right now:
22Bet provides a sports welcome bonus which matches 100% of your first deposit in bonus credits, up to a maximum of €122. For example, if you deposit €80 on the site, you will receive an additional €80 bonus credits. To cash out the credit, you need to wager 5x the bonus amount in accumulator bets, with odds of 1.40 or higher.
At 20Bet, you can claim a 100% up to €100 reload bonus every single Saturday, with a minimum deposit of €5. For example, if you deposit €20, you can claim an additional €20 as free bet credits. To qualify, you need to have made daily bets from Monday to Friday worth at least €5 each. You can use your free bet credits to wager on multi-bets (such as accumulators) with a minimum of three stakes.
Saturday Reload Bonus100% up to €100
Sports Welcome Bonus100% up to €100
Promo Code: SRB
No rollover requirement to cash out free bets
Reclaim bonus every single Saturday if you meet conditions
At 888sport there are promotions giving you the chance to claim €5 free bets daily. If you win a bet on any sport with odds of 5.00 (4/1) or higher with a wager of €10, you receive €5 in bet credits. There is no rollover attached to this bonus making it easy to cash out.
Daily Free BetsWin €5 for Making Winning Bets
Weekly Free BetsWin €5 for Making Accumulator Bets
No rollover requirement to cash out
Can be claimed daily
Low minimum bet to qualifyWin a bet of at least €10 to claim
At 20Bet you are automatically enrolled in the loyalty scheme. Here, you win 1 CP (loyalty point) for every € 3 bet with minimum odds of 1.3. At the end of each month, the CP are automatically converted into a bonus balance which can then be exchanged for free bets. You can win up to €5,000 in monthly free bet credit!
Sports VIP ProgramWorth Up to €5,000 a Month
Sports Betting ContestsPrize Funds Over €10,000
Automatic enrollment in loyalty scheme
Win 1 loyalty point for every €3 betOdds of 1.3 or over
Free bet credit expires within 5 days
Loyalty program resets each month
How to Join a European Sports Betting Site
You could be betting at one of Europe’s top online sportsbooks in just a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step to guide you through the registration process.
If you haven’t already, narrow down your search and choose one of the trusted European sportsbooks found on this page.
Head to the site and sign up with some basic personal information. Be sure to check the spelling of your name and address before confirming the registration.
We recommend immediately verifying your identity on the site by uploading ID and proof of address. This will help streamline the withdrawal process in the future.
Head to the casino’s cashier to make your first deposit. Here, you’ll need to opt in or input a bonus code to claim a promotion.
Select your deposit method of choice, fill in the details and hit confirm to begin the transaction. It may take a few minutes for the funds to appear in your account.
Once the funds and any bonus are visible in your account, you’re all set to browse the odds. Click to add them to your bet slip, enter your stake and confirm to place your first bet.
Responsible Gambling at European Sportsbooks
At The Sports Geek, we want you to gamble safely and successfully online. Betting responsibly is the single most important part of enjoying your experience.
Responsible gambling is an umbrella term for habits and actions that can help you bet smarter. These include staying calm, gambling with only what you can comfortably afford to lose, and setting a strict budget. Each of these principles will help you to stay in control of your betting.
In addition to adopting good habits, it’s important to be aware of the signs of problem gambling and seek help immediately if you are experiencing any of them. Most countries have free resources available to residents. You can find information on what’s available where near you via the links below:
Once you’ve chosen the perfect sportsbook, you’ll want to hone your betting strategy. Find more expert tips in our sports betting guides below:
About the Author
Finn Archer
Editor, Sports and Casino
Finn is a writer with 4+ years of experience publishing articles under the pseudonym Phil Bowman. He’s also a longtime sports enthusiast and bettor with a strong passion for soccer. That said, he’ll dabble in anything involving a ball, bat, or boxing gloves! His writing mainly focuses on helping bettors learn from their mistakes and gamble responsibly. Finn currently lives in Europe.
