Pros and cons
Pros
- Huge selection of sports
- Good live streaming options
Cons
- Debit card only for bonus
- Not fastest payouts
Betway has cemented itself as a prominent fixture in the UK betting scene, offering punters a vast selection of markets across more than 30 sports. This established bookmaker combines competitive odds with a slick betting interface that caters to both football fanatics and horse racing enthusiasts alike.
What truly sets Betway apart is its robust in-play platform, complete with integrated live streaming and a versatile Bet Builder for crafting personalised wagers.
The bookie’s welcome package is reasonably generous, though the wagering requirements might give some pause. But how does Betway compare against other betting sites in the UK in 2025? This comprehensive Betway sports review digs deep to uncover what matters most before you place your first bet.
Quick Facts
| Licence | UK Gambling Commission (Licence #39372) |
| Welcome Offer | Up to £30 Matched Free Bet |
| Available Sports | 30+ sports |
| In-Play Betting | Extensive in-play markets & Bet Builders |
| Live Stream | Football & racing |
| Payment Options | Visa/Mastercard, PayPal, Trustly, Instant Bank Transfer |
1. Is Betway licensed by the UKGC?
Betway operates under a full UK Gambling Commission licence (#39372) through Betway Limited, a company established back in 2006. This regulatory approval ensures the bookmaker adheres to strict standards regarding fair gaming, responsible gambling and customer protection.
Security is front and centre with SSL encryption deployed across all pages of the Betway website and mobile app. Their privacy policy clearly outlines data protection measures, giving punters peace of mind regarding their personal information.
When it comes to responsible gambling, Betway offers a comprehensive suite of tools including deposit limits, session limits, reality checks and full self-exclusion options. The site prominently features “Take a Break” links to GAMSTOP, making it straightforward for punters who need to step away from betting for a while.
2. Betway’s Welcome Offers & Free Bets
Betway offers the following welcome offer for new punters:
- Up to £30 Matched Free Bet
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Earn a £30 Uber Eats Voucher on successful Acca qualification. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days from the new account being registered. 18+ GambleAware.org. Bet the Responsible Way. Full Terms apply
18+ | Gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | T&Cs apply
The offer requires you to make a qualifying first bet of £5 minimum on football, horse racing, tennis, cricket, or basketball. The bet must be an accumulator with at least three selections at combined odds of 2/1 (3.0) or greater.
Once the qualifying first bet has settled, the free bet will be credited to your account. The amount you get will match your first bet amount, up to the £3o maximum. For example:
- First bet is £10 = Get a £10 free bet
- First bet is £30 = Get a £30 free bet
This offer comes with a reasonable 7-day expiry window. This gives you a full week to place and confirm your free bet. However, you must deposit using debit card to be eligible for this offer (some debit cards are excluded in the terms and conditions).
Beyond the sign-up offer, Betway maintains several ongoing promotions including acca insurance (money back if one leg lets you down), a refer-a-friend bonus scheme, and regular “Enhanced Odds” events on major sporting fixtures.
3. What sport can you bet on at Betway?
Betway covers an impressive 30+ sports which includes:
- Football
- Horse racing
- Tennis
- Cricket
- Golf
- Basketball
- Rugby
- Darts
- Snooker
- Virtual sports
- eSports
Market depth is a genuine strength in this Betway sports review. Major football fixtures routinely feature over 100 pre-match and in-play betting opportunities, while horse racing events offer 20+ market types per race, including place terms, distance betting and match-ups.
Special bets are well catered for, with outright tournament markets, player props (first goalscorer, total points), handicap options, and extensive ante-post markets for seasonal competitions like the Premier League and Grand National.
4. Can you bet in-play and stream live on Betway?
The in-play betting platform at Betway stands among the better offerings in the UK market. Features include a sophisticated Bet Builder for creating custom multiples, partial and full cash-out options, and the valuable “Edit My Bet” functionality that allows punters to adjust stakes on live wagers.
Live streaming is available on all UK and Irish horse racing through integration with At The Races, plus greyhound meetings and select football matches. The video quality is solid, though you’ll need a funded account or to have placed a bet on the event to access the streams.
The mobile experience deserves special mention, with a fully responsive in-play interface available on both Android and iOS devices. Odds update in real-time, with minimal lag even during high-traffic events like Premier League matches.
5. How good are Payments & Payouts at Betway?
| Method | Min. Deposit | Min. Payout | Typical Payout Time | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard | £5 | £5 | 1–3 business days | None |
| PayPal | £5 | £5 | Within 24 hours | None |
| Trustly (Open Banking) | £5 | £5 | Within 24 hours | None |
| Bank Transfer (BACS) | £5 | £5 | 1–5 business days | None |
| Instant Bank Transfer | £5 | £5 | Instant | None |
As one of the few betting sites with a £5 minimum deposit, Betway opens the door to more casual punters. You can deposit as low as a fiver into your account to start betting on all the different sports.
Betway’s payout speeds fall into the “good” category rather than the elite “fastest” tier. PayPal and Trustly transactions typically complete within 24 hours, making them the quickest options for UK punters. Card payouts take a bit longer at 1-3 business days, while traditional bank transfers can stretch to 5 days.
Importantly, Betway doesn’t charge any transaction fees on deposits or payouts, regardless of method. First-time customers should be aware that identity verification checks may delay their initial payout, though subsequent withdrawals process much more smoothly.
Final Verdict on Betway
Betway remains a top-tier UK sportsbook thanks to its vast market coverage, powerful in-play suite and reliable payouts. While not without minor flaws – notably the occasionally robotic customer service and complex bonus terms – the overall betting experience is polished and rewarding.
- Massive selection of sports and deep markets with sharp odds
- Generous free bet welcome package
- Seamless, fee-free payouts via PayPal, Trustly & instant bank transfer