Scotland Betting Sites
Below you can find our expert reviews of reputable, regulated sports betting sites operating in Scotland. Each betting site has been thoroughly tested and verified by our team.
Scotland is famous for its tartan kilts, bagpipes, and picturesque mountains, but it appears the country is also home to the keenest sports bettors in the entire United Kingdom. Figures published by the UK Gambling Commission in the fall of 2017 show that Scotland boasts the highest levels of participation in sports wagering, with 68% of its population having wagered on sporting events in the preceding year. Scotland leads in online betting participation as well, with 10% of the 2017 survey’s respondents revealing they had wagered online, compared to 7% for the rest of the UK.
But the betting-related records the country holds do not end there. Scotland is also the place with the highest number of sportsbook shops located on a single street, Glasgow’s Dumbarton Road, where there are as many as 14 establishments you can punt in.
And indeed, bookmaking shops have become an inseparable facet of the Scottish landscape. That being said, many punters from the country have decided to take their sports betting action online because of the immense convenience web-based sportsbooks offer. And why not, when online betting allows them to choose from hundreds of betting markets and provides odds that are much more competitive than those at land-based bookies?
Scottish Sports Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating
Sportsbook | Reviews | Rating |
---|---|---|
SpreadEx | 1,740 | 4.4 ⭐ |
Parimatch | 483 | 4.3 ⭐ |
LeoVegas Sport | 6,946 | 3.2 ⭐ |
Casumo Sports | 2,202 | 2.2 ⭐ |
Tonybet | 389 | 2.2 ⭐ |
mr.play Sports | 491 | 2.1 ⭐ |
Mr Green | 4,415 | 1.5 ⭐ |
BetTarget | 72 | 1.5 ⭐ |
Karamba | 819 | 1.5 ⭐ |
bet365 | 5,918 | 1.3 ⭐ |
Unibet | 1,776 | 1.3 ⭐ |
888sport | 2,464 | 1.1 ⭐ |
Comparison of Sports Betting Sites in Scotland
Sportsbook | Sports on Offer | Min Deposit | Min Withdrawal | Min Bet | Bonuses | Bonus Wagering Requirements | In-Play Betting | Licenses |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
bet365 | Football, Tennis, Speedway, Table Tennis, and 40+ other sports | $/€5-10 | $/€5-10 | $/€0.10 | New Account Offer up to €30 in Free Bets | Place qualifying bets to release bet credits (New Account Offer)
| Yes |
|
888sport | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, American Football, and 20+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | Deposit and bet €10 and get €30 in Free Bets on First Bet |
| Yes | • UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) |
Mr Green | Football, Tennis, Esports, Horse Racing, and 30+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€30 | $/€0.10 | First Deposit Free Bets | 2x€10 free bets must be fully wagered within 7 days | Yes | UKGC (#039264-R-319432-018) |
Casumo Sports | Football, Tennis, Horse Racing, Basketball, and 25+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 |
|
| Yes | MGA (#MGA/CRP/217/2012) |
LeoVegas Sport | Football, Baseball, Tennis, Table Tennis, and 30+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€20 | $/€0.10 | Welcome Offer: Up to 3 Free Bets €10 each |
| Yes | MGA (#MGA/CRP/237/2013) |
Tonybet | Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Volleyball, Baseball, and 30+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | • 100% Welcome Bonus up to €100 | • Welcome Bonus: Min. deposit of €10, 5x wagering, valid for 14 days; | Yes | The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (#HKL000393, HKT000016, HKL000098, HKT000015) |
Parimatch | Cricket, Football, Baseballl, Motor Racing, and 25+ other sports | £5 | Bank Cards: £5Digital Wallets: £5Bank Transfer: £10 | £0.10 | Welcome Offer: Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets | No wagering requirements | Yes | UKGC (39576) |
SpreadEx | Horse Racing, Football, Greyhhounds, Virtual Sports, Cricket, Tennis, Snooker, and 20+ other sports | No minimum deposit requirements | £1 | £0.15 | New Accounts – Fixed Odds New Accounts – Spreads Refer and Earn Spread-free Bets | £25 fixed odds bet at minimum odds of 1/2; The first £5 fixed odds bet will be credited upon settlement of the qualifying bet; The following 4x£5 wil be added to bettors’ accounts on consequtive days | Yes | UKGC (8835) |
Unibet | Hockey, Soccer, Cricket, eSports, Golf, and 30+ othersports | €5 | €15 - credit/debit cards; €10 - other methods | €0.10 | Welcome Offer: | Welcome Offer: | Yes |
|
mr.play Sports | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Basketball, and 30+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | 100% Welcome Bonus up to €100 | 9x bonus funds with min. odds of 2.00 on singles and 1.40 on combination/system bets | Yes |
|
BetTarget | eSports, American Football, MMA, Boxing, Soccer, and 35 other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | Welcome Offer: $10 Free Bet | Deposit and wager $15; | Yes | UK Gambling Commission Malta Gaming Authority |
Karamba | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Rugby, Badminton, Boxing, and 35+ other sports | €/£/$10 | €/£/$10 | €/£/$0.10 | Welcome Offer: 100% match up bonus up to £50 + 100 spins | Welcome Offer: 35x bonus amount | Yes |
|
Top 12 Betting Sites for Scotland
bet365
Bet Now ReviewLicenses- UKGC (#055148-R-331498-001)
- MGA (#MGA/CRP/531/2018)
- Government of Gibraltar (#076)
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) +10 jurisdictions (including US states)
- Kansspelautoriteit (1690)
Min Deposit$/€5-10Min Withdrawal$/€5-10Withdrawal TimeCards, E-wallets, Paysafecard: 1-4 hours; Apple Pay: instant; Wire Transfer: 1-2 banking daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsUEFA Champions LeagueContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support.eng@customerservices365.com; Phone: 00 800 1236 5365- Extensive experience in the online gaming scene
- Multiple bonuses and promotions
- Responsive customer support
- Apps for iOS and Android devices
- Competitive odds
- Wide market coverage
Operating in a wide range of markets, bet365 delivers a superb online betting experience for Scottish bettors. The brand has extensive experience in the industry and understands that punters appreciate competitive odds, enabling members to place wagers on their favorite sports and receive excellent value.
At bet365, bettors can wager on numerous thrilling sporting events, with the bookie covering major local and international leagues. The diverse betting markets let punters place engaging bets and make their sportsbook sessions more exciting. Those who enjoy the thrill of wagering can elevate the experience further by placing live bets on major sporting events.
888sport
Bet Now ReviewLicenses• UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) • MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018) • Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113) • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• Visa and Apple Pay: up to 6 days • E-wallets and Rapid Transfer: 2-3 days • Wire transfer: 5-8 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsNational Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support@888sport.com; Phone: N/A- In-play betting
- Long history in the gambling industry
- Dozens of supported payment solutions
- Wide selection of sports
- Strong mobile support
- Dedicated mobile app
Members of 888sport can enjoy one of the smoothest online betting experiences, as the brand strives to provide the best odds on the most popular sports. The bookmaker is also a great destination for Scottish bettors, allowing them to explore numerous betting markets on top categories like horse racing, football, tennis, and many more.
Because many bettors enjoy placing in-play bets, 888sport has added this feature to its sportsbook lobby. Not only can you place wagers as games unfold in real time, you can also enjoy this betting style on a variety of major sporting events.
Mr Green
Bet Now ReviewLicensesUKGC (#039264-R-319432-018) Ireland’s Revenue Commissioner (#1011600) MGA (#MGA/CRP/121/2006) Danish Gambling Authority (#18-0457046) Swedish Gambling Authority (#23Si2199)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€30Withdrawal TimeCredit Card - 1-5 working days; Bank Transfer - 1-5 working days; Skrill - instant or up to 2 days, Other Digital Wallets - instant or up to 2 hours; Paysafecard - instant (up to 2 hours)Deposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: customerservice@mrgreen.com Phone: N/A- Live betting
- Best odds on UK and Irish racing
- Mr Green accepts secure, easy-to-use payment methods
- Dedicated mobile app
- Several contact options
- Award-winning, trustworthy brand
When you open the Mr Green sportsbook, you are greeted with a variety of betting options, and the most popular markets are listed under the Highlights category. Scottish bettors can wager on events from major leagues covering football, tennis, basketball, and more, while also exploring many other sports and betting markets.
Along with pre-match betting, Mr Green provides in-play wagering on numerous popular sporting events. Whenever you want to bet on the go, simply download the dedicated Mr Green app to your handheld device.
Casumo Sports
Bet NowLicensesMGA (#MGA/CRP/217/2012) Irish Revenue Commissioners (#1015523) AGCO (#OPIG1239089) Swedish Gambling Authority (#23Si773) Gibraltar (#126 and #127) UKGC (#061549)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• Credit/Debit Cards - 1-5 days • E-wallets - Up to 48 hours • Trustly - Up to 48 hours • Bank Transfers - 1-5 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsReading F.C.eSports events at Wembley ArenaContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: hey@casumo.com; Phone: N/A- Customizable sportsbook experience
- Secure and fast payments
- Dedicated Android and iOS apps
- Wide range of live betting options
- Generous promotional offers
- Supports a wide range of payment methods
Casumo is a gambling brand that strives to deliver the best possible experience for all members. Among the various products it offers is a virtual sportsbook that caters to sports betting fans. Casumo’s sportsbook is also a great choice for Scottish punters eager to wager on their favorite players, teams, and major sporting events.
The sportsbook lobby is designed to meet every bettor’s needs, with a selection that covers numerous popular sports as well as more niche options. Even better, you can tailor the interface to display odds only for the sports and leagues that interest you. Casumo lets you place both pre-match and in-play bets, giving you two different, yet equally exciting, ways to wager.
LeoVegas Sport
Bet NowLicensesMGA (#MGA/CRP/237/2013) Ireland Revenue Commissioners (#1012453) UKGC (#39198) Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€20Withdrawal Time• Credit/Debit Cards: 3-5 days • E-wallets: up to 24 hours • Bank Transfer: 2-5 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsWolverhampton Wanderers F.C. (2023/2024)Contact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: help@leovegas.com; Phone: N/A- Covers a variety of popular sports
- Offers competitive odds
- Punters can redeem generous promotions
- Fast and secure payments
- Dedicated Android and iOS apps
- Live betting on major sporting events
LeoVegas is a betting website suitable for both experienced and recreational bettors, offering everyone a top-notch sports betting experience. If you are unsure which sport to back, check out the Season Bets section. Otherwise, head to the lobby with the wide range of sports LeoVegas covers and choose the options you enjoy most.
To make your experience even more rewarding, LeoVegas offers a wide range of promotional incentives. Alongside pre-match wagering, the bookmaker provides in-play options on sports such as football, tennis, and basketball.
Tonybet
Bet NowLicensesThe Estonian Tax and Customs Board (#HKL000393, HKT000016, HKL000098, HKT000015) Kahnawake Gaming Commission Dutch Gaming Authority (1729) Ireland Revenue Commissioners (1017899) Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-wallets - within 12 hours • Credit/Debit Cards - up to 7 business days • Cryptocurrencies - less than 24 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsCanadian Premier League (CPL) Irish Champions Festival in Leopardstown (2024) Tony Cascarino (brand ambassador)Contact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: info@tonybet.com Contact Us Form Phone: N/A- Punters can bet on various sports
- Great variety of in-play betting options
- Mobile app compatible with Android and iOS devices
- Punters can view odds in multiple formats
- Supports a number of fast and secure payment methods
- Responsive customer support agents
At Tonybet, you can make the most of your time thanks to the site offering an extensive library of wagering options. If the range of bets feels overwhelming, you can filter the lobby to display odds on upcoming events scheduled within the next 1, 8, 24, or 48 hours. Tonybet covers sports such as football, cricket, tennis, basketball, and many more. Each category lists odds on events from major leagues, allowing punters to choose from various betting markets.
While you can place pre-match bets on numerous sports, select categories also support in-play wagering. This feature lets you follow the action and place bets as the score changes in real time.
Parimatch
LicensesUKGC (39576)Min Deposit£5Min WithdrawalBank Cards: £5Digital Wallets: £5Bank Transfer: £10Withdrawal TimeBank Cards: 30 minute processing timeDigital Wallets: N/ABank Transfer: up o to 24 hours (processing time)Deposit MethodsSponsorshipsLeicester City Football, Nottingham Forest Football ClubContact DetailsLive Chat: yes Phone: +447700177678 Email: help@parimatch.co.uk- Bet boosts available on select wagers
- Covers numerous sports
- Punters can redeem generous promotions
- In-play betting on a variety of events
- Several contact options
- Dedicated sportsbook app
Members of Parimatch can enjoy a variety of products, with sports betting at the forefront. Fans of sports and online wagering will appreciate the broad range of options available. Parimatch delivers high value on numerous sports, with each category featuring odds on events from major leagues.
Thanks to the Bet Builder feature, punters can easily craft bespoke wagers. You can also boost your potential returns by redeeming the bookmaker’s promotions. Best of all, the Parimatch experience is fully accessible on the go, allowing punters to place bets through the mobile site or dedicated app.
SpreadEx
LicensesUKGC (8835)Min DepositNo minimum deposit requirementsMin Withdrawal£1Withdrawal TimeBank cards - 2-5 business daysBank transfers - up to 2 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsPreston North EndContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: info@spreadex.com Phone: 01727 895 000; +44 1727 895 000- Offers spread betting
- Competitive odds on various sports
- Live streams of numerous sporting events
- In-play betting options
- Android and iOS mobile apps
- Safe and fast payments
Spreadex offers Scottish punters a different kind of sports wagering experience. While most bookmakers provide only fixed-odds betting, Spreadex lets its patrons explore spread betting. The bookie covers a variety of sports that many bettors will appreciate, and it also provides in-play options.
Along with live betting, Spreadex allows its patrons to enjoy live streaming of select events, making every session more engaging. Although Spreadex specializes in spread betting, punters can still enjoy traditional fixed-odds markets, as the bookie aims to satisfy every type of bettor.
Unibet
ReviewLicenses- Irish Revenue Commissioners (1013174)
- UK Gambling Commission (045322-R-324275-017)
- Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)
- Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (No. 092)
- The Dutch Kansspelautoriteit (1730)
Min Deposit€5Min Withdrawal€15 - credit/debit cards; €10 - other methodsWithdrawal TimeCards - 1 to 3 days; Direct Banking - 1 to 3 days; E-Wallets - up to 12 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsMiddlesbrough FC, Cheltenham Festival, NHL Sweden, F.C. Copenhagen, PFL Europe DivisionContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes;Email: info@unibetsupport.com;Phone: 0808 1686635- Superb native apps for iOS and Android
- Diverse markets and great odds for all major sporting events
- Broad range of live-betting markets
- Live streaming of more than 40,000 events each year
- Clean, easy-to-use interface
- Various promotional offers for sports fans
Unibet makes it easy to enjoy a fun and profitable betting session, catering to every sports betting enthusiast. The sportsbook welcomes Scottish bettors, allowing them to wager on their favorite sporting events. Those looking for new opportunities can browse the full lobby and choose from numerous sports and races.
Live betting is one of Unibet’s most engaging features, enabling in-play wagers on a variety of top events. Additionally, members can stream many of the games that support live betting, making the experience even more immersive.
mr.play Sports
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• Credit/Debit Cards - up to 6 days • Payz - Up to 4 days • E-wallets - Up to 2 days • Astropay - 3 days • Interac - 2-6 days • ApplePay - up to 6 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support@mrplay.com; Phone: N/A- Offers competitive odds on a wide range of sports
- In-play betting available on several sports
- Provides results and statistics on sporting events
- Supports several safe and convenient payment options
- Punters can bet on major leagues and choose from various betting markets
- Customer support available seven days a week
Members of mr.play can embark on an exciting betting journey, as the sportsbook lobby offers a myriad of engaging options. Whether you prefer popular sports or follow major horse races, mr.play provides some of the most competitive odds on the latest events.
If you are unsure where to start, check the top offers or highlights section. You can also boost the excitement by participating in the betting tournaments the bookie organizes, where winners earn points and, hopefully, great prizes.
BetTarget
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-Wallets: 2 days; • Cards: 6 days • Processing time: 1 to 2 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsBare Knuckle Fighting Championship (2022)Contact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: support@BetTarget.comPhone: N/A- Bettors can choose from different betting markets
- Great sports coverage
- In-play betting available on numerous sports
- Optimized for mobile devices
- Offers generous promotional incentives
- Supports various secure and easy-to-use payment solutions
BetTarget is a brand that any gambling enthusiast can appreciate. Among the site’s products is a sportsbook that delivers an exciting and rewarding betting experience. The lobby caters to every taste, featuring odds on sports such as football, cricket, and tennis, as well as some of the biggest UK and international horse races.
BetTarget not only offers odds on various sports but also lets you choose from multiple betting markets, making your time with the sportsbook both fun and rewarding. As a member, you gain access to a wide array of in-play options, often available on major international events, so you can place bets while watching your favorite games.
Karamba
Min Deposit€/£/$10Min Withdrawal€/£/$10Withdrawal TimePending period: 1-2 days; Up to 3 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support@karamba.com- Live betting on numerous sports
- Betting markets covering major sporting events
- The website maintains high levels of security
- Punters can take advantage of great promotions
- Managing one’s bankroll is extremely easy
- Supports a variety of payment solutions
Karamba’s sportsbook helps Scottish punters enjoy every moment by allowing them to explore numerous betting categories. The brand offers high-value bets on major races, popular sports, and some of the trendiest esports. If you have a favorite sport, check its dedicated section, as Karamba provides a myriad of markets across different disciplines.
As a Karamba member, you can place in-play bets on a wide range of sporting events. Visit the live section to view all sports currently available for live wagering, along with the markets open to punters.
Moreover, Scots enjoy a tightly regulated sports betting industry, with a huge number of online sportsbooks accepting punts from the country under licenses issued by the UK Gambling Commission. This abundance of options enables them to shop for the best odds on a variety of sports, including Scottish favorites like soccer, cricket, and horse racing.
Scotland-friendly sportsbooks tend to run some of the best promotional deals an online punter could hope for, as registered customers are often treated to free bets, enhanced odds, and cashback offers that boost their bankrolls and add value to their wagers. In the following article, we introduce you to the legalities related to sports betting in Scotland, along with the key criteria that deserve consideration when choosing a Scotland-friendly online sportsbook.
Legality and Regulation of Sports Betting in Scotland
An exception is made for spread betting, which is overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority. Horse and greyhound racing fall under the regulations of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain and the British Horse Racing Authority. Pool betting on horse races is overseen by the Horserace Totalizator Board, also called the Tote, which was state-owned before bookmaker Betfred purchased it for £265 million in the summer of 2011.
The beauty of the whole thing is that Scots are allowed to make all types of sports punts imaginable, which is not always the case elsewhere. Want to back several teams with a parlay? That is perfectly legal under UK laws. Interested in more exotic outrights and propositions? These are also allowed on Scottish soil, as are various single bets on pre-match and in-play competitions.
Unlike in some other regions, the laws pertaining to sports betting in Scotland (and the UK in general) are straightforward and easy to understand. Both land-based and online sports betting are legal in Scotland, but operators must obtain licenses from the local regulatory body. The introduction of adequate regulations opened the country’s sports betting market to foreign operators.
Some of the biggest sportsbooks in the world have already been granted licenses to service punters from the UK and Scotland, respectively, and punters from Scotland are not taxed on their sports betting earnings.
A Brief Historical Background
King Charles II was the first monarch in the UK to offer monetary prizes and gifts to winners in horse racing competitions. The Merry Monarch presented them with silver bowls and bells.
The turn of the 19th century was marked by an unprecedented gambling boom in the country, with an increasing number of sports receiving a piece of the betting action. Bookmaking started to take its modern shape, with bookies shortening or lengthening their odds just as they do today.
Sports betting was widespread among members of the upper and middle classes. Yet, members of the working class also partook in betting activities, which became a form of escapism for many miners and factory workers.
As popular as it is, sports betting has not always been legal on Scottish soil. The gambling boom of the 19th-century UK caused significant social backlash, resulting in the emergence of anti-betting groups and the publication of specialized literature warning society about the negative effects of gambling.
The government was under pressure to find a solution, and it came in the form of the Gaming Act of 1845. Read further for more information on the most important betting laws that have shaped Scotland’s sports betting landscape into what we know today.
Key Sports Betting Laws for Scotland
This continued well into the next century until sports betting was decriminalized under the Betting and Gaming Act. This legislation officially came into force on January 1, 1961 and initially enabled legal betting for nominal sums on games of skill like poker and bridge. Several months later, in May of the same year, bookmaking shops were allowed to open and commence legal operations. As many as 16,000 licenses were issued within the next four years.
Loitering was not allowed under the provisions of the 1961 Act. In fact, most bookmaking shops boasted a rather shabby interior to discourage punters from hanging around for too long. They were expected to enter, make their wagers, and leave right after.
Even though it legalized sports betting across Scotland and the UK, the Betting and Gaming Act of 1961 had a pronounced negative effect on the greyhound racing industry in the country. Records suggest it led to the closure of 21 greyhound race tracks between 1961 and 1969 alone.
The Licensed Betting Offices Regulations of 1986 applied exclusively to Scotland and imposed restrictions on advertisements outside licensed bookmaking shops. Restrictions were placed on their opening hours as well. The regulations required bookies to close between midnight and 7 am and again between 6:30 pm and midnight.
Each bookie was expected to conspicuously display the legal gambling age for punters allowed in the establishment (18 years old in Scotland and the UK), along with any possible deductions and limits on winnings.
The single most important piece of legislation in the country is undoubtedly the Gambling Act, which brought about unprecedented expansion of the gaming and sports betting sectors. It was signed into law in 2005 and pertained to Wales, Scotland, and England. It legalized online betting and transferred licensing responsibilities to local authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Scottish licensing boards.
Sports betting operators were also permitted to advertise their products on radio and television. Betting companies licensed under the jurisdictions of Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, Alderney, and Antigua and Barbuda were added to a “white list” and were allowed to accept punts from Scots and other UK bettors legally. The Gambling Act of 2005 also aimed to protect minors and other vulnerable individuals from the harms that may result from gambling.
These liberal conditions remained in place until the Gambling Licensing and Advertising Bill was signed into law in the summer of 2014. The legislation required all betting operators that accept punts from the country to obtain licenses from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). If an operator runs both an online casino and an online sportsbook, a separate license must be issued for each product.
The bill allows only sportsbooks registered in England, Wales, or Scotland to advertise their betting products within the country. Additionally, licensees are taxed on their overall betting profits. The UKGC even proposed an amendment that would block money transfers to and from unlicensed betting sites, but the House of Lords voted against it.
However, some of the world’s largest payment service providers, including Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa, approached the UKGC with a proposal to block such transfers voluntarily. The UKGC also tried to persuade internet service providers in the country to block punters’ access to unlicensed sportsbooks, but none complied because the regulator lacked the necessary court orders.
Presently, punters from the UK, including Scots, are not legally prosecuted for registering with online bookmakers that lack local licenses, although such operators are banned from advertising their services within the UK. However, the majority of large sportsbooks have already received their licenses from the UKGC, so there is no point in taking unnecessary risks by gambling on unregulated sites.
Scotland Sporting Events Coverage and Markets
Scots are presented with an abundance of bet types to choose from. They may place single bets on live and pre-match markets. Some of the available alternatives include Both Teams to Score, Over/Under, Correct Score, First-Half Result, Double Chance, Draw No Bet, and First Team to Score. Parlays with multiple selections are also common among bettors from the country.
Those who prefer betting on horse races can choose from a wide selection of competitions at some of the biggest racecourses in the UK and Ireland, such as Cheltenham, Ascot, Newbury, and Ludlow, among others.
Greyhound fans also enjoy solid variety. They can find competitive odds for the Greyhound Derby and for races held at Hove, Newcastle, and Central Park. Popular bet types include Win or Each Way, Tricasts, Forecasts, Trap Winner, and Top 2 Finish.
Other popular sports that receive good coverage at Scotland-friendly sportsbooks include golf, cricket, tennis, boxing, ice hockey, basketball, and snooker. Bets on politics, TV shows, and virtual sports are also available.
Taking your action online offers additional advantages. Online sportsbooks of good standing typically provide live-streaming services, radio podcasts with commentary, tips, and detailed statistics featuring results from previous events.
The interface is normally intuitive enough to ensure quick navigation, with easy-to-use bet slips that calculate your expected returns based on your stake and the odds for the events you have selected. The odds on in-play markets are updated as events progress, with punters having the option to approve or decline the changes. Some bookies, like Betfair, even support betting exchanges where customers can lay their own odds and sell them to fellow bettors.
Popular Odds Format in Scotland
This format gives you a clear idea of the amount you can potentially win, depending on how much you have staked. The odds are expressed as 20/1 or 12/5, for example, but there is no need to be intimidated because the term “fractions” is somewhat misleading in this context: the first number shows the amount you can win, while the second corresponds to the amount you wager.
So, if you back a horse at odds of 20/1, you will collect £20 and receive your initial £1 stake back. If the sportsbook offers odds of 5/2, you win £5 on top of the original £2 you wagered.
Another thing to bear in mind is that fractional odds may sometimes be displayed in reverse, for instance, 1/5 or 3/10. These are called “odds-on” selections, where the amount you risk exceeds the amount of your potential returns. Using the example above, a bet with odds of 3/10 requires you to stake £10 to win £3.
What if you are not using base betting units of £1? Calculate your returns by dividing your stake by the denominator, multiplying by the numerator, and then adding your stake. For example, with £15 at 3/10 odds: [{£15/10} × 3] + £15 = £19.50.
Payment Solutions for Sports Bettors from Scotland
Prepaid solutions such as Paysafecard and virtual cards by Entropay are viable alternatives for casual punters who wager smaller amounts and like to keep their betting budgets in check. Of course, you can always use Visa, Maestro, or Mastercard, but if you enjoy betting on the go, we suggest using Apple Pay, which employs fingerprint technology to confirm your identity.
This option is available to iPhone users only, but mobile bettors can also deposit smaller amounts via carrier-billing services like those provided by Boku. Deposits are added to the monthly mobile bill or deducted from the available balance if a prepaid card is used. Online banking and eChecks are also widely available.
Punters who choose traditional bank transfers or paper checks must wait several business days for the funds to be credited to their sportsbook balance. Some of the biggest Scotland-friendly betting brands have already embraced cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin, so use these if you are looking for anonymous, free, and quick deposits and withdrawals. The minimum deposit usually ranges between £5 and £10.
Bonuses and Rewards for Scottish Sports Bettors
There are usually plenty of options, but if you have just registered at one of the sportsbooks recommended by Sportingpedia, we suggest taking advantage of its welcome bonus. This is usually granted as a free bet, but to qualify, you must deposit and wager at least the minimum amount specified by the bookmaker.
Note that there are normally minimum odds requirements for your first wager, and if you fail to meet them, you will be disqualified from the promotion. Keep in mind that some deposit solutions, such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller, are sometimes excluded from participation in free-bet promotions.
Scottish punters with existing accounts are often treated to enhanced odds for select events and price boosts. Those who prefer backing multiple selections with parlays are offered accumulator insurance, which guarantees they get a certain percentage of their original wagers back if one of their parlay’s legs loses.
In such instances, the extra cash is credited in the form of a free bet. When opting in for insurance promotions, you must comply with the minimum selection odds as well as the minimum combined odds for the parlay. We say this time and again, but it bears repeating: never opt in for a sports betting promotion without reading its terms beforehand. Otherwise, there is a good chance you will violate one of the conditions and end up empty-handed.
Customer Support at Scotland-Friendly Sports Betting Sites
It makes sense that a live-chat facility is a must-have for any good online sportsbook. This is usually accompanied by round-the-clock availability. We urge you to test the service yourself before registering, since some betting sites claim to support 24/7 live chat but, when you try to contact them, the advisors are unavailable.
Some sportsbooks offer live chat only to registered customers, a policy we do not agree with because it works to the disadvantage of prospective customers looking for information before signing up.
Other common ways to reach the support teams of Scotland-friendly betting sites include email, telephone lines (usually toll-free for UK callers), contact forms, and callbacks. A friendly, prompt, and professional service is a common trait all good sports betting sites share, so keep that in mind when you are on the lookout for a new sportsbook to punt at.