Scotland Betting Sites
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 us Scotland boasts the highest levels of participation in sports wagering – 68% of its population have wagered on the outcomes of sporting events in the preceding year. Scotland leads in online betting participation as well, with 10% of the participants in the 2017 survey revealing they have wagered online, in comparison to the 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 due to the immense convenience web-based sportsbooks can offer. And why not when this comes with the added benefit of being able to choose from hundreds of betting markets and are offered odds that are much more competitive than those of rival landbased bookies?
Top 15 Betting Sites for Scotland
bet365
Bet Now Review
Regulators- MGA license No. MGA/CRP/531/2018
- UKGC license No. 055148-R-331498-001
- Gibraltar Gambling Commission license No. RGL 76, 78, 129, 130
Min Deposit£5/$10Max Withdrawal- bank cards - £20,000/$30,000;
- bank transfer - £100,000/$50,000;
- Neteller - $50,000;
- Skrill - $38,000;
- PayPal - £5,500
Deposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- bank cards - 1-5 days;
- e-wallets and instant banking - up to 24 hours;
- bank transfer - 2-10 days;
- check - 5-28 days
- Broad experience in the online gaming scene
- Several bonuses and promotions
- Responsive customer support
- Apps for iOS and Android users
- Advantageous odds
- Great market coverage
With a broad range of markets where it operates, bet365 also provides a superb betting experience online to Scottish bettors. The brand has extensive experience in this field and knows that punters enjoy competitive odds. That is why members of bet365 can place their wagers on their favorite sports and enjoy the best value for their bets.
At bet365, bettors will be able to wager money on numerous exciting sporting events, with the bookie covering major local and international leagues. The various betting markets will allow punters to place interesting bets and make their sportsbook time more exciting. Those who enjoy the thrill of sports betting will also have the chance to make things more exhilarating by making live bets on major sporting events.
888sport
Bet Now ReviewRegulators- MGA license No. MGA/CRP/543/2018
- UKGC license No. 039028-R-319297-012
- Gibraltar license numbers 112 and 113
Min Deposit$10Max Withdrawal$50,000 per dayDeposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- e-wallets - 2-3 days;
- bank cards - 4-6 days;
- bank transfer - 5-8 days
- In-Play betting
- Long history in the gambling industry
- Dozens of payment solutions supported
- Wide range of sports
- Good mobile support
- Dedicated mobile app
Members of 888sport can enjoy one of the smoothest online betting experiences, as the brand is striving to provide the best odds on the most popular sports to its patrons. The bookmaker is a great destination for Scottish bettors as well, as it will allow them to explore numerous betting markets on top categories like horse racing, football, tennis, and many more.
As many bettors enjoy making in-play bets, 888sport has added this feature to its sportsbook lobby. Not only will you be able to make bets as games are being played in real-time, but you will also have the opportunity to enjoy this betting type on various major sporting events.
STS
Min Deposit£5 - £10Max Withdrawal£20,000Deposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- Bank cards - up to 3 days;
- e-wallet - instant
- Offers odds on numerous UK and international sports
- Reputable brand for UK bettors
- Punters can choose from various betting markets
- Licensed brand that offers secure and fair online betting
- Responsive customer support team
- Supports various safe and fast payment solutions
Scottish fans of sports will have no issue finding their favorite events in the sportsbook section of STS. The brand makes sure to cover numerous top sports and offers competitive odds to keep all of its members pleased. The betting selection at STS will present lines on events from major leagues, with punters having the opportunity to make various types of bets.
In addition to viewing all favorite or upcoming events, bettors will also be able to explore the in-play section. It will allow STS members to place bets as their favorite games are being played in real-time. To allow even more enjoyable betting time, the sportsbook has a fully-optimized mobile version that can easily run on Android and iOS devices.
Mr Green
Bet Now ReviewRegulators- MGA license No. MGA/CRP/121/2006
- UKGC license No. 039264-R-319432-018
- Swedish Gambling Inspectorate license No. 18Li7512
- Danish Gambling Authority license No. 8-0457046
- Irish Revenue Commissioners license No. 1011600
Min Deposit$10Max Withdrawal$10,00 per monthDeposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- e-wallets - 2 hours;
- bank cards - 1-5 days;
- Trustly - 3-5 days
- Live betting
- Best odds on UK and Irish racing
- Mr Green accepts secure and easy-to-use payment methods
- Offers a dedicated mobile app
- Provides several contact options
- Award-winning trustworthy brand
As soon as you open the sportsbook section of Mr Green, you will be greeted with a variety of betting options, with the most popular bets being available under the Highlights category. Scottish bettors will be able to place their wagers on events from major leagues, covering sports like football, tennis, basketball, and more. That said, punters will have the opportunity to explore plenty of other sports and betting markets.
In addition to pre-match betting, Mr Green also offers in-play betting, with the sportsbook offering live bets on numerous popular sporting events. Whenever you want to take your betting experience with you, all you will need is the dedicated Mr Green app on your handheld device.
Casumo
Min Deposit£/€/$5 - £/€/$10Max Withdrawal£/€/$50,000Deposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- Bank card - up to 2 days;
- e-wallet - instant;
- bank transfer - up to 5 days
- Customizable sportsbook experience
- Secure and fast payments
- Dedicated Android and iOS app
- Various live betting options
- Bountiful promotional offers
- Supports wide range of payment methods
Casumo is a gambling brand that knows how to ensure the best experience for all of its members. Among the various products the operator is offering, there is a virtual sportsbook that caters to the needs of sports betting fans. Casumo’s sportsbook will also be a great place for Scottish punters who are eager to wager money on their favorite players, team, and major sporting events.
The sportsbook lobby of the website is prepared to meet the needs of every bettor, with the sports selection covering numerous popular sports, as well as more niche ones. The best part is that you will be able to tweak your sportsbook experience and view only odds on sports and leagues you are interested in. Casumo will allow you to make both pre-match and in-play bets, enabling you to choose from two different, yet equally exciting types of betting.
LeoVegas
Bet NowRegulators- UKGC license No. 039198-R-319450-022
- MGA license No. MGA/CRP/237/2013
- Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners license No. 1012453
Min Deposit$/£10Max Withdrawal£/$20,000 per monthDeposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- Bank cards - 3-5 days
- e-wallets - up to 24 hours
- bank transfer - up to 7 days
- Covers various popular sports
- Offers competitive odds
- Punters can redeem generous promotions
- Fast and safe payments
- Dedicated Android and iOS app
- Live betting on major sporting events
LeoVegas is a betting website suitable for both experienced and recreational bettors, offering all of them a top-notch sports betting time. Those who are unsure of which sport to bet on can take a look at the Season Bets the bookie is offering to punters. Otherwise, you can head to the section with the wide range of sports that LeoVegas has covered and pick the options you enjoy the most.
To make your experience even more fruitful, LeoVegas is offering a wide range of promotional incentives. In addition to pre-match betting, the bookmaker also provides in-play betting options, with sports like football, tennis, and basketball being some of the categories supporting live bets.
Tonybet
Bet NowRegulators- UKGC license No. 039126-R-319399-012
- Estonian Tax and Customs Board license numbers HKL000243, HKT000016, HKL000098, HKT000015
- Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners license No. 1017899
Min Deposit£/€10Max Withdrawal- £/€3,000 per day
- £/€15,000 per week
- £/€50,000 per month
Deposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- Bank cards - 2-5 days
- e-wallets - up to 24 hours
- 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 various formats
- Supports a number of fast and secure payment methods
- Responsive customer support agents
You will be able to make the most out of your time at Tonybet, with the betting site providing an extensive library of wagering options. Even if you feel overwhelmed by the various bets, you can choose to view the odds on upcoming events and see only lines for games played in the next 1, 8, 24, or 48 hours. Among the sports covered by Tonybet, there are options like football, cricket, tennis, basketball, and many more. Each category provides odds on events in major leagues, with punters having the chance to pick from different betting markets.
While you can make pre-match bets on a variety of sports, some categories will also allow you to place in-play bets. That way, you can follow the action of a game and place your bets as the score changes in real-time.
Parimatch
Regulators- UKGC license No. 039576-R-319370-020
- Gibraltar license numbers 001 and 014
Min Deposit£5 $/€10Max Withdrawal£/€2,500 per transactionDeposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- Bank cards - 2-5 days
- e-wallets - instant
- Offers bet boosts on certain wagers
- Covers numerous sports
- Punters can redeem bountiful promotions
- In-play betting on a variety of events
- Several contact options
- Offers dedicated sportsbook app
Members of Parimatch will be able to enjoy an array of products, with sports betting being one of them. Fans of sports and online betting will be extremely pleased with the variety of options they can enjoy. Parimatch is offering high-value for your bet on numerous sports, with every category offering odds on events from major leagues.
Thanks to a Bet Builder feature, punters will be able to easily create the best bets for their time at Parimatch. There is also the option to add more value to your bets by redeeming some of the promotions of the bookie. The best part about the experience in Parimatch is that it is also easily available on the go, allowing punters to place bets through the mobile version of the bookies.
Spreadex
RegulatorsUKGC license No. 008835-R-104580-017Min Deposit£5Max Withdrawal£2,500 - £25,000Deposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- Bank cards - 2-5 days;
- bank transfer - up to 2 days
- check - varies
- Offers spread betting
- Competitive odds on various sports
- Live streams of different sporting events
- In-play betting options
- Android and iOS mobile app
- Safe and fast payments
Spreadex is a betting website that offers Scottish punters a different type of sports wagering experience. While the majority of bookmakers offer fixed odds betting to their members, Spreadex is allowing its patrons to experience spread betting. The bookie covers a variety of sports that many would appreciate, with in-play betting also being among the options that Spreadex members can explore.
In addition to offering live betting, Spreadex will also allow its patrons to enjoy live streaming of certain events. That way, bettors have the chance to make their betting time a lot more exciting. Just because Spreadex is offering spread betting, however, that does not mean that punters will not be able to enjoy traditional fixed odds betting as the bookie strives to please every type of bettor there is.
Fansbet
Bet NowRegulators- UKGC license No. 045143-R-323955-015
- Malta Gaming Authority license no. MGA/B2C/701/2019
Min Deposit€/£10Max Withdrawal£/€25,000 per monthDeposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal TimeBank cards - 3-5 days- Covers various international sports
- Wide range of betting markets on different sports
- In-play betting available on numerous events
- Bountiful offers for sportsbook members
- Easy mobile betting on the go
- Safe and hassle-free payments
Fansbet is a bookmaker offering its members a top-notch betting experience since they will be able to make bets with ease and enjoy a thrilling time. The brand is well known internationally and it also brings Scottish bettors the chance to enjoy competitive odds on major sporting events. That is not to say that punters cannot also explore less common sports that may offer fun betting options.
As a member of Fansbet, you will be able to make both pre-match and in-play bets, with the live betting section covering several major sports. Of course, not everybody has the time to stay at home and bet on sporting events. That is why Fansbet offers a mobile version fully compatible with the majority of handheld devices. That way, punters can place their bets at any time and place.
Unibet
Bet Now ReviewRegulators- MGA license No. MGA/B2C/106/2000
- Gibraltar Licence numbers RGL 091 & RGL 092
- UKGC license No. 045322-R-324275-016
Min Deposit$10 - $20Max Withdrawal$15,000 - $100,000Deposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- e-wallets - up to 12 hours
- bank cards and Interac: 1-3 days
- Trustly, instant banking, bank transfer - 5 days
- Superb native apps for iOS and Android
- Market diversity and great odds for all major sporting events
- A 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
It is always easy to make your time at Unibet very fun and fruitful, with the website catering to every need of sports betting enthusiasts. The sportsbook section of the brand welcomes Scottish bettors, allowing them to place money on their favorite sporting events. Those who are willing to explore new opportunities can also check all of the categories of the sportsbook and pick from numerous sports and races.
Live betting is one of the riveting options Unibet is offering its patrons, enabling in-play bets on various top events. In addition to that, those who have joined the sportsbook may also stream some of the games that support live betting, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.
mr.play
Min Deposit€/£10Max Withdrawal€/£7,000 per monthDeposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- E-wallets - up to 2 days
- bank cards/bank transfer - up to 6 days
- Trustly - up to 4 days
- Offers competitive odds on 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 7 days a week
Members of mr.play can embark on an exciting betting experience as the sportsbook lobby of the brand offers a myriad of fun betting options. Whether popular sports are your thing or you are closely watching major horse races, at mr.play, you will be able to find some of the most competitive odds on the latest events.
If you are not sure what to bet on, you can check the top offers or the highlights offered by mr.play. Another way to make your time with the sportsbook even more thrilling is by participating in the betting tournaments organized by the bookie, allowing winners to earn points and hopefully enjoy great prizes.
BetTarget
Regulators- UKGC license No. 039483-R-319409-017
- MGA license No. MGA/CRP/148/2007
Min Deposit€/£10Max Withdrawal€/£7,000 per monthDeposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- E-wallets - up to 2 days;
- bank cards/bank transfer - up to 6 days;
- Trustly - up to 4 days
- Bettors can choose from different betting markets
- Great sports coverage
- In-play betting available on numerous sports
- Optimized to run on mobile devices
- Offers great promotional incentives
- Supports various secure and easy-to-use payment solutions
BetTarget is a brand that any gambling enthusiast can enjoy. Among the different products the website is offering, there is also a sportsbook section that allows bettors to revel in a very exciting and fruitful betting experience. The lobby of BetTarget is ready to provide something for any taste, offering odds on sports like football, cricket, and tennis, as well as some of the biggest UK and international horse races.
Not only will BetTarget offer odds on various sports but it will also allow you to choose from various betting markets, making your time with the sportsbook extremely fun and rewarding. As a member of BetTarget, you will also have access to a wide number of in-play options. These are often available on some of the biggest international events, enabling bettors to make bets as they watch their favorite games.
Energybet
Regulators- UKGC license No. 039325-R-319309-014
- MGA license No. MGA/B2C/224/2012
Min Deposit€/£10Max Withdrawal€/£5,000 per dayDeposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal TimeAll methods - 2-5 days- Great coverage on sports
- Live betting on numerous events
- Energized odds on certain events
- Fast and easy payments
- Safe betting experience thanks to SSL encryption
- Bountiful sportsbook promotions
Energybet is a betting brand that can offer Scottish bettors a great sports wagering experience. The sportsbook section on Energybet’s website will allow you to explore the odds on various internationally popular sports like European football, tennis, and basketball, to list a few. Among the various betting options offered by the bookie, you might also see several offers under the category of Energized odds, allowing bettors to enjoy better value for their stakes.
One way to make your experience at Energybet more exciting is to try some of the in-play betting options the bookie is offering. That will allow bettors to enjoy the thrill of making betting decisions as games are being played in real-time.
Karamba
Min Deposit$10Max Withdrawal$7,000 per monthDeposit MethodsWithdrawal MethodsWithdrawal Time- e-wallets - up to 2 days
- AstroPay - up to 3 days
- Trustly - up to 4 days
- bank cards - up to 6 days
- Live betting on numerous sports
- Betting markets covering major sporting events
- The website maintains high levels of security
- Punters can make use of great promotions
- Managing one’s bankroll is extremely easy
- Supports a variety of payment solutions
Karamba’s sportsbook can help Scottish punters enjoy the time of their lives, allowing them to explore numerous betting categories. The brand offers high-value bets, covering major races, popular sports, and some of the trendiest esports. If you have a favorite sport, do not hesitate to check its respective category as Karamba is offering a myriad of betting markets on different sports.
As a member of Karamba, you can make in-play bets on quite a number of sporting events. If you head to the in-play section of the sportsbook, you will see all of the sports currently allowing live betting, with bettors also being able to view all of the markets available to punters.
Moreover, Scots get to enjoy a tightly regulated sports betting industry, with a huge number of online sportsbooks accepting punts from the country under the licensing of the local 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 cashbacks that help boost their sports betting bankrolls and add more 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 bear consideration when choosing a Scotland-friendly online sportsbook.
Legality and Regulation of Sports Betting in Scotland
Scots are blessed with a liberalized sports betting sector which allows them to legally punt both in landbased and online sportsbooks. The country’s online sports wagering sector falls under the regulations of the UK Gambling Commission, which is good news for anyone who insists on having the peace of mind that a well-regulated betting market brings.
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.
And the beauty of the whole thing is Scots are allowed to make all types of sports punts imaginable, which is not always the case in some other jurisdictions. You want to back several teams with a parlay? That’s alright by UK laws. Or maybe you are interested in the more exotic outrights and propositions? This is also allowed on Scottish soil and so are a variety of other single bets on pre-match and in-play sporting competitions.
Unlike some other regions in the world, the laws pertaining to sports betting in Scotland (and the UK in general) are quite straightforward and easy to understand. Both landbased and online sports betting is legal in Scotland but requires licensing from the local regulatory body. The introduction of adequate regulations opened up the country’s sports betting market to foreign operators.
Some of the biggest sportsbooks in the world have already been granted licenses for servicing punters from the UK and Scotland, respectively. And the great thing is that punters from Scotland are not taxed on their sports betting earnings.
A Brief Historical Background
Scotland boasts a long and rich history where sports betting is concerned. In fact, the first recorded horse racing competition took place on Scottish soil sometime in the 16th century. Historical records suggest King James IV of Scotland alluded to the first horse race in Sand Leith as early as 1504. However, some historians believe the first ever race was held as early as 1160 in the Scottish town of Lanark.
King Charles II was the first monarch in the UK to offer monetary prizes and gifts to the 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 like they do in present days.
Sports betting was widespread among the members of the upper and the middle classes. Yet, members of the working class also partook in the 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 that took place in 19th-century UK caused a good deal of social backlash, which resulted in the emergence of anti-betting groups and the publication of specialized literature that aimed at 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
The betting boom the country experienced at the turn of the 19th century abruptly came to an end with the enforcement of the 1845 Gaming Act that rendered sports wagers unenforceable as legal contracts. It was followed by the Betting Act of 1853 which altogether outlawed running bookmaking shops across the UK. There were even cases of street bookmakers who were covertly tracked for days and then persecuted for illegally accepting betting slips and money from backers.
This continued well into the next century until sports betting was finally decriminalized under the provisions of the Betting and Gaming Act. This piece of legislation officially came into force on the 1st of January, 1961 and initially enabled only 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 doors and commence their now legal operations. As many as 16,000 licenses were issued within the span of 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 has led to the closure of as many as 21 greyhound race tracks between 1961 and 1969 alone.
The Licensed Betting Offices Regulations of 1986 extended exclusively to Scotland and imposed restrictions on the advertisements that were allowed outside licensed bookmaking shops. Restrictions were placed on their opening hours as well. The regulations required the bookies to close shop between midnight and 7 am as well as between 6:30 pm and midnight.
Each bookie was expected to conspicuously display the legal gambling age for punters allowed in the establishment (which is 18 years old in Scotland and the UK in general), along with any possible deductions and limits on winnings.
But the single most important piece of legislation in the country is undoubtedly the Gambling Act which brought about an 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 like the UK Gambling Commission and the Scottish licensing boards.
The 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 legally accept punts from Scots and other UK bettors. The Gambling Act of 2005 also aimed at protecting minors and other vulnerable individuals from the harms that may result from gambling.
These liberal conditions continued to be 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 first obtain licenses by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). If an operator happens to run both an online casino and an online sportsbook, a separate license must be issued for each of the two products.
The provisions of the bill allow only sportsbooks that are registered on the territory of England, Wales, and Scotland to advertise their betting products within the country. Additionally, licensees are taxed on their overall betting profits. The UKGC went as far as to propose an amendment that would block the money transfers to and form unlicensed betting sites but the House of Lords voted against it.
However, some of the world’s biggest providers of payment services and products like Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa approached the UKGC with a proposal to block such money transfers voluntarily. The UKGC even tried to force internet service providers in the country to block the access of punters to unlicensed sportsbooks and gambling sites but nobody agreed to comply since the regulatory body lacked the necessary court orders to back its demands with.
Presently, punters from the UK, including Scots, are not legally persecuted for registering and punting with online bookmakers that lack local licenses, although such operators are banned from advertising their services within the UK in general. However, the majority of large sportsbooks have already received their licenses from the UKGC so there is really no point in taking unnecessary risks with gambling on unregulated sports betting sites.
Scotland Sporting Events Coverage and Markets
Sports occupy a central role in Scotland where punters tend to favor bets on the soccer, horse racing, and greyhound racing markets. Soccer offers the most diverse range of options at Scotland-friendly sportsbooks, with customers from the country having a choice from a broad variety of markets and leagues, including the Premier League, the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, the Carabao Cup, the UEFA Europa League, the German Bundesliga, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga, the Portuguese Primeira Liga, the French Ligue 1, and of course, the Scottish League 1 and League 2.
Scots are presented with an abundance of bet types to choose from. They have the option to place single bets on the 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 the outcome of horse races can choose from a wide selection of competitions from some of the biggest racecourses in the UK and Ireland like the Cheltenham, Ascot, Newbury, and Ludlow, among others.
Greyhound fans are also facing a decent variety. They can find good greyhound racing odds for the Greyhound Derby and the races that take place in the Hove, Newcastle, and Central Park. Some of the most popular options in terms of bet types are 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. Even bets on politics, TV shows, and virtual sports are available.
But there are other advantages of taking your action online if you are a sports fan from Scotland. Online sportsbooks of good standing tend to offer live-streaming services, radio podcasts with commentary, tips, and detailed statistics with the results of previous events.
The interface is normally intuitive enough to ensure quick navigation, with easy-to-use bet slips that calculate your expected returns on the basis of your wagered amount and the odds for the events you have selected. The odds on the in-play markets are updated as the 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
Most reputable sportsbooks to accept wagers from Scotland offer punters a choice from three commonly available odds formats, the moneyline, decimals, and fractions. Yet, Scottish bettors favor the fractional odds they have grown accustomed to and this is usually the default odds format at Scotland-friendly online sportsbooks.
This format of odds expression gives you a clear idea of the amount you can potentially win, depending on how much you have staked. The odds in this format are expressed like so 20/1 and 12/5, for example, but there is no need to get intimidated – the term “fractions” is somewhat of a misnomer in this instance since the first number simply shows you the amount you can win while the second one corresponds to the amount you wager.
So if you choose to back a horse at odds of 20/1, this means you will collect £20 and receive your initial stake of £1 back. If the sportsbook offers you odds of 5/2 for this horse, you win £5 on top of the original £2 you have wagered.
Another thing to bear in mind is that sometimes fractional odds may be displayed in reverse, for instance, 1/5 or 3/10. These are commonly called “odds-on” selections where the amount you risk exceeds the amount of your potential returns with a winning bet. To use the example we provided above, a bet with odds of 3/10 requires you to stake £10 to win £3.
But what if you are not using base betting units of £1? You can calculate your returns from a winning bet by dividing your stake by the “fraction’s” denominator and then multiplying it by its numerator, after which you must add your stake to the result. It goes like this for the example with the 3/10 odds: [{£15/10}* 3] +£15 = £19.50.
Payment Solutions for Sports Bettors from Scotland
Recent developments in the field of technologies have made it possible for Scotland-friendly sportsbooks to roll out a variety of convenient banking options in addition to the usual card and bank-wire payments. Scottish punters have a vast choice of e-wallets to pick from, including widespread brands like Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, and PayPal.
Prepaid solutions the likes of Paysafecard and the virtual cards by Entropay are viable alternatives for casual punters who wager smaller amounts and like to keep their sports betting budget in check. Of course, there is always the option to use your Visa, Maestro or Mastercard but if you are into punting on the go, we suggest you use Apple Pay which uses the fingerprint technology to confirm the identity of the punter.
This is an option for iPhone users only, but mobile bettors can also deposit smaller amounts via mobile-billing services like those provided by Boku. The deposits are added to their monthly mobile bill or are deduced from the available balance if they are using a prepaid card. Online banking is also widely available and so are eChecks.
Punters who choose the traditional bank transfers and paper checks have to wait several business days until the funds are credited to their available sportsbook balance. Some of the biggest Scotland-friendly betting brands have already embraced cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin so use this if you are looking for anonymous, free, and quick deposits and withdrawals. The minimum amount you can deposit usually ranges between £5 and £10.
Bonuses and Rewards for Scottish Sports Bettors
Bonuses are one of the most important aspects that bear consideration when choosing a good Scotland-friendly sportsbook. In all honesty, nothing makes a sports bettor’s day like an appetizing promo deal that gives them additional cash to punt with.
There are usually lots of options to select from, but if you just registered at one of the sportsbooks recommended by Sportingpedia, we suggest you take advantage of its welcome bonus. This is usually granted as a free bet but to qualify you must deposit and wager 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 some deposit solutions like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are sometimes excluded from participation in free-bet promotions.
Scottish punters who hold 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 parlays’ legs loses.
In such instances, the extra cash is credited in the form of a free bet. When opting in for one such insurance promotion you must comply with the minimum selection odds as well as with the minimum combined odds for the parlay. We say this time and time again but it certainly 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
The last aspect Scottish punters must consider carefully (but definitely not last in terms of importance), is the quality of the support service provided by the online sportsbooks they are interested in. We suggest you keep your eyes open for betting sites that offer you more avenues of contact as having more options is always a good thing when you struggle with an issue or need additional information.
It makes sense the 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 chats but when you try to contact them, it turns out the support advisors are unavailable.
Some sportsbooks would offer live chat only to registered customers, a policy we personally do not agree with since it works to the disadvantage of prospective customers looking for more information before they sign up.
Other common ways to get in touch with the support teams of Scotland-friendly betting sites include email, telephone lines (usually toll-free for those calling from the UK), 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 on a lookout for a new sportsbook to punt at.