Offering an alternative to traditional sports wagering, sports spread betting is increasingly popular. While the number of sports spread betting sites is limited in the UK, the bookmakers discussed on this page are well worth checking out. Punters are effectively betting on whether potential outcomes will come in at above or below the “spread”. The best sports spread betting sites cover a large number of events, with promotions and additional features also being on offer.
Sports spread betting has gone from strength to strength over recent years. While there have been no new sports spread betting sites introduced, punters can still select from a few established online bookmakers. Below, we take a closer look at the best sports spread betting websites, including available markets, promotions and features:
SpreadEx was founded back in 1999. Originally operating only for financial trading, it was not until 2006 that the SpreadEx sportsbook went live. While also offering fixed odds wagering, SpreadEx took little time in becoming the UK’s leading spread betting site. Here, bets can be placed on everything from football and horse racing to eSports and table tennis.
The bookie has developed an efficient mobile app, available on iOS and Android devices. Meanwhile, punters signing up can also take advantage of a live streaming service. With £50 in free bets being available to new customers too, there are plenty of selling points at SpreadEx. Below are the main pros and cons:
Dating back to 1992, Sporting Index is a specialist spread betting operator. Sporting Index is likely to appeal to beginners in particular. This is due to the sports spread betting tips and guides on offer. Meanwhile, pre-match and in-play spread betting markets are on offer, with odds being competitive throughout. Football, horse racing, cricket, tennis and golf are some of the 20+ sports covered.
An appealing new customer offer is available, along with traditional fixed odds markets. Spread betting markets are accessible via desktop and mobile, with the Sporting Index app being downloadable on iOS and Android devices. New ongoing promotions are added daily too, including Premier League totals and “Action Accas”.
When it comes to spread betting, punters are rewarded based on how accurate their bets are. Available on a host of sports, bets are placed on whether the outcome will be above or below the spread. This differs from fixed odds betting, where it is either win or lose. Outcomes include match and race winners, as well as more detailed incidents, including totals, winning margin and first scorer. Spread betting has grown significantly over the last decade. When it comes to sports spread betting explained, it is important to look at some examples:
Example 1: Sell a spread bet on the total goals between Manchester City and Arsenal being between 2.8-3.0. If the number of goals is less than the spread, your bet will win.
Example 2: Placing a “Buy” bet on the total runs in a cricket match between England and South Africa if you think that more than the 350 runs spread will be scored.
Sports spread betting sites in 2024 appear very similar at a glance. However, a deep dive shows that they differ in certain ways. The table below shows exactly which features are available with our recommended bookies:
Site Feature | Speadex | Sporting Index |
Spread Sports Betting | ||
Fixed Odds Betting | ||
In-Play Betting |
||
Financial Trading | ||
Betting App | ||
Live Streams | ||
Bet Builder | ||
New Customer Offers | ||
Casino Platforms | ||
Results Services |
While sports spread betting sites UK are hard to come by, it is worth noting that we still only recommend high-performing bookies. Below are the factors that we consider when ranking sports spread betting sites bookmakers:
The number of sports covered on spread betting sites has increased significantly over recent years. However, there are some sports that attract more interest from punters than others. Below, we take a closer look at the standout spread betting sports:
Horse races from the UK & Ireland, as well as other countries, are found on spread betting sites. It is not only the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup that feature. Buy and sell bets can be placed on the winning margin and head to head. Selling a horse racing bet will be familiar to those with experience on a betting exchange.
Thanks to the number of available markets, spread betting platforms are often among the best-rated football betting sites. Buy and sell bets can be placed on total goals and corners, as well as first goalscorer, shirt numbers and assist minutes.
Both rugby Union and League markets are found on spread betting sites too. Whether it be the Gallagher Premiership, French Top 14 or 6 Nations spread betting, there is no shortage of options for punters. Total points, tryscorer shirts, total try minutes and bookings are among the most popular markets to look out for.
Similarly, Test, One-Day and T20 matches are also available to place spread bets on. Total and team runs are the most common markets here, along with match winner. On our top ranked sites, it is also possible to bet on players scoring above or below a specific number of runs.
Betting offers are available to both new and existing customers at spread betting sites. Offers make buying and selling bets more appealing. Whether it be a free bet or cashback offer, promotions are certain to come with terms and conditions. Some T&Cs are more realistic than others. So, be sure to read the small print before signing up and registering.
We have already outlined the welcome offers awaiting punters at our recommended spread betting sites. Meanwhile, the following are the standout ongoing promos that are worth taking advantage of:
SpreadEx 1st Scorer Insurance – If your football 1st goalscorer does not score first, but does score the last goal of the match, your stake will be refunded as a free bet.
Sporting Index Refer & Earn – Introduce a friend to Sporting Index and you will both receive a £25 free bet.
Like any form of gambling, sports spread betting comes with both benefits and limitations. With our vast experience in the industry, we are in a strong position to list the following pros and cons of spread betting:
For those new to sports spread betting, it is worthwhile taking on board as much expert advice as possible. Sports spread betting tipsters offer regular predictions. Meanwhile, the following are our expert tips to consider before wagering:
✔️ Take Advantage of Demo Modes – One of the major selling points of Sporting Index is the fact that you can play for free. Opening a Demo account is ideal for beginners. There is no financial risk. This allows you to get to grips with how sports spread betting works, before deciding whether to switch to real money betting.
✔️ Stick to What You Know – As is the case with any form of sports betting, it is important to wager on events that you have a good understanding of. Whether it be football, tennis, basketball or eSports that you follow closely, avoid the urge to stray elsewhere.
✔️ Monitor the Cash Out Option – As with traditional sports betting, spread betting also comes with a cash out feature. So, if you wish to lock in a profit or cut your losses early, betting sites with cash out offer a valid option. Just consider when the best time to cash out will be!
✔️ Stick to a Budget – Regardless of how much you win or lose, always stick to your budget. Your budget should be a small proportion of your disposable income. Remember that sports spread betting is about enjoyment first and foremost.
Traditional betting is generally considered to be fixed odds wagering. Here, potential winnings are just that – fixed. However, with spread betting, both winnings and losses can grow, depending on the accuracy of your bet.
However, spread betting is not as extensive in terms of sports coverage. For example, on spread betting sites, around 20 sports are likely to be found. Meanwhile, on traditional betting sites, up to 40 different sports can be covered.
You should not have a clearer understanding of how spread betting works surrounding sports. However, you may still be wondering how sports spread betting calculations occur. Spread betting, whether it be buying or selling, differs greatly from fixed odds markets. It is important to note that you could actually lose more than your stake if you make an inaccurate prediction.
For example, if you place a bet on a small number of goals to be scored during a football match, the losses will increase with each shot that finds the back of the net. Meanwhile, you will also pay out more than your initial stake if the reverse occurs. As such, punters must consider the risks involved with spread betting, as well as the potential rewards.
As with fixed odds betting, spread betting is completely legal in the UK. However, bookies offering spread bets must be licensed by the Gambling Commission. This is the case with our recommended sites. Meanwhile, SpreadEx is also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), due to the fact that the operator offers financial trading.
If you are new to sports spread betting, there are some terms that you are likely to be unfamiliar with. Below is a breakdown of the most common terms surrounding this type of betting:
Luckily for punters, sports spread betting sites today make it quick and easy to place bets. However, it is important to have an understanding of what is involved before getting started. Below is a step by step guide surrounding how to place a spread bet online:
While the list of sports spread betting sites is not extensive, it is still important to pick the right bookie. Weigh up the list of pros and cons, as well as available sports, markets, odds, features and promotions. Spend a few minutes browsing the sites too, considering usability and speed.
Having selected your chosen bookie, enter the site in question, using a desktop platform ideally. However, the sign-up process can be completed on mobile. Click on the “JOIN” button, located in the top-right hand corner of the page. Complete the registration form by entering your full name, email address, country of residence and nationality.
New customers must also create a username and password at this stage. Opt in to receive promotions and accept the bookie’s terms and conditions. Complete this step by clicking on the “CONTINUE” button. Verify your account via the link found inside your welcome email.
Login to your account using your username and password. Access the cashier page, before selecting the “DEPOSIT” opinion. Select your chosen payment method, before entering the deposit amount. Enter your payment details, whether it be a bank card, e-wallet or another option. Confirm the payment and wait a few seconds for funds to reach your account.
Look at available markets, focusing on sports that you have a good knowledge of. Consider the odds on offer, adding selections to your bet slip as you wish. Be sure to carry out research on potential picks.
On your bet slip, located on the right-hand side of the page, view available bet types. When ready, enter your stake and click on the “PLACE BETS” button. Track the progress of your bet.
You should now have a much better understanding as to how sports spread betting sites work. Offering an appealing alternative to fixed odds betting, both SpreadEx and Sporting Index have vast experience within the industry. While there is a distinct lack of sports spread betting bookies, the operators discussed on this page mean that this is not a big deal. Whether you follow football, horse racing, rugby, cricket or another sport, take a look at our recommended betting sites today. Be sure to claim your welcome offer when signing up too!