Top European Betting Sites – Where 40 Million Bettors Place Their Wagers

Football

Soccer has been the most popular sport in Europe for ages. The continent boasts the most famous leagues and clubs on the planet, with a fan base so big it’s almost hard to imagine.

Naturally, football dominates the betting scene, too, offering punters a smorgasbord of choices. They can bet on English Premier League matches, La Liga, Champions League, Ligue 1 and many others.

Tennis

Besides football, tennis is a huge favourite across Europe. The sport’s history goes way back to the 12th century when it was first recorded by ecclesiastical writers. Today, over 25 million Europeans are into tennis, with France having the largest share of players.

Tennis is adored for its exciting mix of skill, athleticism, and strategy. Many legendary players come from Europe, which explains why tennis is so cherished here. Just like football, tennis draws a lot of attention and, naturally, more wagers from sports bettors.

Basketball

Another popular sport in Europe is basketball. It was first introduced in Europe in the 19th century with the first basketball event taking place in 1919 in Joinville-le-Pont, Paris.

Later, the popularity of this sport tripled in Europe, leading to the formation of basketball teams and leagues across the continent. Today, there are over 10 basketball leagues in Europe, with the Euroleague being the most prominent and a favourite among punters.

Horse racing

European bettors are drawn to the excitement and thrill of horse racing. This captivating sport has long been woven into European culture, with Italy historically leading the way in horse racing. Today, France has the highest number of racing venues, boasting over 250 hippodromes.

The UK also contributes to a significant number of venues and events, all of which are prominently featured by European sportsbooks. Punters eagerly take advantage of these events, aiming to make fortunes while relishing the adrenaline rush.

Odd Formats in European Bookmakers

Odds in European sportsbooks take 3 formats. We briefly discuss them below.

Decimal odds

This is the most common odd format in European sportsbooks. It shows the total payout you'll receive for each $1 you bet not just profits. The stake is already included, so there is no need for calculations. If the odds are 1.50 and you bet €100, a possible win will get you €100 x 1.50, which is €150. This includes the original €100 stake.

Fractional (UK odds)

Some sportsbooks, especially those in the UK, usually have fractional odds. These odds typically show the potential profit a punter can earn relative to their stake if their bet wins.

For instance, fractional odds of 2/1 mean the punter will win 2 units for every 1 unit they wager. The numerator stands for the total profit you are likely to win, while the denominator is the stake.

Here’s an example: an event with the odds of 2/1 happens and your bet was €100. Your profit will be 2/1 x €100, which is €200. Add the initial stake of €100 and you now have €300.

That means a 2/1 fraction odd is equivalent to 3.00 in decimal format.

American odds

Also called money lines, these odds have a – or + sign at the beginning. They also revolve around winning or losing €100. For instance, American odds of +150 would mean you could win $150 for every $100 bet you make. Negative 110 (-110), on the other hand, would mean you will need more, precisely a stake of €110, to win €$100.

In other words, American odds with a negative sign tell you how much you win to bet to win €100. Also, if a team has negative odds, that’s the favourite team.

Trustly

This is an open banking system that is quite popular in Europe. Trustly acts as an intermediary, working with banks to facilitate faster and smoother online transactions.

To use it, you must be a member of affiliated banks. Lucky you, Trustly works with almost all major banks in Europe. Don’t take chances though. Confirm this on Trustly’s official website or with your bank.

Trustly works for both deposits and withdrawals in European betting sites. Deposits are instantaneous. Within seconds, you should be inside analysing and making your bets. Withdrawals take not more than 12 hours and are paid to your local bank account.

The payment processor won’t charge you fees for transactions. However, the affiliated bank may do so. Make sure you confirm this to avoid inconvenience.

Visa

Another popular payment method in Europe is Visa. It is globally available, facilitating convenient transactions of almost all kinds—be it paying in supermarkets, e-commerce sites, sportsbooks or service providers.

Visa debit or credit card perfectly fits any modern banking situation. Nearly all sportsbooks in Europe accept it. Deposits are instant while withdrawals take 2-3 days.

It’s not perfect for those looking for instant payouts.
Good thing, payouts are delivered to your local bank, so getting access to your money here should be seamless. A small fee applies, but considering how handy Visa cards are, this isn’t much of a concern.

Skrill

There’s no way Skrill could be left off the list of Europe’s most popular payment methods. We came across it on nearly every betting site we explored. It’s an e-wallet that makes online transactions smooth and fast.

Punters love Skrill because of its convenience and reliability. It works for both deposits and withdrawals in European sportsbooks. Deposits reflect almost immediately, while cash-outs take a few minutes.

PayPal

Like Skrill, PayPal is another widely accepted digital wallet in European online sportsbooks. It facilitates quick transactions.

To use PayPal, create an account, verify it, and link it to a card or bank account. After that, fund your e-wallet account (using the card or account) and make transactions.

PayPal works for both deposits and withdrawals in sportsbooks. Deposits are free and instant, while withdrawals last a few minutes.

Bitcoin

Several European sports betting sites are now embracing the future of finance. In that sense, they are accepting digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and many others.

Punters who have used Bitcoin for transactions can tell you how convenient it is. No wonder they are gaining popularity across Europe every day.
You can use Bitcoin for both deposits and withdrawals in most European sportsbooks. Deposits are super fast, taking a few seconds, while withdrawals last not more than 15 minutes.

For most European bettors, using Bitcoin is fairly simple. You just need to set up a digital wallet, exchange your fiat currency for BTC, and have your assets ready for transactions.

New Betting Sites in Europe

Europe's betting market is never short of newcomers, with new sportsbooks always bursting onto the scene each year. They promise everything from an extensive range of betting options to stellar odds and bonuses that make your wallet sing.

However, not every new site lives up to the hype. Some are just riding the buzz to attract punters, only to leave them feeling underwhelmed. Sorting through the flurry of new arrivals can be a bit of a maze.

So we did the heavy work for you and compiled a list of some of the most promising European sportsbooks. Take a look.

European Betting Apps

Nowadays, all betting sites in Europe are mobile-compatible. This is the new norm in modern online bookmakers, fitting on-the-go bettors’ lifestyles. Betting apps make this possible.

There are plenty of online betting apps, but not all are up to scratch. Some have slow loading times, poor graphics and pesky glitches, which can really cramp your experience. To save your ship, we compiled a list of some of the best European betting apps you can try in 2025.

• Winnita
• Legiano
• Starzino
• Wazamba

Crypto-Friendly European Betting Sites

Cryptocurrencies are legal in all European countries. The only exception is North Macedonia, where using and trading crypto is illegal. Also, Moldova has an unclear regulatory framework.

Digital coins are growing in popularity globally. Europe accounts for over 17% of all crypto transactions in the world. The most popular crypto in European betting sites is Bitcoin. Launched in 2009, it was the first cryptocurrency.

Sports bettors prefer crypto for their fast transaction speeds. They’re much faster compared to ewallets, bank transfers, and debit cards, processing deposits and withdrawals instantly. Additionally, cryptocurrencies are anonymous, so hackers can’t trace your transactions.

If you’re into such perks, below are the top crypto-friendly sportsbooks accepting EU bettors:

• Spinanga
• Vegasino
• Robocat

MGA

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is like the gold standard of betting regulators in Europe. As the official overseer of all things gambling in Malta, a proud EU member, the MGA has been running the show since 2001.

And guess what? It didn’t take long for this powerhouse regulator to gain a stellar reputation across Europe, making it the crown jewel of gaming licences.

Fast forward to today, the MGA licence is the most coveted one on the global stage. It’s not just operators who rave about it—punters love it too. Why? Considering the strict regulation and supervision, you are sure of maximum protection when betting with an MGA-licensed bookie.

For betting operators, snagging an MGA licence is a big deal, not just for the prestige but for the solid trust it commands across Europe.

UKGC

Another popular betting regulator in Europe is the UK Gambling Commission(UKGC). Set up by the UK government in 2007, the UKGC has made a name for itself across Europe as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to fairness.

Earning a UKGC licence is nerve-wracking for operators, but once you have it, you’re on top of the world. However, you must meet plenty of obligations to maintain your licensing.

Punters recognize the UK's commitment to ensuring safe betting practices. As such, UKGC-licensed sportsbooks are always in their books when wagering.

GRA (Gibraltar Regulatory Authority)

The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority is the official gambling regulator in Gibraltar, a disputed British overseas territory bordering Spain. This authoritative body was established in 2000 under the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority Act, which was later amended in 2013 to also cover online gambling.

Together with the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), these two bodies have hugely contributed to the creation of an international gambling standard that ensures fair and safe wagering.

Getting a GRA licence might be a smoother ride compared to the hoops operators jump through for the MGA or UKGC. But don’t let that fool you.

The GRA isn’t a soft touch. It’s one of the strictest regulators in the game. The rules? Tough. The obligations? No joke. But for punters, this means you’re betting in a fair, secure environment with top-notch protection.

Each European country has its regulatory body. These are just the most popular and reliable betting regulators in the region.

Quick Look Inside the Betting Laws in Europe

As mentioned, each country in Europe is at liberty to formulate its betting policies. There’s no single law that governs member states. Each nation has autonomy over licensing, sports betting types, and taxation.

However, each law must be anchored to the EU principles, especially those under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). These include:

• Data privacy (GDPR)
• Consumer protection
• Freedom to provide services
• Anti-money laundering (AMLD)

That said, some EU countries are pretty strict while others have embraced a liberal approach. We’ve highlighted them below:

Countries with the Strictest Gambling Laws in Europe

• Norway: In Norway, betting is state-controlled. Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto are the only authorized operators. Private and offshore operators are banned, and the Norwegian government blocks offshore sportsbooks and transactions.
• Germany: The betting market in Germany is highly restricted. There are strict deposit limits, a 5.3% stake tax, and advertising bans. This makes Germany one of the most regulated markets in Europe.
• Poland: Betting is highly regulated in Poland, and mainly operates under a state monopoly. Private operators offering sports betting must have valid licenses. The National Revenue Administration imposes fines, penalties, and blocks domains of unauthorized betting services.
• Turkey: All forms of betting are prohibited in Turkey. The only exceptions are state-run lotteries, sports betting, and horse racing. The government blocks illegal sportsbooks and imposes penalties on violators.
• Finland: The betting market in Finland is under state monopoly (Veikkaus). There are strict controls on bettor identification, marketing, and loss limits. The government has planned on introducing a licensing system in January 2027.

European Countries with Liberal Betting Laws

• Malta: Malta is well-known for offering reliable licensing, a business-friendly environment, and reasonable taxes. The Malta Gaming Authority oversees B2C and B2B bookmakers, attracting hundreds of gambling companies.
• Netherlands: Online betting became legal in the Netherlands in 2021 through the Remote Gaming Act. The Dutch market is open and competitive; private bookies can now apply for relevant licenses.
• Sweden: The Swedish betting market was once a monopoly, but it transitioned to a licensing system in 2019. This allows offshore operators to offer sports betting and casino games to Swedish bettors.
• Denmark: Denmark is one of the European countries with a well-established licensing system, which they adopted in 2012. The Danish Gambling Authority ensures compliance and maintains an open, competitive market.
• Italy: Despite some advertising restrictions, Italy’s gambling market is one of the largest and most liberal in Europe. Thanks to a regulated licensing system, Italy permits sports betting, poker, and online casinos.

European vs International Betting Sites – Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between European and international betting sites depends on your priorities and location. We made this quick comparison table to help you decide which is the best based on your preferences.

The best approach for most bettors is to use European betting sites for everyday betting due to better protection and convenience. Consider international sites for specific situations like major events with significantly better odds or unique markets unavailable locally.

Even so, always verify that international betting sites accept players from your country and understand the legal implications.

Tips & Tricks for Smart Sports Betting in Europe

New to European sports betting sites? The below expert tips & tricks will help you sail through smoothly.

Explore multiple bookies

The European sports betting market is packed with online bookmakers, so there’s really no reason to stick with just one when you can explore dozens of others. Just be cautious.

Not all these sites are reliable. A good starting point could be our list of the best betting sites in Europe. Joining most of these sportsbooks is super easy, with the registration process taking no more than two minutes.

Consider only licensed sites

Licensed sportsbooks play by the book ensuring a safe betting environment for punters. During your exploration, this should be the first thing to consider before signing up.

The most reliable sportsbooks in Europe hold valid licences issued by local or reputable authorities like the MGA, UKGC and the GRA.

Understand local gambling laws

Sports betting laws vary from one country to another in Europe. In your exploration, don’t take chances. Make sure you grasp the local betting guidelines and laws before indulging. Get to understand the betting restrictions, taxes and more.

Always analyse sporting events and betting markets

Betting isn’t just about luck. It also demands strategy and market insight. You can’t expect to win by making random bets. A well-thought-out analysis can always enhance your odds of making winning decisions.

Don’t shy away from bonuses

Most online sportsbooks in Europe offer amazing perks like welcome bonuses, free bets and many others. Capitalise on these bonuses to make the most out of your bets. While at it, make sure you read and clearly understand the terms and conditions.

Use safer betting tools

We all bet for fun, but sometimes things can easily get out of hand leading to addiction. This is the last thing you would wish to experience.

So, you better make good use of the available responsible betting tools in most European sportsbooks. Think of measures like deposit limits, loss limits and bet limits.