With the surge in new UK betting sites launching regularly, it can be overwhelming to pick the one that fits your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the world of sports gambling, one of the first things you’ll want to know is: What sports can I bet on?
New betting sites UK are continuously evolving to attract players with a wide variety of betting options. While the core offering of most sportsbooks is the mainstream sports like football, tennis, and horse racing, many new platforms go above and beyond to provide a comprehensive selection of both popular and niche sports. From the expected favorites to more obscure and emerging sports, today’s UK betting websites cater to a diverse audience with a wide array of options.
Let’s take a deep dive into the kinds of sports you can expect to find on the latest UK gambling websites.
The Core Sports: The Classics You Can Always Bet On
Most new UK betting sites provide coverage of the staple sports that fans expect. These sports not only have massive followings but also offer a wealth of betting markets, ensuring a dynamic betting experience.
1. Football (Soccer)
Football remains the undisputed king of sports betting in the UK. New betting sites UK are no exception, offering extensive markets for domestic leagues like the Premier League, Championship, and FA Cup, as well as international competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup. You’ll find everything from match winner and over/under goals to more niche markets like first goalscorer and player props.
What’s more, live betting is a massive feature with football. Many new sportsbooks offer real-time odds as matches unfold, giving you the chance to place in-play bets on everything from the next corner kick to the outcome of a penalty shootout.
2. Horse Racing
Horse racing is another pillar of the UK’s betting scene. Whether it’s the Grand National, Royal Ascot, or daily race meetings, new UK betting sites almost always feature horse racing prominently. You can expect to find a variety of betting markets here too, such as win, place, exacta, trifecta, and ante-post betting.
3. Tennis
Tennis is a popular choice for punters, especially during big tournaments like Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open. Betting options often include match winner, total sets, handicap betting, and even player stats like aces or double faults.
4. Golf
Golf betting is also covered extensively by new UK gambling websites, with major tournaments like The Masters, the Open Championship, and Ryder Cup offering plenty of betting opportunities. Many platforms also offer odds on outright winners, top 10 finishes, and matchups between specific golfers.
5. Cricket
Cricket holds a special place in UK sports culture, and new UK betting sites are sure to feature it. With high-profile events like The Ashes and the ICC World Cup, cricket betting offers a wide range of markets, from match winner to player-specific betting like top run scorer or bowler performance.
The Expanding Range: Lesser-Known Sports for Niche Bettors
While traditional sports take the spotlight, newer UK betting sites also strive to diversify their offerings with niche sports. These sports may not be as widely followed as football or tennis, but they attract dedicated communities of bettors. Here are some of the sports you might find on newer platforms:
1. eSports
Esports betting has skyrocketed in recent years, and many new UK betting sites are capitalizing on this. If you’re a fan of video games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), or Dota 2, you’ll find dedicated betting markets for these titles. Some sites even offer live streaming and in-play betting on major esports events, making it a dynamic market for tech-savvy punters.
2. Rugby (Union and League)
Rugby holds a strong following in the UK, and both rugby union and rugby league are popular betting options. New UK betting platforms will often feature high-profile events like the Six Nations Championship, Rugby World Cup, and Super League. Bet types include match result, points handicap, and player-specific markets like try scorer.
3. Boxing and MMA
Boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) have gained tremendous popularity, and the latest UK gambling websites typically offer a range of markets for major bouts. From moneyline bets on the winner to round betting, method of victory, and prop bets like total knockdowns or fighter statistics, combat sports betting is thriving on new platforms.
4. Snooker and Pool
Snooker may not be as globally popular as football, but it has a solid fan base in the UK, and new betting sites often feature major tournaments like the World Snooker Championship. Markets include match winner, frame betting, and even individual player performance stats.
5. Darts
Darts have been growing in popularity, particularly thanks to the explosive rise of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). New UK betting sites typically cover all major darts events, including the PDC World Darts Championship, offering a variety of betting options like match winner, total 180s, and highest checkout.
Even More Unconventional Sports
For the more adventurous bettors, newer platforms often offer even more niche sports that you might not expect to find at traditional bookmakers. These can include:
1. Winter Sports
Sports like skiing, snowboarding, and biathlon are often available on new UK betting sites, especially during the Winter Olympics or other major events.
2. Virtual Sports
In addition to traditional sports, many new betting platforms offer virtual sports betting. These simulated events are computer-generated, often using random number generators (RNG) to mimic real-life events. Virtual football, horse racing, and greyhound racing are commonly found in this category.
3. Handball and Volleyball
While not hugely popular in the UK, handball and volleyball have significant followings in Europe. Many new betting sites offer betting markets for major competitions like the European Handball Championship and FIVB World Volleyball Championship.
4. Motorsports
From Formula 1 to MotoGP and NASCAR, motorsports betting remains strong. Many new betting sites offer odds on race winners, pole positions, fastest laps, and even driver performance statistics.
5. Basketball
Beyond the NBA, newer UK sportsbooks are increasingly covering European basketball leagues, including the EuroLeague and domestic UK competitions. Betting markets include match winner, point spread, and player props.
How to Choose a Betting Site Based on Sports Coverage
When choosing a new UK betting site, the variety of sports covered is a key factor to consider. Some punters may be looking for a site that specializes in football or horse racing, while others might be more into esports, boxing, or niche sports like darts.
Here’s how to select a site that fits your sports interests:
Look at the List of Sports Offered – Most sites list the sports they cover in the main navigation menu. Take a moment to browse through and see if your favorite sports are available.
Check the Betting Markets – A wider range of betting options (like in-play betting, prop bets, and futures markets) is usually a sign of a more robust sportsbook.
Live Streaming and Features – Many new UK betting sites offer live streaming of popular sports events, especially in football, tennis, and esports. This is a huge plus for bettors who want to watch and wager in real time.
Promotions and Bonuses – Some sites offer sports-specific promotions or bonuses. For example, a site may run a special promotion for new football bettors, such as enhanced odds or a risk-free bet for the first match you place a wager on.
Final Thoughts: Plenty of Sports for Every Bettor
The latest new UK betting sites are all about offering variety. From the classics like football and horse racing to emerging markets like esports and virtual sports, there’s no shortage of betting options available. Whether you’re a casual punter or a seasoned sports enthusiast, there’s a platform out there that caters to your interests.
When selecting a new betting site, take time to explore the range of sports covered. More importantly, check if they offer the types of betting markets and features you enjoy most, like live betting, streaming, or niche sports betting. The more options available, the better your overall betting experience will be.
So, next time you sign up with a new UK betting site, make sure you explore all the sports on offer—you might just discover a new favorite to bet on!
