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Europe remains a major hub for online sports betting, with a focus on licensed operators and regulated markets. We tested dozens of betting sites to separate the top sportsbooks. Our process of ranking included evaluating licensing, the range of betting markets, odds quality, payment speed, mobile access, and the overall user experience.
Even though many betting sites claim to offer top-tier features, we found that only a handful meet our standards for comprehensive sports betting. Compared to other regions, European betting sites generally offer more betting markets and better odds, which makes them attractive for experienced bettors. Let’s provide a broader perspective of the old continent’s top bookmakers and how to bet online.
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| ⚖️Legal Status | Betting is legal and regulated across Europe. |
|---|---|
| 🔞Age Restrictions | 18+ |
| 💱Official Currency | Most European betting sites accept EUR; however, countries like the UK use GBP, and Switzerland uses CHF. |
| 🏛️Designated Authority | Each European country has a regulatory commission with most being under their respective Ministry of Finance, supervising the local market. |
| 📊Popular Betting Markets | Football, basketball, and tennis. |
| 💰Taxation | In most countries winnings are tax free, but operators pay a tax rate between 15% and 30% on their GGR. |
| 🏪Betting Shops | Betting shops are widespread in major cities like Prague, Zagreb, and London. |
| 🌍Foreign Operators | In EU countries only other EU-based bookmakers can offer their services in a EU country. Most other European countries ban Foreign operators. |
| 💻Online Betting | Europe has a well-regulated online betting market with licensed sportsbooks. |
| 🆘 Gambling Addiction Resources | Support is available through the government organizations throughout Europe. |
Since it was established in 2017, 22Bet has been offering advantageous conditions to European bettors. Duly licensed in Kahnawake and also by the UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission), it allows most European residents to open an account and start betting on sports.
Among the features worth noting, 22Bet’s mobile app allows its registered users to bet from wherever they have a reliable internet connection. Besides, the deposits start as low as €1, which no other betting site in Europe offers. Also, there is a great collection of sports and events, with more markets than bettors can count.
Instead of phone support, punters from Europe can use their live support chat. Together with the fact that the 22Bet website offers over 30 different languages, they deserve a positive grade regarding user experience.
While betting on sports has an initial 100% match bonus, the bettors can trigger the popular reload bonus with every new deposit. That is obviously an excellent pro for those who seek endless opportunities to bet on the best online sports betting sites in Europe.
Overview
Wazamba was established in 2019, and since then, this online casino and sports betting platform has risen to a prominent place with many gambling and betting enthusiasts. The casino games one can find at Wazamba are varied and fit the gaming habits of a broad group of players. Also, the sports selections are exciting, and Wazamba supports live streaming and live betting.
The Curacao Gaming Commission licenses the site, and is available in many European countries. Wazamba is available in 28 languages and has excellent navigation and mobile optimization, allowing a wide-range audience to easily find all the appealing offers. They have adequate customer support as well.
To appeal to more users, Wazamba has a 100% welcome bonus where you can get up to €500 and 200 Free Spins you can use on select slot games. Along with the welcome bonus, Wazamba also provides other bonuses that can subsidize your bankroll and let you enjoy more games.
Overview
During our review of Spinanga, we found that this online platform is an exciting opportunity for European bettors and casino lovers. On top of having a modern design that is easily navigable, the site offers tempting bonuses like a 100% welcome casino bonus, 200 Free Spins, and 1 Bonus Crab you can use to claim a prize.
All the Spinanga members can enjoy the Aztec-inspired theme and play various casino games. The sports offer at Spinanga cover a broad range of sports, and they provide competitive odds and appealing bet options.
The site is available in English and German, fitting the needs of European players. It carries a Curacao gaming license and has all the relevant security protocols in place. European punters can find a myriad of available deposit methods and convenient withdrawal methods.
Overview
Since entering the online betting industry in 2006, Betway has been a bastion of betting excellence for enthusiasts across Europe. Proudly holding licenses from both the UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission) and the Maltese Gambling Authority, it ensures a secure and regulated environment for bettors from various European nations to indulge in online betting.
A standout feature is the Betway mobile app, a gateway for bettors to bet from any location with an internet connection. Whether through a computer or a mobile device, users can enjoy the flexibility of low initial deposits, starting at a modest €10, thus welcoming bettors with different budget capacities.
While the sportsbook is renowned for an extensive portfolio of sports and events, embracing more markets than one could imagine, it is their commitment to user experience that truly shines. Offering support through live chat and a plethora of languages, it guarantees hassle-free betting for European patrons.
Betway encourages a dynamic betting landscape with a generous welcome bonus matching 100% of your initial deposit. Moreover, the existing users are not left behind, as they are routinely treated to reload bonuses, amplifying the thrills and opportunities on one of the finest online sports betting sites in Europe.
Overview
We added SGCasino to the list of the best European betting sites, as this platform impresses with its offers and features. The sports section at SGCasino is broad and provides sports that many European punters love. They also offer various bonuses; there are bonuses, particularly for sports punters, and separate bonuses for casino fans.
The platform has a visually striking design that in no way takes away from its navigability, and anyone can quickly and easily find the SGCasino features they want. It is also available in 20+ languages, and most people can find a language that they are familiar with.
We also like SGCasino’s country-specific payment methods, meaning people from different European countries can find a payment method that works for them. SGCasino operates under a Curacao license, and it is a safe, secure site for Europeans.
Overview
Adding Nomini to the list of the best betting sites for Europeans was a simple choice, as Nomini offers excellent features and a 100% welcome bonus accompanied by 200 Free Spins and 1 Bonus Crab prize. On top of these, European punters can find a lot of exciting bonuses and promos depicted by fun fruit symbols.
We love the sports betting section, and Nomini provides pre-match and live betting, as well as live streams for many sports events. The casino games at Nomini are from a variety of reputable online game providers, and the platform’s online reputation is outstanding.
It is fast-loading and easily navigable, which players with different experience levels will surely appreciate. They operate with a Curacao license, have good security, and have excellent mobile optimization. We believe that European players will appreciate the multi-language website version, as well as the live chat support.
Overview
Famous for its casino platform, Karamba offers several sports and odds within the expected range for the best online European betting sites. Karamba was established in 2005 and has been nominated for important gambling-related awards several times. Another vital information is that they are regulated by four different entities.
While deciding on which line to bet, through a browser or using the Karamba app, European bettors may activate the Karambot. It gives advice to gamblers, which is an interesting feature other betting sites in Europe do not offer. The number of sports and variety in markets and lines matches those of Europe’s best betting sites.
As soon as an account is created, bettors also get a VIP status that awards special rewards as they continue to bet. When it is time to withdraw your winnings, the website takes up to 48 hours as estimated payout speed. The payment methods are also quite extensive.
Overview
The international sportsbook William Hill has been online since 1998, providing guaranteed performance in terms of online betting. It is currently regulated by the UKGC and also by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner. Together with those licenses, William Hill’s reputation precedes any other parameter worth assessing.
It is effortless to sign up to William Hill and, although it is one of the most reliable sports betting sites in Europe, it also has many promotions. From a simple €10 deposit, players can get a total of €30 divided into two free bets. That excellent deal does not even come with any sort of wagering requirements.
The payment methods available for such small deposits and also for future withdrawals are quite comprehensive. Players from all European countries that are accepted to bet on William Hill have a suitable method for both ways of transferring money. In case of any question not answered in Gambling ‘N Go FAQ on the William Hill review, they also count on a live chat.
All those features can be experienced through the William Hill app, one of the most reliable and secure options out there.
Overview
Sports betting is legal in most European countries. Some prefer to implement a monopolistic state-run model, while others have an open and licensed market. Here is how each of the major markets regulates sports betting.
| Country | Regulating Law | Age Restriction | Regulatory Authority | Taxation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andora | Law 4/2021 | 18+ | Andorran Gaming Regulatory Council | Winnings are taxed at rates up to 25%, depending on the winning amount. |
| Austria | Austrian Gambling Act Glücksspielgesetz (GSpG) | 18+ | Each federal state has a separate regulatory agency that issues licenses. | Bettors winnings are non-taxable. Online bookmakers pay a 2% tax on bets taken. |
| Belgium | The main law is the Gambling Act of 1999, but additional royal decrees augment the primary law. | 21+ | Belgian Gaming Commission | Bettors winnings are tax-free. Sportsbooks pay a 15% tax in the Flemish and Brussels-Capital Regions, while in the Walloon Region, bets are taxed at 11% on the GGR. |
| Croatia | Games of Chance Act | 18+ | Department for Games of Chance under Ministry of Finance | Bettors’ winnings ranging from EUR 4,000 to EUR 66,000 at a 15% rate, while winnings exceeding EUR 66,000 are subject to a 20% tax |
| Cyprus | The Betting Law of 2019 | 18+ | National Betting Authority | Winnings are not subject to a tax. |
| Denmark | Danish Gambling Act | 18+ | Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) | Sportsbooks are subject to a 28% tax on their GGR. |
| Estonia | Gambling Act | 18+ | The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) | No tax on bettor’s winnings. Online bookmakers pay a 6% tax on their gross revenue. |
| Finland | Finnish Lotteries Act (1047/2001) regulates sports betting | 18+ | Gambling Administration of the National Police Board (“Arpajaishallinto”) | Bettors winnings are tax free. Veikkaus pays a 12% tax on profits from gambling services. |
| France | Internal Security Code and the Law of May 12, 2010 | 18+ | ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux) | Bookmakers pay a 7.5% tax on GGR, player winnings are not taxed. |
| Germany | Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 | 18+ | Joint Gambling Authority of the States | Winnings derived from online gaming are not subject to income tax. But operators pay a uniform 5.3% tax on each stake. |
| Greece | Law 4002/2011 | 18+ | Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) | Sportsbooks are taxed at a 35% rate on their revenue. Bettors’ winnings under €100 are-tax free. There are three tax tiers of 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% tax on winnings. |
| Hungary | Act XXXIV of 1991 on the Organization of Gambling | 18+ | Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (“SARA”) | Winnings acquired at SARA licensed operator are not taxed. Bookmakers pay a 15% tax on their GGR. |
| Ireland | Gambling Regulation Act 2024 | 18+ | Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) | Sportsbooks pay a 2% flat tax on every wager. Player winnings are not subject to a tax. |
| Italy | “Comunitaria” decree 2011 | 18+ | Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato – Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies | Bettor’s’ winnings are not taxed. Sportsbooks pay a 4% tax on their gross profits. |
| Malta | Gaming Act of 2018 | 18+ | Malta Gaming Authority | Online sportsbooks pay a 5% tax on their GGR. Players are not taxed. |
| Montenegro | Law on Games of Chance | 18+ | Montenegrin Games of Chance Administration (AGC) | Bettors’ winnings over €300 are taxed at a 15% rate. |
| Netherlands | Remote Gambling Act of 2021 | 18+ | Netherlands Gambling Authority – NGA (Kansspelautoriteit) | Winnings over €449 are taxed at a 30.5% rate, which will jump to 34.2% in 2025 |
| Norway | Gaming Scheme Act of 1992 | 18+ | The Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority | Winnings over NOK 10,000 are subject to a 27% tax rate. |
| Poland | Gambling Act of 2009 | 18+ | Ministry of Finance | Winnings over PLN 2,280 are subject to a 10% tax. Operates are taxed at a 12% tax rate. |
| Portugal | Decree-Law no. 66/2015 | 18+ | Portuguese Gambling Regulatory Authority – SRIJ (Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos do Turismo de Portugal) | No tax is imposed on players’ winnings. Sportbooks pay 8% tax on their monthly turnover. |
| Serbia | The Law on Games of Chance (“Official Gazette of the RS”, No. 88/2011, 93/2012) | 18+ | Games of Chance Administration, which operates under the Ministry of Finance | Betting winnings are subject to a 15% tax, automatically deducted by operators. |
| Switzerland | Federal Act of Money Games | 18+ | Gespa (Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority) | Operators pay a basic tax rate of 20% on gross gaming revenue, but can go up to 80%. Player winnings under CHF 1 Million are tax-free at license bookmakers. |
| Turkey | Law No 7258 Regarding Football & Sports Betting | 18+ | Ministry of Youth and Sports | Bettors winnings are subject to income tax, while the sportsbooks pays 5% from its monthly revenue in taxes. |
| United Kingdom | Gambling Act 2005 | 18+ | United Kingdom Gambling Commission | Players winning are not taxed. Operators pay a remote gaming duty of 21% on their profits. |
We tested hundreds of licensed bookmakers from EU countries and other nations from Europe to find the best for online sports betting. Our criteria: competitive odds, fast payouts, full mobile access, and fair terms, everything serious bettors need. Here is our testing methodology.
We start by checking if a betting site holds a valid license from a European regulator, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission.
We discovered that licensed betting sites are far more reliable when it comes to settling bets, and protecting user data. Our process of ranking includes verifying SSL encryption and other technical safeguards.
We tested a wide range of European sportsbooks to see how competitive their odds and market variety were. Even small differences in odds can make a big impact on potential winnings.
We found that the best bookies offer a broad selection of sports, including popular European leagues, niche sports, and live betting markets. Overall, we believe the top European sportsbooks strike a balance between variety and competitive betting lines, suitable for casual and passionate bettors.
We found that bonus quality varies a lot across European betting sites. Some countries even ban welcome bonuses, we are talking about you Spain. Our team ranks only platforms with free bets, welcome bonuses and cashback deals.
In our view, a good bonus comes with a reasonable rollover ideally under 10x, clear expiry terms of a minimum of 7 days, and no restrictive odds requirements that force risky bets. We also count factors like minimum deposit, max cashout limits, and eligible sports.
Considering how many bettors use their phones, mobile compatibility is non-negotiable. We tried apps and mobile sites across iOS and Android, assessing speed, usability, and feature parity with desktop platforms.
We found that the best European betting sites provide smooth mobile experiences with fast load times and intuitive navigation. Some apps even offer exclusive features like live streaming or push notifications.
Fast and reliable payments are critical in real money online betting. We counted deposit and withdrawal options on each betting site, paying close attention to euro availability, payout speeds, and transaction limits.
We give high grades to sportsbooks that complete withdrawals within 24 to 48 hours, which is reasonable compared to global standards. Payment methods like credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers were all evaluated for convenience and security.
Support channels are equally important. We tested live chat, email, and phone support to see how quickly and efficiently queries were handled. Our team looks for responsive and knowledgeable customer service agents. Sites with slow replies or limited support hours were marked down.
Betting online in Europe is straightforward. It only takes a few steps to bet legally and safely. Below, we outline the basic process to help you get started along the road with confidence.
Start by choosing a licensed European betting site. We encourage you to select a sportsbook from our tested list to avoid unreliable operators. Look for strong odds, smooth mobile access, and fair terms. A sportsbook’s reputation and licensing status are non-negotiable for a safe experience.
Click the “Sign-Up” or “Join” button and complete the registration form. Enter your name, email, birthday, and address. You will need to create a username and password to complete the registration. Most European sites will require a Know Your Customer verification, before you can place bets or make withdrawals. It’s a quick process, requiring the uploading of photocopies of your driver’s license or passport.
Navigate to the ‘Deposit’ button and choose a payment method. You can typically use e-wallets or bank cards. Check the deposit limits and whether your method qualifies for any promotions. Most sportsbooks credit your account with the deposited amount instantly.
Browse the available sports and markets, select your odds, and enter your stake. You can bet on live and pre-match games. Always double-check your bet slip before submitting. Once placed, you can expect the outcome and if you win, the funds will be added to your balance.
The greatest thing about betting on sports in Europe is that there is a vast range of possibilities. That applies not only to the most popular sports in Europe but those that are famous around the globe too – and with a fair number of markets and attractive odds.
To give a better idea of how betting on different sports works, below cover every great sportsbook’s main offerings.
Following our guidance on betting on online betting websites in Europe, the next step after deciding on a sport is defining the possibilities. Therefore, take notes of the bets and markets offered at European online sportsbooks.
Bets placed in real-time as the sports event is taking place, with odds that change dynamically based on the current score and situation.
A bet where you predict the exact final score of a match, offering high odds due to its difficulty.
3-Way bets involve betting on three possible outcomes: home win, draw, or away win. 2-Way bets simplify this by offering only home or away win options.
Bets placed on a specific statistical crossover in a game, such as a player scoring a certain number of goals and the total number of goals in a match.
The promotions page of an online betting site in Europe can make a difference in a bettor’s life. Recurrent bonuses, free bets, and even cashback offers multiply funds and allow you to make many more bets. We prepared a guide on the best online betting bonuses and promotions; we tried to include and summarize every bonus offer found on the best Euro betting sites.
A bonus that offers a certain number of free bets based on various criteria like deposit amount, betting patterns, or promotional offers.
A bonus that returns a percentage of a bettor's losses over a specified timeframe. This helps mitigate some of the risks associated with losing bets.
A bonus provided to new bettors when they first register with a betting site. Typically includes free bets or a matched bet based on their first deposit.
A bonus awarded to new bettors without any initial deposit requirement. This can be in the form of a free bet or bonus credit for betting.
A bonus tailored for VIP bettors with unique perks and benefits. Perks might include personal account managers, exclusive betting offers, and faster withdrawal options.
Punters from different countries may get varied alternatives when it comes to deposits and withdrawals. Therefore, it is necessary to explain the most common deposit and withdrawal methods in online sports betting sites for European punters.
Most licensed betting sites in Europe are required by law to offer self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and links to these support organizations. You can find more information about relevant organizations in a specific country by consulting our country pages.
Europe comprises many countries and does not count on a single rule or code for online sports betting. We brought valuable facts on specific countries in this article, but the safest way is to check the restricted countries on a website and the legislation within your region.
Yes, it is possible to win some money betting on sports in the EU. Any member of an online sports betting website that is reliable – like the ones we recommend here – can win some money if they make a correct prediction. Please note that sports betting is a form of entertainment, and should not be considered a source of income.
Each betting site accepts different currencies from its users. The Euro is the official currency in most EU countries, and is widely accepted by most sportsbooks, but the GBP is also commonly accepted, as are alternatives such as RUB, SEK, or CHF.
The most popular sport in European sportsbooks is soccer (football), which dominates in the number of markets and events, as well as promotions.
The definition of the best betting site in Europe is subjective – it depends on what each user demands in terms of experience and conditions. Because we can’t single out one best site, we provide you with a list of several choices that are vetted by our experts as offering impressive betting opportunities to European bettors.
Like what happens with currencies, each sports betting site controls how many languages they deem necessary to offer. You can check out the reviews we have for you here at GNG, where you will find all relevant information right on the top.
Although the best online sports betting sites in Europe offer apps and even PC software, they are optional. Punters can simply bet from their mobile or computers via their browser, but they can also choose to use a mobile app for a customized, tailored experience.
Most sports betting sites provide over 40 different sports, each with dozens of events and countless markets. Popular eSports are also included, so the short answer is any sport you want to bet on.
The withdrawal process may vary slightly from one to another betting platform, but the process is basically the same. Access the same cashier you used to deposit, select one method, and enter the amount you wish to withdraw. If there are no possible issues, you will be able to withdraw your winnings.
Sign up for one of the best sports betting sites in Europe that offer free bets. They require you to make a deposit and place a qualifying bet that complies to the T&Cs and odds. As soon as the bet result comes out, you receive your free bets.
