Safest Betting Sites - Most Trusted Bookies 2025
Our experts reviewed numerous sportsbooks, and based on security, fair play and user experience. the safest betting sites were Betway, 1Win, and Betwinner. Find our top choices for safe online betting right here.
SportsBoom offers honest and impartial bookmaker reviews to help you make informed choices. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, our content remains independent and free from promotional influence. For more information, see our Content Transparency and How We Review pages.
Trusted & Reliable Betting Sites by Category
These betting sites use advanced SSL encryption, offer a wide range of responsible gaming tools, incorporate provably fair algorithms, and pay out instantly. Also, some of these operators have been around for over 50 years!
| Rank | Betting Site | License | Encryption | Payout Speed | Highlights |
| 1. | Stake | Curaçao Gaming Control Board | 256-bit SSL | 0 to 1 hour | Provably fair technology |
| 2. | Betway | UKGC | 256-bit SSL | 2 to 24 hours | Extensive responsible gaming tools |
| 3. | Pinnacle | Curaçao Gaming Control | 128-bit SSL | 1 to 24 hours | Operating since 1998 |
| 4. | William Hill | UKGC | TLS 1.2 | 2 to 24 hours | 90-year history |
| 5. | BetMGM | UKGC | TLS 1.2 | 24 to 72 hours | Owned by multi-billion-dollar publicly traded company |
| 6. | 20Bet | Kahnawake Gaming Commission | 128-bit encryption SSL | 0 to 6 hours | Robust KYC protocols |
| 7. | Megapari | Anjouan | 128-bit encryption SSL | 0 to 1 hour | 24/7 live chat customer support |
| 8. | Parimatch | Curaçao Gaming Control | 256-bit SSL | 0 to 24 hours | Anonymous withdrawals via Bitcoin |
| 9. | GGBet | Curaçao Gaming Control | 128-bit encryption SSL | 2 to 72 hours | eCOGRA certified |
| 10. | BC.Game | Anjouan | 128-bit SSL | 0 to 1 hour | Provably fair technology |
Red Flags: Unsafe Betting Sites to Avoid in 2025
I’ve tested enough betting sites over the years to know that some of them simply aren’t worth your time or money. If you want to avoid frozen withdrawals, rigged games, or outright scams, these are the red flags to watch for:
- No licence or a fake one - If a site can’t show a valid licence from a recognised authority (MGA, UKGC, Curacao, AGCO), walk away immediately.
- In-house, unverified games - When a casino builds its own games with no third-party testing, the likelihood of them being rigged skyrockets.
- No responsible gaming tools - Legit sites offer deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion. Scammers don’t care about your safety and will even encourage you to play irresponsibly.
- Vague or predatory bonus terms - If you can’t clearly see wagering requirements, max win limits, or withdrawal rules, choose another site!
- Poor or nonexistent customer support - Delayed responses, no live chat, or copy-paste replies are some serious warning signs and mean the betting site will likely ghost you when you need help the most.
- Lots of negative reviews on Trustpilot or Reddit - Repeated complaints about withdrawals, locked accounts, or shady behaviour are massive warning signs.
- Bad site design and broken features - Slow loading, outdated layouts, missing SSL (no padlock in the URL), or buggy payments show a lack of real investment.
- No clear ownership information - If the company behind the site is hidden or untraceable, that may suggest they’re up to no good.
How to Check if a Betting Site is Safe - 2025 Guide
Before depositing a single cent, it’s worth spending a few minutes checking whether a betting site is genuinely safe. In 2025, scam sites look more convincing than ever, so you need to dig deeper than flashy banners and welcome bonuses. This is the process I personally follow when vetting any new betting site.
Start by visiting the betting site’s homepage and scrolling to the very bottom. Legit operators display their licensing information clearly, usually from regulators like the MGA, UKGC, Curacao, or AGCO. Copy the licence number, then head to the regulator’s official website. Enter the number and confirm that the licence is valid, active, and in good standing.
Next, check which software providers power the games. Safe sites work with big, audited studios like Pragmatic Play, Playtech, Evolution, NetEnt, BGaming, Play’n GO, and Microgaming. Unknown or in-house providers with no certification are risky and could very well be rigged.
I also suggest comparing the site’s odds with market averages. Calculate the commission/juice on a few markets (match winner, totals, handicaps) and see whether they align with major bookies. A site offering suspiciously inflated odds may be manipulating markets.
Test the customer support by sending a quick query. Reliable operators respond within minutes and give clear, human answers. Before committing real money, make a small test deposit and withdrawal. Look at processing time, available methods, and how easy it is to get your winnings.
Finally, analyse the bonus terms, mobile UX, KYC process, and responsible gaming tools. Legit sites make everything transparent and easy to navigate.
Most Trusted Sportsbooks Worldwide
If you’re looking for global sportsbooks that know how to protect your data, always offer fair odds, and pay out on time, then stick to these betting sites:
BetMGM - This sportsbook is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, which owns 31 casinos across the world and is an $8 billion publicly traded company. BetMGM has also acquired some of the toughest licenses to get and is regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), and New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
William Hill - William Hill has been taking bets since 1934. You won’t find a sportsbook with more experience. It also features robust safety measures from TLS 1.2 to 2FA, and its customer support team constantly monitors the platform for signs of irresponsible play.
Betway - Betway operates in over 100 countries and boasts almost 3 million monthly active users. It holds over 10 licenses, including under the UKGC, MGA, and AGCO, accepts more than 15 currencies, and automatically verifies the identities of players in under 24 hours.
Best Secure Crypto Betting Sites
Your precious Bitcoin and Ethereum are safe at these top-rated crypto betting sites:
Stake - Stake is the world’s largest crypto betting site with over 20 million users. In September 2025 alone, 9,771,973 sports bets were placed at Stake. Currently, you can withdraw via over 20 cryptocurrencies with no maximum limit and receive your winnings in under 5 minutes!
Bitsler - Bitsler is a safe online sportsbook due to its Curaçao eGaming license, SSL/TLS encryption, and 2FA/KYC verification. It offers provably fair games, secure crypto transactions, responsible gambling tools, and a strong reputation since 2015. With 24/7 support and no major breaches, your funds are snafu!
Tonybet - Tonybet has been around since 2011 and was founded by famed businessman and poker player Antanas Guoga. Since 2016, the site has been run by Bettsson, one of the biggest gaming companies in the world with 1,800 employees and over $1 billion in yearly revenue!
Safe Betting Apps (2025)
When evaluating the safety of betting apps, we assess the reputation of the sportsbook, its license, payout speed, customer support response rate, and the encryption they use. After thorough testing, these are the most secure betting apps:
| App | iOS | License | Payout Speed | Safety Rating |
| Betway | iOS/Android | UKGC | 2 to 24 hours | 9.8/10 |
| William Hill | iOS/Android | UKGC | 2 to 24 hours | 9.7/10 |
| BetMGM | iOS/Android | UKGC | 24 to 72 hours | 9.6/10 |
Safest Betting Sites We Reviewed
We know how hard it is to find a top-rated betting site that makes you feel secure while betting. After all, you’ll need to deposit your money and share personal information when signing up.
We’ve compiled a few of the best and safest betting sites to ensure you can bet without any worries. We’ve done extensive research to ensure the sites can provide fun and security, so read on to find our top recommendations.
Key Features
- Support:
- Licenses: UK, Malta, Italy, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, South Africa, Portugal, Ireland, Poland, France, USA
With licenses spanning Europe, the Americas and Africa, Betway is unquestionably one of the most recognised gambling brands in the world.
With years of industry experience, they provide a plethora of betting choices across various sports, including football, rugby and cricket, as well as niche betting markets such as esports, darts, and snooker.
Additionally, they also offer a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, live dealer options, and more.
Betway is an excellent option for new bettors and offers a trustworthy alternative for those fed up with unreliable bookmakers.
They have a generous welcome bonus offer, which will give you a fantastic start to your betting journey.
They’re safe, with a variety of convenient payment methods, and are available to always assist you through their 24/7 live chat.
DID YOU KNOW? Betway is the official sponsor of football teams Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, West Ham and Brighton Hove and Albion as well as the 2023 Rugby World Cup champions, South Africa’s Springboks.
Pros
Cons
Ad• 18+• New customers• Max free bet €100• Free bet available on losing settlement of qualifying bet• 50 bonus spins creditted on placement of qualifying bet• Offer valid for 7 days from account creation• Full terms and conditions apply
Key Features
- Support:
- Licenses: Curaçao
Established in 2016 and initially called FirstBet, 1Win is considered one of the leading bookmakers and a recognised and trusted gambling brand around the world.
They provide a fantastic variety of games, generous welcome bonus, promotions and competitive odds for sports, which is their primary focus.
They also offer a diverse betting selection for esports fanatics.
Licensed and regulated by the Government of Curacao, 1Win ensures a safe and fair betting experience for its users.
This renowned platform utilizes the latest SSL encryption technology to protect its players’ personal and financial data.
You can also count on a vast selection of reliable and user-friendly 1Win payment methods, making it a highly recommended bookie to join.
DID YOU KNOW? Former Australian cricketer David Warner is the brand ambassador of the highly popular online betting site in India. His involvement highlights the platform's commitment to excellence and global appeal.
Pros
Cons
18+• 200% on the 1st deposit amount •150% on the 2nd deposit amount •100% on the 3rd deposit amount •50% on the 4th deposit amount• Max bonus of $530• Only new customers• Wagering rules apply
Key Features
- Support:
- Licenses: Kenya, Curaçao
If you’re looking for a safe, reliable, and licensed betting platform with endless options and excitement, look no further than BetWinner, one of the most well-known bookmakers in the industry, with over four hundred thousand users.
With over 40 markets and 1000 events available daily, you’ll always find something exciting to enjoy if you sign up with this sportsbook today.
BetWinner offers generous bonuses and promotions, along with a variety of secure payment methods, including bank cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, payment systems and cryptocurrencies, to suit every player’s needs.
They also provide round-the-clock live chat service to serve their clients at all times of the day, regardless of the time zone.
DID YOU KNOW? BetWinner doubles the first deposit you make every Thursday with a 100% deposit bonus of up to €100. To qualify, simply deposit at least €10.
Pros
Cons
18+• Min deposit of 1.49• 5x wagering• Must be min 3 accumulator bets• Min odds on bet of 1.40• Bonus must be used within 30 days
A Closer Look at the Safest Sportsbooks With Apps
Although most betting sites are compatible with mobile device browsers, apps allow a smoother experience. With a compact and user-friendly app, bettors can quickly monitor live matches and place bets on the go.
All of our chosen sportsbooks offer apps for iOS and Android devices. Most of these apps can be found on Google Play and the App Store, making it easy to install them on your device.
How We Review and Rank Safe Betting Sportsbooks?
When we compare sportsbook options, this is the criteria that we look at:
Sports Collection and Betting Options: Each online sportsbook has a different sports collection. We check the number of markets available to ensure the possibilities can cater to a wide range of bettors.
Payment Methods: We look at the number of payment options available and assess the security of each one.
User-friendly Sites: A sportsbook with a user-friendly site helps bettors of all levels navigate around easily, enhancing the overall experience.
Customer Support Quality: When a sportsbook provides the best customer support service, like 24/7 live chat, bettors can conveniently find help if they encounter a problem.
Bonuses and Promotions: We like to see regular bonuses so bettors can always get something extra while betting on their favorite sport.
Security System: We make sure to check the site’s security system to ensure it can protect every bettor’s personal information, including whether it uses SSL and firewalls.
Responsible Gambling: We prefer to choose a site that supports responsible gambling and as such provides multiple tools to help bettors gamble responsibly.
How to Choose a Safe Betting Site?
Although we’re here to help you find safe betting websites, you might want to know how to judge a sportsbook's reliability. Here are some aspects to consider when checking if a betting site is legit.
Operating License
When selecting a bookmaker, it’s essential to verify they hold a valid license from a reputable authority to ensure legal and trustworthy operation.
Some of the most recognized licenses worldwide include:
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- Curacao eGaming
These licenses are highly regarded for their strict regulatory standards and are well-respected across the global gambling industry. A reputable sportsbook will display its operating license on its website, typically in small print at the bottom of the homepage. If you can’t locate it there, check the terms and conditions, as every trustworthy sportsbook should include their license information in that section as well.
Excellent Bonus Offers and Promotions
One of the most effective ways a sportsbook attracts new bettors is by offering bonuses. However, if a bonus looks too good to be true, it’s wise to pause and carefully assess the offer. For example, a site may offer a substantial deposit match bonus but only give you a week to meet extremely high (eg. 60x) wagering requirements.
Responsive Customer Support
A reputable sportsbook will ensure that every bettor can address their concerns smoothly. Customer support should be quick to respond and provide clear solutions. Look for 24/7 live chat, detailed FAQs, and ideally, various ways to contact support.
Good Reviews and Reputation
Nothing proves a sportsbook’s reliability better than the experiences of other bettors. Along with our expert reviews, we suggest looking at what fellow bettors have to say about a site. If a sportsbook has social media accounts, take note of how active they are and whether they engage with comments. If they do, it’s likely worth checking them out.
Why You Should Only Use Safe Betting Sites?
Scam sites aim to make you believe they’re reliable enough that you deposit money. But when you come to withdraw your money, it’ll never arrive.
Another risk of betting on an unsafe site is that it may leak your personal information. You may receive unsolicited emails and calls that trick you into giving them more details, like your financial or other private data.
Betting on safe betting sites like the ones we review ensures the best betting experience. You’ll receive fair treatment, including finding competitive odds. The site will also be able to protect your data and won’t share it with third parties on your behalf, or if it does, it will make this clear in its privacy policy.
How to Avoid Unsafe Sportsbooks?
Read the fine print: Take a close look at the betting site’s homepage and gather as much information as possible. After that, go through the terms and conditions along with the privacy policy to gain a deeper understanding of how the sportsbook operates.
See what other bettors say: Look for reviews on various review sites to find authentic feedback about the sportsbook. If you come across multiple unresolved complaints, particularly if many bettors are highlighting the same issue, it might be wise to avoid signing up with that site.
Compare your options: When you compare different sportsbooks, you may notice some inconsistencies that could raise concerns. For instance, you might come across overly generous offers that don’t match what other sites provide or wagering requirements that seem unreasonable.
The Safest Payment Methods for Online Betting
Not all payment methods at sportsbooks are created equal. While some offer robust security features, others may lack essential protections, making them more vulnerable to fraud or misuse. For a secure betting experience, it’s important to choose methods that employ strong encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and other safeguards. Below are some of the safest payment methods to use at sportsbooks:
Visa and Mastercard
These cards are secured by TLS/SSL encryption, ensuring data is encrypted during transmission. Additionally, sportsbooks that accept cards must comply with PCI DSS standards, which mandate encrypting cardholder data across open networks. Visa and Mastercard transactions are also protected by chargeback options, allowing you to dispute unauthorized payments.
PayPal
PayPal keeps your payment details private by not sharing them with sportsbooks. Transactions require you to log in to your PayPal account and verify each action personally. Keep in mind that you rely on PayPal’s security measures to protect your personal and banking details.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin offers excellent privacy, as no identifying information is needed for transactions. Your identity remains protected, and payments are generally irreversible. Unfortunately, the lack of reversibility means you must ensure you're sending the correct amount to the right address.
Apple Pay and Google Pay
These methods ensure your payment details aren't shared with sportsbooks and come with top-tier encryption. Biometric authentication (like Face ID or Touch ID) is required to approve transactions, but these methods are typically not available for withdrawals.
Bank Transfer
Bank transfers are secure since hackers cannot do much with just your account details. Transactions often require additional verification, such as signing into your online banking account. However, these transactions are usually not reversible. Always double-check that you’ve entered the sportsbook’s correct banking details before confirming the transaction.
What is KYC at Betting Sites?
KYC stands for Know Your Customer, referring to a procedure that online gambling sites use to confirm users' identities. Reputable sportsbooks request several documents to verify your identity to not just make sure you are who you say you are, but that you’re legally allowed to bet on that site.
This procedure is usually followed when a bettor requests a withdrawal. The sportsbook wants to ensure that the person requesting a withdrawal is the rightful owner of the betting account, and it is a common process on reliable gambling sites.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed?
Gather evidence: Take screenshots, bank statements, and any other relevant information to support your claim.
Contact the sportsbook: Directly confront the site regarding the situation and ask for a refund.
Reach out to regulatory bodies: If your case still isn’t resolved, try contacting the sportsbook's regulatory body/bodies with your evidence.
Legal action: If your sportsbook still hasn’t resolved the issue, you might consider taking legal action.
Publicity: To increase the pressure on your bookmaker, you might share your experience online. However, make sure it’s truly a scam and not just a legitimate error, such as the site’s reputation for slow withdrawal processing.
Which Sports Are Safe to Bet on?
All sports are equally safe to bet on. If you want to bet on your favorite sport safely, you must find a reliable sportsbook who can protect your data and treat you fairly. If you’re playing on a reliable site, all the sports you find there are safe to bet on.
What Is the Safest Betting Strategy?
The safest betting strategy is always to gamble responsibly. First, you must be able to evaluate your gambling habits and take necessary precautions to ensure you can be responsible for your decisions. Set limits if required so you can always have a safety net.
Always manage your expectations, even if you’ve bet using your knowledge. Betting is still dominated by chance, which we can’t 100% accurately predict. Don’t ever think you’ll always win, and be too confident that you’re making unwise decisions.
Safe Betting Sites Bonuses and Promotions
Our recommended sites, and other reputable ones, typically have these kinds of offers available:
Welcome bonuses: When you sign up and deposit for the first time, a sportsbook usually rewards you with a welcome bonus that you can only claim once on your first deposit.
Cashback offers: Most cashback offers are a percentage of money back when you lose your bet. The cashback can be in the form of real money or free bet credits.
Free bet promos: A free bet promotion gives you a free credit to bet on sports.
Promotions: Sportsbook provides regular promotions like reload bonuses and risk-free bets for bettors. Promotions vary by site, however.
Responsible Betting
Betting is never a way to earn money that can replace your monthly wage. When betting, you must remember to treat the activity as recreational entertainment.
Betting can become addictive; if you don’t constantly remind yourself to be responsible, it’s easy to lose yourself. Set some limits when you’re betting, such as a strict bankroll, to avoid getting carried away and stop before you spend more than you can afford.
Staying Safe Is A Journey, Not A Destination
We know that it can be taxing to spend time researching to find the safest betting site. We hope that our list helps you find the best place that can make you feel secure while you bet. Still, you can also use some of our tips above to judge a sportsbook; check out our recommendations.
Know that betting is fun, but staying safe while betting can be more fun in the long run. We’ve extensively researched to ensure you can bet safely on our chosen sites. So, give them a try and have a safe betting experience!
FAQs
Reliable sportsbooks typically use SSL encryption to protect users from hacking attempts. However, we advise you to stay cautious when betting using public Wi-Fi and never input personal information when you do.
If the betting site is safe, it’ll be safe to bet using a mobile phone.
All of our betting sites recommendations above have apps for iOS and Android, and they’re safe to use.
Not all betting sites are secure, but many reliable ones can protect users’ information. Check our betting site recommendations above to find a secure betting site.
There are many reliable betting sites, but our top picks are Betway, 1Win and BetWinner.
Related Content
- 10 Best Sports Betting Apps - Tested by Experts
- Best Welcome Bonus Betting Sites 2025 – Deposit Match + Free Bets
- Best Online Casinos – Trusted Casino Gambling Sites 2025
- Payment Methods
- Best Horse Race Betting Sites - Top Bookmakers of 2025
- Free Sports Betting Tips
- Best Esports Betting Sites - Top Sportsbooks in 2025
- Best Sportsbook Reviews & Ratings 2025- Expert's Choices
- Best Sports Betting Strategies & Guide
- Sports Betting Rules: Popular Terms & Rules