The best sports spread betting sites in the UK for 2023

Sports spread betting is a one-of-a-kind exciting way to bet on various sporting events. Unlike traditional betting, spread betting allows you to win or lose based on how accurate your prediction is, instead of just betting on the outcome of a game or event. Naturally, this opens the door to countless betting opportunities that fans of the activity can’t get enough of. While the popularity of this particular betting type is on the rise in the UK, it’s still a rare sight in most sportsbooks. In this text, we’ll explore what sports spread betting is, how it works, and where you can find the best sites.

What is Sports Spread Betting?

Sports spread betting is a form of sports betting where you aim to predict how well a team or individual player will perform during a sporting event. Instead of simply betting on the outcome of a sporting event, sports spread betting is about betting on the accuracy of the prediction of the outcome.

In sports spread betting, a bookmaker or online sports betting site sets a spread, which is essentially a prediction of how much a team or individual will win or lose by. You then have to decide whether you think the actual outcome of the event will be above or below the predicted spread.

Here’s an example. If a sportsbook sets a spread of 10 on a football match, you can place a ‘buy’ bet if you think the winning margin will be more than 10 points, or a ‘sell’ bet if you think the winning margin will be less than 10 points. If your prediction is correct, you win the bet, and if you’re incorrect, you lose it.

How much you win or lose is determined by how accurate your prediction is. If you’re correct and the actual outcome is above or below the spread, you win the bet and the amount you win is determined by how much above or below the spread the actual outcome was. If you’re incorrect, you lose the bet, and the amount lost is determined by how much above or below the spread the actual outcome was.

What is Buying and Selling in Spread Betting?

Buying

‘Buying’ is a term used in sports spread betting to describe a type of bet where the bettor predicts that the actual outcome of a particular market will be higher than the predicted spread. In other words, the bettor is buying the spread in the belief that the actual outcome will exceed the predicted value. For example, in a football spread betting market where the predicted total goals are set at 3, a bettor who buys the spread believes that the actual number of goals scored will be higher than 3.

Selling

‘Selling’ is a term used in sports spread betting to describe a type of bet where the bettor predicts that the actual outcome of a particular market will be lower than the predicted spread. Essentially, the bettor is selling the spread in the belief that the actual outcome will fall short of the predicted value. For example, in a basketball spread betting market where the predicted total points are set at 120, a bettor who sells the spread believes that the actual number of points scored will be lower than 120.

Spread Betting vs. Fix Odds Betting

Spread betting and fixed odds betting are different types of betting that involve different ways of placing wagers and winning cash. Fixed odds betting is a traditional form of betting where the punter places a wager on the outcome of an event and receives a pre-set payout if their bet is correct. In contrast, sports spread betting involves betting on the accuracy of a prediction of how well a team or player will perform in a particular event. The punter wins or loses money based on the accuracy of their prediction, instead of just the outcome of the event.

Spread betting is generally more complex than fixed odds betting and involves higher levels of risk. Of course, this is usually followed by potentially higher rewards. Ultimately, the choice between spread betting and fixed odds betting depends on your personal preferences and how much risk you’re willing to take.

Examples

Let’s say that you want to bet on a match between Man City and Man Utd. In traditional sports betting, you would simply choose which team you think will win the game and place a wager accordingly. But with spread betting, you can also bet on the margin of victory. So instead of just predicting that Man Utd will win, you might bet that they will win by at least 2 goals.
The predictions of what will happen are expressed as ranges of SELL-BUY. As you can see in this example, the ‘spread’ for total goals in this match is 2.85 to 3.05.

If you think there would be more than 3 goals, you should BUY, but if You believe that it would fall below the indicated range then you should SELL.

Simple, right? But it gets even more interesting and risky because your win or loss will be determined by your stake and the difference between your bet and the actual number of goals.
Let’s say that you decide to stake £10 per point on a Buy at 3.05 and the total goals at the end of the game is 4. Your win is your stake multiplied by the difference between your bet and the actual number of goals, so 4 minus 3.05 multiplied by £10 So for this example you would win £9.50. Buying Total Goals means more goals in the game the more you can win, but – and this is the risky part – the more wrong you are the more you can lose.
If the number of goals in this match was 2, you will lose your stake multiplied by the difference between your spread and the actual number of goals. So 2 goals minus the 3.05 you bought at on multiplied by £10, leaving you with a loss of £10.50. Of course, the less goals there are, the more you can lose.

This concept can be applied to spreads on the number of corners in a match or the number of booking points and also to other sports. Your could buy or sell how many runs a cricketer will score in an innings, or how many points a team will win a basketball match by. You can even buy or sell spreads that are based on the combined shirt numbers of goalscorers in a football match.

Best Sports Spread Betting Platforms – Our Pick

To make this journey a bit easier, we’ve compiled a short list of the best sports spread betting platforms within the United Kingdom. Here’s a bit more about them below:

Spreadex

Spreadex debuted in 1999, entering the scene with a splash. It’s one of the first sports spread betting sites based in the UK, and it’s still leading the charge today as one of the top picks for fans of this activity. The site might be one of the few to offer spread betting within the region, but that’s not all it brings to the table. Plenty of punters prefer this platform because of its versatility. Since it also includes a classic fixed odds offer, visitors can switch between the two based on their preferences.

Spreadex has been around for a long time, so it’s well aware of what most punters need, especially newbies. The site includes a separate “Get Started” section that lays out all the sports on the platform and their available markets. It also includes walkthroughs and tutorials on how to start spread betting and additional tools that showcase how the activity plays out in various markets.

Pros

• Wide range of sports & markets
• Football bet builder
• Competitive odds for spread betting
• Helpful tools for beginners

Cons

• Fixed odds betting prices aren’t competitive
• Some parts of the site aren’t user-friendly

Sporting Index

If you’re wondering where the spread betting movement started, look no further than Sporting Index. This site launched in 1992 in the UK, making a name for itself as the first and top provider of sports spread betting within the region. The company offers a vast array of sports and markets players can explore, along with a fixed betting offer added later down the line.

Sporting Index is easily one of the leading online spread betting platforms on the market, and one of the main reasons for this is its beginner-friendly interface. Thanks to the site’s “Training Centre”, you can delve into in-depth tutorials, guides, videos, and other forms of content that provide excellent insight into sports spread betting. In addition to this, you’re privy to a demo account to give this activity a shot without risking any money!

• Competitive spread betting odds
• Wide range of sports & markets
• Demo account
• Frequent promotions

Cons

• The site can be hard to navigate
• Accessing the fixed odds offer can be a hassle

Advantages of Sports Spread Betting

Sports spread betting offers several advantages over traditional fixed-odds betting. Overall, it offers a unique and flexible way to bet on sports, with the potential for higher rewards and more customized betting options than traditional fixed-odds betting. To make these perks easier to follow, we’ve compiled them in a neat list below:

1. Potential for higher payouts: Sports spread betting can lead to bigger wins, as you can win or lose more money depending on the accuracy of your predictions. This makes sports spread betting a more exciting and potentially lucrative way to bet on sports.
2. A wider range of betting options: Sports spread betting allows you to bet on a variety of different outcomes within a single event. This means that you can tailor your bets to your specific predictions and preferences, increasing your chances of success.
3. Cashing out during an event: In sports spread betting, you can close out your bets early and lock in profits or limit losses.

Risks of Sports Spread Betting

While sports spread betting can offer potentially higher rewards than traditional fixed odds betting, it also carries significant risks that not every punter is ready to undertake. It’s important for anyone considering sports spread betting to approach it with caution and to only bet within their limits. That said, here are the biggest risks you should look out for when partaking in this activity:

1. Potential for large losses: Since the amount you can win or lose is based on the accuracy of your prediction, rather than a fixed payout, the potential to lose big is pretty high with spread betting. Essentially, you can potentially lose more than your initial stake.
2. Human error: Because the spread is set by the sports spread betting company, there is a risk that the spread may be incorrect or may change unexpectedly. This can impact the accuracy of your predictions and lead to a negative outcome.
3. Gambling addiction or compulsive gambling:The high levels of risk and potential rewards of sports spread betting can be more than enticing to some individuals, leading to serious problems with gambling addiction or impulsive gambling.

How to Place a Spread Bet on Sports?

Placing a spread bet on sports might seem complex at a distance, but once you get into it, it’s a pretty simple ordeal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to place your first spread bet:

1. Choose a reputable sports spread betting provider. We suggest reviewing the options we’ve listed in this text.
2. Open an account and make a deposit. Register an account with your chosen operator and deposit an amount you’re comfortable with.
3. Select the event you want to bet on, and then select the market and the spread you want to bet on. The spread is the prediction made by the sports spread betting company of how well a team or individual will perform in the event.
4. Choose your bet type. Place a ‘buy’ bet if you believe the outcome will be higher than the predicted spread, or a ‘sell’ bet if you believe the outcome will be lower than the predicted spread.
5. Follow the event to see if you win or lose your bet. You may also have the option to ‘cash out’ your bet early, which allows you to lock in profits or limit losses before the event is over.

Which Sports Can You Spread Bet On?

Sports spread betting providers typically offer a wide range of markets and events to bet on, with different options available for different sports. Some of the most popular sports to spread bet on include football, basketball, cricket, tennis, and rugby. Still, there are markets available for less well-known sports, such as handball, table tennis, and snooker.

In addition, some sports spread betting providers may offer non-sports markets, such as politics or financial markets. The availability of markets and events can vary depending on the sports spread betting provider, but in general, there is a wide range of options available to suit different preferences and skill levels.

Football Spread Betting

Football spread betting is a popular and exciting way to bet on football matches, allowing bettors to place bets on a wide range of markets beyond just the simple win-lose-draw outcome. Some common football spread betting markets include the total number of goals, the number of corners, and the time of the first goal.
With football spread betting, bettors can choose to ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ a spread, depending on their prediction of whether the actual outcome will be higher or lower than the predicted spread. Football spread betting provides a great way to add a level of excitement to watching football games, and with a wide range of markets available, there are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect bet.

Basketball Spread Betting

Basketball spread betting is a form of sports betting that allows bettors to bet on various markets other than the simple win-lose outcome of a typical match. Common basketball spread betting markets include the total points scored by both teams, the number of rebounds, assists, or three-pointers, and the time of the first basket.
Bettors can choose to ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ a spread, depending on their prediction of whether the actual outcome will be higher or lower than the predicted spread. With basketball spread betting, bettors can find new and exciting ways to engage with the sport and potentially earn a profit.

Cricket Spread Betting

Spread betting can add excitement and variety to cricket betting by offering a range of markets beyond the standard win/loss outcome of a regular match. With cricket spread betting, bettors can place wagers on markets like the total number of runs scored, the number of wickets taken, or the number of boundaries or sixes hit in the match.
Bettors can choose to buy or sell a spread, based on their prediction of whether the actual outcome will be higher or lower than the predicted spread. While cricket spread betting can offer a new way to enjoy this sport, it is important to bet responsibly and not overexert your gambling budget.

Tips

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when partaking in sports spread betting:

1. Understand the markets. It is important to have a clear understanding of the markets being offered and the spreads associated with each market.
2. Research. Take the time to research the teams, players, and conditions of the match, as well as any external factors that could affect the outcome.
3. Bet with discipline. Set a budget and stick to it. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
4. Manage risk. Always manage risk by setting stop-loss limits, which can limit potential losses if the bet goes against you.
5. Keep emotions in check. Avoid making impulsive decisions or chasing losses. Stick to a strategy and only make bets that are in tune with that strategy.
6. Use reliable platforms. Only use safe and reliable sports betting sites that are licensed and regulated by reputable governing bodies.

Summary

Sports spread betting is a type of betting where the bettor predicts the outcome of a specific market in a sports event. Unlike fixed odds betting, sports spread betting allows for a range of potential outcomes, and the bettor can choose to buy or sell a spread based on their prediction of whether the actual outcome will be higher or lower than the predicted value. Sports spread betting can offer an exciting and potentially profitable way to engage with sports, but it also carries risks. It is important to understand the markets, research, bet with discipline, manage risk, keep emotions in check, and use reliable platforms to ensure responsible betting.