Sports betting is big business in Europe. A growing number of established and reputable brands are offering services across the continent in a variety of different languages. The number of European betting sites grows every day and it would be impossible for you to test-drive all of them. We’ve created this handy online betting guide to show you which sportsbooks are Ferrari F40s and which ones are 1973 Austin Allegros.
This page will provide you with an overview of how to identify a reputable European Sportsbook and what to look for to ensure your real money deposit and personal information remain safe and secure.
What are the Best Euro Betting Gambling Websites?
The best European betting sites are any of the ones we recommend above because they pass our test. Here at Odds Shark, we review sites based on how they cater to the overall international betting experience. The bookmakers we champion are safe, secure and provide bettors with an exciting betting environment every time they visit the online sports wagering site.
Deposit Options
An array of real money deposit methods are available at Euro gambling sites. Many Europeans use their credit cards to fund their international online betting accounts, as the majority of sites accept both Visa and MasterCard. E-wallet services such as Skrill and Neteller are popular among bettors. With digital wallets, you can easily transfer money to your online sports gambling account without hassle. The same applies to bank transfers and Bitcoin.
Withdrawing your Winnings
After you’ve padded your stack with a hot streak, there are multiple methods for making withdrawals from your European sportsbook account. At most sites, the method you used to make a deposit will also be the method for making a withdrawal. For instance, if you used cryptocurrency to deposit your funds, you can use the same method to withdraw your winnings.
Languages and Currency
Since there are many languages spoken in Europe, an online betting site that caters to European bettors will offer different language options. You’ll find everything from English to French, Spanish or German. Some international sites go above and beyond the norm when you visit, and allow you to switch to Polish, Dutch, Portuguese, Czech, Italian, Swedish or Greek.
Bonuses and Promotions
International betting sites provide their players with incentives to keep them betting. These enticements usually come in the form of bonuses:
- Welcome bonus – Sometimes called a deposit bonus, this is an offer that comes when you sign up for the site. It can range from a free bet to a match bonus (where the betting website matches your initial deposit up to a certain amount). For instance, if you were to fund your account with Bitcoin, you could get 50 percent of your initial deposit up to $100 as a bonus.
- Sport-specific bonus – An offer based on a sport or event. For example, receive 10 times your bet amount if you bet on the Super Bowl.
- Free bet – This is exactly as it sounds. Free bets can come at any time, so be on the lookout.
- VIP program – This is not a bonus but more of a long-term loyalty initiative where you get points that can be redeemed for free bets, cash or merchandise.
Sports Offered
The great thing about European-facing bookmakers is that they cater to the sports that are popular across the continent, specializing in Sportsbook, Champions League, La Liga, Italy Serie A, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga. In addition, odds are available for Mexican and United States soccer leagues like Liga MX and MLS.
Tennis (ATP, WTA), rugby, darts, cricket, snooker, esports, and motorsports (Formula 1, NASCAR) are also found on Euro gambling sites. Plus, top international betting sites also provide extensive exposure of North American sports including American football (NFL), basketball (NBA), baseball (MLB), hockey (NHL) and college sports (NCAA football, NCAA basketball).
Casino, Poker and Racebooks
Many Euro betting sites also offer extensive betting on horse racing with daily coverage at tracks across the globe. Furthermore, they’ll provide odds and lines on all major racing events such as the Kentucky Derby, Royal Ascot, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
If you need a break from online sports wagering, international sportsbooks come equipped with their own casino and poker rooms, where you’ll find everything from blackjack to online slots to roulette.
Betting Types and Odds
A wide variety of betting options are available for all major sports including three-way betting, Asian handicap and moneyline. You’ll also find OVER/UNDER betting, futures wagering on season team totals and league championships, teaser odds, parlay possibilities and props. In terms of odds, you’ll be able to toggle between different settings. Euro bookmakers allow you to display odds in the following ways:
- Fractional (U.K. odds): Liverpool 5/1 vs Man U 11/20
- Decimal: Atlético Madrid 6.0 vs Barcelona 1.55
- American: Cowboys +500 vs Patriots -180
Live Betting
What happens when the match has already started but you want to place a bet? Live betting at European betting sites allows you to do just that. Let’s say Arsenal is squaring off against Tottenham but the first half has already been played. You have a feeling that the Spurs are going to find themselves with a penalty kick on their hands – or more aptly, feet – and you want to make a prop bet. In-play betting lets you place a bet even though the game is already in progress.
Mobile Betting
We do everything from our phones, why not bet on sports? Mobile betting is easy with any of the European gambling sites from our list. Euro brands offer the convenience of betting on the go while using your mobile phone or tablet. The majority of Euro bookies are either optimized for smartphones or have their own app for Android or Apple products.
The Legalities of Online Betting in Europe
When it comes to economic endeavors, the European Union is often considered a single entity. However, when it comes to betting on sports, the laws vary from country to country. A large number of bookmakers service sports wagering fans in multiple countries across Europe. But EU members remain separate and can create their own legal framework for online bookmakers that are looked after by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA).
For example, in Germany and Spain, Euro gambling sites are subject to regulation at the state and local level. In the Netherlands, sites are regulated by the Dutch Gaming Authority. Betting sites based in certain British territories are licensed by the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association.
To address the need for reform of Europe’s patchwork of regulatory bodies and rules, the European Commission recently proposed harmonizing regulation for online gambling and encouraging cooperation between member states.
It’s important to note that sportsbooks are not required to be licensed. There are many Euro gambling sites that are perfectly reputable and operate without a license. For this reason, we’ve provided a list of the top sites for you, so you can focus on wagering on the Euro Cup.
Ready to Bet on Sports?
Europe is one of the world’s most established international betting markets with many dependable brands ready to make your online gambling experience enjoyable. As long as you stick to one of the sites we recommend above, you’re in for a fun sports betting adventure. Simply sign up at your site of choice, make a deposit and you’re ready to go.
