We examine sports spread betting in the United Kingdom, delving into its principles, tax implications, and top firms to spread bet with. Additionally, we offer practical evaluations and discuss the advantages and risks of this gambling type.
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Sports spread betting is a type of wagering where you bet on the variance of a specific outcome in a sports event rather than the outcome itself. A bookmaker sets a ‘spread,’ which includes a ‘buy’ and a ‘sell’ price. Your profits or losses are determined by how much the actual outcome deviates from this spread. For example, if the spread for corners in a football match is 10-11 and you ‘buy’ at 11, you gain more for each corner above 11 and lose below. The key is accuracy; the closer you are to the actual result, the more you stand to win or lose.
Spread betting on sports may look complex at first, but once you have placed a few bets, it’ll become easier to gauge which bets have good value. With spread betting, you bet your stake on a spread that the bookmaker provides that is based on their prediction of the outcome. Essentially, you are betting that the outcome of the sports event will be better or worse than the bookmaker’s prediction. If you are correct, you will win multiple of your stake back which is what makes spread betting appealing to punters.
There are various sporting events that you can spread bet on, such as:
Suppose you’re optimistic about a World Cup match between England and Ireland being a high-scoring affair. You decide to ‘Buy’ at the higher price of 2.9, staking £10 per point. The match ends with a scoreline of 3-0, making the total goals 3.
Profit = Settled Price – Buy Price x Stake
Profit = (3 – 2.9) x £10 = £1
If you anticipate a low-scoring Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal, you might choose to ‘Sell’ at the lower price of 2.7, again staking £10 per point. The match concludes with a 1-1 draw, making the total goals 2.
Profit = (Sell Price – Settled Price) x Stake
Profit = (2.7 – 2) x £10 = £7
The key difference between spread betting and fixed odds is that with spread betting, your profit (and loss) potential is not limited.
With fixed odds betting, the game is simple: you place a bet on a specific outcome, and if it happens, you win based on bookies odds. The risk is capped, so you can never lose more than your initial stake.
So if you placed a fixed odds bet on Manchester United to beat Bayern Munich at odds of 2.0 and your stake is £10, then there are only two outcomes:
However, sports spread betting allows you to profit based on how accurate your prediction is.
Using the same example with Manchester United vs Bayern Munich, spread betting offers an opportunity for you to profit the more accurate you are. Unlike fixed odds, most spread betting spreads are valued with an index of 100. The closer to 100 a spread is, the more likely the outcome could be.
So if you believe that Bayern Munich will beat Manchester United, you can “Buy” the Win result index for 66.7 at £1 per point. When you “Buy” this result, and Bayern Munich wins the game, the final index ends at 100, so your profit is 100-66.7 * £1 = £33.30 profit.
However, if the result is a draw or a Manchester United win, you will lose your stake x buy price (£1 x 66.7) = £66.70 loss.
This introduces a dynamic element to your betting: your winnings or losses aren’t fixed but fluctuate based on the accuracy and degree of your prediction. It’s not just about picking the right horse; it’s about gauging how much faster or slower that horse will finish compared to the broker’s spread. The more accurate your prediction is, the more multiples of your stake you can win. Additionally, spread betting is often leveraged, meaning you can gain exposure to large positions without committing the entire investment upfront. This amplifies both gains and losses, making it a higher-risk, higher-reward strategy that appeals to the more experienced and research-oriented bettor.
In the past, traditional fixed odds betting was primarily conducted through bookies, who set the odds and accepted bets on various sporting events. However, the landscape has evolved, and now brokers like Spreadex offer a more sophisticated platform for both fixed odds and sports spread betting.
In this comparison, we’ve determined two leading sports spread betting companies. Our research is designed to provide you with an in-depth look at each platform’s unique features, range of sports available for spread betting, and regulatory frameworks. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a beginner, this comparison aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions in the world of sports spread betting.
The top two sports betting companies are both FCA-regulated in the UK:
1. Spreadex – Best Spread Betting Platform OverallSpreadex is a name that stands out for its versatility and robust offerings. Founded in 1999, this UK-based firm has carved a niche for itself by offering both sports spread betting and fixed odds betting. It’s also one of the top spread betting companies.
Spreadex Sportsbook
Spreadex offers an extensive range of sports, including:
| Horse racing | Football | American football |
| Australian Rules | Baseball | Basketball |
| Boxing | Cricket | E-sports |
| Golf | Greyhound racing | Handball |
| Ice hockey | Motor racing | Politics |
| Rugby league | Rugby union | Snooker |
| Casino | Tennis | UFC |
One of the standout features of Spreadex’s sports spread betting platform is its excellent range of betting options. You have a selection of over 20+ sports you can spread bet on, and they offer both pre-game and in-game spread bet opportunities on a range of markets for you to take advantage of.
Spreadex also offers a fascinating choice of virtual sports betting options that provide a fast-paced and engaging alternative to traditional sports betting. With virtual sports betting, you are actually betting based on a virtual game of the sport, such as football or tennis. Additionally, Spreadex offers ‘Specials’ like betting on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, adding an extra layer of excitement and variety to your betting portfolio.
Virtual Games
Spreadex’s virtual games bring an innovative angle to the conventional spread betting landscape, offering a computerised setting to engage in spread betting across many scenarios. These virtual games allow you to spread bet on the outcomes of a variety of popular sports such as football, horse racing, greyhounds, badminton, motor racing and table tennis. Just like in traditional sports spread betting, you can ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ based on a predicted range for a specific event.
Spread Betting Platform
Spreadex’s platform offers a user-friendly experience when it comes to spread betting. What truly sets it apart is its handy features tailored for sports spread betting, including a one-click and partial cash-out feature. The platform also offers sports stats and analysis to help you make more informed bets.
The fast execution ensures that your bets are placed in real-time, giving you the edge in fast-paced markets. Spreadex also offers live alerts specifically for sports spread betting, available via text, push, or email, so you’ll be notified of every action that may affect your spread bet. These alerts can be particularly useful for monitoring markets like horse racing or football, where odds can change in the blink of an eye.
How to Open a Sports Spread Betting Account
New customers can easily open a spread betting account. Simply fill in their online application form, select your type of betting (i.e. sports or financial spread betting), read the T&Cs, await email confirmation, and you’re good to go—ready to enter bet slips instantly.
New Customer Offers
Spreadex offers various promotions to new accounts, including a cash-back scheme where you can earn up to £300 cash back on selected qualifying spread bets within your first 28 days. Alternatively, if you stake £300 or above, you can receive an iPad instead of the cash back.
Additionally, they offer an ‘Acca Boost’ that can increase your accumulator winnings by up to 75%. If you refer a friend, you can also benefit from their ‘Refer and Earn’ scheme. They even offer ‘2nd to a Rag’ insurance, giving you money back as a free bet if your horse finishes second to a 33/1 or greater winner.
Financial Trading
Spreadex also offers access to a comprehensive financial trading platform and a wide range of markets. You can trade forex, shares, indices, commodities, and more via spread bets, CFDs, or options.
Regulation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorises and regulates the platform for its spread betting services, adding a layer of credibility and security for traders and bettors alike.
In addition to its FCA regulation, Spreadex is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission in Great Britain for its fixed odds and casino offering.
Spreadex – Best Sports Spread Betting Platform
Spreadex excels as the best broker with an excellent choice of spread betting markets and innovative features. Regulated by the FCA and the Gambling Commission, it assures a secure and credible betting experience, making it the best choice for sports spread betting overall.
2. Sporting Index – Best Spread Betting Beginner BrokerSporting Index has established itself as the premier broker for beginners venturing into sports spread betting.
With a rich history spanning nearly 30 years, this UK-based broker has continually evolved to keep pace with technological advancements. But it’s not just their longevity and adaptability that makes them a top choice for newcomers; it’s also their extensive range of sports offerings.
From American Football and Australian Rules to Boxing and Cricket, and even niche sports like Snooker and Cycling, Sporting Index provides a comprehensive selection that caters to a wide array of interests.
| American Football | Australian Rules |
| Baseball | Basketball |
| Boxing | Cricket |
| Cycling | Football |
| Golf | Motor Racing |
| Rugby League | Rugby Union |
| Snooker | Tennis |
Football Spread Betting
Sporting Index provides access to a wide range of markets for football spread betting, ensuring there’s something for every type of punter with 200 pre-match markets and 150 in-play betting markets. Among the most popular are Total Goals, where you bet on the aggregate number of goals scored in a match, and Match Supremacy, which involves predicting the goal difference between the two teams.
Booking Points is another fan-favourite, allowing you to bet on the total number of yellow and red cards issued. Corner markets, such as Total Corners and Corner Supremacy, are also highly sought after, along with Shirt Numbers. Lastly, Total Points allows you to bet on the number of goals a team will achieve in a season. These popular markets add an extra layer of excitement and strategy to your football spread betting experience.
Trading Platform
Sporting Index has pioneered the spread betting industry, and its trading platform reflects this legacy. The platform is designed for both new and experienced traders, offering a range of features that enhance the spread betting experience.
One of the standout features is the mobile app, available for both iOS and Android users, which offers the same functionality as the desktop site but is optimised for on-the-go trading. The app allows for fingerprint log-ins and face IDs for iOS users, making it quick and secure.
The platform is user-friendly, with easy navigation that guides you to the most popular sports or in-play options. Additionally, Sporting Index offers a ‘stop loss account,’ which automatically applies a stop loss to each wager, a feature particularly useful for beginners.
Live Betting Options
Sporting Index elevates the live betting experience by offering in-play options. You can engage with various features like cash-out services, allowing you to take either a part or your entire bet back before the end of sporting events.
They also offer fast markets, which let you place bets predicting outcomes for the next few minutes. The platform provides a live score feature which is a visual representation of a match that includes fouls, goals, free kicks, and more, enabling you to make informed bets as the action unfolds.
Education for Beginners
Sporting Index goes above and beyond to educate its users, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of sports spread betting. Their training centre is a treasure trove of resources designed to cater to all experience levels. The comprehensive training centre covers the basics of spread betting, risk management, and advanced trading strategies.
It’s not just about reading materials; the platform also offers interactive tutorials and real-time market analysis to help you understand the dynamics of spread betting. The educational portal serves as an invaluable resource for beginners looking to understand the fundamentals.
Regulation
Sporting Index is regulated by both the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). These dual layers of regulation ensure that the broker adheres to the highest standards of transparency, security, and fairness.
Sporting Index – Sports Spread Betting Platform for Beginners
Sporting Index stands out as a top broker for beginners in sports spread betting. With dual regulation from the FCA and UKGC, a comprehensive range of spread betting markets, and an educational portal, it offers a secure and enriching experience for newcomers.
There is a range of benefits with sports spread betting that will appeal to punters of all kinds. Firstly, sporting spread betting offers a higher profit potential if you are accurate with your bets. It has a wider range of sports markets to choose from, with unique markets that are not offered with fixed odds markets like player performance markets in football. Finally, you have greater control over your bets, allowing you to cut your losses or take your profits earlier.
The key risk to sports spread betting is that you can lose multiples of your stake amount. If you bet on a Manchester City to win at 75 at £1 stake, and they lost. You will end up losing £75, making it a considerable loss compared with fixed odds where you would just lose the £1 stake. Another risk, primarily for beginners, is that there is a buy and sell price for each market, and if you mistakenly click the wrong one without realising, you could lose a lot of money.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) serve as key regulatory bodies in the United Kingdom, each with its own set of responsibilities. The UKGC oversees all gambling activities, ensuring that operations are conducted fairly, transparently, and free from criminal activities.
This includes regulating sports spread betting firms to ensure they adhere to strict standards of practice and administrating the BeGambleAware website. On the other hand, the FCA is responsible for regulating financial markets and protecting consumers. It sets the rules that sports spread betting firms must follow when offering financial products. Both agencies work to ensure that your betting experience is secure, fair, and transparent, providing an extra layer of credibility and safety.
In the UK, spread betting is a popular form of wagering with two main flavours: Sports and Financial.
Sports Spread Betting involves betting on the variability of outcomes in a sporting event, such as the number of goals in a football match or runs in a cricket game. The bookmaker sets a ‘spread,’ and your gains or losses depend on how much the result deviates from this spread. Financial Spread Betting is about speculating on the price movements of financial markets, like stocks, forex, or commodities. Here, you bet on whether the asset’s price will rise or fall without owning the asset itself.
Both forms focus on variable outcomes, but while Sports Spread Betting is rooted in game dynamics, Financial Spread Betting is driven by market volatility. They also require separate betting accounts, which is why we have a separate page for the best financial spread betting platforms.
Here are quick tips to help you with spread betting on sports:
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