One of the most exciting features of modern sportsbooks is the sheer variety of betting markets. The days of simple “win, lose, or draw” are long gone. Today, the best top 20 betting sites uk free offer hundreds of markets per event, catering to all types of bettors—from beginners to pros.

This guide walks you through the most popular betting markets you'll find on UK platforms, along with advanced options and helpful tips to use them effectively.

Classic Markets Every Bettor Should Know

These are the staples of most sportsbooks and are easy to understand, making them ideal for newcomers.

• Match Winner: Bet on which team or player will win

• Over/Under Goals or Points: Wager whether the total score will be above or below a certain number

• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Common in football; you win if both teams score at least once

• Correct Score: Predict the exact score at full time

Almost all betting sites UK support these markets with competitive odds and in-play versions.

In-Play and Live Betting Markets

Live betting has revolutionized how punters engage with sports. You can place wagers as the action unfolds, with odds that change in real time.

Popular live betting options include:

• Next Goal Scorer

• Next Team to Score

• Next Corner or Card

• Live Asian Handicap

• Minute-by-minute props

These markets are a hallmark of top betting sites UK, with platforms like Unibet and Bet365 excelling in speed and variety.

Handicap Betting

Handicap markets are great for balancing mismatched games. The favorite gets a "handicap" (e.g., -1 goal), and the underdog gets a head start (e.g., +1 goal).

This evens the odds and often improves returns if you think a favorite will win by a wide margin.

Variants include:

• Asian Handicap: Eliminates the draw as a betting option

• European Handicap: Allows for draw results and three outcomes

Player and Team Props

Props are bets on specific outcomes within a game, unrelated to the final score.

Common prop bets:

• Player to Score First

• Number of Assists

• Goalkeeper Saves

• Team Shots on Target

These are growing rapidly in popularity, especially among football and basketball bettors. The best betting sites UK update these markets dynamically and often offer stat trackers alongside.

Combo Bets and Bet Builders

Combo bets let you combine multiple picks into a single wager. A “bet builder” tool gives you control over creating custom combinations, such as:

"Harry Kane to score + Tottenham to win + Over 2.5 goals"

These are available on most major matches and are a signature feature of advanced betting sites UK like Sky Bet and Paddy Power.

Outright and Futures Markets

These are long-term bets placed on tournament winners, league champions, or season-long performance.

Popular futures markets:

• Premier League Winner

• Top Goal Scorer

• Grand Slam Champions

• F1 World Title Odds

You’ll often find enhanced odds and bonuses on outrights, especially before the season starts.

Specials and Novelty Bets

For fun or alternative betting, many UK bookies offer "specials" like:

• Political outcomes

• TV show results (e.g., reality TV winners)

• Weather or awards predictions

These markets are exclusive to betting sites UK with broader entertainment offerings and cater to casual players.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're betting on the Champions League final or a Tuesday night darts match, understanding your market options gives you more control and creativity. The leading betting sites UK offer unmatched variety, updated odds, and interactive features across hundreds of markets—ensuring there’s always something for every type of bettor.