Live Sports Streaming Sites – Guide To Streaming Sports Live
Live sports streaming is extremely popular in the UK and around the world. As such, there is a huge range of platforms offering live streaming services. These platforms include online betting sites, TV channels, and TV subscription services. But which ones are the best? We’re here to help. In this article, we have described how to pick the best streaming service for you and the top picks currently available.
Best Betting Sites Offering Live Streaming Services
There are three types of online betting sites that offer live-streaming services. The first only requires users to have an active account with the site; once the account is verified, the player will be able to stream the offered streaming markets. The second type simply requires users to have a positive account balance or to have deposited within the last 24 hours. Finally, the third type requires bettors to deposit money on the specific market/event they wish to do.
Active Account
1. William Hill – Live streaming is available to active logged-in users.
2. Pub Casino Sports – Players only need to be logged in to access streaming.
3. Tote – Streaming is available for any horse racing market; players only need to have made a deposit once.
4. SkyBet – Watch sports for free without having to place a bet; you only need to be logged in.
5. Planet Sport Bet – Login and all live streams can be accessed by clicking the ‘watch live’ tab next to the race you want to view (£1 deposit for Irish racing).
- User-friendly interface and mobile app.
- Extensive range of sports and betting markets.
- Robust security measures and fair gaming practices.
Positive Account Balance
1. Betano – You need to have a positive account balance or have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to stream.
2. Betfred – All sports markets are free to watch, but you must be logged in and have a minimum account balance of £1.
3. BetVictor – You must have a positive account balance or have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to stream.
4. Fitzdares – Players must be logged in, but the minimum total stake to access streaming will vary.
5. Parimatch – Users need to have a positive account balance or to have deposited in the last 24 hours.
6. Spreadex – Customers must have a positive account balance to watch any available horse racing streaming event
7. 10bet – Users need to find the play icon and have an account balance of £1 or more.
8. bet365 – Streaming available on any market with a play icon. Users must have a funded account or have deposited in the last 24 hours.
- Extensive range of betting options
- User-friendly interface
- Attractive bonuses and promotions
Deposit on the Market
1. QuinnBet – Customers need to find the TV icon and place a wager on their chosen market.
2. AK Bets – You must be logged in and have deposited on the market (horse racing and greyhound racing only).
3. Betway – Horse racing only, and availability changes on a race-by-race basis. Users must deposit a minimum £2 single bet or £1 each-way bet on the race they want to view.
- Fantastic promotions
- Free bets available
- Easy deposits and withdrawals
Top UK Sports Streaming Services
A vast range of online streaming services is available for sports in the UK; below, we have listed some of the best currently available. This list includes subscription and free services from a range of prices.
Service: | Type: | Price: |
Sky Sports | Subscription (24M contract) | £22 Per Month |
TNT Sports | Subscription (24M contract) | £20 – £25 Per Month |
Now TV | Subscription | £4.99 Per Month |
Discover Plus | Subscription | £3.99 – £30.99 Per Month |
Premier Sports | Subscription | £9.99 – £30 Per Month |
Amazon Prime Video | Subscription | £8.99 Per Month |
BBC iPlayer | Free | N/A |
ITV Hub | Free | N/A |
Channel 4 | Free | N/A |
Best International Sport Live Streaming Services
Service: | Type: | Price: |
ESPN Player | Subscription | $10.99 Per Month |
DAZN (Available in UK) | Subscription (12M contract) | £9.99 Per Month |
FuboTV | Subscripton | $32.99 – $99.99 Per Month |
Features that Make the Best Live Streaming Services
With so many live streaming services available in the UK, it is hard to determine which is best for you. Below, we have listed some of the key criteria you should consider when signing up for a streaming service.
Sports Coverage
The first thing to do when deciding whether or not to sign up for a sports streaming service is to check the number of sports covered. We always say the more, the merrier. Of course, it is essential to check if they offer streaming for your favourite sports, but why not look for something you wouldn’t usually watch as well? Subscription streaming services will tend to have more sports than free ones, and these will likely have more than betting sites, but note that this is a trend, not a rule.
Streaming Quality
One of the most important aspects to check is the streaming quality offered by the service. The last thing you want is a slow service with poor quality graphics. Of course, some factors will affect the quality, which is not controlled by the platform, such as poor internet connection, low storage, or apps/devices that have not been updated recently. Readers should look for services which offer 4K and HD streaming.
Below, we have provided the best sports betting sites currently offering live-streaming services. These services will either be provided to users who have created an account with the site or to users who have created an account and made a deposit on the event they wish to watch. Clarification on this can be found in each site’s terms and conditions.
Cost/ Value For Money
There are three types of sports streaming platforms: subscription, free, and betting sites. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages that affect its value. Free services, although they do not require you to spend any money, often do not offer as many sports or will only stream large events such as the Premier League or Wimbledon.
Two types of betting sites offer streaming services. The first will allow you to stream just by having an account, while others will require you to make a minimum deposit on this event to watch it. These do not offer as many sports as subscription platforms, but they do tend to offer more than free services.
Finally, subscription-based streaming sites/services will provide the largest range of sports, including niche markets (some will offer more than others). Of course, these cost the most money, which is why it is important to compare them.
Mobile Compatibility
As great as streaming on a large screen (TVs and Computers) is, sometimes you want to watch your favourite sports on the go. As such, we recommend checking to see if the platform also offers its services on mobile or smaller screens via mobile-compatible sites or a dedicated app that can be downloaded on any device. Examples include All 4 (free), Sky Go (subscription), and bet365. Find the best betting apps here.
User Experience
Using your chosen streaming platform should be simple and enjoyable, which is why the user experience offered should be considered. Users should be able to find everything they need quickly and easily with as little effort as possible. Customers should also be able to access their account and manage it without stress. This experience should be carried over on all platforms offered by the system.
Ways to Boost Your Live Streaming Experience
Live-streaming your favourite sports is fun and exciting, but how do you get the best possible experience while utilising these services? We’re here to help; below are our top tips for improving your live-streaming experience.
- Internet Connection: Ensure that you have a stable and secure internet connection. If you do not, you will likely experience lag and poor graphics, which may cause you to miss exciting moments or have a less enjoyable experience.
- Regularly Update: When using streaming apps or streaming on your laptop, phone, tablet or computer, it is essential to update them regularly. This should avoid issues like buffering, low resolution, and audio issues.
- Clear Your Cache: If the problem(s) persist after you find a strong internet connection and update your app or device, we recommend clearing your cache. A cache is a temporary storage area that will store data you may need in the future. By clearing this, you free up storage space and hopefully improve your experience.
- Enhance Video Quality: While using a live-streaming app, you should be able to adjust the streaming settings; when doing this, you can change the visuals. HD or 4K will offer the best visual experience.
Best Sports Markets to Live Stream
There is a vast range of sports available for streaming, but what are the best ones to get you started on your live streaming journey? Below, we have listed the most exciting sports to watch.
Football
Football is probably the most streamed sport not only in the UK but across the world. There are so many football events and leagues that there is almost always some football match to bet on. Customers at the top live streaming sites/platforms can find a range of domestic, European and International leagues, including Premier League, Champions League, World Cup, Euros, and many more.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is another widely popular sport in the UK. With events happening all the time, it is no wonder that most live streaming services offer horse racing coverage. Popular horse racing events include Royal Ascot, Goodwood, The Grand National, and the Cheltenham Festival. Horse Racing takes place year round. Check out our review for more information on where to watch horse racing.
Boxing
Boxing is a contact sport which is watched by millions across the UK. The sport has various leagues, including the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO, which offer competitions for both men and women. On top of this, there are various weight groups within these competitions: heavyweight, light heavyweight, super middleweight, middleweight (& jr), welterweight (& jr), lightweight (& jr), featherweight (& jr), bantamweight (& jr), flyweight (& jr), strawweight, and atomweight.
Tennis
Profressional tennis events take place year round so there is almost always a tennis event being shown at the top live streaming services. Some of these events will require you to sign up for an international streaming service to watch. The top tennis events include Wimbledon, The Australian Open, The French Open, The US Open, and Rothesay International.
Live Streaming Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best site for live-streaming sports?
Many betting sites offer live streaming, but our top pick is bet365.
Do I have to pay to stream sports live?
This will depend on your streaming service; some will require you to pay a subscription, and others will allow you to stream for free. The same goes for betting sites; some will require you to deposit, and others won’t.
Can I place bets on live sports events?
Many online betting sites allow you to place bets on live sports, known as in-play betting.
What is the best free streaming service in the UK?
This will depend on personal preferences, but our experts enjoy using it when looking for a subscription service. We prefer Sky Sports. We like BBC iPlayer for free streaming, and our favourite live-streaming betting site is bet365.