Virtual betting apps allow UK users to place bets on computer generated sporting events through licensed betting apps. These events are designed to simulate real sports such as football, horse racing, and greyhound racing, with outcomes determined by random number generation rather than live participants. Virtual betting is available throughout the day, with events scheduled at regular intervals.
Unlike live sports betting, virtual betting does not rely on real world fixtures or player availability. This makes virtual betting a consistent option for users who want access to betting markets outside of live sporting schedules. Despite these differences, virtual betting apps operate under the same UK regulatory framework as other betting apps.
All virtual betting apps available in the UK must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This ensures that virtual betting products meet regulatory standards covering fairness, player protection, and responsible gambling tools. This page explains how virtual betting apps work, the virtual sports commonly offered, and how regulation applies to simulated betting markets.
Best Virtual Betting Apps in the UK
Several UK licensed betting apps provide access to virtual betting markets alongside live sports and other betting options. While all licensed apps operate under the same regulatory framework, the availability of virtual sports and market depth can vary between bookmakers. Some apps focus on a small number of virtual sports, while others offer broader simulated coverage throughout the day.
The betting apps listed below are commonly used by UK users for virtual betting due to their consistent availability of virtual events and clear presentation of markets.
bet365
The bet365 app offers virtual betting across selected simulated sports, with virtual football and virtual racing typically available. Markets are presented in a structured format with clear event schedules, allowing users to place bets on frequent virtual fixtures alongside live sports markets.
William Hill
William Hill provides virtual betting through its mobile app, with coverage often centred on virtual football and virtual horse racing. The app lists virtual events separately from live sports, making it easy for users to distinguish between simulated and real world betting markets.
Betfred
The Betfred app includes virtual betting options that focus on regularly scheduled simulated events. Markets are generally straightforward, with emphasis on match or race outcomes rather than complex betting combinations.
Betway
Betway offers virtual betting on selected sports through its mobile app, with availability typically aligned to popular virtual formats. Virtual markets are displayed clearly within the betting menu, allowing users to access upcoming events and place bets quickly.
LiveScore Bet
LiveScore Bet provides access to virtual betting markets within its mobile app, combining fixture style listings with betting options for simulated events. Virtual sports are labelled clearly to differentiate them from live matches and competitions.
Swifty Sports
Swifty Sports supports virtual betting for selected simulated sports, focusing on simple markets and frequent event scheduling. The app’s streamlined layout allows users to locate virtual betting options without navigating complex menus.
betTOM
The betTOM app includes virtual betting for a limited range of simulated sports. Virtual events are listed alongside other betting options, with markets structured around basic outcomes and clear settlement rules.
All virtual betting apps listed above operate under UK Gambling Commission licences. The range of virtual sports, event frequency, and available markets can differ between bookmakers, so users may notice variations in how virtual betting is presented across different betting apps.
What Are Virtual Betting Apps
Virtual betting apps are mobile betting apps that provide access to simulated sports events generated by computer software. These events are created using random number generators, which produce outcomes based on predefined statistical models rather than live sporting action.
Within virtual betting apps, users can view scheduled virtual fixtures that replicate the structure of real sports competitions. Matches and races are run at frequent intervals, often every few minutes, allowing users to place bets throughout the day. Betting markets are available before each event begins and may remain open during the event, depending on the sport and market type.
Virtual betting differs from esports betting and traditional sports betting in that no human participants are involved. Instead, outcomes are generated instantly once an event is completed and results are confirmed by the betting app. These results are then used to settle bets in line with the market rules displayed within the app.
How Virtual Betting Apps Work
Virtual betting apps follow a structured process similar to other UK betting apps, with specific adjustments to support simulated events. Users access virtual betting markets through a mobile app provided by a licensed bookmaker, where virtual sports are listed alongside live sports and other betting options.
The process begins with account registration and identity verification, which is required before placing bets. Once logged in, users can select a virtual sport, review upcoming virtual fixtures, and choose from available betting markets. Bets are placed by selecting an outcome and confirming a stake before the event starts.
Typical Virtual Betting Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Account setup | Register and complete identity checks |
| Select virtual sport | Choose a simulated sport such as virtual football |
| Choose event | View scheduled virtual matches or races |
| Select market | Pick a betting market and outcome |
| Place bet | Confirm stake before the event begins |
| Settlement | Bets settle immediately after results are generated |
Because virtual events are computer generated, results are produced quickly and bets are settled shortly after each event finishes. Betting apps display market rules and event timings clearly, allowing users to understand how virtual betting operates within a regulated UK environment.
Virtual Betting Markets Available
Virtual betting apps offer a range of betting markets that are designed to reflect the structure of the simulated sport being offered. These markets are similar to those found in live sports betting but are adapted for shorter event durations and computer generated outcomes. Market availability can vary depending on the virtual sport and the bookmaker.
Most virtual betting markets are available before an event starts, with some remaining open during the event itself. Because virtual events are completed quickly, market rules and settlement conditions are clearly defined within the betting app.
Common Virtual Betting Markets
| Market Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Match winner | Bet on which team wins a virtual match |
| Correct score | Predict the final score of a virtual match |
| Over under markets | Bet on total goals or points |
| Race winner | Select the winning runner in virtual races |
| Forecast markets | Predict the first two finishers in order |
These markets are settled using the official result generated by the virtual event software.
Virtual betting markets are designed to provide straightforward betting options rather than complex combinations. This approach helps users understand how bets are settled and how outcomes are determined within simulated sporting events offered by UK licensed betting apps.
Live Virtual Betting Explained
Live virtual betting allows users to place bets on simulated sporting events while they are in progress. Although virtual events are computer generated, live style betting works in a similar way to in play betting on real sports, with markets updating as the event unfolds. Because virtual events are short in duration, live betting opportunities are limited to specific phases of each match or race.
Virtual betting apps manage live markets carefully to ensure outcomes remain fair and clearly defined. Odds may update at set intervals, and markets can be temporarily suspended during key moments before reopening once the event progresses or concludes.
How Live Virtual Betting Works
| Aspect | How It Operates |
|---|---|
| Event duration | Short events lasting a few minutes |
| Odds updates | Adjust at predefined stages |
| Market suspensions | Temporary pauses during critical moments |
| Settlement | Bets settle immediately after results are generated |
These controls help ensure that live virtual betting markets remain transparent and consistent across events.
Live virtual betting differs from live sports betting because outcomes are generated by software rather than live action. As a result, betting apps clearly label virtual events and explain market rules within the app, allowing users to understand how live style betting functions within simulated sporting environments offered by UK licensed betting apps.
Payments and Withdrawals on Virtual Betting Apps
Virtual betting apps use the same payment and withdrawal systems as other UK betting apps. Deposits and withdrawals are processed through standard payment methods, with transactions subject to identity checks and security controls required under UK regulation. Because virtual betting events settle quickly, winnings are usually available for withdrawal shortly after an event finishes.
Payment options and processing times can vary between bookmakers, but the overall process remains consistent across UK licensed betting apps. Users must complete identity verification before withdrawals are approved, and some payment methods require funds to be returned to the original deposit source.
Common Payment Methods on Virtual Betting Apps
| Payment Method | Deposit Speed | Typical Withdrawal Time |
|---|---|---|
| Debit card | Instant | 1 to 3 days |
| E wallets | Instant | Same day to 24 hours |
| Bank transfer | 1 to 2 days | 1 to 5 working days |
Virtual betting apps display payment terms within the app, allowing users to review deposit limits, minimum withdrawal amounts, and processing expectations.
Payment Considerations for Virtual Betting
When using virtual betting apps, users should be aware of the following points:
- Withdrawals are only available once bets have settled
- Identity verification must be completed before withdrawals
- Withdrawal limits and processing times may vary by payment method
- Some payment methods do not support withdrawals
Understanding how payments and withdrawals work helps users manage their funds effectively when using virtual betting apps alongside other betting markets offered by UK licensed bookmakers.
Are Virtual Betting Apps Safe in the UK?
Virtual betting apps are considered safe for UK users when they are operated by bookmakers licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. The same regulatory standards that apply to live sports betting also apply to virtual betting, ensuring that simulated events are offered fairly and transparently.
UK licensed betting apps must meet strict requirements covering player protection, data security, and responsible gambling. For virtual betting, this includes oversight of how simulated outcomes are generated and how betting markets are settled. Random number generation software used to create virtual events is subject to independent testing and certification to ensure fairness.
Safety and Regulation Requirements for Virtual Betting Apps
| Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| UKGC licensing | Confirms legal operation and regulatory oversight |
| RNG certification | Ensures virtual outcomes are fair and unbiased |
| Age verification | Confirms users are aged 18 or over |
| Fund protection | Separates player funds from operating accounts |
These requirements apply to all UK licensed betting apps offering virtual betting markets.
Player Protection on Virtual Betting Apps
Virtual betting apps must also provide responsible gambling tools that allow users to manage their betting activity, including:
- Deposit limits
- Time out and cooling off options
- Self exclusion through national schemes
- Access to account history and spending records
By operating under UK Gambling Commission rules, virtual betting apps provide a regulated environment where users can access simulated betting markets with consistent protections and clear standards across the UK betting market.
Virtual Betting Apps Compared to Live Sports Betting
Virtual betting apps and live sports betting apps operate within the same UK regulatory framework, but they differ significantly in how events are created, scheduled, and settled. Understanding these differences helps users decide how virtual betting fits alongside traditional sports betting within UK licensed betting apps.
Live sports betting relies on real world sporting events, with outcomes determined by live action and external factors such as player availability and match conditions. Virtual betting uses computer generated events, with outcomes produced by certified random number generation software rather than live participants.
Key Differences Between Virtual and Live Sports Betting
| Aspect | Virtual Betting Apps | Live Sports Betting Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Event generation | Computer generated simulated events | Real world sporting events |
| Event scheduling | Fixed, frequent schedules | Dependent on real fixtures |
| Outcome determination | RNG based results | Match play and statistics |
| Event duration | Short events lasting minutes | Matches lasting full game length |
| Settlement speed | Immediate after event ends | After official match completion |
Because virtual events are not affected by external factors, betting markets are more consistent in structure and availability. Live sports betting offers greater variety in markets and betting depth, while virtual betting provides frequent events and predictable scheduling.
Both forms of betting are offered through UK licensed betting apps and include the same payment systems and responsible gambling tools. Users can move between virtual betting and live sports betting within the same app, depending on personal preference and event availability.
Conclusion
Virtual betting apps provide UK users with access to simulated sporting events through licensed betting apps operating under UK regulation. These apps offer frequent betting opportunities on computer generated sports, with outcomes determined by certified random number generation software rather than live action.
While virtual betting differs from live sports betting in how events are created and settled, it follows the same regulatory standards for safety, fairness, and player protection. Payment methods, withdrawal processes, and responsible gambling tools are consistent with those used across other UK betting apps.
By understanding how virtual betting apps work, the types of virtual sports and markets available, and how regulation applies, users can make informed decisions about how virtual betting fits alongside live sports betting within the UK betting market.