Sportingbet

Founded by Mark Blanford in 1998 with the launch of the Sportingbet.com web site, Sportingbet ranks among the world’s best known online gaming operators. The company has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2001 and now serves more than two million customers in 30 markets across Europe, Australia, Canada, South America and South Africa.

As an online sports betting operator, Sportingbet operates web sites in 21 languages, reaching 26 countries and accepting wagers in 20 currencies. English is the primary language used and betting is denominated mainly in U.K. Pounds and/or Euros. Every day, over 8,000 different betting opportunities are offered.

Powering the Sportingbet web site is a compendium of software developed by Ash Gaming, Betsoft, Boolabus, CryptoLogic, CTXM, Enetpulse, Entraction, Evolution Gaming, GameAccount, GTS, GTECH G2, ISWI, NetEnt and OpenBet. All of the applications are licensed in Alderney as well as Antigua and Barbuda, and no download is required in order to make a wager.

A wide variety of sports are offered for betting. They include Athletics, Boxing, Cricket, Darts, Euro Basketball, Football (Soccer), Futsal, Golf, Handball, Ice Hockey, MMA, Poker, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Snooker, Tennis and Volleyball. Racing events are also covered, such as Cycling, Greyhounds, Horse Racing and Motor Sports, as are North American favourites, including Baseball, NHL Hockey, U.S. Basketball and U.S. Football. Political betting is offered, too.

One of the most attractive features of Sportingbet is its extensive menu of “in:play” markets. Both Flash version and downloadable versions of the in:play application are available. Listed on the calendar are opportunities for in-running wagering on live Tennis, Football, Rugby, Basketball, Cricket, Cycling, Baseball and Horse Racing.

Mobile phone users, including owners of iPhone and Android units, can bet directly from their portable devices. All that required to activate is a request for an SMS with a direct link to access Sportingbet Mobile. In fact, as an introduction to the service, customers placing their first mobile bet of £5 automatically receive a £5 Free Bet in appreciation for giving it a try.

Those who do not currently have a Sportingbet account can obtain one within a matter of minutes by clicking on the “Open An Account” link at the top right of the homepage and then completing the pop-up registration form. Although Sportingbet does not accept players who are located in the United States, residents of virtually all other countries are welcome to sign up and receive up to £100 in Free Bets for doing so.

The £100 in Free Bets is available to any new customer who makes a first deposit of at least £10. Each of the first four qualifying bets made thereafter are rewarded with a matching Free Bet of up to £25. All four qualifying bets must be placed within 30 days of registration at odds of 1.5 or greater on singles or odds of 1.3 or greater per selection on doubles, trebles or 4-folds. Free bets are paid out within 48 hours of qualification and become void if not used within seven days of receipt. Other restrictions apply.

Funding an account with Sportingbet certainly presents no problem. Numerous methods are available for both deposits and withdrawals, including Bank Wire Transfer, Cashier’s Check, Check/Cheque, Click2Pay, Moneybookers, Neteller, Visa, and Visa Debit. For deposits only, transactions can be made via Laser, Maestro, MasterCard, MoneyGram, PaySafeCard and Solo.

Apart from in:play sports betting and competitive odds, another reason to wager at Sportingbet is its award-winning customer service. Clicking on the Help and Support links opens a window with FAQs for all of the most desired Help categories, from account information and payments instructions to betting rules and promotions. Freephone access is available in many countries, and Live Help is offered round the clock via Chat from the web site.