Favourite sports: Football, rugby league, rugby union
Experiences:
Favourite sports: Football, rugby league, rugby union
From the moment my career journey began, I was determined to do things differently. I felt stifled by the “rules” I had to follow, the set ways that things should be. While I enjoyed writing about betting and online gaming, and especially enjoyed being able to indulge my love of sports while doing so, the conventional nature of the work chafed from day one.
With PlayersBest.com, I am achieving my ultimate career goal: finding a way to innovate and do something that distinguishes itself from the crowd, while still managing to deliver outstanding articles that greatly enhance the betting experience of our readers. Taking the lead from my counterparts on the Canadian and German versions of PlayersBest.com, the UK site is now taking to the skies. With my established background writing professionally about betting combined with my enthusiasm for the site to guide me, I am confident I will be able to steer the good ship PlayersBest.com through the gambling galaxy and offer value and expertise to those who need it as we travel. I hope you will consider joining me, and PlayersBest.com’s outstanding staff, on that journey.
Commander Dan Thacker is an experienced sports betting and casino writer, who is now the Commander of PlayersBest.com and serves as its prime Communications Officer.
Traversing the universe of seemingly infinite sportsbook choices, you might find yourself utterly clueless with where to begin. The entire team here at Playersbest has come together to ensure you will find all the details you need to make this vital decision. There are many factors you want to make sure of before you set out on your space-bound journey to a new sportsbook. Our sportsbook comparison is the most comprehensive in the cosmos and will have you finding which bookmaker is best in no time!
The important questions to consider are: what should you be looking out for? How secure is the bookmaker? What steps can be taken to narrow down the best sportsbook? What sports are covered by the specific sportsbook? The answers to these questions take time and we have given an interstellar effort to answer them for you. Our bookmaker test ensures that you are able to venture into the cosmos of sportsbooks with all the knowledge that you need. If you’re just looking at getting started with the betting scene, head to our homepage to start off with the basics, otherwise keep reading as we enter the orbit of our bookmaker comparison.
18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply
New UK & NI customers only. Promo code SPORTS60. Deposit and place first sports bet of £10+ in one transaction, at odds of Evens (2.0)+, settled within 7 days. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets credited within 48 hours of bet settlement. 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS validation may be required. Max 60 Free Spins on Justice League Comics. 7-day expiry. Full T&Cs apply.
New customers only. Min. Deposit £5. Bet credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Funded account required, or have placed a bet within 24 hours. 18+ Geo restrictions apply.
New customers only • Promotion valid until March 16th, 2021 • 18+ • Min deposit of £/€/$10 with promo code CHEL40 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 on Horse racing• Min odds 1.50 • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet placement and on the 16th March 2021 and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Restrictions apply to withdrawals, payment methods, and countries. Full T&Cs apply
New customers only. Age 18+. Located in the United Kingdom. £15 risk-free sports bet and £15 in free spins. £30 minimum qualifying bet. Begamblaware. T&Cs apply.
Sport Welcome Offer - 18+ | UK new customers only | KYC verified | Min bet £20 | Max £10 Free Bet | Min Odds 7/10 | | T&Cs Apply | General Promo Terms Apply | - Casino Welcome Bonus - 18+ | KYC verified | New UK players only | Min deposit £10 | 100% bonus up to £150 + 15 Free Spins on Book of Dead spin value=£0.10 | Min 35x wagering | Skrill & Neteller deposits Excluded | Bonus & Free Spins Valid for 30 days | T&Cs apply | General Promotions Terms Apply
If you’ve just arrived from the Lab, then you are certainly at the right place to start considering signing up with a sportsbook. The comparison will allow you to put your new-found knowledge to use and kick off your punting career. Anyone looking to brace the galaxy of online betting can make use of the comparison, thorough research and careful consideration of the available offers are two cornerstones of any successful punter. Our sportsbook comparison will have something for everybody, from the newbie looking to break on to the scene to the seasoned veteran looking at another big season. It is also difficult to know which bookmaker is best in terms of the bonuses they offer, that is why our bonus comparison tool is intended to be used alongside this comparison. A serious bookmaker may be among the top of this comparison but find themselves falling short in the bonus department.
For all the new punters, our sportsbook comparison will ease you into your initial venture into online gambling. With our sportsbook comparison, you will begin to understand what it is you should be on the lookout for before signing up to a bookmaker. This does not exclude the more experienced sportsbook travellers who have seen more of the bookmaker universe than others. Our bookmaker test is detailed and compiles all the information on the operators in one place so that you don’t need to scour the stars for the data.
18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply
New UK & NI customers only. Promo code SPORTS60. Deposit and place first sports bet of £10+ in one transaction, at odds of Evens (2.0)+, settled within 7 days. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets credited within 48 hours of bet settlement. 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS validation may be required. Max 60 Free Spins on Justice League Comics. 7-day expiry. Full T&Cs apply.
The Essential Checklist Before Lift Off: Ensure Your Destination Is A Safe One
Once you feel comfortable to begin your journey in search of your best bookmaker, ask yourself these questions regarding the decision you are about to make. In a universe of immense possibilities, unfortunately, many of these may have negative consequences. It is important to maintain a level of safety when it comes to any online transaction. How safe an operator is to use contributes significantly to our bookmaker ranking. That is why we have put together a checklist for you to consider before arriving at your location:
Licensing. Making sure that an operator has obtained the necessary licenses before you travel to their location is vital. Doing so ensures that the bookmaker is operating above board and that it is safe and secure for you to use. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) rigorously analyses bookmakers to make sure they pass certain standards. Any bookmaker UK should have obtained their gambling licenses from the UKGC, if not, you may be headed for an asteroid belt full of trouble.
Fair Odds. A top bookmaker will make sure that the odds they have on offer are at the very least, fair. Some operators will provide specials on odds for certain sporting events but usually, you can expect most of them to be about the same. This is perfectly normal. However, offering below-par odds is not illegal and you may come across it with certain bookmakers. We make sure that these operators are visible to you with our sportsbook comparison.
Security Measures. Is the operator you are interested in joining, using any security measures to protect your deposits or data on their site? Your data should be protected by encryption technology to avoid any malicious third parties from getting their hands on it. Furthermore, it is always a good sign if the operator has certificates from eCOGRA which is a London based company that ensures player protection and maintenance of standards within the online gambling scene.
Secure Payment Methods. Having secure, safe and diverse payment options is an important part of making players feel that their deposits and withdrawals are safe. An operator should provide you with a healthy amount of payment options for you to make your deposits. Furthermore, these transactions should also be protected by software on the site.
Transparent Terms & Conditions. The operator should be making their terms and conditions easily accessible on the site for you to view. This way you won’t get caught out by any fine print about who can use the site, bonus conditions or payment details.
In the Lab: Testing Our Bookmaker Samples
Our sportsbook comparison is based on the same structure as our individual reviews for each bookmaker. For an in-depth look at how each bookmaker has performed, head to our reviews section of the Lab. The comparison itself offers you a side-by-side look at all bookmakers on the scene. Here are the sections of a bookmaker test that our experts take a look at to determine how each bookie measures up to the next.
Sportsbook Bonuses. Does the operator offer a sportsbook bonus and if so is the bonus worth your time? We make sure to find out whether or not the bookmaker we are analysing offers anything in the form of a promotion, free bet or deposit offer to use on their sportsbook. This is a fantastic way to entice sports betting fanatics to the site. The same thing is done by online casinos, if you have any interest in playing the slots or tables, head to our casino bonus comparison page to see if any of them have an offer of interest.
The Sports On Offer. A good bookmaker will make sure that their sportsbook offer is comprehensive. Having a weak selection of sporting events is a sure-fire way to turn away sports betting fans. As such, we make sure to check up on what sporting events are being offered with our sporting comparison. A top bookmaker should be offering all the major sports, as well as the lesser-known ones too.
Customer Support. A top bookmaker should make sure that it provides excellent customer service to its sports bettors. There is nothing more frustrating than below par customer service. Having your queries answered quickly and fully about any sports-related betting is an important aspect for online bookmakers to fulfil.
Payment Methods. A major factor of a bookmaker ranking is how many secure payment methods they allow on their site. Having a diverse range of payment methods makes funding your account for sports betting that much simpler. Should the bookmaker limit the range of deposit methods, they may well lose potential users who stick to certain payment types.
Live Streaming. At PlayersBest.com, we will always check to see whether or not a bookmaker offers a live streaming feature for users to watch their favourite sports. Sports bettors will always appreciate the opportunity to watch the sport they have wagered on, on the site that they are using. Most bookmakers should have this feature for their sportsbook lovers.
In-Play Betting. Having the option to place bets while a live sporting event is on is another aspect of a bookmaker we look out for. Having this available to sports bettors is a great way to have a more interactive betting experience with a sporting event. It has grown in popularity and to justify being the best sports betting provider, we expect operators to have this feature.
App/Mobile. A mobile app is ideal for a punter on the go. It makes betting on sports that much easier as you can do it anywhere, anytime. Ideally, the mobile version of a site should be capable of fulfilling this need, however, a streamlined app experience is a crucial endeavour that we expect the best online bookmaker to undertake.
Potential Winnings. Bookmakers should allow you the opportunity to win a decent amount off of one bet in a single day. These limits will set the cap for the winnings you can earn during any given day. The limit will vary from bookmaker to bookmaker but we make sure to find out who is offering you the best and the worst.
Odds. We also check to see that a particular bookmaker is offering its users fair odds in comparison to its competitors. This is important for your avid sports bettor, as they will constantly be checking if the odds are in their favour. Our criteria for a quality bookmaker are that these odds are at the very least level with the industry average.
Overall Usability. Lastly, we check to see how easy it is to use the bookmakers’ actual site. Is it easy to navigate? Can I access what I’m looking for? Is the website design easy to look at? We answer all of these questions in our sportsbook comparison to make sure that you are not sucked into a site that is going to be difficult for you to use for sports betting.
Unique Stars in the Betting Universe
At PlayersBest we explore further than your average review and comparison. While many reviews will simply write what a bookmaker offers or what is on the site, we try to inform you about what makes a particular bookmaker unique. In this regard, you get a better feel for what sets that particular bookmaker apart from the rest in the industry. Having a unique feature to their site goes a long way to being considered for our sports betting awards. With that being said, we have put together a few examples of what we mean and how we analyse what makes certain bookmakers unique.
888Sport is arguably one of the largest bookmakers in the gambling industry. As one would expect after such a statement, they tend to exceed all expectations. With a rapidly developing eSports scene, it is difficult for any punter to ignore the potential of online gaming. With large gaming titles, such as DotA 2, League of Legends, Call of Duty and Fortnite, gaining ever more popularity, the gambling scene has no choice but to offer odds on various events. This is where 888Sport has come to the scene once again, you will find comprehensive stats, fixtures, results, player profiles and decent odds. At the time of writing, full support for a growing eSports scene is definitely scarce on the market. Surely a major attraction towards the bookmaker for all the gamers out there.
888Sport currently has an offer for some promotional free bets. This sort of promotion is definitely not a new discovery within the online gambling scene but if you ensure to meet all the terms and conditions for the offer, you will end up receiving a very generous sum of free bets. This promotion coupled with a host of other promotions available, as well as a free-to-play football predictor game truly sets 888Sport apart. We have yet to come across a bookmaker offering punters a free game with cash prizes.
88/100
Rating
£40 For placing a £10 bet
Free Bet
|
T&Cs apply, 18+
Redeem 888 Bonus
New customers only • Promotion valid until March 16th, 2021 • 18+ • Min deposit of £/€/$10 with promo code CHEL40 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 on Horse racing• Min odds 1.50 • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet placement and on the 16th March 2021 and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Restrictions apply to withdrawals, payment methods, and countries. Full T&Cs apply
William Hill: Immense Sport Coverage & Live Viewing
Even if you are new to the online UK gambling scene, you would have probably heard of William Hill. Established at the turn of this millennium, the bookmaker has confirmed its potential running for the best sports betting site. You will find all of your favourites comprehensively covered as well as a large host of new sporting territories for you to venture into. William Hill also set itself apart from other bookmakers by being listed on the London Stock Exchange.
If an incredible coverage of sports doesn’t sell you on the bookmaker online, then you are bound to find a betting shop nearby with around 1500 outlets being scattered all over the UK. For those looking to bet from the comfort of their own home, you will be glad to hear that their intergalactic coverage of sports also has its own live viewing platform as well. Any signed up customer of William Hill will be able to watch the action of their wager unfold on the site. These points certainly contribute to a unique sportsbook experience and gives weight to their spot on our bookmaker list.
97/100
Rating
300% up to £30
Free Bet
|
T&Cs apply, 18+
Redeem William Hill Bonus
18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply
Betfred: Delightful Variations & Loyalty Scheme For All Customers
Betfred is another well-known name on the online sports betting scene. They established their online presence as early as 2004. Since then, they have certainly been scouring the cosmos for variations on the classic promotions and deals to lure players to their platform. You will find some of the most entertaining ways to wager with Betfred, from their Double Delight/Hat-Trick Heaven for all the football punters out there, to the One Winner Bonus for bettors interested in horse- and greyhound racing. There truly is a promotion for anyone customer looking to place a wager with something extra.
Coupled with the fantastic variety of promotions, Betfred also offers an extensive loyalty scheme for existing customers. The simplicity of the scheme allows users to reap the benefits without having to navigate an asteroid field of requirements, terms and conditions. The scheme rewards Betfred customers with comp points that can earn you some cash rewards. It’s not often that a bookmaker rewards its users for simply using their service, Betfred does this in a way that makes it easily accessible to any customer. Be sure to head to our bookmaker overview section of the lab to check out these unique bookmakers in-depth reviews.
93/100
Rating
300% up to £30
Free Bet
|
T&Cs apply, 18+
Redeem Betfred Bonus
New UK & NI customers only. Promo code SPORTS60. Deposit and place first sports bet of £10+ in one transaction, at odds of Evens (2.0)+, settled within 7 days. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets credited within 48 hours of bet settlement. 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS validation may be required. Max 60 Free Spins on Justice League Comics. 7-day expiry. Full T&Cs apply.
Travelling to Your Chosen Destination
Finding that perfect bookmaker to suit the needs of your sports betting mission can seem like a difficult task with all the options available to you. If you are a newbie on the scene, it is incredibly important to find a bookmaker that will meet your demands. The entire experience may be very disappointing if you hastily sign up with an operator that does not provide all that you are looking for. By comparing things like a bookmakers’ sportsbook bonus (and if they have one), their selection of sporting events, the odds they offer, live streaming and live betting. All of these aspects form part of the greater sportsbook betting experience.
At the end of the journey, however, it all comes down to your individual preference. Set a checklist for crucial elements that you would like to see a bookmaker offer and use our comparison to see just who can meet your requirements. No use having the best promotion in the universe when your specific payment method is not supported. At PlayersBest our reviews and comparisons are transparent and unbiased, giving you the objective truths about a bookmakers’ sportsbook at the moment.
Three Tips to Help You Safely Navigate Sports Betting
With all the details in hand for the various bookmakers out there, it is time for a few tips from our experts on how to improve your overall sports betting approach. At the end of the day, it will be up to you to make wise choices with your betting but here are a few things to keep in mind when placing a bet with a bookmaker online.
Small First Steps For Man
You won’t be able to continue to fund your mission into the sports betting universe if you lose it all on one bet. This is why managing your bankroll is so important. If you are new on the scene, start with a couple of small wagers to gain some headway, it can be very discouraging for punters betting it all in one shot. A few small wagers can generate some invaluable momentum at the beginning of your online sports betting career.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
As with any form of online gambling, there can be some devastating consequences if a punter does not stay aware of his surroundings. Stay informed with whatever sport it is your betting on, check fixtures, results and news to get a clearer image before wagering money. It is certainly an important aspect of betting on team sports when the team you are backing is at home, if they’re playing in miserable weather or if a key player is injured. For the individual sports such as horse racing, it is best to minimise the chance aspect of your bet by researching the specifics of each event.
Finally, it is no secret that gambling is addictive. To safeguard yourself from this, set limits on your sports betting and stick to them. It is impossible to win each and every time you wager, so if you are hitting a bit of a slump, kick back and take some time to reevaluate those wagers. We intend to keep all our readers updated with in-depth analysis and expert recommendations. Be sure to check in with PlayersBest when you intend to take some time off and try to maximise your chances of getting back on the winning track.
Stay Safe
Always keep an eye on whether or not the bookmaker you are using is secure and safe. You can do this by making sure the URL begins with https instead of the usual http, this is especially important when you are making a payment. Another way to avoid falling prey to scams is to confirm the bookmaker’s licensing and certification, this can be done by scrolling to the bottom of their page and reading the nitty gritty fine print, or you can head to our individual bookmaker reviews where we take an in-depth look at each and every bookmaker’s licensing and security certificates.
Broaden Your Betting Horizons
Making your way through the seemingly infinite amount of bookmakers with sportsbooks out there is a trying task. Not to mention having to consider a constellation of bonuses on offer. Our team has done everything possible to make this process a breeze for you. However, you might find that a specific bookmaker offers the entire host of your favourite sports, yet falls short when it comes to a decent bonus offer. At times, the only solution would be to make use of promotions and offers when they are available.
If you have found yourself stuck in a slump with the Premier League bets, it is a good idea to try a change of pace. Many bookmakers will have a variety of incredible offers for different sporting events. A big break from a slump may mean placing a small wager on some outer-worldly Wimbledon odds. It’s always worth the time to research promotions and offers to see if there is a bookie out there with the perfect odds for you. While the strategy may pay off, it is important to always remember to gamble responsibly.
Only One Way To Win
This brings us to the end of our voyage through the sportsbook comparison. Using the key points taken from our in-depth bookmaker reviews, you will find the process of choosing the correct bookmaker a lot less daunting. The various sections of our rating system are crucial to consider when you are ready to sign up with a bookmaker and if you are looking for an operator that has a good online casino on offer as well, head to our full comparison page.
Always remember to check in here for the latest promotions on offer, as well as for any developments a bookmaker may have taken to improve their rating. The PlayersBest team encourages you to come back to the Lab whenever you are actively punting. Our content has been researched thoroughly and will always be useful to have on hand. Keeping up to date with the sports betting scene is crucial to take your winnings to the stars but even if you had all the information available in the universe, it’s impossible to win if you never try, so get out there and make use of your newfound knowledge.
Finally, our team here at PlayersBest has done all it can to ensure we provide you with the sought after information. We hope the analysis of all these bookmakers has provided you with the tools you need to make an important, informed decision on where you will be wagering. In an industry where reviews are filled with similarities, we pride ourselves on a new and improved approach towards bookmaker and bonus reviews. So, if you are also interested in trying your hand with online casinos we suggest you take a look at our comprehensive casino comparison.
18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply
New UK & NI customers only. Promo code SPORTS60. Deposit and place first sports bet of £10+ in one transaction, at odds of Evens (2.0)+, settled within 7 days. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets credited within 48 hours of bet settlement. 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS validation may be required. Max 60 Free Spins on Justice League Comics. 7-day expiry. Full T&Cs apply.
New customers only. Min. Deposit £5. Bet credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Funded account required, or have placed a bet within 24 hours. 18+ Geo restrictions apply.
New customers only • Promotion valid until March 16th, 2021 • 18+ • Min deposit of £/€/$10 with promo code CHEL40 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 on Horse racing• Min odds 1.50 • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet placement and on the 16th March 2021 and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Restrictions apply to withdrawals, payment methods, and countries. Full T&Cs apply
18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply
New UK & NI customers only. Promo code SPORTS60. Deposit and place first sports bet of £10+ in one transaction, at odds of Evens (2.0)+, settled within 7 days. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets credited within 48 hours of bet settlement. 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS validation may be required. Max 60 Free Spins on Justice League Comics. 7-day expiry. Full T&Cs apply.
New customers only. Min. Deposit £5. Bet credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Funded account required, or have placed a bet within 24 hours. 18+ Geo restrictions apply.
New customers only • Promotion valid until March 16th, 2021 • 18+ • Min deposit of £/€/$10 with promo code CHEL40 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 on Horse racing• Min odds 1.50 • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet placement and on the 16th March 2021 and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Restrictions apply to withdrawals, payment methods, and countries. Full T&Cs apply
New Casino customers only. Deposit min. £10. Applies to first deposit to Casino only. Max. bonus £100. 15x wagering (game weighting applies) on deposit and bonus to make the bonus balance withdrawable. Time limits and T&Cs apply. 18+
New Casino customers only. £10 Minimum transfer and stake. £10 Minimum stakes within 7 days. Minimum 5 game rounds. Game restrictions apply. Maximum 50 Free Spins, credited within 48 hours of qualifying. Free Spins expire after 7 days. E-Wallet & Prepaid Card restrictions apply. SMS validation may be required. Full T&Cs apply.
18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply
New customers only. Min. Deposit £5. Bet credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Funded account required, or have placed a bet within 24 hours. 18+ Geo restrictions apply.
