Best Bookmaker

[rdangelo]

I don't know if this has been posted before, but I have been unable to find it..

Who are the best online bookmakers out there? In terms of the best odds offered, customer service, making withdrawals (do they do it to credit cards, to bank accounts?), fees?

I am thinking of creating an online account as sometimes I can't get down to the TAB, or the event I wasn't to bet on is on when the TAB is closed, I've also noticed people on here get better odds on these online sites, just trying to figure out what my best options are...

(In regards to the better odds offered, I'm mainly planning on better on the new seasons European soccer competitions)

Cheers

 

[la47]

Centrebet - choose this if you aren't into bonuses at all and want good odds, also a good site for multis I've found and the customer service is OK. It doesn't offer LiveChat though. Don't choose it for racing though, they only really bet NSWtab odds. They pay back to bank accounts but not cards from memory

Sportingbet - the McDonalds of the bookmakers, appeals to the lowest common denominator. If you win they'll ban you, the lines are only marginally better than the TAB. However they offer a good joining free bet, not so much ongoing bonuses. They have an OK "MaxiDiv" for some thoroughbred races I think. BPAYs back to credit cards. I've had bad experiences with the customer service and it isn't 24/7

IASbet - best choice for racing, has a "SuperPrice" which is tote based and is always better than middle tote though I've found it's better than top tote at times. If you bet on dogs and trots get an IAS account. Also has their own fixed prices on the internet unlike the other bookies that just use track prices. Sports you could give it a miss, the worst out of the lot for it. Customer service is 24/7 though. They pay back to wherever you deposit from.

Sportsbet (Darwin) - I don't mind these guys too much, but really the odds aren't as good as Centrebet, the bonuses aren't as good as IAS and Sportingbet. The customer service is OK. Don't have that much experience with them. They offer best tote on metro races I think.

I don't think any charge credit card fees, Sportingbet might. Centrebet's phone minimum bet is either $10 or $20, but live events its $1. IAS is $20 for sport $50 for racing. Sportingbet is $50 I think.

If you're looking at the soccer I'd recommend Centrebet all up

 

[johnnyhoward]

Who are the best online bookmakers out there? In terms of the best odds offered, customer service, making withdrawals (do they do it to credit cards, to bank accounts?), fees?

Look at the odds on Betfair a couple of hours out from the start of the game and compare them to the TAB. Massive difference. They have the best odds covered even with the commission taken out, by a long way.

Customer service - I emailed Betfair once on a Saturday morning after I'd woke up on the piss asking them a question. They phoned me up within half an hour so they could take me through it over the phone. I've asked them numerous other questions and they are very helpful.

Setting up an account is easy - I scanned in my drivers licence and bank statement, sent it over and my account was all ready in quick time. I deposited from my bank account, which is free (no fees) and it was in my Betfair account a day later.

With bonuses, you get a free $50 bet once you reach a certain amount of bets (PM me and I'll give you the code when you signup for that).

I recommend Betfair all the way, I've got an account with Pinnacle who aren't bad too. Betfair are a big company and don't rip you off in terms of odds because they don't set them - other punters do. They're very professional and don't do stuff like limiting your stake if you start winning like bookies do, because they have no agenda.

 

[rdangelo]

Look at the odds on Betfair a couple of hours out from the start of the game and compare them to the TAB. Massive difference. They have the best odds covered even with the commission taken out, by a long way.

Customer service - I emailed Betfair once on a Saturday morning after I'd woke up on the piss asking them a question. They phoned me up within half an hour so they could take me through it over the phone. I've asked them numerous other questions and they are very helpful.

Setting up an account is easy - I scanned in my drivers licence and bank statement, sent it over and my account was all ready in quick time. I deposited from my bank account, which is free (no fees) and it was in my Betfair account a day later.

With bonuses, you get a free $50 bet once you reach a certain amount of bets (PM me and I'll give you the code when you signup for that).

I recommend Betfair all the way, I've got an account with Pinnacle who aren't bad too. Betfair are a big company and don't rip you off in terms of odds because they don't set them - other punters do. They're very professional and don't do stuff like limiting your stake if you start winning like bookies do, because they have no agenda.

Cheers johnnyhoward, I looked at there website before i posted the new thread up and was very impressed.

Do they pay winnings straight into your bank account though?

 

[Aussie Assault]

Look at the odds on Betfair a couple of hours out from the start of the game and compare them to the TAB. Massive difference. They have the best odds covered even with the commission taken out, by a long way.

Customer service - I emailed Betfair once on a Saturday morning after I'd woke up on the piss asking them a question. They phoned me up within half an hour so they could take me through it over the phone. I've asked them numerous other questions and they are very helpful.

Setting up an account is easy - I scanned in my drivers licence and bank statement, sent it over and my account was all ready in quick time. I deposited from my bank account, which is free (no fees) and it was in my Betfair account a day later.

With bonuses, you get a free $50 bet once you reach a certain amount of bets (PM me and I'll give you the code when you signup for that).

I recommend Betfair all the way, I've got an account with Pinnacle who aren't bad too. Betfair are a big company and don't rip you off in terms of odds because they don't set them - other punters do. They're very professional and don't do stuff like limiting your stake if you start winning like bookies do, because they have no agenda.

Betfair is the best ones I have found also. I've got accounts with Sportingbet and the TAB. Betfair is the best out of these 3 at least.

 

[sethlad]

Another vote for Betfair here,perfect for Euro soccer.
They do charge a small deposit % for credit card deposits but once your account is verified,no dramas with withdrawals direct to bank at no charge.

Get to know how the site works & youll never go back.
Their customer service is also ummatched IMO.

seth

 

[la47]

If you don't specifically want a bookmaker and are happy with a betting exchange then yeah, Betfair is the best

 

[OverRated]

What are the rules/conditions attached with the free joining bets? They must be stringent otherwise people would just take the $500 free bet put it on a $1.20 moral and pocket the $600. Is there any way to do this that you have heard?

 

[Almost Famous]

Betfair easily the best.
When Im in Melbourne for the spring carnival Alan Eskander is the best in my experience. Has always been happy to give me top fluctuation provided the horse hasnt firmed in betting and if it has always offers SP guarantee without having to ask for it. Will be unfortunate when he goes to the NT.

 

[Tassie Bulldog]

What are the rules/conditions attached with the free joining bets? They must be stringent otherwise people would just take the $500 free bet put it on a $1.20 moral and pocket the $600. Is there any way to do this that you have heard?

With free bets you only receive the amount you win on the bet (you don't get the investment amount back). Like in your example putting the $500 on a $1.20 pop would only result in you getting $100.

Most free bets also require you to deposit a specific amount before you receive it and you cannot withdraw any funds until you have at least turned over your initial investment - have a few different rules at different sites but that is the most common requirement.

I'm a trots boy so bet 90% of the time with IAS but if and when Harness Racing Victoria allow Betfair to field on the code, I will do a lot more betting with them.

 

[rdangelo]

Thanks for the input guys, Betfair seems the way to go.

There is one thing I would like to get clear, just say I open an account and put lets say $500 in it.

I win a few bets, my account has $800. If I wan't to withdraw that $300 can I transfer it straight to my bank account? It sais you can do 1 free withdrawal per 28 days or something.

Also, how do they calculate their commision?

Cheers.

 

[sethlad]

I dont know the exact number but have never had a problem.
Usually in your bank account within 2 days.

Go into "My account" at the top left of the homepage & check out all the info screens : Account summary (shows available withdrawal balance,current exposure),Betting History etc.

Commission starts at 5% on winning bets,nil on losses.The % decreases as your turnover increases.
You can play with your Options (above the refresh button) to show your payout/liability with commission already removed.

Only thing to remember is that if you are laying,the $$$ liability is removed from your account & is not accessible until the event is decided.
Its just a safeguard to ensure everyone gets paid & no drama once you get used to it.If you are only backing,its no issue.

Just take your time & get to know the site,its full of info & as everyone here has said,their customer service is great.They really look after their clients & theres also a forum which can be helpful.

seth