Best Sportsbooks of 2009
We’ve been looking at our favourite sportsbooks in the Bluff laboratories this month, which has been proving something of an expense to the Bluff coffers. “Never met a skint bookie,” our ol’ dad used to say. Now we know why. Here are our top sportsbooks of 2009…
The venerable UK high street bookmaker was quick to see the value of the virtual betting slip and has being offering online services for donkey’s years. It may be a contradiction in terms to claim that your money is safe with a bookie, but Hill’s experience in these matters is reassuring and there’s something about the reliable old brand that makes us feel at home when betting online. Bookmaking is what Hill’s has been doing since before we were born, it’s Europe’s biggest online bookmaker, and this means they’ll lay you odds on just about any sport going. Hills also offer live video streaming on major sporting events and 24-7 customer service.
Payment options
Visa, Visa Electron, Laser, Delta, Maestro, Click and Buy, Solo, PayPal, Neteller, Click2Pay, Moneybookers
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Ireland’s favourite sportsbook runs a huge range of books on everything from politics to water polo – and notably poker. Yes, PaddyPower have always been stalwart supporters of the game, so if your money’s on Devilfish at the 3.30 at Lingfield, this is the site for you. PaddyPower is also the only online bookmaker to offer all early and board prices on both the horses and the dogs, so if the price is right, it stays that way. They’ve also recently enhanced their live betting section, offering you way more in-game action.
Payment options
Visa, Visa Electron, Laser, MasterCard, Maestro, Neteller, Moneybookers
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Whenever we fancy a flutter on an American sport, we head down to BetCris.com where they specialise in such things, although if you want a bet on any major “soccer” match taking place anywhere in the world, you can also do so here. Betcris.com has a truly international outlook and offers great prices on a range of global sporting events. And don’t be put off by the fact that you don’t recognise the brand from your local high street – they’re based in Costa Rica, but they’re a reliable and accountable operation with an extremely efficient 24-hour customer help team. Add to that some mouth-watering sign-up bonuses and you can see why we love this site.
Payment options
Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Paysafe, Pic-Club, Neteller, Moneybookers, Click2Pay, eWallet Express, Click and Buy
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Ladbrokes, or “Laddies” as it’s affectionately known by us punters, is one of the most recognised names in bookmaking worldwide and offers the complete, comprehensive site for the sportsbettor. With a vast range of events from around the world to bet on, plenty of in-game betting opportunities, and the ability to watch a wealth of sporting events live through Ladbrokes TV, there’s really not much reason to leave the house, unless you suddenly find out you’ve run out of beer. They’ve even launched a rewards card like you get at Tescos! We especially like the UK TV ads that exhort you to “put your money where your mouth is” – suggesting that if you have an opinion on a sporting event, it should be your MORAL DUTY to bet on it. Clever…
Payment options
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Solo, Delta, Switch, Laser, Moneybookers, Ukash, Neteller, PayBox
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Betfred might seem like a surprise addition to our list, but we’ve always believed in supporting the smaller business, especially in these times of recession (although, like we said, we’ve never met a skint bookie – annual turnover at Betfred is in excess of £1.5 billion and they currently rate as the world’s largest independent bookmaker). Betfred is the friendly UK high street bookie, and one of our faves. With its own live commentary radio channel, friendly support staff and imaginative bonuses, the website is even better than its bricks n’ mortar counterpart. Sign up now, wager a fiver and you’ll receive a free bet of up to £50.
Payment options
MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, Solo, Laser, Delta, Neteller, PayPal, Moneybookers, Citadel
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