Bookmaker Ratings

Here is the OUR comprehensive analysis of the top six UK bookmakers, incorporating non-payment risks, restrictions, downgrade possibilities, fund protection, and the risk of bankruptcy (rated -1 where applicable):

1. Bet365 – Overall Rating: 7/10

• Non-payment Risk: Low. Bet365 has a solid reputation with minimal issues related to non-payment, although occasional delays might occur during verification.

• Chances of Restrictions/Downgrade: Moderate to Low. Regular winners may face reduced bet limits, but this typically affects professionals or bettors using advanced strategies like arbitrage.

• Funds Protection: Medium Protection (0). Bet365 segregates customer funds from company assets but no guarantee

• Risk of Bankruptcy: Bet365 is financially stable, making the risk of bankruptcy very low.

• Summary: 7/10. A reliable choice with medium fund protection, low risk of restrictions for casual bettors, and very low bankruptcy risk.

2. Betfair – Overall Rating: 7/10

• Non-payment Risk: Low. Reliable overall, but slight risks arise with the sportsbook in terms of promotional terms or large withdrawals. The exchange is more secure.

• Chances of Restrictions/Downgrade: Low to Moderate. While exchange bettors are less likely to face restrictions, the sportsbook might limit consistent winners.

• Funds Protection: High Protection (0). Betfair provides high protection with segregated funds also insured or trust arrangement.

• Risk of Bankruptcy: Betfair’s size and parent company (Flutter Entertainment) reduce the risk of bankruptcy significantly.

• Summary: 7/10. Strong protection of funds, low restrictions, and minimal risk of bankruptcy.

3. William Hill – Overall Rating: 6/10

• Non-payment Risk: Low to Moderate. Complaints about payment delays, especially for larger amounts, and more stringent verification processes.

• Chances of Restrictions/Downgrade: Moderate. Winning bettors or those using promotional loopholes are likely to face limits or account downgrades.

• Funds Protection: Basic Protection (0). Customer funds are not segregated from company funds, posing a risk if the company goes insolvent.

• Risk of Bankruptcy: William Hill’s financial strength makes bankruptcy unlikely, but medium protection for funds is a concern.

• Summary: 6/10. Basic fund protection, moderate risks of payment delays and restrictions, but low bankruptcy risk.

4. Ladbrokes – Overall Rating: 5.5/10

• Non-payment Risk: Moderate. Ladbrokes has more frequent reports of delayed payments, especially with large wins or after promotions.

• Chances of Restrictions/Downgrade: Moderate to High. Professional bettors and those with consistent large wins face restrictions and account downgrades.

• Funds Protection: High Protection (0). Customer funds are segregated, and there is a risk if the company becomes insolvent.

• Risk of Bankruptcy: While Ladbrokes remains stable, basic fund protection does not provide confidence in case of financial troubles.

• Summary: 5.5/10. Higher risks of non-payment and restrictions for professionals, basic fund protection, and low but present bankruptcy risk.

5. Coral – Overall Rating: 5.5/10

• Non-payment Risk: Moderate. Similar to Ladbrokes, Coral has complaints regarding payment delays, particularly for larger amounts and promotions.

• Chances of Restrictions/Downgrade: Moderate to High. Winning accounts are likely to face betting limits and downgrades, especially if engaging in professional betting or bonuses.

• Funds Protection: High Protection (0). Customer funds are segregated, leading to low risk in case of financial issues.

• Risk of Bankruptcy: -1. Coral has low financial risks, but its fund protection is basic, so there is potential exposure if insolvency occurs.

• Summary: 5.5/10. Similar to Ladbrokes: basic fund protection, high restriction risks, and moderate payment delays.

6. Betfred – Overall Rating: 4.5/10

• Non-payment Risk: Moderate to High. Betfred is frequently reported for delayed or withheld payments, particularly for large wins or bonus-related payouts.

• Chances of Restrictions/Downgrade: High. Betfred is notorious for limiting accounts that win frequently or use bonuses to gain an advantage.

• Funds Protection: Basic Protection (0). Funds are not segregated from company accounts, so if Betfred experiences financial troubles, customers' funds are at risk.

• Risk of Bankruptcy: -1. Betfred has a higher perceived risk compared to other major bookmakers due to operational issues, though still not likely.

• Summary: 4.5/10. High risk of non-payment and account restrictions, with basic fund protection and a moderate risk of financial issues.

Summary of Funds Protection and Bankruptcy Risk:

• Bet365, William Hill,Coral,Ladbrokes and Betfair provide high to medium fund protection, meaning customer funds are segregated but not fully guaranteed. They all companies have low bankruptcy risks.

• Betfred offers basic protection, meaning customer funds are not segregated and could be lost in the event of insolvency. Betfred stands out as having higher operational risks.

For bettors concerned with fund safety, Bet365 and Betfair remain the best options. Betfred ranks the lowest due to high non-payment risks and a poor record on account restrictions, while Ladbrokes and Coral are safer but still have some concerns regarding payouts and frequent restrictions.