The Sports betting market in Australia has been dominated by the likes of bookmaker.com.au since it was launched in February of 2012. The bookmaking giant Ladbrokes’s CEO Dean Shannon bought Bookmaker and Betstar in 2013 and since then has been the face behind Bookmaker’s success.
The Gaming Investments Pty Ltd developed the Bookmaker service in Australia. Ladbrokes acquired the Brisbane-based company and, since then, the Norfolk Islands-licensed company has obtained a license in the Northern Territory of Australia back in 2016.
The unique catch about Bookmaker, which makes it stand out from its competitors is, that in addition to offering sports betting, Bookmaker.com.au also offers political betting. If novelty bets are your thing, Bookmaker has a specific section exclusively for you.
Their banking options are excellent, and they’ve even introduced a Bookmaker Card. Using this card, you can access your winnings immediately. It’s also worth noting that Bookmaker.com.au is a superb option for keen horse racing punters. Favorite vs. Field is one of their many horse racing-related services.
Bookmaker is taking small baby steps into the world of gambling. At the time of publication of this review, it is ranked 20th out of all the bookmakers in Australia and receives daily visits of up to 1,880 users.
Residents of countries outside of Australia and New Zealand have restrictions on opening accounts and accepting wagers on Bookmaker. Unless you are a resident of Australia or New Zealand you cannot open an account on the site.
Design and layout
Bookmaker’s UI is top-notch and easy-to-use. They’ve managed to create a website that’s both beautiful and functional. This has improved the betting experience for both novice and experts alike and made it easier to place bets than ever before.
The wagering odds are presented in a way that is professional, creative, and easy to use. Bookmaker has a well-designed, easy-to-use website. At first glance, the first thing you’ll see at Bookmaker is a racing page. According to how much time is left until an event begins, the site also displays all forthcoming events.
The landing page boasts the typical three columns as seen on other Bookmaker’s website. New users, even those with little or no expertise with online betting, will be up and running in no time.
As mobile betting gains popularity in Australia, Bookmaker.com.au offers mobile and web apps that allow punters to place wagers on the go. As well as keeping up with the newest live betting odds, you can access all the latest horse racing and soccer markets on your mobile device, including:
- NRL
- AFL
- Novelty betting markets.
Horse racing bettors will love Bookmaker. When you join the website, you’ll see the next three races, previous results, and any significant changes in the market all in one go that might capture your attention. There is a broad cross-section of worldwide horse racing from England to South Korea when you bet on the main racing fixtures from the local races in Australia and New Zealand.
Although Bookmaker has a decent betting app, our first concern while researching for their review was whether or not the largely white and grey cooler scheme would be visible under bright light circumstances. Moreover, the interface is a bit busy, and certain pages take too long to load, so it’s not the most seamless we’ve come across.
On any device, Bookmaker.com.au lets you place bets on the fly. The Bookmaker App can be found for iPhone / iPad users on the App Store. A minimum of IOS 8.0 is necessary, along with a minimum age of 18. You may also download the Android App for your phone directly from the Bookmaker site.
Services and live
Upon writing our review, we found that there are now more sports and other events to bet on after Bookmaker.com.au was acquired by Ladbrokes. There are now considerable selections and diversity to compete with other sportsbooks on the global market. Over 35 sports are covered in addition to horse racing, with a large betting market for each. Some of the markets that Bookmaker.com.au offers include:
- American Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Australian Rules Football
- Football
- Gaelic Sports
- Baseball
- Rugby League
- Handball
- Soccer
- MMA
- Tennis
- Surfing
- Rugby Union
- Basketball
- Snooker.
If you’re looking for a place to bet on sports, Bookmaker.com.au has you covered. As a result of their extensive markets, you’ll have every possibility to find an option that meets your needs. Whatever the case, whether it’s just a simple game of head-to-head or total points or even fantasy sports, Bookmaker has you covered.
When it comes to leagues such as the AFL, there are over 200 betting possibilities available for every single match, with fewer markets being offered for smaller events as compared to large events.
When it comes to line bets, player props, and special bets, Bookmaker provides some of the best odds around. However, their odds are lacking, as is the case with a variety of other bet types. In addition to esports and tv shows, you’ll find odds for bull riding, surfing, and snooker as well on Bookmaker.
The racing culture in Australia is intense. Thus all online (and offline) bookies must provide a high level of service, or else customers have several other options. Horse, harness, and greyhound races throughout Australia and New Zealand are covered in great detail by Bookmaker. Other international meetings taking place in The United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, France, The United States, and South Africa are also covered by the bookie.
Bookmaker is the industry leader when it comes to horse racing betting. It doesn’t matter if you only want to bet on the major days, like the Melbourne Cup, or if you like to bet on the horses every day, this Bookmaker could be the ideal solution for you! Any of the standard bets, like win/place/each-way and all the regular exotics, are available to be placed bets upon, this also includes Exactas, Trifectas, Quinellas, and First four.
On Bookmaker, you’ll notice there are race schedules for the next three days in addition to the current day’s races, so you may schedule your bets in advance. For the biggest races of the month and the year, Bookmaker also offers racing futures markets, allowing you to lock in premium pricing before the finalized field has been put up. There are also mystery bets, recommended runners, and quick multis for those who haven’t done their homework or are novices in horse racing betting.
Live line
For a variety of reasons, live in-play betting, also known as live in-game betting, has long been a popular wagering strategy for many players. It allows bets to be placed on an event or race that is currently taking place in real-time. A more thrilling approach to bet on a game or event is to do it in real-time. Therefore, pre-match betting isn’t as appealing as live betting. In most circumstances, live betting odds are higher than pre-match odds. This further increases its appeal.
Regrettably, as a consequence of the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) of 2001, internet (online) live betting is illegal. However, you can check the odds on-site and make a live bet by calling. To place your in-play bets, simply call 137 888, and you’ll be on your way. Although telephone betting is available on 137 888, a minimum stake of $20 must be placed in order to participate. On the screen, you’ll see the current odds, and you may then call and place in-play bets.
To know more about the markets which are available for live in-play bets, head over to the “live in-play” tab next to the “sports” tab. Some of the sports that users can place live bets on call for include:
- Golf
- Darts
- Tennis
- Table Tennis
- Ice Hockey
- Football
- Esports
- Test matches
- Volleyball.
When compared to the competition, the market depth is lacking in some areas. Bookmaker, for example, offers roughly 25 live betting markets on MLB games, while other competitors offer more than 50 live betting markets on MLB games.
The Bookmaker website and app do provide live streaming services.
Freebies, bonuses, and promotions
New legislation prohibits all Australian bookmakers, including Bookmaker, from offering new consumers incentives to bet on sports. As a result, Bookmaker does not provide new customers with an initial deposit incentive, regardless of where you live.
Because they don’t run as many promotions, Bookmaker is often criticized for this. This appeared to be the case throughout our visits to the website, but without continual reviewing, it’s impossible to tell whether this bookie is behind in marketing or whether we just happened to do our research at the worst moment.
Many times, the amount of promos on Bookmaker’s website shifts overnight, and this may very well be the case for Bookmaker. Bookmaker members will want to check in at least once per week to see what’s on offer.
For their clients, Bookmaker is continuously on the lookout to provide fresh and exciting incentives! Bookmaker offers some of its most popular promotions on Saturday.
However, despite being overshadowed by its parent site, Ladbrokes.com, the diversity in promotion is disappointing. Despite the fact that they don’t provide as many daily promotions, Bookmaker.com.au offers some fantastic promotions on feature racing and sporting events.
A few of the sports that have amazing money-back offers on top-tier race meetings and sporting events include but aren’t limited to:
To keep up with the latest promotions and updates, head over to the promotions tab next to the Live – in-play tab. To view the promotions, you’ll have to log in to your account.
There is currently a Signup bonus that you can use by adding the promo code “NEWBONUS” in the “code” tab while creating your account.
Users may also sign up for a Bookmaker card, which is linked to your bank account. With this card, your winnings can be accessed within seconds! If you sign up for it, you should provide them with a valid form of identification. In addition, you must be over the age of 18. With the Bookmaker card, consumers can withdraw cash at any time, instantaneously. Customers can also shop online with the Bookmaker card.
Customer service
Customer service at Bookmaker.com.au has been well rated by users on the site. As a subsidiary of Ladbrokes, they’ve been able to maintain the same high level across all of their support structures. Unfortunate mishaps do occur, and knowing how to contact your bookie is essential if one should occur.
Help is available around the clock for bettors on Bookmaker. These services include regular client support and live betting assistance. You may also contact them by filling out a form on their website. Support questions are answered on a specific page for the frequently asked questions, and you can also send a message to their management team for a query of your own. If none of this suffices, you can also visit their head office in Newstead, QLD, if you’d like. Unfortunately, they do not offer a live chat feature.
Reach out to the team via:
- Local call: 1300 123 888 and International call: +61 7 3184 9333.
- Postal address: 794 Gympie Road, Chermside, QLD, 4032.
- Email: support@bookmaker.com.au.
- Live betting: local call: 137 888 and international call: +61 8 7918 7300.
Registration
Bookmaker is a safe and secure betting platform that is owned by one of Australia’s and the world’s largest sports betting providers. Should you sign up with them, you can rest assured. Like any other bookmaker, the signup process on Bookmaker is simple and can be completed in a few clicks. Start by clicking on the ‘Join Now’ button on the main page.
You’ll only need to input your general details, such as your name and email address, and then choose a username and password to access the site.
Verify your account within 14 days so that you can withdraw your earnings immediately. Legally, this is standard procedure. In order to authenticate your account, Bookmaker will first try to verify it electronically. Should these procedures fail, the following measures will need to be taken to activate your account:
- On the top-right corner of the home page, click “My Account.”
- Upload a copy of your passport, driver’s license, or health insurance card.
- In the event that your data is verified, withdrawals will be enabled.
Financial information
Bookmaker accepts POLi, PayPal (only for Australian residents), BPay, and bank transfers as deposit methods. In addition, it offers FlexePIN and the Bookmaker Visa card, which works like a debit card and may be used as an EFT POS or at any ATM machine, as well.
There are various online bookies in Australia that allow bettors to collect their winnings immediately via a self-branded, prepaid VISA card. Bookmaker is one of those bookmakers. Clients that have a verified account can use the Bookmaker Card. It takes 7 to 10 days for the card to arrive once you’ve applied. After your bets have been settled, you can withdraw your winnings from any VISA ATM within seconds.
The accepted form of currency of Bookmaker, unfortunately, is only limited to Australian dollars. It costs $0.50 to place an internet bet, $5 to place a telephone wager, and $10.00 to place a live telephone wager on Bookmaker. The minimum deposit amount accepted by Bookmaker is $10.
There are different deposit times for different methods. In contrast to BPAY and Bank Transfer deposits which can take up to 3 business days to clear Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, POLi deposits are instant.
Bookmaker withdrawal times also vary, which is not surprising. Bookmaker Card withdrawals are immediate. While PayPal withdrawals take up to 24 hours, Bank transfer withdrawals can take up to 3 business days to reach your account. The maximum daily rewards per sport range from $10,000 to $50,000. Members can also apply for credit levels of $200 to $5,000. Moreover, Bookmaker also accepts bets as small as $0.50.
If you want to make a deposit into your account, here’s what you have to do – Access your account by logging in and going to the My Account page. Choose the payment method that is convenient for you by clicking on the deposit option. Input the desired deposit amount, and then confirm your transaction by clicking on “Confirm.”
Alternatively, if you’d like to withdraw your winnings:
- First, head to the My Account section. Afterwards, you’ll have to click on the Withdraw Funds tab.
- If you don’t have a Bookmaker prepaid card, you’ll need to withdraw via bank transfer or PayPal.
- Your bank account information will need to be entered if you haven’t already done so, and you will need to validate your identity.
- Confirm the transaction, and the money will be credited to your account as soon as you do so.
Reliability, integrity, and safety
When you sign up for a betting site, you have to disclose a lot of personal information that is quite sensitive, and the security behind it leaves many worried. However, when it comes to Bookmaker’s safety, we can vouch for them. A quick search on the internet will reveal that the Northern Territory Government regulates Bookmaker. Additionally, Responsible Wagering (Australia) has approved them as well.
To maintain their high level of security, Bookmaker has adopted the latest 2048-bit SSL encryption technology, which safeguards critical information that is shared on their platform. As a result, the transfer of such information is encrypted and stored on a highly secure database.
Another reason to trust Bookmaker is their ownership by Ladbrokes. Knowing this, you can rest assured that it is a reputable bookie.
What does the site not have?
Bookmaker is lacking in many aspects, primarily thanks to the Australian Gambling laws, which impose restrictions on the welcome bonus and online live betting. But putting aside these facts, there are a few things that the bookie can introduce on their end, such as additional payment methods, more sports markets, and a live chat feature.
Let’s be honest which successful bookie in this day and age does not offer a live chat feature to its customers? Another letdown we came across while writing this review was the design and user interface of the mobile apps. The app is in need of an overall makeover. Additionally, we were disappointed to note that Bookmaker is only available for residents of Australia and New Zealand. Lastly, we’d like to point out the lack of casino games and an overall lack of casino features.
Lastly, we’d like to point out their lack of odds and other betting varieties compared to other popular bookmarks. Adding more options will surely help Bookmaker reach greater heights in terms of success.
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