Test Methodology
1. "Up to" values offered and how clearly the Terms and Conditions explain the
bonus qualification and eligibility requirements. (Assume no lawyers required)
2. Achievability (bet-through and other deposit requirements) for both casual
and professional punters.
3. Bettor loyalty incentives (ie not just join bonuses)
4. Variety and fun-factor - bonuses are an integrated part of the bookmaker's
operation. For example related to new service launches, special event
promotions or linked to a given outcome (eg cash back if player sent off) &
potentially reward any registered punter not just the high rollers.
1. Number of support channels offered (toll free phone, non-toll free telephone,
fax, email, live chat, a call me back service, etc.)
2. Quality FAQ sets and getting started help is on site and is easy to find.
3. Multi-language support is offered and delivers. (Site and/or phone support in
languages other than English where the online bookmaker targets global
players).
4. Friendly, professional responses (set questions are asked of each bookmaker
tested, some basic and others more advanced and specific to betting and
account issues).
5. Response time. Immediate and/or minutes not hours or days depending on what
was promised via the bookmaker web site (and type of question).
Tested by both experienced and novice punters this aspect analyses the following at each Bookmaker web site:
1. How quickly a user can, once registered and funded, locate the odds on a
specific series of bets (1X2, Asian Handicap (if applicable), Acca, Special) and
then place the bets.
2. How quickly a bettor can locate game results and cash out winnings.
Points are scored for overall good site design and lost for "frustration factor".
1. SSL or similar site security in place around financial transactions
2. All popular payment options available, debit, credit, web wallets... (Regional
favourites if casino is targeted at a specific market, eg UK-centric).
3. Fees & withdrawal limits and practices compared across bookmakers & other
online gambling sites.
4. Delays in payout due to non-bank related processes
5. Account holder Identification processes and constraints around cash-out, if any
(achieving a balance between anti fraud and blatant "use of funds" practices!)
6. Currencies accepted and reputable exchange rate processes.
7. Legislative or jurisdictional limitations are stated clearly on site before a punter starts the Account establishment process and/or deposits funds.
Football (soccer) - Number of leagues covered for each main country and tournament. (E.g. first division only, no lesser level leagues scores less than betting available on second division and alternate leagues).
Bet types available: 1X2 and standard accumulators plus game score, tournament winner, first/last goal scorer, top season/tournament goal scorer, etc.
Core punting coverage: Football, Golf, Tennis, Motor Racing
Additional coverage: NFL, Specials (like election results, financial markets,
Not included in assessment: Horse racing (as there are lots of specialist track bookies).
Speed of odds to market - are they early posters?
1. Size of company and extent of business operation (eg start-up vs subsidiary
of major gambling player) and length of time in operation
2. Regulatory practices (eg licenced in Gibraltar, UK, Curacao, etc)
3. Business transparency - how easy is it to find ownership details, financial
and audit information and full contact details?
4. "Noise factor" from forums and the media. If there is bad press - how did the
bookmaker respond?
The BookieLabRat.com team comprises of:
- US, UK, European and Southern Hemisphere members
- Casual punters and professional gamblers
A formal test scorecard is completed by each tester for each online bookmaker tested. To ensure objectivity the scorecard is based on the following criteria:
NOTE:
We only publish Reports and Recommendations on those online casinos that PASS.
We FAIL approximately 80% of all sites we test and based on legal advice have elected not to publish negative reports.
We use all tests performed to collate and maintain a set of industry benchmark data for online bookmakers.
Scored based on the consistency and best value of the odds pricing by that bookmaker over the test period. Data is collated by bookmaker and then assessed and ranked across all (81) bookmakers tested.
Testers add comments like "Best odds against favourites" or similar to the reviews as these may assist you to select a bookmaker to match your specific gambling style.
Bookmaker Security and Reputation
Pay In / Cash Out, Money Management
Ease to Find & Place a Bet - Site Design & Content
Help, Support and Customer Service
Bookmaker Bonuses and Punter Promotions
Bookmaker Sports Betting Coverage
Bookmaker Odds, Fixed, Asian Handicap, Special Bets on Offer - Value
Links to LabRat
Bookmaker and Betting
Exchange Reviews:
