Ladbrokes Review 2019 – Our rating and experience with Ladbrokes sports UK
Last updated & tested: 2019-09-01
Ladbrokes is a London-based bookmaker set up at the end of the 19th century, making it one of the oldest-established bookies. Ladbrokes is one of the world leaders in the betting industry, with more than 2,700 betting outlets in the UK, Ireland, Spain and Belgium as well as more than one million online customers.
The sports betting activities of Ladbrokes are run by the subsidiary Ladbrokes International PLC and Ladbrokes Sportsbook LP, located in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. According to the company’s own information, there are about 15,000 employees working on the comprehensive sports betting and entertainment programmes.
The biggest market is in the UK, where it makes a £116 million operating profit, from betting primarily on football, horse and greyhound racing as well as other sports and on the machines. Their digital presence is increasing all the time with mobile accounting for about 70% of the sportsbook stakes. So let’s take a look at what you can get if you signed up to get the Ladbrokes bonus.
The results of the OpenOdds Ladbrokes bookmaker review:
Horse racing was Ladbrokes’ first love and it is still a key part of the business, with races featured prominently on the website. At Ladbrokes, you can bet on about 30 sports with football, cricket, tennis, golf and rugby union being the main sports. You can also gamble on more minor sports such as rugby league, darts, speedway or sailing, so it’s a great site for gamblers following niche sports or events. It has a very British feel about it because you can also have a wager on by-elections, who will be the next Labour leader, the next General Election and the London Mayoral Election. It offers a comprehensive range, with casino games, slots, bingo, poker and lottos as well as sports betting.
On the whole, our Ladbrokes review shows the company is competing well with the other big names and, with a few adjustments, it could go higher up the scoreboard, but for now an overall Ladbrokes rating of 88/100 is fair. Some of the competitors offer better odds and more eye-catching promotions than the Ladbrokes bonus, but we still think that this bookie is worth a closer look.
Experiences with Ladbrokes: Strengths of this UK Bookie
- Easy sign up process.
- Very large variety of sports and other events on offer.
- Fantastic odds and bets offered.
- Live betting is available on the site.
Ladbrokes: OpenOdds’ comprehensive review of this traditional British firm
In our Ladbrokes sportsbook review, the OddsBook team looked thoroughly at the site and how it compared to the other major brands. For our Ladbrokes review, it had to prove itself as an online bookmaker in each of these 10 categories:
01.Bonuses:Definitely unique
Ladbrokes' Bonus Program
- Welcome bonus available
- Free bet up to £50
- Simply sign up and enter promo code
- Full details available on site
- Minimum odds of 1.5
Yes, there is a new customer bonus at Ladbrokes, which in the current climate is quite competitive. After registering as a new customer, enter the Ladbrokes bonus and the bookie will match the first bet with a free bet up to £50. The first bet needs odds of 1/2 or more to qualify and it must be a single bet. Your free bet stake is not returned if the free one wins. Other firms are offering 100% bonuses for up to £100 which makes Ladbrokes offer seem less generous.
02.Customer services:Exactly what we hoped they would offer
Ladbrokes' Customer Services
- Helpful, friendly staff
- Live chat, phone and e-mail
- Comprehensive FAQ available
- Guaranteed response in 48 hours
The contact options from Ladbrokes are as competent and prompt as you would expect from a bookmaker as big as this. The most convenient way to get in touch is through the online chat support, as you can expect an immediate response and you can also see how many people are waiting to be attended by an agent. There is also a Ladbrokes phone number available at any time, or email which, of course, takes a little longer. Ladbrokes promises to reply to emails in 48 hours or less, and while this is a long period of time for an industry as fast-paced as betting, Ladbrokes rarely takes the full period to get back to you. As a first port of call, you can look at the frequently asked questions, as you may find your answer here without having to contact anyone. As expected from a major player, customer service is good with a prompt and efficient service.
03.Sports covered:Exceptional!
Ladbrokes' Sports Coverage
- Large variety of sports
- Traditional sports covered
- Plenty of niche sports available
- Strong focus on football and horse racing
- Something for everyone
Many top bookmakers are easily recognised by their comprehensive bet offer. This is exactly the case with Ladbrokes. Of course, horse racing and football are the primary sports within the site, but they’re closely followed by others including rugby league and cricket. Horse races and greyhound races originate from England and, to this day, still create a betting fever which can seldom be experienced elsewhere. Certainly Ladbrokes horse racing coverage is extremely thorough. As far as Ladbroke football bets are concerned, the sportsbook is excellently equipped, including matches from the lower leagues around the world. There are a lot of special bets which can turn the most lacklustre football match into an exciting betting affair.
04.Payment methods:Numerous payment methods, but little comparison
Ladbrokes' Payment Methods
- Credit and debit cards accepted
- Industry standard methods
- Visa, MasterCard and Maestro
- Number of e-wallets available
Ladbrokes’ deposit & withdrawal systems seem industry standard, as they take most major credit and debit cards including MasterCard, Maestro, Visa Debit, Visa Credit and Visa Electron. The minimum deposit and withdrawal on Ladbrokes is £5, which is lower than some of the others. Deposits are processed instantly but withdrawals can take the usual three to five working days. The transfer is the same, using MasterCard Secure and Visa Verified. You can also pay through Skrill, PayPal or Neteller, where withdrawals take at least six hours to go through, or via bank transfer which can take up to five days for deposit & withdrawal. It is also possible to put money in or take cash out of your account at the Ladbrokes shops.
05.Security: Is Ladbrokes safe?
How safe is Ladbrokes?
- Comprehensive security system
- Minimizes gambling risks
- Compliance department to counteract fraud
- No need to worry about safety
Whilst offering great features, we still need to answer the crucial question: is Ladbrokes safe? Ladbrokes has a comprehensive security system, but most of the information is on the corporate website rather than the gaming one, so it’s not as easily seen as some of its rivals. Ladbrokes has a comprehensive cyber security system which is based on the UK government’s 10 steps to Cyber Security. It is training staff to minimise risk as well as developing its IT monitoring and security systems. There’s also a compliance department to deal with fraud detection and corruption monitoring. This department also works with global banks, police authorities, crime units and Interpol. Customers and employees can also call the Integrity Line free phone service where concerns about corporate activities, criminal activities or non-compliance with policies can be confidentially reported.
The website sections “Information we may collect from you" and “Accuracy and access to information" are very interesting. Such a helpful tool is a rarity among other bookmakers.
06.Betting odds:Just below the industry average
How good are Ladbrokes' odds?
- Betting odds can be lower than other bookies
- Not much in it
- Still very competitive odds
- Rewards for loyalty
The betting odds offered by Ladbrokes can be lower than other top bookmakers. This is not to say that customers at Ladbrokes are being ripped off, but there are slightly better prices available elsewhere. There isn’t a lot in it though. That said, Ladbrokes does have The Grid, where members have betting benefits and offers, which is also available on mobile devices. It’s like Ladbrokes’ loyalty card, available in the betting shops and for online use. This is a great incentive to stay faithful to Ladbrokes because these rewards can make up for the slightly lower odds on some events.
07.User-friendliness:A huge bet offer requires special organisation.
How easy is Ladbrokes to use?
- Website is a bit cluttered
- Logical and easy after a while
- Placing bets is a breeze
- App available for iOS and Android
Some sports betting novices have complained that Ladbrokes’ website is not as user-friendly as others. The OpenOdds team has had more positive experiences, and the problem could be that the website is cluttered. Ladbrokes is trying to cram so many sports, other games and promotions onto the website, that it looks very busy. However, with such a large bet offer selection, it would be almost impossible to be presented in any other way. After a while of getting used to it, it becomes logical and the user-friendliness becomes apparent. As far as placing bets is concerned, novices should not have any issues. From what we found, everything is transparent and clearly explained. It is also quick and easy to use. The Ladbrokes app is also clear to follow, which means you can follow your bets or place a bet from your mobile or tablet.
08.In-play product:Minor improvements could get Ladbrokes top marks
Ladbrokes' Live Betting Service
- In-play option available
- Variety of markets on offer
- Room to improve
- Bet as the action unfolds
The in-play offer is pretty comprehensive, with a long list of sports on offer each day, although the variety of events could be improved. That said, it’s always possible to bet on popular sports types such as football and tennis. As far as these two are concerned, there is a rather extensive in-play product, as well as live streaming on major competitions, so you can watch many games for free through your Ladbrokes account instead of on illegal video channels.
For reference, other bookmakers offer double the amount of sports for in-play betting. William Hill has all the sports Dafabet offers, plus volleyball, ice hockey, table tennis and cricket. That said, the fact that Dafabet has an in-play option at all is a good sign and a good way to attract and keep bettors coming back.
09.Other products:Financial bets & poker are also something for sports bettors!
What else does Ladbrokes have to offer?
- Can even gamble on politics
- Plenty of entertainment bets
- Virtual casino on offer
- Plenty of e-sport coverage
Ladbrokes is so much more than a sportsbook. As well as a comprehensive range of sports, you can gamble on politics, the outcome of TV programmes such as X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing, William and Kate’s third baby, or who will be the next Pope.
Ladbrokes also has a virtual casino and offers popular games like slots, Ladbrokes bingo, poker and lotteries. There’s even a live Ladbrokes casino to add to the thrill as you can join in live games such as roulette, blackjack or poker. Our Ladbrokes review shows it is one of the best sites for sports betting and games, simply because it appears to have covered everything.
Bet on eSports with Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes is a well-known choice for those who like to bet on eSports, particularly on games such as LoL and CS:GO. The bookmaker has a long-established reputation that dates back over 100 years, which means that it can be considered as one of the CSGO betting sites to be trusted by fans.
What’s on offer in terms of eSports games at Ladbrokes? You won’t find it difficult to find something that is up your street, as there is lots on offer. Choose from League of Legends, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2 and Starcraft 2. When the time comes to place a bet on the game of your choice, you can pick the odds format that suits you best. Go for decimal, in which the team most likely to win is given a smaller number, and your payout will be lined up in accordance with that number. You can also access fractional odds at Ladbrokes, which many customers in the UK and Ireland are more familiar with.
Ladbrokes offers a great welcome offer that can be used for betting on eSports games. All you have to do is sign up as a new member at the Ladbrokes registration page, then make your first deposit. When you do that, the bookmaker will double what you have put in. The maximum deposit for this offer is £50 – and it’s great that the minimum is only £5, less than many other providers ask for. Use the bonus code F50 in the promotions section to grab all that cash.
10.Bet limits:High rollers are welcome, but sure bettors have to be careful!
Ladbrokes' Betting Limits
- High general limits
- Limits are sport dependent
- Can always check for maximums
- Endorses responsible gambling
According to our Ladbrokes experiences, this bookmaker is quite compatible with the special desires of high rollers. A high limit in the range per bet can be expected, but Ladbrokes drastically lowers the betting limit where underdog bets are concerned. As a rule of thumb, the bet limits for local sports types and leagues are set generously higher with this British bookmaker when compared to, for example, leagues or sports types that are not as popular in the UK.
One major positive is the fact that the Ladbrokes customer service is easy to talk to and a high bet limit can be reached in individual cases by contacting Ladbrokes. It doesn’t hurt (financially) to ask! Sure bettors have to be careful at Ladbrokes, according to the bookmaker’s own information, as such behaviour can quickly result in additional limitations.
Our Verdict of Ladbrokes:A staple British bookmaker
Ladbrokes is one of the biggest names in the world of bookmakers and is competing well, both online and with its physical shops. Gamblers can enjoy a wide range of sports, including minor British events, as well as many games and a live casino. Security and safety are paramount and promotions can be generous, especially for members of The Grid. Overall, our Ladbrokes review is favourable, as the bookie offers a great service, although new customers may find the website difficult to navigate at first, simply because there is so much information on it. It is one of the best online bookmakers hands down and it has a nice Ladbrokes bonus too, but there is always room for improvement.
Ladbrokes: Opinions & Experiences of users
So, what do you think of our Ladbrokes sportsbook review? Hopefully, we were able to answer the right questions as to whether or not Ladbrokes is a top professional sportsbook. Now we are very interested in what you have to say. What are your Ladbrokes reviews? Would you have given an alternative Ladbrokes rating? If you want to help other betting experts within the OpenOdds community, then write to us and tell us about your personal experiences with the bookmaker Ladbrokes. Thank you for your help!
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