138.com
Year established: 2012
Mobile compatible: Yes
Jurisdiction: Isle of Man & UK
Overall rating: B
Recommended: For recreational players
138 Sportsbook Review
Online since 2012, 138 predominantly caters to the Asian market by operating in Mandarin, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Japanese and English languages.
All services and games on 138 are provided by Fesuge Ltd., which is based on the Isle on Man, and regulated by Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.
The bookmaker aims to attract potential players from South-East Asia and China who currently reside in the UK and some of Europe. However, there are still many restrictions on the mainland including in Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, Netherlands and Turkey.
138’s ambassador is the beautiful Japanese adult film star Sola Aoi, and the bookmaker is currently the official club sponsor to Watford Football Club. As well as this, 138 is currently the betting partner of Newcastle Football Club.
With thousands of followers across Facebook and Twitter, 138 has enjoyed having a successful presence on social media sites. However, recently 138’s Twitter account has been disabled and it is unsure how long this will continue to be the case.
Betting Markets
There are a huge variety of markets within 138’s sportsbook with almost 50 different sports to choose from. The focus is predominantly on football, with this sport featuring on all of their ‘quick links’ choices and offering odds virtually every major league in the world.
With so many markets, 138 have odds on some of the most obscure sports including:
Aussie Rules, Bandy, Diving, Equestrian, E-Sports, Fencing, Gymnastics, Judo, Canoeing, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Shooting, Speedway, Taekwondo and more.
Depending on the season, the site also offers Fantasy Football for players and a market for the Olympics.
Live Betting
138 have a comprehensive live betting facility that is the focus of their sportsbook. Recently the bookmaker has begun to offer the lucrative ‘Cash Out’ option during a bet, which is a welcome addition and much more likely attract potential players.
Although the statistics are well laid out, there could be more focus on visuals especially when considering there is no option to live stream sports.
Usability of the site
As a beginner 138 can be quite overwhelming, but with a live chat support facility, and contact available over phone and e-mail it is easy to solve any issues that may come up.
Though the design is not perfect for first time players, the website layout is well designed and user friendly once you know what you are doing. The mobile app only serves to enhance this positive experience and feels much more simple than most other bookmakers.
The odds they offer remain very competitive, but this is in contrast to their new players promotion that is not as attractive. Currently you receive 100% on a maximum of a £25 bet, but only after five qualifying bets. There are other exciting promotions which include ACCA Insurance, Playoff Money back if your selection loses in some of the golf play-offs, Tennis tie-break money back and money back if any top level football match ends 0-0.
In terms of depositing and withdrawing money, 138 only have five payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers.com. Their lack of other methods may make it much more difficult for some players to handle their finances.
Conclusion
Overall 138 is a good bookmaker with an excellent selection of markets for all kinds of players, not just Asian expats. With the addition of a live cash out facility and a well designed app 138 looks to be a solid competitor in such a heavily saturated industry. However, 138 could make it easier for first time players and also offer those same players more enticing joining bonuses.
Advantages:
- Popular online gaming operator in Asia;
- Highly trusted company;
- Huge selection of available sport betting markets ;
- Additional fun features for football fans;
- Competitive prices across a range of sports;
- Excellent promotions targeting new players;
- Detailed statistics and live results section to help punters;
- Smooth and sleek interface that is easy to use;
- Easy deposits and quick cashouts;
- Great customer service.
Disadvantages:
- Promotion isn’t great anyway;
- Can’t claim the bonus money when you withdraw, just what you put in;
- Slightly lacking in prop bets;
- Poor banking options;
- Some restricted countries.
Payments:
Visa/Mastercard, Skrill (Moneybookers), Neteller, Bank Transfer
*Keep in mind to double check information. Be prepared for changes to restricted countries, bonuses, currencies, deposit and payment options, languages, contact info.
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