Mcbookie.com
Year established: 2009
Mobile compatible: Yes
Jurisdiction: Gibraltar & UK
Overall rating: B+
Recommended: For recreational players
McBookie Sportsbook Review
A bookmaker which states that it is ‘Putting Scottish Sport First’. No prizes for guessing McBookie’s primary target market, it’s a popular bookie in Scotland with national pride seemingly something of a factor in its rise.
Online bookie McBookie offers sports and casino gambling, with an in-play section too.
Former star Kenny Logan was signed up as an ambassador to produce rugby content on the McBookie blog.
McBookie was founded in 2009 by Paul Petrie, a gambling industry professional who returned to his home of Dundee to start this venture along with former colleague at the Tote Damian Walker.
Petrie told The Scotsman: “Scots love a bet and when I was with the Tote, I was constantly being asked to put a Scottish angle on things because none of the other firms did that.
“They will, for example, offer prices on which Championship side will go furthest in the FA Cup but won’t do the same for a First Division team in the Scottish version.”
Over 8,000 Twitter followers isn’t a bad collection for a smaller online bookmaker and McBookie seems to thrive off customer loyalty. It also has a presence on Facebook and Youtube.
Betting Markets
McBookie naturally focuses on most Scots’ sport of choice, football, but it offers plenty more markets beyond this.
Here they are in full: American Football, Aussie Rules, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Darts, Football, Formula 1, Futsal, GAA Football, Golf, Greyhounds, Handball, Horse Racing, Hurling, Ice Hockey, MMA/ UFC, Motor Sports, Olympics, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Snooker, Speedway, Tennis and Volleyball.
McBookie also offers some Entertainment markets and some in Politics too.
Live Betting
Live betting is on offer at McBookie but it’s fair to say that it isn’t the operator’s strong suit. The graphics are okay but basic, and the layout isn’t the best. There’s also no live streaming as yet which knocks another few points off.
Usability of the site
McBookie does the job it was created to do; it puts Scottish sport first and this can be seen clear as day by browsing the site. It offers good odds too so is always worth a browse especially for betting on the Scottish leagues.
The McBookie blog looks a bit cheaply done; images are often stretched, it’s presented poorly and it isn’t very inviting. Frankly is the case for the site in general especially in comparison with industry innovators such as BetVictor and Unibet.
There is a McBookie app which does the job though it’s unspectacular and could be improved on several fronts such as response time and organisation.
Banking wise McBookie passes the test; it allows Visa, Mastercard and other cards but doesn’t currently allow e-wallets which will be a hindrance to some customers.
As far as McBookie customer support goes there is live chat, an FAQs section, a McBookie glossary of betting terms, and you can contact the team on email too at [email protected]. There is no telephone service as it stands.
Conclusion
If you’re a proud Scot and like betting on Scottish sports and leagues then definitely try this one out. With well priced odds, and a focus on these oft ignored events, you’ll have a good experience.
There are several fronts on which McBookie could improve, a site overhaul (especially in regards to the blog) is one but by and large it is delivering to its patriotic fan base what it set out to do. A does what it says on the tin situation!
Advantages:
- Good reputation within the online sports betting industry;
- Covers major and minor international sports and events;
- Great coverage of european football and horse racing;
- Good variety of markets especially Football;
- Very reasonable and competitive odds;
- Fantastic odds on horse racing;
- Regular promos on scottish sports & sportsmen;
- Very good welcome bonuses for new players;
- Easily accessible information such as stats that help players;
- Modern site design and easy to follow sections;
- Terrific customer support 24/7.
Disadvantages:
- Only a handful of sports covered in real depth;
- Main focus is on UK customers;
- The free bet offer is only available to customers in Scotland;
- Limited payment options available for deposit/withdrawal;
- Not available in certain countries.
Payments:
Visa/Mastercard, Skrill (Moneybookers), Bank Transfer, Neteller, PayPal, Paysafecard
*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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