There are 5 Sports Spread Betting firms operating in the UK. We have dealt with them all and feel that we can provide an informed and independent review of each firm based on our experiences.
We would recommend that anybody who is serious about spread betting should have at least 2 accounts with 2 of the firms. The main reason for this being that they don't all offer the same price on the same markets. (Please see this link for a detailed example.)
Our recommendation would be to open accounts with Sporting Index and Spreadex as a start and to keep an eye on the other 3. If one of the other 3 consistently offers prices that would benefit you then of course open an account with one if not both of them. But in the short term Sporting and Spreadex are our two preferred firms for reasons as explained below:
1. SPORTING INDEX
Sporting Index are the biggest of the sports spread betting firms and were the first firm that we had an account with. In fact we probably still gamble with Sporting more than any of the other 4 firms. They offer a comprehensive range of bets on just about every televised sporting event and many that aren't televised. Their website is first class and their telephone staff are extemely helpful. Accounts can be opened online within minutes and once opened bets can easily be placed either by telephone or on the website. In our opinion they are the number 1 spread betting firm to have an account with.
New Account Incentive - £200 football bet after 5 bets*
2. SPREADEX
As the opposite of Sporting, Spreadex are the smallest of the sports spread betting firms but we feel that an account with them is a must. The range of bets on all sporting events is first class, their customer service is excellent and they offer a very informative and detailed website where accounts can be opened quickly and easily and bets placed at the touch of a button. Their tutorial section is a must for those new to spread betting. Overall we rate Spreadex very highly.
New Account Incentive - place 3 bets and receive a free bottle of Bollinger Champagne
3. CANTOR SPORT
Cantor Index are part of the huge Cantor Fitzgerald financial corporation and offer sports spread betting more as a bolt on for their financial spread betting clients. Once an account is opened with them, they offer an excellent range of bets on all sports, a good informative website and an attentive customer service. However opening an account is a bit of a nightmare unless you are already a financial client, so an account with Cantor is only recommended as a third choice to Sporting and Spreadex
New Account Incentive - None
4. IG SPORT
IG Sport is an offshoot of IG Index, the first financial spread betting firm in the UK and was formed in the 1970's mainly to speculate on the price of gold. IG is the second largest of the sports spread betting firms and offer a great range of bets in all markets. They have a good and informative website which although packed with information is really slow to load up - and we're on broadband - so it must take ages on normal dial-up!! Our other major gripe of IG is that their 'in running' text always seems to be way behind the action compared to the other firms which is really annoying. They are probably our least used firm to bet with - we prefer the other firms.
New Account Incentive - £100 free football supremacy bet once 5 bets have been placed
*Sporting Index
Open a Sporting Index account*, place ten sports bets and claim a £200 per goal bet on any live Premiership, Championship or Champions League match. Each qualifying bet must have the potential to win and lose £20 or more.**
*Credit and suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose. Sporting Index is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
*Suitability checks, **terms and conditions apply. See site for further details about an account with Bethilo. Sports spread betting involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. It is not suitable for everyone so please ensure that you understand the risks involved and only bet with money you can afford to lose. Bethilo is a trading name of Sporting Index, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
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