Bookee Review
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In 2017, the world of mobile sports betting changed thanks to Bookee. Taking the concept of swiping left and right to a new level, this mobile-only operator has made the process of taking a punt easier than ever before. In this Bookee review, we’ve broken down exactly how you can experience the latest trend in betting and, if you’re lucky, get some added value each time you go mobile.
🥇 Bookee | Bookee |
⭐Rating | 3.0 / 5.0 |
🎲 Total number of games | N/A |
💻 Software provider | EveryMatrix |
🎁 Welcome Bonus | – |
⚖️Regulation | UK Gambling Commission |
🏆 Bookee | Play Here! |
Overview of Our Experiences
Bookee is a mobile betting app unlike any other. Of course, when anyone tries to turn convention on its head and create something unique, there are always teething problems and it’s fair to say this bookmaker has those. However, in spite of its failings in some areas, we were highly impressed by this platform.
Company: | EveryMatrix |
Address: | 170 Finchley Road, London NW3 6BP |
Registration number: | 000-039383-R-319384 |
Regulation/license: | UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)) |
Phone: | N/A |
E-mail: | support@bookee.co.uk |
Live Chat: | No |
For those that want to try a completely new sports betting experience where desktop wagers aren’t an option, Bookee is certainly worth a look. To show you what we mean, here’s an overview of what you can expect when you download this mobile sportsbook…
Bookee Check: Scam or Not?
It’s easy for us to say betting brand X, Y and Z aren’t scams. In fact, that’s what many review sites do. However, what very few actually do well is tell you why that’s the case. Fortunately, we’re different. To ensure you know what you’re getting before you take the plunge, we run through each platform with a fine-tooth comb in order to pick out every highlight and lowlight.
In the case of Bookee, we’ve managed to identify at least five trust markers. The first and most important is its licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Regarded as the leading regulator in the industry, the UKGC is there to ensure that all aspects of Bookee are fair, safe and secure. In fact, after you’ve checked out the operator’s licensing credentials, you’ll notice that player funds are kept in segregated accounts. This is standard practice for all legit bookmakers but Bookee wants you to be clear on this. If you scroll to the bottom of the homepage, you can click a link to read more about segregated funds and how your bankroll is insured against any unforeseen business losses.
In conjunction with that second mark of trust, Bookee is linked to IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Services). Essentially a third-party arbitration body, IBAS acts as a mediator between you, the site and the UKGC in the event of a dispute. Indeed, any time you feel as though you’re not getting a fair shake, IBAS will step in and help restore order.
The fourth sign that this bookmaker isn’t a scam is its parent company. Even though this mobile betting app only went live in 2017, EveryMatrix has been around a lot longer. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in London, this software provider is licensed around the world and, in turn, provides the backbone for multiple gaming sites. Therefore, even though Bookee is a new brand, it stands on the shoulders of an industry veteran.
The final thing that convinced us Bookee is worth a punt is that it’s hosted on iTunes. Although Google’s Android store has tightened its controls in recent years, Apple is still regarded as something of a stickler for quality among app developers. With that being the case, we’re confident a listing on iTunes means the software is top-notch and free from any nasties. When you combine this with our other four points, it’s safe to say that not only is Bookee a legit operation but a high-quality one as well.
Overview of the Offers from Bookee
Bookee is certainly a betting brand with a difference. As we’ve said, this is a mobile-only platform that focuses specifically on sports betting. Because of that, you won’t find a selection of casino, poker and bingo games inside the app. For some, that will be disappointing. Indeed, virtually all of the leading online sportsbooks now offer a range of options. However, what Bookee does better than almost all its peers is simplicity. By sticking to sports, the developers have created a product that’s extremely novice-friendly and perfect for highlighting the best odds in an instant.
Sports Betting
When you first download Bookee on your iOS or Android device, you’ll notice the interface looks very different from anything you’ve seen before. Indeed, if you check out traditional online bookmaking sites such as Betsafe or BetVictor, you’ll see that the odds are housed in boxes. This format is one that’s been used online since the early noughties and, while it’s efficient, it can be a little boring.
Bookee has thought outside of these boxes (quite literally) and presents its odds on cards. Put simply, instead of showing you a list of numbers for a particular sport or event, specific match-ups are posted on cards. From this, you can swipe left or right to reject or accept the bet. By doing this, the developers have made it much easier to focus on individual odds, rather than bombarding you with a ton of information.
As is often the case, innovation often creates casualties. What we mean by this is that there aren’t as many betting options inside Bookee as there are at other sites. Because the developers have spent a lot of time creating a unique interface, they’ve not had as much time to fill the lobby with categories and, therefore, odds. For example, if you look at the aforementioned BetVictor, you’ll note that it allows you to bet on 34 different sports. Bookee, in contrast, has just 18. The natural consequence of this is that you’ll find fewer odds inside the latter and, potentially, fewer opportunities to make a wager.
However, don’t despair because there are some positives to cling to. Firstly, all the major sports are covered. In practice, this means you can find quality odds on football, horse racing, tennis, F1 and more. Additionally, the oddsmakers have also started to cover niche options such as table tennis, current events and eSports. Moreover, you will find a small selection of in-play betting markets. So, even though the list of options isn’t as extensive as it could be, there’s plenty of diversity.
The second reason not to despair is the fact Bookee is still a newbie. All betting sites have to start somewhere and, to its credit, Bookee isn’t trying to run before it can walk. By keeping its range of odds tight, this operator is ensuring it nails the basics and provides a quality service. Over time, as it gains more experience, you can expect the list of sports to increase. When that happens, this mobile betting app will become a match for any of the leading brands.
Bookee Bonus: Check Out the Offer
Unfortunately, as much as we love the look and feel of this bookmaker, the lack of bonuses is a real black mark against its name. Although we don’t want to be too critical of a site that’s only just starting to feel its way through the industry, there really should be at least a small welcome bonus for newbies.
During our Bookee review, we were unable to find any sort of free bet or cashback offers. Inside the leading best online betting sites, these types of offers are standard. So, to not have provisions in this department is not only disappointing but something that leaves this bookmaker trailing its peers. Of course, this might be a work in progress. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that Bookee bonus needs to be a work in progress, otherwise this online bookmaker runs the risk of losing its appeal among regular bettors.
Deposit Bonus: | N/A |
Bonus Condition: | N/A |
Validity: | N/A |
Other Promotions: | Bookee Belters |
Although it might be too much of a stretch to call it a saving grace, Bookee does offer enhanced odds on certain events. Essentially highlighting the best bets of the day, the Bookee Belters are an opportunity to extract some extra value from the market. Again, in comparative terms, these selected bets aren’t as potentially lucrative as price boosts from other operators. However, they are an attempt to give you something above and beyond the norm. Hopefully, this is the start of things to come.
Bookee Bonus Terms
Without any specific promotions to speak of, we can’t outline any terms and conditions you need to follow. The only thing you need to know is that the minimum bet allowed is £0.25. Therefore, if you want to access the “Belters”, you’ll need to stake at least that amount to unlock the best odds.
Deposit and Payout at the Sportsbook
The minimum deposit at Bookee is £10, which is great. However, you’ll only be able to make payments using your credit or debit card. In most instances, Visa, MasterCard and Maestro are accepted. There may some users that experience issues with Maestro due to local restrictions. Unfortunately, you won’t find PayPal as an option or any other eWallet. In terms of withdrawals, this means you’ll have to wait longer to receive your funds. Indeed, at most online betting sites, PayPal withdrawals are typically completed within 24 hours. In contrast, credit/debit card payments can take between three and five days. Therefore, when you’re ready to collect your winnings from Bookee, you will have to wait slightly longer than usual.
Payment Options of Bookee | |
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Deposit options: | Visa, MasterCard, Maestro |
Minimum deposit: | £10 |
Fees: | £0 |
Accepted currency: | GBP |
Payout options: | Visa, MasterCard, Maestro |
Although it would be nice to see PayPal et al offered, there’s no doubt that Visa and MasterCard are extremely secure. Every major bookie, from Betfair to Unibet will offer these methods, so Bookee is right in line with its peers. What’s more, because Visa and MasterCard are global brands, you can be confident that your money will always reach its destination as intended. Yes, you may have to wait a few days to receive your winnings. However, the necessary security checks are there to ensure you never lose out through no fault of your own.
Security and Regulation
In tandem with its UKGC licence and approval from Apple and Google, Bookee has aligned itself with a number of responsible gambling agencies. In addition to links with GamStop and GamCare, this operator follows the guidance of GambleAware. Although none of these organisations take an active role in the regulation of the industry, they’re designed to help players and operators create a safe environment for all.
By taking their advice and providing links to their services, Bookee is demonstrating that it understands the importance of responsible gambling and, in turn, your safety. When you take this attitude and put it alongside the company’s regulatory compliance, there’s no doubt it’s a secure, fair and safe place to bet.
Customer Support
Could the FAQ pages on Bookee be a little less vague? Yes. Even though you’ll find answers to almost any question you can have, there are some that don’t give you as much detail as possible. The main reason for this is that certain rules and restrictions will vary from country to country. However, it would be nice to see some of the main specifics listed. Beyond the FAQ, you’ll be able to access an enquiry form directly from the app. After choosing “contact support”, you can direct your query to the relevant department using a drop-down menu at the top of the page. Once you’ve done that, input your issue and wait for a response. In general, the response time will be less than 24 hours.
Usability of the Online Bookmaker
For all of its shortcomings in certain areas, usability is where Bookee shines. In fact, this is where it shines brighter than virtually every other mobile betting app out there. As we’ve already said, the traditional layout has been blown apart in favour of a unique structure featuring cards. Because of this, searching for and placing bets takes on a whole new dynamic. Put simply, when you want to search, you swipe.
Much like dating apps such as Tinder, you’ll go left to reject a bet and right to accept it. For those that want to review their wagers before they commit, you can choose to swipe right and add the odds to your bet slip. However, if speed is your thing, you can opt to have each right swipe confirm a bet instantly. Overall, there are few mobile betting apps that can match Bookee in terms of speed, simplicity and style. Everything is handled by either a swipe or a touch and the controls are so simple anyone can understand what’s going on. Regardless of whether you’re a novice or a pro, this is a no-nonsense betting experience where the only thing that matters is the odds.
Bookee App: Many Different Bets
In reality, there’s not much to say here that’s not already been said. Because Bookee is a dedicated mobile app and nothing else, our whole review has been focused on its portable provisions. Basically, if you own an iOS or Android device, you can download the Bookee app and get access to some great sports betting features with it being among the best gambling apps around.
Conclusion: Perfect Online Betting Site with its Own Software
Bookee isn’t the best betting site in the world. With little to speak of in the way of promotions and a limited range of deposit options, there are certainly major areas for improvement. However, the brand is still young and these are things that can be changed over time. What’s more, the whole set-up and design of this app is unlike anything we’ve seen before. By taking a popular dynamic in the mobile world (i.e. swiping) and applying it to the betting process, Bookee has created something special. Yes, it’s probably not the finished article but that doesn’t really matter. This app makes sports betting accessible to everyone and, for that, it should be applauded. There is no online casino available on the app, if you appreciate casino gaming as well as sports betting, head over to our list of trustworthy online casino options to find the site for you.
Enjoy gambling responsibly. Set limits on time and money spent, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Remember, gambling is for entertainment, not a way to solve financial problems. If you feel your gambling habits are becoming a concern, seek help from organisations like BeGambleAware or GamCare.
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GamCare
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GAMSTOP
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