AK Bets

AK Bets sister sites include Star Sports Bet, McBookie and NE Bet.
AK Bets (akbets.bet) is operated by Star Racing Limited of Star House, 255 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, BN3 7ED.

AK Bets Sister Sites

The AK Bets sister sites bear a strong resemblance to the sites on the Playbook Gaming Limited network, which is a little surprising because they belong to the Star Gaming Limited network. That makes us wonder whether there’s a connection between Playbook Gaming and Star Gaming Limited. That’s unlikely to be of interest to you, though, because you’re here to find out about the AK Bets sister sites and hopefully find somewhere new to do your sports betting. There are only a handful of AK Bets sister sites to run the rule over, but they all have their own merits – and they’re listed below.

Star Sports Bet

Star Sports Bet is the flagship of the Star Racing Limited platform. That much is obvious from the site’s name. It’s also a strange casino and betting site in terms of the way that it’s organised. If you go to starsportsbet.com, you’ll find a site full of sports news and analysis with no betting options. Go to starsports.bet, though, and you’ll find the widest and deepest sportsbook that you’ll come across at any of the AK Bets sister sites. We’re not sure why the brand is divided in this way, and can’t help but feel that it must play havoc with search engine results. That’s not our concern, though. The news that matters is that the Star Sports betting brand has been around since 2009 and claims to be the biggest luxury bookmaker in the UK. We’re not sure about that, but it certainly covers far more betting options than your average sports betting company and even allows wagers to be placed on political and other matters.

McBookie

McBookie isn’t the official iGaming or betting site of McDonald’s, as amusing an idea as that might be. Instead, it’s a sports betting company with Scottish roots, and has been around since 2009. That means it isn’t the longest-standing of the AK Bets sister sites, but it’s knocking on for fifteen years of experience, which means it must be getting something right. The brand’s Scottish origins are reflected not only in its name and the blue background of its homepage but also in the “about us” section of the website. Reference is made to betting on Andrew Murray to win Wimbledon, which isn’t as great a punt as it used to be given that he’s retired, or betting on Scotland to win the FIFA World Cup, which would be lunacy. The motto of McBookie is “Always putting Scottish sport and Scottish punters first,” but we believe that the site won’t hold it against you if you’re not Scottish but still want to place a bet here.

NE Bet

NE Bet is the third and final member of the AK Bets sister sites family and is the most recently launched of all the iGaming sites on the Star Racing Limited network apart from AK Bets itself. According to the (very formal) information listed on the NE Bets “about us” page, the company was incorporated in 2018 and is privately owned. When it says “privately owned,” it’s not talking about Star Racing Limited. As is the case with all the AK Bets sister sites except Star Sports Bet itself, NE Bet is a white-label brand operated by Star Racing Limited in conjunction with a third-party entity. Telephone and text betting are also available under the NE Bet umbrella for players who don’t want to use the website, and the site’s focus appears to be horse racing. As for the question of why there’s an Illuminati-style eye in the middle of the NE Bet logo – your guess is as good as ours.

AK Bets News

13th November 2024: The AK BETS sister sites have recently updated their FAQ players with vital information which should be considered before any money is wagered. These updates encompass a broad spectrum of topics critical for responsible gaming and efficient account management. Starting from basic payment methods, the sites now clearly state that they accept a variety of payment options like Mastercard, Visa, and Bank Transfer. There is also mention of how the use of credit cards for deposits or withdrawals has been disallowed since April 14, 2020. This measure aligns with the latest financial regulations aimed at promoting responsible gambling. For withdrawals, players are informed that the process can take anywhere from 2 to 5 working days, depending on the banking method used.

The FAQs also guide users on how to efficiently top up their accounts, emphasising the necessity of being logged into their profiles. Additionally, the update includes a step-by-step guide on adding or removing payment methods, and the proportional distribution required for withdrawals when multiple payment methods are employed. Regarding security, the updated FAQs detail the location and importance of the security code on debit cards, necessary for verifying transactions. Currency options are explicitly mentioned, with the current acceptance of only Sterling and Euros, stressing the importance of selecting the preferred currency carefully as changes are not permitted after the selection. For those facing issues with declined transactions, the sites advise checking the entered details and consulting with banks, acknowledging that declines could be due to the banks’ fraud prevention measures.

16th October 2024: One of the top tipsters at AK BETS, Tony Bullen, has recently published a betting preview for the 2024 Irish Greyhound Derby, set to begin at Shelbourne Park this Friday. Despite a later start in the year, this season’s competition remains as intense as ever, with 156 contenders vying to join the prestigious ranks of past champions. The action unfolds with 26 heats across the opening weekend, showcasing early confrontations among the top competitors. March On Freddie, fresh from his Puppy Classic victory, is one to watch as he steps up to challenge Ireland’s elite, hinting at potential supremacy given his impressive speed, though the leap in class is notable. Another contender is Callaway Knegare, who, after a striking performance in the Juvenile Derby at Shelbourne Park, has shown he’s a force to be reckoned with, boasting dominant wins and impressive times, even despite setbacks in his recent races.

Bullen explained that Boylesports Bob, the runner-up at the English Greyhound Derby, returned to the tracks with a bang, securing a win in his Derby trial stake. Known for his speed off the blocks, he may need to adapt his strategy to navigate the competitive field in this tournament, yet his determination makes him a strong candidate to reach the finals. The event also features promising female competitors, echoing the 2021 victory by Susie Sapphire that demonstrated the fierce capability of female greyhounds. As a final tip, Bullen notes that Crafty Shivoo, following her triumph in the Laurels at Cork, is garnering attention with her outstanding form, while Coosane Pickles, though less experienced, has shown significant promise, overcoming challenges with a spirited performance that could see her making major impacts.

8th September 2024: When talkSPORT listed the top Championship promotion odds, AK Bets was noted for their lucrative betting markets. The 2024/25 Championship season promises fierce competition as teams vie for a coveted spot in the Premier League, but even fiercer competition is unfolding between UK bookmakers as they attempt to make their platforms the most attractive to sports bettors. talkSPORT noted that Leeds United, currently favoured by bookmakers at odds of 4/6, are driven by last season’s near miss in the playoffs, making their campaign a watchful mix of ambition and caution under manager Daniel Farke. Burnley, priced at evens for promotion, holds a robust position with a team seasoned by previous Premier League exposure, although doubts linger about their adaptation under new management with Scott Parker. The financial leverage typical of recently relegated teams could play to their advantage, ensuring they remain strong contenders.

Luton Town and Middlesbrough, both tagged at 4/1 and 5/2 respectively, offer interesting dynamics. Luton aims to capitalise on last season’s top-flight experience and managerial continuity with Rob Edwards at the helm. Middlesbrough’s challenge lies in maintaining fitness and momentum throughout the season, with manager Michael Carrick hoping to avoid the pitfalls of the last campaign’s slow start. Further down the odds, teams like Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion, both at 4/1 and 5/1, demonstrate the unpredictable nature of the Championship. Coventry’s consistent approach under Mark Robins and West Brom’s defensive resilience under Carlos Corberan could upset more fancied sides. Sheffield United at 7/2 and Sunderland at 5/2 reflect the unpredictability and drama typical of the league. Both teams face critical seasons with Sheffield grappling with the aftermath of a challenging year and Sunderland embarking on a fresh start with coach Regis Le Bris, hoping to capitalise on his tactical acumen.

13th August 2024: In the latest episode of The Sweet Spot, Steve Palmer aligned with Dave Clark to dissect the men’s Olympic golf tournament, an unmissable event for golf fans globally. This week’s edition, sponsored by AK Bets, provided an insightful analysis of the competitors most likely to shine on the global stage, highlighting their potential impact on the tournament. Both Palmer and Clark looked into the form and recent performances of top players, identifying those who could make significant strides on this prestigious platform. The event may have been and gone, but the passing of the Olympic fixture proves how on the money both pundits were in their analyses. A significant focus was placed on the American contingent, known for their formidable presence in international golf. Palmer articulated his expectations for these athletes, suggesting that their rigorous training regimes and previous successes provide them with a solid foundation for Olympic success.

Furthermore, the discussion included intriguing insights into how the course’s unique layout and prevailing weather conditions might influence gameplay, offering a comprehensive overview that could be vital for viewers and bettors alike. The show also featured a segment dedicated to discussing dark horse candidates who might surprise the field. This analysis is particularly useful for viewers looking for in-depth insights into potential betting opportunities. Clark’s expertise was evident as he elaborated on the factors that could enable these underdogs to outperform expectations. As the conversation concluded, both experts agreed that the Olympic golf tournament is not only a test of skill but also of mental fortitude, with athletes needing to maintain focus amidst the high stakes of Olympic competition.

15th July 2024: When talkSPORT ran through the candidate betting odds for the US election, the AK Bets welcome bonus, which can provide a 25% winning boost up to £100, was also mentioned. The article mentions that Joe Biden’s position as the Democratic frontrunner is increasingly uncertain, especially after a subpar debate performance against Donald Trump. The current odds reflect this uncertainty, with Biden at 4/9 from Betfred. His vice president, Kamala Harris, trails at 5/2 from Coral, while Michelle Obama, despite showing no interest in running, stands at 12/1 from Paddy Power. Other potential candidates include Gavin Newsom, governor of California, at 113/1, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, at 23/1, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at 29/1.

Bookmakers are seeing a surge in bets regarding the Democratic nominee due to the mounting pressure on Biden to step aside. Political pundits suggest that if Biden does exit the race, the Democratic Party’s chances against Trump could improve significantly. Despite the odds, Biden remains confident in his ability to lead, even as his public appearances are closely scrutinised. Kamala Harris, with her extensive political experience and historic role as Vice President, is considered a solid contender if Biden steps down. Gavin Newsom’s relative youth and political track record also make him a potential replacement, although he has shown loyalty to Biden so far. Speculation continues around Michelle Obama possibly stepping into the race, fuelled by rumours that Biden might hand over the nomination to her at the Democratic National Convention in August.

17th June 2024: Usually, it falls upon NetEnt or Microgaming to create officially licenced video slot games, but recently, the honour fell onto Atlantic Digital to bring life to the Ace Ventura Pet Detective game. This slot, which recently landed across the AK BETS sister sites, inspired by the iconic 1994 comedy film, features a 5-reel, 3-row setup with 20 paylines and an RTP of 93.90%. The game takes players on a fun-filled adventure through the zany world of Ace Ventura, brought to life with vibrant graphics and a soundtrack that echoes the film’s playful spirit. The game is packed with features that will undoubtedly spark some nostalgia for the 90s film franchise. As with most slot games, the main event is the free spin feature, which is activated by landing the rhino bonus symbol on reels 1, 3, and 5. With this sequence of scatter symbols landing on the same spin, players are rewarded with seven free games, complete with animal modifiers.

These free spin modifiers can combine during bonus games to generate wins that are more significant than you will scoop up in the main mode of play. The Jungle Friends feature sees Ace summoning his animal companions to add extra wilds to the reels, while the Sneaky Walk feature has Ace sneaking across the screen to place stacked wilds on the reels. The slot’s wild symbol, represented by Ace Ventura’s business card, works as standard by substituting for other symbols to form winning combinations, excluding scatter symbols and animal modifiers. With a hit frequency of 29.13% and medium volatility, the game offers a balanced mix of frequent smaller wins and the potential for larger payouts.

22nd May 2024: When the Racing Post published predictions for the Senior PGA Championships, they also promoted a generous free bet offer from AK BETS. Steve Palmer, a renowned golf betting expert, has shared his insights for the upcoming event, pointing out key players and potential winners. His analysis highlights the form and capabilities of several seasoned golfers who are expected to make a significant impact on the leaderboard. One of Palmer’s top picks is Steve Stricker, who has demonstrated consistent performance and strong form, making him a favourite for the title. Stricker’s recent successes and steady playstyle position him as a formidable competitor. Another noteworthy mention is Padraig Harrington, whose recent performances suggest he is well-prepared to challenge for the top spot. Palmer believes that Harrington’s experience and strategic play could give him an edge in this tournament.

Alongside these seasoned veterans, Palmer also identifies a few dark horses who could surprise the field. The inclusion of Bernhard Langer, a legendary figure in senior golf, is a testament to his enduring skill and competitive spirit. Langer’s experience in major tournaments makes him a potential contender despite his age. AK BETS has been highlighted as an excellent sportsbook for placing bets on this prestigious event, especially with their attractive free bet offer for new members. This promotion provides an added incentive for golf fans to engage with the tournament and potentially benefit from their wagers. As mentioned by Palmer, AK BETS is known for its competitive odds and user-friendly platform, making it a preferred choice for many sports bettors.

23rd April 2024: When Betting Sites Ltd posted a review of AK Bets on the 22nd of April, it marked a significant nod to the platform’s burgeoning influence in the sports betting industry. The review unpacks the sportsbook’s comprehensive offerings, highlighting a sleek interface that ensures ease of navigation and a wide array of betting options, which stand out as particularly commendable features. This user-friendly approach is complemented by an efficient mobile app, available for Android users, facilitating betting on the go across more than 20 sports. A major draw for new users is the AK Bets sign-up offer, which incentivises potential punters with attractive welcome bonuses. If your first bet is a Lucky 15 bet on qualifying horse racing odds, your return will be boosted by 25%, up to a maximum of £100; the boosted returns will be paid in the form of a free bet which will be credited within 24 hours of qualifying.

The review suggests that AK Bets, although not yet a household name in the UK, is poised to pose significant competition to established big-league sportsbooks. The platform’s commitment to enhancing user experience through top-notch customer support and speedy transaction options further cements its potential to climb the ranks in the competitive sports betting market. The array of betting markets, competitive odds, and the general reliability of the service contribute to a solid foundation that could very well disrupt the betting landscape. In summary, AK Bets, with its industry-leading offerings and customer-centric approach, is quickly becoming a notable player in the sports betting field. As it continues to evolve and expand its services, it is only a matter of time before it secures a prominent position among the leading sportsbooks.

Can AK Bets Be Trusted?

★★★★★

AK Bets is a 3-star trusted casino.

1. Licenses and Fines	AK Bets holds a UK Gambling Commission licence, but its operator was fined in April 2023. More information can be found in our review.
2. Accepts UK players?	This is a UK-based brand.
3. Trustpilot Score	About average – 3.2 out of 5.0 after over 120 reviews.
4. Operator Name & Location	Star Racing Limited of Hove, England.
5. Bonus Terms	Very few bonuses, but generally no wagering requirements.
6. Customer Support	Email or Twitter/X only – no live assistance available.
7. Withdrawal Speed & Options	2-5 days to debit cards. No other supported methods.
8. Number of Sister Sites	The three AK Bets sister sites are all highlighted above.
9. Games portfolio	AK Bets is a sports betting site, but it comes with slots and a live casino.
10. On GamStop?	AK Bets is on GamStop.
Overall SCORE >	★★★★★ – 3/5 Stars

AK Bets Review 2024

AK Bets is a sports betting brand that’s come a long way in quite a short space of time. Its first incarnation was a mere pop-up on-course bookmaker at Killarney in July 2021. The brand’s owners lost money on its first day’s trade but stuck it out to take seventy-thousand on-course bets in its first year. So much growth followed in late 2022 that by the time 2023 began, the time had come to launch AK Bets as an online betting company. The owners of the AK Bets brand chose Star Racing Limited as the operator to partner with, so here we are. How good is the betting website they came up with together? Read on to find out.

AK Bets Welcome Promotions

This isn’t the most promising of stars. There aren’t any welcome promotions to tell you about at AK Bets. While that might surprise those of you who’ve never played at any of the AK Bets sister sites before, it’s less of a surprise to those who have. Welcome promotions aren’t common on this network. Nor are they common on the Playbook Gaming Limited platform, with which Star Racing Limited appears to share a lot of its intellectual property. The red carpet doesn’t get rolled out for you at AK Bets; if you decide to register and play here, it won’t be because you were seduced by a juicy sign-up bonus.

Other Promotions

While AK Bets doesn’t offer any welcome promotions, that’s not to say that it doesn’t offer any bonuses whatsoever. The AK Slots Club offers fifty free spins on selected online slots for every £250 spent on casino games, which some would say is a lot of spending for a very limited reward. The fact that there aren’t any wagering requirements attached to winnings generated by free spins might make it a little easier to bear for some players. The AK Bets casino also has access to the famous Pragmatic Play Drops and Wins games, which promise to pay out cash prizes all day, every day.

While those promotions and bonuses are undoubtedly nice to have, the issue is that they’re not connected to sports betting, and AK Bets is supposed to be a sports betting website. AK Bets doesn’t even seem to offer a best odds guarantee, which is something that can be banked on at most of the AK Bets sister sites. We’re all for iGaming sites expanding their horizons, but we can’t help but feel that if only a limited number of promotions are going to be offered at a sports betting site, they should focus on sports.

What are the Pros and Cons of AK Bets?

Pros: AK Bets is obviously a fast-growing betting brand. Getting from a single on-track betting stall to a major iGaming network in the space of little more than eighteen months is impressive. The number of sports AK Bets covers is impressive, and the website is easy to use. It also comes as an app.

Cons: While the sportsbook is excellent, the way it’s presented is a little barebones. The lack of promotions at AK Bets seriously hurts the standing of the site when compared to other, larger betting sites, and the lack of real-time customer support is likely to be an issue for some players.

Top Games at AK Bets

We’ve talked about the fact that AK Bets has casino promotions to offer, so you already know that it has a casino section full of top slots from great providers. They aren’t the focus of AK Bets, though. When you load the AK Bets website, the first thing you see is a list of odds for the next horse racing event on the schedule. As such, the “top games” at AK Bets are the sporting fixtures and events that the site offers odds on.

The full A-Z of sports offered at AK Bets isn’t as extensive as the one you’ll find at, for example, Star Sports Bet, but that’s to be expected when Star Sports Bet is the premier betting site on the network. Unless you’re looking for especially niche sports, the event or match you’re looking to place a wager on will be covered. Special betting events or highlighted upcoming fixtures are listed on a scrolling banner at the top of the AK Bets homepage, so that’s worth paying attention to you when you first land.

Withdrawal Processing & Support

Being a Star Sports Limited betting website means that AK Bets is limited by the same constraints that apply to the AK Bets sister sites. That means withdrawals can only be paid out via debit card or bank transfer, with no e-wallet support or support for alternative electronic banking services like Trustly. Withdrawals to debit cards are quoted as taking between two and five business days to complete. Bank transfer withdrawals presumably take even longer. The short version is that you’re not going to get a same-day withdrawal from AK Bets.

Customer Services & Licensing

AK Bets suggests that players go to Twitter/X and tweet@AKBets87 for customer support, as that’s apparently the fastest way of getting a reply. If you don’t have Twitter or simply don’t want to do that, you can send an email to [email protected]. The lack of telephone support or a live chat service is likely to be a further frustration for players who are unhappy about long waits for withdrawals.

The UK Gambling Commission licence 9177 covers AK Bets and belongs to Star Racing Limited. The licence is far from spotless, though. The company was fined more than half a million pounds by the UK Gambling Commission in April 2023. This came after a regulatory review uncovered evidence that the operator had broken multiple licence conditions, including guidance on customer interaction and anti-money laundering obligations. The sum of the fine was £594,000, and it was accompanied by a formal warning and the imposition of extra conditions to the company’s licence. It’s still in force, and still covers the AK Bets sister sites.

AK Bets – The Verdict

AK Bets is clearly an ambitious brand. It wouldn’t have made it from trackside to the internet in less than two years if it wasn’t. However, it’s going to have to do better if it ever wants to compete with the biggest names in the UK sports betting scene. Withdrawals are too slow, customer support isn’t comprehensive enough, and there aren’t any promotions to give something back to loyal customers with. We appreciate that the brand is still growing, though, and we’ll hopeful that AK Bets will be able to improve on all these things given time.

What are players saying about AK Bets?

Here are our condensed / reader’s digest summaries of player reviews of AK Bets.

• 10-Aug-2024 by Paul:
  They claim to take big bets, but they won’t even take small single bets on football. The fixed odds markets are very poor. – source: Trustpilot
• 07-Aug-2024 by Stefano:
  I decided to try this bookmaker, but it was a terrible experience. The customer service is rude, the promotions and free bets are poor, and they’re very slow at paying out winnings. Stay away from them! – source: Trustpilot
• 07-Aug-2024 by Ryan:
  I used the site for about a week before my account was suspended without explanation. They said they needed documents, which I provided, but then they stopped replying. My withdrawal was blocked, and I still have a balance in my account. They later claimed I had self-excluded, but I didn’t. They just deleted my account and withdrew my balance. It’s a shame because the site was good before this. – source: Trustpilot
• 25-Jul-2024 by Tariq:
  I’ve been with Paddy Power for years but recently switched to AK Bets, and I couldn’t be happier. I requested a large withdrawal, which was processed within hours after a quick KYC check. The whole process was painless and quick. I’d highly recommend AK Bets to anyone looking for a new online bookie. I’ll be sticking with them from now on. – source: Trustpilot
• 23-Jul-2024 by Kev:
  Avoid this site! It started off well—I deposited and withdrew without any issues. Then they requested a KYC check, and after I provided the details, they closed my account and said they would no longer trade with me. They waited until they had taken back all my winnings before doing this. They’re con artists. – source: Trustpilot
• 28-Jul-2024 by Steve:
  Stay away from this site! I deposited and lost £2,500 in less than half an hour. Then they asked for my driving licence and utility bill to verify my address, which I sent immediately. After that, they told me they were ceasing to trade with me without giving any reason, citing their terms and conditions. This company has no integrity. – source: Trustpilot
• 10-Jul-2024 by Shane:
  Great experience with live chat—they quickly added promotions and free bets to my account. A good sign-up experience overall. – source: Trustpilot
• 08-Jul-2024 by Peter:
  I deposited £100 and tried to place a bet on France, but the money didn’t show up in my account, even though it had left my bank. After contacting customer service, they were very professional and resolved the issue by crediting me £20, but I still couldn’t place the bet. I appreciate the gesture but still need help placing my bet. – source: Trustpilot
• 04-Jul-2024 by Dan:
  Don’t expect to win a hand playing blackjack on this site. The experience was awful. – source: Trustpilot
• 04-Jul-2024 by Fairgame:
  The casino payouts on this site are terrible. I played 150 £1 spins just to reach the bonus round and only won £2.25. It’s not worth playing here. – source: Trustpilot