DragonBet

DragonBet sister sites include Rhino Bet, NRG Bet, Planet Sport Bet, BetZone, BresBet and Vickers.
DragonBet (dragonbet.co.uk) is operated by Playbook Gaming Limited of 25 Wilton Road, Pimlico, London, WV1V 1LG.

DragonBet Sister Sites

Vickers

When Playbook Gaming Limited entered the white-label iGaming market, it managed to draw in some well-established names to its new platform. Vickers is one such legacy brand. Starting nearly forty years ago as a family-run business with physical betting shops, Vickers has stayed true to its origins. Depending on where you are in the UK, you might even have a Vickers shop nearby. The online version of Vickers maintains a strong focus on horse racing but also offers a wide range of other betting options, including political events. Like its DragonBet sister sites, Vickers boasts an extensive casino section in addition to its betting services. There’s a certain charm in betting with a traditional bookie, and none of the DragonBet sister sites embodies the “traditional old-school bookie” vibe quite like Vickers. Also, given its history as a family-run business, Vickers is probably the most similar of all the Playbook Gaming brands to DragonBet itself.

Rhino Bet

Rhino Bet stands apart from the other DragonBet sister sites. Unlike the others, which operate as white-label betting sites managed by third parties, Rhino Bet is entirely the work and responsibility of Playbook Gaming. They handle everything from hosting to licensing, making Rhino Bet their flagship and showcase. Since its rise to prominence in 2022 and continued success throughout the years since, Rhino Bet has quickly caught up with some of the biggest names in sports betting. While it has its flaws, such as lacking comprehensive customer support and being somewhat slow with withdrawals, it remains a very strong performer. Quite what makes it a strong performer is a little harder to say. We’ve reviewed and re-reviewed Rhino Bet several times, and we don’t think it has anything that ought to make it stand out from the Sky Bets and Paddy Powers of the betting world. Maybe we’re missing something.

BetZone

Apart from Rhino Bet, BetZone is the most recognised and popular among the DragonBet sister sites. Similar to many betting brands on this platform, BetZone had an offline presence long before it ventured online. In fact, BetZone’s journey began in 1973, long before the internet existed. The company’s pride in its heritage is evident on every page of its website. Upon visiting the site, you’ll find it offers more features than most other betting sites on the Playbook Gaming network. For instance, the News Zone provides extensive sports news coverage, almost rivalling major sources like talkSPORT or even Sky Sports News. Additionally, BetZone offers several promotions and bonuses, which are often limited on other DragonBet sister sites. It’s essentially an enhanced version of DragonBet, and that’s exactly what appeals to many players. It’s better than Rhino Bet in our eyes, but your opinion may differ.

Gentleman Jim

Technically speaking, Gentleman Jim isn’t one of the DragonBet sister sites. It’s allegedly run by a company called Lowell Brothers Limited, which is based in Wales and has a different address than Playbook Gaming Limited. However, you don’t have to look hard to notice that the two betting sites share a template. Go deeper than that and look Gentleman Jim up on the UK Gambling Commission’s website, and you’ll see that Gentleman Jim lists DragonBet as a trading style. We’re not sure, but we think it’s possible that Gentleman Jim was launched by the same people – perhaps even the same family – that launched DragonBet. Quite why it’s attributed to a different operator is a mystery, but the connections are there for everybody to see. In terms of approach, Gentleman Jim prefers an old-school approach to betting, which means plenty of archaic language, but no bonuses.

NRG Bet

Much of what we just told you about Gentleman Jim is also true of NRG Bet. From a technical point of view, this isn’t one of the DragonBet sister sites. The UK Gambling Commission website tells us that NRG Bet is owned by Sharedbet Limited. Again, though, the disguise is paper thin. Sharedbet Limited is listed as operating from the same address as Playbook Gaming Limited, and it’s obvious that the betting website uses the same template as all of the other DragonBet sister sites. This is very obviously Playbook Gaming Limited wearing a different hat, which makes us wonder if there’s been a change of strategy at the operator recently. Was NRG Bet the first of a new breed of DragonBet sister sites, all of which will have an independent management company behind them? If so, will they all lack bonuses and promotions like NRG Bet does?

Dragon Bet News

13th November 2024: On the 12th of November, the Dragon Bet blog discussed the eagerly anticipated clash between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. Set for this Friday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the bout promises to be a landmark event, with the main card starting at midnight UK time and the main event ring walks at about 4 a.m. UK time, or 10 p.m. ET. This match also marks Netflix’s first foray into live boxing broadcasts. The undercard is stacked with talent, featuring a rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano for the super-lightweight titles, and Mario Barrios taking on Abel Ramos for the WBC welterweight title. Other notable fights include Shadasia Green versus Melinda Watpool for the vacant WBO super-middleweight title, among various intriguing matchups across different weight classes.

In terms of odds and expectations, Jake Paul is currently the favourite at 2/5, as per DragonBet’s listings. At 27, Paul’s youth and active engagement in boxing give him a slight edge, particularly given his strategic approach to fight selection. Conversely, Mike Tyson, although a venerable figure in boxing with an unmatched knockout history, faces scepticism due to his age of 58 and prolonged absence from professional boxing, with his last official fight dating back to 2005. Nevertheless, Tyson’s odds stand at 5/2, reflecting his enduring capability to deliver powerful punches. The fight will consist of eight two-minute rounds, using 14-ounce gloves, with knockouts permitted, contributing to its official sanctioning. While predictions lean towards a full-round bout ending in a decision for Paul, the unpredictability of boxing—especially with a figure like Tyson—keeps the outcome uncertain.

18th October 2024: On the 13th of October, Ffos Las Racecourse hosted the last Dragon Bet Welsh Champion Hurdle to signal the end of a storied era. This final curtain call for the prestigious race at Carmarthenshire’s Ffos Las Racecourse marked a significant moment, as the event will move to its sister course, Chepstow, next year. Historically, the Welsh Champion Hurdle has been a critical fixture in the Welsh racing calendar, famed for spotlighting emerging talents who have gone on to excel as chasers. While it bids farewell to Ffos Las, the race is set to join a newly expanded three-day festival at Chepstow, elevating its status and continuing its legacy in a new setting.

Leading Welsh trainer Evan Williams expressed mixed feelings about the move. He commended Ffos Las for revitalising the race and turning it into an October fixture, differentiating it from its traditional spring schedule, which featured legends like Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse. Last year’s event saw Nemean Lion, trained by Kerry Lee, clinch victory after a thrilling competition, and this year he returned to defend his title. Jockey Richard Patrick was back in the saddle, eyeing another win to add to their achievements. The race also featured strong local contenders like Go Dante, ridden by Pembrokeshire’s Sean Bowen, who is currently contending for the top spot in the Jump Jockeys Championship. Go Dante, trained by Olly Murphy, came into the race with a strong performance in last season’s major handicaps. Another notable entry was Steel Ally, representing Welsh interests with Vale of Glamorgan-based trainer Sam Thomas and jockey Sam Twiston-Davies.

10th September 2024: Few things in horse racing are predictable, but some races are downright bizarre, as described in a recent post by Dragon Bet. Sean Bowen, one of Wales’ leading jump jockeys, found himself in an unusual race at Bath this week, competing against a rival jockey who shared his name. Bowen, typically dominating the jumps scene, had no midweek races over timber and took the opportunity to ride on the Flat. His competitor, Irish amateur jockey Sean D Bowen, came out on top with a win on Maritime Lady, while Bowen’s mount, For Pleasure, finished sixth. Despite this odd encounter, Bowen’s week improved considerably when he returned to jumps, guiding Roaring Legend to a dominant 10-length victory in a novice hurdle at Stratford, followed by another impressive win at Fontwell aboard Prince Imperial.

Dragon Bet explained that it was a solid week for Welsh jockeys overall, with Bowen’s brother James also securing a win at Stratford aboard Callin Baton Rouge. Meanwhile, David Probert, Wales’ top Flat jockey, enjoyed a fantastic week with six winners, highlighted by an Ascot double on Saturday, including a standout performance from The Reverend. Probert’s week also included two victories within half an hour at the start of the week. Not to be outdone, Connie’s Rose continued her winning ways at Chepstow, taking her seventh victory at the course under the guidance of trainer Grace Harris. The following day, Harris celebrated another success with Savannah Smiles, bringing her total to 12 wins for the season, just one short of her personal record.

14th August 2024: On the 9th of August, Dragon Bet posted a blog which outlined how instead of looking to thrive this season, Welsh football teams are scrambling to survive. The managers of Welsh clubs, including Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County, and Wrexham, are approaching the new season with caution rather than ambition. This tempered outlook reflects the challenging reality each club faces, particularly in light of their modest activity in the transfer market compared to their Championship rivals. Cardiff City’s Erol Bulut, once bold in his ambitions, now speaks more cautiously, focusing on doing their best without making grand predictions. Swansea City, under Luke Williams, and Newport County’s new manager Nelson Jardim, echo similar sentiments, focusing on steadying the ship rather than aiming for the top.

Wrexham, fresh from back-to-back promotions, also finds themselves tempered by realism, with odds suggesting they are far from favourites to climb further. The blog points out that both Cardiff and Swansea are likely to find themselves more concerned with avoiding relegation battles than competing for promotion, a stark contrast to clubs like Leeds United and Burnley, who have spent significantly to bolster their squads. Wrexham, despite their recent success and fanfare, are not expected to be strong contenders for another promotion, while Newport County’s hopes are even slimmer, with survival being their primary goal. This pragmatic approach from Welsh clubs is grounded in the need to maintain stability and avoid the pitfalls of previous seasons. With modest resources and cautious strategies, these teams are setting their sights on a season of survival, hoping to stay clear of relegation zones while building for a more promising future.

17th July 2024: On the 12th of July, Dai Sports addressed Wales Fans with an article which stated that a discussion about the English football team is well overdue. The article also heavily promotes Dragon Bet, which is revered as ‘The Bookmaker of Wales’. The heated article discusses the difficult relationship between Welsh football supporters and their English counterparts, particularly in light of England’s advancement to the final of a major football tournament on foreign soil, specifically Germany. The discussion often turns to the varied reactions among Welsh fans whenever England’s progress in football is televised. Broadly categorised, the majority hope for an English defeat, a smaller fraction remains indifferent, and an even smaller number might quietly wish them success. The last stance is admittedly challenging due to the oft-perceived lack of a positive English fan identity and the jingoistic nature of English media coverage, which paints a less endearing picture of the English team and their English fans.

The article notes that, despite these feelings, there might be reasons for neutral observers or reluctant well-wishers to adopt a more forgiving view towards England, particularly due to figures like Gareth Southgate and Bukayo Saka. Southgate, portrayed often as an underappreciated manager amidst harsh criticisms, maintains a dignified calmness. Saka, admired for his resilience and likability, especially following the racial abuse he faced post-Euro 2020, presents another figure that even the most reluctant supporter might feel empathy towards. The article also extends the discussion to the betting odds, highlighting the tension and excitement surrounding the upcoming final between Spain and England. Dragon Bet favoured Spain as the likely victors but also provided lucrative odds for an English win, which could prove a windfall for those betting on the underdogs.

18th June 2024: This week saw the release of yet another slot game in the Big Bass franchise, Big Bass Fishing Mission, but how does it stack up to all of the former releases and more importantly, should members of the Dragon Bet sister sites cast their line in this particular slot pond? Developed by Pragmatic Play, this latest addition features a 5-reel, 3-row layout with 10 paylines. The game offers three RTP settings—96.50%, 95.50%, and 94.50%—and boasts a high volatility with a hit frequency of 1 in 7.62. Players can place bets ranging from 0.10 to 250, aiming for a maximum win of 5,000 times their stake. This slot distinguishes itself with a nocturnal theme, diverging slightly from its predecessors by incorporating elements of a secret agent vibe. This is reflected in some of the game symbols, but the core gameplay remains recognisably Big Bass. The main features include free spins and a new Stack the Cash bonus, adding a twist to the familiar fisherman wild and fish Money symbols.

The free spins feature, triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols, offers players a choice: free spins with various modifiers or the Stack the Cash feature. In the free spins mode, players can reveal modifiers such as extra fish, additional wild fisherman symbols, or starting from level 2, enhancing the potential for higher wins. Each wild fisherman symbol that appears during free spins collects all visible Money symbols’ values, and every fourth wild triggers additional free spins and multipliers, up to 10x. The Stack the Cash feature presents a different challenge, focusing on collecting Fish Coin symbols and resetting respins. This feature introduces robo-crabs, which store collected coins and can double their value with bomb drops, potentially leading to substantial payouts.

23rd May 2024: It will have disheartened Dragon Bet, a quintessentially Welsh sportsbook, to write about the ceaseless struggle of Welsh rugby teams in recent performances. The state of Welsh rugby has been concerning, as evidenced by a series of heavy defeats. Welsh teams like the Ospreys, who suffered a 61-14 defeat against Leinster, illustrate the struggles. The four Welsh regions – Ospreys, Cardiff, Scarlets, and Dragons – have faced significant challenges, securing only 17 wins in 64 league games this season. The underlying issues stem from structural problems, financial instability, and player departures, leaving these teams vulnerable against stronger opponents. Despite occasional competitive bursts, they often falter as matches progress, unable to sustain their performance.

The collapse of clubs like Worcester, Wasps, and London Irish has not concentrated talent but rather highlighted the abundance of ordinary players in the market. Teams like Leinster, Northampton, Saracens, and Toulouse have managed to maintain robust squads, demonstrating the stark contrast with struggling Welsh teams. The situation is compounded by reduced playing budgets and a lack of leadership within Welsh rugby. Former international Tom Shanklin’s prediction that things might worsen before improving reflects the grim outlook. However, the resilience of professional rugby players offers a glimmer of hope. Even after crushing defeats, teams like Gloucester can quickly shift focus, as seen in their preparation for the European Challenge Cup final. The journey back from such defeats can be sombre, but the determination to recover and strive for victories remains strong. As the Welsh teams brace for future challenges, the hope is that structural improvements and strategic leadership will eventually lead to a resurgence, restoring their competitive edge in the rugby arena.

24th April 2024: This week, Dragon Bet has offered an in-depth Welsh horse racing betting preview, highlighting both emerging and established talents within the sport. The blog mentions that Lorcan Williams, riding Golden Ace, stands out after a season that included a noteworthy win at the Cheltenham Festival. This duo’s recent dominant performance has cemented their status as top contenders for future major events, including a possible run at the Champion Hurdle, where Golden Ace is currently listed at odds of 50 / 1 with Dragon Bet sister sites. Williams has expressed enthusiasm for their prospects, especially on softer grounds which could improve Golden Ace’s performance. Additionally, Willie Mullins, a celebrated figure in jump racing, is poised to attempt his first win in Wales with Rath Gaul Boy in the upcoming Best Odds On Welsh Sport Novices’ Hurdle.

The horse racing scene also closely watches the jockeys’ championship race, where Sean Bowen is vying to overtake Harry Cobden in the final days of the season, with several key rides lined up, including races at Ffos Las and Southwell. David Probert’s victory in the Spring Cup at Newbury has highlighted his exceptional form this season, boosting his profile as he rides Metallo in the Esher Cup at Sandown, representing the same team behind Metal Merchant. The Welsh racing community is also abuzz with the potential shift in the Fergal O’Brien stable, as Connor Brace positions himself as a likely successor to Paddy Brennan. This transition highlights the dynamic nature of horse racing, where new opportunities can propel emerging jockeys into the spotlight.

Can DragonBet Be Trusted?

★★★★★

DragonBet is a 4-star trusted casino.

1. Licenses and Fines	DragonBet holds a valid, clean UK Gambling Commission licence.
2. Accepts UK players?	This brand was founded in Wales, and focuses on the UK.
3. Trustpilot Score	About average. 3.1 out of 5.0 after over 100 reviews.
4. Operator Name & Location	Playbook Gaming Limited is based in London, England.
5. Bonus Terms	DragonBet tends not to impose wagering requirements on promotions.
6. Customer Support	Social media messaging or email. No live support.
7. Withdrawal Speed & Options	Only debit cards, with a 2-5 day turnaround time.
8. Number of Sister Sites	There are five DragonBet sister sites on the Playbook Gaming platform, plus a couple more that share similar traits.
9. Games portfolio	This will always be a sports betting brand, but the DragonBet Casino has expanded in recent years.
10. On GamStop?	DragonBet is on GamStop.
Overall SCORE >	★★★★★ – 4/5 Stars

DragonBet Review 2024

DragonBet, self-described as “The Bookmaker of Wales,” was an offline brand long before it was an online one, and originally specialised in Welsh horse racing. When it first moved to the online sphere a few years ago, it did so as a product of a delightfully named company called E.G.G. Limited, which we understand to have links to the family that founded the DragonBet brand. For whatever reason (perhaps it cracked under the pressure), E.G.G. decided that managing online betting brands wasn’t for them, and so DragonBet joined the successful Playbook Gaming Limited platform in 2023. Is it better or worse off for the move, and how is it getting on now a little time has passed? Let’s see.

DragonBet Promotions

This is going to be a very short paragraph. DragonBet doesn’t have any welcome promotions. It’s become almost customary for UK-facing iGaming and betting sites to roll out the red carpet with promotions for new arrivals at the site, but DragonBet apparently hasn’t got that memo yet. This will be a bigger issue for some players than others; while there are those who can’t get on board with the idea of not getting any perks for signing up, others prefer not to be trapped by complicated wagering requirements.

Ongoing Promotions

DragonBet is home to an unusual promotion: “Unlucky Butty.” It’s a confusing name, but it’s the name given to a promotion that sees losing stakes refunded as a free bet for bets placed on races that happen in Wales (specifically at Chepstow, Bangor-on-Dee or Ffos Las). Not every single losing bet gets refunded – DragonBet wouldn’t make any money if it operated that way. Instead, bets are only refunded if selected winners finish second in races that include at least five runners. The maximum refund per customer per race is £10. Somewhat questionably, the promotion is only open to Welsh residents.

The other promotions here are broadly similar to the promotions you’ll find at the DragonBet sister sites. There’s a Best Odds Guarantee, spot bonuses and promotions on specific matches and events, and access to the operator’s Slots Club. Through that club, players who spent £250 or more on slots in DragonBet Casino get an allocation of fifty free spins every week. That isn’t a huge number of spins, but the lack of any associated wagering requirements makes it a little more attractive.

What are the Pros and Cons of DragonBet?

Pros: DragonBet is a straight-to-the-point betting site with no distracting bells or whistles. As well as covering every popular sport in the UK (with a particular focus on horse racing), DragonBet offers esports betting, live dealer games and slots.

Cons: The lack of promotions at DragonBet means that the site isn’t the most welcoming environment for new players. The one unique promotion that does exist is limited to players who live in Wales, which is more than a little exclusionary. Payment and withdrawal information is difficult to find on the website. There’s no banking page, with limited details contained within the DragonBet FAQ.

Top Games at DragonBet Casino

As should be clear from the content of the review up to this point, DragonBet isn’t really a casino site. It has a few casino games on it, but that doesn’t make it a casino site. The range of casino games at DragonBet, such as it is, is fairly limited. There are only a couple of hundred slots and a handful of live dealer games. They’re there to serve as an accompaniment to the site’s main focus, which is sports betting.

The focus on horse racing at DragonBet is so heavy that every other sport it covers feels like it’s been sidelined a little. While it’s a proudly Welsh iGaming site, DragonBet actually covers racing from all over the UK, with a full schedule featuring all the latest runners and riders appearing in the middle of the homepage. The full list of sports that the site offers can be found to the left of the homepage and includes all the obvious categories plus oddities like 3×3 basketball and water polo. Since moving to Playbook Gaming, DragonBet has also started doing “specials,” so bets on television, entertainment and politics are now welcome. The odds offered at DragonBet are unique and competitive.

Withdrawal Processing and Support

Being a Playbook Gaming site means that DragonBet is subject to the same payment processes that apply to all of its sister sites. That isn’t good news. The only way to conduct transactions with this site is through debit cards (Visa/Mastercard/Maestro), and you won’t get your withdrawals quickly. The minimum wait is two business days, it could take up to five. You can forget about same-day or even next-day withdrawals – it isn’t going to happen. We’re not sure why this operator is so badly stuck in the past when it comes to banking.

Customer Support and Licensing

Again, much like its sister sites, DragonBet is stuck in the past in this department. For customer support, you can email [email protected] or contact the brand on social media. It has Instagram, Facebook and Twitter/X accounts. There’s no number to call, and there isn’t even a live chat facility. The licence that covers DragonBet is UK Gambling Commission licence 50122, and is held by Playbook Gaming Limited. This licence, which is clean, also covers the DragonBet sister sites.

DragonBet – The Verdict

DragonBet is more popular in Wales than it is anywhere else in the UK. That isn’t surprising, given the site’s clear focus on serving the Welsh market. The only exclusive promotion that the site offers is available only to those who have a Welsh address, which feels exclusionary. Dedicated sports bettors might be attracted to DragonBet because of the unique odds that the site offers, but there’s not much here for anybody else even with the expansion of DragonBet Casino. The lack of promotions is off-putting, and the wait for withdrawals appears to be longer than anyone should have to put up with in the 2020s.

What are players saying about DragonBet?

Here are our condensed / readers digest summaries of recent player reviews of DragonBet.

• 26-Jul-2024 by Andy:
  After recently opening an account with DragonBet, I’m warning potential customers to stay away. I attempted to withdraw just £19.93 to the same debit card I used to deposit, but they couldn’t process it. The amount of effort required is ridiculous. I’m reporting them to the Gambling Commission. Avoid at all costs. – source: Trustpilot
• 30-Jun-2024 by Ash:
  DragonBet isn’t bad, but they don’t offer any bet bonuses like other sites. It’s a bit disappointing compared to the competition. – source: Trustpilot
• 22-Jun-2024 by Tyler:
  There are no bonuses on the website, which is really disappointing. It’s far from being a great betting site. – source: Trustpilot
• 07-Apr-2024 by Mike:
  DragonBet is the worst betting website I’ve used in the UK. The verification process takes forever, and when you try to withdraw, they start asking for endless proof of bank details, slowing everything down. My account has been suspended multiple times in a week without any reason. The only thing that’s easy on this site is making deposits. – source: Trustpilot
• 06-Apr-2024 by Adrian:
  DragonBet is an independent bookie, and while you won’t get the same offers as the big firms, it’s important to support local businesses. I’ve had no issues with depositing or withdrawing, which is what matters most. I’d give 5 stars if they offered PayPal as a payment method. – source: Trustpilot
• 28-Mar-2024 by James:
  What a great company. They offer great odds, excellent service, and fantastic staff. Well done, DragonBet! 10 out of 10. – source: Trustpilot
• 27-Mar-2024 by Tom:
  Scam site! Do not use them! Even if you win, you won’t get paid out. Avoid at all costs. – source: Trustpilot
• 17-Mar-2024 by Gary:
  This is the worst site ever. There’s no cash-out option, and even hours after a game finishes, the site hasn’t updated. Customer service blames it on the site being busy. Don’t waste your money here! – source: Trustpilot
• 09-Mar-2024 by Toby:
  The app is very easy to use, and they offer great odds. I’m really pleased with my experience. – source: Trustpilot
• 09-Mar-2024 by Neil:
  I’ve been using DragonBet as my main online service for a few months now, and the speed of the withdrawals is what stands out. Most firms are quick to take your money but slow to return it—DragonBet isn’t like that. Thanks! – source: Trustpilot