One of the many Asian online sportsbooks now finding its way into Europe, 138.com might not have the pedigree that some regional operators have, but don’t let that put you off. In fact, like any new kid in town, 138.com has crossed international borders and landed in Europe with a huge amount of swagger.
Offering everything from cash out options, in-depth statistics and a mobile bonus that few can top (you get a free tablet!!), 138.com is certainly a site that’s big on value. In fact, such is the operator’s desire to stamp its authority in a new town (that town being Europe), it decided to sponsor Watford FC in the 2016/2017 Premier League season.
Sound good? Of course it does. But, before you rush off and sign-up, let’s take a quick look at the exact shape of 138.com’s stamp and why everyone is raving about it. Read on for our 138.com review.
OK, we’ll hold our hands up on this one: 138.com isn’t the best looking online sportsbook in the world. Although we won’t go as far as to say it’s an unattractive site, the overall design isn’t as slick as others we’ve seen. But – and this is important – not all good things come in pretty packages. In fact, like the ugly duckling, 138.com practically blossoms once you move around the site.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of 138.com’s interface is its simplicity. Instead of cramming endless images, icons and animations into a single page, the developers have tried to keep any extraneous features to a minimum. Now, on the one hand, this makes the site look a little empty. However, the flipside to this scaled back look is that it’s easier to find what you’re looking for.
Starting to the left of the screen, three boxouts allow you to skip through the site’s main features: Quick Picks (the day’s top bets), Live Betting (complete list of sports to bet on) and Information (useful betting tools). In the centre of the homepage you’ll find three more boxouts: Live Betting, Betting Highlights and Last Minute Bets.
As you’ll see, in-play betting is a major part of 138.com’s overall package and this decision to use three categories is actually quite useful. The Live Betting box will tell you exactly which sports currently have in-play betting markets (and how many there are), while the Highlights and Last Minute sections give you quick links to the day’s top bets.
Finally, to the right of the page you’ll find various info boxes – such as pre-set quick bets (you simply accept the bet and the price and stake are set for you) and a live schedule – as well as your bet slip. Overall, when it comes to live betting in particular, 138.com’s layout is extremely efficient. Although it lacks some of the bells and whistles other sportsbooks offer, the route from options to odds and, finally, confirmation of your bets is simple and direct which, in reality, is the only thing that really matters.
Although live betting is the main focus for most 138.com customers, pre-event bets are also available and you can place outrights, player bets, multiples and more from as little as £0.01. In fact, regardless of your sporting preferences, 138.com has it covered with one of its 31 betting categories, including:
and more.
Any serious sports bettor knows that the best way to improve their chances of success is to study some stats. Having a clear and objective overview of the teams/individuals involved in a contest not only gives you a chance to determine which side has enjoyed the upper-hand in the past, but who is more likely to come out on top in the future.
Because we know raw data is so important in the betting arena, we have to commend 138.com on its stats zone. Powered by NetPulse, this tool can be found inside the “Information” boxout on the homepage. Once you’ve clicked through the necessary link, you’ll find dropdown menus and tabs detailing everything from a Premier League club’s recent attendance to a tennis player’s latest results and current seeding.
Basically, if there’s a stat you need to know before you bet, this is where you’ll find it. Throughout our 138.com review we were regularly impressed with the level of detail available through this comprehensive stats offering
Like all self-respecting sportsbooks, 138.com has a welcome bonus for newbies. After signing up and placing five qualifying bets (bets between £10 and £25 on options with odds of evens or better), you’ll receive a free £25 bet. However, as nice as this is, we want to tell you about a deal you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
In a bid to get more people betting on the move, 138.com will give every player (new and existing) a free tablet when they deposit £50 via the official 138 mobile app. Yes, you read that correctly, when you deposit £50 via the mobile app, 138.com will send you a tablet!
When conducting our 138.com review it took roughly four weeks for the tablet to arrive after qualifying for the promotion with a £50 mobile deposit. The tablet runs Android and is branded with 138.com’s logo, ideal for having a punt whilst sat in front of the TV.
To talk to 138.com’s finest and get some help when you need it most, make sure you use one of the following methods:
So there you have it. 138.com might not be the biggest or the most well known player in town, but it’s certainly a site that’s out to impress. Aside from an ergonomic interface where finding the latest odds and stats is easy, you can bank some fantastic bonuses with very little effort when you join the fun.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
