AK Bets Reviews and User Ratings

Full AK Bets Bookmaker Review

Overall, AK BETS is a very solid newcomer to the online betting sphere, but there is one major positive and one major negative.

First, the good. The odds at AK BETS are amazing. Across a number of different sports they have some of the best odds that you will find, and in certain markets it’s not even close, offering much, much longer odds on outsiders. On top of that, they have higher bet limits than most. The major downside, however, is the lack of a sign-up bonus, or offers generally once you are signed up. You’d expect this to change as they develop, and that’s exactly what I was told through their Trader Chat feature. Which brings me onto that specifically.

The Trader Chat feature is one of the best live web chat customer service features that I’ve seen on a UK bookmaker. It’s a real person, not a bot, and is swift, helpful and informed. It’s worth using if you have any query, just target immediate clarification, and is absolutely worth highlighting as a positive feature.

Their “About Us” section on their site asks for “constructive criticism about the website and apps” which is good to see from a new player in the game. Those intentions should stand them in good stead and it will be interesting to see how they progress, but before that, let's see what’s on offer now.

Also, remember that it is always worth checking alternative betting options, including best spread betting sites and betting exchange sites, depending on who you are as a bettor.

Advantages and Disadvantages

All explained in greater detail in this review, these pros and cons allow users to scan and understand where the strengths lie quickly.

• Established in 2021

• Star Racing Ltd.

• UKGC licence number - 009177

First Impression of AK BETS

My First Impressions

If you're familiar with some of the Playbook brands – think PlanetSport Bet, BetZone and the like – then you'll recognise the layout because AK BETS utilises the same platform. That means it's super simple to use, the navigation works really well and everything is laid out as you would expect. The branding and design are obviously different, and what you get as an overall product in terms of odds, customer service and certain markets, are actually a step above.

- Luke Bradshaw Lee, Senior sports betting editor

AK BETS Live Betting

Here in the UK on a Thursday morning there should be a decent amount of in-play betting options, if not loads, and an initial scan suggests that we’re in good hands.The in-play section is super easy to find as part of the main navigation at the top of the page, and it immediately takes us to markets across six different sports.

This is made of football, tennis, golf, cricket and basketball. In short, that’s enough to keep most punters interested, but comparing across other bookies at the same time there are definitely sports not included, and events within the sports that do have in-play markets for, not available. These are some of the more niche markets – think Australian Rules, badminton or esports – or smaller competitions in major sports such as the Asian Games for basketball or the Japanese NPB baseball league. 

On top of this, there isn’t anything in the way of infographics, or stats alongside selected markets, which is a bit of a let down, even if they were fairly simple.

AK BETS Live Streaming

As it stands AK BETS offers live streaming on horse racing and greyhound racing, with all UK and Irish meets covered.

AK BETS Betting Odds

After checking some other bookmakers at the same time, plus a few comparison sites, it appears that the odds offered by AK BETS are right up there with some of the best. This is especially true when it comes to horse racing, where across a number of different meets, they have some of the best odds around and, if not, at least the same as others out there. 

This carries on throughout the site on other sports, where on the whole they appear very competitive, but it's definitely horse racing where they excel. 

Odds and prices

Anthony Kaminskas

CEO

Compare to the best betting apps in the country.

⚽ Football Betting

You can’t launch a general sportsbook in the UK and not have a good football offering. Even if it’s not your specialty, it’s something that you simply have to cater to. AK BETS’ football section is decent. Actually, it’s more than that, it’s one of the better parts of its product and maybe only second to horse racing in this regard.

At first I thought that the event coverage was a little limited, but the drop-down menu at the top the football section presents an enormous range of leagues across the globe. So, not only are they there, they’re also incredibly easy to find thanks to that function.

While it may not be one of the very best football betting sites, its odds are incredible – one of the very best. You can see how it compares in more detail in the chart below.

Top football betting sites

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Bet Builder 

All games with bet builder available have a small “B” logo displayed underneath, and this can be seen across most games. All the major leagues have this as an option and, as is fairly standard across most bookmakers, once you start getting into non-league, or more obscure leagues around the world, the bet builder is no longer an option. One thing I’d like to see is the markets within bet builders grouped – “player markets”, “goal markets” etc. – to make them easier to find, but that’s nit-picking. 

Bonuses

Upon registering and first going through the site it appears that there are no bonuses. However, I used the “Trader Chat” webchat service (something I’d highlight as a strong point of the bookie) and was informed that throughout the week offers will appear. These include free bet drops, as well as setting higher limits on bets placed than most bookmakers.

Cash Out

Cash Out is available at AK BETS. It’s a feature that is now par for the course for bookmakers, so it’s reassuring to see it here. The cash out offered on a bet that I placed was neither incredible, nor awful, but pretty much bang on what I’ve come to expect from the feature generally.

🏇 Horse Racing

The horse racing section at AK BETS is probably the bookmaker’s main strength. There are plenty of markets – all the UK meets for the day are included – plus a great selection of others from around the globe including Australia, Japan, France and the United States. 

Below are A-Z, with Quick Picks, Build a Racecard and Ante Post options all available to navigate your way through the markets. The odds are excellent, as good as any that you’ll find, and it absolutely has to be somewhere you come for horse racing competitive odds.

AK BETS doesn’t offer Best Odds Guaranteed on any races, but they do have higher limits and are willing to take bigger bets than a lot of other bookmakers.

3.9 / 5 14 Ratings

Ak bets is a 'Rails' bookmaker bringing customer service and experience to the online market in the UK, for the more discerning customer

AK Bets Review

• AK's BIG PRICES - market leading prices on the biggest events
• Very easy sign-up process
• AK's BIG REWARDS - Huge range of promotions
• Nice “Trader Chat” service

SEE OFFER AK Bets Review

🐕 Greyhound Betting

The greyhound betting is exceptional at AK Bets, and that's down to the on track experience of those at the company. There's a full selection of all the day meets, as well as easy access to antepost stuff the next day from the main menu. Each meet has win and each way markets, as well as forecast and tricast options. You can do their quick picks, or build a racecard and personalise your betting for the day ahead.

It's also worth mentioning that AK Bets is one of the only bookmakers in the country that employs a full time odds compiler for greyhounds specifically. As a result you'll get more special markets and probably the best antepost markets around.

🇺🇸 US Sports Betting

A full range of American Sports is available. Even though the ice hockey and basketball major leagues haven’t begun yet, it’s good to see their outright markets and futures there, alongside global leagues (Finland and German ice hockey, for example).  

🏈 American Football Betting

When you land on an American football section, you want to see game lines, with spread, total and moneyline markets right there. That’s exactly what you see at AK BETS.

There is however a real lack of player props, and that goes for outrights also. Case in point, I couldn’t find odds for the Heisman Trophy, or any DPOY, or MVP odds, which is disappointing to see. Also, teams are listed with the home team first, the opposite to how’s it is done in the United States, so bear that in mind when placing your bets.

It’s only a little thing, but it’s also nice to see the team logos next to their names for NFL markets – great for finding markets quickly while scanning or scrolling through.

It’s worth checking out our best NFL betting sites to see how AK BETS compares overall.

🏀 Basketball Betting

There is a huge array of leagues on offer at AK BETS. Of course there is the NBA, and it’s good that there are some game odds already, alongside the outrights for Championships and Division winners, but on top of that there is a very good range in world leagues. Basketball punters can choose from matches in Sweden, Turkey, Colombia, Australia, Greece, Spain and a load more on top of that. It’s pretty impressive.

Keep tabs on the top basketball betting sites though, to see if they make it onto our list.

⚾ Baseball Betting

AK BETS' baseball section is adequate. Across its US sports markets it's the same story in a lack of player bets. There’s nothing for Player Bases, Hits, Walks Issued, Strikeouts etc or any player prop market which is frustrating. The markets that they do have for games is decent aside from that, but nothing to write home about.

🎯 Darts Betting

Matthew Edgar

Darts editor and wdf professional

In terms of darts betting sites in the UK, AK BETS is great. There are markets for the World Grand Prix, and Modus Series, with outrights on the PDC World Championships, still months away. For the smaller competitions there aren’t lots of markets available, just match winner for some of them, but it’s still good that these events are covered at all. You can imagine other bookmakers just simply not covering them.

Compare to the best darts betting sites in the UK.

What sports do you do well?

Anthony Kaminskas

CEO

Snooker Betting

Steve Madgwick

Editor-in-chief

I’m always on the lookout for great snooker betting sites. At the time of writing there are markets for the five different tournaments, including the World Championships, Masters and UK Championship. In short, the odds here are exceptional. The odds on upcoming matches are really good, but the outrights on future events are market-leading. Take next year’s World Championships, for example. The top three favourites are listed, in most places, at 4/1, 5/1 and 13/2. At AK BETS you can get the same three at 5/1, 11/2 and 15/2. And this continues to other events, including the UK Championships. It’s the same story with the favourites, and when you go further into the market you can get 40/1 on a player listed at 33/1 in most other places, and 100/1 on players listed at 80s.

Compare to the best snooker betting sites in the UK.

🏉 Rugby Betting (Union & League)

Unfortunately, right in the middle of the Rugby World Cup, there aren’t any promotions or boosts on tournament markets, but this is true of every sport pretty much, so I’d have been surprised if rugby was any different.

What makes up for this, however, is how good the odds are, particular for individual games. Outright odds are very good, but the game odds for this week’s fixtures are the longest that I can find and there is some real value to be found.

There does need to be more markets per match, but the odds that they do have are very good when compared to our best Rugby betting sites.

🏏 Cricket Betting

James Banting

Tipster competition assistant

It appears that AK BETS doesn’t offer as many markets as some other betting sites, but the odds offered on the ones that they do have are really good. The event coverage is right up there. There are markets on the Cricket World Cup and The Ashes, plus some markets for ODIs and tour matches, plus some women’s T20 Internationals. Betway currently tops our Best Cricket betting site right now, with huge market depth, great odds and lots of promotions. AK BETS actually matches them odds-wise, so hopefully they can up their market depth and they’ll be in with a shout of being one of the best around.

We list the 10 best cricket betting sites here.

🎾 Tennis Betting

By James Banting - The tennis betting at AK BETS is pretty good. There are all the majors listed for next year, with outrights offered on all, and for upcoming matches there is a decent selection of ATP matches, as well as Challenger Series matches across the world. It doesn’t go down to ITF level, but that’s fine.  

The odds are great, though. Scanning the ATP matches over the next couple of days I can definitely get more value here than most of bookies. If they could add in more markets then they’d definitely be closer to getting into the top 10 tennis betting sites on OLBG.

🏌️ Golf Betting

By James Banting - I’d like to see greater event coverage to be honest. Aside from the Ryder Cup and the four Majors, there aren’t any other tournaments listed. There are definitely some LIV Golf Events that I’d expect to see, even if I’m not fully expecting some of the smaller tournaments. That said, the odds are better than most and I’ll definitely be adding AK BETS into my consideration when line shopping.

🏎️ Motorsports Betting

Andy Powell

Content editor

AK BETS offer a decent range of motor sport markets and event coverage, while their odds seem just about right – nothing amazing, but definitely competitive. Understandably Formula 1 has its own section, while the likes of NASCAR, MotoGP and Speedway can be found through the “Motor Sports” tab in the menu. The F1 offering is fine, but I’d like to see more markets.

Compare to the best motorsport betting sites.

🥊 Boxing Betting

Frank Monkhouse

Boxing editor

This appears to be a solid start for a new bookmaker, without being anything spectacular, although the odds are what really sell it. There is a good list of upcoming bouts, but definitely not as many as some other bookmakers, so some people may have to look elsewhere. On top of that, there aren’t that many markets, particularly on the smaller fights, although these may increase when closer to the time. That said, I can find a number of different outright odds here that are better than pretty much anywhere else which is great news.

Compare to the best boxing betting sites.

Other Sports Betting

While these sports might sound very niche, there is a massive market for fans, and millions of them in the UK, so good coverage of niche sports and events is key to be reviewed on OLBG; let’s dig in.

AK Bets offers extensive betting options for Handball, volleyball, cycling, AFL betting, and esports. Handball includes global competitions; volleyball,covers European Championships and various tournaments; cycling features future tours and current races; AFL betting has comprehensive stats and esports offers all major games like League of Legends and CS:GO.

🗳️ Political Betting

Nigel Skinner

Blog content manager

By Nigel Skinner - I like the layout of their political betting section. Split into US Politics and UK Politics, you can do a deeper dive into the UK once you’re in. That means by-elections and the next General Election, but there are also some more specific markets, such as “Rishi Sunak Exit Date”. On top of that, the odds are very good, which means I’ll 100% be coming back when looking for somewhere to bet my money.

AK BETS are sure to be one of the best political betting options soon for punters interested in political betting to participate and enjoy the experience.

🎭 Entertainment and Specials

Jake Ashton

Senior news editor

This isn’t great. Strictly Come Dancing has started, as has The Great British Bake Off, and beyond the more time-sensitive stuff you’d like to see some competitions and award shows featured. The only market here is BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Compare to the best entertainment betting sites.

CASINO

AK BETS does have casino. It’s super easy to find their casino offering from their sportsbook, with banners across the top to casino and live casino. Check our Casino Sites page for dedicated new online casinos and slot sites.

AK BETS Account Opening Process

This couldn’t be easier. Three steps clearly signposted, and only having to input the usual information makes this a very straightforward process. It’s also worth pointing out that just before you finish the sign-up process you can set some responsible gambling limits, toggling on or off different options. 

1. Enter your email address and choose a password. Click “Continue” when you are ready.

2. Enter your personal information. This includes name, date of birth, contact number, address and a few other bits, including what currency you want to use.

3. Choose a deposit limit and complete a reality check. When you click “Next”, you’re all done.

Navigation and user experience [desktop v mobile]

The navigation, and the general app design is very good. You can look at it two ways: as a complete betting novice, or as an experienced bettor who has accounts elsewhere. 

For the former, everything would feel intuitive. There’s a menu of sports down the left hand side, and offers down the right, with the main panel of markets front and centre. If you're struggling or lost at any point, there’s a search function in the top left of the screen that will allow you to immediately find where you’re going (or see that it's not there and stop your search).

For the experienced bettor, everything will feel familiar. There’s no attempt to jazz things up for the sake of being different – this is how you’d want it, and what you’ll be used to from a number of other sportsbooks.

Placing a bet

This section should only really highlight if there are issues, as the process is almost identical on every site. Within a few minutes of signing up to AK BETS I placed a couple of bets on different sports, one of which took advantage of the welcome offer, and I used their bet builder feature, which was very indeed. 

Managing your account

As mentioned above, the design really makes this tick. On the desktop version, it’s stuff left and right of screen (menu and search to the left, account and bets to the right). On the app, it’s top and bottom, with search, account and bets at the top, with a main nav bar at the bottom that can get you to different sports, in-play options and casino (plus return to the home page).

For a brand new bookmaker it’s great to see no glitches, or lags, and it feels like AK BETS have got this sussed from the off.

3.9 / 5 14 Ratings

Ak bets is a 'Rails' bookmaker bringing customer service and experience to the online market in the UK, for the more discerning customer

AK Bets Review

• AK's BIG PRICES - market leading prices on the biggest events
• Very easy sign-up process
• AK's BIG REWARDS - Huge range of promotions
• Nice “Trader Chat” service

SEE OFFER AK Bets Review

Where does AK Bets need to improve?

Anthony Kaminskas

CEO

Responsible Gambling Features

You can set your deposit limit while you’re signing up; long before you’ve got close to actually making a bet. 

There is also a Settings tab at the bottom of the page, no matter what page you’re on, that allows you to make changes to limits, as well as odds formats, or odds change preferences/notifications.

There are the following measures within its functionality: 

• Deposit Limit

• Loss Limit

• Session Limit

• Wagering Limits

• Reality Check

• Time-Out

• Self-Exclusion

• Support Groups & Organisations

• Advice on Keeping in Control

• Parental Controls

• Self-Assessment

All are explained in further detail on their safer gambling page. As well as this, on the same page they list links to the likes of the National Gambling Helpline, Be Gamble Aware and the National Gambling Treatment Service.

Bookie Review Expert Contributing Team

Opinion, research and data collection for this review by

• James Banting (Horse Racing, Golf and Tennis)

• Nigel Skinner (Football and Politics), 

• Matt Edgar (Darts)

• Frank Monkhouse (Boxing)

• Andrew Powell (Horse Racing, Ice Hockey and Motor Sports)

• Jake Ashton (Entertainment and Specials)

🛂 Fact Checked - Sam Darkens - Commercial Manager

✍️ Written by - Luke Bradshaw Lee - Commercial Content Manager

✏️📚 - Steve Madgwick - Editor-In-Chief