7 Sports Betting Brands You MUST AVOID Now -

When it comes to sports betting, it’s not just about where you win—it’s about where you lose.

Unfortunately, some sports betting companies are notorious for unfair practices that can cost you big. From withholding your winnings to invasive personal data requests, these seven companies have developed a reputation for putting punters in a difficult spot.

Here’s a closer look at the seven sports betting companies you must avoid if you want to keep your bankroll safe.

1. Sky Bet – Spying, Withholding, and Unfair Accusations

Sky Bet is one of the most well-known bookmakers in the UK, but its reputation has taken a nosedive in recent years. From accusing users of fraud to withholding winnings based on vague terms, their actions have left many punters furious.

One glaring example is a customer accused of cheating because they placed a bet within seconds of a goal being scored. Sky Bet threatened the customer with legal action and refused to release winnings, despite no real evidence of wrongdoing. Even worse, this company has been caught taking bets on events after they’ve already been decided—yet they don’t treat those situations with the same urgency.

On top of that, Sky Bet’s extensive digital surveillance system is alarming. An investigation found that a single user visit to their site transmitted data to over 44 different surveillance companies. The risks? Your bank statements and personal information could be used to block payouts or link you to other betting accounts.

2. Smarkets – Betting Exchange with Hidden Risks

While Smarkets is often praised as a fair exchange, recent complaints suggest otherwise. Many customers have shared stories of account closures and endless document requests, especially for smaller stakes. In one case, a customer deposited £50 and was subjected to rigorous checks, including proof of funds and wealth, despite the small amount involved.

The real concern comes when Smarkets plays both sides. Despite advertising themselves as a neutral betting exchange, they also place bets on their own platform. When users start winning consistently, there are reports of bets being voided and accounts restricted. If you think you’re betting against other punters, think again—you might just be playing against Smarkets itself.

3. Unibet – A Masterclass in Withholding Winnings

Unibet has gained a notorious reputation for refusing withdrawals and confiscating winnings. Their terms and conditions are crafted in such a way that nearly anything can be considered fraud, allowing them to block your account at any time. Whether you placed a similar bet as someone else, followed a tipster, or even received money from a friend, you could be flagged under their vague fraud policies. There’s a full expose on YouTube about it here.

What’s worse, Unibet acts as judge, jury, and executioner – just take a look at their Trustpilot rating. Once your money is locked up, good luck getting it back. Their customer service team is known for dragging out disputes for weeks or months, often leading to frustration and lost funds.

4. Paddy Power – The Masters of Settling Winning Bets as Losers

Paddy Power may have a fun-loving brand, but their practices are anything but lighthearted. In recent years, they’ve developed a reputation for settling winning bets as losers, hiding behind their terms and conditions to avoid paying out.

Punters have voiced their frustration, especially when it comes to their inconsistent enforcement of rules. While Paddy Power is quick to joke around on social media, their behind-the-scenes tactics are anything but humorous. They even landed a hefty £490,000 fine for sending push notifications to gamblers who had self-excluded. It’s clear Paddy Power has little regard for their most vulnerable customers.

5. Bet365 – Great Odds, If You Can Actually Bet

Bet365 is renowned for offering some of the best odds on the market, but there’s a catch—good luck placing those bets long-term. Bet365 pioneered the practice of stake restrictions, where accounts that consistently find value bets are limited to such low amounts that betting becomes impossible. In some cases, they limit winning accounts beyond use.

Punters who find themselves winning regularly on positive expected value bets often find their accounts restricted in no time. It’s a classic case of “you can look, but you can’t touch”—the odds may be great, but if you’re winning, don’t expect to keep betting for long.

6. Coral – Surveillance and Stalling Tactics

Coral, part of the Ladbrokes Coral group, has adopted many of the same questionable practices as their peers. They are known for using CCTV footage to track customers, requesting bank statements, and even allegedly noting down customers’ car registrations and clothing.

But perhaps the most frustrating tactic Coral employs is their reluctance to pay out on winning bets. Numerous reports detail punters having to fight tooth and nail to get their rightful winnings, with Coral often hiding behind small print and legal jargon. In short, Coral’s promise of big wins doesn’t hold up when it comes to paying out.

7. William Hill – A Never-Ending List of Complaints

Of all the companies on this list, William Hill is perhaps the worst offender. From voiding bets to changing odds after a bet has been won, William Hill’s practices are riddled with complaints. Document checks are frequently used to block withdrawals, even for small amounts, while in some cases, they perform checks after a customer has already won more than £10,000—seemingly to avoid paying out.

The common theme with William Hill is that they keep the money, and punters are left frustrated. Their long history of customer complaints and shady practices make them one of the most dangerous companies to bet with.

Final Thoughts:

While sports betting can be exciting, using the wrong companies can turn your experience into a nightmare. These seven companies have developed a reputation for making it difficult for punters to win, withdraw, or even play fairly. If you value your time, money, and sanity, it’s best to avoid them altogether.