Unibet

Overview

Unibet is a seasoned veteran in the global sports betting landscape, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1997. Part of the Kindred Group, Unibet has established itself as a major player in the European market, known for its comprehensive sportsbook, casino, and poker offerings. While the brand made a foray into the US market, it has since ceased operations in North America, a move that has disappointed many of its users. Despite its departure, Unibet's legacy in the US is one of a solid, reliable platform that offered a user-friendly experience and a wealth of betting options.

Sign-Up Bonus

Before exiting the US market, Unibet offered a competitive sign-up bonus to attract new customers. The most common offer was a protected first bet, often up to $500. This meant that if a new user's first bet lost, they would receive a refund in the form of free bets. While this was a decent offer, it wasn't as generous as some of the thousand-dollar-plus bonuses offered by some of its main competitors. The wagering requirements were generally fair, making it an attractive, if not top-tier, welcome bonus.

Odds Quality

Unibet consistently provided competitive odds across a wide range of sports. When compared to other major sportsbooks, Unibet's odds were often in line with the industry standard, and in some cases, even better. This was particularly true for European sports like soccer, where Unibet's deep roots and high volume of wagers allowed them to offer sharper lines. For US sports, the odds were still competitive, ensuring that bettors were getting fair value for their wagers.

User Experience

The Unibet platform, both on desktop and mobile, was widely praised for its clean, intuitive design. The user interface was easy to navigate, making it simple for both new and experienced bettors to find their desired markets and place bets. The site's layout was logical, with sports and leagues clearly organized. The bet slip was also a highlight, allowing for easy creation of parlays and other multi-leg wagers. The overall experience was smooth and hassle-free.

Mobile App

The Unibet mobile app was a strong point for the sportsbook. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app successfully replicated the functionality and user-friendly design of the desktop site. Users could easily place bets, make deposits and withdrawals, and even access live streaming of games directly from the app. The app was known for its stability and speed, providing a reliable on-the-go betting experience.

Deposit/Withdrawal Methods

Unibet offered a decent, though not exhaustive, range of deposit and withdrawal options. These included major credit and debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, e-wallets such as PayPal, online banking transfers, and PayNearMe for cash deposits. While most users found a convenient method, the selection was not as extensive as some other sportsbooks. Payout speeds were generally good, with e-wallet withdrawals being the fastest option.

Market Depth

One of Unibet's biggest strengths was its market depth. The sportsbook offered a vast selection of sports to bet on, from major US leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB to international sports like soccer, tennis, and cricket. The number of betting markets available for each event was also impressive, especially for soccer, where bettors could find over 100 different betting options for a single match. This included a wide variety of props, futures, and other exotic wagers.

Promotions

In addition to the sign-up bonus, Unibet offered a variety of ongoing promotions for existing customers. These included profit boosts, parlay insurance, and free bet offers. While the promotions were not as frequent or as lucrative as those offered by some of its competitors, they still provided added value for regular bettors. The promotions were generally tied to specific sports or events, offering a good mix of offers throughout the year.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extensive live streaming options for a variety of sports.
• User-friendly and streamlined mobile app and website.
• Competitive odds across many markets.
• Wide range of betting markets, especially for soccer.
• Strong international reputation and experience.

Cons

• No longer available in North America.
• Limited payment options compared to some competitors.
• Welcome bonus was less generous than some rivals.

Final Verdict

Unibet was a quality sportsbook that brought a wealth of international experience to the US market. Its user-friendly platform, extensive live streaming, and deep market offerings made it a popular choice for many bettors. While its departure from North America is a loss for the US betting landscape, its legacy is one of a reliable and enjoyable sportsbook. If Unibet ever decides to return to the US market, it would likely be welcomed back with open arms by many bettors who appreciated its solid all-around offering.