Admiral Sports Betting is a subsidiary of the Austrian company Admiral Sportwetten AG, founded in 1991 it is Austria’s market leader in the branch betting business with more than 140 betting cafes. We mostly use them for their winter sports betting lines but they are gradually increasing their sports portfolio.

Fred Done – Fred is known as The Bonus King, a reputation he has earned through giving more bonuses and consolations back to punters. He has now expanded his empire to upwards of 500 shops all over the UK. Betfred are now the world's biggest independent bookmakers.

This book originally set up in the Isle of Man in 1998 taking advantage of reduced betting duty laws. Much of their turnover is based in the Far East but they are growing rapidly in Europe. We recommend you check out this book who are quoted on the AIM stock exchange.

Launched as an independent internet betting site in 1999 they grew rapidly and were acquired by the Rank Group in 2003. Fortunately when they were taken over they still retained their individual identity and continue to set a high standard.

An unusual book considering they cater more towards the US sports gambler. Their site is unique and their lines are often original – particularly where entertainment and special bets are concerned. Overall they offer a different branded approach which is rather refreshing.

Established in 1989 Boyles is Irelands largest independent chain of bookmakers and as such is a worthy inclusion on our site. Customer service is excellent though betting limits can be poor – hopefully this will gradually change.

Australian based bookmaker and hence strictly regulated by their government and one of the first to offer internet betting back in 1996.Tthey offer a wide range of sports and are prepared to lay a decent bet although odds are rapidly cut afterwards!

Probably one of the oldest and biggest gaming operators in the world. To our mind the sooner they integrate their different sites and give everybody wherever they are the same opportunities to bet with the same odds the better as it can be confusing.

Started in 1999 the company has grown into probably the leading Scandinavian bookmaker – although ironically they started in London. We like them as a book as they have expanded gradually and sensibly compared to others who have already fallen by the wayside.

Antiguan based sportsbook playing mainly to the European and US market. They have been around for many years on the internet (one of the first) and are now a sound and honest book. Sadly most of the mistakes they used to make have disappeared and with high margins they are difficult to beat.

People often knock Ladbrokes but to be honest we find them one of the better large British bookmakers. They are prepared to take opinions and often price up events long before any of their competitors and we have always found they will lay a decent bet.

Caribbean based US sportsbook who are very difficult to beat. They employ some very shrewd linemakers and will often stick to their opinions but margins can often be high.

The "Bonus Kings" – seems a very apt description. This Irish based bookmaker have grown rapidly over the years and are constantly offering bonuses/money back offers so they are always well worth checking out.

This Caribbean based Sportsbook operate on tight margins - show an accountant run British bookmaker their small over-rounds on some sports and they would die of a heart attack. Having said that they are a very difficult book to beat as they employ very sharp line makers.

Part of the Sportingbet group they are one of the best firms for early prices on a lot of sports - especially the main golf events. We believe this book must be in your portfolio as they can be prone to making the odd mistake as they go up so early

A bookmaker that has grown out of the old Surrey Sports and is now so called because of its bookmaking activities on Sky TV. A very shrewd book who will limit winning accounts in time.

The Tote site has got quicker in recent months however they are still one of the slowest firms to price up events although they still do take an opinion and offer different odds to other books.

Victor Chandler trade on the name and reputation of their founder – supposedly fearless and prepared to take on any high-flyers – we would probably reserve judgement on that. Nevertheless they often do price up individually and are a worthwhile book to have in your portfolio.

Bet from as little as 1p is what their website says – and if you win this could be the maximum size of your bet.They trade on the fact that their name is well known and gear themselves towards Joe Public. This may seem harsh – but at least you know your money is safe!