Our SBK review provides an essential deep-dive into this unique, mobile-only bookmaker. Standing out in the crowded UK market, SBK leverages its connection to the Smarkets exchange to deliver highly competitive odds, all within a slick app designed for passionate sports fans who prioritise value.
SBK review: An honest overview
SBK is a dedicated, app-only sportsbook from the operators of the respected Smarkets betting exchange. Its primary appeal is offering market-leading odds, particularly on football and horse racing, by operating on lower margins than many traditional bookmakers. New customers can typically claim a generous welcome bonus, such as the current “Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets” offer, though promotions for existing players are less frequent.
The entire experience is built for mobile, with a professionally designed and user-friendly app available for both iOS and Android devices. While it covers a good range of sports, its core focus remains on the most popular UK markets. Customer support is available through several channels, including live chat and phone, but it is not a 24/7 service. A solid selection of payment methods is available, though punters should note that e-wallets are often excluded from the welcome offer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly competitive odds: Powered by the Smarkets exchange, SBK consistently offers some of the sharpest, market-leading prices available to UK punters. | Lack of widespread live streaming: While streaming is available for UK and Irish horse racing and greyhounds, it is absent for most other sports, which is a significant drawback. |
| Superb mobile experience: As an app-only platform, the mobile experience is top-class. The app is slick, fast, and features superb navigation and usability. | Limited promotions for existing customers: Compared to rivals, there are very few ongoing bonuses and promotions available for loyal players. |
| Expert Content Hub: The ‘SBK Betting Zone' provides valuable insight through podcasts and in-depth analysis, helping punters make more informed decisions. | No Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG): Unlike many top UK bookmakers, SBK does not offer the BOG promotion on horse racing, which is a key consideration for racing bettors. |
| Unique community features: The app integrates social elements, allowing users to share betting tips, follow other punters, and engage with a community of bettors. | Customer support isn't 24/7: Support channels are not available around the clock, with operating hours typically between 9 am and midnight GMT. |
| Welcome bonus deposit restrictions: The new customer offer is often only eligible for deposits made via Debit Card or Bank Transfer, excluding popular e-wallets. |
SBK bonuses and promotions
SBK welcome bonus for sports betting
SBK's primary new customer offer is Bet £10, Get £50 in Free Bets. To qualify, new UK customers must sign up and make a first deposit of at least £10 using a Debit Card or Bank Transfer. After this, they need to place a £10 qualifying bet at minimum odds of 2.0 (Evens).
The £50 in free bets are distributed in stages: you will receive a £10 Football Bet Builder token when your qualifying bet settles. After 24 hours, you will receive a £5 Multiple token, a £5 Horse Racing Multiple token, and two more £5 Football Bet Builder tokens. A final two £5 Bet Builder tokens and two £5 Multiple tokens will be credited after 48 hours. All free bet tokens expire after 7 days and must be used on bets with a minimum of 4 legs.
A summary of the terms and conditions
The most important terms for the welcome bonus include a £10 minimum first deposit, which must be made using a Debit Card or Bank Transfer to be eligible. The qualifying bet must be at least £10 on a selection with minimum odds of 2.0. All awarded free bet tokens expire 7 days after being credited.
Promotions for existing customers
Ongoing promotions for existing customers are an area where SBK could improve. Compared to major competitors, such offers are infrequent. When they do appear, they are often in the form of occasional price boosts on selected events or special deals tied to major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or horse racing festivals.
SBK sports betting markets review
SBK provides comprehensive coverage of the most popular sports for UK punters, with a clear emphasis on football and horse racing. You can find markets for every major competition, including the Premier League and Champions League, alongside all UK and Irish horse racing meetings. Other available sports include tennis, cricket, rugby, US sports like American Football and basketball, and niche markets such as snooker and darts.
Betting odds and value
Highly competitive odds are SBK's standout feature and the primary reason many punters choose the app. This is a direct result of its connection to the Smarkets betting exchange, which allows it to operate on much smaller profit margins than traditional bookmakers. SBK is so confident in its pricing that it includes a “Price+” or “SBK Best Price” feature, which transparently compares its odds against major UK competitors like bet365, Sky Bet, and William Hill, confirming you are getting market-leading value.
The live betting experience
SBK offers hundreds of live betting events daily across a range of sports, including football, tennis, and snooker. The in-play interface is fast and responsive, which is essential for placing bets on the move during a live event. However, a significant drawback is the lack of live streaming for most sports. The only exceptions are UK and Irish horse racing and greyhounds, which are available to stream within the app. The cash out feature is available for many in-play bets, allowing you to settle a wager early.
Bet builder and special features
SBK offers a handful of well-executed features designed to enhance the betting experience.
- Bet Builder: Punters can create their own custom multiples by combining several markets from a single football match, such as match result, total goals, and player-specific stats.
- Auto Acca: For those short on time, this unique feature automatically generates a suggested accumulator bet, which the user can then choose to place or regenerate.
- Fresh Legs: A standout feature where if you place a player-specific bet (e.g., goalscorer, shots on target) and your player is substituted, the bet automatically transfers to their on-field replacement. This applies to a wide range of football markets and leagues.
- Community Features: The app has a distinct social element, where you can share betting tips with other users, track the predictions of successful punters, and contribute to a community of like-minded sports fans.
Additional betting features at SBK
Casino games
SBK is a dedicated sportsbook and does not offer any casino, live casino, poker, or bingo products. Its focus is purely on sports betting.
Virtual sports
Virtual sports betting is available on the SBK platform for customers looking for on-demand betting opportunities.
The SBK site experience
Website design and navigation
SBK does not have a functional desktop website for placing bets. It is an app-only service, and the website exists primarily as a landing page to provide information about the brand and direct users to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the mobile app. All betting activity is conducted through the app.
The mobile betting experience
The mobile app is SBK's core product and one of its greatest strengths. As an app-first bookmaker, the entire platform has been designed for a seamless mobile experience. The app is consistently described as slick, fast, user-friendly, and professionally designed, making it easy to navigate markets, place bets, and manage your account while on the move. It is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Betting limits
The minimum deposit and withdrawal limit for most payment methods at SBK is £10. However, some methods may have higher minimums; for example, bank transfer withdrawals require a minimum of £20, and PayPal deposits have a minimum of £25.
Customer support channels
SBK provides customer support through several channels, including Live Chat, Email, Phone, and Social Media. A key weakness is that support is not available 24/7. The service typically operates between 9 am and 11 pm or midnight GMT, meaning assistance is unavailable during late-night hours.
SBK payment methods
How to deposit funds
| Payment Method | Minimum Deposit | Processing Time | Welcome Bonus Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard | £10 | Instant | Yes |
| Bank Transfer | £10 | Varies | Yes |
| Trustly | £10 | Instant | No |
| PayPal | £25 | Instant | No |
| Skrill | £10 | Instant | No |
| Neteller | £10 | Instant | No |
How to withdraw your winnings
| Withdrawal Method | Minimum Withdrawal | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard | £10 | 1-6 business days |
| Bank Transfer | £20 | 5-10 business days |
| Instant Bank Transfer | £10 | Within 12 hours |
| PayPal | £10 | 1-2 business days |
| Skrill | £10 | 1-2 business days |
| Neteller | £10 | 1-2 business days |
| Trustly | £10 | 1-2 business days |
Why choose SBK for sports betting?
SBK has firmly established itself as a top choice for UK punters who prioritise value and a superior mobile experience. Its standout strength is undoubtedly its market-leading odds, which are powered by the low-margin Smarkets exchange and transparently showcased via the in-app price comparison tool. This commitment to value is complemented by a superb, professionally designed mobile app that makes betting fast, intuitive, and distraction-free. The Bet Builder and unique social features add further appeal for modern bettors.
However, the platform is not without its limitations. The lack of promotions for existing customers is a notable weakness, as is the absence of live streaming for popular sports like football and tennis. Furthermore, customer support is not available 24/7, which may be a drawback for some.
Ultimately, SBK is an excellent choice for a specific type of punter: the value-conscious, mobile-first bettor who wants the best possible odds and a clean, efficient app. If you care more about price than a constant stream of bonuses or watching live events within the app, SBK comes highly recommended.
SBK FAQs
SBK is owned and operated by Smarkets Limited, the company behind the Smarkets betting exchange.
Yes, SBK is fully licensed and regulated in Great Britain by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring it adheres to strict standards of safety and fairness.
No, SBK does not currently offer the Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) promotion on horse racing.
SBK covers a wide range of sports, but its primary focus is on football and horse racing, offering deep market coverage for both. Other popular sports include tennis, cricket, rugby, and US sports.
No, SBK is a mobile-only bookmaker. All betting is done through its dedicated app for iOS and Android devices; there is no desktop site for placing bets.