This Star Sports review explores one of the UK's most unique bookmakers. Known for its luxury branding, high-end VIP service, and first-class telephone betting, Star Sports offers a distinct experience. This expert guide breaks down everything a UK punter needs to know about its odds, markets, and features.
Star Sports review: a complete overview for UK punters
Star Sports began its journey in 1999 as Star Racing, founded by the on-course bookmaker Ben Keith. After a decade of growth, it was rebranded in 2009 to reflect its expansion beyond horse racing. Today, it operates as a luxury bookmaker, fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (license number 9177), with a reputation for offering a bespoke, high-touch service. Its online platform, launched in 2018, complements its famous VIP telephone betting operation, which caters to high-stakes clients.
While its heritage is in racing, Star Sports provides a modern sportsbook with over two dozen sports, competitive odds, and a functional mobile experience. The brand differentiates itself through exceptional, personal customer service, positioning itself as a premium choice in a crowded market. This review synthesises our expert testing to give you a complete picture of its strengths and weaknesses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong focus on horse and greyhound racing | Very limited range of payment methods (no e-wallets) |
| User-friendly and fast website | Lack of live streaming for major sports like football |
| Exceptional, personal customer service via phone, chat, and email | High £50 qualifying stake for the welcome offer |
| Highly competitive odds, especially in golf, cricket, and the NFL | Received a significant £593,000 UKGC fine in 2023 for social responsibility failures between 2020-2021 |
Star Sports bonuses & promotions: what's on offer for punters?
Unlike many competitors, Star Sports does not have a single dedicated promotions page. Instead, offers are presented on rolling banners at the top of the homepage and detailed in its informative blog. This approach keeps the focus on timely and relevant deals. Our review breaks down the value of these promotions for both new and existing players.
The Star Sports welcome bonus for new sports customers
New customers can claim a Bet £50 to Get a £25 Free Bet offer by signing up with the promo code BET50GET25. Star Sports is known for frequently updating its welcome bonus to align with current major sporting events, so new users should check the site for the very latest promotion.
To receive the free bet, your first wager must meet these conditions:
- It must be the very first bet placed on your new account.
- It must be a single bet with a stake of £50 or more.
- It must be placed at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater.
- The bet must be settled on the same day you register your account.
Once your qualifying bet is settled, the £25 Free Bet will be credited to your account within 24 hours. The free bet expires after seven days. It is crucial to note that any bets that are voided or cashed out will not be eligible for this promotion.
A summary of the key terms and conditions
Here are the most important terms distilled from the full T&Cs for the welcome bonus:
- This offer is for new UK customers aged 18+ only.
- The promo code BET50GET25 must be used during registration.
- The qualifying bet must be a £50+ single at odds of Evens (2.0) or higher.
- The free bet stake is not included in any returns.
- The free bet expires seven days after being credited.
Are there regular promotions for existing customers?
Yes, Star Sports provides a solid range of ongoing promotions for its existing customer base across several popular sports.
- Football Rewards: Punters can earn a free £10 bet each week. To qualify, you must place five separate football accumulator bets of at least £10 each between Monday and Sunday. The free bet is credited the following Monday.
- Racing Offers: While Star Sports no longer offers Best Odds Guaranteed, it provides value through regular Star Boosts. These are enhanced odds offered on selected horses in specific races. You can also find money-back specials, such as getting 50% of your stake back as a free bet if your horse finishes second in selected races.
- Other Sports Promotions: Insurance-style offers are common across other sports. For example, you might get your money back as a free bet if your tennis selection loses in a final set tie-break or if your NFL team loses in overtime.
- Odds Boosts: Look out for “Daily Specials,” which provide enhanced or boosted odds on selected events across football, racing, and other major sports.
Star Sports sports betting markets review
Star Sports offers a comprehensive sportsbook covering over two dozen sports. While its heritage in horse racing is evident, its modern platform provides deep markets for football and other major global events, ensuring a well-rounded offering for most punters.
The most popular sports available include: Football, Horse Racing, Greyhound Racing, Cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Tennis, Golf, Darts, and Snooker. The site also provides good coverage of US Sports like the NFL and NBA, alongside niche markets such as Gaelic sports and Politics.
How do the betting odds and value compare?
Our analysis found that Star Sports' odds are highly competitive and frequently stand out from the competition. Our odds comparison reveals they consistently match or exceed industry leaders on key markets, particularly for horse racing, golf, cricket, and the NFL. The default odds format on the site is fractional.
What is the live betting experience like?
Live betting is easily accessible via the “In-Play” tab, with a wide range of sports covered. While Star Sports does not offer live streaming for most sports like football or tennis, the in-play interface is supported by useful real-time graphics and statistics to help you follow the action.
Crucially, live streaming is available for all UK and Irish horse and greyhound racing. To access a stream, you typically need to place a small qualifying bet on the race (e.g., £1). The Cash Out feature is fully integrated and available for most in-play markets, allowing you to settle your bets before an event concludes.
Does Star Sports offer a bet builder and other special features?
Yes, Star Sports offers its own version of a bet builder called “Build-a-Bet,” which is available on major football matches. This feature allows you to combine multiple markets from a single game into one accumulator-style bet.
What truly sets Star Sports apart are its luxury services and unique content. The first-class telephone betting service is a core part of its identity, providing a personal and efficient experience for VIP and high-stakes punters. Another key differentiator is its “Betting People” video series, which provides genuine industry insight through in-depth interviews with key figures. This content reinforces its position as a bookmaker for the discerning bettor who values expertise.
Additional betting features at Star Sports
This section provides a brief overview of other products available on the Star Sports platform.
Casino games
Star Sports offers a complete online casino with hundreds of games. The portfolio includes the latest slots, classic table games, and a high-quality live dealer section, with titles from top providers like Pragmatic Play and Evolution.
Virtual sports
For those looking for 24/7 action, Star Sports provides a range of virtual sports for betting. This includes virtual football matches, horse racing, and greyhound racing, with new events starting every few minutes.
A review of the Star Sports site experience
The usability and design of a betting platform are crucial for a good experience. We tested the Star Sports platform across desktop and mobile to assess navigation, speed, and overall functionality.
Website design and navigation
The Star Sports website features a simple, clean, and user-friendly design. It adopts a no-frills approach, prioritising function over flashy graphics. While some users might find the homepage cluttered at first glance, it is ultimately streamlined for placing bets efficiently. Our testing confirmed that loading speeds are fast, and navigation is intuitive once you are familiar with the layout.
Mobile betting on the Star Sports app
The mobile experience at Star Sports is excellent, though there is some ambiguity regarding dedicated apps. While some sources suggest apps for iOS and Android are available, our analysis confirms that the mobile browser version of the site is exceptionally well-optimised. It is fast, intuitive, and often easier to navigate than the desktop site, making it a powerful and reliable alternative for all users.
A look at betting limits
The site's limits are flexible. The minimum deposit is typically £10, but the minimum withdrawal amount is exceptionally low at just £1. For punters wishing to make very large withdrawals (e.g., over £20,000), specific arrangements may need to be made by contacting customer support.
How good is the customer support?
Customer service is a major strength for Star Sports. The support team is known for being knowledgeable, professional, and efficient. While Live Chat and Email support are available 24/7, the highly-praised telephone service may operate on a more specific schedule. The following channels are available:
- Live Chat
- Email: [email protected]
- Freephone Telephone: 08000 521 321
The telephone service is particularly noteworthy, staffed by experienced agents who understand betting and provide a personal touch rarely found elsewhere.
What are the Star Sports payment methods?
One of the most significant weaknesses of the Star Sports platform is its very limited range of accepted payment methods.
How to deposit funds
You can deposit funds into your Star Sports account using the following methods: Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), Bank Transfer, and Cheque. Deposits made via debit card are processed instantly. Critically, popular e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are not accepted, which is a considerable drawback compared to other UK bookmakers.
How to withdraw your winnings
Withdrawals are processed back to the same method used for your deposit. The standard processing time for debit card withdrawals is 2-5 working days, which is typical for the industry. However, during our testing, some withdrawals were processed much faster. The minimum withdrawal amount is very low, adding a layer of flexibility for all players.
Why choose Star Sports for sports betting? Our final verdict
As an independent bookmaker, Star Sports successfully carves out a unique niche in the competitive UK betting market by operating as a luxury brand with an emphasis on personal, high-quality service. Its no-frills website design reflects a focus on function over form—a trait highly valued by serious, high-stakes punters who don't need gimmicks. It targets a discerning clientele that values a more traditional and exclusive betting experience.
Its core strengths are undeniable. The bookmaker delivers exceptional customer support, particularly through its expert-staffed telephone service, a rare asset in the modern era. Its deep focus on horse racing, backed by competitive odds and regular price boosts, makes it a top choice for racing enthusiasts. The odds across other sports, including golf and cricket, are also consistently strong.
However, its weaknesses are just as clear. The severely limited payment options, with a complete absence of e-wallets like PayPal, is a major inconvenience. Furthermore, the lack of live streaming for popular sports like football will be a significant drawback for many in-play bettors. Ultimately, Star Sports is best suited for punters who prioritise first-class service and high-stakes bettors who can benefit from its VIP telephone lines. For punters tired of a one-size-fits-all approach and who value specialist knowledge, particularly in racing, Star Sports offers a compelling and refreshingly traditional alternative.
Star Sports review FAQs
Star Sports is owned and operated by Star Racing Ltd., a UK-based company founded by its current owner, Ben Keith.
Yes, it is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission under license number 9177, making it a legal and safe platform for UK punters.
No, Star Sports no longer offers Best Odds Guaranteed. As of December 2024, this was replaced with an increased number of “Star Boosts”, which provide enhanced odds on selected horses in specific races.
You can bet on over two dozen sports, including comprehensive markets for football, horse racing, cricket, golf, tennis, and US sports, as well as niche markets like politics and TV specials.