Paddy Power Sports Review - 9.3/10

Paddy Power is Ireland's largest independent bookmaker. They differ among their competition with humorous, often edgy and innovative content, and quirky betting markets. They have always prided themselves on being a bookmaker that will take bets of any type, on any event around the world. Their risk managers will often accommodate price requests over the phone on obscure events not offered across the website. UK and Isle of Man customers are registered with Power Leisure Bookmakers Limited. Customers from outside the UK & Isle of Man, are registered with Paddy Power Isle of Man Limited.

Site Layout & User Experience

Paddy Power has simple navigation that drives players to a host of betting opportunities from the home page. Paddy Power also offers a helpful ‘Bet Calculator’, which allows players to calculate possible payouts across a variety of multiple betting options. However, their marketing banners occasionally take up too much space and mask many of the advertised betting markets that are pushed ‘below the line’ of the homepage. Paddy Power’s mobile application has launched successfully across Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Range of Betting Options

Paddy Power’s main focus is horse racing and football. They offer up to 100 markets on any single Premiership match. The fun element of their brand is seen in their extensive novelty markets. These markets range from predicting the name of Beyonce’s first child to selecting the next Archibishop of Canterbury!  Paddy Power really is THE media and entertainment bookmaker, and all site text is made as fun and informal as possible to support this message. Paddy Power also accepts bigger bets online than most of their competitors. Most online bookmakers refer high staking online customers to their call centre.

In-Running Focus

Paddy Power has a live betting section focused around events covered on terrestrial UK and Irish TV and also Sky Sports 1, 2, 3 and 4. This is in line with Paddy Power’s tight focus on the British and Irish sports betting player.

Promotions

Paddy Power offer a £20 free bet upon registration. This is the only ‘sign up’ promotion in the industry where the new player is given more than their initial bet (bet £10 with Paddy Power, get £20).

They are also famous for their weekly "Money-Back Specials", where Paddy Power refunds money on an event if your bet loses and another incident takes place. For example, one of Paddy Power’s biggest payouts was in the Champions League Final of 2008. Paddy Power said that if Ronaldo had scored, then they would refund all first goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on the match. Of course, Ronaldo scored and Paddy Power ended up paying £1.2 million back to their players.

Support

Paddy Power offer support via email, telephone, and ‘Live Chat’ facility. Support levels are 24/7. Their well manned customer support staff are friendly and informed with fast response times to queries at all levels.

Payment

Currently, you can load funds into your online account in cash at any Paddy Power betting shop, or via all major credit and debit cards. Deposits from debit cards must be in the currency of issue. Other banking options include: Bank Transfer, Cheques, Western Union, Money Orders, Neteller and Moneybookers.

In Summary

Paddy Power Pros

• The media and entertainment bookmaker
• Fun, current promotions
• Professional, informed customer support

Paddy Power Cons

• Narrow focus on UK market
• Markets on sports biased towards football and horse racing
• Banners give homepage cluttered feel