Why you stick with the big bookies.

THE collapse of another British bookmaker who also bet on-line, has left punters reeling and the victims of major fraud.

It serves as another warning to beware of what is being offered and who is offering it.

London-based Burns Bookmakers received ample amounts of publicity from national newspapers and television about their generous special offers, especially in pre-season football betting.

The firm run by two brothers, Chris and Nick Velounias, has now ceased trading and before scarpering, raided customers' bank accounts and are believed to have disappeared with up to a £1m of clients' money.

Any local punters who may have concerns about dealing with Burns Bookmakers, are asked to contact the Fraud Squad at 02072301212 or get in touch with the PSNI.

Much of the company's business was done on-line or telephone credit and already cheques received for winnings, have bounced.

Debit card details were used to withdraw money from bank accounts although the British Bankers Association have moved quickly to reimburse customers once the bank concerned, has established the particular client(s) were not involved in the fraud.

A spokesman for BBA said, "The banking code guarantees that if you still have the card in your possession and there are transactions on your account you didn't make, your bank will refund them as long as you have had nothing to do with them."

Punters have had similar experiences in the past with firms such as SP Racing, Bowmans and Betchance, all of whom went under owing thousands of pounds and never recovered.

One major bookmaker said, "Every year unknown firms come in desperately trying to attract business by offering the best prices on ante-post betting, special offers, money back guarantees etc, but it simply proves unsustainable."

There are of course highly reputable and reliable firms, such as leaders Paddypower who continue to make such offers and have shown no sign of weakening in what is a fiercely competitive market place.

Was anybody here involved in this?

I'd be pretty pished off.

[Mr Intensity]

Stupid question I know, but who are the big bookies? I haven't been betting for very long so wouldn't know which ones have been around for ages >D

My views would be willhill,on the stock exchange,1000 shops or whatever,very big company.

Ladbrokes,part of the hilton hotel group i think,supposedly biggest and richest in world.


There the main 2.

Others who come close are Paddypower,Bet365,Tote,Victor Chandler(hate there site though)

I think Tote is owned by the goverment

The after them id say

Ukbetting and bluesq

However much i hate there attitudes on the phone Coral are reliable, Plus Stan James Are close too.

and Yeah Ladbrokes are the biggest and richest, i dont see how but thats what it is

I would add Centrebet (Australian) to that list as well as some of the Austrians - Bet&Win and Interwetten. Very strict laws in those two countries.

AYE FORGOT THEM,ALTHOUGH MIGHT NOT HAVE THE BIGGEST RANGE OF BETS,THEY ARE FULLY PROFESSIONAL AND I LIKE EM,CORAL !