Highbet entered the UK betting market in 2021, positioning itself as a dual-purpose platform that caters primarily to online casino enthusiasts but also offers a sportsbook for punters. While still relatively new compared to long-established brands, Highbet is steadily gaining attention. In this comprehensive review, we evaluate its performance across key areas, from account registration to withdrawals, customer service, and overall user experience.
Registration Process
Getting started with Highbet is an uncomplicated task. The registration system is designed to be quick and user-friendly, requiring only basic personal information. The process consists of two simple steps and can be completed in just a few minutes. Once registered, users gain immediate access to the platform’s features, including deposits and betting options.
However, it’s worth noting that there is no formal identity verification required during sign-up, which might concern players who prioritise account security. Email verification is optional, meaning users can begin betting without confirming their address. While this speeds up the process, it does raise questions about the platform’s commitment to responsible and secure gambling practices.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
Highbet offers a respectable variety of payment methods to accommodate most UK players. Deposits can be made using debit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, alongside popular e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, NETELLER, and MuchBetter. Bank transfers, Trustly, and paysafecard are also accepted. The minimum deposit for all methods is set at £10.
Despite the range of choices, a significant drawback lies in the 2.5% fee applied to every deposit – an unusual and unwelcoming feature in today’s competitive market, where most operators avoid charging transaction fees altogether. Withdrawal processing times vary by method. Debit card withdrawals can take up to six working days, while e-wallets typically process within 48 hours. Bank transfers fall somewhere in between. Unfortunately, Highbet does not currently support any form of cryptocurrency, which may be a disadvantage for more tech-savvy users seeking anonymity or faster payments.
Depositing Funds
Once your account is active, making a deposit is an intuitive and hassle-free experience. Highbet’s interface is clean and encourages users to fund their accounts promptly. Bright, clearly marked icons and a seamless design make it easy to choose a payment method and complete the transaction.
That said, users need to be aware of their bank’s possible verification steps when depositing via debit card, which may slow things down slightly. The process itself is efficient, but the presence of the 2.5% deposit fee remains a significant downside. Regardless of the amount deposited, such charges can deter players from using the platform regularly.
Withdrawing Winnings
Withdrawing funds from Highbet is a bit more convoluted compared to depositing. The platform doesn’t make the ‘Cashout’ option immediately visible, as users need to hover over it to reveal the icon – a minor but avoidable inconvenience. Once located, the withdrawal process itself is straightforward.
Highbet remembers your initial payment method, streamlining future withdrawals if you use the same method again. No withdrawal fees are applied, and in our experience, the request was processed without delay once the amount was confirmed. Still, the platform would benefit from making the withdrawal interface more transparent and accessible to improve overall usability.
Security and Licensing
Highbet is licensed and regulated by both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, providing a solid foundation of trust and accountability. The platform encourages responsible gambling and offers multiple tools for users to control their activity, including deposit limits and self-exclusion options. While the absence of mandatory identity checks during registration is questionable, the regulatory backing does provide some reassurance regarding user safety and fair play.
Customer Support and Service
At first glance, it might seem that Highbet lacks a Frequently Asked Questions section. However, this only becomes visible once the live chat is initiated. The chat feature, located discreetly in the lower right corner of the screen, opens a window where users can choose between contacting support via live chat or email. Highbet claims to offer 24/7 customer service, and our testing supported that claim.
When we contacted them through live chat, we were met with an automated assistant that performed admirably in addressing our query. Although a support agent was available, their intervention wasn’t necessary thanks to the chatbot’s efficiency. The hidden FAQ section includes a broad range of topics, from payment methods and bonuses to privacy policies and withdrawal queries.
Website Design and User Experience
Highbet boasts a sleek, modern interface with a blue, white, and yellow colour scheme that gives the site a clean and polished look. While the overall aesthetic is appealing, the functionality is occasionally hindered by technical issues, such as slow response times and lag, particularly on the desktop version.
Navigation can feel cluttered, especially when browsing football markets, where too many options are crammed into a limited space. To view odds more clearly, we had to filter markets manually. The site’s layout places the event and odds feed in the centre, with a sidebar on the left for product categories and your bet slip fixed to the right – a format that facilitates quick betting but could benefit from a cleaner presentation.
Highbet also features a regularly updated blog, which impressed us with its depth and variety. Content includes betting guides and analysis, with a strong focus on football. Although coverage of other sports is less frequent, the blog adds genuine value to the user experience and showcases the brand’s commitment to content marketing.
Mobile Experience
As of now, Highbet does not offer a dedicated mobile app for iOS or Android users. However, its mobile-optimised website is fully functional and accessible through any mobile browser. The mobile version retains all core features of the desktop site and offers a surprisingly smoother experience in terms of speed and responsiveness.
Pages are well-structured, and the design adapts neatly to smaller screens without sacrificing clarity. Despite some minor lag, we found that the mobile site actually outperformed the desktop version in several areas, making it a reliable alternative for users on the go.
