Did you know that some bookies offer a feature that allows you to create your own betting market? How? By using the Request a Bet feature.
It’s a feature that lets you create a unique bet and ask the bookies to price it up for you. We are here to teach you all about it.
What is Request a Bet?
Request a Bet is a feature that allows users to create their own fully customised bets. Instead of sticking to the traditional betting markets you can find in your bookies’ catalogue, you can use this feature to create a unique bet and let the bookmaker price it.
This might seem complex at first, and you’re probably thinking that you have to be an expert to do it. Contrary, it’s really easy to use it. Whether you have a gut feeling and want to test your crystal ball or back your favourite player in some unusual stat line, submit your bet request to your online bookie and let the bookie provide you with the price for your market. And no, it doesn’t have to be sports.
With the Request a Bet feature, you can combine all sorts of outcomes. Whether you think your favourite striker will hit the bar, there will be an insane number of corners, red cards, or the most specific player stat you can imagine. It is all about pairing your creativity with a specific outcome, and the bookie giving you a price for that outcome.
How to Request a Bet at Online Bookies?
The majority of UK bookmakers allow users to design their unique bets in two ways. The two variations might seem similar at first, yet they are fundamentally different.
The first way to make your custom bet is through the built-in Bet Builder features, which are now part of most legit online bookies. The other way is through the Request a Bet feature, usually performed through the social media platform X (former Twitter).
While the Bet Builder lets you combine multiple outcomes like match results, goal scorers, and corners from a single event, the Request a Bet feature offers more freedom. Using this feature, you can place custom bets on unique scenarios not initially offered through the Bet Builder feature.
Here is how you can request a bet through X:
- Compose the Tweet and add the details of your custom bet. It should look something like this: “Ivan Toney to hit the crossbar three times before halftime in the match Ireland – England.”
- Tag the bookie using their official X handle.
- Use the relevant Hashtag. Each bookie has a unique hashtag used for their Request a Bet feature.
- Wait for the bookie to review your request and respond with the price for your bet.
- Once you receive the odds, you can place the bet directly through the official website or mobile app via the link sent by the bookies’ X account.
The 5 Best Request a Bet Bookies
If you’re an OG punter, you probably remember that the Request a Bet feature was a Sky Bet exclusive. However, many top-notch online bookmakers are now more than happy to process even your wildest betting requests. Here are the current best options.
#1. Ladbrokes #GetAPrice
With a remarkable catalogue of betting markets and a reliable mobile app packed with plenty of cool features, Ladbrokes makes it difficult to miss the mark. Besides being one of the best overall choices, Ladbrokes is also one of the best places to request a bet.
To request a bet, log in to your X account, tweet your custom bet to the Ladbrokes official X account, and include the hashtag #GetAPrice.
If you are not on X, you can always visit the #GetAPrice tab at the Ladbrokes website or mobile app and check the available premade unique bets.
#2. BoyleSports #InventABet
While football is easily the most popular sport for custom bets, at BoyleSports, you can also request unique bets for many other competitions— notably the NFL.
If you wish to put this service to the test, go to your X account and send the people at BoyleSports a tweet with your custom bet and the hashtag #InventABet.
BoyleSports is a betting platform known for delivering excellent customer service, so you should get odds for your custom bet in less than an hour.
#3. bet365
bet365 is well-known for delivering an outstanding betting experience, and while its Request a Bet feature works a bit differently, you can still count on the same high standard of excellence.
To request a bet from bet365, you do not need to make an X post using a hashtag. Instead, send them your custom bet via direct message, and you will get a price for it within an hour.
Although bet365 does not advertise this feature, you have nothing to worry about, as they accept custom bet requests for numerous sports and competitions.
#4. Sky Bet #RequestABet
Although known as an online bookie offering just about every market under the sun, Sky Bet gives punters even more control with two fantastic features that put the power directly in their hands.
Unlike the other bookies that stick to the classic Bet Builders, Sky Bet offers their punters an in-app RequestABet tool where they can get prices for their selections, but also choose from thousands of unique bets from other punters that the bookie has already priced up.
However, if the tool does not feed your betting appetites, you can always hop on X, tweet your custom bet, tag @SkyBet, and add the #RequestABet hashtag. The Sky Bet team will price your bet and place it in the #RequestABet section on their site and mobile app.
#5. William Hill #YourOdds
If you know anything about the sports betting community on X, you probably know how popular the hashtag #YourOdds gets during the biggest footy competitions.
Thus, if you want to jump on the Request a Bet bandwagon with one of the most popular bookies in the country, tweet @WilliamHill using the #YourOdds hashtag and your custom bet request.
Once your request gets processed, the official William Hill team on X will reply with a link to your bet slip link, allowing you to place your bet directly.
Request a Bet Rules
Like most betting features, there are some rules to consider as well as terms and conditions for Request a Bet, including:
Betting limits: There is a set total that you are allowed to bet on any market. This is important to know when you are creating a bet, because there are typically stricter limits imposed than there are on other markets.
Market closed: Football is a good example to use here. Most of the football markets are played in ‘normal time’, which is 90 minutes plus any injury time, but not the extra time period. So, make sure you always check the details on when a market ends and get in touch with the bookie if you are unsure.
Market restrictions: Request a Bet doesn’t allow you to just bet on any sport, and some are more restrictive than others. Football is the most popular market and all of the big competitions, such as the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and the Champions League, are covered.
Request a Bet Insurance
Some bookies are more generous than others and offer Request a Bet insurance. The insurance means that if any selection on your bet doesn’t happen, then the whole bet is void.
This promotion can also ensure that if you have placed a multiple Request a Bet wager, you can utilise acca insurance, where if one of your choices loses, you will receive your stake back as a free bet.
If you find a bookie offering this form of insurance for their Request a Bet feature, we highly recommend using it.
The Pros and Cons of Requesting a Bet
With the Request a Bet feature, bookies can give you all the betting freedom you can imagine. However, we must warn you that you should expect some bumps along the way. Here are the pros and cons of using the Request a Bet feature:
Pros:
- You can gain access to unique betting opportunities that are not available through regular betting markets.
- You can get a more enjoyable betting experience by adding a personal touch and tailoring bets to your interests.
- You might find a higher value.
- You can get a chance to experiment with unconventional markets and betting strategies.
Cons:
- Bookies might limit the amount you can wager on custom bets they accept.
- Getting a price for your requested bet can take some time, which could lead to missing out on potential opportunities.
- Not all bookies offer the Request a Bet feature.
Tips when using Request a Bet
Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating your own bet:
Look for odds value: It is great and exciting when you get your own odds for the bet you have created. However, that doesn’t mean these odds offer great value. When you are given a price from your chosen bookie, make sure you analyse carefully and compare with other odds you would find on their main sports page.
Don’t add too many selections: It is common for bettors to get ahead of themselves when creating their own bet, seeing the potential returns increase and thinking of how much you could win. However, the more selections you add, the less likely the bet is to win. Try to keep things simple and realistic.
Do your research: Smart bettors always carry out their own research, whether that is for a specific game, team, or betting features such as Request a Bet.
Conclusion
Getting to craft your unique bet and go beyond the possibilities of the traditional betting markets sure sounds like an exciting idea. Yet, the Request a Bet feature can often seem more exciting in theory than in practice.
While the idea of bookies letting you dream up the wildest prop bets with this feature seems inviting, the process can drag on long enough for you to lose interest, especially when you suspect the odds might not be in your favour. Also, sometimes the prices are just ridiculous, so you’re better off betting on the betting markets that are already offered by the bookies.
