A 2004-founded major Asian bookmaker, strong on Asian Handicap, that recently surrendered its Isle of Man licence for weaker Costa Rica regulation
Not available lawfully hereIs SBOBET legal in China?
No. Real-money gambling is banned in China. Under China's gambling prohibition, in force since in force, SBOBET cannot lawfully offer you a welcome bonus here, and you cannot lawfully claim one.
All gambling is illegal in mainland China apart from the state-run welfare and sports lotteries. Offshore operators are blocked and cross-border gambling is a law-enforcement priority. source
Any SBOBET bonus you see advertised for China is offered from an offshore site operating against local law. Your payments can be blocked, your account can vanish with a mirror domain, and no China regulator can help you recover funds. We therefore show no offer and no sign-up link on this page. See every licensed betting site in China →
Pros
- Widely regarded as one of the best bookmakers for Asian Handicap markets
- Twice named Asian Operator of the Year (2009, 2010)
- Trustpilot rating (3.0/5) comparatively better than several major competitors
- Many users report fast withdrawals and competitive odds
Cons
- Surrendered its Isle of Man licence in May 2025 — a real, significant regulatory downgrade
- Now operated by Entrope S.R.L. in Costa Rica, a weaker jurisdiction than the Isle of Man
- Genuine complaints about permanently blocked accounts after low daily withdrawal limits
- Reports of disputed 'duplicate account' claims used to reject withdrawals
- Some reviewers describe the site interface as outdated
Our verdict
SBOBET is a 2004-founded major Asian bookmaker, long respected for Asian Handicap betting and twice named Asian Operator of the Year (2009, 2010). The important thing to know now: SBOBET surrendered its Isle of Man licence in May 2025, a real, significant trust downgrade, and per current terms is operated by Entrope S.R.L. in Costa Rica — a materially weaker regulatory jurisdiction — alongside its long-standing Philippines licence. Trustpilot (3.0/5) is comparatively decent versus several peers, and many users praise competitive odds and fast withdrawals, but genuine complaints exist about accounts being permanently blocked after low daily withdrawal limits and disputed 'duplicate account' claims used to reject withdrawals. If Asian Handicap markets are your priority, SBOBET remains strong on product, but go in aware of its recent regulatory downgrade and read the withdrawal terms carefully.
How we rated it
Sportsbook & odds (25%)7.8
Widely regarded as one of the best for Asian Handicap markets — match winners, corners, first-half outcomes — a genuine specialty since winning Asian Operator of the Year in 2009 and 2010.
Bonuses & value (15%)6.3
Standard 100% sports/casino welcome offers across most Asian markets, though some reviewers describe the welcome bonus as underwhelming compared to more aggressive offshore competitors; Thailand sports welcome bonus explicitly excluded by SBOBET itself.
Customer support (10%)6
Generally praised by many users, though some describe unhelpful support specifically around disputed withdrawal/verification cases.
Mobile & UX (10%)5.8
Some reviewers describe the site as feeling outdated compared to newer competitors, though functional.
Payments & payouts (20%)5
Many report fast withdrawals, but genuine complaints exist about permanently blocked accounts after hitting low daily withdrawal limits, and 'duplicate account' claims used to reject withdrawal requests without clear justification.
Trust & licensing (20%)4.8
A real, significant downgrade: SBOBET surrendered its Isle of Man licence in May 2025 and is now operated by Entrope S.R.L. in Costa Rica per current terms — a materially weaker regulatory jurisdiction than the Isle of Man, alongside its long-standing Philippines licence.
Quick facts
| Founded | 2004 |
| Owner | Entrope S.R.L. (Costa Rica) per current T&Cs; previously Celton Manx Ltd (Isle of Man) |
| Licensing | Philippines (First Cagayan Leisure & Resort Corporation); surrendered Isle of Man licence May 2025 |
| Legal downgrade | Isle of Man licence surrendered May 2025 — real trust downgrade to a weaker Costa Rica jurisdiction |
| Sports | Renowned for Asian Handicap markets (match winner, corners, first-half); Asian Operator of the Year 2009/2010 |
| Known issue | Complaints of permanently blocked accounts after low daily withdrawal limits, disputed 'duplicate account' claims |
| Markets | Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Myanmar; Thailand sports bonus excluded by SBOBET's own policy |
How we verified this
SBOBET was founded in 2004. It surrendered its Isle of Man licence in May 2025 — a real, significant downgrade — and is now operated by Entrope S.R.L. (Costa Rica) per current T&Cs, alongside its long-standing Philippines licence (First Cagayan). Trustpilot 3.0/5 (31 reviews), better than several peers but with genuine complaints about blocked accounts and disputed 'duplicate account' claims at withdrawal. Thailand's sports welcome bonus is explicitly excluded by SBOBET itself. Welcome bonus varies by country; confirm the current offer and your local legal status on SBOBET's own site.
Where SBOBET is licensed
SBOBET appears on the official register in 7 countries. Highlighted countries have a full local review — pick yours for its welcome bonus and licence details.
About SBOBET
SBOBET is a major Asian bookmaker founded in 2004, long recognized for its Asian Handicap betting markets and twice named Asian Operator of the Year (2009 and 2010). It historically operated under an Isle of Man licence via Celton Manx Ltd — since 2009 the first Isle of Man-licensed operator approved to launch a live-dealer casino — plus a Philippines licence via First Cagayan Leisure & Resort Corporation. In May 2025, SBOBET surrendered its Isle of Man licence, a significant regulatory downgrade, and per current terms and conditions is now operated by Entrope S.R.L., based in Costa Rica. Trustpilot rates it 3.0/5 from 31 reviews, comparatively better than several larger competitors, though genuine complaints exist about permanently blocked accounts after hitting low daily withdrawal limits and disputed 'duplicate account' claims used to reject withdrawal requests.
SBOBET FAQ
Is SBOBET safe and legit?
SBOBET has a long operating history since 2004 and a decent Trustpilot rating (3.0/5) versus peers, but it surrendered its Isle of Man licence in May 2025 and is now operated by Entrope S.R.L. in Costa Rica — a materially weaker jurisdiction. Genuine complaints exist about blocked accounts and disputed withdrawal claims, so proceed with appropriate caution.
Why did SBOBET give up its Isle of Man licence?
SBOBET surrendered its Isle of Man online gambling licence in May 2025. The specific business reasons weren't detailed in available reporting, but the practical effect is a downgrade to a materially weaker regulatory jurisdiction (Costa Rica, per current site terms).
What is the SBOBET welcome bonus?
Most Asian markets get a 100% sports welcome bonus (code HIT) plus a 200% live casino bonus (code MAX200) and, in Indonesia, an additional new-member cash bonus. Thailand's sports welcome bonus is explicitly excluded per SBOBET's own official terms, though a Thailand casino offer exists separately.
Is SBOBET good for Asian Handicap betting?
Yes — SBOBET is widely regarded as one of the best bookmakers for Asian Handicap markets, covering match winners, corners and first-half outcomes, and was named Asian Operator of the Year in both 2009 and 2010.
Does SBOBET have withdrawal problems?
Many users report fast, reliable withdrawals, but there are genuine complaints about accounts being permanently blocked after hitting low daily withdrawal limits, and disputed 'duplicate account' claims used to reject withdrawal requests without clear justification.