These are big players in the sports betting industry, but there's a chance that you've never heard of them. Here's what we love the most about these lesser-known sportsbooks. 
Sports Betting

4 Sportsbooks You Never Heard of But Should Know About

Uncover Unique Features and Diverse Markets with These 4 Under-the-Radar Sportsbooks

Matt Brown

The online sports betting industry is dominated by well-known names. From DraftKings to Caesars and everyone in between; we’ve heard of them all and probably seen a handful of ads for each. However, there are several lesser-known sportsbooks that offer unique features and cater to even more diverse betting markets. 

If you’re looking for new platforms to check out and lay down some bets, you might want to check out Betano, Desert Diamond Sportsbook, Betfred, and TonyBet — if they operate in your state.

Each stands out for their own reasons, whether it's their international reach, focus on live betting, or even innovative features.

Betano — A Global Gem for Sports Betting

21+ Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 

Betano is operated by a Greek company — Kaizen Gaming. That’s probably why you haven’t heard of it.

Since its launch in 2017, it has rapidly gained international popularity across several markets, including Portugal, Romania, Germany, Brazil, and Canada. As for the US? Not quite yet, but there’s a chance it’s coming soon.

What Makes It Great

Betano offers a huge range of sports to bet on. From mainstream leagues to niche international events, there’s no shortage of betting markets. It also has some great features that fans of the platform absolutely rave about.

  • Live betting and streaming. You can watch games and place bets at the same time, giving you real-time excitement. They have one of the largest live-streaming platforms in the industry.

  • Cash-out and bet builder. These tools help you customize your bets and manage your winnings as you build your bankroll.

  • Casino games. Betano isn’t just for sports, though, that’s what it’s known for. The Betano Casino has over 600 online slots and numerous table games.

The user-friendly platform works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices. This ensures an excellent experience for both new and seasoned bettors. Security is surprisingly robust, with licenses from trusted regulatory bodies and SSL encryption to protect your data. This will be one of their priorities when they come into the US markets.

Where They Operate

Betano is available in multiple countries but the United States isn’t one of them, yet. With its presence strongest in Europe and Brazil, they’re a worldwide leader in sports betting. Betano recently entered the Canadian market in Ontario, solidifying its international appeal and finally landing in North America.

Desert Diamond Sportsbook — An Arizona-Exclusive Option

21+ Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 

Desert Diamond Sportsbook is the pride of the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona. With both retail locations and an online platform, it’s one of the best sports betting options in the Grand Canyon State.

What Makes It Great

While their reach is dismal, for those who can access the sports betting platform they’re in for a treat. This sportsbook caters to locals with betting options like—

  • Retail betting at casinos. Visit their locations in Tucson, Sahuarita, or West Valley for a more traditional betting atmosphere, complete with giant screens and dining options. It’s the true sports betting experience.

  • Intuitive online platform. The app allows users to bet on various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, with features like live betting and same-game parlays. Just because they have a limited reach doesn’t mean they’re skimping on options.

  • Local promos. Bonuses like deposit matches and free bets help new users get started with their platform. They’re competing with the big dogs, so they have to stay competitive.

While the sportsbook only serves the people of Arizona, it’s gaining popularity for its commitment to quality and user satisfaction.

Where They Operate

Desert Diamond Sportsbook is exclusively available in Arizona. While that is unfortunate, if you’re in the state you can take advantage of their localized experience tailored to residents.

Betfred — A UK powerhouse Expanding in the US

21+ Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 

Betfred, founded in the UK in 1967, is a veteran and an absolute powerhouse in the betting industry. In the right circles, it’s one of the most well-known and established sportsbooks in the world.

It has recently expanded its betting options to the United States, offering services in states like Arizona, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Washington. These are relatively new offerings, but they’re in talks for expansion into other states. Could yours be next?

What Makes It Great

With decades of good ol’ fashioned sports betting experience, Betfred excels in providing its users with one of the best sports betting sites on the internet.

  • Diverse betting markets. From football and basketball to soccer and tennis, Betfred covers all the bases. There’s almost nothing you can’t bet on at Betfred.

  • Live betting. Place wagers in real-time with dynamic odds as events unfold. They are not as robust as some of the others like Bet365 or even Betano, but they’re coming along.

  • Generous promotions. New users can benefit from deals like “Bet $25 on a 3+ Leg Parlay, Get a $75 Fred Bet” and up to $1,000 in free bets spread over several weeks. They’re always changing up their bonus offers so it’s a good idea to follow them on social media.

Betfred is known for its straightforward and smooth interface. This makes it accessible and easy to use even for first-time bettors. The platform’s focus on customer service and security also adds to its appeal as a legit sportsbook.

Where They Operate

In the US, Betfred is only licensed in Arizona, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Washington. It remains one of the biggest names in the UK market and operates in a few other international markets as well.

TonyBet — The International Sportsbook with a Poker Twist

21+ Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 

TonyBet was originally launched in 2003 as OmniBet before it was rebranded in 2009 by the notorious poker professional Antanas Guoga, also known as Tony G. Hence the name. With a strong focus on eSports and poker, TonyBet is a favorite among online gamers and sports bettors.

What Makes It Great

TonyBet offers features that stand out from the rest of the crowd. They’ve somewhat of a cult following and the users absolutely love betting on their platform.

  • Comprehensive sportsbook. Bet on popular sports and eSports, with markets on games like League of Legends and Counter-Strike. They have one of the most comprehensive eSports offerings in the industry.

  • Betting tournaments. Getting bored by just playing with yourself? You can compete with other users to win cash rewards and huge prizes. It’s somewhat of a social atmosphere. 

  • Plenty of casino offerings. TonyBet has thousands of slot titles, live dealer games, and even classic table games like blackjack and roulette. These go hand in hand with their focus on poker.

The platform has a sleek and smooth interface and is optimized for both desktop and mobile use. Like some of the other online sportsbooks, TonyBet also prioritizes security, operating under strict licenses from regulators in Estonia and the UK.

Where They Operate

TonyBet has a big presence in Ontario, Canada, the UK, and Estonia, with an eye on opening up to other regions, including the US. They’ve partnered with U.S. Integrity, an online security and compliance company, to enter the Canadian market so there’s a chance that they’re seriously considering entering the US sports betting market.

Why These Sportsbooks Stand Out From the Big Boys

While some sportsbooks dominate advertising and headlines (you can’t watch an NFL game without seeing the likes of FanDuel or DraftKings), these 4 platforms are carving out their own niches.

  • Betano offers an international experience with cutting-edge features you can’t find anywhere else.

  • Desert Diamond Sportsbook is a regional gem for Arizona residents and is constantly offering Arizona-related bonus offers.

  • Betfred combines decades of expertise with a growing US presence.

  • TonyBet caters to both traditional bettors and esports fans with unique features like betting tournaments.

If you’re looking for some fresh and new betting options, these sportsbooks deserve a closer look.

They might not be the big powerhouses like BetMGM or Bet365, but they combine reliable functionality with innovative features to elevate your experience.

Keep an eye on these sportsbooks to see if and when they hit your market.

21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-877-770-7867(CO), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Call or text 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov (NC). Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 

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