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BetMcLean Review

Lead Author: Nicholas Crouch
Last Update: 23/01/2024

Please note: This bookmaker cannot be recommended by us at the moment. Please choose an alternative from our best betting sites.

Starting out life as a chain of betting shops in Northern Ireland, BetMcLean went live online in 2016 and is now fully regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Since becoming a legit operator in the UK and Ireland, BetMcLean has focused on giving something extra to punters of all persuasions. Whether it’s low deposit and betting limits for newbies or insights, stats and bonuses for regulars, this online bookmaker has worked hard to offer value across the board.

🥇 BetMcLean
Rating 3.5 / 5.0
🎲 Total number of games N/A
💻 Software provider Optima
🎁 Welcome Bonus
⚖️Regulation
🏆 BetMcLeanPlay Here!
Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New players only. Eligibility restrictions apply. www.begambleaware.org.

Of course, it’s easy to say these things without any evidence. So, to show you why this betting site is capable of catering to all sports fans, here’s our BetMcLean review.

Overview of Our Experiences

For an online sports betting experience that caters specifically to UK and Irish punters, BetMcLean is the place to be. During our BetMcLean review, we found this site to be easy to use and packed full of action. While sports bettors of all persuasions will find something they like, we were particularly impressed with the football and racing sections. When these are combined with handy stats and the ability to save certain bets, it’s easy to get the most value possible from your time online.

Company: Betclic Evertest (Gibralter) Limited
Address: 57/63 LINE WALL ROAD, GIBRALTAR, GX11 1AA
Registration number: 000-039188-R-319326-007
Regulation/license: UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Phone: None
E-mail: support@betclic.com
Live Chat: None

Beyond the betting lobbies themselves, one of BetMcLean’s most impressive features was the news section. Crammed with information, insights and expert predictions, this part of the site is where you can learn more about each sport before you place a bet. Again, this is something that regular sports bettors will appreciate and, for us, another reason BetMcLean delivers when it comes to added value.

BetMcLean Check: Scam or Not?

Aside from being a known brand on the high streets of Northern Ireland thanks to its network of 60 betting shops, is a reputable name online, and you’ll avoid any BetMcLean scam if you stick to the official site. From a regulatory perspective, this betting site meets all the necessary standards to be labelled a legit online casino and betting site. How are we so confident it’s not a scam? Simple: licences. In the first instance, you can scroll to the bottom of the homepage and see that this platform is approved and regulated by the UKGC. Regarded as the leading online gambling regulator in the world, this organisation ensures that everything at BetMcLean is above board. From the site security measures such as SSL encryption to ensuring its software is certified as fair, the UKGC is on top of everything.

However, what this online sportsbook has done is to go beyond the norm and affiliate itself with a host of additional agencies and governing bodies. For example, if you’re active in the site’s sportsbook, you’ll have the added protection of IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Services). This organisation is there to handle complaints and issues outside of bookies’s customer service team. Put simply, if you feel as though you’ve not received a fair deal or, even worse, you’ve been scammed, IBAS will help rectify the situation. Therefore, by aligning itself with IBAS, BetMcLean is essentially saying “we’ve got nothing to hide”. That, for us, is another mark of quality.

Finally, in addition to ticking a host of regulatory boxes, the sportsbook only works with recognised companies. On the software side of things, Optima handles much of the company’s desktop and mobile needs. When it comes to payments, Visa and MasterCard provide safe ways to deposit and withdraw funds. When you take all of these things into consideration, there’s little to suggest this site is anything other than reliable and secure.

Overview of the Offers from BetMcLean

As an online sports betting platform, BetMcLean has found a way to cover as many bases as possible. Indeed, with its primary customer base covering the UK and Ireland, the list of available sports has been tailored accordingly. Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t find odds and offers for international events. However, you will find that the betting lines are skewed towards European mainstays such as football and racing.

The Website of BetMcLean
The Homepage of BetMcLeanThe Game selection of BetMcLean

Sports Betting

Perhaps the best thing about the sportsbook is the way football and horse racing have the own separate lobbies. Because these are two of the most popular sports to bet on, the range of betting options is vast. Therefore, to try and fit them alongside everything else makes things confusing. What’s more, by spacing things out in this way, BetMcLean is able to go into greater detail. For example, when you click on the football header, you’ll not only get an overview of the latest pre-event and live events, but a live calendar, statistics, results, and coverage of competitions around the world. From the English Premier and Football Leagues to the best countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, China and more have to offer.

The same is true when it comes to racing. As well as the aforementioned stats and schedules, you’ll get complete coverage of all the top races taking place in the UK and Ireland. Now, we have noticed a slight flaw in the horse racing lobby and that’s the lack of international coverage. However, with the UK being the home of world racing, you’re always going to get instant access to the finest events at BetMcLean, placing it next to the best online bookmakers there are.

When you move into the “sports” lobby, you’ll find 25 markets to bet one. These range from the standard, such as basketball, baseball and tennis, to the niche. The lesser known options are the ones that excited us the most because they allow you to try something new and, in turn, find better odds. Unlike football, there isn’t always a ton of information out there about hurling or Gaelic football. Therefore, the odds may not be as pinpoint accurate. For you as a punter, that’s a chance to squeeze some extra value out of BetMcLean.

BetMcLean Bonus: Check Out the Offer

If there’s one place where BetMcLean falls down in the first instance, it’s welcome rewards. Unlike many of the leading online sportsbooks, you won’t be given a selection of free bets or cashback offers when you make your first deposit. However, what this site lacks in opening value, it makes up for with ongoing promotions. For example, if you enter the promotions tab on an average week, you’ll find money back offers related to the latest events. The top casino bonus offers online are great as they put you in a win/win situation. If your initial selection is correct, you’ll make a profit. If you’re wrong, the bookmaker will refund your money in the form of a bonus bet (up to a certain amount).

Deposit Bonus: N/A
Bonus Condition: N/A
Validity: N/A
Other Promotions: Sports betting moneyback offers, best odds guarantee, early cashout

In addition to timely offers, BetMcLean  as guarantees the best odds on all UK and Ireland racing events. What’s more, you’ll be able to use the cashout and partial cashout feature to end accumulator bets early. These recent additions to the site are perfect for seasoned bettors that know what the odds are in their favour. Put simply, you can take a cash offer for all or part of your bet based on the current scores, your stakes and the flow of action. Those that can find the right time to either accept or reject a deal can actually increase their overall EV.

BetMcLean Bonus Terms

Because each BetMcLean bonus is different, you’ll need to look at the specific terms and conditions for each offer. However, when it comes to money back deals, there are a few conditions you’ll have to meet:

  • Bet at least the minimum amount on the event specified
  • Bets must be placed before the start of the match
  • Bonus only applies to single bets
  • Only one refund per customer per event
  • Refunds are issued as free bet tokens and will be capped at a specified amount
  • Draws do not count as losses

As we’ve said, the above points are the general framework under which all BetMcLean bonuses work. However, there will be additional details you’ll need to note before you set off in search of extra value.

Deposit and Payout at the Bookie

In terms of payments, BetMcLean is slightly weaker than its peers. If you look at a bookmaker such as Ladbrokes, you’ll be able to make deposits using at least ten different processors. At BetMcLean, you’ll only have the choice between Visa or MasterCard. For use, even the addition of PayPal as an additional payment option would be nice. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. However, there’s also something to be said for offering just two deposit options. In many respects, it removes any confusion for newbies. When you’re given the choice between dozens of processors, it’s hard to know which one is best.

With Visa and MasterCard, everyone knows what they’re getting. In fact, because virtually everyone will have used one of these cards before, it makes the payment process feel more intuitive. On top of that, we all know that Visa and MasterCard are highly secure. Therefore, even though your options are limited, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Payment Options of BetMcLean
Payment Options of BetMcLean
Deposit options: Visa, MasterCard
Minimum deposit: £5
Fees: £0
Accepted currency: GBP
Payout options: Visa, MasterCard

Continuing our comparison with other leading online betting sites, BetMcLean is right in line with industry standards when it comes to processing times. Regardless of whether you use Visa or MasterCard, deposits appear in your account instantly while withdrawals will be processed within 48 hours. With regards to minimum deposits, BetMcLean actually does slightly better than some of the bigger brands. Again, going back to Labrokes, all account holders there have to deposit a minimum of £10. At BetMcLean, the limit is £5. Therefore, this site is much more suited to novices than some of its peers. In fact, that becomes clear when you look at the maximum limits. For deposits and withdrawals, payments are capped at £5,000. That’s slightly lower than we’d expect and something that could hamper high rollers.

Security and Regulation

As we’ve said, BetMcLean is regulated by the UKGC and has an additional affiliation with IBAS. Between these two organisations, you’re afforded an extremely high level of protection. In addition to following strict regulatory standards, BetMcLean has shown its dedication to safety and security by linking up with a selection gambling awareness charities. By cooperating with the likes of GamStop and GamCare, this operator is better equipped to support you in times of need. Indeed, as well as links to services that can help, BetMcLean’s staff will be aware of the work these organisations do. This means they’re equipped to spot signs of a problem and intervene when necessary. Therefore, as well as ensuring your personal information and money is safe, BetMcLean is also set up to make sure you’re safe as an individual.

Customer Support

We tested out the site’s live chat service and found the representative to be efficient and helpful. Connecting to an agent took less than 30 seconds and each question received a clear answer almost instantly. Although we didn’t test the phone service, all calls are free when you use the site’s 0800 number (0800 279 7921). In addition to live chat and phone, you can make contact with BetMcLean via email, Twitter and Facebook.

For us, the FAQ section could be a little more organised. Although it covers all the topics you may want to know about, you have to scroll through the entire document manually to find what you’re looking for. That’s not ideal and something we’d like to see change as this site matures.

Usability of the Online Sportsbook

BetMcLean’s developers have focused on functionality rather than aesthetics. That’s not to say the site looks ugly. However, the red and black colour scheme isn’t the most appealing we’ve ever seen. In practice, that doesn’t matter because everything is laid out in a clear and concise way. The action moves from left-to-right in a natural way i.e. the betting money is on the far left, you then move to the centre to find the odds and then confirm your bet on the right of the screen. Additionally, BetMcLean makes good use of tables and tabs. This means that you aren’t bombarded by too much information when you first load up a page. Finally, icons and symbols have been used to good effect. For instance, if you want to favourite a bet, you click the star icon. If you’re looking for stats, the graph symbol is what you need. These little touches help to make BetMcLean easier to navigate for everyone.

BetMcLean App: Many Different Slots

Unfortunately, there is no official BetMcLean app. If you’d like to see online casino apps head over to our mobile app page. While we’d like to sugar coat it, we can’t. In today’s online betting world, a mobile app is seen as a standard. Therefore, to overlook this is a mistake. However, there is an upside. Because the site has been optimised for use on all devices, you can get instant access to thousands of daily bets on any mobile. When operators offer apps, you have to find the one that’s compatible with your device. With BetMcLean mobile, you can log in and bet via the same platform regardless of the smartphone or tablet you own. Yes, the experience isn’t as slick. However, it is flexible and that means you can still enjoy a full range of sports betting options when you’re away from your desktop.

Conclusion: Fairly Good Betting Site with its Own Software

During this BetMcLean review we found that it isn’t the perfect online sportsbook, but then we’re not sure if one exists either. What it is, however, is a solid site with plenty of positives. For starters, it’s fully regulated and even goes the extra mile to ensure you’re protected in all areas. Although we’re slightly disappointed by the lack of welcome rewards and mobile apps, BetMcLean is still worthy of a place among the industry’s leading operators. Indeed, if you’re looking for generous odds and plenty of weekly action, you won’t go far wrong with BetMcLean.

The only thing this sportsbook is lacking is online casino games. If you enjoy this type of gambling, head on over to our list of the best online casino sites available in the UK.

Nicholas Crouch, Chief Editor at Scams.info

Nicholas Crouch

Chief Editor at Scams.info

Our Chief Editor brings with him an extensive background that spans decades. Known for crafting captivating casino and sports betting content, Nicholas began his journey into the world of gambling with football pools, and he now enjoys the excitement of high variance slots and curating engaging content for our site.  

I've learned that when creating gambling content, knowledge offers an edge, but ultimately, it's about the enjoyment and sharing my honest expertise with others.

Enjoy gambling responsibly. Set limits on time and money spent, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Remember, gambling is for entertainment, not a way to solve financial problems. If you feel your gambling habits are becoming a concern, seek help from organisations like BeGambleAware or GamCare.

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