Merlin Sportsbook

Editor’s View

Merlin sportsbook is a relatively new sportsbook that was launched alongside the Merlin online casino. It is apparent that the site is more geared towards its casino users, with the sportsbook not receiving as much focus in terms of bonuses and promotions or other features. 

However, it still presents some good sports betting options, with the site providing extensive coverage of esports and offering competitive live-betting odds and cash-out availability. In this Merlin review, we are going to break down all of the pros and cons we encountered when betting at the Merlin sportsbook. 

General Information and Safety Details About Merlin

Merlin is a new sports betting site owned and operated by Versus Odds. The site is fully licensed by the Government of Curacao, holding a Curacao eGaming License. Like many top online sports betting sites, it also provides players with an online casino, which they can jump at any time by hitting the tab at the top of the screen. 

The site’s licensing does mean that, unfortunately, it is restricted in some key markets. The sportsbook is available in multiple languages, with players able to flick between English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Norwegian, and a handful of other languages and dialects. 

Merlin Payments and Withdrawals 

If you want to bet at Merlin Sportsbook, there are plenty of banking methods available. The site allows players to deposit using Visa/Mastercard, MiFinity, eZeeWallet, Jeton, Apple Pay, and more. It also allows crypto deposits using Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and a small selection of other popular crypto payment methods. 

The Merlin withdrawal options are largely the same. However, it is worth noting that the site will ask for identity verification if you attempt to withdraw more than €100. This is part of the operator’s Know Your Customer (KYC) policy. 

Merlin allows players to bet in a range of currencies. This includes EUR, AUD, CAD, USD, and more. 

Betting Features Available at Merlin

The Merlin sportsbook has a few handy betting features that are designed to add a little magic to your experience. 

• In-play betting: In-play betting is an essential part of any modern sportsbook experience, and Merlin has a competitive live betting section for players to enjoy. Whenever you log in to your Merlin account, you are greeted by the in-play section. During this Merlin review, we found the site’s live odds to be very competitive and up to the second. We also enjoyed elements of the site’s live coverage. 
• Live-streaming: Speaking of live coverage, the sportsbook also has a selection of live streams that players can enjoy. In our experience, these streams are limited to more niche sports, such as esports, table tennis, and volleyball. 
• Cash-out: Merlin Sportsbook also offers a cash-out option for specific events. 

While Merlin sportsbook does offer a strong sports betting experience, the site could definitely benefit from adding some extra sports betting features. A bet builder feature would make a fantastic addition. 

Most Popular Sports at Merlin Sportsbook

Merlin has a good range of sports to bet on. The site is home to over 40 different sports options, with football being the most popular. During this Merlin sportsbook review, there were over 1,000 football markets for punters to enjoy, with coverage of all of the big divisions and tournaments. 

Alongside football, sports like tennis and boxing, as well as all of the leading US sports, are popular. There is also good coverage of niche sports and events, such as kabaddi and chess. 

We were impressed with the operator's esports section. It has a dedicated esports page where you can find brilliant live coverage of all of the main esports and their biggest events. 

Merlin Customer Service and User Experience

Merlin has a playful design, with the site themed around the iconic wizard it is named after. It is easy to switch between the sportsbook and esports sections, and those who fancy a spin of the reels can easily switch to the casino offering. 

However, the site is clearly geared towards casino players, and this is evident from some of its layout. If players want to access any information, such as the responsible gambling page or the FAQs, they will need to switch back to the casino page, which can be frustrating if they want to check something quickly. 

On the plus side, 24/7 customer support is available. When you first begin talking to an agent, you may be asked to provide your Merlin log-in details. 

Merlin Sportsbook’s Best Offers

An area where we feel the Merlin sportsbook falls short is bonuses and promotions. Once again, the operator’s focus here is clearly on the casino section, with the Merlin sportsbook bonuses being limited to a few multiplier tournaments and a multi-bet-of-the-day offering. Unfortunately, there is not even a Merlin sign-up offer specifically for sports betting users. 

Merlin’s Commitment to Responsible Gambling

Merlin takes responsible gambling very seriously. The site has a responsible gambling page where players can find information about charities and resources they can access. It also provides information on self-exclusion, deposit limits, and timeouts. 

Final Verdict on Merlin

Merlin is a mixed bag of an online sportsbook. It delivers in many respects, with the site serving up competitive odds, good live-betting options, and a dedicated esports section. It also has a great number of payment methods and welcomes players from around the world, offering payment in multiple currencies and being available in multiple languages. 

However, the site is clearly more focused on its online casino section, with the lack of promotions and features for sportsbook users being disappointing. It also has a few navigation issues when using the sportsbook, with key information being much more readily available for casino users. 

That said, we still recommend the site, especially if you are a fan of esports, with their live coverage of major esports events being among the best we have encountered.