Who are they?
Ladbrokes have been synonymous with the betting industry since the company was founded in 1886 and have remained one of, if not, the biggest name in the business. Known fondly as the Magic Sign, they can boast over 16,000 employees and more than 2,700 shops in the UK, Ireland, Belgium and Spain.

What do I get?
Register a new Ladbrokes account using the promotional code FB50, and place a single bet of £5 or more – up to £50 – and you will be credited with a free bet of equivalent value on the settlement of your qualifying wager.

Odds and sods?
With such a huge reputation and subsequent customer base, Ladbrokes can get away with erring on the side of caution with their odds, but what they lack in price value, they make up for with an incredible amount of sports markets. A recent revamp of their sportsbook has produced a very smart looking and in-depth in-play facility whilst they also have extensive coverage of less popular areas such as specials and financial markets.

Taking a punt?
The Ladbrokes website needed a big overhaul this year, and – wow! – did it get one. Their new look site is a delight to use, and you can work your way around its many pages with ease. It’s as responsive as they come, and the aforementioned live betting facility is splendid.

How can they help?
Ladbrokes are extremely proud of a substantial customer service department – although the likelihood of paying out on ambiguous bets has decreased by around 90% since one member of the BOTB team left the company. They don’t provide live chat on their website, but are available around the clock by phone or email and, unarguably, show more discretion than their main competitors.

What else?
In 2008, Ladbrokes became the first bookmakers to offer customers a loyalty card known as “Odds On!” where they offer in-store punters points that translate into free bets and offers. The Magic Sign have also produced an impressive looking app for smart phones and often advertise special promotions for both web and shop users.

If they were in the Premier League…?
This flashy red outfit have dominated their field for many years, and are either loved or hated by the public. Like Manchester United, Ladbrokes constantly have to find new ways to stay at the top of their game and show no sign of relinquishing their reputation any time soon.