Clones of Bookmakers

In this article, we will thoroughly examine what a bookmaker clone is, the different types and functions it has, the cases in which it is used, and the risks that may be associated with working with it. Most importantly for our readers, we will discuss why bookmaker clones are useful for arbitrage bettors.

Bookmaker Clone

A bookmaker clone is a website or application that imitates the appearance, functionality, and often even the content of the original bookmaker platform. From a legal standpoint, a clone is a copy of the site created as a mirror, but with additional features and functions adapted to meet specific user needs. Clones can be created either by the bookmaker itself or by third parties without the company's involvement. The primary purpose of a clone is to give bettors access to the bookmaker’s services while bypassing various restrictions, such as regional blocks or access issues with the original platform.

Why Are Bookmaker Clones Created?

There are several reasons why bookmakers or third-party developers create clones:

1. Bypassing Blocks and Restrictions: In many countries, gambling and bookmaker activities are regulated or restricted by law. A clone provides users access to the same platform while retaining the full functionality of the original site.

2. Ensuring Stability and Accessibility: Clones can serve as backup servers to prevent overload on the main website, particularly during peak times such as championships and tournaments.

3. IP Restriction Bypass: Some bookmakers impose geographical restrictions on users. A clone allows access to the service, bypassing these geo-blocks.

4. Marketing Purposes: Clones can be used for testing new features, running marketing campaigns, and offering promotions that attract customers’ attention.

5. Faster Load Times and Reduced Server Load: By creating multiple clone sites, a company can distribute traffic across servers, which improves the resilience and stability of the main site.

Types of Bookmaker Clones

There are several main types of bookmaker clones, each used for different purposes:

• Full Clones: These are exact copies of the original site, containing all the features available to users on the official platform, including the interface, betting options, odds, and payout functions.

• Mirrors: These are clones that are identical to the original site but operate on a different domain. Their purpose is to bypass regional blocks so that users can access the site, even if the primary resource is temporarily unavailable.

• Pirate Clones: Some third-party developers create unauthorized copies of bookmaker sites, which may look like the original but lack legitimate licensing. These platforms may have fraudulent intentions and pose risks to users.

• Test Clones: Bookmaker companies may create temporary clones to test new features or marketing campaigns that will eventually be implemented on the main site.

• App Clones: Some bookmakers provide their services through applications available for download via alternative app stores or third-party websites if the main application is unavailable due to restrictions.

Main Functions of Bookmaker Clones

The primary functions supported by bookmaker clones can include:

• User Registration and Identification: Users can create a new account or log in to an existing one.
• Account Funding and Withdrawals: Access to deposit and withdrawal functions remains unchanged, allowing bettors to manage their finances.
• Access to Betting and Betting Lines: Full functionality for sports betting is available on the clones.
• Live Streaming and Live Betting: Support for sports broadcasts and live betting, if provided on the original platform.
• Customer Support: Cloned sites created by bookmakers usually also offer access to customer support services.

Advantages of Using Bookmaker Clones

The use of bookmaker clones provides users with several advantages:

1. Freedom of Access: Users can access betting services even if the main site is blocked in their country.
2. Increased Stability: Clones help prevent overloads on the main site, ensuring balanced traffic distribution.
3. Preservation of Data and Functionality: Bettors can use the same features as on the original site, including access to their account and betting history.

Disadvantages and Risks of Using Clones

Despite the obvious advantages, working with bookmaker clones carries certain risks:

1. Data Security: Some clones may be unauthorized or fraudulent sites that do not properly protect user data.
2. Licensing Issues: Using a clone can lead to a lack of legal protection in case of payment issues or disputes with the bookmaker.
3. Unofficial Clones and Fraud: Third-party clones may lack official support and may be used for fraudulent purposes, such as data theft or financial scams.
4. Risk of Account Blocking: In some cases, using clones may violate company policies, and the user’s account could be blocked.

Why Arbitrage Bettors Need Bookmaker Clones

• Access to the Site During Blockages: In some countries, access to bookmaker sites may be restricted. Clones help circumvent such blocks, enabling access to accounts (e.g., for withdrawals).

• Access to Additional Bonuses and Promotions: For example, for Matched Betting strategies. A new bookmaker means new bonuses.

• Concealing Activity and Bypassing Sanctions: One of the most important advantages for arbitrage bettors is the ability to mask their activity. Since a clone routes part of the data through a different domain, tracking becomes more challenging. This is a temporary but useful solution, allowing extended use of an account.

• Quick Account Switching: Arbitrage bettors may need to switch quickly between multiple accounts, and clones can make this task easier. Switching to a new domain doesn’t require logging in and out, saving time.

• Continuing to Bet After Main Account Restrictions: If the main site imposes limits or temporarily blocks the account, using a clone can sometimes allow betting to continue until the situation clears up. This helps arbitrage bettors stay active and respond promptly to odds changes.

• Reducing the Likelihood of Automated Monitoring: When using different bookmaker clones, the system's likelihood of quickly identifying an arbitrage bettor may decrease, as bettors activity analysis is spread across different servers and domains.

Typically, arbitrage scanners offer a filtering option to display bookmaker clones. For example, the primary bookmaker may be highlighted in bold, with its clones listed below in a lighter font.

How to Distinguish an Official Clone from a Fraudulent Site

To avoid accessing a pirated or fraudulent clone, users should:

• Check the URL: Official clones typically have URLs similar to the original site but with slight domain changes.
• Rely on Official Sources: Information about available clones should be obtained from the official website or through customer support.
• Pay Attention to Support: Official clones provide full customer support, which may not be available on pirated copies.
• Check for an SSL Certificate: Official sites have SSL certificates to encrypt data, indicated by a lock icon next to the URL.

Conclusion

Bookmaker clones are not merely site copies but tools that help maintain stable operations. Clones offer users access to betting options despite restrictions but require caution to avoid the risks associated with unofficial resources. Using clones can be advantageous and convenient for those who prefer reliable access to the platform, but one should always ensure that the clone in use is official and supported by the bookmaker itself.