Reviewed by The Best Sports Bet editorial team · Last updated June 2026 · Our editorial & review policy
Quick take: If you came looking for a 188BET review, here’s the honest update first: 188BET no longer operates under that name. It rebranded to Taptap in 2025, and its closure has since been reported in the trade press. You can’t open a new 188BET account, and the affiliate offers you’ll still see floating around for “188BET” are out of date. Below: what actually happened, what to do if you held an account, and the best current alternatives for what 188BET was known for — sharp Asian handicap odds — written for Australian punters. (18+. Gamble responsibly.)
What happened to 188BET?
188BET launched in 2006 and was, for years, licensed by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. In 2025 it rebranded to Taptap (under the operator CyberArena) and shifted operations toward the Philippines. Since then, 188BET’s closure has been reported by industry outlet Gambling Insider. In short: the brand you remember is gone, and it is winding down rather than taking on new customers.
I have a 188BET / Taptap account — what should I do?
If you still hold a balance, take it seriously, but get your information from the right place:
- Verify directly with the operator (Taptap / CyberArena) and with your own bank or e-wallet provider about pending balances and timelines.
- Be sceptical of third-party “deadline” pages. Several sites are publishing specific shutdown dates and “your funds are 100% safe” reassurances while funnelling you to one particular replacement bookmaker. Those are affiliate marketing pages, not official notices — don’t make decisions based on them.
- Withdraw to a verified method you control — and remember that an offshore balance, whether it’s A$50 or A$5,000, has no Australian safety net — then keep records of any transactions and support tickets.
We don’t publish an unverified closure date here on purpose — the specific dates circulating online trace back to a promotional source, and we won’t repeat a claim we can’t stand behind.
A note for Australian punters on offshore books
188BET was always an offshore operator with no Australian licence, and the same is true of the alternatives below. Under Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001, only Australian-licensed bookmakers may legally offer online betting to Australians, and online in-play betting is banned. The law targets operators rather than individual punters, but using an offshore book means no Australian consumer protection if a balance is frozen or a payout is disputed — exactly the situation 188BET customers may now be facing. If that risk matters to you, an Australian-licensed bookmaker is the safer home for your money.
Why bettors rated 188BET (and what to look for in a replacement)
188BET’s reputation came from one thing above all: sharp Asian handicap pricing, with margins reported below 1.5% on top-league football, plus fast withdrawals. Bonuses were always its weak point. So when you pick a replacement, prioritise the things 188BET did well: low Asian-handicap margins, deep football and cricket markets, and reliable withdrawals — not the size of the welcome bonus.
Best 188BET alternatives in 2026
For Asian-handicap-focused bettors, these are the closest active, licensed (offshore) options:
- Dafabet — the natural successor for AH bettors: operating since 2004, multi-jurisdiction licensed (UK GC, Curaçao, PAGCOR, Isle of Man), genuinely strong Asian handicap across football and cricket (BBL, Tests, IPL) plus tennis. Read our full Dafabet review →
- 22Bet — broad markets and a huge payment menu (30+ cryptos), good if you want variety and fast crypto payouts; margins are wider than 188BET’s were. Read our full 22Bet review →
How to choose a 188BET replacement (quick checklist)
- Australian licence first — if local consumer protection matters, only an Australian-licensed bookmaker offers it; an offshore book does not.
- Licence quality — if you do go offshore, pick an operator regulated in a serious jurisdiction (UKGC, Isle of Man, PAGCOR, Curaçao at minimum).
- Asian handicap margins — the lower the better; 188BET set the bar near 1.5% on top football.
- Withdrawal speed and reliability — check real user reports for your payment method; for offshore books, crypto is usually the fastest, most reliable route for Australians since PayID and POLi generally aren’t available.
- Legality where you live — confirm the book accepts you and understand the offshore risk under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
188BET — frequently asked questions
Is 188BET still operating in 2026?
No — 188BET rebranded to Taptap in 2025, and its closure has since been reported. You cannot open a new 188BET account.
Is Taptap the same as 188BET?
Taptap is the rebrand of the former 188BET operation (under CyberArena). It is not the 188BET you may remember, and reports indicate it is winding down.
Can I still withdraw my A$ balance from my 188BET account?
If you hold a balance, contact the operator (Taptap/CyberArena) and your payment provider directly. Be cautious of third-party sites stating specific deadlines while promoting a replacement bookmaker. As an offshore book, there’s no Australian regulator to escalate to if your funds are withheld.
What’s the best alternative to 188BET for Asian handicap?
Among offshore books, Dafabet is the closest active, licensed match for 188BET’s Asian-handicap strength; 22Bet is a broad, crypto-friendly alternative. If you want Australian consumer protection, choose an Australian-licensed bookmaker instead.
Gamble responsibly — 18+. Responsible gambling. Free, confidential help in Australia: Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858 (24/7) or self-exclude nationally at BetStop.
