Sporting Index was formed in April 1992 to specialise in sports spread betting. Today, they are the clear leaders in this sector, having captured over 50% of the market.

The ever-increasing popularity of sports spread betting has led to widespread recognition of the fact that Sporting Index provides a yardstick for others to follow. This is borne out by the frequent references the media make to Sporting Index's markets and prices.

In November 1996, 'Sporting Index Shield' was created to offer small-stake spread-betting with limited risk. A Sporting Index Shield account is ideal for those new to the concept of spread betting

In February 1998,'Tote Sporting Index' was created by a joint venture with the Tote, offering Tote Credit clients the opportunity to spread bet. Sporting Index prices can be found in Tote Credit office on race-courses around the country.

In July 2001, Sporting Index launched SportingIndex.com, the first truly ‘live’ interactive on-line sports spread betting service.

FSA Regulated

It is reassuring to know that Sporting Index is regulated by the FSA (Financial Services Authority).

On 1 December 2001 the FSA took over from the SFA and assumed its full powers and responsibilities under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. They are now the single statutory regulator responsible for regulating deposit taking, insurance and investment business. The FSA is the British equivalent of the American CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) and SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) rolled into one. The FSA is the British equivalent of the American CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) and SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) rolled into one.

FSA regulators inspect spread betting firms on a regular basis to ensure that each firm conforms to the strict rules of the Authority. These include the setting aside of funds as a guarantee against a company suffering big financial losses, as well as a host of stringent regulations to protect the client. Any money deposited with these FSA-regulated companies is segregated under the Authority's regulation to ensure complete security. Winnings are also guaranteed under FSA regulation.

Online Security

There is no need to be worried about trading online with Sporting Index. Their website has been designed by online experts with security of paramount importance. Their secure server software encrypts all of your personal information (ie your name, address and card number) so that it cannot be read as it travels over the internet.

Limited Risk

A Sporting Index 'Shield' account offers you all the thrills of an ordinary spread bet with the added security of limited exposure. The Sporting Index Shield account allows you to 'spread bet with a safety net'.

Shield accounts have a 'Stop-Loss' level applied to the majority of markets. This is a specific level at which certain trades are closed to prevent open-ended losses or profits. This means that when trading on a Shield account, you are aware of the maximum you may win or lose every time you trade.

In addition, a Shield account also allows you to trade in smaller stakes.

Customer Service

It is important to Sporting Index that you are happy using SportingIndex.com and find the service easy to use. Their dedicated team of Customer Services staff prides itself on its friendliness, efficiency and speed in dealing with any enquiries you may wish to make.