Due to the sportsbook sector being so saturated, it can be difficult to determine which site to pick. With bookies and sportsbooks continuously pushing advertisements offering enormous bonuses and numerous promotions, it might be easy to just pick one after seeing one of these “amazing” adverts but taking the time to choose the right site will pay you in the long term.
But how should you go about choosing the right site? Here are four things to look out for:
Is the sportsbook reputable?
This is, without a doubt, the most crucial issue of all. When you join a site, you’ll want to know that the money you deposit is secure, that your financial information is protected, and that you’ll be paid when you win, particularly if you win big. Most bookmakers, especially those that have been in business for a long time, will be able to reassure you on this score, but it doesn’t hurt to be aware of what to look for.
Being licensed in a recognized gambling jurisdiction, being listed on a certain stock market, and being partnered with gambling addiction help agencies can all be important indicators of a reliable sportsbook.
Some people would equate a fast payout sportsbook being a reliable one. There are many sportsbooks out there, but many bettors prefer to have an account with one that transfers the money to you as fast as possible.
All of these options will also be checked by many well-known websites that advertise on television or sponsor teams or leagues, as well as those sites that have a global presence. However, if you’re skeptical about a site, check out its credentials, which should be displayed clearly at the foot of the home page. If you really want to do your research, you can also check with your state’s gambling regulator to be sure that the sportsbook in question really does have a license.
How good are their odds?
This is the key thing for any sportsbook since a site with poor pricing will simply not provide you with good value. If you were shopping on the main street and saw the same product for $10 less in one store than in another, you would certainly choose the cheaper alternative, and sports betting is no different.
Fortunately, thanks to the rise of odds comparison services, comparing prices from one website to another has never been easier. You’ll usually discover that certain sites have higher odds on certain sports than others, so check into the markets that attract you to see which website has the best odds.
Professional bettors understand that getting the best possible odds on a particular bet is absolutely essential. Even if you are wagering for fun, it’s still a good idea to look for sites that provide the very best odds for the sports you are interested in.
How good are the promotions?
Some sportsbooks will provide a diverse range of promotions across a variety of sports. For example, if a soccer match goes goalless or if a horse comes in second in a race, a site could refund your money as a free bet. Examine the deals provided on the websites and decide which ones would be most useful to you. You’ll want a site that will provide you bonuses on bets you’ll be placing anyhow since you’ll basically be getting ‘free’ money while playing regularly. After all, if you are an NFL bettor, a site with deals on soccer, horse racing, cricket, and tennis will not be of much use to you!
When you’re looking at bonuses, it is also a good idea to ignore the welcome bonus. Most sportsbooks will offer a flashy welcome bonus. In reality, these one-off deals are often less attractive than they appear due to the numerous terms and conditions that usually apply. Choose a sportsbook that looks after regular customers as well as newcomers and doesn’t get distracted by flashy welcome deals.
What about the mobile platform?
Many sportsbooks now offer apps or specifically developed responsive mobile sites. These mobile choices are a must-have for anybody who loves to bet on the road or just wants to use these devices at home. Obviously, the functionality of these applications or mobile sites varies, and because this is a site you’ll be visiting often, you’ll want it to be as user-friendly as possible.
Thankfully, you’ll be able to test things out before joining, so if a site has an app, install it from the appropriate app store and give it a try. Make sure that the app in question provides access to all of the sportsbook markets and features as sometimes these apps can provide only limited choices.
