A cultural shift in attitudes and changes in legislation have seen a boom in online gaming as more and more people discover the excitement of sports betting. Competition in the sector is huge as sportsbooks look to get in on the action, but with so many options out there it can be hard to know which one to choose.
What makes a good Sportsbook?
Sports Covered
Not every sportsbook offers customers the chance to place a wager on every sport. The NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS, and motor racing are just some of the major events that you would expect to see, but the best ones will offer customers an even wider choice. It’s also worth noting that while some sites may cover events such as College Football or Basketball, they may not cover every single game. So, if college sports are what you’re looking for, then make sure the site checks out.
Odds
Different sites offer different odds for sporting events which means it’s worth shopping around to find a site that consistently offers the most competitive rates. Odds directly affect your profit margins and ensure you get the best value for your hard earnt money. The more reputable sites will be among the most competitive, so a good test is to compare one of the markets on one of the most popular sport, for example, a quick look at the NFL odds on a handful of sites will reveal which sites are likely to payout the most for a win.
Usability
Often overlooked when it comes to choosing a sportsbook, usability is crucial when it comes to your everyday enjoyment. While many sites might look the same, it’s worth checking them out first to get a feel for their layout. Things to look out for are:
How easy is it to:
• Sign up/create an account
• Find bets
• Make bets
• Deposit money
• Withdraw money
• Contact Customer Service
If you find yourself confused or frustrated while navigating the site, it’s time to move on.
Technology
In such a competitive market, companies need to invest to maintain and grow their market share. The best operators will invest in the very latest technology to ensure their site offers customers the best possible betting experience.
Mobile Betting
Online sportsbooks are all about convenience, giving gamers the ability to check the latest odds and make bets, anywhere and anytime they choose. Mobile betting is a huge part of that. While all sites will have desktop friendly options, not every sportsbook has mobile friendly sites that will adapt to the device you are using, potentially leaving you unable to access your account or check out the latest odds or cash out.
Trust
You don’t want to hand over your money and personal details to any old site do you? Things to look out for when checking the trustworthiness of a sportsbook are:
• Is the site secure?
• How quick are payouts?
• Are there multiple payout and deposit options?
• Is your account password protected?
• Read online reviews
Customer Service
There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to get answers when you need them, especially if you’re new to sportsbooks and need some help getting started. Reputable sportsbooks will provide customer service 24/7, not just a few hours a day, and contact options will be via online chat and telephone. Customer service staff should be courteous, helpful and available when you need them most.
Things to Avoid
Unfortunately, there are some disreputable sites out there, so as well as checking out the above, it’s important to look out for the following signs.
Sites with Slow Payouts
Nothing rings alarm bells like a site that is slow to pay up when you want to withdraw your cash. Delays can occasionally happen with the best sites, but habitual late payers are to be avoided.
Poor Reviews
Check out site reviews online. While not infallible, it’s a great way to give yourself a heads up if one site has a large number of damning reviews from angry customers.
Too Good to be True Promotions
If a sportsbook is offering promotions to new customers that seem too good to be true, then the chances are, they are too good to be true. It’s easy to get distracted by a great promotion, but make sure you do your research before signing up.
Lack of Legitimacy
If you find a sportsbook that you’ve never heard of it might be worth digging a little deeper before signing up. National and state-level regulators hand out licenses to all reputable sportsbooks, so make sure the site you choose is registered with the relevant authority, otherwise you should avoid it, or risk having your personal and financial details stolen.
Reputable Sportsbooks
Whichever sportsbook you decide upon, if you follow our guide then you’ll be guaranteed a trustworthy site that will keep your money and personal details safe and secure, as well as offer some of the best odds around.
All you need to do now is sign up, set yourself a budget and start joining in the fun.