You cannot have escaped the excitement that has gripped the gambling industry in recent years. Even if you are not really into sports – or sports betting – you will have seen how changes in laws and regulations in many countries and regions have changed who is now able to place bets.
Where the laws have changed, betting websites have become very popular. Customers now have a wide range of options when it comes to where they are going to bet – and what to bet on. But if you are new to this world, you may be a little confused as to how to get started. To help, we have put together five factors to consider before you begin making your selections.
Is it Legal?
Let’s start off with the obvious, shall we? As we have mentioned, betting laws have been relaxed in many areas around the world. But that doesn’t mean that everyone is allowed to place bets these days. Check to see what the deal is in your location before you get too excited.
There are a number of websites that you can use to check the legal situation in your state or province. But do check just what is legal and what isn’t. Some places allow only certain types of betting and it is always better to be safe than sorry. Once you know what is permitted, you can move on.
Look for Bonus Offers
Before you are able to place a sports bet online you will need to sign up for a customer account with an online sportsbook. You should have plenty of choice here, but one way of whittling down the field is to take a look at the welcome bonus being offered.
There is so much competition in the betting industry that the sportsbooks will offer big deposit matches or free bets to attract new customers. These are all perfectly legal, but you should read the terms and conditions to see what is expected of you when you claim the bonus. Also, take a look at what kinds of offers are available for existing customers too.
Check the Odds and Markets
If you are a complete novice when it comes to online sports betting you may feel like all the sportsbooks look the same. They will usually offer the same betting opportunities, with odds that look very alike. The good news is that your eyes are not deceiving you – a lot of sportsbook odds are very similar.
But it is in the details where the difference lies. Even the smallest difference in the odds for a game can change the potential winning returns. Make sure that the sportsbook covers the sports and events you want to bet on – and that the odds are better than its competitors in the markets you are interested in.
Figure 2 An easy to use website is crucial
Customer Service is Key
The ‘customer service’ we are talking about here is multi-faceted. There is the customer service, as in the help team that is on hand to assist you if you have a problem. This may not seem too important, but you want to be able to resolve any issue quickly – and at any time of the day – so you can get back to betting.
But we also mean the way that you use the sportsbook – as in the service you get as a customer. You will want the site to be easy to navigate and with a downloadable mobile app if possible. You should never have to work out how to do something, as everything should be as intuitive as possible.
Enjoy Yourself
This is probably the most important piece of advice you will get when it comes to online sports betting. Don’t get too carried away and think that you can become a professional gambler. Sports betting should just be a bit of fun and not something that makes you feel anxious.
Only bet what you can afford to lose and budget accordingly. If you feel you are getting out of your depth, take a break or talk to someone. Betting can be hugely enjoyable and add an extra element to the sports you watch. If you gamble responsibly you will always have a good time.