Did you know that as many as one in five US citizens have already tried sports betting site? That’s only in the short while that this activity’s been legal in the US.
As more states get on board with this form of entertainment, we’re bound to see even more enthusiasts emerge. Are you keen to try your hand at this fun and sometimes lucrative pastime?
If so, tread carefully. It’s vital to pick a reputable and well-run site to ensure you don’t end up the loser. Check out these guidelines to help you find the best sports betting site for you.
Stay Within the Bounds of The Law
So far, 35 states have either legalized sports betting or are in the process of doing so. These are the states where it’s illegal to engage in sports betting:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Georgia
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
Florida is struggling to legalize sports betting amid disputes with the local Seminole tribe and several states are considering legalizing the practice, or have legislation in progress.
These are:
- Alabama
- California
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Nebraska
- Ohio
Delaware, Mississippi, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, North and South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin allow in-person betting only, while Wyoming and Tennessee allow online betting only.
Be sure to keep tabs on your state’s gambling laws, as these can sometimes change at a moment’s notice.
Always Play On a Licensed Sports Betting Site
Registering an online sportsbook is an involved, complicated, and lengthy process. All registered sites must also comply with strict codes of conduct and rules regarding your money and your privacy.
Shady operators will never make the grade as far as registering their sites go, and they’re unlikely to apply in the first place. So you know that you’re working with an above-board company when you opt for a registered site.
Online review sites like this page can reveal at-a-glance information about online sports betting. They may also flag blacklisted sites and provide useful ratings about each one.
You can also inquire with fellow sports enthusiasts about which sites they prefer.
Tips for Picking the Best Sports Betting Site
When you’ve got these major concerns out of the way, you can focus on fine-tuning your search to suit your preferences. This is what you should consider:
Look for Sports You Like
You’ll need to search long and hard for a site that offers online betting on sports like cricket and soccer that don’t have a huge fan base in the United States.
You’ll find no shortage of sites that offer major league sports like the NBA, NFL, and MLB. At the same time take note of how many games they offer for each of these sports.
Browse Available Betting Options
Next, consider the type of bets you like. For newbies or those who aren’t fussy about the bets they place, this isn’t important.
As you gain experience, you might want to explore more options, so look for a site that offers the widest spread of choices.
Most sports betting sites will offer spreads, money lines, and totals, but you might need to search for one that includes props in their lineup. Live betting, although it’s not ideal for inexperienced players, offers a lot of fun and fever-pitch action.
Finally, take a look at how early the site puts its lines out, it’s always preferable to get your bets in as soon as possible.
Is The Site Easy to Use?
You won’t have much fun if you’re constantly unsure about how the site works and whether you’re doing the right thing or not. A good site is easy to operate and understand.
Nowadays, most sites come in mobile versions and offer sports betting apps, too. This can help you keep track of your bets and sports results on the go.
It adds an extra element of excitement by allowing you to wager any time you want and as soon as the lines come out.
At the same time, make sure you can access the site from anywhere. This is most important if you travel frequently, as some online sportsbook sites have regional limitations.
In some cases, you won’t be able to sign up from an area where you don’t reside, so don’t think you can sign up for a new site wherever you are. Rather, register with one that gives you a good variety of location options.
Rewards, Bonuses, and Jackpots
Most online sports betting outlets and casinos offer sign-up bonuses and loyalty rewards. Don’t let these bells and whistles tempt you to sign up with a site that’s lacking in other respects.
You must also pay attention to the terms and conditions that come with these perks. Are they realistic and easy to understand? Some sites will manipulate you with lucrative bonuses but impossible targets.
Deposit and Withdrawal Facilities
You can’t engage with a site if you can’t exchange money with it. Unless you’re betting purely for fun. So, if you want to play with real money, look for a site that offers at least two banking options you can use.
In this way, you’ve got a backup if you experience problems with one of your preferred payment and withdrawal methods. Look for websites that offer a wide variety of reputable banking options like credit cards and well-known payment platforms.
Make sure you’re familiar with any fees and limitations imposed by these banking institutions and the betting platform.
It’s never to your advantage to wager with a site that has high minimum withdrawal limits.
The Final Word on Finding an Online Sportsbook
Keeping the above pointers in mind, you should follow a set format for finding a great sports betting site.
First, decide what you want and don’t want, and create a shortlist of sites based on these preferences. Then, compare these services with each other based on their reputations, fees, registrations, and offerings.
Finally, test each site before you make your choice. Don’t ever pay money over to a website unless you’re convinced they’re above board.
Would you like some more information on how to maximize your leisure time? Browse our site for the latest sports and entertainment news and tips.
