On the surface, it may seem to newcomers that all sportsbooks are the same. The same NBA, NHL and NFL coverage is available across a variety of markets, and odds on a particular selection typically do not vary too much from one sportsbook to the next.
To the untrained eye, it may therefore seem like it doesn’t matter which operator they sign up with. It’s not really until a player gets into the day-to-day operations of an online sportsbook that differences can start to become apparent.
That can be the different formats of bonuses, or bookmaker margins, niche market availability and even customer support hours. Many elements combine to make up an online sportsbook betting experience, and here, we’ll walk through some of the key things that newcomers should look out for.
The long-term view
Getting the choice of bookmaker right the first time can save a lot of hassle down the line. Finding a good sportsbook to settle down with is a good feeling, although some bettors deliberately sign up with more than one to try and leverage the position of getting the best odds as often as possible.
Because the regulations surrounding online sports betting shift between states, it’s important to find a reputable site for the particular region where you are. Whether you are in West Virginia, Michigan or New Jersey, informative sportsbook review sites like World Sports Network provide a valuable overview of the differences between operators, which then empowers choice. But what are some things that newcomers to sports betting should keep an eye out for on platforms?
Licensing
Licensing is the first thing that any newcomer to sports betting should look for when visiting a site. It is important to only use sportsbooks that are licensed to operate within your state’s jurisdiction, because it means that the operator is subject to some oversight by the governing body.
You can find official licensing information directly on the site, and this can be verified with the governing body. It is possible to play at offshore operators, but you simply won’t get the level of protection that you will at a state-authorized operator.
Payments and withdrawals
Another area to look out for are the payment and withdrawal options. Take a moment to check that the method that you want to use is going to be available to you, what the minimum withdrawal amounts are and how long transactions are expected to take to process.
Just as importantly, look for any fees. Most sportsbooks and casinos that are regulated in the US don’t charge for deposits and withdrawals, but always double-check. Sometimes a fee can be applied to a withdrawal, like in the situation where you cash out more than once in a month.
This is usually a nominal fee when it happens, but if you make a withdrawal every week, for example, and get hit with a fee every time, that can add up to a lot of money going out of your pocket.
Market coverage
The next thing to look at when sizing up a new online sportsbook is market coverage. Naturally, major sports like the NFL, NBA and NHL, along with tennis, soccer and golf, are going to get plenty of coverage. But if your interest lies in a niche soccer league from Europe, Australian horse racing or maybe rugby from France, you are naturally going to need a bookmaker that delivers the coverage you need.
This also applies to live betting. Look at a few relevant live in-play fixtures before signing up with the new platform. Take some time to browse through the available market options, plus any extras like up-to-the-minute scores and stats. If you can’t get the betting options you want, there’s no point in considering that operator.
The welcome bonus
A welcome bonus is an introductory offer from a sportsbook, and you will need to look out for its terms and conditions if you want to complete it successfully, as this will likely involve wagering requirements. Many new sportsbooks offer matched bonuses like ‘Bet $10 Get $50’, and the $50 will be credited as bonus cash. The value of the bonus funds will then need to be wagered a certain number of times before winnings from it become available as withdrawable cash.
The lower the wagering requirements, therefore, the better the deal. But there are many other areas like minimum bet requirements, minimum odds requirements, eligible markets and expiration dates to look out for when it comes to welcome bonus offers, and indeed any other offer that you may run into as an existing customer.
Mobile app availability
If you enjoy betting from the convenience of a smartphone then it may be worth looking to see if the new operator has a mobile app available. All sportsbooks will run on mobile web browsers, but apps typically deliver a more streamlined, quicker and better user experience.
Navigation is often superior, and apps can be secured with biometrics as well. You still get the full sportsbook experience through an app, but it’s more convenient and easier to use than first loading a web browser then entering the address and account credentials. It’s never a great idea to have browsers store passwords, either, and this is an area where apps win out.
Look at the big picture
For newcomers, it’s worth taking the time to do as much as you can to get things right from the start in terms of sportsbook selection, because it can be a time-consuming hassle to have to change. Again, sites that rate and review online sportsbooks can help you to at least get a shortlist of options together.
You can then visit any of those online sportsbooks and test drive them on your computer and your devices. This is to get a feel for navigation around the site, the kind of markets that they have available and just how the site feels overall in terms of user-friendliness and what features there are.
Ask a couple of questions of the customer service, and check out FAQ pages. Repeat this at a few sites to directly compare them, and always think of the long-term, big picture of having a site that doesn’t frustrate you when doing your sports betting.
