Having a great betting strategy and a controlled bankroll management system means nothing without a bookie and choosing a trustworthy bookmaker that is both safe and will make your betting journey that much more fun. You do need to choose wisely because if you choose a bookie that refuses to pay out winnings, it becomes irrelevant how good your strategy is. Here we look at what you need to look for when picking a bookie that is right for you.
Licensed bookmaker
One of your primary tasks is to confirm that a preferred bookie is legally allowed to operate in the country where you are resident at the time you wish to play. This does not offer a full guarantee that all will work perfectly, but licensed bookmakers have a complaints process should you need to raise a dispute, and these are usually successfully managed to punter’s satisfaction.
Welcome bonuses
Welcome bonuses are offered by the majority of bookmakers to new punters making an initial payment on account. New customers usually receive the best online betting offers, sometimes as free bets, deposit bonuses or enhanced odds. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions related to rollovers or how the bonus can be played.
Reputation
Look for feedback on the bookie you want to open an account with. A few bookies have hit the headlines for not looking after their customers properly, but many others have excellent customer service, good bonus offers and a vast array of games for you to enjoy.
If a bookmaker has several severely negative comments, it may be wise to move on if you do not get clarification to helps you trust the site more. New bookies are opening all the time, which may not have any online history to check, so do not write it off.
Check bookies margin
Bookies offer different odds, and those with lower margins and higher payouts are worth focusing on. Each sport can be broken down into leagues and again into games, which can have variable odds, so whilst one bookie may not offer competitive odds for the Ashes series in cricket, it could be the best bookie for English Premier League matches.
Easy deposit and withdrawal
Standard debit card, credit card and bank transfers are accepted at many betting sites. Look out for sites that accept e-wallets like Skrill, Google Wallet and PayPal along with many others. You can also protect your money by betting using cryptocurrencies.
Intuitive online site
Before you make any decision to sign up, test the bookie’s website for ease of use. Check that it makes sense and that you can intuitively find your way around the site to find the sports and betting options you want. If you find the site confusing or the site takes too long to load, consider if you will find this irritating over time.
Sportsbook coverage
Some bookmakers only offer the most popular sports like English soccer, the NBA in the US or the IPL in India, whilst others include niche sports and leagues. If you have an edge on a niche sport, find a bookie that will offer you the odds you want.
Customer support
In such a competitive and fast-growing industry, make sure you seek out the bookies with the best customer support, which means it must be accessible 24/7 via live chat, with a contact phone number and an email. Before opening an account, test the customer service agents with a question in live chat, pretend not to understand something to check their response.