This is a question I am asked more than ever these days. With the world wide web offering seemingly endless entertainment, it is no longer a given that people will want to spend their evenings in front of a screen. There is a wealth of options with which to while away the hours, ranging from YouTube to Twitch to podcasts and the list goes on. With more and more people choosing to stay in and spend time with their families, socialising feels more important than ever before.
Accordingly, here are my top picks for the best online gambling sites, as of May 2020.
1. Bovada
If you are looking for a reliable, customer-friendly and safe option, then Bovada is probably the best place for you. As the name suggests, this is the official website of the Bovada betting company, based in the U.S.A. If you’ve ever tried to place a bet on social media, you’ll know that this kind of environment doesn’t provide the same level of security as a normal betting site. That’s one reason why Bovada prides itself on being a safer option for online gamblers.
Speaking of social media, Bovada doesn’t just limit itself to online betting. The site provides customers with a mobile app that can be accessed from anywhere. With the ability to place bets and follow live scores via desktop, tablet or smartphone, Bovada truly is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to place a wager on their favourite sporting events.
2. Bet365
Probably the most famous of the UK-based betting sites, Bet365 is consistently one of the most popular destinations for recreational gamblers due to its impressive range of sporting events and lively social media communities. Not only that, but Bet365 is also one of the few reputable betting sites to offer fixed odds betting, which means you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into. Plus, there’s always the option to choose your own odds, if you’re feeling adventurous!
A quick look at their main page will tell you what else makes Bet365 so special. You’ll notice that their top headline is the Spanish cup, which might not be something that interests you specifically, but the variety of sports offered (as well as the range of events that can be followed) will have you changing your mind quickly.
3. Paddy Power
This Irish betting site is consistently one of the biggest names in the industry, partly due to the fact that it is owned by the UK’s largest bookmaker, William Hill. You might be familiar with William Hill from their wide range of restaurants and hotels, or maybe even their live betting. Paddy Power is essentially the same company, but they own the online gambling side of things. Like many other reputable sites, Paddy Power offers fixed odds betting, along with a selection of slot machines and scratch cards. These are available to be played immediately upon registration, without needing to make a deposit first.
Paddy Power has a large variety of betting markets, including European, North American and World Cups as well as major and minor league sports. This means that even casual sports fans will likely find something to get excited about on a regular basis.
4. Intertops
Australia-based Intertops owns a casino in every state and territory, which means they’re pretty much guaranteed to have an online gambling option to suit your needs. They are one of the biggest and most reputable names in the industry, which is probably why so many people are surprised to discover that Intertops offers such a small number of games. Still, considering that they have over 200 different games, including plenty of scratch cards, this shouldn’t come as a great shock. Like many other reputable betting sites, Intertops offers fixed odds betting and some video poker games.
For those considering a visit to one of their casinos in Australia, it’s worth noting that Intertops is a member of the responsible gambling community, which means they actively promote responsible gaming. This is one of the main reasons why so many people still have faith in the site, even though it does offer such a small number of games. It promotes gambling awareness and prevents compulsive gambling.
5. Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes is yet another UK-based betting company that owns numerous casinos and bookmakers across the country. Like many other reputable betting sites, Ladbrokes offers fixed odds betting, as well as a variety of slot games and scratch card games. Even though their range of games isn’t the widest out there, you’ll most likely still find something to enjoy. If you do visit one of their casinos in the UK, make sure to check out their live betting, which is available on selected events.
The main difference between Ladbrokes and the other sites on this list is that they only have one casino. Despite this, they are considered by many to be the king of the UK online gambling world, mainly due to the fact that they were one of the first to establish themselves in the industry back in 1996. Today, they still hold a prominent place in the online gambling world because of their reliability as a business and their continued commitment to new technologies. This one casino alone is considered by some to have over 200 different games, including the all-time classic, slot machines and table games. Naturally, with the ability to connect to more than 60 different countries, you’ll never be stuck for choice when it comes to games!
6. William Hill
Although not strictly an online gambling company, William Hill is considered by many to be the king of the industry. This is mainly because they own a large number of gambling websites and mobile apps, which means there’s always an option to bet online. Despite this, it’s still only one of their many brands, which is why they’re considered to be the main entity of the group. However, even within the William Hill umbrella, there is still a wide variety of games, ranging from table games to jackpot slots and fixed odds betting. Naturally, with the ability to connect to more than 60 different countries, you’ll never be stuck for choice when it comes to your games!
One of the things that makes William Hill so unique is that they don’t just offer gambling, they offer a whole range of entertainment, including casinos, sports betting, music and comedy. As a result, they are often the choice of those looking to spend their evenings pleasantly instead of idly scrolling through Twitter.
Considering that we are gradually moving towards a more virtual world, it is fair to say that gambling will evolve alongside it. As a result, the landscape will change, with the physical casinos eventually being replaced by something more digital.