The line between sports betting and gambling is blurred. After all, you’re placing bets on the outcome of a sporting event. The key difference is that when you’re gambling, you’re playing for money. When you’re betting on sports, you’re participating in a social activity – it’s more like betting on which celebrity will wed which superstar.
While it’s perfectly acceptable to spend your free time betting on sports, the question remains: which websites are the best for sports betting? We’ve compiled a shortlist of some of the most reputable, trusted, and secure betting sites. Let’s examine their key differences, and what sets them apart from the rest. Read on to find out more.
What Sets These Websites Apart?
To begin with, let’s take a look at the terms and conditions of the site. It’s essential that when entering into a wagering relationship with a bookmaker, you’re aware of the terms and conditions that you’re agreeing to. It’s also essential to read reviews of the site, to get an idea of how fair and honest the site is.’
When it comes to online gambling, a lot of the reputation is gained or lost on the basis of the T&C – think of PokerStars and Full Tilt as two of the biggest gambler portals in the world. If a site’s terms and conditions are unfair or misrepresented, then it’s likely that the gambler will walk away. Additionally, look out for pop-ups, redirects, and expired coupons. All of these are signs that the site is either not trustworthy or has been infiltrated by malware (viruses which damage or disable computers).
Security And Privacy
It’s important to remember that when you’re betting on sports, you’re putting your faith in the bookmaker’s word that their data is safe and secure. After all, you’re putting your financial information in their database, and there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. However, you have the right to ask any personal questions, and the bookmaker has to provide you with satisfactory answers. In terms of privacy, you have the option to remain anonymous, or to opt for a ‘no anonymity’ setting. Additionally, look out for pop-ups which ask you to either register or login to access content. These are usually signs that the site is trying to hack or intrude upon your personal information.
Features
One of the key differentiators between the best sportbooks and the average ones is the features they offer. The best ones go above and beyond what is necessary to just place a bet. When you place a wager on a sporting event, you’re usually presented with two options: pick a winner (the odds of winning are often shown alongside the game’s results) or choose a side (you specify whether you’re backing one team or another).
Many bookmakers will also provide you with stats and info on the players and teams you’ve chosen. If you’re into American Football, you can find all the info you need on the New Orleans Saints. If you’re more of an enthusiast of horse racing, you can find all the info you need on Keeneland Race Course. If you want to bet on a variety of sports, you can use a site which aggregates information from a number of different bookmakers, such as Bwin, Paddy Power, and some others.
User Experience
Another important consideration when choosing a betting site is the user experience (UX). Simply put, does the site’s layout, look, and feel make it easy for you to place bets, and does it provide you with a positive experience? Essentially, you’re purchasing an experience from the site, so you want to ensure that it’s one that you enjoy. Additionally, look out for slow load times, as well as broken links and glitches which may appear during gameplay.
There are plenty of reputable and safe sports betting websites out there. If you’re looking for a place to place your wagers, then consider some of the options we’ve compiled. It’s important to remember that every website is different, and what may be adequate for one user may be completely inadequate for another. If you have any questions about which site is the best for your needs, then feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.