online sportsbook

Five things your online sportsbook must have in 2023

Have you tried legalized online sports betting yet? We are seeing a growing number of states across the US take the plunge, allowing residents and visitors to place wagers on the top sporting events. Millions of bets are made on the NFL, NBA, and horse racing every week in the United States as the nation makes up ground on more traditional betting countries, such as the United Kingdom and Ireland. Are you ready for this brave new dawn?

Since Washington officials removed the ban on betting in 2018, many states have moved to permit betting. This has led to several land-based betting offices and casinos popping up across the land. You will find dedicated betting kiosks at NFL stadiums, on US high streets, and inside casinos. But the numbers produced by in-person betting can’t compete with online gambling. Bets struck using desktop computers and smartphone apps have surged over the last six months. 

You can now wager through a PayPal betting app or gamble using crypto. If you haven’t checked out the online gambling industry this year, you’ll be surprised by how far things have improved.

Betting on the move

Sports fans enjoy the convenience of being able to bet on the go. Android and iOS devices allow bettors to wager from anywhere in the land, all at the touch of a button. You can gamble on tonight’s live match from the English Premier League or the next horse race due off at your local track. When downloading a betting app to your handset, you will have the benefits of a sportsbook or casino at your fingertips. Log on to your account using your username and password, deposit cash, and start placing bets. 

It is that simple, and it’s no surprise to see sports fans betting on their numbers. But how do you choose the right bookie for you? Many great apps are available, but you’ll also find a fair share of rogue or dangerous bookies. These aren’t always easy to spot, but we’re here to help you through the rough. 

Our team of sports betting experts use this article to explain the five features you should look for in a bookie before joining. If an app doesn’t tick all the boxes, it’s best to keep searching.

                                                           Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

Welcome bonus

How do you tell a great bookie from a good bookie? Knowing the answer to that question is the key to getting the most from your online gambling adventure. A great place to start is with the welcome bonus, as every bookie worth considering offers new customers a reason to join.

The online gambling market has become so competitive over the last 12 months that apps in the United States must follow the example set by their cousins in the United Kingdom. When faced with so many choices, bettors want a reason to choose one sportsbook over the mountain of competition. In most cases, the reason is a free bet given when you register an account, make your first deposit and place a bet.

There are a few different types of bonuses available to bettors. The most popular is the deposit-matched free bet. This gives all new players free bet tokens equal in value to your first deposit and wager. The more you gamble on your first visit, the higher your free bet will be. It’s no more complicated than that, and it’s a promotion that works well for both the bookie and the bettor. Are you ready to claim your share?

The deposit-matched free bet is one of many welcome bonuses available. Others to keep on the lookout for include enhanced odds, risk-free bets, cashback, extra places each way, and profit boosts for winning parlays.

Sports and markets

The more sports and markets to bet on, the more chance you will have of landing a winner. You want to see all the most popular sports covered, including soccer, boxing, American Football, and horse racing, but there should also be a healthy presence of more niche markets. This may include esports, politics, reality TV, and awards. You should be spoiled for choice when it comes to spending your stake.

Markets are every bit as important as sports. Click on an upcoming soccer match, for example, and you want to see over 100 pre-game and in-play options available. The opportunities should include a match winner, both teams to score, handicap, totals, and more. Everything you need to enjoy betting on the outcome using your smartphone.

Payment options

The methods available to you when making a deposit or withdrawing your winnings is another crucial factor when choosing a sportsbook. The most popular online betting method is debit card transactions, including VISA and Mastercard. These add funds to your account instantly, allowing you to deposit and gamble without delay, but other options exist.

Popular e-wallets for betting include PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. The biggest and best bookies also accept crypto, allowing registered members to bet using Bitcoin and similar tokens. Again, these give instant access to deposits and fast withdrawal speeds. Move money in both directions with a single click using your smartphone or desktop computer.

Live streaming

Want to watch live sports on the go? Live streaming is the answer. The top bookies offer an HD-quality live stream of the most popular sports, including soccer and tennis. In many cases, access to the live stream is free to all registered members of the bookmaker. 

You don’t need to place a bet on the match’s outcome. Click the live stream at the advertised start time to watch the game unfold and cheer on your wagers. Never again will you be forced to check a results site to see how your bet performed.

Cash-out

The cash-out feature is incredibly popular with bettors. You will see a cash-out offer added to your bet slip when you make a bet. This will equal your deposit but rise and fall depending on how well your selection is performing.