Here’s a quick look at how to search for a sportsbook, determine if it’s right for you, and set up your account so that you are wagering as soon as possible.
What Does a Site Have?
Below is a checklist of questions to ask regarding online sportsbooks and what they provide.
- Do they have the sports you want to bet on?
- Do they provide the types of wagers you want?
- Do they offer reduced vig?
- Is there live betting?
- Do they have a refer a friend program?
- What bonuses do they offer?
- Are there any exorbitant fees?
- What sorts of resources do they have?
- Do they include access to a casino, poker room, or racebook?
Solid and Dependable Sites
Always consider a sportsbook’s reputation for safety and security. If you find a book that looks great, but has red flags concerning its overall character, then be cautious about joining it. Check to make sure that the site is licensed, and that they are monitored and audited by an independent company. Verify them in every manner possible. Remember that you are entrusting them with your money.
Also, investigate how easy they make it for you to withdraw your winnings. Although you want the book to have security measures in place, if they use ridiculous and complicated rules or take more than ten days to process your cash, this may not be a good book to join.
If they are safe, secure, and convenient, you should next check the site’s available bonuses and rewards programs. If they will greatly increase the quality of your experience – or will significantly strengthen your bankroll, then they might be a site worth joining. While conducting your research, always make sure that you read the fine print regarding how and when you can access any bonuses and make withdrawals associated with a bonus.
Most sites use a system of points that are given each time you make a bet. A sportsbook may offer you 5 points for every $10 wagered, and after you accumulate 500 points, you’ll either receive all or some of your bonus money. To access this bonus, you will need to play through the amount several times. The book will state the number of times you’re required to play through.
As an example, let’s say you get a $100 bonus on a $100 deposit and the play through factor is six times the bonus. That’s means that you’ll have to have made $600 worth of bets before you can take any of your winnings connected to that bonus.
Customer service is another very important aspect of any sportsbook. If you want to get a sense of their customer service, simply call their number and ask some questions before signing up. A well-trained, helpful customer service team can make a major difference in your overall experience.
Setting Up an Account
Setting up your account should be simple. You’ll first be asked to download the software. Once you do so, you’ll simply click on a few icons and install the application. It usually takes a few minutes to complete the entire process.
Joining the Book
Joining the book is also easy. You’ll be asked to fill out a form with information such as your name, address, phone number, etc. Make sure that all of the information is accurate. Also, fill in all required areas, read through any official documents, such as the site’s terms, and submit your information.
You should be approved quickly. Once you are approved, you’ll be sent an email with a link that you’ll need to click on in order to be taken to the site. This is done in order to confirm your account. You won’t be able to bet until you do this.
Funding Your Account
This can be a little more challenging for Americans, but sportsbooks have made it fairly simple. Although a sportsbook might offer many different funding options, American bettors are typically limited to two choices.
Americans commonly use wire transfers to put money into their sportsbook accounts. These transfers are done on a person-to-person basis and not as a person-to-company exchange. They are completed with a matter of minutes.
Depending on the site, you’ll either do this by first engaging someone in online chat or by calling the site’s toll free number. Once you do so, you’ll be asked for specific information including your name or customer ID, the amount being deposited, and the service you’ll be using to make the deposit. In the U.S. most people use Western Union for wire transfers.
The other method sports bettors use to fund their account is a debit card that may be used for online, international purchases. These cards may be purchased at drug stores, markets, and convenience stores and must be registered and loaded before you can use them. Once they have been properly set up, you’ll register the card with the sportsbook and make your deposit.
Withdrawals are processed usually via wire transfer, bank transfer, or check, depending on the book. These can take around a week, and sometimes more. Before you can withdraw any cash, you’ll need to undergo a verification process.
Use Your Money Wisely
It’s a good idea to join two or three sportsbooks and to fund each account, as this will allow you to easily access the best odds on a given game. Make sure that you take advantage of any first deposit bonus offers, and that you thoroughly understand the offer before making your initial deposit.
Join the book or books that are right for you. Remember that in order to do so, you’ll have to shop around first. Take your time to learn the benefits and possible disadvantages associated with each book that you are considering.