Getting Started With Online Bookmakers
If you are new to the gambling world, starting your journey may be an overwhelming experience. However, you have to follow a simple path in order to make yourself comfortable with all bookmakers online.
We will skip the first step for now—choosing the top online bookmakers—just because there is no simple explanation on how to do it. However, you need to know what to do after you’ve already picked one.
Create a registration and deposit funds. This is, without a doubt, one of the most crucial steps. Without setting up an account, you cannot access the enormous amounts of options available. Depositing funds is also part of the offer eligibility since all bookies’ welcome bonuses require it.
After the above is done, there is a simple way to familiarize yourself with the bookmaker of your choice – with playing. Take a look around, hop between the different sections, try out the betting slip, look at the available markets, etc. In short, just take your time to get used to navigating yourself around.
How Do Sports Bookmakers Operate
If you’ve ever wondered how bookies set odds, the answer is actually pretty straightforward – they are based on probabilities. Tons of math is involved in calculations of bookmakers odds. Still, in the basics, every type of odds – decimal, fractional, or moneyline can be easily expressed as a probability percentage.
As you may expect, this is valid for every single market out there. And as we mentioned markets, we can’t go on without telling you a bit more about the betting options bookies give you. In most cases, the bookmaker will provide you with numerous markets. Some focus on football events, while others are customized to fit different sports. Here are some examples of sports betting markets that gamblers in all online bookmakers should know:
- Correct score;
- Asian handicap;
- Goalscorer;
- Both teams to score;
- Over/Under;
- Odd/Even;
- Double chance;
- First to score.
After selecting what markets you want to add to your predictions, it is time to add them to your betslip. Usually, it is enough to click on your preferred selections, and the software platform automatically will add them to your slip, where you can take a look at the odds and potential profits, set a bet amount and finally, proceed with confirming to make it active.
Tips on how to choose a bookmaker?
It is not easy to pick a brand focused on customer satisfaction and meeting your needs. However, we are here to help you choose among the best bookmakers list.
License The first and probably the most essential aspect you need to check is whether the bookie has a license. Nowadays, most online bookies have a permit from the gambling commissions in Malta and Curacao. However, you may also find many websites that are licensed by your local gambling authority.
The fact that a bookmaker has a legal permit to operate means they have to abide by the local laws, which leads to a higher level of security and trustworthiness.
Because of that, it is not advisable to open an account on sports bookies that do not have a permit from any regulatory body, even if it has a fantastic sportsbook, loads of promos, and cool features. If the bookie is not licensed, you won’t be able to reach the authorities in case of a scam or any harmful actions towards you.
High OddsThe odds are the second thing you should consider when choosing new betting sites. Things could get a bit tricky because most betting websites use a unique formula to determine their odds. In other words, you may find a lot of differences once you start checking the different gambling operators.
Speaking of bookies odds, it should be noted that some brands have better odds for certain sports than others. Bookmakers usually focus more on the sport that attracts the most customers, which means this option will probably have more lucrative odds than others. So, before you start wagering, go through a list of bookmakers, check whether your favourite sport is available and compare the odds.
Quality of the sports sectionAlthough the odds are important, they shouldn’t be the only thing you consider before you start betting. Sports sections may vary between different online sports bookmakers. We recommend you look closely at the sports section and check if your favourite sports are present there. If available, you can also peek at the eSports, Virtuals, or Fantasy Football.
Apart from the range of sports, the variety of markets for the best bookies is also crucial. Even if their number depends on your chosen brand, you will usually be met with hundreds of options, especially for the most popular sports.
Take your time to go through these options, and more importantly, check to see if everything you need is there.
Attractive BonusesOne of the main aspects you have to consider when choosing online bookmakers is the types of bonuses they offer. It is highly recommended that you review the bonus portfolio and check the welcome offer and the existing customer promotions list. The main idea is to ensure you’ll constantly be awarded additional funds. This indicates how the bookie treats its customers in the long run.
Regardless of the type of promotions you are interested in, read its complete terms and conditions. This is the only way to learn what you have to do to claim the specific rewards. Check things like the minimum deposit requirement, the playthrough conditions, allowed sports and markets, and more. If something is still unclear, it’s better to reach out to support instead of trying to figure it out yourself.
Quality of the LIVE sectionThe live betting section is probably one of the reasons why the iGaming industry became so popular. Even though most inexperienced punters don’t feel comfortable placing live bets, they quickly realize this has many benefits once they overcome their fear.
That’s why it is crucial to go through the live section before opening an account at any sports bookies.
Apart from being more attractive, live betting has many advantages. For example, there are loads of unique markets, special features, and appealing odds. It is also fancied by punters who prefer to “read the game” instead of analyzing data and statistics.
That being said, the first thing that you have to do once you enter this section is to check whether you can punt on your preferred sport. Even though you should be able to bet on most sports, there could be some exceptions.
Besides the sport itself, you also need to pay close attention to the structure and the different features inside the live section. Every online bookmaker has a different approach to this, so expect to find a lot of differences. If you have the chance, try some of the features.
Speaking of features, some online bookies decided to make their live betting sections even more special. Hence, you can find various options that will allow you to change the format of your odds.
The live betting section is famous for having attractive odds, but since they change all the time, it might be hard to keep track of everything new, especially if you want to follow several events at once. Luckily, some bookies have an option called “MultiView”, which gives you the chance to monitor several live events simultaneously.
Betting FeaturesThanks to the advancement of software platforms, many sports betting features are currently implemented on most of the best online bookmakers platforms. Even though some are better, each positively affects your overall betting experience.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options out there:
- Cash Out – This is probably the most popular sports betting feature in the iGaming industry, which is why it is available on most online bookies. Depending on the event’s outcome, it can reduce your potential losses or allow you to receive additional cash.
- Partial Cash Out – This feature is identical to the first one, but you can keep a portion of it instead of settling your total bet amount. Even though Partial Cash Out is handy, some sports bookmakers have yet to add it to their section.
- Live Streaming – Online bookmakers that have an advanced live betting section usually also offer this feature. Live Streaming gives you the chance to watch some of the top sports events live, which has many benefits. Sadly, some betting operators have not managed to optimize their platforms yet, so you may not have access to this option.
- Bet Builder – This feature came into fashion in the last few years, but its convenience made it a popular choice among both bettors and sports betting bookmakers. In essence, it allows you to combine several markets for the same event in a single bet slip, which can boost your odds enormously and, therefore, your potential winnings.
- Edit Bet – Another popular feature punters will probably use is Edit Bet. This will come in handy if you decide to change specific bet parameters, such as the market.
Mobile bettingNowadays, more and more people prefer betting on the go. Thanks to the convenient mobile solutions most online operators have, it is easier than ever to access any bookmaker’s website out there.
Some of the best online bookmakers go even further by developing mobile apps for the most widely known OSs: Android, iOS (Apple), and Harmony.
Whether you want to use the app or the mobile site, make sure that you have access to your favourite sports, features, and bonuses. Usually, the top bookies include everything from their desktop websites, but it is still worth double-checking.
Payment MethodsAnother important thing that you have to check before choosing your preferred online bookmakers is the payment section. You need to be sure that the operator gives you access to enough deposit and withdrawal options or at least a few options that suit you best. The good news is that most bookies are always trying to stay up to date with the latest payment innovations. Consequently, you will find many websites where you can fund your account and claim your winnings using e-wallets, vouchers, cryptocurrencies, credit/debit cards, and more.
Besides the variety of methods, it is recommended that you pay attention to the limits for minimum and maximum deposits and withdrawals. Some, if not all bookies also tend to add fees, especially on lower transactions, so keep an eye on that as well.
Are the New Bookmakers Worth Trying
If you are seeking thrills and fresh experiences, trying some of the new online bookmakers out there is worth trying. In such a dynamic industry as online betting, it isn’t surprising that new online brands are going live almost daily. Trying some of them while still fresh is generally a good idea, but before that, you must be aware that sometimes there are pitfalls.
Usually, new bookies are significantly more generous to their customers in order to celebrate their start and attract new customers. This means you can expect new bonuses, innovative promotions, or higher welcome offers. Moreover, the newest online bookies are usually more technically sophisticated, so you can expect the newest features to be implemented and a higher security level.
However, it is crucial to not believe everything you see. In other words, if any of the newest online bookmakers is unfamiliar to you or new, take your time and do a little research – the company background, licenses, user opinions or bookmakers review. This way, you could actually do yourself a favour and avoid being scammed.
Best Betting Sites by Sports
FAQs
Which are the best bookmakers for 2024?
Every punter is looking for something different, which is why this question is difficult to answer. We suggest using the points mentioned above to determine which is the most appealing betting website for your needs.
Which online bookmaker should I choose?
Choosing your new gambling website is difficult because there are many things you need to consider. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences.
Where can I find a list of new online bookmakers?
If you are looking for a new sportsbook, make sure you check our in-depth reviews. Efirbet’s team goes through the most important aspects of each operator, which will save you a lot of time.