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There is no shortage of online sports bookies all offering great features and benefits to entice new customers. Through aggressive online and offline marketing, it feels there is no escaping sports bookies. Commercial breaks during live sport, branding on jerseys and around stadiums, and pop-ups online are all full of sports betting companies.
With so many companies in the market, how do you know which one to choose that best suits your requirements?
This guide will break down exactly what you need to consider before setting up an online sports betting account.
What sports do you want to bet on?
If there is only one consideration from this guide you take away, it’s this one. Depending on which sports you prefer to bet on, your choice of online sports betting platform can differ.
All major betting companies offer a wide range of sports and try to cover as many bases as possible. So, if you have a general interest in betting on different sports, then a company that offers a bit of everything might be the best option.
Additionally, the larger platforms all offer online casino betting services as well if you want to play blackjack, slots and other casino games such as roulette. If you want to start on roulette, we advise you to read here the best strategy for beginners: https://extra.betamerica.com/casino/roulette/strategy/
However, if you have a strong interest in just one sport, then you will want to find a platform that is dedicated to that sport. That is particularly important if those sports are either football or horse racing – by far the two most popular sports with bettors.
Other sports like tennis, motorsport, or basketball are well served by all major platforms but do not have a big enough share of the market to earn dedicated betting platforms.
Research the best betting companies for your particular sport and see what reputable reviewers have to say.
Live stream services
Another vitally important factor to consider when selecting an online sports betting company is its live streaming service. Betting on sports is nowhere near as exciting if you are unable to watch the games play out.
If you’re interested in football betting, then finding a platform that live streams football matches is imperative. The Premier League is not available due to rights issues, but the FA Cup, Champions League, Serie A, La Liga, MLS, and other leagues are on some platforms.
If horse racing is your primary interest, then choosing a platform that streams live races is important. The same applies to live tennis, basketball, and any other sports that offer live streaming services.
Mobile capabilities
Mobile betting has experienced a surge since the creation of the smartphone and that trend is only going to continue going up. Choosing a sports betting platform that has a fully functional and integrated mobile platform is another important consideration.
Access to betting markets while on the move and the ability to track bets and make in-play wagers is hugely simplified if the platform works on mobile. Additionally, the mobile version needs to offer a live streaming service that works just as well as it does on desktop.
An app is a nice addition as it creates another shortcut and allows you to access the platform even quicker – but as long as the mobile site is good, that will suffice.
Location, location, location
There are a few considerations to make when it comes to the geographical location of the sports betting company. If the platform is located in your country, then you’re good to go. But if you’re situated in a foreign country there could be some access restrictions. A VPN could help get around the issues.
However, even if you’re able to log in and access the platform from another country, you need to make sure that you can deposit and withdraw funds. This is particularly important if you’re hoping to use a currency foreign from the company’s default currency.
It is also worth noting that if you’re considering a foreign sports betting company over those located in your country, you may not be eligible for welcome and loyalty bonuses. These promotions are a great way to make bets with free money.
Conclusion
There are many sports betting platforms to choose from and it all comes down to what best suits your needs. If you’re undecided between two or three platforms, sign up for all of them and take them for a test drive.
