Sports betting is growing to a $168 billion business by 2029. It’s becoming legal in more places, and you can’t turn on sports broadcasts on ESPN and other networks without seeing advertisements for sportsbooks and listings for betting odds.
We’ve come a long way in this regard, and there are plenty of platforms you can look into that can bring you returns on your most educated bets. So, which outlets should you look into?
Keep reading so that you can search for the best sports betting platform available.
1. Find Out What Offerings They Have
As you’re getting ready for the upcoming sports season, it’s time to test out the platforms by seeing what offerings they have. Figure out which sports you love betting on and check to see whether the platform offers it.
Knowing which sports bets they offer will let you place wagers on one platform rather than having to spread it out between several different accounts. Some of the most popular bets that people place regularly include:
- American football bets on National Football League (NFL) and NCAA Division I-FBS and FCS games
- Boxing in all weight classes
- Mixed martial arts (MMA) in the UFC, PFL, Bellator, and ONE Championship
- Men’s and women’s tennis tournaments
- Basketball from National Basketball Association (NBA) and NCAA games
You’ll have a certain comfort level with the platform if you know they offer the sports you love most.
2. Determine What Kinds of Bets You Like Making
Whether you follow a specific sports team or like keying in on opportunistic matchups, take inventory of what sort of bets you like to make.
Some examples of sports bets that you can make include:
- Moneyline bets
- Futures bets
- Over/Under bets
- Parlay bets
- Middle bets
- Teaser bets
- Prop bets
Consider which platforms have the best prop bets available. Prop bets are unique wagers that have to do with individual matters that don’t involve wins and losses.
For instance, prop bets for the NFL might include things like the number of receptions that Justin Jefferson has when the Minnesota Vikings play the Green Bay Packers. A prop bet for boxing can involve whether or not Saul “Canelo” Alvarez scores a knockdown in his trilogy bout with Gennady “GGG” Golovkin.
Other platforms also offer live bets, which allow you to place wagers while competition is going on. Odds for these bets change during in-game competition, adjusted for what is happening in real time.
3. Consider Your State’s Laws and Availability
If you’re looking to get into online sports betting, you have to also make sure that you’re doing it legally. The laws differ depending on where you live, and many sportsbooks require you to show proof of address before they will verify your account.
Do your due diligence to make sure you’re able to freely place bets, and that the sportsbook that you choose is transparent and above board.
4. Examine Their Payment Options
Anytime you’re looking into a sports wagering site, make certain that they also have plenty of payment options. The more options you have for funding your account and taking out withdrawals, the easier time you’ll have placing bets and getting cash when you need it.
Some examples of payment options that many sportsbooks allow include:
- Visa and Mastercard debit cards
- Visa and Mastercard credit cards
- PayPal
- Venmo and Cash App
- Bitcoin and other types of cryptocurrency
Always check into the fees that they charge so that you know how much you’ll keep after making transfers. The sportsbook collects a percentage or a flat fee in most situations.
5. Focus on Security
When you’re placing bets online, it’s vital that you focus on security. Cybersecurity talks are on the rise in all sectors, and the last thing you’ll want is to have your information compromised due to a hack.
Your account can be targeted personally, or your funding and personal information can be stolen and sold on the dark web. Find out what security measures the sportsbook follows so you know that they are equipped to prevent an attack and respond to one should it take place.
6. Test Out the Platform
Nothing beats hands-on experience with a platform. Many sportsbooks offer free trials that let you test it out by placing wagers with fake money. You’ll still get real-time odds and authentic bets and can test out the way the platform works.
Some sportsbooks will also give you a cash bonus so that you can try it out with real money that you can turn into profits. Look into things like the graphical user interface (GUI), the types of bets, and the speed and stability of the platform.
7. Consider Reviews for the Sportsbook
Finally, check out what other people are saying about the sportsbook. Look into their reviews and run their URL through sites that grade trustworthiness and safety.
When you read reviews, pay careful attention to what people are saying about the ease of use and whether or not they can quickly and easily retrieve funds. Make sure that they also have responsive customer support in case you run into any issues.
Finding the Best Sports Betting Platform
The tips above will help you while you’re choosing a quality sports betting platform to use. Sports betting is here to stay, so figure out which outlets are best for what you’re looking for.
Begin with these points and check out our other articles when you’re ready to learn more about sports betting, online gambling, and so much more.