Betting Guide: Picking a Bookmaker
Choosing the right online bookmaker may seem like an easy task, but this is not a process to be taken lightly if you want to avoid regretting it later.
Numerous problems can be avoided by simply picking the correct bookmaker, and if you are new to the world of online betting, you will want to continue reading as we outline the most important aspects to consider when you decide to start placing your bets via internet.
1. Reputation
A bookmaker’s reputation in the online gaming industry is the single most important factor to consider due to the fact that it speaks volumes about how a certain gaming venue has been treating their players in the past.
You can spend some time reading our objective bookmaker reviews or consulting fellow punters to learn about the bookie’s reputation, and if you are happy with what you learn, that is a good sign you can register an account. If, on the other hand, a sports betting operator has a poor track record when it comes to fairness and security, you should definitely steer clear of one such site.
2. Banking
You will want a perfect online bookmaker to accept your payment method of choice, be it Credit Cards, Neteller, Skrill or PayPal, so make sure to check accepted banking options before you register. At time same time, try and find a venue that does not charge extra fees for deposits and withdrawals, and the one where all financial transactions are processed in timely manner.
Depending on your bankroll and playing style, you should also be aware of the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits, as all these factors will ensure that any potential winnings are cashed out quickly and without any hassles.
3. Quality of odds
The quality of odds and bookmaker margin (house edge) differs a great deal from one firm to the next, and if you want to stand any chance of turning a profit in the long run, you need to register with bookies that quote competitive odds on most markets.
By simply looking at one of the odds comparison platforms, you will notice that:
Bookmaker A offers 1.83 (5/6) and 1.83 (5/6) on under 2.5 goals and over 2.5 goals respectively, while bookmaker B offers 1.91 (10/11) and 1.91 (10/11) on said outcomes.
Therefore, it goes without saying that signing up with bookmaker B provides much better value for money over a period of time than if you were to join bookmaker A.
4. Bonuses & promotions
Special sign-up bonuses and promotions for existing players can be beneficial for players if used correctly, but they can also eat away into your profits. Before you decide which bookmaker to join, make sure to not only view their headline offer, but also read the fine print, i.e. bonus terms and conditions.
Hence, you should pay more attention to bonus play through requirements (how many times bonus amount needs to be staked before a cashout can be made) than the actual amount of the bonus offer.
We’ve hand picked the following bookmakers that offer a unique range of free bet bonuses, all these bookmakers are reviewed by us and can be trusted with your money: