How to Find a Bookie

How to Find Bookies

The sports betting industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, leading to the availability of many betting sites online. With the exponential growth comes the problem of how to find a bookie. Picking the right sportsbook to place bets on can be overwhelming for many bettors, especially inexperienced ones.

This guide will explore what you need to know to find a good sportsbook for sports betting, including:

  • The factors punters should consider when trying to find the perfect bookmaker
  • How to choose betting apps
  • Which is better online bookies and local bookies

Bookies Selection Guide

As one of the most popular sources of entertainment worldwide, betting is a highly lucrative industry. Statistics show that the annual worldwide gross gambling yield exceeds $400 billion. That is why it is no surprise that hundreds of bookies offer betting services to punters. One downside to this is that with the vast availability of options, it has become increasingly difficult for punters that need a bookie to find the perfect choice.

With the proper research and knowledge of what different sportsbooks provide, it is possible to pick a good bookmaker that works best for your betting needs. There are several criteria that punters must evaluate to do that, from reputation to bonuses and promotions, sports markets, betting options, and so much more.

Now, let’s examine the crucial factors in choosing a suitable sportsbook.

No Two Bookies are the Same

One key thing to note when you want to get a bookie for betting is that no two bookies are the same. Every bookmaker is unique in its way. While they all offer sports betting services to punters, there are significant differences between one bookie and another regarding features, strengths, weaknesses, etc. Understanding these differences is crucial in choosing the best bookie for you.

One significant example of how bookies can vary from one another is the user interface and user experience provided. Some sportsbooks have better intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for punters to navigate their platforms, find bets, view odds, and do other things. Other bookies have a less intuitive and more confusing interface. The more intuitive and user-friendly a site is, the easier it will be for you to enjoy your betting activities and the better your overall experience.

Reputation

The site’s reputation is one of the most essential factors to consider when choosing the right bookie. After all, some bookies engage in shady and unethical practices. You want a place with a good reputation on the market that is known to honor wagers, pay on time, and ensure a safe and fair gaming environment. Playing at a disreputable site could result in unwanted consequences like compromised privacy, loss of money, etc.

Thankfully, many legit and reputable bookies exist in the sports betting industry. One of the ways to find a legit bookie is to check out the opinion of experts in the industry. You can do this by reading reviews from trusted sources and checking out sports betting forums.

You can also check out the opinion of customers that have used or still use a betting site. But it would be best to approach this critically as some player reviews may be biased based on their experience and may not accurately reflect the site’s overall quality.

Bonuses and Promotions

While it should not be the leading factor in choosing a sportsbook, bonuses, and promotions are another essential criterion in finding a suitable site. Almost every online bookie offers bonuses to incentivize new and existing punters to place bets on their platforms. Naturally, some sports sites have better rewards than others.

Good sportsbooks in Canada, the USA, and worldwide offer various bonuses, from welcome offers to regular promotions, loyalty rewards, referral bonuses, and so much more. The more perks a bookmaker has to offer, the more fun you get to enjoy.

One important thing to note when shopping for the best bonus offer is that bonuses and promotions come with specific terms and conditions. These terms and conditions, such as the wagering requirement, minimum odds, restricted markets, etc., determine the usage of the bonus. So, always check that a sportsbook has fair bonus terms before you join up.

Some of the most popular bonuses and promotional offers that you will find in the best bookies online include:

  • Free bets
  • Cashback
  • Enhanced odds
  • Risk-free bets, etc

Availability of Sports and Betting Options

When finding the right sportsbook, the availability of sports and betting options is essential. Every punter has their preferred sports when placing bets online. For example, American punters may favor basketball and American football bets over other sports. And since the number of sports covered by sportsbooks usually varies from site to site, you should always ensure that your choice covers your preferred sport. The best bookies will offer a wide range of sports markets that punters can bet on, from football to basketball, horse racing, tennis, golf, boxing, and so much more.

The betting options available in a sportsbook is another crucial criterion for experienced punters and bettors who want more than the “win/loss/draw.” Like the sports markets, the betting options provided by betting sites vary from one to the other, but the best platforms will offer all the popular choices.

Examples of some of the most popular betting options include:

You should also consider the odds offered on games and the availability of features like live betting early cashout, live streaming, bet builder, etc.

Payment Options

Another vital factor to consider when you want to find a good betting site is the payment options offered. After all, payment processing fuels sports betting, so you need a site that provides a smooth experience when depositing or withdrawing funds.

Although all sportsbooks try to cater to their players’ convenience by providing various payment options, this section still varies from site to site. So, one of the first things you need to do when you find a bookie that catches your fancy is to check the payments available. You must ensure it has your preferred payment method to facilitate hassle-free payment processing. All the best bookies come with various payment methods that their punters can use, from cards to e-wallets, wire transfers, vouchers, and cryptocurrencies.

Some of the most popular payment methods available for processing deposits and withdrawals in online sportsbooks include:

  • Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
  • E-wallets: PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, MuchBetter
  • Prepaid card Vouchers: Paysafecard, Neosurf
  • Bank Transfers: Interac, e-Transfer, Direct Bank Transfer, Instadebit, iDebit
  • Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether

You should also check out payment details, such as minimum and maximum limits, processing fees for deposits or withdrawals, if any, and the payment processing speed.

Customer Support

When looking for a good sports betting site, customer service is one factor many punters overlook until it is too late. No matter how outstanding the services of a bookie are, there may come a time when a player will come across issues they need assistance solving. When you find yourself in this situation, the availability of a helpful customer support service can make a world of difference.

Hence, you should always check out each platform’s customer support services to find a good sportsbook. The best sports betting sites will have a team of highly trained customer support representatives available 24/7 via multiple contact channels, including live chat, email, and phone support.

Mobile Betting

Another vital factor to consider when finding a sports bookie is the mobile experience provided. Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular in recent years as most bettors prefer the convenience of placing bets anytime and anywhere using their smartphones and tablets.

While most online bookmakers today are mobile-compatible, some platforms are naturally better than others. The best mobile sportsbooks offer a mobile-friendly platform with a seamless mobile experience alongside downloadable mobile apps for Android and iOS users. When assessing the mobile experience on sportsbooks, you should watch out for the ease of use, speed, and ability to access the same betting options as on the desktop.

Licensing and Regulation

Most experienced punters will tell you that one of the first things to look for when you want to find a bookie online is the site’s licensing status. A license is a stamp of approval that shows that a bookmaker is legit and authorized to provide sports betting services within a particular jurisdiction. Many states in the US have their own licensing and regulatory body that grants licenses to online sportsbooks. Examples include the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, and many others. 

Playing at a fully licensed and regulated sportsbook ensures the safety of your information and funds. Any American bookie that wants to obtain a license from these authorities has to meet the standards and requirements to ensure safety and fairness for players. You can also count on the regulatory body to intervene if a conflict arises.

Many trusted regulatory and licensing authorities license offshore platforms, including the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gambling Commission of Great Britain, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, etc.

How to Choose Betting Apps

You can access mobile betting offers at BetZillion in one of two ways: via a mobile-optimized website or betting apps. Most punters prefer sports betting apps to their website counterparts. Choosing the right sports betting app can impact a punter’s betting experience.

Some of the things to pay attention to when you want to choose the right sports betting app in 2024:

  1. Straightforward navigation: The range of sports covered by most sportsbooks is often huge. Being able to easily navigate your way around intuitively and find everything you need is essential.
  2. The sportsbook’s key features: Most online sportsbooks pack their websites with exciting and fun features. It is essential for your preferred betting app also to have the same features.
  3. Live streaming services allow punters to track games’ live action and keep up with the latest scores. So, choosing an app with excellent live-streaming services is essential to liven up your betting experience.
  4. Fast-loading speed: When betting on the go, it is vital to have an app that loads fast. The pages should load quickly to facilitate swift betting. It is especially essential for live betting, where odds can change anytime.

Other tips include:

  • Availability of reliable customer support via multiple channels
  • Availability of all the deposit and withdrawal methods the sportsbook offers
  • Great live betting options
  • Availability of exclusive bonuses and promotions, etc.

Online Bookies Vs. Local Bookies

When punters want to find a bookie to place a bet with, there are two main types of bookies they can consider: online bookies and closest local bookies.

Online bookies are sportsbooks that operate over the internet. They are usually licensed and regulated platforms that offer their punters a wide range of sports and betting options. Online bookies provide increased convenience as they can provide accessibility anytime and anywhere.

On the other hand, local bookies are the traditional bookmakers that operate in a given area. These bookies are prevalent throughout the US, offering odds and betting options to American punters in the back alleys of Vegas, Atlanta, and other cities. Local bookies usually provide unique and more personalized bets to their bettors.

Also, most local bookies offer a credit line to their bettors, which means bettors don’t have to put up the bet money upfront. They usually defer payment till a specific day of the week, during which lost bets are settled and winning bets are paid. It is something you won’t find in online casinos.

That said, while local bookies have many advantages, online bookies are undoubtedly the better of the two options.

Some of the reasons include:

  • Online bookmakers are more convenient
  • Online bookies are more trustworthy
  • Access to customer support
  • Access to bonuses and other perks while betting
  • Local bookies’ line of credit could result in bettors mounting up debts

Final Words

Sports betting is only fun when you play at a great sportsbook with excellent services. Choosing the wrong bookie can lead to a terrible gaming experience or problems. To know if a sports site is good for online betting, you must consider its licensing status, reputation on the market, sports and betting options, payment methods, customer support, mobile experience, and more. It will help you know the good bookies from the bad ones and ultimately help you find the best option.

Now that you can find a bookie perfect for you don’t hesitate to start your betting journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I gauge a sportsbook’s trustworthiness?
    You can determine the trustworthiness of a sportsbook through its licensing status. Check if the platform is licensed and regulated by a reputable regulatory body. You can also check the site’s reputation online to see what experts say.
  • Is betting on sports online legal?
    The legality of online sports betting varies on location. While online sports betting is legal and regulated in some US states and other countries, it is in the gray area or out rightly illegal in others. So, checking your local laws and regulations before engaging in sports betting is essential.
  • Can you bet more with locals than you can online?
    Betting limits vary, whether online or local, from one bookie to another. But due to the personalized nature of its services, local bookies generally tend to have higher betting limits.
  • Are online sportsbooks safe?
    Yes, online sportsbooks can be safe. But this is when dealing with a licensed, regulated, and reputable betting site. A license shows that a site adheres to all the rules, regulations, and standards that ensure punters’ safety online. You should avoid unlicensed and unregulated sportsbooks or any platform with a history of fraudulent or unethical practices.
  • Why should I use an online sportsbook rather than a physical one?
    There are many advantages to placing bets on an online sportsbook over a physical brick-and-mortar one. Online sportsbooks are more convenient as they allow punters to place bets anytime and from anywhere. Online sportsbooks also typically offer a more comprehensive range of sports and betting options, better odds, and attractive bonuses and promotions.
  • Where can I find a sports bookie?
    You can find online sportsbooks by getting experts’ opinions through trusted review sites. These platforms typically provide unbiased opinions about sportsbooks and what they offer. That said, you still need to personally check any platform you are interested in to see if it is as promised before you sign up.
  • How do you find a bookie?
    You can often find local bookies in places where bookies hang out, such as sports bars. Local bookies also usually frequent casinos and poker rooms. Using reputable online bookies is generally safer and more secure than local ones.
  • Still have questions?
    Ask our experts
Sergio E
Author
CEO & Founder

Sergio is our CEO and betting expert. He is a big football fan. Sergio is the guy that runs it all and the one who got the BetZillion idea. Sergio’s favourite sports include football, handball, futsal, American football, and boxing.

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