The next stage is to open an account(s) with the Sportsbook(s) that best suit your requirements and the information below is designed to assist in making that choice.
Which Sportsbook Is Right For Me?
This can depend on which products most interest you when it comes to wagering and below are a number of considerations. Many of these elements will be covered in more detail in other areas of our Academy but are summarized below.
First Deposit, Sign Up Offers
Pretty much all operators offer an incentive to sign up, deposit and start wagering. These can include matching your first deposit with the equivalent amount up to a given ceiling or refunding all or a percentage of your first bet if it loses. Free spins in the operators online casino are another increasingly popular offer. Remember t&c's will also apply so if the sign up bonus is important to you, do your research and familiarize yourself with exactly what it entails.
Sports Betting Markets
In this example let's assume you are interested primarily in betting on rugby. Before you take the plunge consider monitoring what variety of markets a Sportsbook offers. For example, rather than just betting on the match result market you may be interested in rugby handicap betting where one side is given x points start or wagering on the total points and total number of tries scored in any given match. Take a look at the number of markets that are available as they may vary between different operators.
Enhanced Functionality
These days many Sportsbooks offer added functionality for betting on single and multiple events. A small sample of these include:
Build a Bet – Pick multiple outcomes for a single match and build your own bet. For example in a football match market you could build your bet to include, Team A to win, This player to score 1 or more goals, Team B to be awared 4 corners or more, this player to pick up a yellow card etc..
Cash Out – Perhaps you have a multiple bet comprising of 5 teams to win their respective matches. The first 4 all win and the fifth and final leg hangs in the balance, functionality exists to take an early cash out.
Other Considerations
Deposit Methods – How do you plan to fund your account? EFT, Debit / Credit Card, Top Up Vouchers, there are so many options but make sure your preferred method is available with the operator in question.
Withdrawal Methods – So you win and submit a withdrawal request. Will the withdrawal, if approved, be processed immediately or in a timeframe acceptable to you.
Loyalty Schemes - Just like the major high street retailors, many Sportsbooks operate loyalty schemes to reward you for your continued custom. If this is what your looking for, find one that suits you.
Customer Service – do you plan on wagering at what may be considered unsociable hours and feel 24/7 customer service is important. If you have a customer service enquiry do you prefer to use a live chat facility or send an email ?
Understood? It's Time To Open An Online Account
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