How to Find a Bookie – All You Need to Know

This page provides information on how to pick a cool online bookie to get a superb sports or esports betting experience. The guide was compiled by our squad of experts based on the results of a large-scale analysis of the platforms and offerings of hundreds of staking sites. We will tell you about the key criteria for evaluating such portals, and how to become their regular client. 

Recommended Betting Sites 

Picking a trustable bookie is not easy, especially if you are a rookie and do not yet know how Single bet differs from Parlay. But, we are ready to assist you, and we will not just teach you how to pick a high-quality website, but also present 10 recommendations of such brands with their benefits: 

• Global reach — Bet365;
• Top-end platform protection — Pointsbet;
• Extensive betting markets — Unibet;
• Great live-betting odds — BetMGM;
• Boosted odds — Wynnbet;
• Favorable odds on futures — Fox Bet;
• The most convenient website — Fanduel;
• Safe remittances — Betrivers;
• Top mobile app — Caesars;
• Greatest support service — DraftKings. 

Which Criteria We Use to Rate Sports Betting Websites 

Our squad of professionals has been working in the online betting industry for many years. We have analyzed the activities of hundreds of bookmakers, and we understand perfectly how a good website differs from a one-day portal. Below we will present you the key criteria that we utilize to compile ratings of the best betting sites. Each of our readers is free to employ these criteria when independently searching for a reliable online bookmaker. Otherwise, pick any brand from among those that we include in our ratings. We guarantee the fairness and legality of their activities. 

Licensing 

Our experts always start the analysis with this aspect. If the bookie does not have a license, then we will not recommend utilizing its services in any case. This increases the risks that the operator may turn out to be a fraudster. 

Usually, data about the license and its validity is presented in the footer of the site. Here are some samples of renowned international regulators: 

• Malta Gaming Authority;
• Curacao Gaming Commission;
• Kahnawake Gaming Commission;
• UK Gambling Commission. 

If the site has a license, then this is evidence that the brand can be trusted, because to such a document, a number of requirements must be met. And, therefore, the bookie seeks to work in a legal field. 

Reputation 

This is another crucial aspect. We recommend that you first consider utilizing the services of famous betting sites that have been working in the industry for many years. Say, Draftkings, BetMGM or Caesars. You can find a lot of information about these operators, which will allow you to make the most objective impression about the site and what to expect from it. Additionally, read player reviews on specialized forums to find out if there are any special benefits or pitfalls from betting on a particular Internet resource. 

Please note that the fact that we recommend starting with renowned bookies does not mean that you should not trust sites that have started working recently. It’s just that not much information can be found about the latter. But if you have a lot of time and desire to get answers to your questions, then we are ready to wish you good luck. 

Bonuses 

Many punters prefer to make stakes utilizing bonuses. Some of the incentives are accessible only to fresh players immediately after registration, but most can be received by regular customers (cash back, odds boosts, accumulators of the day, etc.). When analyzing the offerings of a bookie you are interested in, it is important to see what range of promos is presented on its website. Additionally, it is necessary to peruse their T&Cs. This helps to figure out whether the bonus should be activated, and whether there are grounds to expect the wagering conditions to be met. 

Security 

This aspect is one of those that punters are particularly concerned about. Every player wants to be sure that his or her personal data and funds will be defended while utilizing the online bookie’s services. Players can find out what measures the firm is taking to do this even before registration: 

• Read the Privacy Policy;
• Peruse the Terms and Conditions;
• Make sure that the site utilizes SSL data encryption protocols;
• See what payment options are proposed for transactions. 

Additionally, punters can always ask questions to support agents who will tell them about additional measures for the security of users and the platform. 

Betting Options 

We are also studying the Sportsbook on the site, and what offerings are presented in it. Our experts check which sports are accessible for staking, and the average number of events available per day. It is also important to make sure that punters will be able to count on these features and betting options: 

• Is live streaming available for registered and authorized users;
• What formats of odds display are proposed to players;
• Is there a Bet Builder feature;
• Is it possible to utilize the Cashout feature;
• What types of stakes can be made;
• Are statistical blocks and infographics available to players;
• Is it possible to bet on esports, etc. 

The more detailed analysis you conduct, the more high-quality Sportsbook you will be able to pick. 

Mobile Availability 

Expert research proves that in recent years there has been a trend in the online betting industry with the growing popularity of making stakes on pocket gadgets. Mobility speaks in favor of this option, because the player is not tied to a home and a PC, and can claim large winnings wherever he or she is. 

If you are a mobile bettor, then see if the bookies you are interested in have betting apps or, at least, a mobile modification of the websites. You will not need additional registration if you have previously created a private cabinet on the desktop. 

User Experience 

It is also important to pay attention to whether punters are comfortable utilizing the platform’s services. While perusing this aspect, get answers to these questions: 

• Is the font distinguishable enough so that you don’t have to strain your eyes;
• Are all cells conveniently located: from Sportsbook to private cabinet options;
• Are pages and content loading fast;
• How pleasant is the color scheme of the site, are there no poisonous colors that cause irritation;
• Is it easy to find communication channels with support agents? 

If you are satisfied with the answers to the above questions, then it means that the betting platform has everything in order with the UI /UX design. 

Banking Solutions 

One of the most important actions punters need to perform as regular customers of online bookmakers is remittances. When analyzing betting sites, we check which options are offered to players to replenish their balance and withdraw winnings. Most often, combinations of these methods can be found on betting platforms: 

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro);
• E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, ecoPayz, MuchBetter, etc.);
• Prepaid cards/vouchers (Paysafecard, Neosurf);
• Mobile payment systems (Google Pay, Apple Pay);
• Bank transfers;
• Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, Ripple, etc.). 

When checking, it is important to take into account the presence of options for deposits accessible for your location of residence. 

Customer Care Assistance 

Last but not least, we check the quality of the work of customer service. By creating a test account on betting sites, we contact consultants and check how quickly and efficiently they answer and solve issues. It is also important to pay attention to which communication channels are proposed to patrons of such companies. Most often there are these options: 

• Live Chat;
• Email;
• Phone line;
• Feedback form;
• Messengers. 

Punters also need to check if there is a FAQ on the platform with answers to frequent questions of rookies. 

How to Make Stakes on the Best Betting Sites? 

If you want to try your luck and win a large amount of money by betting, then you need to perform a sequence of certain actions. Each of them is necessary for you to get closer to your goal. 

Select a Website 

This is a key step, the adequate passage of which guarantees you a positive experience without the risk of becoming a victim of fraud. There are different ways to find a bookie. Some punters prefer to trust the review sites that make up the ratings of top bookie (we belong to such sites, and we will be glad if you follow our advice). Others conduct independent searches. If you belong to the second category, then be sure to take into account the aspects that we talked about above. So, the bookmaker must have a license, because in case of disputes, you will have the opportunity to ask for help from the regulator. But, the other aspects we have listed are also important. 

Make a Private Cabinet 

After picking a trustworthy and legal betting platform, punters need to make a private cabinet. It will be utilized by you to conduct payment transactions, activate promos, upload documents for identity verification, communicate with support agents, etc. 

Usually betting operators request this data set: 

• Real name, surname, gender and date of birth;
• Information about the country, province/state, city and address of residence;
• Email, mobile phone number and postal code. 

Also, in the process of creating an account, the punter is required to invent a username and passcode, agree or refuse to receive promo offers, as well as confirm his or her majority and consent to T&Cs and the Privacy Policy of the site. 

We strongly recommend that you provide the bookie with real personal and contact data. Otherwise, you may be blocked. 

Refill the Balance 

After you register and verify the private cabinet, it’s time to recharge the balance. Without fulfilling this condition, you will not be able to place bets and claim large winnings. Usually the best betting sites provide their patrons with round-the-clock access to legal banking gates. Each of them is a guarantee of a comfortable and safe transfer of funds. 

To recharge the balance, you need to do this: 

• Step 1. Log in to the website;
• Step 2. Proceed to the banking area;
• Step 3. Pick the payment gateway;
• Step 4. Type the amount and the required data;
• Step 5. Check the correctness of the specified info, and approve the transaction;
• Step 6. Wait for the funds to be loaded to the balance. 

When picking an option, consider its availability for your location, limits on a one-time transaction, the speed of money transfer, as well as the presence or absence of fees. 

Grab a Bonus 

Betting sites often offer various incentives to their clients. They can be in the form of free bets, and other bonuses. A very interesting mechanic for such a promotion as odds boost. Depending on the number of events that you include in your coupon, you will be able to count on an increase in the final coefficient for a potential win. 

To get a bonus, you need to fulfill the qualifying conditions (most often, this is a deposit for the amount in the specified limits). Carefully study the T&Cs of the incentive to avoid pitfalls and get the most out of its use. 

Place a Bet 

Now you need to open the Sportsbook, and pick one of two sections — Line or Live. In the first case, bets are placed on upcoming events, in the second — on those that are going on now. Peruse the assortment of matches, and select one of them. A separate window will open with a list of markets and odds. Make a choice, after which the outcome will be displayed in the coupon. If desired, add one or more outcomes to it, then type the amount and make a stake. Wait for the result of the event to find out if you won or lost. 

Withdraw the Money 

If your prediction was correct, you can request a withdrawal of funds immediately after they are credited to the balance. To do this, proceed to the banking area, and pick one of the banking solutions. Specify the address of your account, card or wallet, type the amount and make the transaction. Depending on the option you pick, the time for proceeding with withdrawals varies. The longest you usually have to wait when utilizing a bank transfer is several working days. 

Tips to Responsible Betting 

We want to conclude our manual with an important paragraph — remember that you need to not just find a bookie, but also enjoy its services responsibly. Every year, numerous people begin to suffer from gambling addiction, and in order not to become one of these unfortunate punters, follow simple tips: 

• Control the time. Determine the time for betting activities, and when the limit is reached, leave the site;
• Create a budget. Prepare an amount that is not critical for you to lose if your bets are unsuccessful. Do not exceed the limit for anything;
• Make deliberate bets. Don’t let the huge odds cloud your mind. Make stakes only on those sports or esports that you are well versed in;
• Be calm. Violent emotions will harm you and will not allow you to make a deliberate decision about placing a bet;
• Give up alcohol. Place bets in a sober state. This applies not only to alcohol or drug intoxication, but also depression. 

It is worth noting that premium betting sites offer their patrons a kit of responsible gaming tools. They allow punters to set limits on deposits and spending, and we recommend our readers to utilize such tools. 

Most Common Questions