Sports betting used to be some kind of secretive boys club in which those in the know pored over statistics and placed bets using arcane jargon, excluding most people from having a go.
But advances in technology and the easing of restrictions and laws around the world have opened up gambling to new groups of people. Online sports betting sites are far more accessible than ever before and the sportsbooks themselves have recognized that there are millions of potential customers eager to find out more.
There are a few things to consider before you jump right in though. Read on to discover a few handy tips for beginners when it comes to sports betting.
Accessibility
As we mentioned, there are a number of US states and other regions around the world that have been relaxing their gambling laws in the last few years. The US Supreme Court decision to push the choice onto individual states meant that millions more people would have the chance of placing a bet legally.
But there are still plenty of locations where it is still illegal to place a sports bet – or there are restrictions. Before you get all excited about making your selections, you should first check that you actually are able to. Find out what is permissible where you live and then you can move on to the next stage.
Welcome Offers
If you are completely new to online sports betting you may be blown away by the kind of offers open to new customers. Sportsbooks work in a very competitive market and need to stand out to attract your attention. The way that they tend to do that is by offering bonuses and promotions.
These can be in the form of free bets, deposit matches, or other enticing offers. As long as the sportsbook is fully regulated, these offers are completely legit. But you do need to check the small print. Read the requirements carefully to see if the bonus is really as good as it seems to be.
Betting Markets
Before you choose your sportsbook you should also have a quick look at the kinds of betting markets that are available. The markets are the betting options offered. You will be able to see exactly what kinds of sports and events are available – and how many options you have.
This is more important than it might sound. There is no point going with an online sports betting site that concentrates on US leagues like the NBA and the NFL if you really want to place bets on English Premier League soccer games. The more markets the better is the rule of thumb here.
Payment Methods
If you are getting excited about the prospect of placing bets for the first time, the idea of checking the available payment methods of betting sites may seem like a boring way to spend your time. But this is crucial to how you will use the sportsbook throughout your time as a customer account holder.
Much like choosing only the sportsbooks that offer markets on the sports you follow, there is no point in signing up for a site that uses payment methods that you are unfamiliar with. Don’t open financial accounts just to sign up with a sportsbook. Use your usual payment option at all times.
Do Your Research and Have Fun
You’ve finally chosen the perfect sportsbook and are ready to bet. This is very exciting – especially if you have never done it before. But it is vital that you don’t get carried away and that you do your homework when it comes to making your selections.
Betting should always be fun and you should never bet more than you are happy to lose. If you put the time in to study the odds you will give yourself a better chance of winning – but that shouldn’t be the only reason. Enjoy yourself and bet within your limits.
