Picking a sports book site online isn't as easy and safe as playing at Vegas Casinos and shouldn't be taken lightly (unless you have a boatload of money and could care less if you lose it; and if this is the case I'm single). One of the first things to find out when cruising for a reputable site is to make sure it hasn't been blacklisted (take the time to do your research; Google is your friend as well as Sports books Review.) Just as important is to check out the length of time it's been in business. A sports book that has been around for at least two years is more likely to be financially stable than a younger fly-by-your ass site that wants to suck the life out of your bank account by any means possible.
While scrolling thru the search engines you will obviously be attracted to the flashy sites. This isn't a bad thing. A site that has some flash, maybe some 3D action, shows that it has taken the time and energy to bring you the best online experience possible. It's usually a sign that they care about your business and want to make sure your time on their site is top-notch . If you come across a site that looks like your 5 year old designed it (not to assume your child has no web design experience) you need to go with your gut instinct and keep looking. For any site, always take a minute to check for a tutorial. The sites overall ease of use will be a huge factor. You want to make sure you understand what is what and feel confident that you know what you're doing.
You should be aware that not too many online sports books accepts credit cards anymore. Believe it or not gift cards are quickly becoming the norm. Since you can put any amount of money on them and that they can be used again and again it makes them hassle-free. You can treat them as credit cards.
Most of the online sports books are located in Europe and the Caribbean so you're at a bit of a disadvantage if you're a citizen of the United States. A lot of the credit card companies will refuse your transaction - especially after the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act). Luckily, playing sportsbooks online is allowed in state of Nevada.
A few must have tips: the sports betting site should provide lots of ways to deposit and withdraw your funds and doesn't require brain surgery to be able to move your money back and forth; just like in life you need to always, always, read the small print before signing up; how do they pay you and how long it takes to do so; if you're on a site and your having a hard time finding a phone number or email address you should move on to another for sure; customer service - are they helpful and friendly as possible (without sounding fake); check out the 'about us' section and cruise a forum or two if they are offered; a site that boasts a large community of bettors is a good sign for obvious reasons; a site that provides a maximum betting option is something that you should take seriously since betting online can quickly get out of hand - it gives you the piece of mind that you won't bet your house and car away; lastly, but just as important, what is their bonus program like? You want to find a sports book site that offers a killer bonus program and let's you free play before signing up.
The online world can be intimidating, especially when you know next to nothing about a particular subject. While researching different online sports books it is vital to take your time. It's always tempting to skim through one site and open an account right away. However, I really wouldn't recommend it. So, take a breath, do your research and I wish you happy betting and even higher payouts.
