Change is sweeping America as more states across the nation move to relax the laws concerning gambling on sports. Long gone are the days of having to travel to Las Vegas to wager on the most popular sports, including football, basketball, and boxing.
Online sports betting is now legal in more states than ever before, meaning record numbers of bets are being placed on live sporting events like the Super Bowl. Sportsbook apps are now involved in a battle for your custom, offering a long list of eye-catching promotions.
Legalised sports betting is now big business in the US with players signing up at the top sites daily. The rush of excitement, number of betting sites, sports betting jargon and even the different promotions offered have proven a little daunting to some. How do you know which sportsbook to trust and what’s the best way to bet on sports? Our team of experts explain everything.
Bet with a legal bookie
The first and most important step in betting on sports is to ensure you are gambling with a legal, registered and regulated sportsbook. This can be done by searching the homepage of your chosen bookmaker where all details relevant to their gambling license should be displayed. If these aren’t easily accessible it is always sensible to err on the side of caution.
It’s also worth researching the laws on online gambling in your state. Many areas have recently legalised sports betting, but it remains prohibited in others. When betting on a mobile device you will be asked to turn on your geolocation settings to allow the bookmaker to confirm you are in an area that permits gambling.
There are many legal and safe sportsbooks based in the United States but please be aware there are some off-shore bookies that shouldn’t be trusted. If a betting site or app seems suspicious you should exit immediately.
Get the best promotion
As the floodgates opened for sports betting sites the top names in the industry become involved in a race for your business. Such a competitive market meant marketing teams were forced to offer potential customers an incentive to ignore the advances of the competition and sign up with their brand.
How do they convince you they are worth betting with? By offering a welcome bonus that leaves other online sportsbooks in the shade. New customer promos are given to players registering for an account with a bookie for the first time. All you have to do is fill in your details, make a deposit and place your first bet. Your bonus will then be added to your account.
These types of deals come in many different shapes and sizes so it’s important to research the market and target the best one possible. The offer that suits you as a player. Welcome bonuses can be free bets, risk-free bets, matched bets, or enhanced odds on the most popular picks.
Wide range of sports
The most successful betting sites focus on popular sports including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and boxing. They also cover more niche sports, such as motor racing, athletics, and golf. You want to see as many covered as possible on your betting app. The more the better.
You can stick with your favourite sports competition and team or you can mix and match, enjoying horse racing bets alongside golf, tennis, and anything else that catches your attention. It’s all about choice and ensuring you have as many options as possible when it comes to placing bets.
Each fixture should have different markets available. You can pick the winner, total number of points, first touchdown scorer and more.
How to bet
Placing a bet on sports is quick and easy, taking just a few minutes. Choose the sport you want to bet on and click the tab in your betting site’s list. Pick the competition and fixture. You’ll see a list of available markets, including moneyline and totals.
You should click the odds attached to your preferred bet to add it to your bet slip. Input your stake and click to confirm. Your bet will then be live and can’t be changed. It’s now time to cheer your bet.