Betting on your favourite sports makes watching matches and games even more exciting, but not all sportsbooks are good to use. Some platforms operate illegally, putting your money and personal information at risk. To make sure you’re betting safely, here’s a guide on how to recognise a dodgy bookmaker and what to look for in a trustworthy one.
Why is the licence important and how do I check it?
A sportsbook’s licence is one of the clearest signs that the site is operating legally. Licensed sites must comply with strict rules, particularly in terms of fair play, offer safe transactions and, of course, protect your personal info. Operating without a licence means that authorities can’t control it. You could use your money without any chance of getting it back.
To check whether a sports betting site has a licence:
Make sure you are on the bookmaker’s official website. You will find the licence at the bottom of the home page. Check the licence number on the official website of the regulatory authority. The most common licensing authorities are the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission and Curacao eGaming.
Be wary of sportsbooks that claim to be licensed without providing specific details. Vague claims without proof are a red flag. The absence of a licence or unverifiable claims should be enough to keep you away from a sports betting site.
How to check the odds
Odds are the backbone of any bookmaker, and unreliable platforms often offer odds that seem too good to be true, or surprisingly unfavourable. Here’s how to assess them:
- Compare the odds: check the odds for the same event on several reputable sports betting sites. If one site consistently offers significantly higher or lower odds, something may be wrong.
- Understand the market: Knowing the average odds for a popular event will help you spot discrepancies. To get an overall idea, you can compare the odds on your website with the ones offered by known and trustworthy bookmakers.
- Transparency: A reputable bookmaker will clearly display odds and explain how payouts are calculated. If you notice hidden fees or vague terms, it’s best to avoid this platform.
Check payment options and withdrawal speed
Look for a variety of payment methods: Reliable platforms support popular options such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill), mobile money and crypto-currencies.
Read reviews: Find out about users’ experiences with deposits and withdrawals. Delayed or refused payments are a major warning sign.
Avoid excessive fees: If a sports betting site charges high fees for transactions or does not disclose costs in advance, it is probably not trustworthy.
If withdrawals require unreasonable checks or constant communication, the bookmaker may be stalling or acting dishonestly.
Evaluate customer support
Customer support is your safety net in the event of a problem. A reputable sports betting site offers accessible and responsive support, while dodgy sites often make it difficult to get help.
Look for platforms that offer 24/7 support via live chat, email or phone. Test their response time by sending a query before signing up. Questionable sportsbooks may have untrained or dismissive support staff. If a sports betting site doesn’t have proper support or only offers vague FAQ pages, it’s best to avoid it.
How to spot fake promotions
Unreliable sports betting sites often lure users with extravagant promotions that seem too good to be true. Although bonuses are common, dishonest platforms use them as bait.
Read the terms and conditions. High wagering requirements or vague bonus rules are common red flags. Legitimate sports betting sites offer competitive bonuses without being excessive.
Short time limits for the use of bonuses may indicate an attempt to deceive users.
Why Betwinner is a reliable option
If you’re looking for a betting site and app, Betwinner is an outstanding choice. Here’s why:
Licensed and regulated: Betwinner operates under a reputable licence, ensuring fair play and secure transactions. They operate with a licence issued by Curaçao eGaming
Competitive odds: Betwinner offers consistently favourable odds on a wide range of sports and events. You can compare the odds here
Various payment options: With multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, including mobile money and crypto-currencies, transactions are quick and hassle-free.
Ease of use: Betwinner’s platform is easy to navigate, and their Betwinner APP app allows you to place bets or manage your account on the go.
24/7 support: Their responsive customer service team is always on hand to help with any issues.
In conclusion
All in all, by checking for proper licensing, transparent odds, reliable payment methods and responsive customer service, you can avoid falling for a dodgy platform.
To make better decisions, check out the latest football predictions here
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