The internet made it convenient for bettors to place bets online. Moreover, it widens bettors’ reach as you can tap on bookmakers who are outside of your city or region. Some people even go so far as betting on foreign bookmakers. After all, foreign betting has its advantages. Due to its popularity and accessibility, more online bookmakers have opened.
Yet not all bookmakers are legitimate. That’s why bettors should always keep guard when betting online. Whether you’re new to online betting or have been in the industry for years, keep the following tips in mind before you join new online bookmakers.
1. Check for a license to operate
Legitimate and safe bookmakers provide proof of license on their website. Most bookmakers make it visible on their homepage, while others state it on their terms and conditions.
Some bookmakers display fake licenses, however. To resolve this, research and know as much as you can about the legality of the bookmaker. Make sure you have enough proof to entrust your money to them.
2. Be wary of very high offers
Bookmakers offer very enticing bonuses that make you want to sign up. However, when an offer or bonus seems too good to be true, step back, and determine whether these claims are true.
For example, no bookmaker would offer a sign-up bonus of 500% because that’s not good financial practice. Moreover, most betting bonuses include a rollover, odds restrictions, and time limits in their terms and conditions. If a bonus has no strings attached, it’s most likely a scam.
3. Look at the website’s design
Reputable bookmakers offer a fast, responsive, and professional-looking website. After all, placing bets happen online, so web pages should be easy to navigate and use.
In contrast, most illegitimate bookmakers have a poor-quality UI and UX, unnecessary or disruptive ads, and unresponsive on all devices. Legitimate websites will make you feel that your money is safe with them.
4. Test their customer service
Try to email or call their customer service and see if someone will respond. Reputable bookmakers have a dedicated customer service department that ensures users’ concerns are taken care of. Responses should not take more than a day.
A common sign of illegitimate bookmakers is unresponsive or inconsistent customer service.
5. Ask other bettors
Take a look at what other bettors are saying on forums or review sites. Are the bets profitable? Are they having problems with payouts? How is their overall experience with the bookmaker?
Keep in mind, however, that there may be fake reviews or comments regarding the bookmaker. With this in mind, it’s always best to ask someone you know who had experienced betting on the bookmaker.
First-hand experiences will give you a good insight into the legitimacy of the bookmaker.
It’s better to be safe than sorry
Always background-check a bookmaker. Whether a bookmaker is old, keep yourself safe by checking. This not only ensures that your funds are safe, but it also protects you from identity theft and other cyber threats.
Overall, this will give you a seamless and enjoyable experience when betting.
