Online Sportsbooks – FAQ
What are the advantages of betting online?
There are quite a few. Online sportsbooks offer a larger odds selection than local bookies and a variety of bonuses, including deposit bonuses and possibly reloads. They’re also more trustworthy than offline options with added convenience. Line shopping is also much easier online.
Should bettors be careful about which betting site they choose?
Yes, is this one area where some bettors get snake-bitten by a bad operator and never end up wagering again. One of the biggest problems with this industry is the bad apples. There are many rogue and predatory online bookmakers out there, and they give the industry as a whole a bad name. We offer a section dedicated to helping players spot scam sportsbooks and profile the “scam-books” that are still operating. Our sportsbook site reviews will point bettors in the direction of the best shops. We call ourselves Safest Betting Sites for good reason. We hope to help put bad operators out of business and bring business to those that treat their players fairly.
- One of the fastest paying and largest sportsbooks online.
- Large Sign-Up Bonus and Reload Bonuses.
- Excellent for recreational and professional bettors.
Best Online Sportsbook
Are there resources for researching online sportsbooks?
Our section of sportsbook reviews is a great start. SportsbookReview.com has a large database as well. They’re a strong resource when it comes to sportsbook reviews and helping players, but they do sometimes promote sites they’ve worked out deals with ahead of more reputable sportsbooks. The Bet Islands debacle is not one to forget.
What’s the sharpest online sportsbook in the world?
That would be Pinnacle Sports. The rest of the market moves when they move their odds. They take million dollar wagers, offer reduced juice, and are an A+ sportsbook option. Unfortunately, for U.S. residents, they left the market in January 2007 after the UIGEA was passed. In U.S. betting markets, it’s Bookmaker.eu. They may even be sharper than Pinnacle when it comes to certain sports, like NHL Hockey. Bookmaker posts their odds earlier than just about every other sportsbook that takes Americans. They also have the highest betting limits among U.S.-facing sportsbooks.
Are there betting sites that scam players or don’t pay?
Yes, quite a few. We have scam sportsbook section of current and past sportsbooks to avoid completely. Most sportsbooks fail due to managerial or financial decisions, but some operators have no intention of paying their customers. Many sportsbooks that aren’t quite in the scam category but are poorly rated should be used with caution. The industry is mostly honest, but there are a few rotten apples.
Will I receive a signup bonus when I deposit?
Sportsbooks will usually offer a deposit bonus in the form of a freeplay when players make their first deposit. It’s best to maximize your bonus with your deposit because first-deposit bonuses are usually a one-time deal. Deposit bonuses come with a “rollover”, meaning the number of times a player has to play through their balance before they can withdraw their bonus. Rollover requirements vary between sportsbooks. Sportsbooks may also offer regular, “reload bonuses” to players. These work in the same way as deposit bonuses and come with a rollover, but can be utilized by players who have already used their deposit bonus. Although, it’s important not to value bonuses too heavily. Reduced juice markets or sites with softer odds usually have more value than a deposit bonus.
How much should bonuses and promotions go into my decision when choosing a betting site?
They’re certainly worth considering. Promotions and bonuses, depending on their terms, can offer a lot of value to bettors. However, ultimately, sportsbooks with softer odds or reduced juice pricing are worth much more than deposit bonuses or promotions in the long run. That isn’t to say that deposit bonuses and promotions aren’t worth pursuing. We provide tips on bonus terms and the best ways to clear sports betting bonuses.
Do U.S. online sportsbooks have odds on international sports?
Yes, although the focus of most sportsbooks that service Americans is on sports popular in the States, many have an extremely large selection of betting markets from sports all around the world. It is important to note that betting limits will be much larger for major domestic sports, such as football, baseball, hockey, and basketball compared to international sports, like soccer and tennis.
Can you bet sports on your mobile devices?
Yes, mobile betting has exploded in recent years. Regulated bookmakers in Europe often have their own apps to download, but just about every sportsbook in the world has a mobile version of their desktop site. There are some slight differences between Android and Apple devices, but no matter what device you use, if you have an internet connection, placing bets shouldn’t be an issue.
Can I place sports bets on a Mac computer?
Yes, without issues. There won’t be a problem on any Apple devices, including iPhones and iPads.
If I can’t get to a computer, can I still call in bets through a phone line?
It depends on the sportsbook, but yes, that is usually possible, particularly at large sportsbooks or those with higher limits. Bets that go beyond the default online betting limit also need a phone call before they can be placed. In almost all cases, calls are toll-free.
What’s the smallest sports bet I can make?
For the most part, sportsbooks are pretty accommodating even to those who want to bet low stakes. Most sportsbooks have a $1.00 minimum bet, but some have will go even lower. Don’t expect to be able to call in small bets through the bookmaker’s toll-free line. There is usually a larger minimum for phone wagers.
What is the biggest sports bet I can make?
That depends on a number of factors, including the sportsbook that you’re betting with and the market you’re looking to wager. Some sportsbooks take tens of thousands or even up to a million on sides on major markets while others take just a few thousand or less. Betting limits and maximum win amounts are something to consider before depositing at online sportsbook.
What happens if my bet pushes?
Pushes are pretty common. You don’t win or lose anything, the amount you wagered (including any vig) will be returned to your betting balance.
Do online betting sites limit players bets and/or close their accounts?
Yes, actually, this is quite common. Many sportsbooks are solely after the recreational bettor (a losing player) and won’t take action from accounts that they know can’t be beaten. Some sportsbooks will quickly limit players, but others it will take a lot longer. It starts with a reduction of the amount you can bet, and in some cases, betting on delay, in which your wagers must be approved by management manually. Eventually, they may decide not to take your action altogether or limit you to less than $50 per bet. How often a sportsbook limits players is something we try our best to mention in our sportsbook reviews.
How long does it take for my account to be credited after a win?
That’s something else that depends on the sportsbook, but usually pretty quickly. I’d say within 5-20 minutes, but a lot of sportsbooks do it nearly instantly after the market concludes. Sportsbooks that grade their wagers slowly usually aren’t rated too highly.
What if my online sportsbook cancels a bet?
It’s pretty uncommon, but it does happen occasionally. Most of the time, this is because a customer bet a line that was a clear pricing mistake, which the sportsbook has every right to cancel. We don’t recommend betting pricing mistakes, especially at sportsbooks that are lower rated. They may use it against you to void future winnings.
Can I cancel a sports bet at a betting site?
At just about every sportsbook, the answer to this question is no. You can try calling in and getting it canceled, but most sportsbooks don’t allow players to cancel their bets once they have been confirmed. Your best option is to bet the other side and take the loss in juice or just let it ride.
