From the Euros to Wimbledon, and soon, the Tokyo Olympics, there’s no denying that summer 2021 is the summer of sport we’ve all been waiting for. And, after a difficult year, the chance to sit back, relax and watch all of the action unfold on screen is just the kind of entertainment we’ve been craving after our favourite sporting events were postponed in the summer of 2020.
From champagne, strawberries and cream in the garden as the on-court drama unfolds at Wimbledon, to sophisticated Olympics-themed soirees with friends, there are plenty of ways to get into the swing of things and really make the most of the fun. And, if you enjoy the adrenaline that comes with having a flutter on your favourite players and athletes, then placing a few bets could see you scooping a sizable win that will mean all drinks are on you.
Finding the right sportsbook to bet with can be a difficult choice to make, especially if you’re new to them – so to make it that little bit easier to get involved, we’ve compiled a guide on how to find the best online betting site to get started with.
How to pick your preferred sportsbook
Know what you are looking for
When you’re searching for a sportsbook, the easiest way to save time is to have a good idea of what you’re looking for before you start. First, you’ll want to make sure that it caters to the specific sports you’re looking to bet on – for example, the NBA or the golf – as well as your preferred betting style – and if you’re looking for an account that will provide additional entertainment options, such as online casino games, then this will help you to narrow down your search more quickly.
By making a shortlist of what you are looking for in a sportsbook, you’ll quickly be able to eliminate any options that aren’t up to scratch. There are thousands of different sportsbooks online to choose from, and you simply won’t have time to go through them all – so thinking through what you’re looking for beforehand will make for a quicker and more efficient search.
Know your deal-breakers
Just as it’s important to know what you do want from a sportsbook, knowing what you’re not willing to compromise is equally relevant. So, if your ideal sportsbook would offer free bets and promotions with sign-up to help you to get started with a bang, then anything that doesn’t measure up in this sense should be quickly written off and placed in your ‘no’ pile, as there are plenty of alternatives that will tick this particular box.
You might also want to take your payment and withdrawal options into account. If you’re looking for a site that offers e-wallets, then this could be a potential deal-breaker for any that don’t.
Many players nowadays opt for e-wallets because they make the speed and pace of withdrawals and deposits all the quicker. Plus, with a third party in between your bank and sports betting site, you’ll enjoy additional security when gambling, and greater peace of mind as a result.
List your top candidates
Once you have compiled a list of all the features you’re looking for, it’s time to research some of the top candidates and make a shortlist of your favourite picks. One of the best ways of doing so is by reading through customer reviews and comparison sites online so that you can understand just how well they measure up. Seeing what other bettors think about the site you are considering can make or break your final decision, and will give you a greater insight into additional areas you might not have yet considered – for example, the quality of customer service you are likely to receive.
To keep things simple, keep your shortlist to four or five options so that you’ll have plenty of time to research each of them in depth. Any more than that, and the task could become overwhelming – and remember, sports betting is supposed to be fun.
Compare your top picks
Once you’ve got the research done for each of your shortlisted options, take the time to compare them with one another to help you make your final decision. While they might all tick the right boxes, some will likely have a little more than others – for example, better promotions and offers, or better odds for your preferred sports match or event.
While this might sound like a long-winded process, you’ll be grateful of the effort you made in the end, and can relax in the knowledge that there will be no regrets later down the line.
Extra tip: Keep a keen eye on the betting options
Having a keen eye on the betting options available to you will ensure that you have yourself covered for the future – when you become more of a pro when it comes to placing those bets. Not all betting sites cover betting opportunities for those that are more advanced in this pursuit, so looking ahead and thinking into the future will have you one step ahead of the game.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
