With hundreds of options out there, picking out a favourite sports bookmaker is easier said than done. Fortunately, the Compare.bet review team has scoured the internet for standout betting sites, filtering that long list down to only the very best. All that’s left for you to do is compare the sites on our list and pick out a favourite. We’re all after something different, so this ultimately depends on your betting needs. Of course, we all want the best odds, but what else separates a decent sports betting site from the elite? Let us take you through the ins and outs, so you’ll be able to choose your best bet with ease.
Beginner’s Guide to Choosing a Sports Betting Site
Range of Sports
It goes without saying, but the range of sports on offer almost always has a huge influence on a punter’s decision when picking a reliable online betting site. While virtually every top bookie you’ll find here offers excellent coverage of major sports, offering punters the chance to bet on football, horse racing and tennis betting markets, you might have to look a little harder to find a betting site that offers betting markets on an obscure sport like WWE or rowing. We’ve made things a little easier for you – check out our expert sportsbook reviews for a comprehensive list of the various sports on offer at each top online bookmaker.
Live Betting & Streaming
Gone are the days where you could only place your bets before the start of a match and hope for the best once things kicked off. Today’s best bookies put punters into the heart of the action with a huge variety of in-play betting markets. In addition to being able to choose from a number of live betting markets, many of the best sports bookmakers also let you watch the action unfold live too, with high definition live streaming platforms available on desktop and mobile devices. These two features are a match made in heaven! If you’re watching a live event and sense a swing in momentum, you’ll be able to have a punt and could end up landing some huge payouts.
The Best Welcome Bonuses
The best sports betting sites use generous welcome bonuses to attract new punters. These can often be lucrative and are a great way of boosting your bankroll without breaking the bank. However, if you’re totally green behind the ears, you could easily make the mistake of assuming that biggest means best. This isn’t always the case. You’ll be able to choose from matched deposits, free bet bonuses and money back bets – it’s all about picking out the bonus that suits your betting style best. Plus, almost every welcome bonus comes coupled with a wagering requirement, which will need to be cleared before you can withdraw any bonus winnings.
Promotions
It makes sense to give existing customers a reason to keep coming back, right? That’s exactly what promotions are designed to do. The top bookies on this site offer a great selection, including accumulator insurance, massive accumulator bonuses, free bet offers and enhanced odds. If you’re hoping for a sizeable payout but don’t fancy the markets on offer, top bookies like PaddyPower, Coral and Ladbrokes even allow you to use social media to request your own custom bets!
Mobile Apps
While you’re probably aware that pretty much every top sports bookie has a mobile-friendly website, you might not know that several online bookmakers also offer a mobile betting app. These are compatible with most Android and iOS devices. Being able to place your bets on the go and stay in the loop with handy push notifications makes mobile apps the most convenient way to bet on sport.
Security
Security is arguably the most important factor to consider when it comes to sports betting. When you’re putting your hard-earned cash on the line, the last thing you’d want is for your sensitive data to get into the wrong hands. Fortunately, all the casinos on our list are fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), so you can bet in confidence knowing you’re in good hands. UKGC ensures that each operator employs industry standard security protocols such as data encryption to keep your confidential information safe. We only list sports betting sites which are fully licenced by the UKGC so you’re guaranteed a safe betting experience when you choose a bookie from our list.
Banking Options
You’ll find a wide range of banking options at the bookmakers on our list. Whether you opt for e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill or decide to stick with your debit card, depositing and withdrawing at the top online betting sites is a fast, safe and hassle-free task. Keep an eye out for our expert reviews to compare withdrawal times and payment methods available at the top online bookies.
Customer Service
The top online bookies work hard to make sure you enjoy a flawless gambling experience. However, if something goes wrong, or you simply need a little reassurance, it’s always nice to know that there’s someone on hand to help. Virtually every bookie offers some form of customer support, with many providing 24/7 live chat as well as email and phone helplines.
Place your bets
Armed with our top tips, your hunt for the best sports betting site should be a whole lot easier. All that’s left for you to do it is give our list a look, compare and pick out your favourite! Whether you’re drawn in by an enticing welcome offer or you’re looking for the best weekly football promos, our list is sure to give you exactly what you’re looking for. Once you’ve picked out a favourite, you can sign up and bet in a matter of minutes!
