There is a wide selection of sports betting websites to choose from online today. The sheer number of platforms that offer access to all of the popular markets can be overwhelming for customers new to the gambling industry.
In general there is little to distinguish between the more popular websites, but there are a few things to keep an eye on such as customer service and bonuses.
Betfair
Betfair is a premier sports betting platform that has little to no negatives when considering where to deposit your funds.
0Launched in 2000 the company quickly rose to become one of the world’s major players in the gambling industry by utilising a clever, but simple, addition to the software. Betfair was to be a betting exchange, rather than just a traditional bookmaker.
Punters often grumbled about how the bookies were able to easily accumulate huge profits—now they would be able to act as the bookie. The idea of the exchange was to allow customers to bet against each other, rather than against Betfair itself.
The idea was an instant success leading to the company floating on the London Stock Exchange at a value of ÂŁ1.4bn ($2.2bn) at the time.
For those that prefer placing bets with a traditional bookmaker this option is also there, allowing you to compare the odds on offer side-by -side.
Commission
It’s not all roses though because the website has to make its money in some fashion, and they do that by charging a commission on winning bets. Betfair uses a Market Base Rate (MBR) system to work out how much to charge customers depending on where they live. For UK and Ireland customers this works out to 5%.
Don’t feel that this charge is something that can simply be avoided by using a traditional sportsbook because one of the benefits of using an exchange is that the odds are always more favourable.
Successful gamblers will also run into the dreaded Premium Charge. This only applies to the professionals who typically run up many thousands of pounds worth of profit in a year but it is still something to be considered.
One way to reduce the charges paid is to accumulate Betfair points.
Interface
The website interface is clean and easy to use for even the most inexperienced computer user. PC and mobile options are both available allowing you to put on a bet no matter where you are as long as you can find a connection.
There is even a Betfair TV option to livestream some of your favorite events. All you need is to have some funds deposited in your account.
The live in-play section allows customers to place a bet at odds of their choosing in order to get to the front of the queue if the market moves favourably.
Summary
Betfair is an exciting place to bet from. There is the most comprehensive selection of markets available on the internet today, including plenty of non-sports markets such as political bets.
The first-class interface also makes life so easy. With odds that are always among the best available online there is little to complain about.
Unibet
Unibet offers a fantastic selection of sports markets to wager on. One of the first online bookmakers to open for business in the 90’s they have constantly approached the business firmly focused on pleasing their customers. While many of their rivals aimed to maximise profits Unibet just wanted to keep everybody happy, taking the long-term view.
Although Unibet caters towards recreational gamblers, there are still in-depth stats to be found for every popular sport you can think of. Anybody who fancies doing a spot of market analysis has plenty available. After all, when Unibet started it was actually a tipping service, rather than a bookie.
Unibet has also won plenty of awards over the last couple of years.
- Socially Responsible Operator of the Year - International Gaming Awards 2020
- Socially Responsible Operator - EGR Nordics Awards 2020
- Sports betting Operator - EGR Nordics Awards 202
- Online Gaming Operator - International Gaming Awards 2019
- Sports Betting Operator - EGR Nordics Awards 2019
Full catalogue of markets and request your own bet
All major markets are covered on Unibet with the option to place bets both before the start time and during the event.
With such an extensive list of sporting events to bet on you can guarantee that the crystal clear interface makes it easy to find what you are looking for. If you can’t find what you want because it isn’t there yet then you have a couple of options available.
First, you can join the Unibet community and post a bet request on the board where a staff member will try to offer you competitive odds. Or you can simply utilise the live chat service and make a request there.
Fully licensed
Unibet is one of the most highly regulated sports betting outlets in the world. Premium licenses from the UK Gambling Commission and the Gibraltar Gambling Commission prove just how trustworthy the company is.
Not only that but Unibet has gone one further by becoming affiliated with organisations dedicated to promoting integrity and responsibility within the gambling industry, such as International Betting Integrity Association and RGA.
Summary
Unibet is an online bookmaker that looks to have it all. They have cultivated a fun-loving image on top of a serious company that looks to provide exactly what customers want—both recreational gamblers and those who take it a bit more seriously.
The statistical analysis available for many markets is unrivaled in the industry, and it is presented in an easy to understand way.
Sportsbetting.ag
Sportsbetting.ag is a US-facing sportsbook with an impressive reputation. Almost two decades in the industry has seen them rise through the ranks to become a major player in the sports betting industry.
After 10 years of operating the company sold a majority share to BetOnline who transformed the firm into a modern day gambling behemoth.
Stunning bonuses
What makes Sportsbetting.ag stand out from the competition is the generous bonus money on offer. A 100% first deposit bonus up to a maximum of $1,000 is more than enough to get a sports betting career underway.
If you’re a casino fan as well then you need to check out the industry-leading promotion. Rather than just a single 100% deposit bonus you get three—ALL up to the value of $1,000.
All major markets
Even though the website is geared towards servicing US-based customers there is still the usual comprehensive selection of markets to bet on. Many sports popular around the world aren’t necessarily big hits in the US, but gamblers still tend to want the option to delve into any market should the urge take them.
Crypto friendly
Sportsbetting.ag are embracing the worldwide crypto craze and are even sometimes happy to pay a little extra bonus on Bitcoin transactions.
Summary
Sportsbetting.ag is a fantastic choice for any gambler. The bonuses on offer are supreme and make it worthwhile to switch over to the site just for this reason alone.
The cashier processing speeds are ultra-fast with many customers commenting on how impressed they are compared to other sites.
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