So you have decided to start betting online – or possibly you just want to find a new dependable sportsbook – what do you need to look out for?

Well I am in a position to talk from some experience – I did at one time hold accounts with about sixty bookmakers in Europe, UK, Australia and offshore – the latter catering mainly to the united states market. I have had at least three trusted online casino (Read the Full Post) sportsbooks go broke on me – luckily my losses were kept to several thousand dollars – that could sound a lot but it could happen to be a great deal worse.

It’s not that easy finding a reputable sportsbook – partly since the web is populated by website owners who will sing the praises of a sportsbook or casino simply because they earn revenue from signing up customers via an affiliate program. Often these website owners know nothing about betting, don’t hold accounts with the sportsbooks they are advertising and also have not researched the businesses they are involved with.

You are keeping your hard earned money within an account online. Therefore you should think of the sportsbook you are considering as a bank – a place that you intend to keep funds long-term.

Read press articles in contrast to reviews – reviews are usually authored by the sportsbook’s marketing team.

Test run the software by joining and playing for free – most sportsbooks offer this facility.

Find out if your funds are insured or separated in ESCROW accounts in order that in the event the sportsbook company goes under – your funds will still be safe.

Find out should the sportsbook is independently audited.

How long has the operation been online – three to 4 years is normally a great marker as a minimum.

Test out the customer services to see should they meet your standards or even the standards they promise you.

If you know about betting already, then check several of their odds and lines – are they in keeping with what you would expect? Some less scrupulous sportsbooks offer very attractive prices to lure unsuspecting bettors.

Find out in the event the sportsbook is part of a bigger group of companies. Sometimes what this means is added solidity.

What are the deposit and withdrawal options as well as the associated charges. These vary a great deal from book to book. Options should be available that are ‘free’ or where the sportsbook absorbs the charges. But ask yourself ; “how easy is it to get access to my money and the way much does it cost?”

Not all of the above are critical – but help towards finding a safe and secure book.

Should you have already have an account with a sportsbook watch out for lapses in customer service and slowness of payment – these may be signs that the company may very well be in trouble.