The online sports betting world has grown dramatically in the last decade, with Straits Research reporting projected revenue in 2025 to reach USD 70.05 billion. So far, there are many platforms that are competing for attention, and seasoned bettors know that success is not all about picking winners. It’s about picking the right platform for you.
Registering on a betting site should not be an impulsive decision. It should be more of a strategic entry where you have calculated the risks to ensure that you optimize your betting experience. It’s not about the flashiest platforms or the one with the biggest welcome bonus (even though these are good to consider).
Before you can create an account with Betway or any other sportsbook, there are a number of pros and cons you should first consider. This article will talk about some of the things that pro bettors always have on their checklist when they are looking for a betting platform.
Licensing is quite vital
The first thing that pro bettors always look at is the legitimacy of a sportsbook. Over the last couple of years, the iGaming industry has been facing numerous scams like phishing, fraud, fake apps and fixed matches. Therefore, it is important that you get a platform that is licensed by a reputable authority to ensure its legitimacy.
The regulation forms the core layer of protection between the bettor and potential exploitation. You see, a regulator makes sure that the sportsbook is operating under strict regulatory standards. These dictate the financial integrity, transparency, fair gaming and responsible gambling measures.
And just to mention again, the regulator licensing the sportsbook you choose should be reputable, since it is the reputable authorities that enforce rigorous compliance checks. Top licensing authorities, e.g., Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Curacao eGaming Board, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, etc., come up with regulatory standards that ensure the player is catered to at all times. Some of the rules enforced ensure that:
- There is fair and random odds generation
- Secure management of customer funds, including segregation of player balances from operational accounts
- Clear dispute resolution procedures
- Regular audits by third-party testing agencies like eCOGRA or iTech Labs
For bettors in specific regions, ensure that the operator is licensed locally. For example, if you are in Indiana, the sportsbook should be regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Holding a valid local license ensures that, as a player, you are also adhering to the rules of your region. The worst thing is that if you’re found on the wrong side of the law, then you cannot use ignorance as a defence.
Good customer support is of the essence
Imagine a situation where the game you want to bet on has already started, you are having a problem operating the platform, but you can’t find someone to help you out. This can be the most frustrating of things to a punter. That’s why it is vital that when pros look for platforms to work with, they first check to see whether the customer service is up to standard.
A report by Zendesk reveals that 73% of customers change service providers because of poor customer service. Actually, the study shows that more than half of the consumers switch sides after just one bad experience. And on the positive side, 87% of consumers trust a brand more if its customer service is excellent.
And now the big question is, how can you know that a sportsbook like Betway offers good customer service? And the simple answer is reviews. There are many online reviews that give in-depth information concerning operators. Apart from the data from the review sites, there are also user reviews that give you a more concrete response. If a brand doesn’t offer good services, the reviews will just show, and if they do, you will just know.
Bonuses and promotions make everything better
Can you imagine how great it is to get into Betway to wager without having to add a dollar to your account! The pros know that one of the ways to make it in the betting world is to take advantage of the bonuses and promos offered by betting platforms. The welcome bonuses, loyalty bonuses, seasonal promos, enhanced odds, and many other promotions make wagering more interesting to engage in.
In a study done by the UK Gambling Commission, 31% of the respondents agreed that having free bets or bonus offers gave them more enthusiasm to wager. A further 35% stated that they interacted with new gambling platforms courtesy of receiving bonus offers. Interestingly, the same survey stated that 37% of respondents claimed that they only used free offers when gambling and never spent any more money.
Looking at such stats, you can tell that bonus offers bring an interesting offer that improves your betting experience. That’s why more pros ensure that they are operating with sportsbooks that give generous bonuses. Now that the festive season is right around the corner, top operators will be offering seasonal bonuses and promos. You can make sure to look into a casino that offers generous promos all through the season and ensure that you are taking full advantage.
However, when you are choosing a platform like Betway for its bonuses, ensure to go through the wagering requirements. Some casinos are notorious for having hidden agendas, and that’s why you need to read the T&Cs. Yes, it’s true that that’s a whole load of reading, but would you rather activate a bonus and be at a place where you can’t redeem it on time or read through the wagering requirements?
All in all, pros understand that how you pick a betting platform is essential for your gaming experience. From the legitimacy of the platform to the customer service, it is vital that you get to understand these things before you can fully commit to a betting site. Otherwise, you will suffer the consequences, and it will be all on you.