How To Choose A Good Bookmaker | Top 10 Factors

Sports betting is a highly competitive industry, with many of the top betting sites offering similar products and features. As a result, it can be challenging to determine which bookmaker is the best fit for your preferences and needs.

While there is no clear-cut answer or a single bookmaker that can be deemed as the best, there are key factors that you can consider when making your choice. These factors include things like the quality and range of products offered, the user interface, customer service, and value of the odds. By assessing these factors, you can determine which bookmaker is the best fit for you and your betting preferences.

Here are the 10 key factors we use to review bookmakers on Punter2Pro:

 

1. Products

Bookmakers offer various gambling products to users, including sportsbook, casino, poker, and bingo. These products provide users with different ways to gamble.

The availability of multiple gambling products on a bookmaker’s site adds to its appeal for many users. Bettors can try their luck with different games, to mix things up. Or switch to a different product once their favourite sport has finished for the season. However, the range of gambling products offered by bookmakers can vary significantly between sites.

For convenience, users should look for bookmakers that offer a collection of core products that they’re likely to play.

Popular Products At Sports Betting Sites

 

2. Sports & Markets

Bookmakers offer a wide range of sports and markets for users to bet on. From popular sports like football, basketball, and tennis to less mainstream sports like darts, snooker, and esports, there is something for everyone.

Within each sport, there are multiple markets available for users to bet on. For example, in football, users can place bets on the outcome of the match, the number of goals scored, the first scorer, or the total number of corners. Similarly, in horse racing, users can bet on the winner of the race, the place positions, or the horse’s odds.

The depth of sports and markets offered by bookmakers varies. Some bookmakers may have a much wider range of sports and markets than others. Users should look for bookmakers that offer a wide range of high- sports and markets, where can customise their betting experience based on their interests and preferences. For example, if a user is interested in basketball, they can place bets on different leagues, teams, and markets within the sport.

 

3. Bonuses

Bookmakers offer various types of bonuses to attract new users and retain existing ones. Some common bonuses include welcome bonuses, deposit bonuses, free bets, and loyalty rewards. These bonuses can add to the enjoyment of the site by providing users with additional value and opportunities to win. They allow users to try new betting options and explore different markets without risking their own money.

However, the quality of bonuses offered by bookmakers can vary significantly. Some bookmakers have strict wagering requirements or time limits for using bonuses, which can limit their value. Others offer slightly more flexible terms and conditions, which makes the bonuses more attractive.

Overall, the quality of bonuses offered by bookmakers can have a significant impact on the user experience and the attractiveness of the site.

 

4. Odds

The odds reflect the likelihood of an event occurring, and bookmakers adjust them based on various factors such as team performance, player injuries, historical results, while factoring in their own margin. However, the odds offered by bookmakers vary significantly, and users should compare them across different bookmakers to find the best value.

Some bookmakers offer consistently higher odds than others, which significantly increases the payouts from winning bets. Other bookmakers have higher odds on certain events but lower odds on others. Moreover, some bookmakers have more competitive odds on popular events, while others  focus on offering better odds on niche markets.

When selecting a bookmaker, users should look for bookmakers that offers competitive odds on the types of events they’re looking to bet on, in order to maximise their potential winnings.

 

5. Payment Methods

Bookmakers offer various payment methods for users to deposit and withdraw money from their betting accounts. These payment methods include credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and prepaid cards.

The availability of payment methods varies between bookmakers, with some offering a wider range of options than others. Some bookmakers may also charge fees for certain payment methods, while others offer free transactions.

Users should look for bookmakers that offer a range of secure and convenient payment methods, with minimal fees and fast transaction times.

 

6. Withdrawal Speed

Withdrawal speed is an important factor to consider when choosing a bookmaker. After all, if you win a bet, you want to be able to access your winnings quickly and easily. Some bookmakers offer faster withdrawal times than others, with some processing withdrawals almost instantly, while others can take several days or even weeks.

The speed of withdrawals can depend on various factors, such as the payment method used and the bookmaker’s policies. E-wallets like PayPal or Skrill usually offer the fastest withdrawal times, with the funds appearing in your account within 24hrs of the withdrawal being processed. Credit and debit cards can take a bit longer, often taking several business days to appear in your account.

 

7. Features

Bookmakers strive to provide features to enhance the betting experience on their websites. These features can range from live streaming of events to cashout options, request-a-bet, bet builder, rewards clubs, and levels of customer service.

The quality and range of features offered can have a significant impact on the overall attractiveness of the site, and users are more likely to choose bookmakers with a greater variety of features. For this reason, the best bookmakers constantly look to improve their features in order provide bettors with the latest innovations.

In this highly competitive industry, bookmakers that offer a superior array of features have a distinct advantage over their competitors.

Features Every Bookmaker Should Have

 

8. User Interface

A well-designed bookmaker interface can significantly enhance the user experience and make it easier for bettors to navigate the site and place bets.

A user-friendly interface should have clear and intuitive navigation, allowing customers to easily find the markets they want to bet on. The placement of menus and buttons should be logical and consistent throughout the site, allowing customers to quickly and easily navigate between different sections.

The visual design of the site and mobile app should also be appealing and engaging, using high-quality graphics and images to help users understand the information presented. A cluttered or confusing design can turn customers away and impact the overall attractiveness of the bookmaker.

 

9. Uniqueness

Bookmakers constantly strive to distinguish themselves from the competition by developing their own unique features.

While some bookmakers specialise in certain sports, others set themselves apart by offering exclusive promotions that are not available elsewhere. Moreover, bookmakers may offer different levels of customer service or unique features within the user interface, resulting in a distinct player experience.

As there are numerous comparable betting sites to choose from, it is crucial for bettors to conduct research and compare different bookmakers to identify the one that caters to their preferences and requirements. The distinctiveness of a bookmaker’s offerings can make some options more appealing to bettors than others.

 

10. Industry Reputation

When selecting a bookmaker, considering their industry reputation is a crucial aspect.

Reputable bookmakers are known for their reliability and trustworthiness, which instills confidence in users when placing bets. These bookmakers have a track record of paying out winnings promptly and have a transparent approach to their operations.

Conversely, bookmakers with a questionable reputation might have a history of failing to pay out winnings or may have been involved in unethical practices. This erodes trust among users and results in a negative user experience.

As a result, it is essential to conduct research on a bookmaker’s industry reputation before registering with them. This can entail reading reviews from other users, checking their licenses and certifications, and investigating any past issues or controversies they may have faced. By selecting a bookmaker with a reputable industry standing, users can feel assured in their betting experience and are more likely to enjoy their time on the platform.

Toby @ Punter2Pro
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ed pierce
ed pierce
7 years ago

I use ladbrokes but have been considering paddy power. Are you partial to one or the other? You mentioned that you like skybet, perhaps I should take a look at them and see how they compare to what I use now.

Toby
Reply to  ed pierce
7 years ago

They’re definitely two of the very best. Ladbrokes have a great £50 Signup offer: a £50 “Stake Not returned” free bet (that’s a very good offer). It’s also got a reputable casino. But where Paddy edges it are the amusing one-off specials, and their exceptionally fast payouts.

Skybet offers a very neat app, but offers a bit less than the other two in my opinion.