No matter if you’ve been a sports fan your entire life or only recently got into the habit of following one, you might be thinking about joining the world of sports betting.
Seeing as how this practice typically entails using real money, it’s always recommended to be very careful, at least in the beginning until you get the hang of it. Here are a few useful tips to get you started.
Make sure sports betting is legal in your area
First and foremost, it’s vital to check if sports betting is legal where you are located. Keep in mind that all forms of gambling are completely banned in some countries and even punishable by law.
On the other hand, the activity might be completely legal and regulated in your area, which means that you are completely safe when engaging in sports betting.
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Lastly, there are some countries where gambling is in a somewhat gray area, meaning that the market is not regulated but you are free to look for foreign operators that offer these services to people from your country. For instance, in Kenya, sports betting in betting shops have been legal since 1960, while 2009 saw the legalization of online sports betting.
Find a reliable platform to join
Once you’re sure that sports betting is allowed where you live, you can start looking for a sportsbook to join. There are a few things to think about here.
While the practice might be legal, not every operator is legit. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to read some online reviews on reliable websites like Bettors.co.ke where experts in the field will list trustworthy platforms that have a license and top-notch security. Here, you can also find out more about the variety of a provider’s offer, how good its website is, and its biggest downsides.
Decide which sports you want to bet on
Having found a website that offers a wide array of sports, it’s time to decide which sports you actually want to wager on. You’ll be glad to hear that there is no lack of choice when it comes to the sports, teams, and players you can bet on. From popular sports like football and tennis to some perhaps more obscure ones like curling and harness racing, you can find most things on betting websites.
In addition to betting on the winner, you can expect many other options depending on the sport you choose. For example, football comes with full-time result bets, total goals bets, correct score bets, first goal scorer bets, and more.
Look into the bonuses you can expect
Being new to the world of sports betting, you probably don’t know that most operators offer various deals to their users. Both new and existing bettors can get bonuses and promotions.
As a new user, you can expect a welcome bonus that might double your first deposit. Later on, there are reload bonuses and cashback bonuses to look forward to.
Check the payment options
In order to make a deposit, you need to opt for a bookmaker that supports your preferred way of banking. Most will accept debit and credit cards, so if you have a Visa or MasterCard, you should be all set. Just make sure you can also withdraw money using this method. On the other hand, if you prefer e-wallets, doing some research to ensure the one you use is available is vital.
Understand how odds work
To be able to place bets properly, you should understand at least the basics of how odds work. There are different ways how odds can be presented, so decide which one is easiest to read for you. Different providers use different formats, so you’ll find fractional, decimal, and money-line odds. However, regardless of the format, you will be able to see who the favorites are and determine whether it’s worth it to bet on the underdog.
Read up on the matches beforehand
It’s also important to keep in mind that the odds are not enough to make an educated guess. You also want to read up on the players or teams that are playing. By seeing their form and if there are any missing players, you could find a crucial piece of information that will improve your bet.
Set a budget for yourself
As a beginner, it can be easy to get carried away and try betting huge amounts of money on bets that seem like a sure thing. However, you never know when the tables might turn. Start with small bets and set a budget for yourself. It can be a weekly or monthly budget, but make sure you don’t overspend. Only wager the money you can afford to lose, as you surely don’t want to starve or not be able to afford rent.
Lastly, it’s crucial that you take a break after a while. No matter if you’re winning or losing, step away from the screen and go for a walk, read a book, or watch a movie. It will do you good.
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