It would have been impossible not to notice the strides online gambling has made in the United States over the last two years. Since the long-running and often controversial ban on betting was removed at the national level in 2018, many Americans have begun enjoying their newfound freedoms. They have been betting on everything from horse racing to the NFL at land-based betting offices, desktop computers, and smartphones. If you haven’t yet tried online gambling, 2023 is the perfect time to start.
Unfortunately, the laws regarding gambling in the United States aren’t as clear-cut as in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other nations known for betting. The rules regarding online betting in Texas may differ from what you will find when gambling in New York or California. The winds of change continue to blow across the nation, but not every state is on the same page. Some rushed out to embrace the change, while others stuck to their hardline anti-gambling laws. And then there were the states, happy to wait it out. They sit on the fence, watching how neighboring states get on after allowing residents and visitors to bet.
Where do you stand on legalized betting in the US, and do state officials share your opinion? Perhaps betting is headed toward your home city, and you’re excited about gambling on football, soccer, boxing, and other favorites. Betting may already be live in your town, but you need help figuring out where to start. The gambling industry can be daunting, especially for those without experience. But the only way to gain experience is to place bets. No wonder some are confused by it all.
Thankfully, we have enlisted the help of online gambling expert Frank Monkhouse who explains the safest way to get started. By the end of this article, you will know how to find the best online bookmaker for you, the steps to registering an account and landing a welcome bonus, how to place a wager, and more. We have everything you need to begin your gambling adventure. There’s even a handy step-by-step guide to getting a free bet on the next round of NFL matches. Let’s get started.
Finding a bookie
When you first set out on your gambling adventure, you will quickly realize that there’s no lack of options. The online gambling industry is more competitive now than ever before, with the most famous names from Vegas battling against the top online sportsbooks from the UK for your attention. With so many bookies promoting themselves as the best in the business, it can be challenging to know which to trust. They may all look the same – or similar – but there are some striking differences when choosing.
How do you tell a good bookie from a great bookie? It’s not easy, but a few things can help you make the correct decision the first time. You can join more than one bookmaker, and that’s worth keeping in mind, but you want to be sure every sportsbook you join provides the best service. Some of the things you should look out for are listed below.
Great odds should be available on every bet you place. If you back Buffalo Bills to win the Super Bowl, for example, you don’t want to do it at odds of +500 when you could get +800 through another app. Check any respected odds comparison app to see which firms are the most generous on your bet. You also want a bookie that values your custom enough to offer you a welcome bonus. This deal rewards you for choosing one app over the competition, and the most popular is the new customer free bet.
You should check that your online betting app loves the sports you do. There’s no point in joining an app with excellent esports betting odds if you’re only interested in gambling on soccer. The more time you spend researching a bookie before entering, the more likely you will find the best and most generous app.
Registering
When you have found the bookie you wish to join, it’s time to register an account. This can be done in a matter of minutes using your smartphone. Major bookmakers have kept the registration process as quick and straightforward as possible. They know customers want to spend less time on the registration form and more time placing bets, finding value, and using promotions.
Follow the steps below to create an online betting account using your Android or iOS device. The process is the same regardless of which bookie you join.
- Visit the homepage of the sportsbook you wish to join
- Click the register, sign-up or join us button
- Fill in the registration form, providing your details
- Create a username and password
- Make your first deposit and place a bet
Bonuses and promotions
We have already touched upon the competitiveness of the online gambling industry and why some find it confusing. But there’s an advantage to having so much choice. Bookies are fighting for your attention and want to ensure you join them over the competition. They achieve that by offering a welcome bonus.
These deals come in a few different shapes and sizes. The most popular at present is the deposit-matched free bet. With this bonus, you recieve a free bet that is equal in value to your first deposit and wager. That means if you join and place a $100 bet on sports, you’ll recieve a $100 free bet.
Placing a bet
OK, so you have your account set up and a positive balance. Now let’s place a bet. Log in with your username and password, then click sport > competition > fixture > market and selection. It will appear in your bet slip where you should add a stake and confirm. Your wager will be live.
Features
Some best features to seek when betting include live streaming, cash-out, and in-play. If your bookie doesn’t offer each of these, it’s time to find an app that does. More ways to bet means more ways to land a profit.