One of the most asked questions by various sports enthusiasts around the world is: how to choose a reliable bookmaker?
This type of question arises from bettors due to the fact that many are not willing to take high financial risks, carrying with them the idea that the more a bookmaker looks appealing, the better it is for them.
Sports betting has become a well-appreciated source of entertainment. You need to choose a reliable and safe bookmaker from the growing list of current bookmakers to ensure a satisfying betting experience..
Fortunately for many of you, the Betting Academy does an extensive work in research, previews, articles and much more content that is available free of charge to its members.
Below are some key points to consider when choosing a reliable bookmaker:
Integrity and Reputation of a reliable bookmaker
The integrity and reputation of a bookmaker are crucial to ensure credibility.
- Licensing
Check the bookmaker's operating license, which should have been provided by the regulatory organization in the acting country. This ensures that the bookmaker is bound by laws and moral principles, which can improve its reliability.
Research about the bookmaker, such as its origin, when it was founded, who its founders are, and whether it has any association with reputable names in the digital sector are details that help identify how to choose a reliable bookmaker.
888bet, for example, is a licensed and regulated bookmaker by the Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya (BLCB). Other bookmakers such as Betway and 1xBet also hold the same license.
Betting control and licensing board Kenya
- Market Reputation
Check betting forums, websites with articles and reviews, and social media platforms for ratings and reviews left by other players. Make a research of the bookmaker's reputation within the country where it operates, to see if it is trustworthy and transparent with its customers.
Learn about the main mistakes made by amateur bettors!
Market years
The stability and experience of a bookmaker are key components to establish trust.
- Time of activity
Bookmakers with more time in the market are more likely to be reliable, because they have a long history and dedicated customer support, a portfolio of loyal customers and also more experience in the market.
However, this is not to say that newer bookmakers cannot be trusted. Yet, this is a factor to take into account when making your decision.
Betway and 1xBet, for example, have been present in Kenya for several years and have an established reputation as two of the largest reliable bookmakers.
- Global presence
Do a quick check to see if the bookmaker has an international presence. Bookmakers present in various markets usually have more experience and expertise because they deal with various laws and regulations, which can be a sign of reliability.
Safety and Security in a reliable bookmaker
To ensure the reliability of a bookmaker, the personal and financial information of the bettors must be secure:
- Encryption
Verify the bookmaker's use of data encryption technologies to safeguard sensitive user information, including financial and personal information. In the online gaming and betting industry, encryption is a common security solution that helps protect data from unauthorized access.
- Privacy Policy
Check the bookmaker's website to see if it has clear privacy and data protection rules. To determine whether the collection, storage and use of user data complies with applicable data protection laws, read the privacy policies carefully.
This particular policy is very common in European countries. Unfortunately, in Kenya, it is still a new practice.
- Security Measures
Review the bookmaker's additional security procedures such as identity verification, two-step/factor authentication, and fraud prevention to see if they are in place.
These methods can help ensure the security of transactions and bettor information, which is crucial in identifying a trusted bookmaker.
All of the previously mentioned bookmakers (Betway, 1xBet and 888bet) have security measures in place to protect their bettors' data.
SSL certification at secure websites
Variety of bet types
A reliable bookmaker needs to offer a wide range of betting possibilities on numerous sports and events.
- Offers on sports and events
A large selection of sports and events, including well-loved ones such as soccer, basketball, tennis, horse racing, and others, should be available for betting, so make sure this is the case.
The more betting alternatives a bookmaker offers, the more appealing it is to different types of bettors.
- Available bets
A bookmaker should offer various types of bets, including single bets, matched bets, live bets, and long-term bets. The variety of betting alternatives increases the experience within this area, giving bettors more freedom in their gambling strategies.
Sports disciplines at Betway
Odds Evaluation and Available Markets
- Competitive Odds
When selecting a sports bookmaker, the odds are one of the most important aspects to consider.
See if the bookmaker offers odds that are reasonable when compared to those offered by its competitors in the market. A great differential for bettors is the possibility of greater rewards with higher odds.
1xBet and 888bet are known to offer the some of the most competitive odds in Kenya.
Competitive odds at 888bet
- Available markets
Reputable bookmakers should offer a wide range of sports betting markets, including popular sports, so that punters can have diversified betting options.
- Betting limits
Be aware of the betting limits set by the bookmaker. A bookmaker's minimum or maximum betting restrictions may impact the types of bets customers can place.
Confirm whether the betting restrictions suit your betting needs and preferences.
Payment methods in a reliable bookmaker
Trusted bookmakers usually feature various methods of depositing and withdrawing funds so that it is convenient and easy for players.
The most common methods are: transfer of funds via credit/debit cards, use of mobile accounts or wallets, and vouchers.
Of the most commonly used payment methods, these bookmakers are among the ones that features all of them as an option.
Payment methods in Kenya
Promotions and Bonuses
The promotions and bonuses offered by the bookmaker can be a key difference for the bettors, but it is important to analyse the following factors:
- Transparency
To ensure that a bookmaker is reliable, take into account the transparency regarding the use of promotions and bonuses.
- Terms and Conditions
Before choosing the bonus to enjoy, read the terms and conditions that apply. It is important that you know each point of the terms to avoid possible unpleasant situations in the future.
Apps
Having a useful and simple mobile app can be beneficial for players, due to the increased use of mobile devices.
Confirm whether the bookmaker offers a mobile-optimized betting experience and whether a mobile app can be downloaded on smartphones or tablets.
The bookmakers that we have already mentioned throughout the article (Betway, 1xBet and 888bet) provide mobile apps for iOS and Android smartphones, which allow users to comfortably and quickly access their accounts and place bets in real time using their mobile devices.
Apps on mobile device shops
Bettors' Ratings, Feedback and Comments
If you are entering the world of sports betting, surely you already know someone who is integrated in this market. To be sure about the credibility of a bookmaker, get into the habit of reading the reviews of those who have already had some kind of experience or have made some kind of bet within these websites.
Search for ratings and comments in independent websites or blogs, so you can get different perspectives from other bettors with the bookmaker.
In the Academy you can find data about the best bookmakers in Kenya, to help you choose the one that makes the most sense for you.
In short, to identify a reliable bookmaker in Kenya, it is essential to take into consideration the reputation of a bookmaker, its history in the market, analyze whether it offers the best odds, the available markets, live betting, payment options, mobile compatibility, promotions and bonuses, customer service, legislation and, finally, licenses.
Never forget to conduct thorough research and evaluate several options before making a final choice.
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