To say the Internet has had a dramatic effect on the global gambling scene would be an understatement to say the least. Today, each and every smartphone owner is effectively carrying thousands of casinos and hundreds of online bookmakers in their pockets. 24/7, it’s never been easier to dive into a world of epic online action.
From the biggest online bookmakers like bet365 to the innovative newcomers joining the party by the day, the sector is growing at a pace nobody could have predicted.
That said, there will always be those who believe firmly in the unique ‘ceremony’ of betting on sporting events the traditional way. They may understand and appreciate the popularity of online betting, but can’t necessarily see its appeal like others do.
Which begs the question – why is online betting so popular? Why are more people than ever before choosing online betting sites over the classic bookmaker?
All gamblers have their unique motivations, but the following represent just a few of the reasons why online sports betting takes some beating:
1. Greater Choice of Bookmakers
For one thing, gambling online means gaining access to the largest market of bookmakers in the world. Even if you’ve a dozen or so traditional bookies within easy reach, you’ve several hundred to choose from via the phone in your pocket.
Again, this means the opportunity to do business with the biggest and best brands out there, along with innovative newcomers bringing new and interesting twists to the experience. They say variety is the spice of life, so the appeal of endless bookmakers to choose from is relatively clear.
2. Better Odds and Margins
Across the board, you’re far more likely to access the most competitive odds and margins available online. Irrespective of whether you stick with major brands or smaller independent businesses, there’s one major reason you’ll get a better deal online – overheads.
In short, it costs a lot more to run a successful physical High Street business than it does to run a website. Not just this, but the average website can also accommodate infinitely more punters than a traditional betting shop. They spend less money so can make more money, which means they can offer their customers better odds and more competitive margins.
3. Hold Onto Your Profits
A simple but important argument nonetheless – placing bets online costs you nothing. By this, we’re talking about the time and money needed to pay a visit to a traditional bookmaker. Even if it’s just a modest outgoing for public transport, it’s still money you don’t really need to spend.
Admittedly, the reward of heading out in person is the more social aspect of traditional betting. But if you’re more interested in holding on to your profits (if you manage to make any), online betting is far more economical.
4. Bigger Selection of Betting Markets
Back with the variety argument, the diversity of the betting markets available online is borderline ridiculous. Most traditional bookmakers will cover a decent selection of sports and events, but nowhere near on the same scale as an online betting site. The idea being that rather than sticking with the usual standards, online bookies go nuts with weird and wonderful betting opportunities from all over the world.
Bet on the latest football matches and tennis tournaments as normal, or place a wager on the outcome of a TV show or an international political contest. Whichever way you look at it, this is the kind of thing that brings a new level of fun and enjoyment into the proceedings.
5. Exclusive Deals and Promotions
Referring back to the issue with overheads, this is precisely why online betting sites and casinos tend to be far more generous with new and existing customers alike. Sign up online with a good online bookmaker and you’re almost guaranteed to be handed an incentive in return. A free bet, an insurance policy in case your first bet craps out or perhaps even a few free spins at the on-site casino.
Even where deals like these are subject to heavy restrictions (wagering requirements), something for free is better than nothing. More importantly, these are the kinds of deals you would not see being handed out by any conventional betting shop. Shop around online and there is nothing to stop you taking advantage of every single deal and promotion you come across.
6. Convenience and Accessibility
For some, if not most, the biggest advantage of betting online is the sheer convenience of the whole thing. Online bookmakers never close and there are spectacular betting opportunities to take advantage of worldwide on a 24/7 basis. Not just this, but betting on whatever you want is something you can do at any time and from any place, without setting foot outdoors.
This has completely changed the face of sports betting for casual gamers and more serious punters alike. For the first time, you can make your betting activities work around your schedule – not the other way around.
7. More than Sports Betting Along
Last up, there’s more to online sports betting these days than sports betting in the traditional sense. Even when a brand focuses heavily on sports betting, there’s a strong chance they’ll also have a ton of other gaming assets on offer.
Particularly where the bigger brands are concerned, you’re now looking at more of an all-round gaming resource than a simple online bookmaker. Dedicated casino sections, online slots, poker rooms, bingo, scratch cards and so much more besides – all accessible via the same account. And again, all available on a 24/7 basis with a constant stream of exclusive offers to check out.
In Summary…
On one hand, you could quite rightly argue that traditional in-person betting has a social and ceremonial aspect to it that’s hard to beat. At the same time, there’s no denying the remarkable benefits of online sports betting.
Neither is necessarily ‘better’ or ‘worse’ than the other, so why not indulge in a spot of both?
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