Signs in Identifying Legit and Fake Sports Betting Sites

Online sports betting is an excellent way for people to bet on their favorite sports more flexibly and conveniently. All you have to do is go to a website or a mobile app, set up an account, connect your bank or e-wallet account to it, and proceed with betting. There are so many available sports betting sites you can go for.

However, among these websites, how do you know which ones are legitimate and which are fake? When looking for a site, consider the legalities, and select one that can legally operate. If you’re still looking for websites, here are signs to identify which sites are legitimate and which are scams.

Legitimate Betting Sites Have:

Secure Websites

Security is one of the features of a well-put site. A licensed sports betting site will have a secure website, ensuring safe browsing and transactions for any visitors. Such security is necessary, especially for financial transactions like betting sites.

There are two simple ways to check a site’s security features. One is to see to it that the beginning of the URL has https instead of http. The former is more secure as it encrypts communications to keep data safe. The latter is more prone to outside attacks that could steal confidential information, such as your payments.

Another simple way is to check if the site has a lock icon in it, generally placed before the URL. It has the same meaning as https, with the icon just an easier way for users to know that the site is secure.

With the betting industry valued at billions in Europe, bookmakers are sure to provide an online platform where betters can make safe transactions.

Regulated License

Any betting spot, in-person or online, must be registered to operate. Additionally, these betting places must also be transparent with their license. With sports betting sites, they have to display their license somewhere on their website. Having an up-to-date license on the website is a good sign that the site is legitimate. You can find the license on the site, such as on the About page or a link below the home page.

A Physical Location and Responsive Contact Information

Sports betting sites are often an online version of an already existing in-person sportsbook. With that, it is a given that they have a physical location where you can go to verify the site’s legitimacy. Betting sites usually will have their address placed on the site and can also be found in their emails through their signatures.

Moreover, you could also check the contact information on the site, such as the phone number or email address. If it is consistent with the one they have on-site, and if somebody is answering. It could also further help if they have a social media account and are verified.

Age Verification

While betting laws differ by country or region, one absolute requirement they all have in common is that all bettors must be of age, typically those 18 years old and over. Sports betting sites enforce that all users should be 18 or older.

This is immediately evident with the registration process, whereas if the birthdate shows the age is 17 or below, one cannot immediately proceed to sign up. Moreover, users will be asked for proof of identity to verify their age further. The terms and conditions will also state this rule.

Notoriety

Their notoriety is the most unmistakable sign to know that a sports betting site is legitimate. If the sports betting site is very well known among the betting community (in a good way, of course), then it is likely legitimate.

A good example to check this is the previously mentioned verified sportsbook account on social media. Another would be checking the internet for how well-verified sports news outlets or similar ones know the site.

If you want to try online sports betting on the best sites possible, you can always google the list of the best sites in your area. Results will present verified news or information sites and a list of recommended betting sites. Those on the list are very likely to be legitimate.

Fake Betting Sites Have:

Less Secure Websites and Poor Design

As previously mentioned, legitimate sportsbooks will have a well-put and secure site, with the beginning of the URL and the lock icon to vouch for it. On the other hand, a fake betting site will be less likely to have the lock icon and have http at the beginning of the URL.

Additionally, fake sportsbooks will also have poor website design. They would typically look like it was made a decade ago or so. It could denote a lack of funding or, of course, a scam.

No Proper Contact Information

Again, sports betting sites must have responsive contact information and an address to a physical office. If you contact them and receive no response, that is already a huge red flag. The same goes for the lack of address, or at least the office you could not locate. The lack of information or unresponsiveness could mean a lack of personnel and funding.

To Sum it Up

Be careful when looking for sports betting sites. Always check that the website is legitimate and owned by a reputable sportsbook before you sign up for it. Good security, a visible license, and popularity are good signs you can look out for.