Sportsbook

Sports betting goes way back, and nowadays, it is one of the most developed branches of the gambling world. Whether it is a land-based or online sportsbook operator, people just love to place bets. The most reliable sports betting brands have hundreds of markets and bet types players can make. In other words, it is very easy to fall in love with this category.

Nowadays, we see a trusted online casino or a sports betting operator on every corner. You can bet on everything, but it wasn’t always the case. Firstly, let’s take a closer look at the history of sportsbooks. Then, we’ll dive into the details surrounding the sector in the modern era.

History of Sportsbooks

Sports betting has been around as long as any type of sports has existed. It makes the sports that we are watching way more entertaining by adding a personal stake in the outcome. So, the first records of sports betting go way back – more than 2,000 years ago. 

The Greeks had a soft spot for sports and it led them to introduce the Olympics to the world. Not long later, the wagering began. People started putting wagers on the outcome of athletic competitions there.

Sports betting was so popular that it spread fast to ancient Rome where it was accepted and even legalized. The Romans would bet on gladiator games among others. Eventually, these events were forbidden. However, gambling continued to spread to more kingdoms.

During medieval times, religious leaders tried to introduce and push regulations that would forbid gambling. Ironically, this had a counter effect. Sports betting went underground and continued to flourish there. This wasn’t surprising as more sporting events were eventually introduced to the world.

When Did Sportsbook Become Famous?

Later in history, around the 18^th century, gambling spread to England and it became very popular. It mostly started in the form of horse race betting. Eventually, it became very popular across the world, especially in the US. For a time, it became one of the favorite pastime activities for many citizens.

It didn’t take long for governments to see the sector’s growth in popularity. Ever since then, they began to legalize and control it better. Just like casinos, sportsbooks became increasingly present in every city, so they became part of everyday life for many people.

The ban on sports betting does exactly what Prohibition did. It makes criminals rich.

James Surowiecki

Nowadays, you can find land-based operators in almost every township. Also, we have witnessed the rise of online sportsbooks which make the whole betting process much easier. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home. One can place bets from anywhere in the world just with a few clicks and a steady Wi-Fi connection.

Additionally, the increasing number of sports events that people can bet on has helped grow the popularity of sportsbooks. Sports betting is not just a fun activity, it is a multi-billion industry generating huge profits for sportsbooks and the best online casino sites as well.

Sports Betting Rules

The rules surrounding sports betting vary from one sportsbook to another, and you must check some information. These include betting limits, minimum and maximum withdrawals, accepted payment methods, available markets to bet, in-live betting, and so on.

The odds for different games are different in every sportsbook in the world. Unlike the best online casino slots, where you find the same game with fixed payouts. In sports betting, the odds may vary and you will find different payouts from different sportsbooks.

Some sports betting operators will limit your betting activity by selecting certain games to be incompatible with each other. As a result, you won’t be able to bet on them in the same option.

Keep in mind that you are best advised to place your bets as early as possible, as there is a huge difference between pre-game and in-game betting. The latter’s odds are almost always lower, so keep an eye on that aspect.

Some sportsbooks will offer you the chance to use the early cashout option. Just like is the case in every trusted online casino, you will be able to save some of the money you have wagered by using it, but not all sites offer this. Usually, the more experienced and loyal players get to enjoy the cashout option.

Also, all newly registered players in the best sportsbooks will be able to claim a welcome bonus which can come in many different forms. Some sportsbooks will have the rule of giving you a no-deposit bonus that you can use on any sports, and some will limit the markets in which you can use it.

If the match you have bet on is postponed, then the operator will likely give it another 48 hours for it to be re-scheduled and played, and if it is not, then they may provide you with the full winnings or forfeit the bet. Once again, this depends on the sportsbook itself.

All in all, there are many different rules surrounding sports betting, but we cannot draw a universal list of them all. Every sportsbook in the world has its way of regulating itself, and many things depend on the legislation in the country it operates.

Different Types of Sportsbooks

You can find sports betting integrated into every trusted online casino, and the main pillars of it are the same – you will bet on the outcome of different games, respecting the rules of the sportsbook (bet limits, markets, minimum/maximum withdrawals, etc).

There are different types of sportsbooks measured by their reliability, markets to offer, betting types, and so on. Some offer more markets to bet on than others, some have better bonuses, and some have better odds. So, given the fact that the sports betting business is expansive, you are sure to find something that matches your preferences.

Types of Bets

There are different types of bets you can place at every sportsbook, whether it is only a sports betting site or it is paired with a trusted online casino. Once again, depending on the popularity of the sports betting site, you are likely to see some or all of the below-mentioned bet types.

Betting on the Outcome

The most common betting type in the world, and you can bet on who will emerge victorious in the game. Home win, away win, a draw, or a combination of two of these three are possible on every sports betting site.

Total Betting

This means that you will bet on the number of certain events, which can be goals scored, number of touchdowns, number of sets, and so on. You can also place individual bets, which means you will bet on the outcome of one of the teams or players in the game (goals scored from the home team, points from a certain player, and so on).

Handicap Betting

Handicap bets are a very interesting type of bet, and it means that you will bet by increasing the risk to your bet by adding or subtracting from the team on which you bet.

Betting on Advancing into the Next Round

This type of bet is where you predict who goes onto the next round. You’ll see this mostly in playoff competitions in any sport.

Exact Score

A very risky type of bet which allows you to bet on the specific game score.

Tournament Bets

Another interesting type of bet is where you predict who will win the tournament, or who will be the top scorer, and so on. You can predict before the tournament starts.

Where Can I Choose The Best Sportsbook Platform?

BetCraving experts are always here to help you choose the best sportsbook or platform that provides the best odds! Take a look at BetCraving recommendation if you want to place your bet today: