An activity for everyone
Sport betting is a pastime that goes way back in the history of mankind. Our ancestors took taste to the uncertainty and risk of placing money on the outcome of a sporting event, from the first Athena Olympic Games to the Egyptian wrestling contests, not forgetting the ever-popular horses racing.
Nowadays, sport betting is a growing industry transformed by the Internet. A study done by ESPN reported the sports betting industry raked in close to $63 billion in 2005, as the number of online sports betting services has tripled in the last year.
What is the most amazing is the easiness behind online sports betting. What was once restricted to the professional (and sometimes desperate!) gambler in Las Vegas is now an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone in your family, as you can gamble on not only sports, but the Oscars and other celebrity events as well.
Sport betting is legal, but for how long?
Of all the different types of gambling, sport betting is the most controversial. We only have to think about the fixed 1919 Chicago “Black Sox” scandal or Pete Rose ruining his lifelong reputation by betting against his team.
This is one of the reasons behind the American government pushing its anti-online gambling bill with so much effort. According to them sports betting should be a restricted activity, as we must protect the youths from engaging in online sport betting.
Because of this crusade against online sports betting services, many online providers were forced to change their rules on American surfers. Some online providers were a bit smarter, and moved their activities to a country outside US laws.
So now the best online sports betting sites are opening you their virtual doors, promising you a rich and safe online experience. Uncle Sam won't freeze your account, although he won't be able to help if you have a complaint.
This is why choosing the proper sport betting service is important, as this is a pastime that must remain enjoyable. 6StarReviews has reviewed the best sports betting sites, and following is a detailed review on the four most important areas of sports betting.
- Features: each sport betting site has their own specialized features, to express their unique selling proposition. Following are our best two sports betting sites:
- 1st place: Bodog: This site is a part of a huge entertainment company, from live traffic fights on Las Vegas’ highways to the hundreds of available betting possibilities.
- 2nd place: Sportsbook: Who doesn’t like receiving gifts on their birthday? This sport betting service also offers innovative features such as StatFox and in-game betting.
- Interface and playability: online sport betting is far less sophisticated than its online casino and poker counterparts. In this category we are looking for the perfect balance of user-friendliness and safe online experience.
- 1st place: Sportsbook: This sports betting service is one of the best platforms we have reviewed, as the browser is straightforward and easy to use. It is also nice to know your credit card information is stored on a server off-line.
- 2nd place: Bet365: The flash console is a pleasure to use, and the wide selection of games will appeal to all sports fans. Plus, the Thawte security certificate is reassuring.
- About the money: as good as sport betting sounds, you have to remember it is a costly pastime and you must manage your money efficiently. Some online sports betting services distinguished themselves by offering enticing bonuses, and following are our two winners in this category:
- 1st place: VIP SportsGroup: The 40% signup bonus is hands down the best promotion in the sports betting industry.
- 2nd place: Sports Interaction: Theses guys offer one of the best checkout processes, and give you the ability to pay live with your credit card.
- Customer Support: Tell me, how do you figure formulating a complaint with a company residing outside America, or in an easily accessible country for that matter? This is why having a quality customer support is important. For customer support, here are our winners:
- 1st place: Sportsbook: Contacting the sport betting service provider has never been easier, as you can choose between live chat, e-mail and phone support.
- 2nd place: Bodog: even if their e-mail support can be improved, we appreciated the quality phone support and vast online resources.
In Closing…
Since we can't all afford to live in downtown Las Vegas and go gambling anytime we want, we should be thankful for the vast selection of online sports betting providers. This industry has steadily improved their quality of service and gambling possibilities, as your girlfriend will have fun placing bets on celebrity events, while you bet on the next big sporting event!
Gambling from the comfort of your own living room doesn't guarantee a safe and pleasant experience. This is an industry that been plagued by customer complaints, and the historic controversies behind fixed events and is a painful reminder of the importance on making a wise decision.