As the internet grows, it’s influence is being felt in many aspects of life. Nowadays, we can feel the impact of the internet over industries like health, insurance, agriculture, transportation, and logistics. Furthermore, the internet also influences sectors like education, infrastructure, banking and finance, marketing and many more. The internet growth has also spread its wings into the online betting and gambling industry. With the aid of the rise of the internet, online sports betting is taking over from land-based or offline shops. This is due to many reasons which will be discussed in this article.
However, with the online sports betting industry growing bigger every single day, so are the risks that come attached with such an enterprise. This has hindered a lot of prospective patrons from venturing into the online gambling world. Betting Tips Africa has gathered a lot of information regarding the good (pros) and bad (cons) of wading into the online betting industry.
We will be sharing this information with our readers through this page to help them understand everything they need to before venturing into the online betting world.
What Are Online Betting And Online Sports Betting?
Online betting, which is also called online gambling is any form of gambling that is done over the internet without the physical appearance of the bettor or gambler. The games played online include virtual poker, casino gaming, Virtual gaming and lastly, sports betting.
Online sports betting on the other hand are the gambling on sports or any sporting activities over the internet. These bets can be placed on Sports like football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, golf, cricket, and the likes. Sports like badminton, racket, MMA (mixed martial arts), Lacrosse, Javelin, Ice hockey, table tennis, darts, boxing, futsal and many more are also staked on.
History Of Online Betting
Online gambling had to go through a lot of stages before it became widely accepted. Liechtenstein International Lottery became the first online gaming venue to open its doors to the public in October, 1994.
In October of 1994, the ticketing system for the Liechtenstein International Lottery became the first online gaming venue to be made available to the general public. Microgaming, a software business based on the Isle of Man, developed the first gambling software that was completely functioning. CryptoLogic, a web security software company, developed the software used to encrypt the first gambling software. As online security improved, the first online casinos opened for business in 1994.
Online gambling is restricted or outright banned in several regions or countries. However, it is legal in a number of locations, including Africa. Nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania all favour online betting. Click on the underlined link to read more about online betting in each of the countries mentioned above.
In regions where online betting is favoured and legal, the service providers are required by law to possess the approved licenses before they can offer their services to the public. For example, Nigeria has the NLRC (National Lottery Regulatory Commission), while Ghana has the GCG (Gaming Commission Of Ghana). Furthermore, Kenya has the BCLB (Betting Control And Licensing Board), while South Africa has the NGB (National Gaming Board).
What Are Online Betting Sites?
Online betting sites are platforms where punters can place their stakes on any games they want via the internet. There are numerous online betting sites available to gamers in Africa. Some of these platforms include 22Bet, William Hill, 1xBet and many more. Many of these websites are hosted on Betting Tips Africa and you can learn all you need to know about them by clicking on their respective links.
Pros Of Betting Online
Time, Energy, And Cost Saving
It takes a lot of time, energy and money to go through the process of visiting a land-based Sportsbook to stake your bets. To do this, you must get dressed, transport yourself to the shop, wait in line before you can play. If the shop is far from your residence, then the stress and steps would be even stricter. Due to the hustle and bustle of today’s world, punters may not have a full day for gambling activities. This makes online betting a lifesaver for punters as they can be accessed from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
Online betting sites allow punters to play for as long as they like without affecting their daily routine. Thus, saving punters the time, energy, and cost of going to a land-based Sportsbook.
Security
Punters betting at online betting sites need to earmark safety as the utmost importance. The good news is that personal information and privacy are treated with the same seriousness by these platforms. The implementation of encryption on these platforms helps ensure that users’ data is protected from hackers.
Payouts
There are instances where the agent at a land-based Sportsbook has absconded with the winnings of a punter, especially if the money is a huge amount. This means that the punter may find himself at the mercy of the conscience of another individual when he eventually hits the jackpot. This is not possible at an online sportsbook, especially if is a reputable one and no rules were broken.
Sportsbook Bonuses And Offers
Land-based Sportsbooks usually do not offer punters with the bonuses and promotions that online betting sites do. Numerous bonuses like deposit bonuses, welcome bonuses, free bets, loyalty bonuses and many more are quite useful for gamers to make more money. Offering these bonuses to punters actually put online betting sites a level above land-based Sportsbooks.
No Distractions
Online betting platforms offer the playing experience in a brick-and-mortar gaming establishment. However, the best part is that they offer their services without distractions as land-based Sportsbooks. These distractions include noisy fellow punters at the shop or lingering cigarette smoke from those who smoke.
Game Variety
Gamers can find traditional games like poker, roulette and blackjack at online betting sites. Less common games like craps are also available at these platforms. The most well-known online casinos have entire sections devoted to casino games, and these sections generally contain several hundred different games at a go. These games may not be available at land-based Sportsbooks, in this case, the gamers would need to find a casino to participate in them.
Technological Advancement
Many punters who wish to play live dealer games do so by visiting a land-based Sportsbook/casino. This affects the reach and pull of online gambling sites and it is no surprise that major software developers like Evolution Gaming have been pouring so much money into live dealer games in recent years.
Nowadays, these games have undergone huge technological advancements and they now stand out from the crowd. Gamers can now alter the game’s settings, bet amounts and coin values, including the music and visuals. The huge transformation live dealer games have undergone will likely help online betting sites dominate the market for the foreseeable future.
Cons Of Betting Online
Fraud
Sometimes, punters may be exposed to fraud and cybercrimes when gaming online. Although, these platforms take extra care in their security firewalls to prevent something like this from happening. However, much still needs to be done on the punter’s part. For example, your passwords, security questions and the likes must be kept safe from intruders at all times. Also, calls or messages need to be put to the customer support team if any suspicious activity is noticed.
Addiction
Online betting sites have the tendency to increase the chances of making punters addicted to gambling. The ease and convenience that online betting sites offer those who game with them can make it difficult for a gamer to stop even when it is becoming harmful. Bonuses and promotions like free bets, free spins, welcome bonuses also help in keeping punters coming back for more even when it is not safe. However, these sites have responsible gambling sections which help punters in keeping themselves safe from gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling.
(Tips) How To Choose The Best Online Betting Sportsbook For You
Security Levels
Online betting sites typically have security procedures to keep their patrons safe. Before joining any Sportsbook ensure that such a platform has standard security procedures put in place.
Licensing
Many unlicensed online betting sites are springing up due to the rise in demand for online betting. Governments are doing well to regulate them but you as a player also need to do your part. Ensure that any Sportsbook you’re visiting is licensed by the relevant authorities in your region.
Bonuses And Promotion Offers
You need to check out the bonus offers that different betting platforms have to offer. Compare these offers and pick the one that best suits your needs.
Gaming Variety
Does the Sportsbook you like offer all the games you want to play? If they do offer these games, you can sign up. However, if they do not have your preferred games, move on to another platform. some types of games become tiring after sometime, especially when you’re not winning.
Should I Bet At Some Betting Sites In Nigeria?
Yes, you can bet at some of the betting sites in Nigeria. However you need to follow some of the tips highlighted above before choosing which site to game with in Nigeria. Also, you can read more about the best betting sites in Nigeria by clicking here.
