Sports betting is one of the latest trends to take off in places like Edmonton, where locals enjoy a wide range of activities. Since betting was offered on single games back in 2021, there’s been boosted interest in oddsmakers. Even sports fans who had never placed a wager before were interested in understanding a bit more about the industry.
When it comes to placing a bet online, Alberta is opening up to a variety of new platforms. This means that locals will have unprecedented options for wagering on their favourite sports and teams. But modern sports betting isn’t just about point spreads and puck lines—it involves a diverse range of options such as live betting, esports betting, and even virtual games.
Let’s cover the basics of how to get started betting on sports. First, we’ll cover how to find the right platform, then explore what you need to know in order to get the most out of your betting experience.
Find the Right Platform
Above, we mentioned that Alberta is opening its doors to new betting platforms. This means that fans have unprecedented access to explore different oddsmakers. While most will offer a similar number of betting markets and a range of sports leagues, it’s important to know which features to look out for.
First, you should keep a lookout for welcome bonuses. The most competitive platforms offer deals like deposit matches and deposit bonuses. Second, take a look at what types of betting they offer. As mentioned above, top platforms today will offer things like live betting, virtual game betting, and esports betting (more on this below). Lastly, keep a look out for deposit and withdrawal methods. While most platforms offer a number of methods, you should prioritize those that suit your financial requirements.
Understand the Lingo
Once you’ve found the right platform, you probably want to dive in and start placing your bets. However, the industry is a bit more nuanced than many think. For example, a puck line and a run line are how some sportsbooks list moneylines for ice hockey and baseball, respectively.
Keep in mind that the best platforms offer a handy guide. The most basic guides will lay out the specific terminology and methodology that a given sportsbook uses. More in-depth guides might also cover how to wager on specific markets, including in-depth analysis and statistical studies. Unsurprisingly, you want to target platforms that provide this type of content.
Know the Latest Trends
Above, we listed a few types of trending bets that fans are enjoying. The most important bet types are live betting and esports betting. The former covers a type of live wager, sometimes called in-play betting. These micro-bets are offered on live outcomes as a game unfolds, usually laying out what might happen during the next play. It’s an incredibly popular market that’s continuing to grow and diversify.
You should also focus on esports betting. Even if you don’t follow esports leagues like the EPL, or have any plans to bet on the outcomes of matches, this is a reliable indicator that a sportsbook has positioned itself at the forefront of the industry. What’s more, it means it holds a broad appeal for diverse patrons.
Play the Field
We’ve outlined some of the most important aspects of choosing a sportsbook. However, as you start to explore the world of betting, you’ll realize that the top platforms all offer a similar number of markets, features, and services.
As a result of this, in reality most bettors play the field. Many are signed up with multiple sportsbooks, which they’ll cycle through for a variety of reasons. Some might offer a high-value parlay bet, while others might instead have a fantastic March Madness bonus on offer.
Irrespective of how you yourself choose to go about selecting a platform, be sure to sign up for email notifications as these are your best way to discover new deals and features.