The sports betting industry in the Philippines has grown tremendously in recent years. According to TGM Research, over 38.91% of the country’s population is actively involved in sports betting. Apart from the country’s lenient betting laws, a significant driver of this massive growth is the rise of online betting sites. Undoubtedly, these platforms offer more flexibility and convenience to punters, alongside several other advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar betting shops.
Today, several local and offshore online bookmakers are thriving in the Filipino betting market, with new ones rising almost daily. However, due to the many options available, finding the best bookmaker may be challenging for Filipino punters, especially beginners. That is why we at InterPress Services have invited a betting expert from BetZillion, Jimmy Daytona, to provide insights into how to choose the best online betting site in the Philippines. Jimmy explores all the significant factors in this guide before choosing a bookmaker. Let’s get into it!
Licensing
A valid license is one of the most important things to consider when choosing an online sportsbook. A gaming license shows that your preferred online sportsbook can provide betting services legally. Apart from legalism, a valid license also proves that a betting platform offers transparent, safe, and fair services as it is strictly bound by the standards and regulations of its regulatory body.
Online betting is 100% legal in the Philippines, with specific authorities regulating the industry. However, the primary local authority for licensing sports betting sites in the Philippines is the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). It means every betting site operating within the country must be licensed and regulated by PAGCOR.
Furthermore, not all of the numerous offshore betting sites that open virtual doors to Filipino players are properly licensed. Therefore, Jimmy advises players to watch out for valid international licenses when betting on these platforms. Examples of the most reputable licensing authorities include:
- Curacao eGaming
- Kahwanakhe
- Malta Gaming Authority
- United Kingdom Gaming Corporation
- Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA)
Safety and Security
Cyber attacks are one of the most common plagues of the digital world. Therefore, it is essential to consider the security measures an online sportsbook adopts to protect its customers from cyber threats before signing up. Online betting requires you to share personal and financial information, such as your name, address, date of birth, etc., with your selected betting site. These details can end up in the hands of fraudsters and hackers if the sportsbook is not secure, putting you at risk.
One of the essential security measures to check for in an online sportsbook is the industry-standard SSL encryption certificate. This technology creates a secure connection that encrypts all the information you share with your sportsbook so hackers can’t access them. In addition, you must ensure that your preferred sportsbook features secure payment methods and not shady ones that can defraud bettors of their money. It would help if you also looked for other measures, such as 2FA and regular security updates.
Lastly, Jimmy notes that players also have responsibilities in ensuring their safety on online sportsbooks. These include setting strong passwords, using secure devices and connections, avoiding public Wi-Fi, etc.
Reputation and History
Seeing the sheer number of online betting sites, it is safe to assume that not all of them are reputable. Therefore, it is essential to research the record and history of a sportsbook before signing up. One way to check a site’s reputation and history is to read online reviews and customer feedback. Often, trustworthy and reliable sites with a track record of fair play, timely payouts, and positive customer experiences will have many positive reviews and ratings.
Other reliable sources to gather accurate information about online sportsbooks include unbiased review sites, HLTV, Reddit, Twitch, TrustPilot, and AskGamblers. Moreover, you can also look for bookmakers that have been in the industry for a long time, as they usually have a proven track record of providing fair and secure betting experiences.
Betting Options and Markets
Another significant factor bettors must consider when choosing an online sportsbook is the range of available betting opportunities. One of the hallmarks of an excellent bookmaker is that it covers a vast range of sports, from mainstream ones like football, basketball, cricket, boxing, volleyball, hockey, baseball, etc., to not-so-popular or specialized ones.
A vast range of sports events provides bettors multiple options to explore, increasing their chances of winning. Besides an immense sports library, a betting site must cover various events. Top sportsbooks cover all major sports leagues and tournaments, such as the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, ICC Cricket World Cup, Indian Premier League, NHL, NBA, ATP Tennis, etc. However, a suitable betting site for Filipino players must also cover local competitions such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Lastly, a sportsbook must offer various betting markets or types. The more options and markets available, the more opportunities you have to find profitable bets. Beyond popular markets like money line, spread, and over/under, the best sportsbooks allow players to wager on player and proposition bets like the number of penalties/cards, first team to score, number of passing yards by a player, etc.
Bonuses and Promotions
Due to the high competition in the industry, almost every online sportsbook uses bonus and promo offers to attract new customers and retain existing ones. These offers allow bettors to boost their bankroll and extend their budget. Furthermore, they significantly increase bettors’ chances of success by helping them place more wagers with lesser risks to their original bankroll. Some offers also help newbies try out new sportsbooks for free before committing with real money.
Therefore, players must consider the range and type of offers on a sportsbook before signing up. The best online bookmakers offer multiple incentives to ensure players enjoy a profitable betting experience. Examples of common bonuses at online sportsbooks include:
- Welcome bonuses
- Deposit bonuses
- No deposit bonuses
- Reload bonuses
- Free bets
- Cashback bonuses
- Loyalty rewards and VIP programs
Furthermore, players must also consider the conditions attached to the bonuses offered by an online sportsbook. For instance, while some sites offer rewards that are easy to redeem, others may have strict wagering requirements, time limits, or other restrictions that make it difficult to withdraw your winnings. According to Jimmy, the wagering requirement of a sportsbook’s bonuses is often more critical than their attractiveness.
Payment Methods
Online betting mainly revolves around monetary transactions. Therefore, bettors must consider available banking methods when choosing an online sportsbook. First, your preferred betting site must offer various payment options, including the ones supported in the Philippines. In addition, a wide range of payment methods means you can easily find the best options for fast, seamless, and secure deposits and withdrawals.
Furthermore, you must also ensure the bookmaker has a reputation for fast and reliable payouts. In addition, it must use industry-standard security measures such as SSL encryption to ensure the safety of your transactions and financial details.
Popular banking methods you’ll come across on Filipino betting sites include:
| Instant | Take a time (up to several days) |
| Apple pays | Bank transfer |
| ecoPayz | Debit cards |
| Paypal | Credit cards |
| Paysafecard |
Competitive Odds
The higher the odds a sportsbook offers for a sports event, the higher the potential payout. Naturally, these odds vary from one betting site to the other. While these differences may look minimal, they significantly impact your overall bet slip. Therefore, comparing the odds offered by different platforms to find the most competitive ones before choosing is essential. It will help you find the best value for your wagers. In addition, some online betting sites also offer price boosts, enhanced odds, or other promotions that can provide a better deal than the standard odds.
Customer Service
Regardless of how excellent the services of a betting site are, players will occasionally face issues, whether with registration, withdrawals, or placing wagers. Therefore, excellent customer service is one of the factors that determine an enjoyable betting experience. The best online sportsbooks offer fast and responsive customer support over multiple channels, including telephone, email, live chat, social media, etc. They also feature an FAQ section that provides personalized answers to common queries by players, alongside other invaluable resources.
Conclusion
According to Jimmy, your choice of sportsbook determines how successful your betting journey will be. While there’s no yardstick to label an online betting site as the best, combining the factors discussed in this article will help you make an informed decision. Most importantly, ensure your preferred choice ticks the necessary boxes, and never settle for a bookmaker that doesn’t suit your preferences.
To round up, below is a list of other factors to consider when choosing an online sportsbook:
- Live streaming
- Live betting
- Website Interface
- Mobile application
