The betting industry is evolving rapidly, with new betting sites popping up every other week. If one person takes it seriously and makes the right comprehensive reviews, another will join the first bookmaker that appears and lose money. To be a successful bettor, it is recommended to stick to the first bookmaker who doesn’t take risks and prefers to play on trusted platforms. Therefore, in the following article, we’ll discuss the main principles of official bookmakers, why playing with unofficial bookmakers is like buying a pig in a poke, and provide you with a list of crucial criteria you need to consider.
The Rise of Unofficial Online Bookmakers
Unfortunately, the popularity of sports betting is not only the new opportunities, innovative solutions and new ways of betting but also the appearance of many dishonest sites. Such bookmakers are usually simple and do not have modern features such as live betting, welcome offers, virtuals or casino games. You probably won’t even be able to request a withdrawal and receive your winnings.
How to evaluate the unofficial bookmaker? It’s simple. Go to the website of one of the bookmakers and scroll down the page. Look at the bottom of the page for the sign of a license. Usually, you will notice the name of the licensor, e.g. Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya, and the number of the document next to it. In addition, you can open the betting-kenya.ke portal and read the comprehensive reviews of all available bookmakers in Kenya.
What are the Problems with Unlicensed Bookies
If you suddenly get into the hands of illegal bookies, it’s vital to know the possible problems and issues. We strongly recommend you stay away from bad-faith sites that you’re not sure about, and that’s why.
- First of all, unlicensed bookmakers operate in violation of the law. That’s because the Kenyan Betting Commission prohibits any betting services for companies that have not passed the test on security standards and fair odds, compliance with payment options, and others. As a result, you have a chance to fall into the trap of a bookie who has withdrawal problems, or the odds are not fair, and the law won’t protect you in case of any problem.
- Second, unlicensed bookmakers have a poor selection of sports, different types, and betting options. They simply don’t care about making your betting experience enjoyable. That’s why you won’t get any incentives, promotions or the opportunity to bet on your preferred sports events.
- Thirdly, the bookmaker has no money to pay out. Such sites have the only purpose is to cheat you. And the chance that they will pay you in full, no matter how big your winnings are, is extremely small. Think twice before registering with these sites, as they could not even pay for the license.
What are the Benefits of Licensed Bookies
Bookmakers with a valid license issued by a reliable betting regulator have more advantages. It’s hard to judge the trustworthiness of every bookmaker, but the presence of licenses and certificates from independent commissions is crucial. Take a look at the main benefits of why players should look for legally registered bookmakers.
- Security. When it comes to licensed bookmakers, security and privacy always come first. So, if you value the security of your personal information and want to keep it safe, make sure you only open an account with licensed sites.
- Legitimate bookmakers pay taxes on their revenues. Companies registered in your country must pay taxes on their revenues. This has a significant impact on the economics of the country. Basically, every time you deposit and place some bets, the bookmaker increases its revenue and pays taxes. Read more about the economic impact of betting here.
- Reputable software providers. None of the software developers would do business with illegal bookmakers. This refers to the fact that all software at licensed bookmakers is provided by reputable gaming studios. As a result, they ensure the stability of the games and fair results. This especially applies to casino games and virtual games.
- Responsible gambling. Sites that care about their users participate in responsible gambling programs. It minimizes the amount of negative impact on regular players, which includes managing risks and minimizing the harm from unhealthy gambling practices.
- More events and leagues. Licensed bookmakers have more opportunities to partner with numerous famous sports leagues and work with world-renowned players. In addition, there are more events to watch live at the top-rated bookmakers.
- Responsive customer support. A regulated site is committed to providing direct help to its users. As a result, they provide excellent customer support services. There are several methods of contact, such as email for more complex questions or complaints, live chat on the site for quick tutorials, FAQ section for common questions, and call center for urgent questions.
- Number of promotions available. Nowadays, the number and quality of promotions are important when choosing a bookmaker. However, the difference between regulated bookies and unlicensed ones in terms of bonuses is huge. And the difference is in the wagering requirements. Licensed sites offer good conditions for beginners who decide to take advantage of the welcome offer or regular players who get rewards for participating in the loyalty program.
Conclusion
Unofficial bookmakers without the proper license are mostly catfish. It’s hard to evaluate a bookmaker’s trustworthiness that the authorities do not regulate. As a result, you would get into big trouble concerning the safety of your betting experience. We’ve mentioned the biggest problems that await you at the unregulated sites and the advantages of playing at bookmakers with legal permits and certificates.