When it comes to betting, there are two ways to place your wager. You can opt to visit a betting shop or simply wager online. Betting shops are physical locations that licensed bookmakers have where bettors can officially place their bets. On the other hand, online betting is placing your wager via the internet. Among punters, there has always been the question of which is better. Betting online or betting in shops?
Online betting
The online revolution certainly had a huge impact on sports betting. With ease of accessibility, and massive growth in the number of betting sites, this industry has grown tremendously.
Over the years, online betting sites have also added a plethora of bet types, increased sports coverage, and included outstanding features such as cash out, bet builder and live betting.
Betting shops
The UK has several betting shops located strategically across all the cities. As of 2020, the number of shops was 6,735 belonging to bookmakers such as William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Stan James, BetVictor, and Betfred.
Betting shops have diversified to other sports other than horse racing. In addition, these shops feature large screens where live matches are streamed. Bettors can confirm how their bets are progressing while they wait for results. Unlike online sites, here players have to hand-write their bets on a bet slip. It’s only during special sporting events that they have pre-printed coupons.
Online betting vs betting shops
When it comes to deciding how to wager, understand that each method has its pros n cons. Here is how wagering on betting sites outside Gamstop differs from betting shops.
Better odds
Online betting offers better odds than betting shops. This is because betting shops have operational costs to cater to, unlike online sites.
More betting markets
Unlike betting shops, online sites have more sports coverage from popular sports to esports to live casino tables. Most betting shops choose to offer betting on popular sports only.
Bonus offers and promotions
In an attempt to attract more bettors, online sites offer an array of enticing offers. It’s now common to find welcome bonuses on most sites for newly registered players. Moreover, these sites have free bets, cash backs, odd boosts, and reload bonuses to make gameplay fun. Of course, betting shops have offers too but not in plenty as the online sites.
Outstanding features
Online platforms have several features making them more fun and simple. Features such as cash out and bet builders are highly sorted out after by punters. Betting shops miss out on these features.
Convenience
It goes without saying that online betting offers ease of accessibility. With mobile apps and most sites optimized for mobile gaming, players can gamble from anywhere at any time.
Final thoughts
Online betting clearly offers more perks compared to betting shops. Nonetheless, bookmakers are ensuring that betting shops remain relevant in today’s world. For instance, on some sites players can transfer their online winnings to the betting shop and vice versa. In addition, betting shops have introduced pre-paid cards that can be used to fund betting accounts and also be redeemed at fast food joints.
