How do we rate bookmakers in OCBookies?

As betting experts, our main interest is to provide players with responsible and updated information about legal betting sites. In this article, we will show you how we rate bookmakers, analyzing the criteria we use when writing our reviews and scoring each sportsbook.

Our criteria for choosing the best betting websites

Before recommending any betting site, our team of experts thoroughly analyzes the sportsbook and its features. Only those meeting high security and quality standards are considered in our rankings, so you can confidently choose any.

Now, given that the world betting market is so extensive, you may want to evaluate other options as well. To help you, we have listed the main selection criteria we use when rating betting houses:

• Security;
• Bonus program;
• Deposit and withdrawal methods;
• Betting markets and odds;
• Casino games and suppliers;
• Mobile applications;
• Customer service.

Security

The first filter a bookmaker goes through is legality. If the site is not legal, we don’t even bother to consider the following parameters. To do this, we analyze the following factors:

• Local licensing: Some countries have their regulatory framework to oversee online betting. In some cases, they even have local entities that issue licenses. However, if there is no legislation of its own, the international license of the bookmaker is evaluated;
• Foreign license: Players can also safely register at bookmakers with foreign licenses, such as those of Malta, Curacao, or the United Kingdom. It is important to verify that the license is legitimate and up to date and that the company has a good reputation;
• SSL Certificate: It is a digital seal that authenticates the security of a website. The protocol is responsible for encrypting all the information that travels through the website, such as your data or banking information;
• Awards and sponsorships: Although this factor is optional, companies that have won international awards have greater credibility. Being an official sponsor of one or more sports clubs also reflects solidity;
• Responsible gaming: It is also important that the website offers tools to players to promote responsible gaming, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion periods.

Betting on a website without a license or of questionable origin puts your personal information at stake, and you run the risk of losing the money you deposit. Therefore, it is essential to consider the legality of the betting site before analyzing the following criteria.

Bonus program

The following criterion with which we rate bookmakers is their bonus program, starting with the welcome bonus. We analyze both the amount and the conditions of the promotion. The rules must be fair for the players. We also consider the bonus program in general; we value that it offers other incentives besides the welcome bonus:

• Free or no-risk bets;
• No deposit bonuses;
• Cashback on sports and casino;
• Insurance for combined bets;
• Deposit bonuses;
• Free spins;
• Loyalty program;
• Promotional codes store.

Payment methods

The bookmaker must offer a wide selection of online payment methods. Bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, and e-wallets are the most common payment methods. In addition, some websites, especially those licensed by the Government of Curaçao, accept payments in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

When evaluating a bookmaker, we also strive to verify that payment processing is efficient and transparent. We make deposits and withdrawals in compliance with the terms and conditions to see the speed of payments and the ease of the process.

Betting markets and odds

The best bookmakers offer a wide selection of sports and multiple betting markets. This wide variety of odds allows players to take advantage of different situations in sporting events rather than sticking to the basic markets.

Additionally, we compare and evaluate the odds to determine which company offers the best conditions for players. The more attractive the odds, the better. Keep in mind that each site may have higher odds for certain sports, so it is important to compare based on your betting preferences. 

It is also important that you evaluate the quality of the live betting tab, as well as the resources and tools provided. Among them, we can highlight:

• Live streaming;
• Real-time statistics;
• Special functions, such as Bet Builder and Cash Out.

Casino games and suppliers

Bookmakers also have a casino games tab, so this is another evaluation criterion we employ. It is recommended that the company offers:

• Many slots, table games, Crash games, lotteries, among other categories; 
• Games from licensed software providers, such as NetEnt, Smartsoft Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Play’n GO, and Microgaming, among others;
• Bonuses and promotions for casino games;
• Weekly tournaments;
• Live casino;
• Loyalty program for playing in the casino.

Mobile applications

A neat, intuitive, and modern mobile version is essential for a bookmaker to be among the best. The rating improves significantly if the company has a native app for iOS and Android. Mobile apps offer several interesting advantages:

• They facilitate the use of the sportsbook on phones and tablets;
• They provide quick access to your account;
• You can receive push notifications with the results of your bets, streams of matches added to “Favorites,” and new promotions.

When evaluating the mobile applications of bookmakers, we consider parameters such as:

• Compatibility: Ideally, it should be available for iOS and Android, although some offer apps for Android but not for iOS;
• Operation: The application must improve the operation of the bookmaker, not slow it down. In addition, it must offer stability when used with mobile data;
• Design: Many bookmaker apps offer an interface that simplifies the mobile version, and it is not just a copy.

Customer service

A final selection criterion is the quality of customer service. Ideally, the sportsbook should offer live chat 24 hours a day, every day, so that users receive timely answers when they need them.

It is also important that the customer service channels are in the local language and that the operators give concrete and accurate answers. Other means of communication that you can find are:

• Email: A business email address provides a good brand image;
• Contact form: This is useful for queries and problem-solving;
• Via phone: Some bookmakers also have a contact number for WhatsApp calls or messages. There is also a “Call back” option.

Our editorial line

We stay up to date with the latest in sports betting and casino games to ensure our readers always receive accurate information. Additionally, our team of experts follows a set of guidelines when creating the content presented, among which we can highlight the following.

Original content

Our content is 100% original, taken directly from the bookmakers’ official websites. The information is periodically verified to update the ratings of the betting sites. The writers use customer support channels to provide accurate information to our readers if they have questions. As for plagiarism, it is strictly forbidden.

Fact-checking

The information provided by our team is verified by editors. We check the entire process, from registration to withdrawal of winnings, to provide a realistic and honest estimate. Content errors are corrected by our editors and re-evaluated before being published. The process is arduous, but our readers deserve it.

Independence

As part of our culture of original content, we conduct our research when ranking the best bookmakers. The reviews are based on facts, not on third-party appraisals. Of course, the intention is not to issue an irrefutable judgment about the companies, as our readers have the final say in choosing the ideal one.

What you should also know

Our selection criteria for evaluating online betting sites are shared to provide readers with a comprehensive guide for making their assessments.

However, other considerations, such as the variety in the betting market, payment methods, or promotional catalog, are for personal consideration. Each player decides which of these aspects is a priority to have a positive betting experience.

We conclude this guide by reminding you of the importance of taking the time to read the terms and conditions of both the user agreement and the promotions you wish to accept. Make sure you comply with all the company’s rules when registering and place your sports bets on the best websites.