The rise of independent sportsbooks is evident today. These bookmakers have become suitable, especially among U.S. residents. Considering that they are a palm away, are easy to join, and offer new customers generous incentives, it is understandable why these bookmakers are popular.
Yet, there is no way of telling how much the industry is worth. But, the market is reputedly worth over $100 billion each year. Surprisingly, half of this comes from Americans. According to the American Gaming Association, H2 Gambling Capital, and Eilers & Krejcik, American wager in independent sportsbooks between $50 billion and $200 billion each year.
Even with the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, the growth of independent sportsbooks seems unaffected. Although several bookmakers have withdrawn their operations from various states, they continue to thrive. This is possible for a sportsbook pay per head (PPH) because it does not have to endure high operation costs.
PPH solutions allow a bookie to operate for a small fee per player. Continue reading to explore everything about independent sportsbooks, including their performance and examples of the best in the market.
What Is an Independent Sportsbook?
An independent sportsbook is a term used to describe a bookmaker based in another country. For example, the bookie could be hosted in Panama, Curacao, Costa Rica, or Antigua but accepts wagers from players in America.
No gambling regulator in America does not license these bookies. But, players love them for several reasons.
Why Independent Bookmakers Are Popular Among Players
The rise of independent sportsbooks could be a result of several things. These include:
1. The Range Of Sports Betting Options
While sports betting might be legal in your state, the bookies might not offer comprehensive sports betting options due to local legislation. On the other hand, independent bookies provide a vast range of sports betting options. Although sports betting is available in 26 states, over 24 states have yet to legalize sports gambling.
Thus, players from these regions look for the most available betting site, usually independent bookies. Remember, most sportsbooks have geo-restrictions, meaning only players from a specific state can bet on a particular bookie. This means players have one option: look for sportsbooks pay per head that accepts players worldwide.
2. Live Betting
The ability to bet on an ongoing match has taken sports betting to the next level. Players can bet on a live game with a sportsbook pay per head.
3. Safety & Security
Even with the bookie located offshore, it does not comprise security. The licenser ensures that these sportsbooks follow strict regulations to ensure players’ data security and fair gaming.
4. Good Odds
Most sportsbooks in the USA have physical locations and an online platform through which players can place bets. Whether you choose to bet in the retail shop or over the phone, the odds are the same and average because of lower overheads. However, with offshore bookies, the odds are better.
For example, New York imposes a 50+ percent tax on sportsbooks, resulting in bad odds for bettors. Yet, players want to bet on a site that gives them a high return when their bets win.
5. Many Deposit Options
Having several methods to deposit and withdraw money to and from a gambling site appeals to many players. Fortunately, independent sportsbooks have both FIAT and cryptocurrency deposit and withdrawal methods.
6. Promotions
Most independent bookmakers offer promotions to attract new players. Besides a welcome offer, these bookies offer ongoing promotions.
These are some of the benefits that make these sportsbooks popular with players. With bitcoin’s popularity, the rise of independent sportsbooks is more likely.
Bitcoin Plays a Huge Role in the Rising Popularity of Independent Sportsbooks
Forty percent of the wagers placed on independent sportsbooks are funded through cryptocurrency. In January 2018, marketing manager for BookMaker.EU, John Milton told Bloomberg Law that top online bookmakers had seen a rise in the number of people that deposited their funds through bitcoin.
The bookie is among the top five go-to independent sportsbooks for USA residents. Before the end of 2017, the bookie had recorded 42 percent of customers that had deposited through cryptocurrency methods. Moreover, 85 percent had used the option to cash out.
Bitcoin and other cryptos may be popular in the gambling industry for several reasons. But, the reason that tops the list is anonymity. According to Adam S. Tracy of Tracy Firm Ltd, people prefer to transact using crypto because they are anonymous.
Tracy represents firms and people that use Bitcoin or any other form of cryptocurrency. She noted that the anonymous structure of cryptocurrency allowed bettors based in the USA to bypass federal laws that restrict betting on sportsbooks based in another country.
Notably, more and more independent sportsbooks are opting to use cryptocurrency as payment. With this method, players do not have to explain how they use their money to transfer money from their banks’ accounts to offshore gambling sites.
For example, if you tried to deposit money to a foreign sportsbook using your credit, the transaction might be canceled. Your bank might even flag your account, which could lead to an investigation. With the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2016, financial institutions escape legal repercussions by refusing to process money to gambling sites or accepting withdrawals from these sportsbooks.
Top 5 Independent Sportsbooks
There are hundreds of independent sportsbooks you can play at. However, when you consider factors such as security, payment methods, and promotions, that list reduces to just a few. Below is a list of the top seven independent sportsbooks:
1. Bovada
This bookie takes the first spot on this list for several reasons. It is the leader in the live betting sector. Moreover, it offers live streaming, allowing bettors to watch a game unfold as they place bets in real time.
Another outstanding feature is the diverse betting markets of over 20 sports, including modern bet markets such as futsal, beach volleyball, politics, and entertainment. Players also get a welcome bonus after depositing through traditional methods or cryptocurrency.
2. BetOnline
Starting with hundreds of prop bets besides the usual Moneyline, against the spread, and over/under, this sportsbook has every feature to make players’ experiences worthwhile. Another reason this independent sportsbook makes it to this list is the friendly interface.
The layout is perfect, giving you a glimpse of everything in the bookie’s lobby. There is a dedicated section for live betting and a bet slip that a first-timer bettor will find easy to modify.
3. BookMaker
The legacy of BookMaker dates back to 1996 when it went online. One of the impressive things about this sportsbook is that it has never kicked out a player for winning large sums of money. Usually, most sportsbooks limit players on what they can win or bet. But, BookMaker is slightly different, and it always pays up in time.
The bookie also accepts funds through tens of deposit methods and even processes wins through crypto-options. BookMaker has also implemented the best security measures to ensure data and the platform’s security.
4. Sportsbetting
Sports betting has several perks for American bettors. One of these focuses on offering multiple bet markets for most American sports, including the NFL, Major League Baseball (MLB), college sports, and others. It also provides international bet markets for golf, horse racing, soccer, tennis, etc.
The sportsbook also offers a welcome bonus package. There is an eSports section covering different sports you can play when you want to take a break from betting on real sports.
5. Intertops
Intertops stands out from other bookies with its competitive odds. The slight difference between its odds and the ones offered by different sportsbooks makes a considerable difference in the long run.
Apart from that, the sportsbook has live betting on most sports and an HD streaming feature allowing you to watch a game as you place your bets. Moreover, it updates real-time odds along with prop wagers during popular games.
There is also a welcome bonus. The only disadvantage is the withdrawal limit set at $10 per transaction. However, all withdrawals are processed within 24 hours.
Become an Independent Sportsbook
From the details above, it is evident Americans are drawn to independent sportsbooks. As a billion-dollar industry, it is clear that you have a share. Join the industry by becoming an independent sportsbook pay per head.
This sportsbook solution allows you to have an independent bookie running as smoothly as any of the top five sportsbooks above. It comes with many sports markets popular in the USA and other countries, a payment solution, and live betting features. Most of the actions on the bookie are automated, including calculating winners’ payments and releasing the funds.
The only work left to you is the overall management of the sportsbook. What’s more, you can get a customized platform instead of the many unique templates we have. We could discuss incorporating a digital casino and a racebook to add several revenue sources.
Contact Power Pay Per Head today to get your sportsbook software. We will also guide you toward running a successful bookie.
