With the growth of online sports betting reaching astronomical heights, sports bettors have to be aware that not all online sportsbooks are equal. Some sites are up just to take your money. Other sports betting sites are just not good enough to deserve your business. By following these simple common sense guidelines you can start placing bets online with confidence.

Guideline #1 - Where Is Your Online Sports Betting Site Located?

Does the Sportsbook do business in a country or location that allows offshore gambling? Look for countries that are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Other countries like Costa Rica and Antigua allow sports betting as well.

Guideline #2 - How Fast Is the Site?

When going to a sports betting site notice how fast is the internet connection. Does it download with bullet like speed? You don't want to place a bet on a site that is slow and sluggish. If an online sportsbook is slow, this means that the ownership is too cheap to add resources. Go to the site right before a big game. If the site can't handle the volume then go somewhere else.

Guideline #3 - How Many Methods of Deposit Do They Have?

If a site doesn't offer credit cards as a method of deposit, then this could be a sign that they have issues with the bank or could be in some kind of financial trouble.

Guideline #4- How Long Has the Online Sportsbook Been in Business?

An online sportsbook should be in business for at least a couple of years. This allows them to build a solid reputation and overcome any growing pains.

Guideline #5 - How Financially Secure is The Online Sportsbook?

The company should have everything in place to secure funds. It is good to look for companies that are listed on the London Stock Exchange. By being listed on the London Stock Exchange, they have certain financial guidelines by which they need to adhere.

Guideline #6 - What Kind Of Management Do They have?

The sports betting site should have experts in the field of online wagering. They are there to help you place a bet. Poor management is a good example of how the site does business.

Guideline #7 - How Good Is There Customer Service?

Does the company have English speaking representatives? Are they courteous and helpful? Are they available 24/7? You want to make sure that they are exceptional because if there is ever a problem it all comes down to getting paid. If the site doesn't offer excellent customer service how can you trust them?

Guideline #8 - Does the Online Sportsbook Have Modern Technology?

Check for toll free customer service lines. Do they have fast servers and updated software? Your online sports book should have the most expensive and user friendly equipment.

Guideline #9 - How Liberal are the Wagering Rules?

Make sure that they offer the best odds, teasers and parlays. You want the best opportunity to make money.

Guideline #10 - What Kind of Bonuses and Promotions Do They Offer?

Does the online sportbook offer free money or rebates on deposits?

There you have it! You can now bet on the Superbowl, Kentucky Derby or any other sporting event with confidence by using these simple common sense guidelinegs.

Michael Speziale is an online sportbetting, sportsbook, poker and gambling expert. He is also the owner of the popular YnotBet.com. You can access his site at http://ynotbet.com