What We Look for in Visa Betting Sites
Here at Odds Shark, we take online betting seriously. This is a given, of course, but we want to reiterate that fact so you know that any of the sportsbooks that accept Visa that we recommend are safe, secure and trustworthy. We have vetted each one to ensure that they all have the features we look for in a sports betting site.
Bet Types and Odds
The majority of online sportsbooks display their odds in three formats: American (-500), decimal (1.20) and fractional (1/5). You will have the option to select the type you prefer. In terms of betting types, look for moneylines (straight-up bets), point spreads, totals (OVER/UNDER), props, parlays (multiple bets on one ticket), teasers and futures.
Live betting is where these sites really shine. You can find odds and lines on most games that are updated before each play, at-bat, kick, drive or throw.
Sports Offered
If you’re looking for action on the top North American sports (NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB), you’ll find odds and lines on everything from big events like the Super Bowl and World Series to a regular-season matchup between the Clippers and Lakers. There’s also bet offerings for college sports (NCAA football, NCAA basketball), soccer (EPL, MLS, Champions League), golf, combat sports (boxing, UFC), motorsports (Formula 1, NASCAR), cricket, and men’s and women’s tennis.
Moreover, sportsbooks are providing bettors with odds on entertainment (awards shows, reality TV), politics (election betting, nomination clinching), and esports (tournaments). Also, most Visa card sites have their own racebook letting you bet on horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby. Finally, there are online casino sections where you can play table games such as blackjack or poker, and online slots for real money.
Bonuses and Rewards
When you sign up to any sportsbook that accepts credit cards, you’re entitled to a Welcome Bonus. This will come in the form of a free bet or match. Let’s say you’ve added $100 to your account. You could be offered a match bonus of 100 percent up to $200 which basically gives you another $100 to play with.
Besides Visa deposit bonuses, reduced juice is a reward sometimes given to bettors if they bet on a certain sport. This is the cut the betting site takes of each wager. For example, you could be given lines of 105 instead of the usual 110 if you bet on a Monday Night Football game.
Make sure to read the fine print before accepting any sportsbook bonus. No site is alike and the stipulations attached to each offer will vary.
Visa Deposit and Withdrawal Limits
The amount you can add to your betting account depends on the sportsbook. Generally, it ranges from $1 to $10,000. In terms of withdrawals, the restrictions are usually $1 to $1000. You don’t have to take out your winnings, though. You can keep them in your bankroll and keep playing.
Customer Service
The mark of a great betting site is its client services department. Should something go wrong with your account, you want to get it resolved right away. Most books provide 24-7 customer service in the form of email, phone and live chat.
User Interface
When we vet an online sportsbook, we look for ease of use. If a site takes too long to load or is littered with graphics that clutter the screen, we’re not interested. Likewise, betting sites need to be optimized for all tech whether it’s a laptop, desktop or mobile product. No matter if you use an Android phone or tablet, or an Apple device (iPad, iPhone), you should have the exact same betting experience.
How to Make a Deposit Using Visa
To make a Visa deposit, you’ll need your credit card information handy and your email address. You’ll need to input your card number, expiration date and the three-digit security code on the back (sometimes called CVV, CVC or SPC). Once your deposit is accepted, the funds will appear in your account. Some sites will send you a confirmation email letting you know that they’ve received your payment.
The time it takes for your money to appear can range from a few seconds to 24 hours, depending on the country where your card is issued. The only deposit method that is instantaneous is Bitcoin.
Why Choose Visa for Your Credit Card Deposits?
Betting sites use payment processors which are third-party companies designed to handle transactions from credit cards. This provides bettors with a buffer between their banks and the online sportsbook, adding an extra level of security that you would not get from other payment options.
Another great thing about using Visa is that you can bet in your currency of choice. Even if the betting site only offers wagering in one specific coinage, your card will tackle the transaction in the currency it was issued in whether it’s USD, CAD, euros or Indian rupees.
If you don’t have a Visa card, you can get the prepaid version which is basically like a traditional Visa, except it comes with a pre-loaded amount like a gift card. Most sites that accept credit cards will also take this payment method.
Lastly, a company like Visa, with millions of clients and a reputation to uphold, can be selective when it comes to which online sportsbooks it will allow to use its services. This means that a Visa logo on the Deposits or Banking Methods page of a sports betting site is essentially a stamp of approval.