When it comes to choosing a football betting website it can be overwhelming due to the huge number of online betting brands. We are spoilt by the fact we have so many betting sites from which to choose but it can make it difficult to select which one to join, especially for beginners. On this page, we have 5 essential features to look for in a betting site which will make it easier for you to pick the ones you want to use. Licensing and Regulation This may seem like an obvious inclusion but it is surprising how many people fail to check the licensing and regulation of an online betting site before joining. While most online sportsbooks that do not hold the required license for a specific region will be blocked, there are some that slip throughout the net. That is not to say all of them are to be avoided and some could be licensed and regulated by reputable authorities. However, you do not want to find yourself in a position where you need some assistance from the sportsbook only to be ignored. If the sportsbook is not licensed and regulated for your region, you will not receive the same assistance as you would if they were fully licensed. Sports and Betting Markets Having confirmed the licensing and regulation, the next essential feature you want from a betting site is a wide range of sports and betting markets. You do not want to be restricted when it comes to the choice of sports and markets because you never know when you are going to want to bet on a particular sport or market. Also, seeing a bookie with a good choice of sports and markets is a sign they mean business and as soon as new betting markets are created, you know they will be quick to add them to their betting lines. Live Betting Live betting has become one of the most popular ways to bet on sport in recent years and no good betting site is complete without in-play betting. Live betting allows you to bet on a sporting event as it takes place and this opens many different betting opportunities that were not previously available. You can bet on the next player to score a touchdown in an football game or the next player to score a home run in baseball. You want the betting odds to update quickly so they match exactly what is happening in the event and you can follow the action live to give you a better chance of landing a winning bet. Linked closely to in-play betting is live streaming and this is a feature that can greatly enhance your live betting experience. Watching the action unfold and placing bets at the same time, all in the one window, is a fantastic way to bet live. One of the best bookies for this is bet365. Without a doubt they offer more in game betting opportunities than any other bookie. Fast Payout One of the main features to look for in a betting site is fast payout. When you win money betting online, you do not want to have to wait days for it to appear in your bank account or the wallet of your chosen payment option. Delays to receiving money from betting sites can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are planning on using the funds. You can check the payment options at the betting site of your choice and see if they have a table showing the timescale of pay outs. There should be no reason why an online sportsbook holds on to your money unless it involves a bonus and there are conditions that have yet to be met. Today, we can all transfer money quickly using apps on a mobile phone and so we expect the same from betting sites. Some of the top fast payout betting sites include William Hill, DraftKings, bet365, and Betfred. Mobile Apps There is nothing wrong with using a mobile optimized website and many people are happy to use their mobile browser for online betting. However, nothing beats the ease of use and functionality of a dedicated betting app. For those who want to bet regularly using a mobile device, a mobile betting app is an essential feature because it has been created specifically for the smaller touch screen. Our Top 5 Recommended Betting sites