A quick history lesson for those unfamiliar with sportsbet: It was founded in Australia in 1993, was the country’s first licensed bookmaker, and is now one of the biggest online, mobile and app-based betting sites around. That’s thanks in large part to Matthew Tripp, who saw the rise of a new industry and helped to shape it along the way.

Tripp was an early adopter of the idea that a massive shift in sports gambling would take place, and helped to make it happen. He used innovative marketing techniques such as money-back specials and “justice” refunds to get the word out and create a loyal customer base that still lingers today.

Using data is key when choosing potential bets. This is why it’s important to find a paid data service that can help you make sense of the stats and make better betting decisions. A good one will have a ton of NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA game-by-game analysis and will help you translate that into actionable bets that can improve your bankroll.

Don’t read user reviews as gospel. People’s opinions differ, and what one person thinks is a bad site another might love. Instead, research each sportsbook by checking its licensing (it should be licensed in Curacao) and investigating the betting markets available. It’s also worth noting that some sportsbooks will only accept bets on certain events, such as major football games and NHL Stanley Cup playoff matchups.