How to Start a Sports Betting Website?

How do you start a sports betting website in 2024? We’ve all thought about starting our own business at some point. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, a sufficient budget and a passion for sports, launching your own sports betting website can be the ultimate new venture. 

The sports betting industry has exploded in recent years and continues to grow rapidly around the world. While starting any new business comes with risks and challenges, the potential rewards of operating in this space are huge.

In this article, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know to start your own sports betting website. From obtaining the proper licenses to building your website platform to marketing your new business, we’ve got you covered. 

Starting a sports betting website is no small task, but with some hard work and persistence, you can build a successful business in this niche. 

If you’re ready to become the next big player in the sports betting industry, let’s dive in and get started!

So, how to create a sports betting website from scratch?

How to Start a Sports Betting Website?

Before you get started, here is a cheat sheet with all the things you will need for a quick reference.

Item	Options / Where to Obtain
Domain Name 🌐	Domain registrars (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap)
Web Hosting 🖥️	Hosting services (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround)
Sports Betting Software 🎲	Providers specializing in betting software
Affiliate Marketing Software 🔗	iGaming Affiliate platforms (e.g., Scaleo)
Payment Gateway 💳	Services like PayPal, Stripe
SSL Certificate 🔒	Providers like Let’s Encrypt, Comodo
Legal Compliance & Licensing ⚖️	Consulting legal experts, local regulations
Marketing & Advertising 📢	Digital marketing agencies, online ads
Customer Support Tools 🤝	Helpdesk software (e.g., Zendesk, Freshdesk)
Analytics & Reporting Tools 📊	Tools like Google Analytics, Tableau

Choosing a Domain Name and Hosting for Your Betting Website

To get your sports betting website up and running, you need to choose a domain name and hosting. This is the foundation of any website, so let’s do it right.

For the domain, you want something easy to remember that relates to sports betting. Think of “sportsbook.com” or “bet.com” as the ideal examples. Check if your top choices are available, and if not, a domain broker might have them up for sale.

The shorter and the catchier your domain is, the easiest it will be to do branding later.

Next, you need web hosting. 

This is what actually stores your website files and makes them accessible on the internet. We recommend going with a hosting service that specializes in high-traffic websites. Look for a plan with plenty of storage space, bandwidth, and security features like SSL encryption.

Some betting software vendors offer to host your website on their platform (SaaS); in that case, you won’t need a separate hosting service, just your domain name.

You can start designing your site once you have your domain and hosting. Again, if you opt-in for a SaaS betting software vendor, it will probably come with pre-built templates to choose from. Otherwise, you can storm the web for pre-made betting website designs built for your chosen CMS.

Obtaining a Gaming License to Operate Legally

To legally run a sports betting website, you have to obtain a gaming license. This is mandatory in the vast majority of countries globally, so it’s one of the most important steps you can’t ignore.

This involves a lengthy application process, but operating legally and ethically is critical.

First, you have to determine which jurisdiction you want to obtain a license in. 

Some are stricter than others regarding regulations and taxes. Most people choose Malta for their reasonable fees and requirements.

You’ll need to gather the necessary documentation, including:

• business plans
• financial statements
• background checks, 
• and more. 

The application generally asks for details on your business model, target markets, risk management procedures, and responsible gaming policies.

Then came the compliance phase. You must implement controls like age verification, self-exclusion programs, and deposit limits before launching. Regular audits and reporting are also required to maintain the license.

The entire process takes about 18 months and a sizable investment, but now you can operate knowing you meet all legal and ethical standards. Your players can bet safely and responsibly, and you have the stability of a licensed and regulated business.

If you’re considering starting a sportsbook, don’t cut corners on licensing.

Do thorough research on jurisdictions and their regulations to find one that suits your needs. The application process may be long, but with hard work and persistence, you’ll get there – and have an operation you can feel proud of.

Partnering with Sports Leagues and Data Providers

To build a successful sports betting website, partnering with sports leagues and data providers is key. You need real-time data and statistics to set accurate odds and lines.

Forming partnerships with major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB will allow us to use their official data, team names, and logos on your website.

This builds credibility with users and helps us stand out from competitors. Licensing deals with leagues can be expensive, so we’ll need significant funding to afford these kinds of partnerships.

Data providers collect stats, results, and other information from leagues and tournaments worldwide. By partnering with companies like Stats Perform, Sportradar, or Genius Sports, we’ll have access to comprehensive data APIs to integrate into your website and mobile apps. Accurate, real-time data is essential for setting odds and enabling live betting.

Reliable data and partnerships with reputable leagues and data companies establish us as a trusted source for sports betting. Integrating their data and content onto your platform also improves the overall user experience. With official data and visuals, bettors feel more confident in the accuracy of your odds and betting options.

Forming the right partnerships early on will set your sportsbook up for success. Be prepared to allocate a sizable portion of funding to data licensing and league deals to build a premium betting experience. While these types of partnerships require big investments, they are well worth the cost. 

Selecting a Betting Software Platform

As sports betting website operators, you need to choose a software platform to power your site. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, as the software largely determines your website’s user experience and capabilities. 

There are a few options to consider:

• Proprietary software: Developing your own platform in-house gives us the most control and flexibility but requires a major investment of time and money to build and maintain.
• White-label solutions: Using a white-label product allows us to launch quickly. You can customize and brand the platform as your own. However, we’re limited to the features and designs the provider offers.
• Open source software: Open source platforms are free to use but require technical skills to set up and configure. You would need a sports betting website development team to customize the software and address any issues. Updates and new features also depend on the open-source community.

For most new sports betting sites, a white-label solution is the way to go. You can always develop your own proprietary platform down the road once you’ve established your business. 

The key is finding an option with essential features like:

• an intuitive user interface
• robust security
• payment processing
• odds management
• live betting
• mobile optimization.

With the right software powering your website, you will be able to provide an engaging experience for your users and stand out in the crowded sports betting market. Let the games begin!

Implementing a Secure and Robust Payment System

Implementing a secure and robust payment system is critical for any business, shaping how it manages transactions, ensures customer trust, and upholds its reputation. 

Cybercrime has become increasingly sophisticated; therefore, safeguarding sensitive financial data is not just important, but a necessity. 

This section will explore the importance of secure and robust payment systems, diving into the technologies and methodologies that allow businesses to handle transactions securely, and why these measures are crucial in today’s digital landscape.

Choose a Payment Gateway

To accept payments on your sports betting website, you’ll need to partner with a payment gateway service. 

The payment options for sportsbook websites have evolved over the years, providing numerous ways for users to fund their accounts and withdraw their winnings. 

The selection of payment methods can vary from site to site, but commonly include:

1. Credit/Debit Cards: These are traditionally the most common payment methods for online transactions. Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes American Express and Discover are usually accepted.
2. Bank Transfers: Direct transfers from a user’s bank account can be another option.
3. E-Wallets: Digital wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller allow users to keep money online in a single place and make transactions from there.
4. Prepaid Cards: Companies like Paysafecard offer prepaid options where a card or voucher can be purchased with a set value.
5. Cryptocurrencies: With the rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies, more and more sportsbook sites are beginning to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies as payment methods.
6. Check or Money Order: Some sites might still accept these older forms of payment, although they are much less common and take longer to process.
7. Mobile Payments: With the rise in use of smartphones, some sportsbooks have begun accepting mobile payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Implement SSL Encryption

SSL encryption is a must for any website handling sensitive financial transactions. 

Here are three options to consider:

1. Let’s Encrypt: This is a free, automated, and open certificate authority provided by the Internet Security Research Group (ISRG). It provides you with the necessary tools to enable HTTPS (SSL/TLS) on your servers. To get started with Let’s Encrypt, follow the guide on their official website.
2. Cloudflare: Besides being a global content delivery network, Cloudflare offers free SSL certificates to encrypt communication to and from your website. They provide a detailed guide on how to set up Cloudflare SSL.
3. Comodo SSL: Comodo SSL is a paid service that offers a variety of SSL certificates to suit different website needs. They offer high-level security and are trusted by many large organizations. Learn more about their offers on the Comodo SSL website.

Require Secure Passwords

For an extra layer of protection, You will require all your members to create a secure password with 2FA authentication to access their accounts and place bets. 

We use a minimum length of 8 characters, including a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Secure passwords, or passphrases, make it much harder for hackers to access accounts.

Perform Regular Audits

As responsible website owners, we always conduct regular security audits to detect any vulnerabilities in the system before hackers can exploit them. This is what we advice all your clients as well. 

Audits should check for:

• SQL injection risks
• malware
• unpatched software
• and other issues. 

Several tools can assist with such audits, each with its specific purposes:

1. Nessus is one of the most comprehensive vulnerability scanners on the market. It can identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and malware that attackers use to penetrate your network. More details can be found on the Nessus website.
2. OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) ZAP is an open-source web application security scanner. It helps you find vulnerabilities in your web application that attackers could exploit. You can download it from the OWASP ZAP official website.
3. Burp Suite is another comprehensive solution for web application security testing. It includes various tools for scanning, probing, and attacking web application vulnerabilities. More details are available on the Burp Suite website.
4. Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer that lets you capture and interactively browse traffic on a network. This can be useful for identifying any strange patterns or anomalies. You can download Wireshark from its official website.
5. OpenVAS stands for Open Vulnerability Assessment System. It is a full-featured vulnerability scanner with numerous tests and services to check for security holes. You can access OpenVAS from its official website.

By choosing a reputable payment gateway, installing SSL encryption, requiring strong passwords, and performing routine security audits, you will built a robust system your customers can trust. 

Following these best practices for handling payments and protecting data will give your own sports betting business a solid foundation. If done right, your members will feel confident betting on your website worry-free.

Payment Processing: Offering Deposits and Withdrawals

Find payment processors that would work with the sports betting industry.

Choosing a Payment Processor

We researched various payment processors and ultimately went with a few that are reputable and commonly used for sports betting deposits and withdrawals, like:

• Wire transfers: Even though wire transfers are one of the oldest methods, many bettors still use them because they are secure and convenient for large transactions. Make sure to choose a processor that offers competitive fees for wire transfers.
• Prepaid cards: Prepaid cards, like Play+ and AstroPay, are popular for sports bettors who want an easy deposit method that doesn’t require a bank account. Partnered with a few prepaid card brands to give your customers options.
• Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrency is becoming more mainstream, so offering crypto payments would appeal to many sports bettors. Integrated processors that allow deposits and withdrawals in major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
• E-wallets: E-wallets, or digital wallets, like Skrill and Neteller, are a quick way for customers to deposit and withdraw money. Make sure to choose e-wallet brands that are approved for use with legal sports betting sites.

By offering your customers a choice of reputable payment methods for deposits and fast payouts, you will build trust and give bettors an optimal experience on your sports betting website. 

The key is partnering with processors that understand the sports betting industry and compliance requirements. With the right payment options, bettors will keep coming back!

Marketing Your New Sports Betting Website

Once you have all the technical aspects in order, it’s time to drive traffic to your website and start the party.

However, as you may already know, most traditional promotional methods are unavailable for betting and casino industries (such as Google Ads), so you need to rely heavily on affiliate marketing.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing should be your bread and butter. This is the main source of traffic for most betting companies, although it gets implemented in various ways through influencers, reviews, videos, social media and others.

However, you should consider from the very start that affiliate marketing will be your dominant source of traffic and, therefore, treat it as such.

Add Betting Affiliate Software

Once your website is set up with the betting software in place, it’s time to add an iGaming affiliate software that would allow affiliates to promote your betting website. 

Scaleo, for example, is an industry-leading affiliate marketing solution designed specifically for the betting industry. It offers reliable tracking and reporting, giving you the information you need to make data-driven decisions.

• Accurate tracking. Uses advanced tracking technology to provide precise affiliate traffic, conversions, and revenue data. It blocks fraudulent traffic to ensure all data is from real customers.

• Robust reporting. Offers dozens of reports and metrics to analyze your affiliate program’s performance. See data on traffic sources, conversion rates, player value, and revenue to identify top-performing affiliates and optimize your program.

• Real-time data. It gives you an up-to-the-minute view of your affiliate program to spot trends as they occur. Make changes quickly to take advantage of new opportunities or address any issues.

• Customization. Tracking and reporting features are highly customizable. Choose from different attribution models, set commissions and payouts, and select metrics and reports to display. Configure Scaleo to match your program’s unique needs.

• Reliability. It provides a stable, secure platform you can count on. Their tracking technology and reporting have been refined over years of experience to offer casino affiliate programs an effective, dependable solution.

With a tool like Scaleo, you have the insights you need to build a successful affiliate program. Comprehensive yet intuitive, Scaleo is a smart choice for any online casino looking to boost traffic and revenue through affiliate marketing.

Find Reputable Partners

Do some research to find reputable sportsbooks with generous affiliate programs. Look for brands that are licensed and trusted in the industry. You want your readers to have good experiences, so only promote sportsbooks that treat customers well.

Place Affiliate Links Prominently

Make your affiliate links highly visible on pages like your sportsbook reviews and “best of” lists. You can also link to the sportsbooks in your blog posts and news articles. The more prominent you place the links, the more clicks and signups you’ll generate.

Write Reviews and Promote Bonuses

To further encourage your readers to use your affiliate links, write detailed reviews of the sportsbooks highlighting all the features and promotions on offer. You should also prominently advertise any signup bonuses, free bets, or other perks readers can claim through your links. People love getting something for nothing, so bonuses and promotions are very effective.

Track and Optimize

Use affiliate tracking software to see which links are performing the best. Then you can optimize your content to promote the most popular sportsbooks and double down on the types of bonuses and bets your readers seem most interested in. Over time, you’ll better match your content to your audience’s preferences, which will positively impact your affiliate earnings.

When done right, affiliate marketing can be an extremely lucrative strategy for monetizing a sports betting website. Choose trustworthy partners, make affiliate links visible, promote attractive bonuses, track performance, optimize content, and watch those commission checks start rolling in!

Conclusion

If you’re venturing into online sports betting, you’re likely eager to learn how to run a sports book like a pro. In this blog post we’ve covered a lot of ground, because starting a sports betting website is no small feat. Today you have learned, how to make a sports betting website and hopefully you will get started as soon as you finish reading. But if you have the drive and determination, it can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor. Take it step by step, do your research, build a great team around you, and never stop learning and improving.

The sports betting industry continues to grow rapidly, and by creating a stellar customer experience, investing in marketing, and offering competitive odds and promotions, you’ll put yourself in a great position to grab your share of this booming market. Starting any business is challenging, but for sports fans, operating in an industry you’re genuinely passionate about makes it that much more worthwhile. Best of luck – now make it happen!

Need a steady stream of new players for your betting website?

You have learned how to create a gambling website for sports betting games, but if you are creating a betting website, you already know that you will need affiliate software to power your partner marketing efforts. If you are serious about building a trustworthy betting business, give Scaleo a try – our affiliate marketing software was designed specifically for the needs of the betting and gambling industry, offering deep reports and industry-specific terminology.

Last Updated on May 7, 2024