- Tutorial - Choose a bookmaker

The choice of bookmaker

To start betting, you will have to choose a bookmaker.  The first, most important criterion in your choice is to select one that is well known, well established, and above all honest!  In order to help you with your choice, all the bookmakers on Coteur corresponding to these criteria and having a site in French have been chosen.  Given that there are currently 6 good bookmakers in French, it wasn't useful showing you only those in English..  I often get asked which one to choose among the 6. I often reply to this question with: all 6, since each bookmaker suggested has its own advantages.  Furthermore, thanks to Coteur, you can place your bets with the bookmaker offering the best odds while being registered with all of them.  However to help you choose the first one, you can read our articles on each of the bookmakers in order to make your choice based on what each one offers.

1. Deposit options and bookmaker fees

This may be an element of choice in choosing your bookmaker because they don't all offer the same methods and the same fees.  If all those that are shown here accept deposits by (Carte Bleue) credit card, the choices aren't the same for the alternative payment methods I recommend using; some suggest Neteller, others Moneybookers etc... So for example,  if you plan on making deposits and withdrawals with Neteller, check that the chosen bookmaker suggests it beforehand.  With alternative payment methods, there are no fees for depositing or withdrawing your money from bookmakers presented here.

2. Minimum deposit at a bookmaker

Unlike casinos, minimum deposits remain low. If you want to start small, you can for example start by Parisprestige that offers a minimum deposit of 10 Euros; in addition if it's your first deposit they will add a 20 Euros bonus to this first deposit.  Or even try Mrbookmaker; thanks to Coteur you're given 3 Euros with no deposit.  If you plan to make a higher deposit, check out the list of bonuses offered to obtain a maximum amount of free money!

3. Choosing bookmaker bets

The bookmakers' offer is relatively different, so undoubtedly Betandwin and Gamebookers offer the widest choice of bets. However, when starting off, it's better to concentrate on a restrictive choice in order to analyse the events rather than spreading yourself too thin in all sports, and thus betting on events you know nothing about.

4. Opening an account with a bookmaker

Before starting to place bets, you must open an account with a bookmaker, look for the register link if you're on a site in English, and then enter your details. Above all remember to provide  a correct e-mail address because confirmations are often sent out.  Also, jot down your password on a piece of paper (don't leave the password on your computer, because a hacker could find it)

5. Placing a bet with a bookmaker

If you've never placed a bet, start by making a few picks on Coteur, it's exactly the same principle as at bookmakers. Then you will have no trouble in placing your bets with bookmakers; it's just as simple.

6. Withdrawing winnings from a bookmaker

If you're a good bettor or lucky, you will want to withdraw your winnings; in the event you've followed my advice by using an alternative deposit method, your withdrawal will generally be made in 24 to 48 working hours If you have made a deposit by credit card prior to that, the amount of your deposit will be refunded by credit card first, then the rest will be sent to you by cheque or bank transfer.  In this case allow at least a fortnight to receive your payment.