Online Sports Betting Sites - Top Bookmakers Picked by Experts

Online sports betting has revolutionised the way sports fans engage with their favourite games, matches and leagues. With the convenience of betting via mobile app from the comfort of your home, sports betting has become more accessible than ever before. Our team of betting experts have tried and tested the most popular online betting companies to create trustworthy lists of the bookmakers amongst a whole range of other categories.

Alex Matless
Alex Matless

Last Updated: 2024-11-29

Wade McElwain

10 minutes read

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Sports Betting
Featured Article
Chad Nagel
Content Manager
Last Updated: 2024-10-09

Dafabet has announced that as of 9 October 2024, it will cease its betting operations in Brazil, leaving many bettors now in search to find an alternative. For players looking for a reputable and exciting betting experience, 1Win emerges as an excellent option. Here we look at why we strongly consider this international betting platform.

Best Sports Betting Sites

There are many sportsbook sites that are licensed to operate online. Our betting experts tried several bookmakers and have come up with a list of the finest betting sites available for you.

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1xBet Logo
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OVERALL RATING
4.4/5
Promotions & VIP
4/5
Odds & Markets
5/5
Mobile
4/5
Customer Service
4/5
Deposit & Withdrawal
5/5

Key Features

  • Support:Sportsboom Email iconSportsboom phone support iconSportsboom live chat support iconSportsboom 24/7 support icon
  • Licenses: Curaçao
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1xBet offers a comprehensive sports betting platform with extensive coverage across almost any sport you can think of. It’s football, basketball, tennis, and cricket offerings are especially strong. 

It’s best known for its wide variety of betting markets and excellent odds, particularly in football. 

New users can claim a generous welcome bonus of up to C$150 with a ridiculously low minimum deposit requirement of $1. 

Withdrawals are generally processed within 24 hours, allowing quick access to your winnings. 

For us the mobile app felt hit and miss. 

It offers a huge number of betting options, which is perfect for experienced bettors, but might be a little overwhelming for newbies. 

The platform really excels in sports coverage and offers live betting to boot. 

You’ll find live streaming on some sports, but it’s generally a little more limited compared to some competitors.

Pros

  • Super budget friendly minimum deposit
  • Great football odds
  • Generous welcome bonus up to $150
  • Cons

  • Overwhelming user interface on mobile
  • Limited live streaming options
  • #Ad• 18+• 1st time depositor• Bonus linked to size of deposit• Valid for 30 days• 5x wagering• Must wager on accumulators• Withdrawal restrictions

    500% Deposit Bonus
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    1win logo
    Sportsboom Logo
    OVERALL RATING
    4.3/5
    Promotions & VIP
    4.5/5
    Odds & Markets
    4/5
    Mobile
    4.5/5
    Customer Service
    4/5
    Deposit & Withdrawal
    4.5/5

    Key Features

    • Support:Sportsboom Email iconSportsboom live chat support iconSportsboom 24/7 support icon
    • Licenses: Curaçao
    500% Deposit Bonus
    Payment Methods
    WebMoney logo

    1win delivers a great betting platform that will particularly suit beginners. 

    With comprehensive coverage of football, basketball, and tennis (amongst others), you’ll find all major sports, though some exotic bets aren’t available. 

    The platform is notable for its frequent promotions and enhanced odds offers, particularly during major events. 

    New users can start betting with a minimum deposit of $10, and withdrawals are usually processed within 1-2 business days. 

    The mobile app is fine, simple to navigate and user-friendly, but more advanced bettors might find it’s lacking a few options. 

    Overall, if you’re a casual or new bettor then 1win is a solid choice thanks to its frequent promotions, and easy to use interface. 

    Sure, advanced bettors might miss some market depth, but with promos like this, 1win is hard to ignore! 

    Pros

  • Frequent promotions and odds boosts
  • Competitive odds in major sports
  • Low minimum deposit of $10
  • Cons

  • Occasional app performance issues
  • Fewer markets than some competitors
  • 18+• 200% on the 1st deposit amount •150% on the 2nd deposit amount •100% on the 3rd deposit amount •50% on the 4th deposit amount• Max bonus of $530• Only new customers• Wagering rules apply

    Matched Free Bet Up To €100
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    betway logo
    Sportsboom Logo
    OVERALL RATING
    4.2/5
    Promotions & VIP
    4/5
    Odds & Markets
    4/5
    Mobile
    4/5
    Customer Service
    4.3/5
    Deposit & Withdrawal
    4.5/5

    Key Features

    • Support:Sportsboom Email iconSportsboom live chat support icon
    • Licenses: UK, Malta, Italy, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, South Africa, Portugal, Ireland, Poland, France, Argentina, USA
    Matched Free Bet Up To €100
    Payment Methods

    Betway is a leading sportsbook with comprehensive coverage of all major sports such as football, tennis, and basketball. 

    Known for its competitive odds and user-friendly interface, Betway offers a smooth betting experience. 

    New users can claim a welcome bonus up to $150, with a minimum deposit of just $10

    Withdrawals are typically processed within 24-48 hours, allowing relatively quick (though not market beating) access to your funds. 

    The mobile app is top notch in terms of usability, but has ever so slightly fewer sports markets compared to some larger platforms. 

    Betway also features regular promotions and odds boosts, which are all available through your customized promotions page. 

    You should note that the bonus comes with a 7x wagering requirement, which is a little higher than some competitors but totally manageable within the timescale. 

    The platform’s ease of use and competitive odds make it a solid choice for us.

    Pros

  • Strong odds in football and tennis
  • Efficient mobile app and user-friendly interface
  • Welcome bonus up to $150
  • Cons

  • Welcome bonus has a 7x wagering requirement
  • Limited sports markets compared to some competitors
  • Ad• 18+• New customers• Max free bet €100• Free bet available on losing settlement of qualifying bet• 50 bonus spins creditted on placement of qualifying bet• Offer valid for 7 days from account creation• Full terms and conditions apply

    Top Bookmakers with Best Mobile App 

    A mobile app has never been more important. We live busy lives and betting on the go is quick and convenient. You should be able to access futures markets, pre-game markets, and live betting too. Most providers nowadays have a mobile app, but for us, the top betting apps are below. 

    5 Best Sportsbook Bonuses

    All of the best gambling sites offer some kind of sportsbook bonus. Whether it’s an odds boost in the run up to a major football game, a free bet for the Grand National festival, or a healthy deposit match bonus when you sign up. We've picked some of the most popular sportsbook bonuses for you. 

    How to Claim a Sportsbook Bonus?

    Claiming a great bonus can boost your bankroll, give you an extra bump to your payout on a particular bet, or even just cushion your losses. That’s why so many of you are after the best betting bonuses. So, this is how to claim bonuses at top-rated gambling sites.

    1. 1

      Choose one of the best bookmakers from our list and click to set up your account.

    2. 2

      Enter your details, including name, age, address, and email address. Then complete the KYC process to speed up withdrawals in future.

    3. 3

      Now, you need to claim your bonus! Most sites have a promotions page, so take a look through and find the bonus that you want to claim.

    4. 4

      Some bonuses have a code, which you need to enter when making a deposit. Others can be applied in your bet slip by ticking a box. 

    5. 5

      Once your deposit bonus lands in your account, you can set to work completing the wagering requirement.

    6. 6

      If you’ve chosen an odds boost, a free bet, or similar, you’ll apply this directly in the bet slip!

    Popular Payment Methods on Betting Sites

    Each of us has a way that we like to pay and it can affect the betting sites we choose. If you’re a debit card only kind of bettor, then you’re unlikely to pick a site that only accepts e-wallet transfers. Similarly, if you’re keen to bet with crypto, then you’ll favour sites with this option.

    Below are the most common payment types you’ll come across at betting sites along with their unique benefits and drawbacks. We’ve ranked them on how readily available they are at betting sites, whether you’ll be accepted for a bonus, how fast withdrawals are, any associated fees, and security.

    Payment ProviderAvailabilityBonus EligibilitySpeedFeesSecurity
    Debit CardsHigh HighMediumLowHigh
    Bank TransfersHighHighLowLowHigh
    E-WalletsMediumMediumHighMediumMedium
    Prepaid CardsLowMediumHighLowHigh 
    CryptoLowHighHighMediumHigh
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    Award-Winning Bookmakers

    Everyone likes to be a winner, but in the world of sports betting sites it’s a great way to separate the great from the good. Below are some of our top gambling sites that have won numerous betting industry awards. 

    Bet365

    This titan of the sports betting industry has won dozens of awards. It’s won the prestigious "Sports Betting Operator of the Year" from the EGR Operator Awards multiple times. It’s received the "Online Sportsbook Operator of the Year" at the International Gaming Awards several times too!

    Betway

    Betway is another international giant, who’s also won several awards at the EGR Operator Awards, including "Best Sports Betting Operator" and "Best Mobile Sports Product". 

    Unibet

    Unibet has won plenty of awards too, but recently it took the title of "Socially Responsible Operator of the Year" at the EGR Operator Awards.

    Betano

    Betano is a little newer than the sites we’ve highlighted so far, leading to being awarded "Rising Star in Sports Betting" at the 2019 EGR Operator Awards and "Rising Star in Sports Betting" at the SBC Awards the year prior too.

    The Most Popular Competitions to Bet on

    The best online sports betting sites will offer a variety of markets, from popular sports such as football, tennis and horse racing, to more obscure sports like hurling, water polo and volleyball. Below, we’ve taken a closer look at some of the most popular sports and events you can bet on.

    The English Premier League (EPL) stands as one of the most prestigious and widely followed football leagues in the world, captivating fans with its thrilling matches, world-class players, and intense rivalries. Established in 1992, the EPL has grown to become a powerhouse in the world of professional football, showcasing top clubs and iconic stadiums that serve as the backdrop to breathtaking moments on the pitch. With its fast-paced and competitive style of play, the league consistently delivers excitement and drama, making it a favourite among football enthusiasts and sports bettors worldwide. 

    English Premier League Betting Sites for 2024 >

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a globally renowned professional Twenty20 cricket league that has revolutionized the sport of cricket since its inception in 2008. Organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the IPL features franchise-based teams representing cities and regions across India. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, star-studded lineups, and innovative format, the IPL has become one of the most watched and eagerly anticipated cricket leagues worldwide. The league attracts top international talent alongside India's best cricketers, offering thrilling matches and showcasing exceptional batting, bowling, and fielding skills. With its blend of sportsmanship, entertainment, and high-stakes competition, the IPL has become a cultural phenomenon and a thrilling market to bet on.

    The Best IPL Betting Sites with the Best Offers in 2024 >

    How to Bet on Online Sportsbooks?

    Online sports betting is quick, convenient, and sometimes offers better odds than betting in person. Here’s a step by step guide on how to do it. 

    1. 1

      Read through our top sportsbook reviews and find a site that you think will suit you. Head to the website and click sign up.

    2. 2

      Enter your details (name, address, age, gender, and email). Then select if you’d like to claim a welcome bonus.

    3. 3

      Once you’ve signed up, verify your account then complete the KYC process to make sure you can withdraw your winnings quickly.

    4. 4

      Make your first deposit by heading to the cashier and choosing your favourite payment provider. 

    5. 5

      It’s time for the fun bit, betting on sports! Head to your chosen sport and take a look at the markets. Once you’ve found a bet that you think is good value, select it to add it to the bet slip.

    6. 6

      Here you can input your stake to see your potential returns. You might also find there’s a free bet or odds boost token that you can use.

    Types of Sports Betting

    In the online sports betting world, there are a few different types of betting you can enjoy. We take a look at the most common types of sports bet you’ll come across.

    Fixed Odds Betting

    The most common form of sports betting, fixed odds betting is a type of gambling where bettors wager on the outcome of events like sports matches or horse races based on predetermined odds. In this form of betting, the odds are set and remain unchanged at the time of placing the bet, indicating the perceived likelihood of a specific outcome to occur.

    Example fixed odds bet: Man City to beat Crystal Palace – 1.33

    Spread Betting

    In sports spread betting, bettors wager on whether a specific outcome in a sports event will exceed or fall short of a 'spread' set by a sports betting company. Profits or losses are determined by how much the final outcome exceeds or falls short of the spread. 

    The spread provided by the betting firm represents their prediction of the range of a final outcome for a particular occurrence in a sports event. 

    For example, this could be the total number of goals scored in a football match, the runs scored by a team in a cricket match, or the distance between the winner and the second-placed finisher in a horse race.

    The bettor can choose to 'buy' or 'sell' based on whether they believe the final outcome will exceed the top end or fall below the bottom end of the spread offered. The accuracy of the bettor's prediction determines their potential winnings or losses.

    The profit or loss for the bettor is calculated by the selected stake size, multiplied by the number of unit points above or below the bettor's chosen level. This highlights a key distinction between sports spread betting and fixed odds sports betting – the potential winnings and losses are not fixed and can be significantly higher or lower than the original stake size.

    Example spread betting bet: Man City to beat Crystal Palace – 1.75 per goal margin

    Betting Exchange

    The biggest distinction between a betting exchange and a conventional fixed odds bookmaker is that, on an exchange, you wager directly against other bettors. This means there are two types of players involved in any exchange bet.

    Firstly, there's the player who places a 'Back' bet. This involves selecting an outcome and deciding on a stake, similar to placing a fixed odds bet.

    Secondly, and crucially, there's the player who 'Lays' a bet. Laying a bet means betting against a particular outcome. 

    For example, in a match between Crystal Palace and Man City where you believe Man City will win, instead of betting on City to win, you have the option to lay a bet on Crystal Palace not to win. This laid bet is matched with another player on the exchange.

    Example betting exchange bet: Lay bet for Crystal Palace to not win – 12.5

    Popular Online Betting Markets

    Pretty much every sport you can think of will have a betting market, meaning there’s hundreds of choices out there when it comes to placing a bet.

    However, different sports have different betting odds markets, but there are a few common bets that will overlap. Below are some of the most popular bet types you’ll encounter on an online sports betting site.

    Match Winner

    This straightforward bet is simply your prediction of which team or player will win a specific match. The favourite in a match will have the shortest odds, while the underdog will have the longer odds.

    Match Handicap

    With a match handicap bet, you are betting on a team or player to win a match after the handicap is applied to the final scores. Handicap bets are a great way to level the playing field in an unevenly fought contest.

    Correct Score

    This bet is a prediction of the final score of a match. The match will have to end with the exact score you predicted for this bet to pay out.

    Each Way Bet

    An each way bet comes in two parts:

    You are backing a player/horse/team to win the match/race/tournament.

    You are backing a player/horse/team to place in the match/race/tournament (Usually between 1st and 5th)

    If you back the winner, both parts of the each way bet will pay out and you’ll get maximum winnings. If your backed choice places, you’ll only be paid out for the 2nd part of the each way bet, which will be a fraction of the odds you backed them at.

    To Win Tournament

    This bet is much like the Match Winner bet, however, you are backing a player or team to win the whole tournament. Placing these bets before a tournament starts gives you the best value odds.

    Betting Strategies

    There are many betting strategies seasoned and professional bettors will use to maximise their potential winnings. We take a look at some of the most popular betting strategies below, but please note, there are no fool-proof or guaranteed winning strategies.

    Hedge Betting

    Hedge betting is a strategy employed to mitigate potential losses or enhance profits. Here's how it can be applied to your betting:

    • Suppose you've placed a bet on a player to win a tournament, and they progress to the latter stages. To hedge your initial bet, you can back their opponents in subsequent matches. This approach ensures that you'll receive some returns regardless of the outcome.
    • Evaluate the potential payouts and the odds associated with your hedged bets to determine the appropriate amount to stake. This calculation allows you to optimise your hedging strategy effectively.

    Backing Favourites Accumulator

    Accumulator betting involves combining multiple match winner bets on a single bet slip, with each added bet increasing the overall odds. Here's a simple guide on how to do it:

    • Identify matches where there is a clear favourite (typically indicated by lower odds).
    • Select multiple match winner favourites and add them to your bet slip to create an accumulator bet.
    • Keep in mind that adding more selections will increase the odds of your bet, but it also escalates the level of risk involved.

    Value Betting

    Value betting in entails identifying bets where the offered odds exceed the probability of the outcome. To capitalise on value betting, follow these steps:

    • Conduct thorough research on player form, match statistics, and past head-to-head matchups.
    • Compare odds across various bookmakers to identify any significant deviations.
    • Utilise an odds margin tool to evaluate the perceived probability of an outcome and compare it against the available odds.
    • Place bets on outcomes where the odds provide value based on your analysis and assessments.

    Top Betting Sites Comparison

    Some of us enjoy getting the best odds time after time, others prefer being able to snag a regular bonus. One of the best ways to find a betting site that really suits you is to compare betting sites by your favourite features. Just below this, we’ve got a comparison of betting sites by some popular features, but that list isn’t exhaustive!

    You might also want to find out about odds competitiveness, whether you can cash out your bets early, or if customer support has a live chat function. Comparing by features is one of our most personalised elements of choosing online gambling sites.

    BookmakerAppLive StreamingFree BetsBet Builder24/7 SupportCasino GamesPoker
    GoldenbetNYYYYYN
    PlayabetsYYYNYNN
    GbetsYYYNYNN
    N1BetYYYNYYY
    4RabetYNYNYYY
    10BetYNNNYYY
    FitzdaresYNYNYNN
    GgbetYYYNYYY
    MozzartbetYYYNYYY
    10CricNYYNYYN
    888SportYYYYYYY
    RollettoNYYNYYN
    1xBetYYYYYNN
    Fun88YYYYYYY
    MelbetYYYYYYY
    20BetYYYYYYY
    BetikaYYYNYNN
    MidniteYYYYYYY
    1WinYYYYYYY
    BetWinnerYYYNYNN
    ZetbetYYYYYYY
    BetwayYYYYYYN
    BettiltNYYNYNN
    CricbabaYYYNYNN
    22BetYYYNYNN
    LinebetYYYNYNN
    YesplayYNYYYYY
    BC.GameYYYNYNN
    BateryYYYNYNN
    MegapariYYYNYNN
    BetanoYYYNYNN
    ParipesaYNYYYYY
    BetfredYYYYYYY
    BzeebetYYYNYNN
    CloudbetNYYNYYY
    DafabetYNYYYYN
    GreatwinYYYNYNN
    Horus-CasinoNYYNYYN
    TictacbetsYYYNYNN
    QuinnbetYYYYYNN
    KwiffYNYNNYN
    LeonbetYNYNYNN
    LucksterNNYYYYY
    ParimatchYYYNYNN
    StakeNYYYNYY
    Star SportsYYYNYNN
    GoldrushYNYNYNN
    MostbetYYYNYYY
    PinnacleNYNYYYY
    SportazaNNYYYYN
    RajabetsYYYNYYY
    TonybetYNYYYYN
    BoylesportsYYYYYYY
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    Tips for Choosing the Best Betting Site

    Finding the best betting site for you can be the difference between a brilliant betting experience, and a totally rubbish one. Below are some tips that you should follow when sifting through popular bookmakers:

    Read Reviews

    Check out our expert reviews for the betting sites you’re interested in. We bring together decades of expert advice and can be a great starting point. Then, have a look online and see what other bettors are saying. For example, Betfred gets rave reviews online thanks to their long standing reputation and great customer service.

    Terms & Conditions

    We know, it’s not much fun, but reading through the terms and conditions for your site is essential. The bonus terms can make or break a bonus, so look out for a sensible wagering requirement and a friendly win cap. For example, Betwinner’s bonuses tend to have a 5x wagering requirement, which is easy for any bettor to complete.

    Try One Out

    There’s no substitute for your own experience, so make a small deposit and see how the betting site stacks up. Do they have all of the sports you like betting on, with in-depth markets for each? Is there live betting and a promo page?

    How SportsBoom Rate & Review Bookmakers?

    We have a big team at SportsBoom with more than 50 years of betting experience between us! That’s a whole lot of expertise. Before we test out a site in person, we make sure it fulfils all of the following criteria.

    If it does, we spend a couple of hours putting the site through its paces, testing out the user experience, comparing the odds, and making sure it’s easy to make and receive payments.

    Licensing & Security logo

    Licensing & Security

    Safety is so important when betting online, so there are lots of boxes to check here. We only recommend sites with a licence. They should also have great responsible gambling tools, excellent customer service, and use SSL encryption as standard.

    User Experience logo

    User Experience

    The user experience encompasses a little bit of everything. From how easy it is to navigate the site, to whether the buttons on the mobile app are large enough for clumsy thumbs! 

    Betting Bonuses logo

    Betting Bonuses

    A generous welcome bonus is essential for a space on our ‘best of’ lists, but sites should also offer bonuses for existing customers too. Odds boosts, free bets, and tournaments are always welcome.

    Payment Methods logo

    Payment Methods

    Being able to make payments safely and securely is a top priority. We also like to see sites with fast withdrawal times and a broad selection of providers.

    Betting Markets logo

    Betting Markets

    We like seeing sites with at least 20 sports (though 30 or more is better). They should have in-depth markets, ideally with live betting capabilities.

    Odds logo

    Odds

    Being able to guarantee the best odds is important. We always see how our recommendations stack up against the competition.

    Benefits of Online Sports Betting

    Live betting (also known as In Play betting) allows punters to engage with the action in real time and make informed betting decisions as the match unfolds. Modern online bookmakers have made improvements to the live betting experience in recent years with technological innovation, providing lightning quick updates to In Play odds, live streaming video of the events and stats and facts that automatically update as you follow along.

    If you want to get a bigger thrill from your bets, then live betting is the way to go.

    Difference Between Online and Offline Sports Betting

    The majority of us place bets online rather than offline and that number is only growing! Below are some of the main benefits and drawbacks of betting online and offline.

    Online BettingOffline Betting
    Quick and convenient to bet from anywhereNo need to wait to withdraw winnings
    Lots of bonuses and promotionsSocialise at betting shops/retail sportsbooks
    Can often access live streamingSupport a local business
    Can join loyalty program for rewards 
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    Types of Bonuses and Promotions

    A great sportsbook site will offer new and current punters a variety of promotions and bonuses to make their bankroll go further and enhance their enjoyment. Here are some of the most common promotions you’ll come across on a sports wagering site.

    Free Bets

    A Free Bet provides you with a specific amount of money to bet on a market of your choice, often subject to certain conditions (like minimum odds). Instead of using funds from your own cash balance, a Free Bet places the wager using the bonus amount. If the bet wins, your payout is calculated based on the Free Bet amount and the odds.

    It's important to note that any potential winnings do not include the return of the Free Bet stake as part of the payout.

    For instance, if you use a £10 Free Bet on a bet that wins with odds of 4/1, the payout will be £40. In contrast, if you had staked £10 of your own cash balance, the return would be £50.

    Welcome Bonus

    Welcome Bonuses are the promotions you receive when you first sign up and deposit at a sportsbook site. Welcome bonuses will range from extra cash to play with, Free Bets, money back if your first bet loses and even free spins on casino games. 

    Finding a betting site with a welcome bonus is a priority for many people who are looking for a new destination for online betting.

    Deposit Bonuses

    Deposit bonuses give you additional funds to play with when you make a deposit, typically displayed as a percentage increase. It's common for deposit bonuses to come with wagering requirements, so it's important to review the promotion's terms and conditions before attempting to withdraw any bonus-related winnings. 

    For example, depositing £50 with a 100% deposit bonus would give you a total bankroll of £100 to start playing with.

    Risk-free Bets

    A risk-free bet is similar to a Free Bet, but you use your own cash from your balance to place the wager. The key benefit is that if the market you bet on loses, your stake will be refunded back to your balance. 

    For example, if you placed a £10 bet on West Ham to win at odds of 4/1, you would receive a payout of £50 if they won, but your £10 stake would be refunded to your balance if they lost.

    Boosted Odds

    Boosted odds are an excellent way to enhance your potential winnings when betting. Keep an eye out for odds on players or teams who are strong favourites in a match. By leveraging boosted odds, you can discover valuable betting opportunities with better potential returns.

    Live Betting

    Live betting (also known as In Play betting) allows punters to engage with the action in real time and make informed betting decisions as the match unfolds. Modern online bookmakers have made improvements to the live betting experience in recent years with technological innovation, providing lightning quick updates to In Play odds, live streaming video of the events and stats and facts that automatically update as you follow along.

    If you want to get a bigger thrill from your bets, then live betting is the way to go.

    How to Avoid Worst Sports Betting Sites?

    The simple answer would be to take our advice! However, there might be a time when you want to try out a new sportsbook that we haven’t reviewed. So, here are some warning signs to keep in mind. 

    1. No Licence: This is a telltale sign of a bad betting site. You should only bet at sites with a licence as you’ll have no legal recompense if you don’t.

    2. Poor Reviews: From time to time disgruntled gamblers will post a bad review of a good betting site, but if your betting site is getting poor reviews across the board, then it’s best avoided.

    3. No Responsible Gambling Tools: Looking after the safety of customer should be a number one priority. If a site doesn’t offer responsible gambling tools then it’s clearly showing it just doesn’t care all that much.

    4. Lack of Customer Support: Being able to contact someone if something goes wrong is crucial. If there’s no way to contact customer support you’ll be on your own if there’s ever a mishap.

    5. Unclear Terms or Fees: Reading the terms and conditions might seem boring, but it can tell you a lot about a sports wagering site. Unfair or deliberately misleading terms are a sign to steer clear of that sportsbook.

    Promote Responsible Betting

    Responsible gambling is an important aspect of betting that ensures enjoyable and safe gaming. Various strategies, tools, and guidelines can help foster a balanced approach to gambling, improving informed decision-making and your overall entertainment. From setting limits on time and money spent on gambling, to recognising warning signs of problem gambling, there are many ways to make sure your betting is conducted in a safe and responsible way. Here are a few of the tools you can use to keep on top of your gambling.

    Set Limits

    You can set session limits and deposit limits from within your account to stop your gambling becoming too expensive or time consuming. Having these limits set will help you to recognise when you have been betting for too long or have spent more than you can afford during a week or month.

    Only Bet What You Can Afford

    With deposit limits set, you’ll find it easier to make sure you only bet what you can afford. Even if a bet sounds like it is dead certain to come in and pay out, don’t stake your entire bankroll. It’s much better for your enjoyment to only bet amounts you can afford to lose, and to spread your bankroll across multiple bets so you have more chance of potential winnings.

    Don’t Chase Losses

    If you do start to lose bets and find yourself on a losing streak, don’t allow yourself to place new bets in the hopes they will cover your losses. This habit of chasing losses can soon get out of hand and spiral into bets you can’t afford. Set limits on your account to stop this from happening.

    Get Help if You Need It

    When your betting stops being enjoyable and it starts affecting your everyday life and relationships, seek help from responsible gambling resources. Groups such as BeGambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous and GamStop can help you get the help you need.
     

    Glossary of Betting Terms

    Sports betting can be an ocean of jargon, fractions and numbers, but once you know what certain terms mean, you’ll be able to understand how everything works. Below are a few terms that can leave new punters baffled.

    1. Point Spread: Like a Handicap bet, a point spread is a number set by bookmakers to level the playing field between two teams, making it more appealing to bet on either side. In a point spread, you are betting on the points/goals margin between two teams.

    2. Parlay: Another name for an accumulator bet, this type of bet is a combination of single bets on to one bet slip, creating much higher odds. If all of the single bets come in, you can stand to win a decent amount. 

    3. Moneyline: This is the same as a Match Winner bet. You are betting on a team or player to win the match outright, with no handicaps or point spreads applied.

    4. Over/Under: With this bet, you’ll be picking over or under a set number of events to occur in a match. For example, you could bet on there to be over 10 corners in a match between PSG and Barcelona.

    5. Odds Margin: An odds margin is essentially what the bookmakers charge you for placing a bet. Bookies make their profit by inflating the implied probability of an outcome, which decreases the odds (and winnings) you receive. The odds margin, which varies from bookmaker to bookmaker, is the difference between real world probability and the odds being offered.

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    Betting FAQs

    How Does Betting Work?

    Sports betting involves staking money on the outcome of a sporting event or various occurrences that can happen within it, all with the aim of making a profit. 

    This form of betting encompasses a wide range of wagering options, including Outright Winner bets, spread bets, Over/Under bets, accumulators, props, and futures. 

    The potential winnings for sports bettors depend on several factors, such as:

    • The amount of money they risk (or stake) 
    • The specific online betting platform they use
    • The odds set by the sportsbook provider

    While sports fans and sports bettors both share a passion for the outcomes of a match, the difference with betting on a sport lies in the fact that the bettor has a financial investment in the outcome of the event, heightening the emotion and thrill of the action.

    What does 'odds' mean in betting?

    It's important to know how betting odds function before placing a bet. Misunderstanding odds formats or a betting market can lead to unexpected losses when you place a wager, which will be disappointing to say the least.

    Even seasoned bettors who are familiar with one type of odds, such as fractional odds, can benefit from understanding the full range of betting odds too (like decimal and American odds). Understanding multiple formats may enhance your betting experience compared to relying on just one.

    So, what exactly are betting odds? They represent the likelihood of a specific outcome and are set by the bookmaker. For example, as of writing Real Madrid are 6/1 to win the UEFA Champions League with bet365.

    Betting odds indicate the ratio between the bookmaker's stake and the punter's stake. In the case of 6/1 odds, the bookmaker stakes six times the amount wagered by the bettor. If the bettor's prediction comes true and they win, they'll receive six times their bet from the bookmaker.

    For example, if you wager £1, you will receive £7 back from the bookmaker in the above scenario – £6 in profit plus your initial £1 stake.

    How do bookmakers calculate odds?

    Bookmakers calculate the odds based on their estimation of the event's probability. They then display these odds on their site accordingly.
    For instance, Borussia Dortmund are perceived to have a low likelihood of winning the UEFA Champions League, so the odds might be set at around 25/1, indicating the slim chance of this outcome and the potentially high payout for bettors if it occurs.

    What does 'handicap' mean in betting?

    A Handicap bet is a bookie’s way of levelling the playing field between two teams or players when there’s a big discrepancy in skill or ranking, making a bet on the underdog more favourable, and a bet on the favourite more profitable.  

    To make the two sides more evenly matched, a set number of points, goals or matches is deducted from the favourite’s final score, or added to the underdog’s final score.

    For example, a match between Man City and Luton might have the following Handicap Bet available:

    Man City -3 – 7/4 
    Luton +3 – 1/1

    In this scenario, backing Man City would only pay out if they won by more than 3 goals, and backing Luton would pay out if they kept the final score margin less than 3 goals.

    What is the biggest bet I can place?

    Different sportsbook providers will have different bet limits, so it’s best to check your bookies’ terms and conditions to find out what the biggest bet you can place is.

    Bookmakers will also have a limit on the maximum they will pay out on a bet, so you will need to check you are getting the best possible returns for a large bet.

    What does 'evens' mean in betting?

    Evens, or an even money bet, is a bet with odds of 1/1 which has an implied probability of 50:50. This means you have an implied equal chance of winning or losing the bet, with the payout being equal to your stake.

    It’s important to note that bookmakers won’t offer odds of Evens on a bet that truly has a 50:50 chance of occurring (such as the toss of a coin).

    Using the above example of Man City vs Luton, we can find the implied probability of the Evens bet (Luton +3) happening.

    Man City -3 – 7/4 
    Luton +3 – 1/1
    Draw +3 – 7/2

    With this example, bet365 are offering an odds margin of 8.59%, with the Evens bet of Luton +3 being implied as a 46.05% chance of happening rather than the 50% chance of happening that the odds suggest. 

    Is Sports Betting Legal?

    Sports betting is legal in many countries around the world, but different jurisdictions will have different rules and guidelines that bookmakers must adhere to.

    More and more countries are embracing the world of offline and online gambling, with many licensing sports betting through gambling commissions and regulators.

    To ensure you stay on the right side of the law, check your local laws and regulations to determine whether it is legal for you to bet on sports in the country you live.

    How many sportsbooks can I bet from?

    In theory, you can sign up to as many sportsbook sites as you like, however, we don’t recommend this approach.

    We suggest you read sportsbook reviews and make an informed decision on which sportsbook sites to sign up to. A good online betting site will offer you everything you need, so there’s no need to have multiple accounts with many different sites.

    It’s best to stick to your favourite betting sites, making it easier for you to track your gambling and set limits on your spending.

    What does +1.5 mean on betting?

    This is a Handicap score that will add 1.5 to the final outcome. For example, if you backed Rob Cross +1.5 vs Luke Littler in the Premier League Darts, Rob Cross would have to win at least 5 legs (out of best of 11) for the bet to pay out.

    What are odds of 1.0 in betting?

    Decimal odds of 1.0 are a certain bet, where the predicted probability of an outcome has a 100% chance of happening. No sportsbook site will offer odds of 1.0 on a bet.

    What are the 3 types of gambling?

    There are three main types of gambling:

    Gaming – Games of chance that offer prizes.
    Betting – Laying a stake on the likelihood of an event happening in a sport.
    Lottery – Buying a ticket to a draw that is based on chance, with prizes offered. 

    Is there a betting formula?

    The Kelly criterion, also known as the Kelly strategy or Kelly bet, is a formula used in probability theory to determine the optimal size of a bet. When betting returns are known, the Kelly criterion leads to achieving higher profits over the long term compared to betting without a strategy.

    As an example, if a bet has a 60% chance of winning, and the punter backs it at 1/1 odds on a winning bet, then to maximise the long-run growth rate of the bankroll, the gambler would bet 20% of their bankroll to follow the Kelly formula. 

    Who invented gambling?

    Gambling has a long history that extends back to at least the Palaeolithic period, predating written history. Evidence of early gambling activities includes the use of astragali bones for dice games in Mesopotamia (around 3000 BCE). In ancient China, gambling houses became prevalent during the first millennium BCE, with betting on animal fights being a popular activity. Additionally, early forms of lotto games and dominoes, which later influenced games like Pai Gow, emerged in China as early as the 10th century.

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