Sports betting

Many sports betting sites and apps are available; even casinos with sports betting options are integrated into the platform. Like any online casino, sports betting sites must be carefully checked before joining. Plus, sports betting is not the same as playing at a casino. So, let's take a look.

What is sports betting?

Sports betting is all about placing bets on the outcome of a sporting event or match. The aim is to predict the outcome. As such, there are a variety of different types of bets. There are standard bets, such as match bets, which mean betting on which team or player will win in a head-to-head game, match, or test. Future bets refer to longer goals and typically revolve around predicting which team or player will win an entire tournament or event. Prop bets offer much more detailed bets and involve specific players or team members carrying out certain actions, such as a specific player scoring points. Other betting options include over/under, where you guess the points total within a game.

Top sporting events to try at new online sports betting sites

Once you're signed up to a sports betting site via the desktop version or one of the growing sports betting apps, you'll see plenty to enjoy. Typically, top betting sites offer more than 20 different sports, and hundreds of betting markets exist within each sport. This means that there's always a great sport to choose from. Of course, depending on the time of year, these betting sites typically focus on some significant events from around the world. For those interested in football, the FA Cup, as is the Premier League, is an ongoing, prestigious tournament from the UK. Both events offer plenty of betting opportunities throughout the year. Major horse racing events offer similar regular opportunities with tracks at Ascot, Cheltenham, Newmarket, Kentucky, etc. Other significant events for those based in the US include American football options such as the NFL or NHL, NBA, or MLB games. All sports have regular games and matches throughout the year.

Understanding sports betting bonuses

Different bonuses are always available when playing at a sports betting site. Like international online casinos, sports betting sites have options such as match deposit bonuses. But then the differences begin. Most sports betting sites have far more betting options and bonuses, which can help boost sports betting throughout the year. For instance, when a popular bet or event occurs, the site offers bet boosts. This means giving players better odds so that there is a potential better payout should that prediction come to pass. Sports betting sites also often give out free bets. These bets are awarded once you've either met the minimum deposit requirement or lost a specific amount in a bet. Free bets always have a set value and cannot be split across multiple bets. Risk-free bets are similar but should not be confused with free bets.

Free Bets

Free bets are promotional offers provided by bookmakers or online betting sites, allowing you to place a bet without using your money. These offers are designed to attract new customers or reward existing ones. Here's some information about this:

There are different types of free bets. Here are a few examples:

Bookmakers usually match your initial bet with a free bet of the same value. Matched Free Bets: These are the most common type of free bets. With no deposit: These free bets do not require you to put up any money. As a welcome bonus or as a promotion for existing customers, they are usually offered as a welcome bonus. You can get a free bet if you lose a risk-free bet if you lose your first bet. In general, they come with certain restrictions, such as: If it's not used within the expiration date, it may expire. Bet Type Limitations: They may be restricted to specific sports markets or betting types. Your free bet can only be used on sure bets. You may be required to place bets at minimum odds as part of some free bet offers. You must have odds equal to or greater than the specified minimum odds for your bet. Occasionally, winnings from a free bet may be subject to wagering requirements if you win. In other words, you must wager your winnings several times before withdrawing them. To claim a free bet, you may need to enter a bonus code during registration or when you deposit. The bookmaker will provide instructions on how to activate the offer. Visit bookmaker websites, check betting forums, or search for promotional offers from reputable betting sites to find these offers. You should carefully read the terms and conditions to understand each offer's requirements, restrictions, and wagering requirements. Free bet offers can vary between bookmakers and regions, so it is always recommended to read the bookmaker's terms and conditions before participating.

Getting to grips with sports betting odds

When you begin online sports betting, the odds are not as simple as you might imagine. Sports betting odds can be notoriously hard to get to grips with. First, there are three formats, depending on your location and the predominantly listed one. Most sites will let you toggle between the options, but it's a good idea to understand what they all mean before starting. After all, the odds tell you the likelihood of an event and indicate the amount of money you can get when a win occurs. Here are the three types:

• Fractional: Primarily used in the UK, these odds show you the probability of a win and the amount you would win. For instance, 7/1 odds means there's a decent chance of a win, meaning that if you bet £1 you would win £7 plus your stake back. The smaller the number, for example, 2/1, the more likely the team or player wins. 100/1 chances are considered outside or long-shots.
• Decimal: Used in Europe, decimal odds are relatively easy to use and understand. The decimal odds indicate the amount you will take home for every $1 bet. The stake is already included in the final calculation. So, odds of 4.00 mean that if you bet $1, you will win $4. Odds of 1.2 would give you $1.20 on a $1 bet.
• Moneyline: A minus sign typically used in the US denotes the favorite, and the plus denotes the underdogs. These odds indicate how much you must bet to win $/£100. For instance, a team with -150 is the favorite, and you must place 150 to win 100. A team with +200 means a $/£100 bet would win you £/$200.

Pros & cons

As with all online gambling, there are pros and cons to playing at an online sports betting site versus going to a land-based bookie or bookmaker. Let's examine some of these points.

Interesting facts

While you may not realize it, the sports betting industry is constantly growing. New sports and competitions are continuously added to sporting calendars. Take, for example, the rise in popularity of eSports in recent years. Previously, bookies did not accept them, but now they are a significant part of many sportsbooks. Speaking of sports, though, some are hugely popular. Unsurprisingly, football remains the most popular sport on which to place bets.

Summary

Just like betting at an online casino, sports betting must be undertaken with care. Set bet limits, understand what the odds mean, and research a sport before trying to play.

References

• https://www.espn.co.uk/sports-betting/story/_/id/40707275/
• https://www.arizonaindicators.org/sports-betting/
• https://www.olbg.com/bookmakers.php
• https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/betting-sites-b2584371.html