Sports betting

There are many sports betting sites and apps available, and there are even casinos with sports betting options 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 number of sports betting apps, you'll see plenty to enjoy. Typically, top betting sites offer more than 20 different sports, and within each sport, there are hundreds of betting markets. 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

When it comes to playing at a sports betting site, different bonuses are always available. Like online casinos, sports betting sites have options such as match deposit bonuses. But then the differences begin. Most sports betting sites actually 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 often 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.

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 different formats, which depend on where you are and which is 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 happening 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 and cons of best online casinos

While online casinos have a lot going for them, there are also some downsides. Considering the pros and cons of playing at an online casino is a must if you're starting. Below, we look at the pros and cons of an online casino compared to the experience at a land-based casino.

Pros

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 do your research on a sport before trying to play.

References

• https://www.espn.co.uk/sports-betting/story/_/id/40707275/beginner-guide-101-sports-betting-point-spreads-moneylines-parlays
• https://www.arizonaindicators.org/sports-betting/
• https://www.olbg.com/bookmakers.php
• https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/betting-sites-b2584371.html
• https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/042115/betting-basics-fractional-decimal-american-moneyline-odds.asp