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How to Bet Online in 2023
Looking to learn how to bet online? Sports betting is now a hugely popular pastime. The excitement and potential rewards of betting on teams and players make online bookmakers increasingly common. Whether it is football, horse racing, basketball or other sports you wish to bet on, punters can find whatever they are looking for today.
On this page, we discuss everything there is to know about how to place a sports bet online. While the process is easier than ever, it is still important that beginners fully understand what is involved. We will deliver the best betting sites, as well as explaining why online bookmakers are better than high street alternatives. Before we get into how to place a bet online, the following are our top ranked betting sites for beginners.
- All
- £10 Free Bet
- £20 Free Bet
- £5 Deposit
- Cash Out
- Each Way Bet
- Enhanced Odds
- Free Spins
- New!
- patent bet
- Trixie
- Yankee bet
- £30 Free Bet
- Paypal
- Derby betting
- Live Streaming
- £40 Free Bet
- New Free Bets
- Placepot bet
- £25 Free Bet
- More Filters
Bet £10 Get £30 Surprise Bet
Bet £10 Get £30 Surprise Bet
- Boosted bets
- iOS and Android mobile apps available
- Football & other win draw win options
Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
- Regular price boosts
- Good number of additional specials
- Efficient mobile app available
Bet £10, Get £40 In Free Bets
Bet £10, Get £40 In Free Bets
- Bet Builder, BetFeed & BetFinder tools
- Large number of in-play football markets
- Live football streaming available
Bet £10 Get £40 in Bonuses
Bet £10 Get £40 in Bonuses
- BOG applies after 8am on race days
- Includes selected international races
- Available for horse racing & greyhounds
Bet £10, get £30 in free bets
Bet £10, get £30 in free bets
- Live-stream biggest horse races in UK & Ireland
- Best possible price promise
- Tips & social features: follow the biggest winners
Bet £10 Get £20 In Free Bets
Bet £10 Get £20 In Free Bets
- Combined odds of just 3/1 required to qualify for acca insurance offers
- Generous welcome offer
- Daily specials available
£35 Free Bet + 10 Free Spins
£35 Free Bet + 10 Free Spins
- Free bet worth 5% of your total bets
- Min odds of 6/4 needed
- 1x free bet available daily
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
- Great In-Play Markets
- Excellent mobile app for iOS & Android users
- Fantastic for in play betting
How We Rank Our Best Betting Sites
Some betting sites are better than others in terms of catering for beginners. Learning how to bet online can be sped up by selecting the right bookie. So, when ranking available sites, we take the following factors into account:
- Safety – Whether you are new to betting or an old hand, selecting a safe betting site is a must. All sites recommended on this page are licensed by the Gambling Commission in the UK. With a number of other security features being in play, punters can learn how to bet online knowing that they are operating safely. BetUK may have only been founded in 2018, however it has developed an excellent reputation for its reliability.
- Usability – Discovering how to bet online is made easier when bookies offer easy to use sites. A clever design makes browsing markets and placing bets quick and simple. All markets should be neatly listed, while other features must also be accessible in seconds. Meanwhile, pages must have been optimised for all screen sizes. 2KBet takes just a matter of minutes to get used to. Their site is simplistic in style, while still offering modern features.
- Markets – When learning how to bet online, punters will discover that it is best to focus upon sports they have a good understanding of. Whether it be football, horse racing, tennis, cricket or others, bookies must cover a large number of sports. Pre-match, live and outright markets are available at betting sites too. BetUK covers 30+ different sports, while their in-play platform is substantial too.
- Odds – Odds should be one of the first things in which punters consider. Prices determine how much you will make from winning bets. Available in a range of formats, odds differ between bookies. While all on this page are competitive, some perform better than others. 888Sport is one of the top bookies for odds. They regularly offer industry-leading prices, along with daily price boosts.
- Bonuses – It is easy to place too much emphasis upon promotions. However, they can certainly be useful. The best bonuses come with realistic terms and conditions, as well as generous rewards. Free bets, money back specials and price boosts are among the most common promos on the web. Meanwhile, each of our recommended bookies offers some form of welcome bonus. With an attractive welcome offer and a host of ongoing promotions, QuinnBet is one of the leading operators for bonuses.
- Mobile – The convenience of mobile betting attracts many. Placing bets on smartphones and tablets is hugely popular today. Sportsbooks can be accessed via dedicated apps and mobile browsers. There should be no difference in the number of available markets and features found on desktop and mobile platforms. Meanwhile, some bookies even offer specific promotions for mobile customers. Having won a host of awards for their betting app in the past, MansionBet is well worth checking out.
- Support – You may not think that you will need help along the way while betting online. However, for those learning how to place a bet online, support is likely to be particular important. Online bookies deliver customer service via telephone, email and live chat in most cases. Meanwhile, many are now also active on leading social media platforms. Whether you require help placing a bet or have a technical problem, contacting members of staff should be simply day and night. With an efficient live chat feature, BoyleSports is a bookie that scores highly in this area.
- Banking – In order to fund bets, punters must first deposit money. As such, they must find a payment method that meets their demands. Available options include debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid vouchers and mobile-specific platforms. The best bookies offer quick, secure and convenient payments. Those charging a fee will automatically be at a disadvantage. Deposits are instant at the vast majority of sites, while withdrawals will likely take between 1-5 days. Accepting payments via popular e-wallets PayPal, Skrill and Neteller, Betfred is a good option for punters here.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Bet Online?
For those in the UK, you must be aged at least 18 to legally place bets, both online and in high street bookmakers. When signing up with a bookie, new customers must provide a form of identification in order to prove their age. This can be a passport, driving license and household bills. Bookmakers that accept new customers without verifying your identity are unlikely to be regulated. These are to be avoided in all circumstances. In terms of additional gambling laws, punters in the UK were banned from funding their activity via credit cards in the UK from April 2020.
How To Sign Up To a Sports Betting Site
At most betting sites, signing up, depositing funds and placing bets is simple. However, for newcomers, it is important to understand the process. So, the following is a step by step guide for how to register with an online bookie. This is extremely important when it comes to learning how to bet. We have used one of our top ranked bookies as an example:
Step 1: Select Your Betting Site
Take a closer look at our list of top ranked betting sites in the UK. Take into account your preferred sports, as well as the features you require. This could include live streaming or cash out. Based on your list of demands, decide upon which bookie best meets your needs. Of course, you can sign up on more than one site if you wish.
Step 2: Register an Account
Enter the sportsbook of your chosen bookie. This can be achieved by clicking on the link on the table at the top of this page. Alternatively, enter the website into the navigation bar of your browser. Click on the “JOIN” button. Complete the registration form by entering your personal details. Verify your account by uploading a proof of identity. Login for the first time.
Step 3: Deposit Funds
Enter the cashier page of your account, before clicking on the “Deposit” option. Select from one of the available payment methods. Enter the amount you wish to deposit. For debit card payments, punters must enter their card details. Alternatively, select an e-wallet, before logging into your account via the pop-up. Confirm your payment and wait a matter of seconds for funds to show in your betting account.
Step 4: Place Bet
Browse available markets. Remember to focus upon sports that you follow closely. This will give you the best chance of beating the bookies. Search for value, adding picks to your bet slip in the process. Do your homework, looking at the news and statistics surrounding potential selections. Weigh up the available bet types, as well as the potential winnings. When happy, confirm your bet by clicking on the “Place Bet” button.
Step 5: Withdraw Winnings
Depending on the success of your bet, it may be that you have winnings to collect. Rather than having to visit your high street bookie, funds will be available in your online account immediately. Punters can then decide whether to invest in future bets or withdraw to their bank or e-wallet account to spend elsewhere.
How To Place A Sports Bet
How you bet on sports will likely depend on your strategy and objectives. However, it will also depend on the sport itself. For example, some sports come with more markets than others. Bets can be placed at as little as £0.01 on some sites, with slips being automatically updated upon selections being added. Maximum stakes will vary between both bookies and sports. However, we can confidently say that the limits set on our recommended sites will meet the demands of 99% of beginners. Let’s take a closer look at football and horse racing, the two most popular betting sports in the UK. We will then discuss how to bet on Grand National online.
How To Bet On Football Online
Football bets can be placed on leagues and cups from around the world. However, the English Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A and FA Cup are among the most popular. Meanwhile, available markets include 1×2, correct score, over/under goals, first goalscorer and draw no bet. Punters should also look out for football promotions offered by bookies. Such promos include acca insurance, price boosts, early payouts and money back specials. Finally, on some betting sites, live streaming services will make it possible to watch football matches as they play out.
How To Bet On Horse Racing
Whether it be meetings from the UK & Ireland or further afield, horse racing features heavily on most betting sites. Meetings in the UK generally feature either flat or national hunt races. Races take place daily, with all runners and riders being handed an individual price, based on form, age and the going. Terms to look out for include starting price, non-runner and ante post. Be sure to check out our horse racing guide for further information. Popular bet types include to win, each-way, forecast and tricast. Meanwhile, best odds guaranteed is offered by many online bookies. This ensures that punters claim winnings at the best possible price, regardless of when the bet was placed. Other horse racing promos include faller insurance and enhanced odds. You should not have a better understanding of how to bet on horse races online.
How To Bet On The Grand National
The Grand National is the biggest day in the betting calendar. The historic horse race takes place at Aintree, involving 40+ runners and riders. The race attracts both regular punters and other members of the general public. With some runners being priced up to 100/1, there is a good chance of coming away with winnings. The race is broadcast live on terrestrial TV, with millions tuning in. The Grand National is given major emphasis by bookies. Many promotions specific to the event will be introduced in the days leading up to the race itself.
Understanding Odds When Betting Online
Part of learning how to bet online is understanding how odds work. At our recommended betting sites, odds will likely be available in fractional, decimal and American formats. Simply put, the lower the price, the greater the chance of the result occurring will be. For example, odds of 1/9 for Manchester City to beat Burnley at home indicate just how heavily Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites.
Betting margins vary between bookies. This is how they make money. This is something else in which punters must consider before signing up and placing bets. Punters will want to know that winning bets bring about the highest earnings. The best margins sit as close to 100% as possible. Bookies with a margin of around 110% are likely to be worth avoiding. Let’s now take a closer look at the three most common odds formats found at UK betting sites:
Fractional Odds
This is the most common type of odds in the UK. Here, a hyphen is used to display prices. Simply put, the number on the right is what is needed to win the number on the left. For example, when the odds are 5/1, a £1 bet will bring about a profit of £5.
Decimal Odds
More common across Europe, decimal odds show the amount that can be won for every £1 staked. For example, when the decimal odds have been set at 5.00, a £1 stake will once again result in a profit of £5. The calculation stake X odds can be carried out to work out the potential payout.
American Odds
Also known as moneyline odds, this format is unlikely to be used by many punters in the UK. Here, both + and – symbols are used to show the favourites and outsiders. Odds show how much can be made by placing a $100 bet. For example, a bet on the favourites at odds of -500 would require a $100 bet to win $500. Meanwhile, a $100 bet on the underdogs at -300 would result in a total payout of $400.
Live Betting
We have alluded to the popularity of live betting already on this page. Live betting, also known as in-play, simply means wagering on sporting events that have already started. Most online bookies feature dedicated live betting pages. Here, odds on events are constantly changing. Changes are normally clearly indicated, with many using red and green symbols. Some in-play markets are accompanied by live streaming.
For bookies that do not deliver a live streaming service, useful graphics and statistics are likely to be found instead. Sports including football, tennis, basketball, cricket, Esports and hockey are among those commonly associated with live betting. However, due to the nature of the sport, horse racing is not available.
Another useful feature when it comes to live betting is cash out. Some bookies offer only full cash out, while others will offer full and partial options. Cash out effectively means settling a bet early. This is a good option when punters are looking to cut losses or guarantee a profit. Punters must understand that the cash out feature must be used before the completion of the event. As you learn about how to bet online, it will become clearer as to just when to cash out and when to trust your bet.
Betting Promotions
Promotions are available to both new and existing customers in the UK. While it is easy to place too much of a significance upon such offers, some promos can be well worth taking advantage of. As well as helping to attract new customers and keep existing players happy, they can aid punters in maximising winnings and minimising losses. Free bets and bonuses are available to those signing up for the first time. Meanwhile, price boosts, acca insurance, early payouts and money back specials are among the most common ongoing promotions.
Of course, each offer comes with unique terms and conditions. T&Cs must be read before getting involved. This will mean that punters avoid any disappointment or surprises. Minimum odds, wagering requirements and maximum winnings are among the most common to consider. Meanwhile, some offers will require a promo code in order to qualify. Alternatively, punters can opt in or place a qualifying bet. Be sure to look at our favourite betting promotions available in the UK today.
Why You Should Bet Online Instead of In A Bookies
While high street bookmakers are still found in the UK, betting sites are the preferred option for most punters today. It is easy to see why online bookies are so popular, given the number of benefits on offer. Unlike in betting shops, betting sites offer promotions, including welcome bonuses. Meanwhile, features including live streaming, cash out and bet builders are also available with selected bookies.
Of course, betting online is far more convenient. Betting sites save punters a trip to their local bookie. While many enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie of high street bookies, an increasing number like wagering from the comfort of their own home or from the stadium itself. With betting sites being safe and reliable too, it is little wonder that the number of online customers is increasing rapidly.
5 Biggest Tips When Betting Online
It is important to have a strategy when betting online. Researching available strategies will also help you in understanding better just how to bet online. However, regardless of strategy, there are some tips that are useful for all punters. The following will give punters the best possible chance of beating the bookies:
- Stick to What You Know – Place bets on sports you have a good knowledge of. Football fans should wager on the Premier League, Champions League and World Cup. Meanwhile, horse racing fans will likely target the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup. While the odds may be appealing elsewhere, this is likely to result in losses.
- Do Your Homework – Before confirming any bet, be sure to take a closer look at the teams/players involved. With that amount of information available online today, there is no excuse to skip this step. It may be worth taking advantage of the betting tips written by experts too.
- Start Small – When getting into betting, start with small stakes, rather than staking your whole budget on one bet. Placing smaller bets, on a more frequent basis, is a strategy worth considering for sure. Those who go in all guns blazing will likely come unstuck.
- Be Responsible – How to bet online? Remember that betting should be about enjoyment first and foremost. Your budget should be a small proportion of your disposable income. At most betting sites, it is possible to set weekly/monthly budgets, as well as take exclusion periods. The top bookies are also associated with specialist organisations, such as BeGambleAware, GAMSTOP and GamCare.
- Track Your Progress – This tip is made easy by online bookies. Punters can now easily see all past bets placed. So, it is possible to see where you have gone wrong, as well as where money has been made. This could impact your strategy for the future.
How to Place a Bet Online Bottom Line
There has never been a better time to get involved in online betting. The number of legal, reliable and potentially rewarding bookmakers available in the UK is growing quickly. In other good news, most bookies also make placing bets easy. Whether it be on desktop or mobile, punters can quickly and simply login, deposit funds and browse markets. Meanwhile, our recommended betting sites also come with a host of features and promotions. So, be sure to check out which best suits your needs, before claiming your welcome bonus in the process.
Our Top Rated Best Betting Site in The UK
Bet £10, Get £40
Bet £10, Get £40
- No minimum deposit requirements
- Excellent platform for in-play betting
- Best Odds On All Premier League Matches
How to Place a Sports Bet Online FAQ’s
How old do you have to be to be online in the UK?
How do I know that a betting site is legal in the UK?
Which payment methods can I use to deposit into my betting account?
Which are the most popular betting sports?
How long does it take to learn how to bet online sports?
James Fuller is a sports journalist based in Bath, England. Specializing in sports and iGaming, he has worked for a variety of leading online publications in the past, having first created content for safebettingsites in 2020. James also has a degree in Sport & Leisure Management from Sheffield Hallam University. He also has a certificate in Football Communication & Digital Media from the Sports Business Institute in Barcelona, which James has used to help brands enhace their following and reputation on online platforms. With almost a decade of experience in sports writing to his name, James has received outstanding feedback from existing and former clients.
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