A beginner’s guide to betting online includes information on choosing a safe and fair sportsbook, understanding odds, the value of promotional offers and top betting tips. Whilst brick-and-mortar betting shops have been popular, online betting is considered a better offer for punters since there are more payment options, Neteller is a popular choice according to BRC. Another benefit is they’re able to offer generous bonuses and promotions that land-based sites cannot afford because of overheads. One of the most recent advances is that it is now possible to online bet via mobile devices with some betting features not available in shops.

Choice of betting site

Before creating an account, check that the site is licensed and under the control of a regulatory authority which will confirm the site is secure and fair. Generous online betting offers are a good sign but should not be your only source of information when choosing to open an account with a sportsbook. Also check for reviews by industry experts and regular players for high ratings with regards to customer service, stability of site, payment and withdrawal issues if any etc.

When opening an account to bet online, check the site offers the sports you want to follow, with competitive odds. Some of the best sites offer live-streamed sports as well as pre-match and in-play statistics. An online betting site should be well designed and intuitive to use on a mobile device as well as desktop PCs. Check that customer service representatives are available 24/7 and consider what other options appeal to you, such as global sports or online casino games.

Registering at an online betting site

The registration process is simple on most betting sites. Personal details are required and new account holders will need to upload copies of documents to prove identity. Only when verification of identity is complete is the person allowed to pay into an account and place a bet, a process that can take a day or two. If you want to remain anonymous, look for a cryptocurrency betting site since these are protected by blockchain technology.

Place your bets

Placing a bet on a sportsbook, choose an outcome you want to bet on and the amount you want to stake. A betting slip will automatically be created and punters can add more bets to this original slip. Betting guides online will provide the latest facts about every sport, allowing punters to check the latest form to help in making their betting decision. As a beginner, focus on just the basics and keep learning. This is how most experts started.

Betting odds

Betting odds can be written in different ways. The odds written as 5/1 (also known as five-to-one) means that every GBP1 staked will receive GBP5 in profit for a total of GBP6.  For odds of 5/1, the probability for a win is 16.66 per cent.

Bookmaker’s Margin

Sportsbooks make their money by taking a cut or ‘bookmaker’s margin’. This varies from betting sites and the popularity of the event.  The ideal is to choose a margin as close to 100 per cent as possible, which can be found using an online calculator for the purpose.