Online sports betting is the most exciting and accessible way to gamble on your favorite sports. With more options available than ever before and amazing bonuses to take advantage of, it’s no wonder more and more gambling enthusiasts are signing up.
Check out our guide to learn everything you need to know about sports betting online and pick up some top sports betting tips and tricks.
How is Online Sports Betting Different?
When you check out a sports betting website, the first thing that will strike you is the incredible range of options available. It’s so easy to browse through different sports and find the perfect option for you. Compare this to a conventional betting shop where leafing through odds can take a lot of time – time you don’t have.
Another major difference is the range of bonuses available. You can easily find and apply bonuses that can increase your stake and/or winnings, and many of these bonuses are unique to gambling online.
Why Choose Online Sports Betting?
Still not sure what makes sports betting so great? Let’s take a look at some top advantages of online sports betting.
Easy to Browse Options
Simple drop-down menus make it easy to select your sport, your league, and the type of bet you want to place. This means you can check out many options quickly and make your selection based on the best odds. You don’t have to show up with an idea of what you want to wager on already planned in your head.
Cash Out In-Play
Many bets can be cashed out during play. This minimizes the risk of a last-second change to a game costing you your winnings. If your bet is looking likely to come true, the best gambling websites will offer you an option to cash out in-play for slightly lowered winnings. This is a great option if it looks like the tide could turn at any moment.
Betting on the Move
Whether you’re traveling, visiting friends, or at work, you can access sports betting apps on your phone. This enables you to place and act on wagers in real-time, taking advantage of great odds and reducing your risk of losses.
Wide Range of Bonuses
There are so many bonuses available on sports betting websites. You can use these to augment your chances of a big payout or boost your odds on a safe bet so that you can make good returns with minimal risk.
Secure and Private
There’s no better feeling than scoring a big win. Regrettably, at conventional betting shops, some of us feel ill-at-ease cashing in a big win at the counter because you never know who’s listening.
Online sports betting means that your winnings and payout are entirely private. Top websites also have amazing payment security – always check out reviews of a site’s payment security before signing up.
Types of Online Sports Betting
You can find our detailed guide to the different types of bets available here, but here’s a general overview you should know:
- Moneyline: The simplest bet: you wager on one team to win.
- Point Spread: A point spread is wagering on the margin of victory.
- Over/Under: This is wagering on the total points scored in a game.
- Parlay/Accumulators: You make a small wager based on several results all coming true. This can multiply into big winnings.
- Teasers: This is similar to parlay, but is based on over/under wagers rather than a Moneyline.
- Props: This is wagering on the likelihood of an event happening in-game, or bets tied to a player’s performance.
- Middles: This means wagering money on both sides to minimize your losses.
- Futures: This is a long-term stake, e.g. betting on a team to win a season rather than a game.
- Live/In-Play: These bets are made during play and are informed by updates on the game.
Where to Bet on Sports Online
It’s important to find a trustworthy provider when gambling online. Sites with poor security or mixed reviews could be out to rip you off. One of our top sports betting tips is to vet a website thoroughly before making a choice.
How to Make an Online Wager: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s our step-by-step guide to making a wager.
1. Pick Your Sport
Choose a sport you’re familiar with. The better acquainted you are with the ins and outs of the sport, the more likely you are to win.
2. Assess What You Know
Injured players, recent form, home-field advantage… it’s worth keeping up-to-date with all news you can find if you’re gambling online.
3. Find the Best Odds
Odds can be surprising. You might feel 95% sure about the outcome of 1 game and perhaps 70% on game 2. However, the website is offering better odds on game 1. Do they know something you don’t?
There’s no shame in a bit of last-minute research. After that, it’s time to trust your gut!
4. Choose Your Type of Bet
Feel the stars aligning? Try a parlay bet. Sure that someone’s about to have a great day? You can get excellent odds on prop bets. Exploring different types of bets can help you understand where you tend to have the best intuition.
5. Apply Bonuses
Always search for limited-time bonuses before you make your bet. While some bonuses restrict you from cashing out in-play, they can also help you make big winnings for a small investment.
6. Make Your Wager
Now it’s time to place your wager. Game on!
Online Sports Betting Tips
Here are some of our top sports betting tips for gambling safely and having the best time.
Stick to What You Know
One of our leading sports betting tips is to never make a wager on a game you don’t understand. Successful gambling is calculated, not a random stab at what seems like good odds.
Bet Comfortable Amounts
Limit the amount you deposit in an online gambling account per month. Make sure you can afford the expense and don’t assume you’ll win. Gambling is a hobby, not an income.
Manage Risk
Going for the big time is fun, but often riskier. Try placing a small sum on a parlay bet and a larger sum on a safe Moneyline or point spread wager. Even if the long shot doesn’t pay off, you’re more likely to earn money back.
Don’t Bet Off the Back of a Loss
One of the most important sports betting tips is to never make a reflexive wager. It can be tempting to try to “win back” money after a disappointing result, but you need to gamble using your head. Take time to cool off if things don’t go your way.
Sports Betting Tips: Final Thoughts
Sports betting is simple. Find a top provider, pick your sport and type of bet, know your limits, and then make an informed choice. Now you’re ready to set up your online sports betting account and start having fun. Start by checking out our guides on the best sports betting platforms this year.