What is a bet? In the simplest of terms, a bet is an agreement between two or more parties guessing on the outcome of an event. Money is involved and it’s agreed on that the one who guesses the outcome correctly will be the winner and gets the money.
How Does Betting Work?
When you are betting, you are betting your money against someone else’s money.
If only two parties are involved, and if the bet is as simple as whether a coin lands heads or tails, the winner gets the loser’s money and gets their money back too.
How to Bet?
In the UK, there are two ways to bet that are sanctioned by the UK Gambling Commission. One is via onsite betting. This is done through brick-and-mortar betting shops.
You will physically have to visit the betting shop in order to place a bet. You can also choose to call your bet in.
The second option is online sports betting.
As its name suggests, you bet credits stake via sports betting exchange website. You don’t have to visit a physical shop, nor do you have to actually be in the UK to place your bet on betting sites in the UK.
How To Place a Bet?
This is as simple as heading to your bookie’s shop or log-in to your preferred sports betting sites, selecting a sporting event, and placing your bet.
For onsite sportsbook-related markets, you will have to open an account with them before you can start betting. Verification may be needed.
It’s the same for online sports betting sites. You will need to create an account although you can make your first sports bet without a deposit by using your welcome bonus or free bet offer instead.
Deposit method restrictions apply and T and Cs apply to both forms of betting.
How Do I Get My Winnings?
You can withdraw this from your account at any time as long as you have a qualifying bet. You will first be required to set up an account and add a bank or third-party payment method so that the sports betting site knows where to pay you.
Winnings from free bets or from, let’s say a 10 free bet bonus and other free bets paid and welcome bonuses, will be subject to wager min odds and wagering requirements.
What are Bonuses and Free Bets?
These are offered by betting sites in the UK in other parts of the world to their clients.
A welcome bonus, for example, is a bonus that you get simply for signing up. A deposit bonus, on the other hand, is a bonus offered after you make your first deposit. It could be in the form of cash credit or 30 free bet offers where you get 30 in free bets or 20 in free bets when you deposit £30, £20, or something similar.
Free bets can be bet promotions or a casino bonus that is given to clients during special events or if they meet certain betting milestones. It could be given with the first football betting or horse racing bets.
Online vs Onsite Betting, Which is Better?
When it comes to sports betting in the 21st century, there isn’t much difference between sports betting online and betting on site.
You are still working towards the same goal, and that is to bet on a sporting event or a race. It still works the same if you are spread betting.
The main difference between the two is that with online betting sites and online sports betting, you can bet from anywhere in the UK and even abroad as long as you are registered on the UK betting site.
For onsite betting, you have to head to the bookmaker’s shop to place your bet. You may face some restrictions with this, like when the bookies are closed for holidays or certain events and health restrictions.
Betting Tips
Use Up Your Free Bets
Free bets expire. Make use of these, you don’t have to pay for them and you get the chance to win from them as you would a real money bet. So use them up.
Use up that £30 in free bets or whatever other bonus your betting site has offered you. Make use of those free bet stakes.
You should also check if your betting site has maximum free bet restrictions be it for single or accumulator bets.
Familiarize Yourself with the Betting Markets
You don’t have to be an expert. Just have a good idea of the betting odds that are offered by other betting sites. That way you have a good idea of whether or not you are getting the best deals.
Don't Overthink It
It can be so easy to get lost in betting analysis. Although those do have their merit, for the most part just enjoy sports betting like you would any other casino game. Just enjoy it.
And please bet responsively!
