How to Place a Bet

Betting online is commonplace since the era of going to the high street bookie shops is almost gone. However, that does not mean that it is simple or easy. If you do not come to grips with crucial concepts, you might end up losing money, and you certainly don’t want that. So, what should you know about how to place a bet for the first time that will give you an advantage? 

We evaluate all the factors that will make or break your winning chances. Choosing the right sportsbook, depositing to your account and finding the best odds, markets, and bonuses provide the essential foundation for betting as a beginner. Expert tips for popular sports and a list of high-calibre bookmakers will finish your newfound knowledge, and you will be ready to make a bet online, even if you are a novice player.

Basic steps of placing a bet 

Once you decide to make a bet online, it’s better to have a roadmap, or you could get overwhelmed in the process. That involves mainly finding the right bookie plus critical info about the sportsbook product, banking options and promotions. We provide a dedicated case for each step with a detailed explanation, but first, some screenshots of typical bet placement to make your life easier.

Choose the match and the selection

Your choice will reflect the betslip on the right

Enter the stake

Place your bet

Picking the right sportsbook 

The beginning of "how to place a bet" can only be by picking the best sportsbook. But how can you tell which one is since you have so many options available? A great start is consulting our bookmaker ratings which are regularly updated and include an in-depth review of each sportsbook. Still, you can have your impression by judging some standard factors.

A user-friendly and responsive interface is important, especially if you are new to placing a bet online. High odds and variety in markets will hugely impact your winning opportunities, as are bonuses and rewards. Reputable sites also emphasise live betting, tools like Responsible Gaming, and 24/7 customer support.

Funding your account

Now that you have chosen the sportsbook that fits your style, it’s time to top up your balance before you make a bet online. Payment methods have gone under a great deal of expansion, especially at the biggest online bookmakers, and include both classic but also more ‘’unconventional’’ options. Credit/debit cards from Visa and Mastercard are a staple with wallets such as Skrill, Neteller and Paysafecard. Cryptocurrencies gain more and more traction among bettors, so more bookies offer payments with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether and more. And if you come across a bookmaker that values localisation, you will likely find options like Sofort, Interac, Multibanco and other country-tailored. 

How to put up a bet online: Helpful tips 

Everything is ready to start placing wagers and hopefully make a good earning. The chances are that your sportsbook will have a menu on the left that will list all available sports. Once you click on the desired one, all the leagues and competitions will drop. From there, you can choose the match and the market you wish.

After you make your selections, you will see your betslip, and you can enter your stake. Once you do that, the possible winnings will show up, alongside the option to go for a system bet. Double-check your picks and click on the Place Bet button. Congratulations, you just mastered the steps of how to put up a bet online.

How can I find the best odds 

The most dominant factors for most bettors when choosing a sportsbook are the odds and markets, and no one can blame them. They profoundly affect your winnings, and knowing as much as possible is crucial on the issue of how to place a bet.  Starting with the odds, they reflect how likely an outcome is. A favourite will have low odds, while an underdog will have high. There are three main types of odds in most bookies. European or decimal (in the form of 2.00 or 3.50), British or fractional (like 3/1 or 7/4) and American (such as +100 or -200). Since reviewing every sportsbook on odds would be impossible, we did all the hard work, as you can see on our high odds betting sites list.

Is it necessary to have many markets available

We can answer that with a yes; as a rule in the markets, the more, the better. Variety is critical, and most betting sites include hundreds of markets, particularly in matches expected to accumulate many wagers. Classic choices like 1X2, Total Goals and Half/Full-Time Winner are complemented by Player Props, Card & Corner bets and Special bets. The last category is getting refreshed constantly with new picks like Clean Sheet, Score with a Penalty, Win from Behind and more.

How to make a bet on football 

The undisputed king of sports is by far the no.1 choice for all bettors. Competitions like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and the Champions League are highlights for every bookmaker and come loaded with markets and extras. Match-winner, Over/Under, and Asian Handicaps are popular choices when it comes to how to bet on football, especially for beginners. You can pick your next bookie yourself, or you can consult our football bookmakers page, where we have done all the research.

How to make a bet on tennis 

Tennis ranks high among punters due to the regular high-calibre tournaments it boasts, such as Grand Slam, ATP & WTA. Look for as many tourneys as possible, including amateur and a number of markets that exceed 30 in the top ones. Winners for each game or set and specials such as Win to Nil & Break Serve are some of the best ways to bet on tennis.

How to make a bet on basketball 

If you know a thing or two about how to bet on basketball and win, you can apply it and make a nice profit. It will be easy to spot a bookie offering NBA and Euroleague matches but keep an eye on the markets, which should be above 50 in those competitions. Player Specials (like Points, Assists and 3-point shots made), Winning Margin & Race to X Points add to traditional Moneyline and Spread selections.

How to make a bet on horse racing 

UK punters’ love for horses goes back centuries and is still strong today. But horse racing is a popular betting event worldwide; hence several sportsbooks offer it for wagering. Royal Ascot, Kentucky Derby & Cheltenham Festival are landmark events for horse race betting where you can find markets like the Winner, Place, Trifecta and more.

Are there any bonuses when I place a bet online 

When all other factors are equal, a bonus can decide where I can place a sports bet. The reason? It can give a boost to your bankroll without risking your funds. By registering, you are eligible for Betting Bonuses, which are usually 100% of your first deposit. Once you use it, you can also bag Free Bets, Acca Boosts, Reload Bonuses, Enhanced Odds and more. Remember to check the Terms and Conditions before claiming any offer.

Can I place live bets 

Sure, you can, even as a novice player, live-action adds an exciting aspect to how to put up a bet. No bookmaker does not offer some kind of in-play betting, and the volume of such events has eclipsed pre-match ones. While the match is underway, you can wager on various outcomes, which can often surpass 100. Having an almost equal number of pre-match and live markets signifies a quality sportsbook.

Moreover, features like Live Streaming allow you to witness the game as it goes on, and Cashout lets you pocket some early winnings or save a bet going wrong. For more tips on how to place a sports bet, we have you covered in our live betting strategies guide.

Why is it better to place a bet online 

For decades, betting shops were the point of punters wanting to test Lady Luck. A tectonic shift occurred in the late 90s, with the rapid expansion of the Internet and the first emergence of online bookmakers. The convenience of placing a bet from home at any time of the day was only the beginning. Higher odds, more markets and regular bonuses soon made online betting the hottest trend. The addition of live betting gave another dimension to how to place a sports bet online and confirmed as a top choice.

What should you mind as a newcomer in online betting? The cornerstone is finding the right bookie for your playing style and budget. If you follow the tips we laid out and opt for one of our selected bookmakers; you cannot go wrong.