Betting is an exciting and fun activity, most of the time. You feel excited and emotionally satisfied when all your predictions are correct. Nevertheless, it’s not a walk in the park. If you are not careful, wise, and discerning, you may lose money. Betting is as simple as tossing a coin and is complicated to some extent. Therefore, a betting guide is all you need to optimize your betting skills.
There has been a tremendous revolution in sports betting. Initially, betting was done physically in casinos and sports clubs. However, through technologies betting companies have emerged with advanced websites where people can make their predictions online from the comfort of their homes.
The following article will provide a comprehensive guide on online sports betting, essential for both beginners and experienced individuals.
What is online sports betting?
Betting is a gambling activity where you place money on a bet in the form of a stake. However, you must give correct predictions to win money. The possible win is always calculated by multiplying the amount of your stake and the given odds. You can bet on various events such as politics, sports, social, and cultural events. Sports betting is, however, the most common type of gambling worldwide. Sports online betting is where you place a bet with a bookmaker through their websites or applications.
With hundreds of sports played daily and almost every hour, you can always have plenty of games to place your bet on. To experience the fun and get rewarded for correct predictions, bet now on sports if you see a betting line that you like. Some common sports to put your bet on include; football, tennis, cricket, basketball, volleyball, and rugby. You can choose one type of sport you are enthusiastic about and place your bet there.
Forms of betting
Before you start betting, you must understand and decide the form of betting you will use. There are various forms of betting. They include;
- Fixed Odds
This is where you bet against the provided odds. The bookmaker always calculates and provides the odds, and they don’t fluctuate during payout. This gives you a clear idea of the exact amount you will expect to win once your predictions are correct. The most common fix-odds are the 1X2, correct scores, and outrights.
- Handicaps
This type of betting requires you to predict whether the player or team will fulfill the given condition by the bookmaker. For example, if the player will cover a given spread or bookmaker handicap. The bookmaker tends to provide a theoretical advantage to the weakest player in the game.
- Total Points or Over/Under
Here you will be required to provide a correct number of goals, penalties, cards, or points, depending on the sport you are betting. You can also predict whether the stats will remain under or over the given line or scores.
Types Of Odds
The odds are significant in sports betting as they determine the money you expect to win. A possible win or final payout is calculated by multiplying the odds with your stake. There are many types of odds, but we will only look at the three most common ones.
- Fractional odds- are primarily used in the UK. They are the most traditional odds but are still used up to date.
- Decimal odds- they are the most common and straightforward to read odds. They are majorly used in European countries and most parts of the world.
- Moneyline odds- are also known as American odds. They are primarily used in western world countries and the USA.
Here is How to Start Betting
Select a Bookmaker or Betting Company
Before you start betting, your first task is to select a betting company. Several companies offer online betting services through their websites and applications. However, you must research the best and most reliable betting company. There are several factors you should consider when choosing the best betting company. They include;
- The efficiency of the website
- Payment methods
- Odds
- Bonuses
- Create an Account
Once you have selected a betting company, you should create an account by registering using your details. Keep your credentials, such as login details, safe and private. Once you have created an account, you should deposit some money you will use to stake. However, some companies give free bets to first-time users. You can take advantage of those free bets before using your money.
- Staking
Regarding staking, you should first select the sport you want to bet. On your account homepage, you can access all sports and games available for betting. Once you have chosen the sport, click on the available games and make predictions. For example, if you want to bet on football, you should choose a game that is yet to be played or is continuing and predict the outcomes. Most odds tend to be 1X2, with 1 representing the home team, X draw, and 2 the away team. If you think the home team will win, click on 1. The same applies to X and 2. You can also give other predictions such as correct scores, over or under, and both teams to score.
- Payout
If your predictions are correct, your money will be automatically deposited in your betting account at the end of the game. You will then be required to withdraw the money to your bank or e-mobile account.
Wrapping Up
Betting is a simple and fun activity. Predicting the outcome correctly is fulfilling. To increase the chances of your success, you should always do thorough research on the teams playing. Check on their latest form, injuries, players’ absents, the opponent’s abilities, and previous history when the two teams played against each other.