Best Online Bookmakers

Eager to Use an Online Bookie? How to Get Started

Online bookmakers have become the go-to destination for sports bettors in the modern era. If you’re eager to try your hand at sports betting, it’s important to approach it wisely.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started. Hopefully, you can make the most of your online betting experience.

Choose wisely

The first step is to choose a reputable online bookie. Do your research by reading reviews and checking for licenses and certifications. This can help ensure your chosen platform is trustworthy and secure.

Open an account

Once you’ve selected a bookie, you must sign-up and create an account. This typically involves providing your personal information, such as name, date of birth, and contact details.

Make sure to use accurate information. This is important for identity verification and withdrawals.

Deposit with your preferred currency

After creating your account, it’s time to fund it. Most bookmakers online accept various currencies. So, choose the one that suits you best.

You can deposit money using credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, or even cryptocurrencies. Credit cards are not an option in the U.K. and certain other countries.

Take advantage of the welcome bonus

Many online bookies offer welcome bonuses to new users. These bonuses can be free bets, deposit matches, or other promotions.

Always analyze the T’s and C’s to learn about the wagering requirements attached to the bonuses.

Explore the sportsbook

Familiarize yourself with the sportsbook section of the website. Here, you’ll find many sports and events to wager on.

Take your time to browse through the available options, odds, and betting markets.

You may also find that bookies have some of the best online slots sites too. They do this to keep players entertained for longer.

Making bets

Once you’ve found an event or game you want to bet on, it’s time to get started. Select your wager and enter the amount you want to bet.

The bet slip outlines your potential winnings based on the price received. Carefully check your selections before confirming.

Manage your bankroll

Responsible bankroll management is crucial. Create a budget for your betting activities and stick with it. Never chase losses, and know when to take a break if things aren’t going your way.

Winning and collecting money

If your bet wins, congratulations! Your money is typically added to your account shortly after the event. You can then take out your funds using the same method you used for depositing.

Remember that sports betting is a form of entertainment, not a guaranteed income source. Make informed decisions, research, and enjoy the excitement of the games.

Always gamble responsibly. If you ever feel like it’s becoming a problem, seek help and support. If you play it right, online sports betting is an enjoyable pastime. Occasionally, it may also prove lucrative.

Understanding the Different Online Bookie Betting Options

Online bookmakers offer a variety of bet types to cater to the diverse preferences of sports bettors. Here’s an outline of some of the most common bet types a punter can find at online sportsbooks.

Moneyline

The Moneyline is one of the simplest and most common types of sports betting markets.

In a Moneyline wager, you choose which team or player you believe will win the game or match outright.

The New York Giants travel to California to meet the San Francisco 49ers. You think the Giants can pull off the upset.

Their odds of winning are 2.70. This means a $100 wager on the Giants to win yields $270 if they succeed. $170 of this sum is profit.

The Niners, meanwhile, are odds-on favorites at 1.40. So, a $100 bet yields $140 and a $40 profit if the home team wins.

Point spread

Point spread bets are commonly used in sports like football, basketball, and hockey. Such wagers are also known as handicap bets.

The bookmaker assigns a point spread advantage to the underdog in this wager.

You can bet on whether the favored team will win by more points than the spread (cover the spread). Alternatively, you can risk money on the underdog losing by fewer points than the spread.

Suppose the Niners are favored with a -7.5-point spread against the Giants. Betting on the home team means they must win by 8 or more points for your bet to win. So, if the game ends 35-17 to San Francisco, they easily cover the spread.

Betting on the Giants with the spread means they can lose by 7 or fewer points, and your bet will win. If the game ends 24-20 to San Francisco, your wager wins even though the Giants lost.

Point spread bets aim to level the playing field and make betting on lopsided matchups more interesting.

Totals (over/under)

A totals, or over/under, bet focuses on the total number of points, goals, or runs scored in a game or match.

The bookmaker sets a specific number. You bet whether the combined score of both teams or participants will be over or under that number.

For example, the over/under in a match between the Lakers and Celtics is set at 209.5 points.

If you bet on the over, you need the game to have 210+ points. If you wager on the under, the event must have a maximum of 209 points.

So, if the Lakers win 114-101, the game has 215 points, which means only wagers on the over will win.

Totals bets are not concerned with which team wins. They solely focus on the game’s combined score.

This type of bet is popular because it adds excitement to games where you may not have a preference for the winner.

Parlay

Also known as an accumulator, a parlay combines multiple bets into a single wager. You select and bet on two or more outcomes from different games or events.

For instance, you back the Giants, Eagles, and Titans to win their games in the NFL. All of your selected outcomes must be correct to win a parlay bet. If one of your selections is wrong, the entire bet is lost.

Suppose the Eagles and Titans win, but the Giants lose. Your accumulator loses despite winning two out of three wagers.

Parlays offer the potential for higher payouts than individual bets because of the increased risk involved. The more selections you add to your parlay, the higher the potential payout. But you also have a lower probability of winning.

For example, the odds of the three teams mentioned above are as follows:

• Eagles – 1.80
• Titans – 2.10
• Giants – 2.70

If all three teams win, a $10 wager returns $102.06 since the odds of the accumulator winning are 10.20. Yet, there is a 90.2% probability that the wager loses.

Parlays are popular because they amplify the excitement of watching multiple games. A successful wager can yield substantial profits.

Teaser

A teaser is a variation of the parlay bet. It allows you to adjust the point spread or totals in your favor. The downside is that you get reduced odds.

It’s a common wager in football and basketball betting. In a teaser, you add or subtract points from the point spread or totals for the games you’ve selected. This process makes it easier for your selections to win.

Teasers are available in various point increments (e.g., 6-point teaser, 10-point teaser). Each one affects the odds differently. The larger the adjustment, the lower the potential payout.

The goal of a teaser is to increase your chances of winning multiple bets by sacrificing some potential payout.

Proposition bet

Proposition bets, often called “Props,” involve gambling on specific events or outcomes within a game or match that don’t necessarily affect the final result.

Props can cover a wide range of possibilities. These include:

• Player statistics: How many touchdowns a quarterback will throw, for instance
• Team performance: Which team will score first, for example
• Non-sporting aspects: The length of the national anthem performance at the Super Bowl is a popular choice

Prop bets add a layer of entertainment to sports betting. They are especially popular during major sporting events like the Super Bowl, where numerous unique prop bets are offered.

Futures

A futures bet involves predicting the outcome of an event that will occur in the future. Such events are typically at the end of a season or tournament.

Common examples include betting on which team will win the Super Bowl, the World Series, the World Cup, or which player will win a season-long award like MVP.

Futures bets are made well before the event’s conclusion. They often offer attractive odds because of the uncertainty surrounding long-term outcomes.

Futures bets can tie up your money for an extended period. Yet, they are also rewarding if your prediction is correct.

Other betting options

Here is a brief overview of a few other common bets offered by the best online bookies.

Each-way

Common in horse racing and golf, it’s essentially two bets in one. You wager on the selection to win and to place (usually finishing in the top 2, 3, or 4, depending on the event).

Asian handicap

Popular on soccer betting sites, this type of bet eliminates the possibility of a draw by giving one team a handicap advantage.

Live (or in-play)

You can get involved with a game or match already in progress. Odds change in real time based on the current score and game dynamics.

Round robin

This wager combines multiple parlay bets of the same number of teams into a single wager, spreading the risk.

Specials

These are bets on unique or specific events. Examples include the outcome of a political election, TV show winners, or entertainment awards.

These are just some of the many bet types available at online bookmakers. The variety ensures that there’s something for everyone. This is the case whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting to explore the world of sports betting.

Always familiarize yourself with the specific terms and rules associated with each type of bet before placing your wager.

While it’s possible to win long-term via sports betting, remember that the online bookie has an edge on each market, so finding value is highly challenging.

Patrick Lynch

What Sports Do Online Bookies Let You Bet On?

Online bookies offer a wide range of sports for betting enthusiasts, catering to a diverse audience of sports fans.

Here are some of the sports you can typically gamble on, along with a couple of well-known leagues or competitions associated with each:

Football (Soccer)

Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide. Online bookmakers cover matches and tournaments from all over the globe.

Popular options include:

• English Premier League (EPL)
• UEFA Champions League
• La Liga (Spain)
• Serie A (Italy).

American football

American football enjoys immense popularity in the United States. The NFL is one of the most-watched leagues.

Apart from the NFL, American college football is also extremely popular. Games tend to be high-scoring and offer tremendous excitement.

Basketball

The NBA is a global basketball powerhouse, attracting fans and bettors worldwide. Other options include the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and several European leagues.

Baseball

MLB is the primary baseball league in North America, while NPB is prominent in Japan.

Baseball is the sport for stats lovers, so get your spreadsheet out and get started!

Tennis

Tennis offers year-round betting opportunities, with the following Grand Slam events being major highlights:

• Wimbledon
• U.S. Open
• Australian Open
• French Open

Ice hockey

The NHL is North America’s premier ice hockey league, while the KHL is prominent in Europe and Asia.

Yet, there are plenty of other great European leagues to choose from.

Golf

Major golf tournaments offer many betting options, including predicting the tournament winner.

Here are the four ‘majors’ in all their glory:

• The Masters
• U.S. Open
• The Open Championship (British Open)
• The U.S. PGA

Cricket

Cricket is especially popular in countries like India, Australia, and England. Here are some of the most prominent tournaments:

• Indian Premier League (IPL)
• Big Bash League (BBL)
• Test and One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

MMA has gained immense popularity. The UFC is the most prominent organization featuring top fighters worldwide.

Yet, you can also wager on Bellator MMA, which features plenty of intriguing matches.

Motor sports

Motor racing enthusiasts can bet on various events, from high-speed Formula 1 races to thrilling NASCAR events.

Online bookmakers also have lots of MotoGP races to enjoy.

Rugby

Rugby betting is popular in countries like the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. Major tournaments like the Rugby World Cup draw global attention.

Online bookies also offer markets on the Six Nations Championship and several rugby union competitions.

Boxing

Betting on marquee boxing matches is a tradition when using the best sports betting sites. Events such as Canelo versus GGG and Crawford versus Spence drew massive volumes of bets.

Horse racing

Horse racing offers a variety of betting options, including win, place, and show. The best online bookies also offer exotic bets like exactas and trifectas. Major races include:

• The Kentucky Derby
• The Preakness Stakes
• The Belmont Stakes

Casino games

The top-rated bookmakers online don’t just stick to sport. While you’re spoiled for choice with sports bets, you can also gamble on casino games.

Use your blackjack knowledge to win, or enhance your returns with a big win at roulette. The online casinos offered by sportsbooks let you wager from anywhere.

These are just a few examples of the many sports and competitions that online bookies provide odds for. Depending on the bookie, you may also find niche sports, and various special events to place your bets on.

The best eSports betting sites, for instance, let you wager on major tournaments.

The diversity of options ensures there’s always something for every sports enthusiast to wager on.

Everything You Need to Know About Betting Odds

Betting odds are a fundamental aspect of sports betting and gambling in general. They determine the potential payout of a wager and reflect the online bookmaker’s assessment of an event’s probability.

Here’s everything you need to know about betting odds.

What are betting odds, and how are they calculated?

Betting odds represent the probability of a specific outcome occurring in a sports event or any betting scenario. These odds calculate potential payouts and help bettors make informed decisions.

Betting odds are typically presented in one of three main formats

• Fractional odds
• Decimal odds
• American odds

Below, I provide a brief overview of each.

Fractional odds

Fractional odds are expressed as a fraction, such as 5/1 or 6/4.

The first number (numerator) represents the potential profit. Meanwhile, the second number (denominator) represents the stake.

For example, in fractional odds of 5/1, you could win $5 for every $1 wagered, plus your original stake.

Decimal odds

Decimal odds are presented as decimals, such as 6.00 or 1.50.

To calculate potential winnings with decimal odds, multiply your stake by the decimal odds.

For example, if you bet $100 at odds of 2.00, your potential profit is $200, including your initial stake.

American odds

These odds are commonly used in North America and are expressed as positive (+) or negative (-) numbers.

Positive odds show the potential profit on a $100 wager. For example, +150 means a possible profit of $150 for a $100 bet.

Negative odds outline the amount you need to bet to win $100. For example, -120 means you need to bet $120 to potentially win $100.

Payout explained

The payout of a bet is the total amount you stand to win, including your initial stake. To calculate the payout, multiply your stake by the odds (minus your original stake for fractional and American odds).

For example, if you place a $50 bet on a team with decimal odds of 2.50, your potential payout is as follows:

• Payout = Stake x Decimal Odds
• For example, $50 x 2.50 = $125

So, if your bet wins in this scenario, you’d receive $125, which includes your initial $50 stake. Thus, your total profit is $75.

The importance of odds calculators on betting sites

Odds calculators are valuable tools provided by betting websites. They simplify calculating potential payouts, especially for complex bets like parlays or teasers.

Here’s why they’re important:

• Time-saving: Odds calculators instantly compute potential payouts, saving bettors time and effort.
• Accuracy: Human errors in calculating odds are eliminated, ensuring accurate payout calculations
• Complex bets: For bets involving multiple selections or adjustments (e.g., teasers and parlays), odds calculators handle the complexities effortlessly.
• Informed betting: Bettors can make more informed decisions by quickly assessing potential profits and risks.

Understanding betting odds and their calculation is crucial for successful sports betting.

The three main types of odds—fractional, decimal, and American — offer flexibility. Also, odds calculators provided by betting sites simplify the process, allowing bettors to make well-informed wagers.

Betting Strategies and Responsible Gambling

Betting on sports or gambling can be exciting and potentially profitable, but it also comes with risks.

You need to employ effective betting strategies while maintaining responsible gambling practices. This is essential if you want to enjoy betting responsibly and increase your chances of success.

Below, I outline a few strategies to increase your chances of winning. I also include a few important tips for responsible gambling.

Betting strategies

Let’s take a look at some of the best tried and tested betting strategies that you can employ in order to get the most out of your experience.

Bankroll management

Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Your bankroll is the money you’re willing to allocate for betting. It’s crucial to never bet more than you can afford to lose.

Unit betting

Many successful bettors use the unit betting system. Determine the size of your betting unit. It should comprise a small percentage of your bankroll (e.g., 1-5%).

Make sure you stick to this protocol for each bet. This helps you manage risk and avoid significant losses.

Research and analysis

Thoroughly research the teams, players, and events you plan to wager on. Analyze statistics, form, injuries, and other relevant factors. Informed bets have a better chance of success.

Focus on value

Look for bets with positive expected value (E.V.). If the potential profit outweighs the risk, it’s a value bet. Avoid bets with negative E.V., as they will likely lead to losses in the long run.

It is much harder to achieve this on the best new online casinos because such games have a built-in house edge.

Diversify bets

Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your bets across different sports, leagues, and bet types. This spreads risk and can lead to more consistent results.

Avoid chasing losses

It’s natural to want to recover losses. “Chasing” them by increasing your bets can lead to you digging a deeper financial hole.

Stick to your bankroll management plan and avoid emotional decisions.

Responsible gambling practices

Hand in hand with betting strategies is responsible gambling. Using the following tools will help you have an enjoyable experience that won’t land you in any hot water.

Self-awareness

Be honest with yourself about your gambling habits. Recognize signs of problem gambling, such as betting with money you can’t afford to lose or neglecting other responsibilities.

Set limits

Most reputable betting websites offer tools to limit deposits, losses, and betting duration. Use these features to maintain control over your gambling.

Take breaks

Don’t bet when you’re upset, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Emotional betting can lead to impulsive and regrettable decisions.

Seek support

If you believe you have a gambling problem or know someone who does, seek help. Many organizations and hotlines offer support and resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

Understand the odds

Recognize that the odds always favor the bookmaker in the long run. Winning is not guaranteed, and gambling should be viewed as entertainment, not a source of income.

Age and legal restrictions

Ensure you can legally gamble in your jurisdiction. Abide by local laws and regulations regarding betting and gambling activities.

Balance life and gambling

Maintain a healthy balance between gambling and other aspects of your life, such as work, family, and social activities.

Responsible gambling is about enjoying the thrill of betting while managing the associated risks.

A Quick Guide to Online Bookie Bonuses

Online bookmakers frequently offer a variety of bonuses and promotions to attract and reward bettors. Understanding these bonuses can enhance your betting experience and potentially increase your winnings.

Here’s a quick guide to the different types of online bookie bonuses.

Free bets

Free bets are a common type of bonus. They involve the online bookmaker giving you a certain amount to wager without using your own money.

These wagers often have specific conditions, such as minimum odds requirements or bet type restrictions.

If your free bet wins, you typically receive only the profit, not the initial stake.

Welcome bonus

A welcome bonus is offered to new customers upon signing up and making their first deposit.

This bonus can come in various forms, such as a percentage match of your initial deposit or a free bet.

Read the terms and conditions, including wagering requirements and restrictions on eligible bets.

Deposit and no deposit bonuses

Deposit bonuses are awarded based on the money you deposit into your betting account.

No deposit bonuses are given without you needing to deposit any funds. They’re usually smaller than deposit bonuses.

Both types may have wagering requirements. This means you need to place bets worth a certain multiple of the bonus amount before you can withdraw.

Suppose the online bookie says you must wager 30x the value of the bonus. In this case, you need to make $3,000 worth of wagers if the bonus is worth $100.

VIP/loyalty programs

VIP or loyalty programs reward regular and high-stakes bettors with exclusive benefits.

These benefits can include personalized customer support, enhanced odds, special promotions, and even invitations to VIP events.

VIP programs often have multiple tiers. Such programs offer better rewards as you climb the ladder by accumulating points through your betting activity.

Other promotions

Here are a few other bonuses offered by the best online gambling sites:

• Reload bonuses: Similar to welcome bonuses, these are offered to existing customers when they make subsequent deposits
• Cashback promotions: Some bookmakers offer a percentage of your losses as a cashback bonus
• Enhanced odds: Bookies may boost the odds on specific bets, providing potentially higher payouts
• Special event promotions: Bookmakers often run special promotions with enhanced odds or other bonuses during major sporting events or tournaments

Tips for maximizing bonus benefits

Although bonuses are often useful, there are a few things you need to do if you want to get the best value from them.

• Read the terms and conditions: Always carefully read the terms and conditions of each bonus. This includes wagering requirements, eligible bets, expiration dates, and restrictions
• Wager wisely: When using bonus funds, make informed bets and consider your strategy. Avoid reckless betting to meet wagering requirements
• Stay informed: Keep an eye on the bookmaker’s website or subscribe to their newsletters to stay updated on the latest promotions
• Compare offers: Different bookmakers offer varying bonuses. Compare offers to find the ones that align with your betting preferences
• Responsible gambling: While bonuses can enhance your experience, ensure that you’re gambling responsibly and not overextending yourself to qualify for bonuses

Online bookie bonuses are a valuable tool to boost your betting potential. Yet, it’s important to understand the terms and use them wisely.

Always prioritize responsible gambling practices and make informed decisions when utilizing bonuses.

Here’s How Wegamble Reviews Online Bookies

Wegamble aims to provide comprehensive and unbiased reviews of online bookmakers to help bettors make informed decisions.

Our evaluation process covers various aspects of the betting experience, ensuring we assess the bookie from all angles. Here’s a breakdown of how we review online bookmakers.

Opening an account

We assess the ease and speed of the registration process. Is it user-friendly and straightforward, or does it involve unnecessary complications?

We check for required documents and identity verification procedures, ensuring they adhere to legal and industry standards.

Putting in money

We examine deposit methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies.

We evaluate the speed and security of transactions and consider any fees associated with deposits.

Betting on sports

We explore the sportsbook’s offerings, including sports, leagues, and betting markets. A comprehensive selection is important for diverse betting preferences.

We analyze the odds provided to assess whether they are competitive. After all, value betting is only possible when the odds are generous.

We also assess the responsiveness and availability of customer support, including live chat, email, and phone support.

Analyzing live streaming quality

We test the quality and availability of live streaming for sporting events. This includes evaluating the clarity, lag, and reliability of the streams.

We consider whether the bookmaker provides live streaming for a variety of sports.

Placing in-play wagers

We review the bookie’s in-play betting platform, looking at the user interface, real-time updates, and various in-play betting options.

We assess the platform’s responsiveness during live events to ensure seamless betting.

Checking the quality of the mobile site

We evaluate the bookmaker’s mobile website and mobile app (if available) for compatibility across different devices, including smartphones and tablets.

We consider factors such as ease of navigation, speed, and mobile platform user experience.

Withdrawing money

We examine the withdrawal methods and their associated processing times. Fast and hassle-free withdrawals are essential for a positive user experience.

We verify that withdrawal procedures adhere to the bookmaker’s terms and industry standards.

Wegamble’s reviews aim to provide a holistic view of each online bookmaker. This enables punters to make well-informed decisions based on their preferences and priorities.

We prioritize transparency, fairness, and accuracy in our assessments, ultimately helping you find an online bookie that suits your betting needs.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Online Bookmaker

Choosing the right online bookmaker is crucial for a rewarding and secure sports betting experience. Several factors should influence your decision.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting an online bookmaker.

Brand reputation

Research the bookmaker’s reputation in the industry and among bettors. Look for reviews, ratings, and testimonials from other users.

Established and reputable bookmakers will likely provide a reliable and fair betting platform.

Mobile betting experience

Consider how well the online bookmaker’s website or mobile app performs on your preferred devices (smartphones and tablets).

A user-friendly and responsive mobile platform ensures convenient betting on the go.

Welcome offers and bonuses

Assess the bookmaker’s welcome bonus and ongoing promotions. Read the terms and conditions to understand the wagering requirements and restrictions.

Choose a bookmaker with bonuses that align with your betting preferences and provide real value.

Licensing and security

Verify that the bookmaker holds a valid license from a reputable regulatory authority. Licensing ensures adherence to industry standards.

Check for SSL encryption and other security measures to protect your personal and financial information.

Sports betting variety

Explore the variety of sports, leagues, and events available for betting. A diverse selection caters to different interests and betting strategies.

Analyze the competitiveness of odds offered by the bookmaker compared to others in the market.

In-play experience

Assess the bookmaker’s in-play betting features. Look for a user-friendly interface, real-time updates, and a wide range of in-play markets.

A seamless in-play experience allows you to capitalize on live betting opportunities.

Payment options and speed of transactions

Check the availability of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies.

Consider the speed of deposits and withdrawals. Faster transactions provide greater convenience.

Remember that the ideal online bookmaker may vary depending on your betting preferences and priorities. Take your time to research and compare different bookmakers to find the one that best suits your needs.

Prioritizing security, variety, and a positive user experience will create a satisfying and enjoyable betting journey.

Online Bookies Make Betting Simple

Finding your favorite online bookmaker and getting started is easier than ever. Follow the info outlined above to uncover the best platform for your needs.

Once you’re ready to start, there are dozens of sports and hundreds of markets to choose from. You can even access classics like blackjack and baccarat at online casinos.

There’s no end to the wagers on offer. As long as you gamble sensibly, the pros of online bookmakers should outweigh the cons if you like to bet.