How to select new sports betting sites
In a sea of new sports betting sites UK, it can be hard to know which sites are better than others. So here’s what our experts say you should look for in a new site, in order to get the most out of your gambling experience.
Markets and sports
First off, your new online bookmakers UK should offer an exciting and varied sportsbook. If you love football, you want to be able to bet on matches and cups from all over the world. Or, if you’re a tennis fan, you want a great selection of matches and opens to choose from.
Even if you only like to bet on horse racing, and don’t care about other sports, a variety of markets and sports in a site’s arsenal shows that they’re serious about keeping their customers happy.
So, regardless of your own individual preferences, always make sure a new site has plenty of markets and sports on offer. That way you’ll know you’re in the hands of a professional bookies!
Odds and prices
New bookmakers have to compete with better-known names in the industry. And this means offering better odds and better prices to their punters, if they want to drum up business. Competitive odds mean better wins for bettors, so it’s in your interest to shop around before settling on a new site. So that you can get the most bang for your buck.
Be wary of bookies who add large margins to their odds. While it’s understandable that the bookmakers has to make its own profit in order to stay afloat, some companies take the mickey with their margins; and this has a negative effect on their customers. We only work with bet sites that have great odds, without the huge margins. So always check our lists of trusted and reviewed bookies, to get access to the best odds around.
Welcome offers and promotions
Another way that new sports betting sites grab your attention is by offering up great welcome offers and other promos to their customers. When looking at a new site, you might be offered one or more of the following:
- Free bets: to use on specific matches or tournaments
- Risk-free bets: where the bookies gives you back your stake
- Enhanced odds: you’ll be given even better odds for a specified time or specific event
- Match deposit bonus: the bookies will match your deposit with bonus cash to bet with
All these bonuses are a great way to pack a punch when you sign up at a new site. And you can make some serious money if you use your bonus correctly. However, all these promos will come with T&Cs attached. And it’s super important that you read and understand these terms before taking on any bonus. As they will affect your winnings and ability to cash out.
Mobile betting options
These days, we use our phones for just about everything. And, of course, this is true with online betting as well. If you want all of the action at your fingertips, then look for a bookies that offers a cool mobile site and/or dedicated app.
For example, new betting apps come with some awesome features that you won’t find on the standard website. With cutting-edge tech and fresh ideas, these new companies are able to offer some amazing features, such as in-play betting and live streaming. And all at lightning-speed straight to your mobile. Also, you can enable push notifications, so that you never miss out on a match or great bet ever again.
Therefore, when looking at a new online bookmakers UK, make sure they have a great mobile site for you to play on as well.
Efficient support
As with any great company, their staff and how they treat their clients is paramount to earning a solid reputation and keeping it. Therefore, the best bookies will have 5-star customer support, and will take the very best care of their punters.
Make sure that the site you’re on lets you contact their support desk easily. Look for contact details, such as a telephone number and email address. As well as other features, like live chat and an online contact form.
You want to be sure that, if you have a query or a problem, that you can contact the bookies quickly and easily. And without having to trawl their site looking for hidden contact info.
Other features
One of the best things about UK betting sites new to the game is that they offer some of the most advanced technological features on the market. And they’re all designed to make your online experience easier and more exciting.
So, when shopping around for your new favourite site, be sure to look for the following extras:
- In-play betting: gone are the days when betting stopped once the match has started. Now you can enjoy in-play betting, and change and add new bets during your favourite games
- Live streaming options: get all matches and games straight to your computer or mobile, so that you never miss another race, match or other event
- Odds calculator: no more busting out your phone’s calculator, or doing hard sums in your head! With an odds calculator, you can forget about the maths and concentrate on the sport
Advantages of new bookies
Let’s take a look at some of the top perks of signing up to a new UK bookmakers in a little more detail:
Uses up-to-date technology
The best new betting sites have access to the most modern tech in the world. As a customer, you might not consider everything it takes to make a great, easy-to-use site. And, let’s be honest, it’s not your job!
However, even though you don’t see it, all the best bookmaking sites use a lot of cutting-edge tech behind the scenes. And it’s this software and programs that give you the fun and exciting, seamless betting experience that you love.
Therefore, by going with a bookies that’s new, you will be using a site that has been made using the most modern technology.
New and fresh ideas
With a new betting site comes the chance to do something a bit different. And with clever young minds behind these new and exciting sites, this means lots of fresh and fun new ideas and concepts.
Things like in-play betting and live streaming would have been thought of as crazy pipe dreams a couple of decades ago! But now they’re thought of as essential to any great bet site.
Other exciting features that have popped up in recent years are new markets such as e-sports and political betting, as well as smart gadgets like odds calculators.
So, with that in mind, by giving these new sites a chance, you could be on the cusp of the next new advanced feature. And that’s a pretty exciting prospect!
Offers good bonuses
As we’ve seen, new bookies UK want to attract new business. And a great way to do this is through amazing offers and good bonuses. So, don’t only look for welcome bonuses and other promos for new bettors.
Also have a look to see if the site offers rewards to their existing customers as well. Things like VIP programs and rewards hubs are quite common now. And you can pick up free bets and match deposit bonuses for being a loyal customer.
Advantages of established bookmakers
New bookmakers might hold the promise of new tech and fantastic bonuses. But there’s a reason why established bookies are still going strong!
So, let’s consider the upsides of hedging your bets with one of the UK’s older bookies:
Years of experience
It goes without saying that, with age comes experience. Some betting sites have been around for more than 20 years, and new companies can’t compete with the wisdom that the ‘old timers’ have gained.
And it’s this experience that gives them an edge against their younger counterparts. These more established sites have been around the block, and they know what their customers want. But, more importantly, they deliver time and time again.
Another misconception about older sites is that they’re behind the times when it comes to new advancements in the online world. But, in fact, the opposite is true. The fact that they’re still going is a testament to their ability to move with the times. And more established sites actually have access to the most modern tech and creative minds in the industry. So, don’t write the old timers off just yet!
Good reputation
The best-known betting sites have not only been around for years, but they’ve also gained the reputation that keeps them on top. In a world where we review anything and everything, there’s nowhere to hide from bad reviews!
If a new company doesn’t deliver the goods, it will be torn apart by the online community. And gamblers are a demanding bunch! So, if you’re wondering how some betting sites have managed to keep going all these years, it’s in no small part due to a top-notch reputation.
Plus, with a 5-star rep comes the responsibility and pressure to keep it! Therefore, these older sites must work even harder, to keep customers happy and maintain the solid reputation that they’ve built up.
Safety checklist for new online betting sites
There are tons of new betting companies being created every year. As the profit potential soars, so does the competition.
Healthy competition is great for prices, but it can also attract some firms who aren’t so focused on the customer.
We’re not interested in promoting sites that are only in it to make a fast buck. We want our readers to find sites they love and want to stay with moving forward.
So how do you know if a site is worth your attention? That can be a tricky task if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Choose sites approved by us
The easiest way to discover brand new betting sites and feel confident that they’re legit is by picking one that’s listed here with us.
We’re here to take the guesswork out of the equation and do a thorough investigation into how good a bookie really is. We don’t let anything slip through the net and we’re proud of that!
It can take hours to check all the vital components of a site, but it’s our job and we love it! So if you don’t have time to dig deep into a new brand, then simply select one from our list and you know that all the safety checks have been done for you.
Check for a valid license
UK online bookmakers can’t just simply create a company and offer their bets to the UK public. That would be like the Wild West and the only people that would suffer would be the punters.
Thankfully, the UK government grasped the need to control the spiralling interest in online gambling quite early on. In 2005, a review was completed of the whole industry. As a result, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) was created, to oversee the control and licensing of all gambling products.
Any brand that wanted to offer their betting services to UK players from that moment onward needed to get permission first. For the UKGC to award a licence, a site must meet certain standards. And if they make the grade, they must make it easy for a player to find their licence details.
You’ll find their UKGC licence number in the footer of the website’s homepage. If you can’t see it, this means you might be playing on an illegal site; and you should avoid it like the plague!
Have other players complained?
Complaints are a tricky area to assess. Everyone’s got an opinion and the internet has provided a platform to express it.
This can be a wonderful thing, or it can be potentially damaging.
On the one hand, it’s great to know what others think and to get a feel for how players are treated at a certain site. You often read about things that you may never have considered before. Such as user experience, site layout, quality of software etc. These details may slip your mind when you’re caught up in the excitement of wanting to place a bet.
On the other hand, you don’t have to go far to uncover threads of angry comments from disgruntled customers. You’re going to find these written about any bookies or casino for that matter. The vast majority of these complaints follow a similar theme: providing documentation in order to withdraw winnings.
Know your customer (KYC) regs are a key part of protecting the industry and may slow things down sometimes. But new sports betting sites are simply following the rules and it may create a short delay the first time you cash out. Something to bear in mind for the future!
Signing up at new betting websites
Creating an account with a new betting brand is easy. You should find that there are only a few simple steps, and you’ll be placing bets in no time.
Here’s a quick 5-step list on how to get started.
- The first step is to check out our list of new bet sites. Find the one that you like the most and click on the link to go over to the bookie’s website
- Then, when you arrive, find the ‘signup’ button and wait for the form to appear
- Complete any necessary fields with your personal details, such as name and email, for example
- Wait for your confirmation email or text
- Log back into your new account and start betting!
It really is as painless as that. Once you’re all set up, you can go and collect the welcome bonus that you’re after. Some may be set up straight away, while others may require you to opt-in to the deal via your account promo page.
Sports betting – Placing your first bet
Logging into your new account and placing your first bet is made easy with the most modern and easy to use sites in the UK. But, if you’re new to the game, let us take you through the process with our super-simplified guide.
Deposit money into your betting account
Firstly, unless you’re using a no deposit bonus or a free bet, you’ll have to deposit the amount of money you want to bet with.
Obviously, you could simply choose to deposit the amount you wish to bet on the upcoming event that you’re interested in. Or, you might want to make a larger payment, which will cover multiple bets.
Of these two options, the latter is better for punters who want to take advantage of a great match deposit bonus. As the more you put in, the more you get back in bonus cash. So this is something to think about while deciding on your deposit amount.
Once you know the amount you want to pay into the site, simply visit the ‘cashier’ section of the bookies’ page. This should be very clearly displayed.
As you know, the most sophisticated new bookmakers on the market offer their customers the quickest and most convenient ways to pay. So simply look for your preferred payment method among the choices presented to you.
Then it’s just a case of following the on-screen instructions and placing your deposit. Depending on the payment platform that you use, your deposit should be more or less instant.
Choose a sport that you are familiar with
Now we get to the fun bit: choosing what you’d like to bet on! If you’re new to the world of sports betting, our advice is to begin betting on sports that you are familiar with.
For example, if you have a favourite football team, then you probably know a lot about them already. Such as which players perform the best, and how the team is generally doing in their league.
So, with this inside knowledge, you’ll be in a better position to make a strategic bet that is more likely to come in.
Select a match or event you’d like to bet on
Now it’s time to narrow things down a little. Once you’ve chosen a sport that you are familiar with, it’s time to choose a match or tournament to bet on.
Again, using football as an example, if your top team has a match coming up on Saturday, then this would be a great option to start with. You can always branch out into other sports and events later on. But, at this stage, we recommend sticking with ‘what you know’ at football betting sites.
Choose a betting market
Finally, it’s time to choose your betting market. Remember, ‘markets’ simply refer to the type of bet that you can make. And the bets you place can be as simple or as complicated as you like.
For instance, you could go for a win/draw outcome. Or something a little bit more complex, like choosing a player to score a hat-trick.
However, we recommend that if you are a beginner, that you go with more straightforward bets to start with. You can always take on riskier and more complicated markets a little later on, after you’ve gained some experience.
Select the size of the bet and then confirm
The last stage is choosing the amount you want to bet at your new sport betting sites. Obviously, the less you bet, the less you can lose. But, of course, it also goes the other way too.
If you are extremely confident in your team/player, you might consider placing a larger bet that will bring in a bigger win. But, remember to always check across different bookies to get the best odds. That way, you’ll get even more in winnings if your bet comes in!
Promotions & bonuses at new UK betting sites
There will be many offers available at new betting sites UK. As we touched on earlier, the competition is tough out there, and brands are keen to show you what they’ve got.
These offers will range from a couple of pounds to potentially hundreds of pounds worth of extra playing money.
But, remember that it’s not always the biggest bonus that’s the best. Choose wisely and make an informed choice. Below, we’re going to take a look at the main deals up for grabs and how they work in the real world.
Deposit match bonus
One of the quickest ways to boost your betting balance is to opt for a deposit match deal.
It’s essentially an extension of any money that you put in. A 100% match bonus will give you 100% more cash, and so on. Some sites may offer more than this, and others may even give the bonus on 2nd and 3rd deposits as well.
There’s always a limit to the amount that they’ll give you but this will be clear in the promo details.
To get involved, you need to sign up to the site of your choice that has this deal available and make a deposit. After that, the bonus cash will appear in your account and you can begin to spend it.
Are then any downsides to this? Well, perhaps. You will have to wager the money a fixed number of times before you can cash out, and there will probably be a limit to the amount that you can withdraw as well. So, always check the T&Cs for more info before taking on any bonus.
Free bet bonus
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a simple little promo that just gave you a bet and let you do what you like? Well, that’s exactly what happens with this deal.
Some sites will let you have a little flutter on certain events as a thank you for signing up. This will often happen around the time of a big game or race meet.
Your bet will have a monetary limit but you can generally place it on what you like. Although it is worth checking the small print as sometimes a clear favourite may be excluded from the promo.
Risk free bet
Another great way to reward your new custom is to offer risk free bets. You’ll occasionally see this type of deal up for grabs but it can cause some confusion and you do need to be a little careful.
The idea is that if you lose your first bet at a new site, then the bookie will give you the money back to try again. You can’t cash it out; only place it on another bet.
It sounds easy, but you need to check to see if your wager will be returned on the new bet if you win. If the odds on your new bet aren’t particularly high and you don’t retrieve your stake, then you could still be in a negative balance even if your second bet wins.
Be vigilant and read the details carefully.
Enhanced odds promotions
Giving you a slight improvement on the standard odds is a nice touch. It’s super-simple and means that you don’t have to worry about wagering and other caveats.
To put it simply, your first bet will have the odds raised from 2/1 to 3/1, for example. This means that you could potentially win a bit more if your horse or team comes good.
It’s probably the most straightforward of promos and for that reason, it’s always a hit.
Best new mobile sportsbooks in the UK 2024
Bookmakers have been around in the UK for many decades. The entertainment that they provide is unrivalled and they have a huge army of followers. Millions of punters make use of their betting accounts every week to place bets on their favourite sports. And the interest in this niche just keeps growing stronger and stronger.
This has created a fantastic opportunity for new businesses to spread their wings and enter the sports betting market. There are plenty of customers to go around and now the battle is on to attract as many new customers as possible. For this reason, you will see so many fantastic deals dotted around at these promising new enterprises.
New betting sites offer some of the very latest technology and best betting markets that you can find anywhere on the Web. They have the benefit of having watched the more established brands hash it out over the years and discover what needs to be done to create the perfect place for punters. And now they are putting all the knowledge that they have gained into creating some top sites. Take a look at the new betting sites shown here and you will notice some of the best new names that have come onto the scene recently.
We have been busy putting them all through their paces to ensure that you have a place to enjoy the most incredible betting entertainment.
Mobile betting more popular than ever
One of the greatest innovations to influence the betting niche is mobile sports betting. It gives you the chance to take all the action with you in your pocket wherever you want to go. And this is an essential part of staying on top of the latest odds and prices.
Prices change regularly, especially as you near the start of an event. And if you aren’t in a place where you can connect to your betting site, then you may miss out on some amazing opportunities. This is why more and more sports betting fans are choosing to play on their mobile devices.
Accessing your new bookmakers’ account via your mobile is incredibly fast and simple. Moreover, it offers some of the most secure betting available anywhere on the net. There is no loss of quality when choosing to log on through mobile or tablet. And thanks to the top designers working behind the scenes, navigating the sites is incredibly simple as well. You can perform anything that you would be able to on a larger device.
Plus, you can access your account and make any necessary changes that you wish. In addition, you can also make deposits and withdrawals as well.
And one of the great things about playing on a mobile is that you won’t be bogged down with loads of unnecessary data floating around the mobile optimised web page. These pages are adapted to make it easy to find everything you need at the push of a button.
You can also enjoy live streaming on your phone as well. So, no matter where you are, you can enjoy the match or race, for example. As a result, you can take advantage of in-play betting while on the move.
Downloading a betting app
One of the best ways to enjoy mobile betting is to download the application from your new bookmakers. Not all sports betting UK brands have this option available but the vast majority either do or are working on it right now. They recognise the need to produce the most convenient way to access all the action. And having an application sitting on your phone just waiting for you to click that button is amazing.
You will notice that an app looks slightly different to the brand’s website. This is because it is not a replica of a webpage. Instead, it is a mini-program that presents all the essential info that you need to enjoy your experience. We physically use our small devices in a slightly different way compared to laptops and PCs. So everything has been created to accommodate this.
You may also be able to take advantage of some top offers if you are using a best bet app. This is especially true if the application is newly released by the bookmaker. They are always keen for their customers to start using the new tech on offer and for this reason, they may give you some nice promos to enjoy. So always check out the bookie’s promo section to find out what they are offering currently. If you do not have their app downloaded yet, then see what deals you can potentially get your hands on.
Most apps will work perfectly across both Android and iOS So it shouldn’t matter what type of phone you are using. Finding an app is easy. Simply head to the website and check out what downloads they have available. It will usually send you in the direction of the Play Store or the Apple Store to download your copy.
Browser-based bookmakers
An alternative to connecting to your betting site via your mobile device is to do so through your mobile browser. For the longest time, this was the only way that you could make this connection. Simply type in the web address for your bookie and you’ll arrive at their website.
Mobile web pages are now optimised to perform perfectly on any size screen. You won’t have any difficulty finding all the necessary parts of the page. And this is great as you do not want to spend ages trying to navigate a minuscule screen that requires lots of zooming in or scrolling through long pages. Mobile tech has come a long way in the last few years and thankfully this kind of outdated experience is now a thing of the past.
The only real disadvantage to using this kind of access point is that it may take a little longer to connect to your betting account. You need to wait for the web page to load to see all of your details appear. This is not the case when you are using an application as the program is saved on your device.
It isn’t a huge problem which way you decide to connect via mobile. Both offer a fantastic service and top-quality reproduction of everything that the site has to offer. Our advice is that if there is an app then try downloading it and see what you think. But if you don’t get on with it and prefer to go back to the old fashion way, then you can always delete the app and connect via your mobile browser once again.
Betting strategy – The basics
The first time that you decide to create a new bookmakers’ account and place a bet, you will encounter lots of different facts, figures and jargon. But don’t let this put you off. Every punter goes through the same initiation process. And it doesn’t take long for you to realise that everything is a lot simpler than you first thought.
If you would like a little help with getting your new hobby off the ground, then we have put together a few top tips to make things a little easier. Follow it all in a logical way and you will soon be up and running.
Register and bet at several sportsbooks
Our first piece of advice is to create an account at not just one bookmaker but seek out several different sites. you don’t have to stick with just one by any means. Having an account at several brands has many advantages so feel free to create as many as you like. The only stipulation is that you cannot create two accounts at the same bookies.
By using more than one account, you are able to enjoy a range of different odds. The bookies will present a price for every single event and sometimes they differ from brand to brand. You are able to pick the best price possible if you have several accounts running at the same time. This could mean an extra load of cash coming your way if you place a bet at a higher price and it goes well.
Furthermore, you will also be able to take advantage of several of the best betting offers as well.
As a side note, no one else in your household will be able to take advantage of a bonus offer at a betting site if you have already collected it yourself. But this doesn’t mean that other members of your household or people who live with you cannot create an account at the same site though.
Make use of as many promotions as possible
Taking up several welcome offers can mean loads of extra betting cash in your balance. It’s just waiting for you to place some free bets and enjoy all the types of gambling opportunities that the operator may have on offer. Always look out for hybrid deals that can give you the chance to play several different games. They will sometimes offer you spins on some of the latest slots or even some free tickets for bingo as well.
Some punters even adopt a strategy where they open an account and collect a welcome deal. Then, with any winnings that they make from that promotion, they move on and make a deposit at the new site and start the process again. This could mean that you get to place loads of bets for free over a longer period of time.
Stick to sports that you know
When you are first starting out, it always pays to stick to what you know. There is no point in trying to work out how a different sport functions and then trying to study the teams and competitors involved. This is an extra headache that you don’t need in the beginning.
As a sports fan, you will have a particular niche that interests you the most. And you will have spent many years looking at players performing at the highest level and have a really good idea of what to expect from them. This kind of knowledge is priceless when it comes to placing bets. And you are far more likely to be successful with your wagers when you have a little skilled info to back them up. And this could mean a far more profitable experience.
Always look for value bets
Looking for value in a bet isn’t always obvious. As we’ve seen, different operators will produce different prices for various events. And even though these prices are slightly different sometimes it doesn’t always mean that there is good value in them. Value bets are where you spot an outcome that you think is far more likely than the bookie is predicting.
At this point, you will start to see real value open up in a market. So you can place your wager and see an extremely healthy return.
This kind of activity comes with a little practice. And when you have a bit of experience under your belt, you will be spotting value all over the place. And this really helps to boost your balance and keeps your account looking attractive.
Plan out a betting budget
And before setting off on your betting voyage, you want to make sure that you know exactly how you are going to tackle your new hobby.
No savvy punter simply throws money at sports betting for hours and hours and without any regard for their monthly budget. As you know, bets will not always go your way. And you need to be prepared to take a loss on the chin sometimes. So as with any other pastime, you need to consider the financial effects. If you have a budget laid out clearly for each month, then this will help to stop you from overspending. And this is incredibly important.
Live streaming your favorite sports events
Here at Bet.xyz, we believe one of the most exciting innovations that has come out of the sports betting world in recent years is the invention of live streaming.
With live streaming, betting is made even more exciting. And with the top betting sites in the UK all offering live streaming and in-play betting to their punters, there is no end to the fun with sports wagering at great new betting sites.
Live streaming explained
You’ve probably already heard of live-streaming. In fact, if you subscribe to any popular services, like Netflix or Amazon Prime, then you’re already up on what live streaming is.
However, of these services, there were many expensive sports packages from providers such as BT Sports and Sky Sports. And these subscriptions can lead to you spending hundreds of pounds, if you subscribe every year and/or to more than one provider.
However, by joining up to an exciting bookies in the UK, you can live stream all the major sports matches and events to any of your devices, free of charge. That means you never have to miss out on any major sports event again! Add to that some in-play betting, and you’ve got the recipe for a fantastic session of sports betting. And all without any expensive subscriptions!
In-play bets for a more exciting experience
Being able to watch your favourite sports events for free via a live streaming service is fantastic. But what’s even better is when you can make bets during your favourite sports matches, live!
So, with the top new betting sites offering both live-streamed events and live betting opportunities, there’s never been a better time to sign up to a great new bookmakers in the UK.
What is In-play betting?
In-play bets are exactly what they sound like. And they mean that you can continue wagering as your chosen match or race unfolds.
That means, the excitement continues well after the start of the game. In fact, a lot of punters agree that this makes things far more adrenaline-fuelled. As you can bet before and during your chosen tournament. And add in bets, depending on how it’s going.
For example, if you’re a Formula 1 fan, you might fancy Hamilton to win the upcoming Grand Prix. Now, usually, if Hamilton ended up smashing into a wall on the second lap, that would be the end of it. And you wouldn’t be able to place another wager, because the race had already started. However, with a bookies that offers in-play betting, you can simply add another wager, even as the race is still going. Meaning you give yourself another chance to win!
Most popular payment options for betting
Now it’s time to take a good look at the best ways for you to make deposits and withdrawals at your fantastic new bookmakers.
As we’ve mentioned a few times, the top sites offer the most modern and convenient ways to pay. So, let’s see what each one is about and how they could benefit you.
Visa/Mastercard
When it comes to making absolutely any financial transaction online, most people are familiar with Visa and MasterCard. These debit card providers are giants of industry. And as such, you’ll never struggle to find a site that accepts these major brands.
Most bettors love debit cards, because they’re fast, free and easy to use. Plus, most people already have some kind of debit card in their wallet or purse.
That said, debit cards have started falling out of favour slightly with the more security-conscious punters out there. As a lot of people don’t like giving out their personal information and card details at even the best betting sites UK.
Bank transfers
Bank transfers are another payment option that most people are familiar with. And they are easy and free to set up.
Plus, they are very secure in that they can only be set up by you, the account holder. And they’re done through your trusted bank.
Therefore, punters still enjoy using this tried-and-tested method, as it doesn’t involve using any newfangled online accounts.
However, bank transfers have the slowest deposit and withdrawal times on the market. And you could be waiting a few working days for your funds to clear.
Electronic wallets
Digital wallets, also known as e-wallets, have gained traction with online gamling fans in recent years.
Although each one offers a slightly different service, most e-wallet providers will let you open an account for free. And they all offer super lightning-fast and safe transactions.
Neteller
One of the biggest names in the digital wallet sector is Neteller. And this UK-owned operator provides free e-wallet accounts to UK punters. As well as international customers.
Also, Neteller offer their accounts in multiple languages and different currencies. So this is great for any player who also likes to gamble at offshore sites.
However, as with all digital wallets, there are some fees associated with loading your digital account with funds. So always read the terms and conditions first, before you start to use your new account.
Skrill
Very similar to Neteller, and owned by the same company, Skrill also gives players the chance to open an account for free.
Skrill is also available in multiple languages and currencies, and has very similar services to most other e-wallet providers. But, one thing that makes Skrill stand out is that they offer prepaid Mastercards as an additional service.
These cards are very popular among online gamblers, as they need to be loaded with funds before you can use them. Making them the perfect tool with which to set yourself a budget just for betting.
Prepaid cards come at a small fee. And, again, there will be some fees for moving your money around. So, make sure you know what these fees are, before you open an account with Skrill.
PayPal
Finally, the other major player in the digital wallet arena is PayPal. Primarily known as the main payment platform for eBay, PayPal offers punters fast, secure and easy deposits and withdrawals.
Additionally, as with all e-wallets, PayPal offers an extra level of protection. Because you only ever need to give out your username and password, instead of your full name and card details. And this is one aspect that online customers love about e-wallet providers. Especially when they’re at their best betting site.
Pay by mobile
Another super popular method of making deposits online at your favourite bookies is pay-by-mobile services.
The biggest names in the industry include Boku, Payforit and Paysafecard. And each one lets you make deposits using your mobile telephone number. And you can choose for the deposit amount to be deducted from either your pay-as-you-go credit, or added to your end-of-month bill. This is particularly convenient for players who like to access their favourite book bookmakers via their mobile phone or tablet.
However, pay-by-mobile services also come with some drawbacks. For instance, you’ll find a daily cap as to what you can deposit. More often than not, this is around £30. So won’t please bettors who like to gamble in large sums.
Furthermore, pay-by-phone options aren’t great when it comes to withdrawals. And, in most cases, you will have to add another account to your bookies’ account, in order to receive your winnings.
How to bet responsibly
Whether it’s having a flutter on the horses, playing casino games or even enjoying a game of bingo, gambling should be enjoyed responsibly.
Any type of gambling that involves real money has the potential to lead you down a dark and dangerous path. On the one hand, you have the possibility of financial problems if you lose a lot of money. And, on the other hand, you run the risk of spending too long playing these games and ending up forming dangerous gambling habits.
Therefore, in order to ensure that you enjoy betting, or any other type of real-money activities, we recommend following these steps.
Set a budget and stick to it
The very first thing you should do is to set yourself a budget. And, most importantly, stick to it! Whether it’s a daily, weekly or monthly limit, keeping track of your spending will help you to avoid any financial difficulties.
And, one way you can help yourself to maintain your budget is by opting for a prepaid Mastercard. As we’ve said, prepaid cards are a fantastic way to allocate funds specifically for betting. So that you know your entire budget is contained on one card. Therefore, you won’t be able to overspend.
Remember, it can be very easy to land yourself in problems quickly. And the temptation to chase a win by placing even more bets is a one-way ticket to hardship.
Therefore, we always advise spending within the parameters of your budget. So that you can continue to enjoy your betting hobby, without worrying that you’re spending too much money.
Track the time you spend on betting activities
Another quick route to financial trouble is spending too much time on betting sites. While most people love to watch and bet on sports, it’s very easy to let yourself get carried away. After all, there’s always another game, match or tournament about to start that you can bet on.
Therefore, tracking your activities is an excellent tactic that will help you to avoid spending too much time betting.
A good way to do this is to permit yourself a specific amount of games or matches per day, week or month that you can bet on. So you can also spend your free time doing more things you enjoy, other than betting.
Avoid alcohol when you are betting
This one sounds kind of obvious, but you should avoid alcohol when you’re betting. As you probably know, alcohol lowers people’s inhibitions and can lead them to make poor decisions.
For example, if you’ve had a few pints, you might end up placing a bet on the spur of the moment, which you wouldn’t have even dreamt of had you been sober!
Furthermore, being boozed up can result in the simplest mistakes, e.g. adding an extra zero to your wagering amount. And, if you lose that bet, you could be looking at a disastrous and very financially painful error.
Therefore, we recommend avoiding consuming high amounts of alcohol when you bet on any sport.
Gamstop self-exclusion if you bet too much
With the above techniques and tips, you should be able to responsibly enjoy betting on all your favourite sports at an online bookies. That said, even people who take the most precautions can still fall foul of gambling addiction.
So, if you feel like you are forming bad habits, you should seek help immediately. Friends and family can provide a great support network. But for some, organisations specifically set up to help gamblers are a greater source of help.
One such program is Gamstop; the UK-run NGO that helps players to self-exclude from gambling sites in the UK.
Gamstop was set up in 2018, and has become one of the most popular gambling help programs in the UK. By signing up to Gamstop you can choose to effectively ban yourself from accessing any real-money site in the UK for a period of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. The choice is yours.
Once registered, you will not be able to access online bookmakers, casinos, bingo pages or any other gambling site within the whole of the country. Until your self-exclusion period has come to an end. Therefore, Gamstop offers players the chance to give themselves a break from gambling without using their own willpower.
Finally, gamstop is free and completely confidential. And also offers additional support on the website.
Just keep in mind that your Gamstop subscription cannot be cancelled. So, if you sign and have a change of heart, this won’t make any difference to your subscription. And you still won’t be able to get onto any real-money sites in the UK until your self-excision period has expired.
FAQ
A selection of popular questions.
