There are many types of online gambling sites available and betting sites, also known as sportsbook sites, are one of the most popular. Running just like offline betting shops, online ones enable you to make bets on all kinds of different sports. They often tend to have other games available too such as casino and slot games. Before signing up for online betting, it helps to understand a little bit more about these sites and what you should look out for.

What are betting sites?

Betting sites are set up to enable players to make bets on different types of sports from the comfort of their own home. Just like land based betting shops, they feature varying odds and often come with unique live features. Each site is different so it is important to compare as many sites as you can before choosing one to sign up with.

The most popular sports you can bet on include football, horse racing, rugby, tennis, and dog racing. However, most online sports betting companies also enable you to make bets on less popular sports, including ones based abroad.

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AD New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £50* in Free Bets. 18+ only, T&Cs apply, please gamble responsibly  T&C's Apply

New Customers only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply, 18+ only.

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Software: Inspired Gaming, Playtech, Scout Gaming Payment Options: ApplePay, Bank Transfer, Click2Pay, Google Pay show more, Maestro, Mastercard, paysafecard, Visa Currencies: Argentinain Pesos, Brazilian Reais, British Pounds, Bulgarian Leva show more, Chinese Renminbi, Danish Kroner, Denmark Kroner, Euros, Hungarian Forint, Icelandic Kronur, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen, Malaysian Ringgits, Mexican Pesos, New Zealand Dollars, Norwegian Kroner, Polish Zloty, US Dollars Networks: Games: Lottery, Sports betting, Virtual Sports

Fancy a flutter on the horses? Bet365 Sports offer every type of sports betting imaginable, even TV specials. Low £5 minimum deposit and the site accepts Paypal.

William Hill Sports

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18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 17.10.2022. 3x £10 free bets. Free bets expire after 30 days. New customers signing up through mobile or tablet device only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #ad

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William Hill are a huge UK bookmaker, the online sports site offers betting all sports. Powered by industry big names such as Ash Gaming, Blueprint Gaming, IGT (WagerWorks), Microgaming, NextGen Gaming, WMS and Evolution Gaming. Low minimum deposit of £5, Paypal accepted.

Betway Sports

NEW CUSTOMER OFFER – YOUR FIRST ACCA ON US £30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses (18+ only, T&Cs apply, please gamble responsibly)  T&C's Apply

*New UK customers only. Min Deposit: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football or Horse Racing multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. Debit card deposits only. Deposit method restrictions apply. This is offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Bet The Responsible Way. Full terms apply.

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Software: Bettorlogic, Electracade, Microgaming Payment Options: AstroPay, Bank Wire, Citadel, Click and Buy show more, EcoPayz, EntroPay, Euteller, Ezipay, Giropay, i-BANQ, Maestro, Mastercard, Neosurf, Neteller, Paypal, paysafecard, POLi, Przelewy24, QIWI, Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap, Sofortuberwaisung, Switch / Maestro, UKash, Visa, WebMoney, Boleto Bancario, Deposit by phone bill, eKonto, EPay, iDebit, Kalibra, Lobanet Currencies: Australian Dollars, British Pounds, Czech Koruny, Danish Kroner show more, Euros, Hungarian Forint, Icelandic Kronur, Norwegian Kroner, Swedish Kronor, US Dollars Networks: Standalone Games: Sports betting Minimum Deposit: £10 Deposit Bonus From: £5 Deposit Bonus Up to: £0

Free bet up to £50 with Betway Sports, get your deposit matched as a new customer. More than 25 sports available to bet on. Keep on top of all the latest sports betting at Betway Sports.

Things to consider

When you’re looking to bet online, there are quite a few factors you need to consider.

Firstly you need to look at the types of bet available. Some online betting sites let you make live bets as the action happens. If you’re watching a football game for example, if one side is doing quite well, you can choose to place a bet on them to win. While this increases your chances of winning, it does alter the odds quite a lot. So you’re unlikely to win big if you choose this type of bet.

In terms of odds, all betting sites create their own and so it always pays to shop around. Find the bookmaker which offers the best odds on the sports you will be betting on.

You should also think about whether you want the site to offer something more than just sports betting. A lot of the bigger betting sites feature numerous other games. These include standard casino and live casino games, slots, lottery, scratchcards and even bingo. With these sites there is always something to do and something to suit everyone.

Comparing different bonuses

When looking for an online casino or bingo site, one of the main things you consider is the bonuses and promotions on offer. However, when it comes to sports betting, a lot of people don’t think to see what types of promotions are available.

A lot of sports betting sites feature lucrative sign up bonuses as well as regular promotions. The most popular offer tends to be the ‘free bet’. This basically allows you to make a bet without spending your own money. There may be wagering requirements attached to the free bet so this is something you’ll need to look into.

Online betting sites are a great way to enjoy your favourite sports while potentially winning large jackpots. You can make bets no matter where you are and you don’t have the hassle of filling out lots of betting forms.