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.
FEATURED! Bet365 Sports
Deposit Bonus 100%AD New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £50* in Free Bets. 18+ only, T&Cs apply, please gamble responsibly New Players Only. Ages 18+. BeGambleAware.
New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £50* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you five times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply.
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.
Paddy Power Sports
£/€20 risk free first bet - money paid back in cash if it loses! (New customers only, bet up to €/£20 on the Exchange and if your first bet loses, we’ll refund you €/£20 in Cash. Bet must be placed in first 7 days of account opening. T&Cs apply) New Players Only. Ages 18+. BeGambleAware.
New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any sportsbook market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards or Apple Pay will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply.
Best Irish bookmaker, shops throughout the UK and a 5 star reputation. Grab a free bet with Paddy, deposit £10 and get £20 to bet with. Paypal accepted
William Hill Sports
Deposit Bonus 200%Bet £10 get £30 free bets, Credited as 3x £10 bets use code: H30. 18+, terms apply New Players Only. Ages 18+. BeGambleAware.
18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.
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
Deposit Bonus 100%Register, get £10 in free bets (18+ only, T&Cs apply, please gamble responsibly) New Players Only. Ages 18+. BeGambleAware.
New customers only. Min Deposit: £10. First deposit matched up to £10. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Terms apply
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.
Betfair Sports
Get up to £100 in free bets. New customer offer. Place 5 x €/£10 or more bets to receive €/£20 in free bets. Repeat up to 5 times to receive maximum €/£100 bonus. Min odds 1/2 (1.5). Exchange bets excluded. T&Cs apply New Players Only. Ages 18+. BeGambleAware.
New Customer offer. Place 5 x €10 or more bets to receive £20 in free bets. Repeat up to 5 times to receive maximum £100 bonus. Min odds 1/2 (1.5). Exchange bets excluded. Min odds 1/2 (1.5). Exchange bets excluded. T&Cs apply
UK sportsbook brand, bet on tennis, football, horse racing, golf and virtual sports too. Big sign up offer for new members with £30 in bets.
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.
100% Secure! 
