The basic steps of betting on sports online are picking a betting site, creating an account, depositing funds, placing wagers, and withdrawing winnings.
Picking the best sports betting site
An important factor when choosing sports betting websites is to explore various factors that will dictate a fun, safe, and profitable betting experience, such as:
- Security
- Variety
- Odds
- Betting limits
- Payment speed
- Mobile compatibility
These are the fundamentals that players must look for if they're researching desktop or mobile betting apps. Take note that choosing a sports betting site should not be rushed as it is probably the most important decision punters can make at the beginning.
An easier way to find the best sports betting site for you is to read reviews from experts and recommendations from fellow bettors.
Creating an account
Once bettors find a website they're comfortable with, they can register for a new account. This process takes minutes and will ask punters to provide basic information like their:
- Full name
- Address
- Email address
- Contact number
- Birthdate
- Desired username and password
While these are the standard information required to create an account, some online bookie sites may require the submission of supporting documents that will verify your identity or send you a One-Time-Password (OTP) via SMS or email for further verification.
Depositing funds
Players need to add money to their accounts before they can begin placing bets online. Most online sportsbooks allow various banking options, including:
- Debit and credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, Maestro, etc.)
- e-Wallets (Paypal, Neteller, Skrill, etc.)
- Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ripple, etc.)
- Prepaid and gift cards
Take note that e-Wallets are sometimes not eligible for welcome or deposit bonuses and promotions. On that note, keep an eye out for deposit bonuses.
Placing bets
At this point, bettors already have an account with funding. The next thing do to is to log in and check the markets that are available, such as the ones discussed earlier.
The best online sports betting sites and apps offer a wide variety of markets, so players must make sure to carefully explore all opportunities presented.
Withdrawing winnings
If you play bettors play right, every wager has a chance of winning. Should they desire to cash out, most sportsbooks let punters withdraw their funds with the same method they used to deposit money to their accounts. If they do not, online betting sites will always offer alternatives.
Remember that different withdrawal methods take different times to clear, with e-wallets being the fastest (instantaneous to a few minutes), and bank transfers taking the longest (2-5 banking days, even more in case of maintenance, public holidays, or weekends).