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How to pick a good new sports betting site
Deciding where to play can be a difficult choice to make. With such a huge selection of betting sites available, you can’t just try them all out and see what you think. This would take a lot of time and money! What you need is a plan of attack.
There are several things that you should look out for. And if a site can tick all the right boxes, then you’re onto a winner.
To make it a little easier for you, we’ve come up with a list of things for you to bear in mind when signing up for a new account.
Is there a good welcome bonus?
Not everybody is after a bonus. But it is fair to say that the vast majority of gambling fans love a freebie. They come in all different shapes and sizes and there really is something for everybody.
But you first need to work out if the welcome deal is good for you and your cash. Selecting a promo simply based on its face value is rarely a good idea. Sometimes the smaller deal with far less restrictions can prove to be more valuable.
When you understand how the various caveats can affect your bonus cash and bets, then you’re able to decide which bonus is best for you.
What are the sports/market selections like?
And as a sports betting fan, you want to play at a site that can offer you a vast range of entertainment. Most sports enthusiasts will enjoy placing bets on several different sports. And within those sports there are lots of markets to get involved with. And a new bookmakers that can offer a great selection of these markets will surely be high on your list of priorities.
Part of our selection process is to make sure that any new bookies UK can provide a diverse range of bets.
Do they offer good odds compared to other bookies?
Any new bookmakers worth its salt needs to have decent prices available. It can’t offer the very highest odds on every market, but they should be in the right ballpark with the vast majority.
By comparing the odds at a few of the new betting sites UK, you can get an idea of how that brand matches up against its competitors.
Great odds can make the difference between a good month and a fantastic month when it comes to betting on your favourite sport. Punters can work with very small margins. And a bookie’s prices can truly affect the profitability over a range of bets.
Can you bet on your mobile?
Many of us lead busy lives. And this means we need to access the action while on the go. Getting connected on a mobile device is a must if you fall into this category.
Thankfully, the vast majority of top new UK betting sites offer this kind of mobile entertainment. New brands understand the importance of this type of play and have built their business around it.
Not only does mobile betting offer a convenient way to play but it can also make the whole process easier. Most mobile sites and new betting apps are specifically designed to make the user experience much cleaner. They usually do away with the unnecessary bumf and just present you with the key information.
This means it is super simple to find the markets that you are interested in playing. Nobody wants to spend hours searching a site for the details they’re after. And luckily, the majority of new betting websites have recognised this.
What is the support like?
One key element that can sometimes go unnoticed is the customer support area. It is necessary on occasions to contact the betting site if you have a query.
You may have a technical issue or a question about your account. Alternatively, you may just want further information on an upcoming promo or one of the markets.
Telephone support may not always be readily available. And we understand that it can be expensive to provide a dedicated call centre. This is especially true if you are a new brand just starting out. Although there should at least be a few other ways to contact the site.
For our team of reviewers, they will want to see live web chat, email support or even an integrated query form.
It should probably ring an alarm bell if you want to play at a site but can see no way to contact them.
Do they offer any special features?
There are several clever features that have become the cornerstone of any great betting website. Once considered an added extra, some of these addons are now thought of as imperative to a site’s success.
A betting operator needs to move with the times. But if they don’t, then many punters will simply look elsewhere. There isn’t exactly a shortage of places to play! As a result, most new online bookies will provide you with many of the following additions.
In-play betting
The last few years have experienced an explosion in the in-play betting markets. Most fans will have seen these up for grabs at halftime during a football match, for example. The bookmaker knows that this is a great opportunity to catch your eye.
By watching the game develop, you will have a decent idea about how the teams and individual players are performing. And this means that you could have some insight as to who may score the next goal or how many goals will be scored in total.
These are just a couple of the available in-play bets. There are loads available and they all present a fantastic chance to get in on the action and hopefully make yourself a few quid in the process.
Live streamed matches
Another top addition to new betting sites is the ability to watch the action on your phone or laptop, for instance. Having an account at one of these modern operators means that you can tune into your favourite match by simply placing a small wager on it. Not every game will be available but there is certainly a great selection.
Live sports packages can be extremely expensive. And many of today’s games are not covered by just one broadcaster. As a result, you will need to pay for several packages with various companies.
This could be a great way to avoid such costs. Always check out the details at any new betting sites that you wish to join to make sure that they can offer you the type of live streaming facility you are after.
Odds calculators
Betting odds can be a complicated thing to get your head around. For most punters, trying to work out the returns using fractions or decimals is quite difficult unless you’re used to working with equations. And let’s face it, most people aren’t!
This is why most new gambling sites provide an odds calculator. You can type in the odds and the amount that you are thinking of wagering and it will tell you how much you would win at that price.
Why choose a new sportsbook?
So you may be wondering why you would choose to play at a new operator rather than selecting one of the older more established brands. And this is a good question.
You might think that a site that has been around for 20 years will be able to offer you more in every way. But sometimes this simply is not true. New brands have an added incentive to work harder to keep the customers feeling special.
Let’s take a quick look at just some of the ways in which they can do this.
You’ll find plenty of good bonuses
Breaking into a heavily congested market such as sports betting takes a lot of planning. And you need to have an extremely well thought out road map to make the business a success.
And part of any great sales plan is deciding how to market your product. One way that new sports betting sites are able to shine above the rest is to offer superb welcome promos. This can often mean the difference between landing enough new customers and falling flat before they even get started.
Some of the deals that we see put together at modern sites can be very impressive. And quite often, they are even more eye-catching than those that you will find at some of the older, more established brands out there.
They use up-to-date technology and software
The type of tech on display at the betting website is extremely important. It may not mean much to the punter when they’re placing their bets. But what’s going on behind the scenes can make a big difference.
The latest gambling software from some of the world’s best providers is integrated into new gambling brands.
While some older sites must grow and adapt their existing technology, new betting sites can benefit from building that brand with the best technology from the very start. This can mean fewer hiccups and glitches and ultimately a better experience for their customers.
They often bring new and exciting ideas and concepts
And it isn’t just the best tech that new sites bring in to wow their fans. The latest betting sites can also introduce some fantastic promos and other tournaments for fans to get involved with.
New sports betting sites are aware that customers like a variety of different types of betting action. This may include fantasy sports, Esports and some of the other lesser-known sporting activities that come onto our radar from time to time.
Why choose an older sportsbook?
We realise that new sports betting sites aren’t for everybody. And some betting enthusiasts prefer a traditional place to play.
It’s important that you join a site where you feel comfortable. And if the latest bells and whistles aren’t your thing, then you might be better off playing at a place that can offer you something that you are more used to.
There’s nothing worse than investing your time and money in something that ultimately doesn’t keep you satisfied.
Tried and tested – you know what you’ll get
With an older, more established brand you know exactly what you’re getting. They can offer a far more simplistic and traditional approach to this niche.
There won’t be so many distractions and they are more likely to speak in a language that you understand. Modern sites can seem a little more complicated at first glance. But the only reason this happens is because they are trying to mix things up a bit and bring in new ideas.
For our readers who are more interested in sticking with what they know, we still have some fantastic options for you.
But if you are still undecided, then why not give some of the latest sites a go. You never know, you may decide that you prefer the new approach.
Experienced staff
One reason for staying with an older site is that the staff on hand are better suited to their needs. They have been in the industry longer and know exactly how it all works.
However, we feel that this doesn’t necessarily mean that the latest brands will be staffed by inexperienced, younger employees.
It is a long and expensive process getting a successful betting site off the ground and making it stand the test of time. And this can’t be done with people who have never worked in the industry before. Even the latest betting website will employ a certain number of team members who have been in the industry for a while.
So with the latest brands, not only are you getting the very best and most modern features but you’re also getting some of the top personnel from the industry as well.
New online betting sites and security
Before signing up for an account at any type of gambling website, you need to make sure that you are safe. This not only applies to your money but also your identity while online.
You are sharing lots of sensitive data. This can include address and bank details. And you need to feel satisfied that the site where you play has the very latest security systems in place and a fantastic reputation for player privacy.
You should never be blinded by big bonus offers and not consider exactly where you are playing. There are many betting sites that operate from outside the UK borders and they may try and tempt you with their big-money promos. But savvy gamblers will always do their homework to keep themselves out of harm’s way.
Always ensure that the site is licensed by the UKGC
One of the most basic yet fundamental elements is the site’s licensing situation. Any betting operator offering its sports betting services to UK players must have a UKGC license.
There is an extremely lengthy and expensive process to obtain one of these licenses. No operator would enter into this process without being fully committed to providing a top service to any potential new customers.
It ensures that the sportsbook stays within the law and has the highest respect for their client’s funds. They must also work hard to guarantee that no player is using money from a disreputable source.
Clamping down on money laundering in the UK has become a number one priority.
One of the other major issues that the UK gambling laws intend to pursue via its licensing system is that of vulnerable people. Children under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults should be protected from potential gambling problems. And if an operator wishes to maintain its licensing status each year, then they need to prove that they are doing their best to keep people safe.
You can check a website’s licence by taking a quick look at the home page. Somewhere on that page, you should find the licensing number and the jurisdiction where they are permitted to play. You may find that some have a licence in Europe or other parts of the world. But you need to check for a UKGC number to make sure it is okay to play within the UK’s borders.
Check our lists of recommended bookmakers
Another top way to keep yourself on the right side of the gambling laws is to choose a site that has been vetted by a review company such as ours. We spend many hours picking through all of the latest sports betting sites. And we only release their details if we are sure they can offer a perfectly safe and legal product.
Take a look at the list of top betting operators in the UK shown right here on this page. Every single one is a fantastic place to play and can offer you an extraordinary sports betting experience. Furthermore, you may find that you can grab some free bets or other types of bonus cash while you are in the process of creating your new account.
See if there are any complaints from players
And of course, you should also listen to your peers. The internet is packed full of opinions from people who have already tried out a product before you. You can use this information to help point you in the right direction and steer you away from trouble.
But always be vigilant and remember that not all reviews are impartial. You need to take into account a good cross-section of reviews about any given website. Sometimes, it is not beyond the realms of possibility for the competition to bad-mouth someone else in the industry. So in order to read between the lines, you need to get a good general feel for that operator rather than just listening to one or two bad comments.
And the same is true for favourable reviews as well. Check to see if that is the general feeling among the other people who have reviewed these products.
Setting up your betting account – step by step
Getting your new sports betting account up and running is thankfully a simple task.
Betting operators want to make it as simple as possible for you to create a new account. So they keep the registration process limited to just a few easy steps.
- Decide where you want to create your new account. There are many fantastic sites to choose from so it can be a difficult task filtering them down to just one. It is perfectly possible to have more than one betting account. As long as you choose to open accounts with different operators, then there’s no problem and having several running at the same time
- Once you have taken a look through our list of providers, you need to click on the button that takes you directly through to that website. Here, you will find access to the registration form
- Fill out any of the details that are necessary and submit them to the new bookmakers
- You will usually receive a confirmation email from the bookmaker. And you may have to respond to this email just to confirm that you wish to open the account
- When the account is open we recommend that you go straight ahead and complete the KYC process. You will have to provide a copy of your identification and perhaps a utility bill and bank statement if you are paying by debit card
- Choose the bonus offer that you would like to take advantage of. There may be more than one available
- You may or may not need to deposit some funds to collect your chosen bonus. Head over to the cashier section of the website and make your deposit using one of the various payment methods
How to make your first sports bet
As soon as your account is up and running, you will be able to start thinking about placing your bets. And this is where the fun really begins.
It can seem a little daunting at first. But after a while, you will have a full grasp of how the whole system works. Let’s take a look at a few of the initial steps you need to take to get this all-important first bet underway.
Deposit money into your betting account
As we said previously, you will need to get some money into your account. It may be necessary in order to collect a bonus or it may not. But either way, you will need some cash to play with in the future.
Playing with your own money means that you are free from any restrictions and can potentially win some decent sums of cash depending on your wager or the odds that you have chosen. Here you can read about some of the most popular payment methods.
Select which sport you want to bet on
To place a bet, you will need to decide which sport you are interested in. We always advise that you stick to a sport that you know well.
If you are a massive football fan, for example, then you have a much higher chance of correctly predicting the outcome of a football match than let’s say a MotoGP race.
When you have become a master of one particular sport then you may wish to start thinking about some of the other fantastic options out there. There is an enormous array of sporting events on offer. The betting potential is endless. Here are some of the most popular types of sports:
Pick out a match/event
In every sport, there are loads of different competitions taking place all over the world. Barely a day goes by where there isn’t something happening within your chosen sport selection.
If there is a large tournament in progress at the moment, then you may want to consider trying this out first. UK online bookmakers will often hand out some top deals around the time of a new tournament start date. So this is a perfect opportunity to grab lots of different bets on your favourite sport.
Select a betting market
And now that you have decided which event you are going to aim for, it’s time to focus specifically on which type of bet you wish to place.
Most sports have an enormous variety of markets available. Football, for example, will allow you to place a wager on almost every aspect of the game. Horse racing may have slightly fewer options for each race but there is still a considerable amount of betting action to be enjoyed.
You should consider drawing on your knowledge and expertise. If you have a particular interest in one team, then it may be a good idea to start with that. Individual players etc., can also offer a wealth of opportunities.
Fill in the bet amount and click “place bet”
Deciding how much to wager is completely up to you. You should always have a budget in mind and never go over it.
When you select the bet amount, your slip should automatically update according to the prices. You can delete this number and play around with the figures until you arrive at a return that you would be happy with for your initial stake. And when you are 100% certain that you are placing the bet that you want, you can go ahead and click on the button to confirm your bet.
Once you place your bet, it will not be possible to cancel it. So always double-check any of your wagers before you confirm them
Bonuses available at the best betting sites UK
When it comes to bonuses and promotions, new betsites can offer some of the very best in the business. As a new company, they have a lot to prove and one way they can do this is by showing but they are extremely generous to new customers.
There are a few different promos available. Some that need you to make a deposit and some that don’t. And not every deal will suit all players perfectly. So always check the details carefully to make sure that it is an offer that works well for you.
Below, we will take a look at some of the most popular deals and promotions available when you sign up for a new betting account.
Matched deposit offers
A matched deposit deal can come your way when you place a deposit of your own. The betting site will also pay in the same amount as you into your bonus cash balance.
This may be 100% or it could be even more. It’s possible to get your hands on hundreds of pounds worth of extra playing cash when you choose one of these types of deals.
But remember that this money will go into your bonus balance and not your live balance. This is because your bonus balance is subject to certain rules and requirements. One of the most popular is wagering requirements. These determine how many times you must gamble with any bonus cash before you are able to see any of the winnings come your way.
Free bet promotions
A free bet is a great opportunity to get involved without spending any of your own cash.
This bet may be restricted to one particular match or event, for example. But some new online bookmakers UK will allow you to spend it freely. It all depends on the particular site you are using.
If a free bet comes your way as part of a deposit bonus, then it may well have quite a large value depending on how much money you deposit. This could result in some pretty decent winnings.
But as with most bonuses, it is quite possible that any winnings that you see will make their way to your bonus balance. And you won’t be able to cash them out until you have complied with any requirements.
Risk-free bet promotions
A risk-free bet is very similar to the one mentioned above. The main difference here is that you will not lose regardless of the result. For this reason, you will usually be using your own money to place the bet in the first place.
If your selection does not come good, then you will receive the bet back and you can place it again on something else. But you cannot simply just withdraw the money and not place another bet.
There will often be a time limit placed on this type of deal. You cannot hang around forever deciding where to place it. Make your selection and see what happens! And if your risk-free bet is being made using a new bookmakers cash then you might as well spend it all on that bet. You can place a smaller wager if you like but the rest of the money will be forfeited.
Enhanced odds promotions
Enhanced odds may not be at the top of the list of bonus priorities for some punters. An inexperienced gambling fan may not see the immediate value. However, they can be an awesome way to maximize your profits.
Receiving higher odds on a market that you think has a fairly predictable outcome can be a lovely little gift. Obviously, the more you wager, the more you will win. And with an enhanced price, you can see a little more on top.
Again, you should bear in mind that the winnings that arise from the enhanced portion of the odds will probably end up in your bonus balance.
As with all bonuses, it isn’t free money. But it certainly is a fun way to potentially win some extra cash.
New mobile bookmakers in the UK
One of the best ways to enjoy all the betting action is on your mobile device. This may include your phone or tablet. Taking all of the action with you while on the go is a great way to enjoy the fun.
There are many instances where you may wish to get online and place a bet while you are out. If you are down the pub watching the match on a Saturday afternoon and you spot a betting opportunity, then you want to be able to get straight on to your bookie’s account and place that bet. It can mean landing an awesome profit that you would not have otherwise had the possibility of doing.
Sports betting is all about spotting opportunities. And your mobile device is the very best way to take advantage of this.
More and more people are betting using their mobile
In general, getting online using your mobile has become the most popular way to stay connected. It offers a convenience that even laptops cannot compete with.
According to Statista, more than 90% of the global population of internet users are using their phone to connect to the internet. And online bookmakers UK have recognised this. They are now pumping millions of pounds into investing in their mobile infrastructure. And any companies that don’t keep up with this change will be left behind.
Some mobile sites are developed naturally alongside the main website. While others are created specifically for the mobile market and may appear a little different to the original site.
Browser-based betting
Mobile play is possible in two different ways. The first and simplest option is for the bookie to create a smaller version of the website. This can usually happen automatically thanks to new responsive tech.
This means that anything produced on a larger screen will automatically resize and reproduce perfectly on any screen. There may need to be a few tweaks along the way but in general, the whole process is pretty simplistic for a developer.
This is the cheapest option available for a betting website. However, it does require users to log on to the internet browser and then type in the web address of the bookmaker. This may not seem like a lengthy task. But it is always best to offer customers the very simplest way to get involved.
Mobile betting applications
A slightly faster alternative to the above browser-based play is to create a best bet app. It is definitely a more expensive option. But it does mean giving customers less chance to encounter connection problems. And that can pay dividends for new betting companies.
You can download a site’s application straight to your mobile. This means that some of the essential information will be saved on your device. And this makes it a little faster to access all the action.
It also gives an operator a perfect opportunity to stay in contact with their customers. When you download an application like this you will usually receive messages from the betting site. These may include some of the latest promo deals.
Check out our list of recommended betting apps as well as our favourite cricket betting apps!
Betting strategy for beginners
Depending on what kind of gambler you are, you might want to make a strategy for placing your bets. Some people are happy to just have the occasional flutter and will base their wager on a hunch.
But if you are in it for the long haul and would like to turn a profit, then you need to think wisely about what to bet on.
But in the beginning, it can be difficult for a newbie to know which markets etc. they should be looking at. Or how they can best utilise any of the features available on a bookie’s website.
For those who are just starting out, here are some of our best tips for getting the most out of your betting experience.
Don’t just stick to one bookmaker
Every match will have loads of different ways to place a bet. The variety of markets on games such as football, for example, present a world of options. And with each of these markets come their own prices.
A bookmaker will use statistical analysis to create odds for each and every one of the markets available on their website. And these odds will differ from one operator to another.
You may be surprised at the range of different prices available for the same market when you take a look at different gambling sites.
Naturally, you want the very best odds available for all your bets. And this might not be possible if you are placing them all at the same website each time. By opening an account with several new bookmakers, you will be able to take full advantage of this range of prices.
Always look for new bonuses and promotions
Bonuses and promotions can change from time to time. What you see on offer at your favourite site today may not be there in a few weeks time. So it always pays to keep your ear to the ground.
As we mentioned, you can sign up for an account with various new bookmakers. This means that you are not only able to get hold of the best range of odds possible. But you can also grab loads of different bonus deals as well.
Bonuses and offers are not for everybody. Some players prefer to simply deposit some cash and make their own wagers without any restrictions. But for many of us, these promos are a fantastic way to grab extra bets and bonus money.
Many of the new bookmakers are also part of casino groups as well. And some of the welcome promotions may be transferable across these different types of gambling entertainment.
Don’t bet on sports that you don’t know much about
If there is a sport that you’ve barely even heard of, then it makes little sense to be placing bets on it. Sure, you might get lucky once in a while but this is not a long term strategy.
It is always good advice to stick to the sports you know best. You have probably been watching them for many years and you understand exactly how it works. You will have favourite teams, players or horses perhaps. And this can help you to have a flutter based on knowledge rather than simply guesswork.
Many punters who are serious about gambling as a long-term hobby will stick to the same sport for many years. It takes a long time to understand all the intricacies of different bet types and how they can ultimately improve your balance. Become an expert in one field rather than a Jack of all trades.
Try to find value bets
Finding value in bets is often something that gets overlooked. An inexperienced customer will simply accept that the bookie knows best and that all of the odds are 100% correct.
However, it is possible that a bookmaker is being too generous and some prices may be over the odds. And if you feel that something is slightly more predictable than the bookie, then you could find value in the prices.
Being successful throughout an online bookies session is often about the margins. Picking up extra cash here and there can make all the difference between winning and losing in the long run
Set up a monthly budget
And whatever you decide to place your bets on, you should always do so within your limits. Having a monthly budget will allow you to keep an eye on your spending. Moreover, you will be able to adjust your other bets to make sure that you stay in the black.
But once you have spent your money for the month, you should know when to quit. Chasing losses and throwing huge amounts at this hobby can have dangerous side effects. So always play responsibly and know exactly where you stand financially.
The most successful punters will have a spreadsheet devoted to recording the money coming in and out of their betting account.
Live streaming on new betting sites
Live streamed events are a fantastic new addition to today’s modern football betting sites. Watching the game in progress can allow you to make quick decisions. This is where in-play betting really comes into its own. And we will take a look at this in more detail in just a moment.
How live streaming works
To live stream the action, you will need to place a bet. When you have done this, you will see the option to open the live player. Note that this will not always be an option. A bookmaker has to pay a handsome sum in order to broadcast these matches and races. And this can run into tens of thousands of pounds. So it is understandable that not every single event will be available to watch.
And on the plus side for the punter, it can save you a ton of money. If you like to watch football matches or races, for example, then having a bet on the game can allow you to watch them for free.
You can access all of this live streaming entertainment directly on your mobile. And this way you can enjoy the action anywhere you are.
In play betting – makes the game more exciting
Many of us are familiar with halftime adverts showing the odds for the next goalscorer, for instance, when watching a football match. If you are watching the game, then you will probably have an idea about which players are in good form during that match. This puts you in a fantastic position to place a bet.
But it isn’t just football that offers this option. There are loads of different sports that are now integrating these bets into their games and events. There used to only be one or two bets available. But now there are a plethora of exciting wagers that you can find.
How does it work?
It definitely helps if you are watching a game or race unfold. But it is not essential. To take advantage, all you need to do is log on to your bookie account and check out the odds that are available.
In-play betting is fast-paced and the odds will change rapidly. You need to make your decision at the right time and place your bet as you would any other.
Select the amount that you wish to wager and confirm your bet. For this reason, we always recommend downloading a bookie’s application if there is one available. It makes the process of in-play betting much simpler. And this ensures that you do not miss out on any fantastic betting opportunities.
Deposit and withdrawal methods for sports betting UK
Money movement services has become a large industry over the last 20 years. Around the turn of the twenty-first century, e-commerce exploded into life and this meant that it was necessary for customers to make payments online.
When this first started, it was very difficult for small businesses to facilitate these payments. There were huge fees involved with accessing merchant services from any of the well-known banks. But over the years, things have changed dramatically. It is now far easier to get cash from one place to another to pay for goods and services.
Loads of convenient and ingenious products have hit the market and great new bookmakers will have a good selection of these at their disposal. Having plenty of payment options shows that a site has a decent reputation.
Anyone providing payment services would be wary of dealing with a company that had a bad rep. So if you see many options available when making your deposit, then you know that you are playing at a good site. Moreover, if a bookie were unable to offer plenty of these options, then our review experts would usually dismiss them out of hand.
e-Wallets
Electronic wallets were a response to the growing e-commerce industry. Several entrepreneurs came up with fantastic ideas to resolve the issue of money movement for small online traders and individuals.
By having a wallet in the digital realm, you are able to have your money stored online. This means it is available for you to move on to anywhere that you need to make a payment or transfer. This could be to other individuals, shops and even new betting sites as well.
It also enables you to receive and make payments in various currencies around the world. And this solves any issues of international payments and transfers.
Skrill
This UK-based company entered the fray under the name Moneybookers. They came about in the late nineties with the aim of making it simple to transfer money between individuals.
Before this point, the only option you would have would be to use your bank account. Or if this was not available to you or the recipient, then you would need to use the expensive services of companies such as Western Union.
As with other electronic wallets, you can receive money from other people, or add funds to your account using another source. This may be your bank account or something different. Once the money is in your Skrill account it is then there for you to use as you wish. There is a small 1% fee for adding funds to this account.
Making betting site payments via Skrill is usually free. And the transfer limits are pretty decent. Money should hit your account instantly so you can crack on and enjoy the betting action ASAP.
It is also possible to withdraw any winnings from your betting account back to Skill.
One thing to be aware of is that you can’t use this deposit method if you are looking to land a welcome bonus.
Neteller
This product is practically identical to the one above. Although this time it came from North America. Many companies all over the world we’re trying to create these payment solutions around the same time. And they came up with fairly similar ideas.
Payments are instant using the Neteller product. And money can move in both ways. This is to say that you can receive withdrawals back out of your account as well as make deposits.
The transaction limits with this product are higher than its competitors. So it is often a favourite with those who like to place large bets.
Adding money to your account will incur a 2.5% fee. But making payments into your bookie account should be free. But always check site details just to make sure.
Paypal
PayPal is perhaps the biggest name in the electronic wallet market. It is another product that came to our attention around the late 90s / early 2000s.
For many, it was a way to take payments on the popular auction site eBay. But they soon outgrew this niche and turned their hand to International payment transfers and payment solutions for all kinds of businesses.
They are now an extremely popular way for betting enthusiasts to get money into their gambling accounts. The service is fast, low-cost and you can also receive withdrawals back the other way as well.
While Neteller and Skrill aren’t valid options for those seeking a welcome bonus, PayPal is usually fine.
Debit card payments
Debit cards emerged as a new payment method back in the late 60s. Banks in the United States realised the potential for getting customers to start spending their money if they could make it attractive and convenient.
By the 70s, this product was being used all over the country. And it didn’t take long before it made its way over to Europe. Now, anyone with a bank account will usually have access to one of these cards.
Making a deposit into your betting account is instant. Moreover, the betting site won’t usually charge you anything to make a payment in this way. Withdrawals are also an option. But where deposits are instant, money going back into your account may take a day or two.
Furthermore, transaction limits are usually pretty high when making payments using your debit card. You can check out these limits at the cashier section of new betting sites.
Wire transfers
Making a transfer from your bank to another person’s bank used to be the only way that you could shift money around. It is perhaps a little clunky in that there are so many processes for the money to go through.
It is not a fast transaction method. And it can take several days to get money from point A to point B.
Transaction limits are high and you won’t usually be charged for using this form of payment. Simply head to the cashier section, select deposits and then look for the wire transfer option. The betting sites will provide you with their bank details that you can use to enter into your online banking and make a transfer.
Pay by mobile
Pay by mobile is a top option for those not looking to make huge transfers. Although this is also the product’s main downfall. You can only make a deposit of £10 per time. And if you are looking to secure a bonus then this could be a problem. Some operators will require a deposit of £20 to release any bonus cash or bets.
The great thing about this product is that you can select money to come from your top-up credit or even to be added to your monthly bill. Most of the large network providers in the UK should be able to facilitate this kind of payment.
Always gamble responsibly
Gambling responsibly is a top priority. Punters should treat betting action as a hobby and not a guaranteed way to make cash. It is possible that things will not always go your way. So only ever play with money that you are prepared to lose.
Make up a budget for betting
You should always have a monthly figure in mind or perhaps even a weekly budget. Obviously, the aim is to win some cash but sometimes it might not always be that way. And you need to know how much cash you can spare from your personal finance budget each month.
You should prioritise any essential expenditure and then use part of your disposable income to pay for your hobby. And when you have hit your limit, you need to stop. You can always play again next month when your budget resets.
How much time do you spend on betting?
And it isn’t just the amount of money that you spend that is important. Knowing how much time you are spending at your favourite betting site is also important to keep an eye on. Take regular breaks and don’t spend too many hours in one day thinking about gambling. Keep the entertainment fun and light-hearted.
Don’t bet when you’ve been drinking
And this should go without saying. People make bad decisions when they have been drinking and this also includes betting decisions. You may place bets on events that you would never usually consider. Moreover, you may create wagers that are far too high for your budget.
There is a heightened risk of chasing your losses if you play while intoxicated. Nobody likes to lose, much less so when we’ve been drinking. And this can result in you placing larger and larger bets to recoup any losses from previous ones.
Use Gamstop if betting has become a problem
And if you have tried your best to keep your hobby under control but have failed to do so, then it is time to seek advice. Gambling can be a problem for those who cannot keep it in check. And products like GamStop can be a great solution.
You can sign up for an account and they will block you from accessing any of the betting and other types of gambling websites in the UK. This type of self-help has proved invaluable for many people.
FAQ
There is a ton of information about new sport betting sites here on this page. And below, you will find a little bit more in our FAQ area.
