Should I Play at Bookmaker Sites Using Tips?
Gambling has been around for centuries. And it shows no signs of stepping down from its pedestal. When it comes to online betting and gambling around the world, there are many popular bookmakers to choose from. With so many available, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. Many of these bookies offer their services in multiple languages and cater to players worldwide.
Many of these bookmakers will also feature additional services. These can include online casinos with slot games, poker sections, and more. That said, we’re going to be focusing more on these sites’ sportsbooks, rather than the casino offerings.
Some sportsbooks feature several dozens of sports and betting markets and can cover tens of thousands of events annually. With so much on offer, choosing the best games to play can seem to be quite a tricky feat.
Gamble ResponsiblyGambling is an activity only for those over 18. Make sure you are aware of the risks involved. begambleaware.org
In this article, we’re going to look at some of the ways you can play responsibly on a bookmaker’s sportsbook. However, remember that there are no guarantees when it comes to gambling. Always be prepared for losses when you gamble as this is a risky activity.
Here’s what we’re going to be looking at in this article:
Contents
Bookmakers and Sports Betting Overview
Many bookmakers cater to punters, and there are a couple hundred that open their doors annually. Only a few of these betting sites are worth joining, however, and many should be given a hard pass. Think of the many blacklisted bookies out there you would want to avoid. With that said, it is always best to know how to spot the worthy-of-your-trust sites.
That said, there are many bookmakers, old and new, that provide a quality betting experience. There are, of course, a few critical criteria to look at before choosing a bookmaker. The question in this article, however, is where you stand the best chance to have a good and secure experience.
We want to make this very clear: There is NO guarantee playing a specific game at a bookmaker will result in a profit. Many different factors can influence the outcome of any wager, but it’s still gambling. While we may recommend some betting markets and games that give you better chances, there are no guarantees.
What to Look for In A Bookmaker
If you’re going to commit to joining an online bookmaker, it’s a good idea to check for a few essential things first. There are several criteria that we measure a bookie against before we recommend them. However, this isn’t just something our reviewers do. Many experienced punters will also check for several things before they sign up. Here’s what you should look for in a bookie before joining:
- Look for licensed bookmakers regulated by a reputable regulatory body, such as the UKGC or MGA
- Does it use 128-bit software encryption or higher to keep your private and financial information secure?
- Is it affiliated with and dedicated to responsible gambling practices?
- Does it have payment methods and currencies available in your country?
- What are the withdrawal/deposit limits and processing times?
- Are there any betting bonuses or welcome promos?
- Is it easy to navigate and well designed?
- Does it feature the betting markets and sports that you’re looking for?
- Can you contact customer service quickly and easily, and do they try to help you when you reach them?
Pros and Cons of Betting on Sports at Online Bookmakers
There are many pros and cons to wagering online, and there are certainly too many to cover. Many pros and cons are also subjective to your preferences and betting habits. As a result, we’ve decided to cover some of the most prominent and general pros and cons that apply to wagering at online bookmakers.
- Pros
- It can be entertaining and exciting, especially when betting live
- Placing in-game wagers is an option at some bookmakers
- Convenient mobile betting apps and can be done via mobile devices
- Vast selections of betting options, markets and sports available online
- Bookmakers offer loyalty promotions and rewards
- Cons
- Rogue operators are hidden amongst other bookmakers, which can create additional risk
- Some bookmakers have longer cash out/payout/withdrawal times
- Transaction fees apply
- Legal and regulatory issues can place restrictions on your gambling experience
- Impulsive wagering and problems with gambling addiction are common due to easily accessible bookmakers
Most Popular Betting Markets and Recommended Bets
We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to betting markets, and many bookmakers will have dozens of sports and hundreds of thousands of events to bet on. That said, some sports are incredibly popular amongst punters. Betting on popular markets comes with its own set of pros and cons, so we’ll take a quick look at the top four betting markets:
Football
This is probably one of the most popular sports to bet on worldwide, and the Premier League is the most-watched league in the world. There are millions of fans betting on football globally, and you’ll easily see tens of thousands of fans at each match.
If football is your chosen sport, then your best bets would be:
- Over/Under
- Double Chance
- Draw no bet
- Handicap/Asian Handicap
These are relatively easy to understand and offer you a slightly better experience betting.
Horse Racing
While it may not have the most significant fan base, horse racing is one of the most popular sports amongst punters. As such, horse racing bets are particularly popular in Europe, and especially the UK. There are even those who believe that horse racing wouldn’t exist if not for those wagering on it. The best types of wagers to place here would be:
- Show
- Place
You can also try:
- Quinella
- Pick 3
- Superfecta
- Trifecta
Cricket
From South Africa to the UK, India to the Indies, this is one of the most popular global sports available today. It offers excellent betting options and a lot of fun in-game wagers. Here are some of the easiest types of bets:
- Number of Boundaries
- Most Match Sixes
- Man of the Match
Rugby
Much like cricket, Rugby is also popular globally. It’s only slightly less prevalent than football, and it’s exhilarating. With fans numbering in the millions, heaven forbid if you interrupt this game in the wrong country.
If you want to increase your chances of having a fun game, we recommend trying out these bets:
- Handicap
- Margin
- Top scorer in a series
Bookmaker Promotions
One of the best ways to risk less and have fun, to slightly lessen the risk-factor of online gambling at least, is by using promotions. Most bookmakers will run several promotions, and even the newest bookies will, at the very least, have welcome offers available. Don’t shy away from scouring different bookmakers and seeing what kind of promotions they offer.
Many punters will check for a welcome bonus or free bets before joining a new bookie. It’s an excellent way to test out a bookmaker before you commit to joining them. It also gives you an idea of what the odds are, the kind of betting markets, services, etc. There are even betting strategies, such as matched betting, that depend on the use of promotional offers.
Take note of wagering requirements, though. The fine print can catch you off guard and making a mistake can void your entire bonus.
We also recommend looking out for offers that existing players can use. Also, try to focus on promo codes as they will bring you boosted bonuses. More specifically, look for offers that you can use to wager on the sports betting markets you prefer. For example, if you prefer to bet on football, a Tote offer for the Cheltenham races won’t do you much good, for instance.
The Best Sports Betting Market or Game to Enjoy
Saying that there’s a best sport, betting market or sports game event to bet on would be a complete lie. First, make sure you know what the sports betting types are that you want to delve in. Also, if there are statistics that can point to a likely answer, then it would be very closely guarded by bookmakers. However, that’s beside the point. To find the best sports to bet on, you’ll need to answer a few key questions first.
Here are a few things to consider:
How popular is it?
The more popular a sport, the more casual bettors it will attract. The odds may be more accurate, since bookies will put more time into determining them.
How much do you know about it?
The more you know about a sport, the better your chances of spotting a value bet. The amount of time you have available can also be a factor. Popular sports will have copious amounts of data available that you’ll need to sift through, while niche sports won’t require quite as much data refining.
Do the betting lines move?
This can be a great way to spot value. Bookies will move their betting lines if professional bettors are betting against them. They do this to keep their profit margins, but it creates an opening for keen-eyed punters.
What is the best sport for you?
This is a far more relevant question than: “What is the best sport to bet on?” Are you familiar with the sport? Are you a fan? Do you follow the sport and any major, minor, or key events related to it? What about the players? How much do you know about their habits and statistics?
For example, let’s say that you adore Formula One racing, and you’ve been following it for decades. You’re going up against an experienced punter, but the only thing they know about F1 is that Ferrari used to have an excellent track record (let’s face it, everyone has heard the name Schumacher at least once).
You, on the other hand, know more about the drivers, which means that you can spot the Vettel and Hamilton rivalry a mile away. While your experienced competitor might pick a Ferrari driver based solely on his limited knowledge, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision. The odds would certainly be in your favour.
Are there easier types of bets?
This may be more applicable here. There are some kinds of bets that do offer you a slight edge. Double chance betting, for example, allows you to bet on 2 of 3 outcomes. For example, in football, the game can be a 1, X or 2. With this type of bet, you can pick two of the three possibilities.
Acca betting is also a great way to bet, as is live betting. That said, don’t get too caught up in the excitement and place an impulsive bet while yelling at a TV screen in the local pub.
Conclusion
Being able to place wagers online has allowed many punters to try their luck and have some fun. That said, it’s also created a rabbit hole of betting markets, odds, strategies, and bookmakers, which can be confusing for novices. So to be responsible would mean you need to do your homework.
All of that notwithstanding, it all comes down to wanting to be responsible while wagering on your favourite teams and having fun at the same time. Hopefully, our overview of the betting markets has given you an idea of where to start.
You’ll need to decide where your strengths lie, and which games you have the most knowledge of. Combine that with a good strategy, and you might just stand a chance.
Good luck, and remember to have fun!
Javia Alex is an expert-level Copywriter/Editor with a wealth of experience in the iGaming scene. A self-described player advocate, Javia’s player-first mindset, “tell it like it is”, has earned her an oft-cited voice across gambling circles. She frequently works late nights and long hours, fact-checking reviews and pages for accuracy.