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Checklist for choosing new sports betting sites
New bookmakers have the hard task of competing against some of the country’s flagship gambling establishments. And they have to prove their worth by offering fantastic incentives to entice new customers to their sites. Therefore, new sports betting sites UK are a very attractive prospect for bettors up and down the country.
But what should you look for in a bookies? Let’s take a closer look, and discover what our Gamble.xyz experts say makes a great bookie.
✅ Welcome bonus and other promotions
UK betting sites new to the game will offer every bonus and promo they can, to get you through the door (so to speak). These bonuses are a great way to boost your playing power, and you could be offered one or more of the following welcome deals:
- Free bets: to be used on sports matches or events
- Deposit match bonus: the bookies will match your deposit with bonus cash to bet with
- Free spins: Many sportsbooks also offer casino games, and free spins can be used on popular slots games
Free bets are by far the most popular way to entice new bettors to a bookies’ site. Obviously, they differ in value from site to site, with some bookmakers offering £10 or £20 as standard. While, others will offer to match your initial deposit with bonus cash to bet with. These match bonuses can be very lucrative. You could be offered 100% or more on your first deposit.
Also, keep an eye out for loyalty programs and other rewards. It’s in a bookies’ interest to keep you coming back, so they will have some great deals and promos available to existing customers too.
✅ Selection of sports and markets
When it comes to sports betting, you want a slice of every pie going! And with new online bookmakers UK, you should look for which sports and other events they offer. So that you can get in on the action of every major sport across the world.
If you love football, then why not have a bet on La Liga in Spain? Or even the J. League from Japan? Just because you’re in the UK, it doesn’t mean you should be limited to wagering on British football alone. And a great bookmakers will know that.
An extensive sportsbook is a good indication that you’re on a site that’s serious about sports betting and their customers’ desires. For example, even if you don’t like golf, it’s still good to see that a site offers a wide range of golf tournaments to wager on. This shows that they have a solid sportsbook, and that they cater to all different tastes.
✅ Competitive odds
Of course, one of the most important factors when looking at any bookies in the odds they offer. And with new sports betting sites battling against the more established sites in the country, they will offer some of the most competitive odds around.
Any seasoned bettor will tell you, it pays to shop around. Different sites will offer different odds and prices. And it’s important to compare these, as it could mean the difference between profit and loss for you. In fact, it’s advisable to sign up to more than one bookies, in order to make the most out of your bets.
We recommend avoiding sites with huge margins added to their odds. As these will affect your winnings significantly. Therefore, when looking for a great new bet site, it’s a good idea to sign up to more than one; to give yourself a better chance of snapping up fantastic odds!
✅ Mobile functionality
These days, we want everything in the palm of our hands. And that goes for sports betting too! If you like to keep up with your favourite sports on the go, then you want a great site that’s fully optimised for mobile access.
With cutting-edge tech and seamless site design, mobile sites are no longer a whole webpage squeezed onto a tiny phone screen. Instead, they’re sleek, modern and super easy to use. And most of them come with special features and dedicated apps that make mobile play even more exciting than using your laptop or PC.
In-play betting and live streaming of matches and tournaments are just some of the amazing features available on mobile bet sites. And with apps offering even more special functions and features, you can enjoy all your favourite sports and bets in an instant. So, always look for bookies that offer an awesome mobile version of their site and/or a dedicated app.
✅ Customer support
A lot of people forget about this aspect of UK online bookmakers, but not us! As with any business, what makes it stand out from the crowd is the people that work for it, and the way they treat their customers. Therefore, stellar customer service is on our list of top priorities when considering a new bookie.
You wouldn’t return to a hotel where the staff were rude, the room was dirty and they overcharged you for your stay. And the same rules apply for online bet sites.
We make sure the companies we work with have top-notch, professional staff, who are on-hand 24/7 to answer your queries. And that the site offers multiple payment options, with quick and easy deposit and withdrawal methods.
That’s what our experts look for when they review a new site. And it’s something that you, as a customer, should take into consideration too.
✅ Special features
Another thing to think about when searching for new sports betting sites is any special features that they offer. Because they’re fresh and modern, new sites will offer some of the most cutting-edge experiences to their punters.
These can include the following:
- Live streaming: get in on the action in an instant, with matches and tournaments streamed live directly through the bet site. And, with mobile-optimised sites, get matches and other sports events direct to your phone or tablet. No need to try and find the game on another site!
- Odds calculator: cut out the maths lesson with an odds calculator! No more confusing figures to work out, and no risk of making mistakes, an odds calculator takes the fuss out of betting. Simply work out your odds, bet and enjoy
- In-play betting: revolutionising the way we gamble. In-play betting means real-time bets throughout matches and comps. With new and exciting bets being added all the time, why not spice up your next match?
Why go for new bookies?
There are lots of reasons to choose new bookies UK. So, let’s put these reasons under the microscope and see what you should consider signing up to one of these brand new betting sites.
Offers competitive promotions
As we’ve seen, new betting sites UK are all fighting for your custom. And that means some serious competition among sites. The good news about this is that, as a customer, it means you can get your hands on some of the most generous offers on the market.
Pick up your free bets and other welcome bonuses, as well as other regular promos for loyal customers. There’s almost nothing these new sites won’t offer. Which means it’s a great time to be a new punter at a new site!
Uses the latest tech
A lot goes on behind the scenes on a fantastic bet site. And with the latest technology at their fingertips, new sites are able to offer sleek, uber-modern experiences that can’t be matched by the more traditional sites.
Things like new betting apps and live streaming services all come from the top software developers in the country. And with advancements in tech moving forward every single day, it won’t be long until these modern companies bring us another new and exciting development that we weren’t expecting. And that makes for some very exciting times ahead.
New concepts and ideas
New sites are, well, new! And new often means a fresh approach to an old method. With more modern sites, younger minds are coming up with some of the most innovative new ideas on how we gamble. And we have them to thank for fresh concepts that we often see at new bookmakers there days. Some of these include:
- Odds calculators
- Live streaming
- In-play betting
- New markets like e-sports and politics
So, with their fresh take on betting, as well as access to leading tech and software, new bet sites are the champions of modern-day betting. We can’t wait to see what they’ll come up with next!
Why choose an established bookmaker
While a new betting site has a lot to offer, there’s still something to be said for the more established companies out there. After all, there’s a reason they’re still going!
So, let’s take a look at why you should consider signing up to one of the more traditional bet sites.
Reputation
The online gambling industry is saturated with new companies all trying to throw their hat into the ring and become the next great site. However, only the best survive and very few stand the test of time.
Big names that have been around for years have gained the solid reputation that keeps punters coming back for more. And it’s this rep that shows an established site is one that takes good care of its customers time and time again. This is why brand building is so important when it comes to business. Customers are more likely to choose a bookmaker that have a good reputation.
In a world of online reviews and constant critiques, a shoddy company will crash and burn within a few months of coming out. Therefore, if a site has been around for many years, it’s only because they receive fantastic feedback from their devoted clients.
More experience
With age comes experience. And established betting shops and websites have gained a wealth of knowledge along the way. Just because they’re old, it doesn’t mean they’re stuck in their ways!
In fact, more established sites have just as much, if not more, access to new tech and the most innovative minds in the business. They know what customers want, and they offer some of the best gambling experiences around.
Some gambling companies have decades of knowledge, research and feedback behind them. And the expertise they’ve gained come from their years in the industry.
Staying safe when using new online betting sites
The internet has opened the door to so much opportunity over the last 20 years. And not least for the gambling industry. Although, it has allowed for a great deal of anonymity and that can make trust a difficult issue for some.
When you visit a bookmakers in your local neighbourhood, you can get a feel for the operation and how it’s run. But when you play online, you don’t have that privilege.
Luckily, the world wide web has also made it possible to share information at break-neck speed. And this makes it possible to find out anything you need to know about pretty much every business out there, including new betting companies.
So, let’s take a closer look at some of the ways that you can make sure you’re betting with a safe and secure site.
Make sure the bookmaker is UKGC licensed
If new bookmakers want to offer their services to UK customers, then they will need to go through the UK Gambling Commission first.
It can be an intimidating task for a new company, especially if they have little prior experience in the industry.
There are lots of things that they must show the commission to prove that the outfit will function fairly and legally. If the UKGC are satisfied then they will grant the licence. This means that anyone bearing the UKGC logo on their website has stood up to the task and can be trusted to take your bets.
Check our reviews and recommendations
One of the best places to find out how good betting sites are is to use a dedicated review site like ours. It’s our job to check out all the latest companies and put them through a tough review process.
We know exactly what to look out for and we’ll only work with betting operators that meet our high standards.
If you like a site that we recommend, then we’ve done our job properly and we’ll hopefully be seeing more of you in the future!
Look for player complaints
Nobody can hide on the internet! It’s such a vast vacuum of info about everyone and everything. Businesses receive regular scrutiny under the watchful eye of the consumer and it’s all there in black and white.
Sportsbooks will undoubtedly find every inch of their outfit on display across the various betting and consumer review sites. Take a quick look at one of the major search engines and you’ll soon get a feel for how they’re run.
However, it’s important to remember that not all reviews are genuine and companies can fall victim to the rants of angry customers without justification. You’ll see many negative reports from people who didn’t win a bet and, therefore, declare that a site must be rigged. What we’re saying is do your research, but do it thoroughly.
How to register at new betting websites
Getting set up at a new bookmakers is usually a fairly straightforward process. It shouldn’t take long, and before you know it, you’ll have all the action right there where you want it; in the palm of your hand.
- Firstly, you’ll need to choose a site. If you haven’t done so yet, then check out the offers on display above
- Next, click on the link to take you straight to the website of your choice
- Locate the ‘register’ or ‘sign up’ button
- Complete the form that pops up by entering your personal details
- After that, you will usually receive a text or email to confirm the account
- Reply to the email or enter the text code as necessary and you’re done!
Making your first bet at a new bookmaker
Making your very first bet at a new bookies is fun, exciting and super easy. All the leading bookmakers make choosing a sport and betting on it as simple as possible, using their wonderfully easy-to-use sites.
But, if you’ve never done it before, let us take you through the process with our simplified 5-step guide.
Fund your account with your preferred payment method
First things first, you’re going to need to load your new bookmakers account with some funds. Otherwise known as making a deposit. At this point, you’ve probably already selected a fantastic bonus to go with your new account.
This might be a no deposit bonus, in which case it should already be applied before you deposit any funds. Or it may be a deposit bonus. In which case, this will appear in your account after you’ve made your first payment.
To make your first payment, simply select your preferred payment method in the cashier section of the betting site. This might be your debit card, an e-wallet account, bank transfer or one of the many pay-by-mobile platforms.
Whichever one you choose, the betting site will make it very easy for you to select your preferred option and make your deposit. Once you’ve made the payment, it should appear in your account pretty quickly.
In fact, services like e-wallets, pay-by-mobile and debit cards usually process deposits instantly. So you can move onto picking your sport and placing your bet just moments after your funds land in your account. However, some options like bank transfers might take a few days to clear.
Pick a sport you know well
Next, it’s time to select your sport. As you know, we recommend starting out with a sport that you know well, if you’re new to sports betting.
For example, if you already watch Premier League football, then betting on the Premier League will be nice and simple for you. Then, after you’ve placed a few tactical bets on the sport that you’re familiar with, you can branch out to other events.
Don’t forget, all new bookmakers in the UK have an extensive sportsbook for you to choose from. So, once you become au fait with the process, you’ll be free to have fun with other sports from all over the world.
Select which game you want to bet on
Now that you’ve made your deposit, and selected a sport that you know well, it’s time to choose which game you want to bet on.
Let’s return to our example of football. If you want to bet on the Premier League, the bookies will give you a selection of all the upcoming matches that you can choose from. For instance, you may want to bet on a match taking place later today. Or you might want to place a bet on an upcoming event at the weekend.
But either way, good sport betting sites will clearly display all the events in the football calendar that are coming up. And you’ll have a wealth of choice when it comes to different matches that you can bet on.
Pick your betting market
Now that you’ve narrowed it down to the sport that you want to bet on, and the specific match, it’s time to pick your betting market.
Remember, ‘market’ is just another word for what type of bet you can make. For example, who will win, the final score of a match, or which player manages to land a hat-trick.
When choosing your market, you’ll also see what odds are available. Which, in turn, lets you calculate what you could win if your bet comes in.
Don’t forget, with higher odds come bigger prizes. But, of course, they also come with greater risk. So, if you are new to the game, we advise betting on something simple with lower odds. That way, you give yourself a better chance of winning, while you’re learning about sports betting. After you’ve had a few wins, you can experiment a little more and start to place rickier, but more strategic, bets.
Choose the amount and place your bet
Finally, it’s time to place your bet. Follow the instructions on the bookies’ site to select the amount you wish to bet and then place your wager.
You’ll be able to see the amount deducted from your balance clearly. Now, it’s time to settle in and watch the magic unfold!
Remember, the best betting sites UK offer a live streaming service. So you’ll be able to watch the match that you bet on directly from your PC, laptop or mobile device at no extra charge.
Finally, you can always make live bets as well, if you fancy changing up your wagers while the match is in play. There’s no end to the possibilities with a top bookmakers’ site that offers live streaming and in-play bets!
Welcome bonuses at new UK betting sites
New UK bookmakers will have a superb range of offers available for new customers to enjoy. Competition is fierce, and this is great news for punters.
You may have seen various deals mentioned on some of the betting sites and you’re now wondering what on earth they mean. With that in mind, let’s get down to details.
Matched deposit bonus
If you’re looking to boost your balance with some extra cash, then this is by far the most lucrative of the lot.
All you need to do is make a deposit and the bookies will pay in the same amount, hence the name ‘match’ bonus. They will often give you 100% of your deposit on top, but it could be even more profitable than that.
Moreover, this deal may apply to not only your first deposit but sometimes the second and third as well.
The T&Cs will tell you what the maximum figure is that applies to the deal along with any info about the wagering requirements.
Free bets
Sports fans love a free bet and why wouldn’t they? To have a chance of winning some cash without using their own money is a no-brainer and, thankfully, these deals are quite common.
You may find that the offer applies to a specific event or race meeting, for example, so you won’t have too many options in that respect. But don’t let that put you off.
You still get to make your own decision about the team you want to bet on or the horse that will win etc., which makes it all the more exciting. And best of all, it’s free!
Risk free bets
Free bets that come your way are pretty special as not only do you get to choose a runner or team when placing the bet, but they also mean zero risk to your balance.
The bookies will place the free bet upon your instruction and nothing will be taken out of your account. If you win, then that’s great. If you don’t, then it hasn’t cost you a penny.
Enhanced odds
Every bookie has its own set of odds available across the various markets that they represent. One way that a site can improve on these odds is to offer you an enhancement when you join. Instead of the standard 7/2 on a runner at a particular meet, you might find that they offer you 5/1 as a thank you for joining them
This type of deal will depend on the site and may even apply to existing customers as well. Loyalty schemes are very popular and enhanced odds are a great way for the bookie to say ‘thanks’.
Best new betting sites for mobile and tablet
Here at Gamble.xyz, we love it when new betting sites give you an unparalleled mobile experience. Because, these days, we demand just as good an experience on our mobile phones as we would expect on a laptop or PC.
Therefore, when our experts review any new bookmaker online, they look to see that the bookies in question offers a fantastic mobile-optimised site and/or dedicated app to their customers.
That way, you can enjoy live streaming, in-play betting, the best betting offers and everything else on display; whether you’re on your laptop, tablet or mobile phone!
Mobile gambling’s rise in popularity
It used to be that gambling on your mobile phone was a complicated, long-winded and fiddly process.
But, with the world of online gambling moving so quickly, mobile-friendly sites now come as standard. And players love being able to access their bookies’ account in seconds from either their mobile app, or via a cool mobile-optimised site.
The great thing about betting from your mobile is that you can do it anytime, anyplace. Plus, with the most sophisticated bookmakers in the UK offering a 5-star mobile experience, you can now livestream events and make in-play bets. And all from the palm of your hand.
Betting in your mobile browser
One of the easiest ways to get into your betting site’s account is with your mobile phone’s internet browser. Regardless of whether you’re with Android or Apple, you get the same world-class experience on your mobile device.
Using your mobile internet browser is quick and convenient. And it won’t use any of your phone’s internal memory, like apps do.
Plus, you can also get bonuses as a mobile user at lots of bookies in the UK. So, make sure that you check out these offers. To see what you can get your hands on as a mobile player.
Betting with a mobile app
Even quicker than using your mobile phone’s browser is downloading a dedicated bookmakers’ app direct to your phone.
You can access your account in seconds. And place bets instantly, using a state-of-the-art best bet app. Furthermore, apps come with some added extras, such as push notifications. These will let you know when the next great sports match or event is about to start.
App notifications also keep you in the loop as to any new bonuses or promos that are on their way. And you can also pick up some additional bonuses at some sites, just for downloading their app and trying it out.
Just remember though, apps will take up some internal storage on your device. Additionally, they also need regular updates and bug fixes. So these are just a couple of things to take into consideration before you download a bookie’s app.
Beginner’s guide to betting strategy
If you’re new to the exciting world of sports betting, you may think that it’s just a case of trial and error in the beginning, as you learn to navigate your way through these early stages. A win here, a loss there etc. But, actually that’s not quite true!
In fact, there are some simple strategies that you can use to bet tactically. And increase your chances of winning. And, let’s face it, it’s always more fun to win!
So, with that in mind, here are some helpful tips and tricks to set you up for success as you start your sports betting journey.
Sign up to several different bookmakers
One of the most important pieces of advice we can give you is to sign up to more than one bookmakers at the time.
A lot of people spend a great deal of time finding a great bookies. But then they feel like they must place all their bets through the one site. A bit like some of us feel when we find a hairdresser or dentist we like; for some reason, we feel like we’re cheating on them if we get our hair cut / fillings done elsewhere!
However, there are tons of great bookmakers all over the UK. And each one is ready to give you a fantastic welcome deal, as well as different sportsbooks, markets and odds.
Therefore, by signing up to more than one bookies, you get access to all of these perks and more. Not to mention, when shopping around for good odds, already having an account open with multiple sites means that you can snap up the best odds as and when you find them.
So, don’t feel bad about ‘playing the field’ when it comes to registering at multiple betting sites at once!
Activate as many bonuses as possible
As we’ve just seen, signing up to more than one bookmakers equals lots and lots of bonuses. So, if you activate all these offers, you’ll be inundated with tons of bonus cash, free bets and no deposit and deposit bonuses. All of which can be used across lots of different sports, matches and markets. And, often, for free! Plus, the more bets you place on different events, the higher your chances of landing a win.
However, before you go signing up to every bookies in the UK, you must remember that every one of these offers will come with T&Cs attached. And it’s super important that you read and understand these terms before you take on any bonus. As, if you don’t adhere to all the rules of the bonus deal, you won’t be able to cash out any winnings as real money.
Only bet on sports that you are interested in
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again. If you’re new to the world of sports betting, then the best strategy is to start out placing small bets on sports that you are already familiar with.
But, not only that. They should also be sports that you are interested in.
Let’s look at football betting sites as an example. You probably already know the names of some of the UK’s Premier League football teams. But, unless you’re a football fan, this won’t make betting on the next Premier League match particularly exciting for you. So you’re not very likely to seek out football betting again any time soon.
Whereas, if you play golf at the weekends, then perhaps betting on the next PGA tour will be a better option for you. As you already enjoy the sport and will want to watch the tournament.
Be on the lookout for value bets
If you’re familiar with a sport, then some outcomes will be easy for you to predict with little effort. For example, if you follow UK football, then you could probably make an educated guess that the chances of Aston Villa beating Manchester City are pretty low at the moment. But, sometimes, bookies miss things and end up giving better odds on some matches and markets that they probably should.
This is known as a ‘value bet’. And, as you can imagine, these give you a higher-than-average value on a particular bet.
Therefore, keep an eye out for these little gems. They can be the key to an easy and profitable win!
Set a betting budget
Finally, it can be very easy to get swept up in the world of sports betting UK. It’s exciting, fast-paced and action-packed. Plus, if you’ve opened different accounts at lots of new betting sites, you’ll now be sitting on a stack of bonuses and free bet offers that you’re going to want to use.
But, while this is a very exciting time, you must be careful that you don’t overspend and get yourself into financial trouble. That’s why we recommend setting yourself a budget for your betting hobby. And, more importantly, that you stick to it!
There are a number of ways that you can do this. The first is to set yourself a daily, weekly or monthly budget that you constantly keep an eye on. But, if you lack self-discipline, then you might need something a little stricter! In this case, we would advise you to look into something like a prepaid Mastercard.
These prepaid cards are available from all the leading e-wallet providers, such as Skrill and Neteller. And they must be loaded with funds before you can use them. Which makes them perfect for allocating money to gamble with.
Also, these cards do not come with an overdraft feature. Therefore, when you’re out of funds you know you’ve reached the end of your budget and that it’s time to stop.
New betting sites with live streamed events
All the latest betting sites are constantly thinking of new ways to draw in new customers and keep their existing clients happy.
In recent years, live streaming has become the jewel in the crown of any online bookmakers. Usually, to watch international sports or events that aren’t available on terrestrial TV, you have to subscribe to some sort of expensive sports package. For example, Sky Sports or BT Sports.
However, if you are a member of a fantastic bookies, you can watch the majority of these matches and games live, for no extra cost. That means, no more expensive subscriptions. And it also means seamless connection to all the matches and events that you want to bet on from your laptop, PC, tablet or mobile phone.
What is live streaming?
If you subscribe to any site like Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime, then you already know what streaming is. Therefore, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that ‘live streaming’ is simply a streaming service that is live!
Needless to say, sports events are one of the most popular live-streamed events in the entire world. And, if you’ve got a hankering to put a bet on NBA basketball, chances are you won’t find the match you’re looking for for free in the UK.
But, with all the leading bookies offering live streaming on all major events, you’ll most likely be able to watch your NBA match live from any device that you wish.
In play bets at new bet sites
Along with the invention of live-streamed sporting events, came the amazing tool known as in-play betting. At new betting sites, placing live bets has revolutionised the way that we gamble online today. And, as the name suggests, in-play betting is when you can place wagers throughout a sports match, even after it’s started.
Historically, betting would cease just before the sports match or game was about to start. But now, with live streaming and live bets, you can place wagers whenever you want; before or during your favourite sports games.
How In play betting works
In-play betting is extremely simple to understand. As said, it simply refers to the ability to place wagers once the sports event has started. This makes things extra exciting. And it also gives you more chances to win, as you can add in extra bets as the match plays out.
For example, you fancy Arsenal to beat Spurs 2-1, but the match is already at 2-2 by halftime. So, effectively, your bet is lost. But, as you watch the second half via a fantastic and free live stream, you can now place an additional bet with your new predicted final score with in-play betting at your favourite new betting sites!
Payment methods for online betting
At today’s modern and sophisticated betting sites, you have access to all the different payment methods you could want.
So, here’s a look at some of the most popular payment options that you can use to make deposits and withdrawals at your favourite bookmakers.
Debit cards
It goes without saying that pretty much every site on the planet accepts debit cards. Giants of industry, Visa and MasterCard are accepted worldwide. And new betting sites are no exception.
Using your debit card means quick, convenient and free transactions. And you’ve probably already got one in your wallet or purse. Making it a go-to payment method for a lot of customers at their favourite bookies.
However, debit cards do come with some downsides. For instance, in order to make a transaction you must give out your card details and personal information every single time. But, for some punters, this isn’t preferable.
So, the more safety-conscious gambler is more likely to opt for an e-wallet or pay-by-mobile option instead. Also, something to bear in mind is that all debit card transactions will appear on your bank statements. So, if you like to stay anonymous online, again, debit cards are not the best option for you.
Pay by phone
Nowadays, there are tons of different ways that you can use your mobile phone to make deposits at online bookmaker sites.
Some more popular services include Boku, Paysafecard and Payforit. All of these options let you use your mobile telephone number to make deposits.
The deposit amount will be taken from either your pay-as-you-go credit or end-of-month bill; whichever you prefer. Therefore, these services offer both discreet transactions and extra security when dealing with real-money gambling sites.
However, these options usually come with some caveats which are very important to take note of. For example, you will most likely face daily limits as to what you can deposit. At most sites this is around £30 per day. So these methods will not suit someone who wants to pay in a large amount of money in one go.
Furthermore, most pay-by-phone methods only really work for making deposits. Not withdrawals. This actually makes sense when you think about it, as it’s pretty difficult to imagine withdrawing a load of winnings back to your mobile phone credit. In fact, would you even want your winnings to be instantly converted into minutes and mobile data? We’re guessing you’d probably prefer some cash you can actually spend!
So, when it comes time to withdraw your winnings, you’ll find that you need to add an additional payment source in order to receive them. This means adding something like an e-wallet, debit card or bank account.
Bank transfers
The old-fashioned bank transfer is still a firm favourite with a lot of customers at betting sites online. They are easy to set up and free to use. And, for a lot of people, they are a nice and familiar method that doesn’t involve opening up additional accounts (like with e-wallets, for example).
You also don’t have to worry about cheeky additional charges or daily limits, as is the case for many pay-by-mobile options.
That being said, bank transfers are the slowest payment method on the market. In fact, you could wait up to 5 working days for your funds to clear.
E-wallets
E-wallets are fast-becoming the most popular way to make any type of monetary transaction online. Usually free to open an account, these state-of-the-art digital wallets let you move your money around in different currencies and use their platform in different languages. Making them a truly international payment platform method.
Digital wallets also offer an added layer of security that you don’t get with other payment providers. This is because with an e-wallet you only need your username and password in order to make a transaction. This keeps your card details, bank details and personal information secret from the third party.
So, let’s take a closer look at these awesome payment methods in a little more detail. And see which ones are the biggest names in the industry at the moment.
Paypal
Most people don’t even know that PayPal is an e-wallet. Starting life as the payment partner of eBay, PayPal became a household name seemingly overnight.
But, you can use PayPal for so much more than just your eBay account! PayPal lets you open an account for free. And you can use your username and password to make transactions quickly, security and conveniently.
All actions are super secure. And you can pay and receive money in different currencies. As well as make instant deposits at bookmakers’ sites. Plus, you can preload your account with funds to play with. So it’s super easy to keep track of your spending.
The only real downside to PayPal that we can see, is the additional charges for loading your account with funds and withdrawing them back to your bank account. So take this into consideration before you start using your account.
Skrill
Another super popular digital wallet, Skrill also lets you open an account for free. Available in multiple languages and currencies, Skrill is incredibly versatile. And with a double-encrypted security system in place, all your transactions are super safe with this e-wallet provider.
Furthermore, Skrill lets you opt for a prepaid Mastercard, which is the perfect way to spend money at your favourite betting site. As mentioned, prepaid cards have to be loaded with funds before they can be used. Making them excellent for setting yourself a budget and keeping an eye on your spending.
Just remember that these prepaid cards are not free. Also, all e-wallets come with some fees for moving your money around. So keep that in mind before you open an account with Skrill.
Neteller
Very similar to Skrill, Neteller is another hugely well-known e-wallet provider. Again, Neteller will let you open an account for free and also gives you the option for our much-beloved prepaid Mastercard.
Furthermore, Neteller uses a very similar secure encryption software to Skrill. So all of your deposits and withdrawals remain 100% safe and almost immune from fraudulent activity.
Responsible gaming at new sports betting sites
These days, most people are pretty clued up on how to stay safe online when it comes to protecting their identity and then money. But, online safety isn’t just about protecting yourself from fraudsters.
Sometimes, you can be your own worst enemy! And, as commonly known, responsible gaming at any real-money site is imperative to your enjoyment.
It can be very easy to get swept away, placing bets and taking on tons of juicy bonuses. But, at the end of the day, you are playing with real money and there is a possibility that you can lose some of your own hard-earned cash.
Therefore, follow our guide to staying safe. And enjoy playing responsibly at an online bookmakers.
Always stick to your betting budget
We’ve already talked about how important it is to set yourself a budget when playing with real money at any gambling site. After all, betting is no different to casino gambling, in that you can be up one minute and down the next.
But, regardless if you’re having a lucky day or a not-so-lucky day, you always need to have a budget. And, most importantly you need to stick to that budget, no matter what type of gambling session you’re having.
To set yourself a budget, it can be as simple as writing down an amount that you let yourself spend every day, week or month. However, this can be very easy to ignore when you’re on a winning streak! And, if it happens to be written down on a piece of paper, who’d know if that piece of paper was folded up and put in a drawer?
So, some people need a little bit more of a structured approach. This is where we recommend taking on a prepaid Mastercard. These cards are a fantastic way to make any kind of transaction online. But, we think the best use of them is to allocate money that you’re going to spend at your favourite bookies; and nothing else. That way, you can check your balance and know exactly what you have left to spend.
Also, these cards do not come with any type of overdraft facility. So it’s absolutely impossible for you to overspend when using them. The only way that you can continue to use them, is by loading them with more funds. But it should be at this stage that you know you’ve reached your limit, and you do not top up your card with any more money.
Keep track of time
Think of this as setting yourself a budget. But instead of money, you’re budgeting your time! We’ve already mentioned that it can be extremely easy to overspend when you don’t set yourself strict limits. And, the same goes for your time.
Pretty much every gambler who’s on a winning streak has no idea how much time they’ve spent on their favourite bookies’ site. They probably couldn’t tell you! And a lot of people would actually be quite shocked if they knew how many hours they had racked up in total over a week or month.
Therefore, to make sure that you maintain healthy gambling habits at a new bookmakers, we recommend setting a timer and giving yourself a time limit for each session. Setting yourself an alarm for when you wish to end your session will allow you to monitor how long you spend online. And you’ll also know when it’s time to call it a day.
Do not drink and bet
Finally, you should never mix drinking and gambling. We all like a pint while we watch the match down the pub on a Sunday. But if you’re planning to make some bets as well, then you should lay off the sauce first.
Even just a couple of pints is enough for you to lower your inhibitions and perhaps take a punt on an upcoming event that usually you would pass up.
Furthermore, it can lead to errors in the amount that you bet. So, after a night on the beers, the last thing you should do is to start gambling. Because, inevitably, you’ll wake up with not just a sore head. But also a giant hole in your bank account.
Therefore, we recommend never drinking and betting at the same time.
Exclude via Gamstop if you bet too much
Finally, all types of real-money gaming are considered gambling. And, we all know that gambling is fun and exciting, but it can easily lead to bad habits.
Therefore, if you feel that you are betting too much money, or spending too much time at real-money sites, you can choose to exclude yourself from these websites using platforms like Gamstop.
Gamstop is one example of a self-exclusion site that is run by the UK government, in conjunction with the UK Gambling Commission(UKGC). And, by signing up to Gamstop, you can choose to effectively ban yourself from gambling sites in the entire country for a predetermined period of time. This can be six months, one year or five years. But, keep in mind that once you have registered for this service, the action cannot be undone.
So, for example, if you signed up to five years of Gamstop, you will not be able to place bets or gamble at any real-money sites in the UK for the entire duration of that time.
Alternatively, if you feel that Gamstop might be a bit too extreme then, as per the UKGC’s rules, all new bookmakers in the UK also offer their own individual self-exclusion programs which you can sign up to, too.
So, if you are only a member of one or two sites, and you wish to curb your habits for a little while, you can contact them directly and self-exclude from those particular sites only. Which, unlike Gamstop, will not affect your ability to gamble at other sites.
FAQ
Below, you’ll find a little more info on the topic of new sites for betting.
