Frequently Asked Questions

Sports betting is the activity of placing wagers on the outcome of sporting events. You can bet on various outcomes including which team will win, the final score, individual player performances, and many other possibilities. When you win a bet, you receive a payout based on the odds at the time of your bet. Modern sportsbooks offer thousands of betting markets across dozens of sports worldwide.

Betting odds represent the probability of an outcome and determine your potential winnings. There are three main formats:

• Decimal (2.50): Multiply your stake by the odds to get total return. $10 at 2.50 = $25 total ($15 profit)
• Fractional (3/2): Profit relative to stake. $10 at 3/2 = $15 profit + $10 stake = $25
• American (+150/-200): Positive shows profit on $100 stake; negative shows stake needed to win $100

Lower odds indicate higher probability events, while higher odds indicate less likely outcomes with bigger potential payouts.

For beginners, we recommend Bet365 or Betway. Both offer:

• User-friendly interfaces that are easy to navigate
• Excellent mobile apps for betting on the go
• Low minimum deposits ($10)
• Generous welcome bonuses with fair terms
• Comprehensive betting tutorials and help sections
• 24/7 customer support

Check our sportsbook reviews for detailed comparisons.

The legality of online betting depends on your jurisdiction. In many countries including the UK, most of Europe, and several US states, online betting is fully legal and regulated. Always check your local laws before placing bets. Only use licensed operators that are regulated by reputable authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, or your local gaming commission. Licensed operators provide player protections, fair gaming guarantees, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Wagering requirements (also called rollover or playthrough) specify how many times you must bet your bonus amount before withdrawing winnings. For example, a $100 bonus with 10x wagering requires $1,000 in total bets before you can withdraw. Lower wagering requirements are better for players. Sports betting bonuses typically have lower requirements (1x-5x) compared to casino bonuses (20x-50x).

You can claim one welcome bonus per sportsbook/casino. However, you can sign up with multiple different operators to claim various welcome offers. Each operator has their own welcome bonus, so signing up with 5 different sportsbooks could give you 5 different bonuses. Always read the terms and conditions, and never create multiple accounts at the same operator as this is against terms of service and can result in account closure.

A free bet allows you to place a wager without risking your own money. If the bet wins, you typically receive the profit (winnings minus the original stake) as cash or bonus funds. If it loses, you lose nothing. Free bets are common welcome offers and ongoing promotions. They usually have minimum odds requirements (e.g., 1.50) and expiry dates, so use them promptly.

Most sportsbooks accept a variety of payment methods:

• Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro
• E-wallets: PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
• Bank transfers: Direct bank payments
• Prepaid: Paysafecard, prepaid Visa
• Crypto: Bitcoin, Ethereum (select sites)

E-wallets typically offer the fastest withdrawals (24 hours or less), while card withdrawals may take 1-5 business days.

Withdrawal times vary by method and operator:

• E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill): 0-24 hours
• Debit/Credit cards: 1-5 business days
• Bank transfers: 2-5 business days

First withdrawals may require identity verification (KYC), which can add 24-72 hours. Verified accounts enjoy faster processing.

Look for these signs of a safe, legitimate sportsbook:

• Valid license from a reputable authority (UKGC, MGA, Gibraltar)
• SSL encryption (padlock icon in browser)
• Published responsible gambling tools
• Clear terms and conditions
• Established reputation and reviews
• Secure payment processing

All sportsbooks we review are fully licensed and regulated.

KYC (Know Your Customer) is identity verification required by licensed operators. You'll typically need to provide:

• Photo ID (passport, driving license)
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
• Sometimes proof of payment method

This is a legal requirement that protects against fraud, money laundering, and underage gambling. Complete verification early to avoid withdrawal delays.

Licensed operators must provide tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps
• Loss limits: Maximum amount you can lose
• Time limits: Reminders after set playing time
• Reality checks: Pop-up notifications showing session length
• Cool-off periods: Short-term account breaks
• Self-exclusion: Block yourself from gambling

If gambling is affecting your life, seek help from organizations like BeGambleAware or GamCare.

Self-exclusion options include:

• Individual site: Contact support or use account settings to self-exclude from one site
• GAMSTOP (UK): Register at gamstop.co.uk to exclude from all UK-licensed gambling sites
• State programs (US): Many states have voluntary exclusion programs

Self-exclusion is irreversible for the chosen period and helps those struggling to control their gambling.