Have you always wanted to get into sports betting but didn’t know where to start? Then this is the perfect guide for you. We will take you on a journey across the sports betting industry and provide you with all of the information that you require, including updates, reviews, betting tips, an overview of odds and everything else that you might require when betting on the best sports betting sites.
You used to have to go down to a track or stadium to bet on sports, but Irish players can nowadays bypass this trip and partake from the comfort of their homes. The best venues provide you with superb odds, bonuses and countless promotions. They are also licensed and regulated, which ensures legal sports betting, a squeaky-clean international reputation, and competitive odds that help players maximize their winnings. Choose your bookmaker wisely.
You do not have to worry about a lack of options. You have to worry about having too many to wrap your head around. The Irish are renowned for their luck, and it does not desert them when looking for international casinos and sportsbooks. However, luck in itself is not enough when searching for a gaming venue. You should also keep in mind that a valid license, auditing, and regulations keep the scales balanced, fair and transparent.
A license can be an indicator of an overall quality service, but it is best to make sure. Check the speed, reliability, and safety of payment methods. These should be a breeze to use for depositing and withdrawing your funds. The waiting times and fees should be reasonable, and the handling of funds and data should be top-notch.
When all of these boxes are ticked, you are faced with the potential selection of sports betting options. This should be vast since the average bookmaker provides over twenty sports and hundreds of betting markets. The most popular game tends to be football, with tennis, basketball, ice hockey, and American sports hot on its tail. The Irish adore hurling, which is something bookmakers have taken wholeheartedly into account. Additional betting options should include the NHL, international tournaments and competitions, and European leagues. A slightly overlooked but entirely valid field are college sports, which include basketball, ice hockey and baseball.
Nothing can replace the thrill of real-time gambling. The start of any event usually decimates the number of betting markets, but you will still have dozens of options to bet on. The leading bookmakers are well aware of this and have therefore prepared colourful live betting modules and streams that forward nail-biting games in real-time. The best sportsbooks will keep you in the loop with regular refreshes that will lower the frustration of locked odds and allow you to make use of brief opportunities.
The advancement of technology has enabled the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets featuring the iOS and Android platforms, in the field of online gambling. You can do everything from anywhere, including registering fully, checking out the available pregames and making use of promotions. Some Irish sportsbooks have not developed dedicated apps and only offer a gambling solution via browsers. The ones that do have apps tend to provide them free of charge and make using them a breeze.
The competitiveness that has arisen among bookmakers has proven beneficial to Irish punters. This clash of titans has given birth to bonuses intended for new players that are in the process of registering and depositing. Said bonuses make sportsbooks more appealing to potential patrons. Then there are free bets and no deposit bonuses that rear their heads every now and again, but wagering requirements drag them down. Initial offers give extra fluff to virgin bankrolls of newcomers and enable larger bets. The latter tend to be the biggest bonuses on offer, but they are one-time deals.
If you decide to stay true to a casino and play the long game, then you will definitely be offered repeating promotions aimed at rewarding your loyalty. These bonuses help you reload your account, bet on particular matches and events, and get a hold of cashback deals. A cashback deal might not entice a small fish, but high rollers and those who want to recuperate losses love them. You will also encounter loyalty programs that the best bookmakers use as a reward and incentive for activity. The best is naturally reserved for the VIPs and includes better bonuses, exclusive promotions, and quicker payouts.
Irish players are in a special situation. They can access a plethora of online bookmakers sporting licenses, flawless reputations, competitive odds, live betting, and an array of security features that allow you to play enjoyable and carefree sessions.
The only outside influence that can boost your bankroll are promotions and bonuses. Note that they have innate wagering requirements, and they are meant to keep you active, so consider them carefully. If you get bored of regular sports betting, then access the casino section of your bookmaker and bet on esports. The latter might not be available since it is not featured by all bookmakers.
Let's get into the meat and potatoes. How does sports betting actually work? Well, the first step in understanding sports betting is getting used to betting types and markets. Get acquainted with betting types and markets that are available for sports betting.
Straight Bet
This bet is all or nothing. It focuses on the outcome of a single game and requires the point spread or money line to be covered in order to result in a win. A tie will see you get your money back. This type of bet is popular with NHL, MLB, NBA and NFL events.
System Bet
The all-or-nothing mentally is loosened by the system bet and its safer nature. It shines in basketball bets where the underdog can win. It takes into consideration multiple outcomes, for example, three games, and rewards you if two of your three bets come true.
Parlay Bet
This is considered one of the harder bets in terms of winning and also one of the riskier ones. It is affectionately known as the accumulator and consists of a series of wagers that together form a sizeable stake with superb potential winnings. The catch is that all of the bets must have a positive outcome in order for you to win.
In-Play Bet
This is a bet that is available whilst the sporting event is taking place. It is rather common during live NHL games.
Moneyline Bet
This bet is akin to an outright bet in the sense that you bet on the winner of a match, race, event, game, fight, or contest.
Point Spread Bet
This is very popular in NFL and NBA because it evens out the appeal of betting on the favourite or underdog. It balances the scales and is suitable for your first sports betting adventure.
Totals Bet
Sportsbooks tend to predict the sum of points or goals that are going to be scored during a match. All you have to do is bet on the number being lower or higher (over/under). Your success will be based on whether the event produces a result north or south of the estimate.
Teasers and Pleasers
You will often benefit from experience, but this is even more so the case when it comes to this type of bet. The teaser variant is commonplace in the NBA, and the pleaser version tends to stick to soccer. It has developed a symbiotic relationship with parlay bets and allows for a point spread across related games with a fixed number of points. The trade-off is a slightly different return. You are exposed to less favourable odds when a point spread moves in your favour along the teaser route. When the point spread moves against your favour along the pleaser route, you are exposed to much better odds.
It is crucial that you understand the odds and inner workings of all components when betting on sports. Odds are a mathematical constant that can help predict the result of a sporting event and what wagering a certain amount might produce.
But do not concern yourself with calculating the odds. Bookmakers usually take care of this, covering odds for every possible profitable bet. These odds are influenced by a plethora of factors that risk analysts consider when composing the chances of a certain event occurring.
These factors include:
The natural addition of an unknown or slightly unpredictable component makes odds fluctuate prior to an event and even during it. The key thing for you to understand is the manner in which you can max out your chances of winning a payout. There are loads of techniques. The following is a random selection:
Affectionately referred to as continental or European odds, these are straight numbers with a decimal suffix, such as 2.00. The latter amount is the return potential and staked amount, which provides an idea of the total payout in place of an overall profit.
An example: Let's say that we are using a model of 2.00. If you bet €100, you have a potential payout of €100 x 2.00 = €200. Your potential profit is, therefore, €100 with a risk of €100.
These usually come in the form of 2/1, 3/1, 4/1 and such. An even stake is a stake of 1/1 and is the same as our prior 2.00 decimal example. While the latter is known as a continental odd, fractional odds tend to be referred to as traditional or British odds because of their commonality in the UK. Irish sports betting markets are filled with these odds. A punter easily sees the potential win as compared to the stake.
An example: Let’s say that you stake €20 with odds set at 5/2. Take your €20, divide them by 2 and the result, when multiplied by 5, is your potential profit, so €50. Now let's say that the odds are flipped, and you are betting €20 with odds set at 2/5. Now you take your €20, divide them by 5, which results in €4, and then multiply that by 2. Your potential profit is now a humble €8. Another simple example is a bet of €10 with 3/1 odds that can result, if your bet wins, in a €30 cashout.
The trend of geolocation-based nicknames continues with American or moneyline odds. These are split into two camps, positive and negative numbers. The latter is usually also accompanied by a currency symbol. Oddly enough, the favourite in a moneyline bet is marked with a minus, while the underdog is marked with a plus sign. This grouping is based on a specific team winning and correlated odds.
An example: Let’s say that the odds sit at -138 and you want to win €100, then you have to bet €138 on the winning team. Conversely, betting €100 on the underdog with the odds set at +118 will bring you €118 on a successful wager.
Sports betting is not as daunting as it might first appear. Follow these easy steps and confidently ease into it.
The vast sea of options might leave you scratching your head, but do not worry. We have you covered. We have prepared a list of licensed, regulated and quality sites with a wide variety of sports and markets that are a haven for your sports betting.
Register an account at your chosen bookmaker, dot the I’s and cross the t’s. This might require some form of proof of identity and address, especially during the initial withdrawal phase.
Choose the payment option that you like the most and make sure that it suits your needs. Consider its availability for withdrawals and eligibility for a welcome bonus.
This is a one-time offer that you should exploit. However, do not stretch yourself thin. Stick to the budget and search for the bonus offer that gives you the most bang for your buck. Furthermore, have a gander at the terms and conditions before you opt in.
You will encounter a plethora of sports. Do not get distracted. Choose the sport that you are most familiar with and make your life easy. The majority of sportsbooks will provide you with popular sports and horse racing events. There will even be certain outliers that offer to wager on politics and global events.
Another layer of variance, along with sports, are markets and their odds. Consider these carefully and opt for the market with the best value. The name of the game is finding the bets that will produce the highest possible returns in the event of their landing. Look through several, create betting slips and choose bets before actually placing them.
When you get a feel for how things work and decide on the market and sport that you will bet on, you need only bet. A nice touch of most betting sites is the display of your betting slip’s potential profits.
Get a special kick out of following the event, league or tournament live and consider partaking in in-play bets if you sense an opportunity presenting itself.
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Nothing can impact statistics, but you can definitely impact your betting style with certain betting tips that can help you out. The following tips can help you prepare your next wager:
We take great pride in providing you with the crème of the crop of sports betting sites. We use Draconian criteria that ensure the quality of our listings. Our criteria include:
Selection of Sports
You should be able to be on everything from the NFL, NBA, and MLB to UFC. Quality sportsbooks will also provide you with chess, athletics, and darts as part of their online betting selection.
Markets
Each sport should put forth several markets with competitive odds. Consider all of the options and compare them among themselves before placing a bet. Use our guide to get a clearer picture regarding the odds and forge knowledgeable decisions.
Types of Bets
Bets vary in outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages. Get to know the various types of bets on offer and the manner in which you can produce the best possible results for each. Our guide for betting types and markets will arm you with everything you need in this regard.
Bonuses and Promotions
A quality provider or operator will put forth a range of deposit bonuses, free bets and cashback offers. Search around for a bonus, potentially maximize your profits and get the most bang for your buck. There is, at the end of the day, no substitute for quality promotions and/or bonuses.
Banking and Withdrawals
You should choose a vendor with a plethora of banking options that does not leave you wanting. This will ensure a smooth deposit and withdrawal process, no matter your preferences. A quality bookie will certainly offer various card options (Visa and Mastercard), e-wallets, banking transfers and cryptocurrencies. Punters tend to choose the options that offer speedy and painless deposits and withdrawals.
Security and Reputation
Our recommendations possess, among other quality attributes, licenses, legitimacy, and certificates. Your personal information should never be at risk, and any bookmaker that does not hide it from prying eyes is remiss. Choose reputable and trustworthy operators and save yourself unnecessary worries.
Customer Service
The best bookmakers value and respect their customers. The way they support them in a time of need attests to their quality and should be carefully considered. The biggest operators provide you with 24/7 helplines, live chats, and speedy resolutions.
Compatibility
You should be able to play anywhere, and at any time you want. It is therefore essential that your prospective sites offer mobile betting apps that are either a clone of the original site or grant access to it from a mobile browser.
You are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to sports betting options. However, you might want to stick to the traditional and popular ones. These include:
Bets on Soccer
Soccer fans live and breathe events such as the MLS (Major League Soccer), La Liga, the English Premier League, the Canadian Premier League, UEFA, and the World Cup. These are not your only soccer betting options, and you can bet on many other soccer markets.
Bets on Basketball
You will have a hard time finding a reputable sportsbook that does not offer local and international basketball events. Look at the NBA section and bet on the plethora of markets that your bookie offers. Our list of bookmakers is an excellent medium for finding the best odds and value for online basketball betting.
Bets on Hockey
The main events of the year for hockey fans are NHL games that provide them with countless betting opportunities at the best betting sites. The majority of sports betting sites take into account local and international hockey leagues and tournaments. Consider all of your options before deciding on a hockey market.
Bets on the UFC
Can you beat everyone else and predict who will reign as the supreme fighting champion of this year? Each year sees, hundreds of fights and countless betting options unfold. This might just be the one for you.
Bets on Horse Racing
This ancient sport that has always attracted gambling of all sorts no longer requires attendance of the Epsom Downs Racecourse in England. You can bet on the famous Epson Derby event from the comfort of your home. There are thrilling events taking place all over the world, and you can easily bet on everything from the Triple Crown horses and the Grand National (UK) to the Dubai World Cup (UAE).
Bets on College Football
This might not be the first thing to spring to mind when considering sports betting, but it is something that should not fly under the radar forever. You might spot a rising star if you pay attention.
Bets on Football
This is one of the most popular sports in North America, and its appeal reaches across the world's oceans. There are veteran bettors all over that cannot wait for the NFL. Revise the betting options, examine our list of betting tips, and make the most of your budget.
Bets on Cricket
Cricket is a niche sport, but that does not mean that it is unfairly represented. The majority of betting sites offer a good selection of cricket betting events that allow you to bet on the outcome of most local and international matches. The Global T20 event is, naturally, the main yearly event, but there are dozens of seasonal tournaments, test series and cricket leagues around the world that you can make use of in the meantime.
Online sports bets are completely safe if you decide to make use of our recommended sports betting sites. These feature transparent privacy policies, a rich history, good reviews, solid ratings, and a squeaky-clean reputation.
A mobile app or browser emulates the website of a sportsbook and offers a similar experience to its desktop version. This is usually possible since the majority of bookmakers provide mobile-friendly apps that you can use on all Android and iOS devices. Note that you are not limited to an app since there are browser options that bring your chosen betting site to your preferred mobile browser.
The safety of your app is based entirely on the betting site that provides it. A reputable, licensed, regulated and renowned sportsbook will make your in-app bets completely secure.
They are as legal as your local laws based on your jurisdiction and country make them. Online sports betting sites are influenced by strict regulations and must have a government-issued gambling license. The latter is again entirely based on your local laws.
The list of sports that you can bet on usually encompasses common national and international ones. Sportsbooks provide you with hundreds of markets for rugby, cricket, soccer, American football, hurling, lacrosse, ice hockey, darts, and horse races.
They are a vital indicator of your potential winnings in the event of a successful bet. These odds also indicate the likelihood of a certain team or competitor winning a match or event. This can allude to favourites in a match or competition.
Bookmakers, when it comes to sports betting, base these odds on a multitude of factors. These include but are not limited to previous matches, the weather, injuries, and what the public is inclined to bet.
The statistical ROI of a good sports bet is 5%. The latter is an excellent return and varies based on your knowledge, experience, and strategy. Note that it can also be 0 since this is, at the end of the day, a form of gambling.
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