Online betting has proliferated in recent years. According to one estimate, there are now over 2,000 online betting sites worldwide. Indeed, many online betting sites offer a one stop shop for all betting activities, including bingo, casino games, poker and sports betting.
Online casinos typically require players to download a piece of software, known as a client, which provides the graphical environment for games such as blackjack, poker, roulette and slot machines. Players register their personal details, deposit funds – using a debit card, credit card or another payment method – and buy chips or credits that enable them to play games. Any winnings are credited to the player's account and may be withdrawn back to the card from which the funds were originally deposited, or by requesting a cheque.
The maximum payout varies for one online casino to the next, but is typically in the region of £100,000 per player per day, not including so-called progressive jackpots. A progressive jackpot increases by a small amount for every game played. The first player to achieve the winning combination wins the progressive jackpot, which can be a truly life-changing amount. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the record payout worldwide stands at just under £10 million, while the record payout in the United Kingdom is just over £5 million.
Sports betting requires less complex websites than other forms of online betting and no software downloads. Bettors attempt to predict the result of one or more sporting events – horse races, greyhound races, football matches and so on – and bet on the outcome.
One of the attractions of sports betting is that sports results are in the public domain and beyond the control of the betting site operator. Bettors can be confident that all results are fair and cannot be "fixed" in any way. Sports betting sites typically offer a full range of bets, akin to that available in bricks and mortar betting shops.
Almost all online betting sites offer promotions and incentives designed to attract and retain customers. Online casinos, for example, may offer to match your initial deposit to 100%, 200% or more, while sports betting sites may offer you a free bet to the value of your first bet, up to a maximum of £50. Promotions vary from site to site, so it pays to shop around for the best value for money.
Security is an obvious concern for anyone interested in betting online, but the online betting industry is one of the most highly regulated in the world. In the United Kingdom, sports betting sites must obtain an operating licence from the Gambling Commission, which has powers to investigate and monitor them. Similarly, eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) strives to raise standards and improve player protection within the online casino industry. eCOGRA issues its so-called Safe and Fair Seal to those casinos that it considers to provide a safe and secure online betting experience.
Disclaimer: The handicapping and sports wagering information contained on this website is for entertainment/information purposes only. Please verify the gambling laws and regulations in your jurisdiction as they vary from state to state and country to country. Use of this information in contravention of any law is prohibited.
