Although we’re experts in online gambling, we’re not naïve enough to think that as soon as some turns 18, they suddenly know how to bet online. Which is why we’ chose to put together this handy how to guide for any newcomers to our favourite pastime. Online betting has become the most popular way for people in the UK to engage with their favourite sports.
We grew up having to walk to the local High St to place a bet, but instead of visiting a bookmaker in person, you can now bet from your computer or mobile phone in just a few taps. With hundreds of betting markets, live in-play options, and fast withdrawals, it’s no surprise that online sportsbooks dominate the UK gambling scene.
The key to safe and enjoyable sports betting is choosing a bookmaker licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This ensures that your funds and personal data are protected, and that the site operates fairly. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide to the best UK betting sites for trusted bookies.
But if you already have a betting site or one in mind, then the rest of this guide on how to bet online, will walk you through key elements and talking points you need to consider to get you started.
Step-by-Step: How to Place a Bet Online
For newbies, placing a bet online might seem complicated at first, but it’s actually a quick and simple process once you know the basics. Whether you’re looking to back your favourite football team, pick a horse at Cheltenham, or try an in-play market while watching the match, the process is largely the same across all UK bookmakers.
By following a few straightforward steps, from registering an account to choosing your market and confirming your wager, you can be betting online in just a couple of minutes. Below, we break down exactly how to get started:
- Register with a bookmaker – Create an account with any trusted and UK-licensed bookie featured on our site, by entering your details and verifying your ID.
- Make a deposit – Choose your preferred method, whether it’s debit card, e-wallet, or even mobile billing. For more detail, see our guide to betting payment methods.
- Browse sports and events – From football to horse racing, UK betting sites cover thousands of markets daily.
- Select your bet – Click on the odds, add them to your bet slip, and enter your stake.
- Confirm your wager – Hit the “Place Bet” button and you’re in the game.
- Cash out or withdraw – Depending on the market, you may be able to cash out early, or simply wait for your winnings and request a withdrawal.
For a deeper dive into one of the most popular features, explore our cash out betting guide.
Popular Sports to Bet On in the UK
One of the biggest advantages placing a bet online is the sheer variety of sports and events available. UK bookmakers cover everything from mainstream favourites like football and horse racing to niche markets such as darts, NFL, and even Gaelic football. This means you can place bets year-round, whether it’s the Premier League season, Wimbledon, The Ashes, or daily horse racing meetings. To help you get started, here are the most popular sports to bet on in the UK:
- Football Betting – The Premier League, Champions League, and major tournaments make football the UK’s number one betting sport.
- Horse Racing Betting – With races every day and iconic events like the Cheltenham Festival, horse racing is a staple of UK wagering.
- Greyhound Racing Betting – Still popular among traditional punters, especially with live streaming offered by many bookies.
- Cricket Betting – Domestic county matches and global tournaments like The Ashes draw plenty of bets.
- Tennis Betting – Year-round action, including Wimbledon, provides excellent betting opportunities.
- Esports Betting – A fast-growing area covering games like CS:GO, League of Legends, and FIFA.
Each of these sports has its own strategies, markets, and best bookmakers, which we cover in dedicated guides linked above.
Types of Online Bets You Can Place
This is wher things can get really interesting as your knowledge on how to bet increases, as you’re not limited to just picking a winner. The majority of UK bookmakers offer an extensive range of betting options, each with its own advantages and strategies.
From simple single bets to complex accumulators, and pre-match to fast-paced in-play betting, there’s something for every kind of sports betting enthusiast. Understanding the different types of bets is key to maximising both enjoyment and potential returns, some of the popular options include:
- Singles – A straightforward bet on one selection.
- Multiples & Accumulators – Combine two or more selections for bigger returns.
- In-Play/Live Betting – Place bets while the action is happening, with constantly shifting odds.
- Cash Out – Lock in a profit or cut losses before the event ends. (Learn more in our cash out guide).
Understanding these options will help you tailor your betting style to maximise fun and potential winnings.
Betting Tools & Features
With the evolution of modern technology, online bookmakers are now more than just a somewhere to place bets. They come packed with innovative tools designed to give customers more control and flexibility.
Features like cash out, bet builders, live streaming and Track my Bet can enhance your betting experience, while promotions such as best odds guaranteed provide extra value. These tools have become an important part of betting strategies for many UK players, making it easier to manage bets and find opportunities in real time.
Modern betting sites go beyond simple odds. Here are some of the most popular tools UK punters now use:
- Cash Out – Control your bets mid-event.
- Bet Builder – Create customised bets, especially popular for football matches.
- Live Streaming – Watch the action directly within your betting account.
- Odds Boosts & Promotions – Enhanced odds on selected markets.
We’ve put together a full breakdown of these on our Betting Tools page, where each feature is explained in detail.
Bonuses & Promotions
Customers can be a fickle bunch, especially with so many bookmakers to place a bet. So online betting sites in the UK are highly competitive, which means they offer generous bonuses to attract new customers and keep existing ones engaged.
From welcome packages that include free bets to ongoing rewards like enhanced odds and loyalty clubs, promotions are a key part of the online betting landscape. However, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions, as these can have a significant impact on being able to claim or withdraw any winnings. Typical bonuses and promotions include:
- Free Bets – Place a qualifying bet and get bonus bets in return.
- Deposit Matches – The bookie matches a percentage of your first deposit.
- Enhanced Odds – Boosted prices on major matches.
Remember that bonuses come with wagering requirements, meaning you’ll need to bet through winnings a set number of times before making a withdrawal. For full details, check our Best Betting Bonuses guide.
Responsible Gambling Online
While online betting is designed to be a casual recreational activity, it’s essential to stay in control of your gambling. UK bookmakers provide a wide range of responsible gambling tools to help players set limits, take breaks, or even self-exclude if necessary. These safeguards ensure that betting remains a safe and enjoyable pastime. Knowing how to use these tools is just as important as understanding odds or bet types. These gambling tools, including:
- Deposit Limits – Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps.
- Reality Checks – Reminders of how long you’ve been playing.
- Time-Outs & Self-Exclusion – Take a break or block yourself entirely.
For external support, organisations like GamCare and GambleAware are available 24/7. You can also see our Safer Gambling guide for more resources.
Final Thoughts: Getting Started with Online Betting
Placing bets online is straightforward and safe when done responsibly. By choosing a trusted UK bookmaker, exploring different sports, and taking advantage of tools like cash out and bet builders, you can enhance your betting experience.
If you’re ready to get started, visit our list of the best online betting sites and compare trusted bookmakers today.