Betting as a whole can seem like a difficult hobby to get into. There’s a lot to learn, and when you’re putting your own money up, you want to be sure that you have a good idea what you’re doing. This is even more true of online betting, which is becoming more and more the most common way to bet. Today, we’re going to look at some of our top tips for getting started with betting online in the UK.
Let’s get started.
Find the right site
One of the most daunting things about getting started with betting online is the sheer number of betting sites out there. The UK Gambling Commission currently has active licenses for around 2,600 operators, for a great deal more individual games. Choosing between these can seem impossible.
But there are some important basics. Firstly, check that they are indeed licensed by the UKGC by using a licensed bookmaker register like Findbettingsites UK —if not, they are operating illegally.
Next, make sure they meet basic security standards. Data breaches are an endemic problem, so you need to be sure your sensitive financial information is protected from this. The site should at least have 2-Factor Authentication as an option, for example.
The most important thing with online betting isn’t your winnings—it’s about being safe in the first place.
App vs desktop
The next decision you’ll want to think about is how precisely you want to use your betting site. The majority of betting sites offer both a desktop option which can be used on browsers, and a dedicated app for use on smart devices.
Naturally, the apps are really convenient, allowing you access to your betting anywhere. But a lot of bettors prefer to limit their betting to the desktop as part of their budgeting.
Whether you want to use an app will influence which site you should choose, though, so consider what’s best for you before you get started.
Apps often boast a lot of features that the typical desktop site may not have, while desktops are often easier to navigate for those unfamiliar with smart devices.
Welcome bonuses
Once you’ve found a selection of safe and secure sites, you’ll then want to compare welcome bonuses, offers and promotions. Given the huge competition in modern online betting, operators have had to offer increasingly lucrative benefits to customers in order to compete.
Welcome bonuses take many forms, but one way or another, you should get some kind of free bets when you sign up to a betting site. The most common is a certain amount of free funds for your first deposit—say, £50 worth of free bets on your first deposit of £10.
But there are different kinds of free bet and bonuses, some which may work better for you than others. Again, take the time to compare offers, and be sure to read the terms and conditions so that you fully understand them.
When you’re sure that a site has robust security and offers all the basic features you need, the welcome bonus is going to be the best way of comparing your final choice. This is how they’re trying to entice you, after all.
These are some of the most important things to consider when you’re first getting started, then. There are always other things to take into account, but you’ll be on sure footing if you are aware of the things we’ve raised here. Be sure the site you’re looking at is trustworthy, decide if you want to bet on mobile or on desktop, then find the best welcome bonus for you.
