Checklist for Betting Newbies

Chances are that, if you’re reading this article, you’re harbouring an interest in getting involved with the world of betting and bookmakers. Perhaps you’ve made the odd casual sports bet before, or maybe you have a friend who’s enjoyed great success lately – whatever the reason, now is a great time to introduce yourself to the scene. 

The internet is filled with guides on how to get started, and equally filled with online bookies claiming to offer the best odds and the best start-up bonuses. We know that it can seem overwhelming at first, so we’ve put together a handy guide to set you on your way. Be sure to follow these tips for beginners and you can’t go far wrong. Just remember to stay safe and have fun!

Get Familiar with the Terminology

First of all, you’re going to come up against a plethora of new words and terms like ‘prop bet’, ‘free bet’, ‘decimal odds’, ‘matched bet’ and more. You can use our guide to matched betting terminology to familiarise yourself with most of the common terms in this particular area, but it’s also worth looking further afield to get an overall picture of the whole market. Understanding the terminology is your first step towards decoding just what the betting scene is all about, and it will save you time (and maybe money) in the future. Once you know how it all works, then you’re in a much better position to enjoy what’s on offer. If you have a friend, acquaintance or colleague who already has some experience, ask them if they’d mind having a chat about it all – they’re sure to have some invaluable insights to pass on.

Decide What to Bet On and Set a Limit

Further research is advised before you dive in at the deep end. It’s best to stick to what you know in most cases; for example, start out betting on a sport that you know well, rather than one which is unfamiliar to you. If you’re an avid football fan but decide that you want to bet on Indian wrestling, then you are already making things hard for yourself. Above all, betting should be fun, so in the beginning it’s best to play to your existing strengths. 

If you are betting with your own money, rather than sticking to free bets and bonuses, then make sure you set a limit right from the outset. This helps you to remain in control of the situation, allowing you to relax and enjoy yourself.

Find the Right Site for You

Factors such as where you are in the world, the upper limit of your bankroll, what you want to bet on and whether you want to take advantage of free bets and bonuses affect which site you should be using. For example, if you are currently in Asia, then sites like AsiaBet can guide you through the best selection of sportsbooks available to you. If you’re in the UK, then you can refer to our curated list of bookmakers and the reviews written about them. Again, it is worth spending a little time here to ensure that you are betting through authentic bookmakers, with honesty, safety and transparency as their top priorities.

Manage Expectations and Make Records

Although the world of betting and bookmakers can seem like an exciting and fast-paced one, it’s actually best to take things slowly. This will lead to more considered decisions based on logic and planning, rather than emotional ones made whilst swept up in the moment. With this in mind, make records of absolutely everything that happens, starting with your research, moving through what you’ve decided to bet on and where, and ending with a complete history of where you’ve placed bets and the results that came from each bet placed. Future-you will thank you for this forward planning, as it will help you to keep track of what’s happening and show you patterns that could prove useful as you progress.