Sports betting: the beginner's guide
In short
Sports betting is staking money on the outcome of a sporting event, most often football, basketball or tennis. You pick a market, check the odds and choose your stake. The less likely the outcome, the higher the odds and the bigger the possible return.
The main football markets
A single Premier League match offers many markets, and you can bet on each one:
- 1X2: home win, draw or away win.
- Over/under: the total number of goals in the match, for example over 2.5.
- Both teams to score: whether each side scores at least once.
- Handicap: the stronger side starts with a minus, the weaker side with a plus.
- First goalscorer, corners, cards and player props.
Pre-match or in-play
A pre-match bet is placed on odds set before kick-off. In-play, you bet while the match is on and the odds move with every goal, red card or spell of pressure. In-play betting needs quick decisions, so it is easy to stake more than you planned.
Accumulators
An accumulator, or acca, combines several selections in one bet. The odds multiply, so four results at 2.00 each give odds of 16.00. Every selection has to win: if one loses, the whole acca loses.
Managing your stake
A few rules that limit the damage:
- Set a monthly budget and only deposit that.
- Keep each bet to a small share of the budget.
- Never raise your stake to win back a loss.
- Bet on sports and leagues you know.
What Ashbet offers
On Ashbet you can bet on football, from the Premier League to the Champions League, plus basketball, tennis, horse racing and more, pre-match and in-play. You get accas, player props, corners and cards markets, match analysis such as momentum and xG, and alerts on your bets, with TV and channel details next to each match.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start betting on sport?
Open an account, deposit a small amount, choose a match and a market, check the odds and place your bet. The match result market is the simplest place to start.
What is an acca?
Short for accumulator: several selections in one bet. The odds multiply, but every selection must win for the bet to pay out.
Is in-play betting a good idea?
In-play gives you more chances and more risk of rushed decisions. Beginners are better off getting used to pre-match bets first.
Can I bet on the Premier League at Ashbet?
Yes, pre-match and in-play, with markets such as match result, goals, corners, cards and player props.
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These guides are general information, not financial or legal advice. Gambling is for adults aged 21 and over only, subject to the law and availability where you live. Please gamble responsibly.