Sports betting explained: how a bet works
In short
Sports betting means staking money on the outcome of a sporting event, most often a football match. You pick a result, choose your stake and the bookmaker shows the odds. If your pick wins, you get your stake multiplied by the odds. If it loses, you lose the stake.
How a bet works
Every bet has three parts: an event (say, Arsenal v Chelsea in the Premier League), the outcome you pick (Arsenal to win) and your stake. Each outcome has odds, a number that tells you how much you get back for every unit you stake.
If you are right, your return is the stake multiplied by the odds, and your profit is that return minus the stake. If you are wrong, you lose the stake. Nothing guarantees a win, so only bet money you can afford to lose.
Common types of bet
Most sportsbooks offer several ways to bet on the same match:
- Match result: home win, draw or away win.
- In-play betting: bets placed while the match is on, with odds that move all the time.
- Accumulator (acca): several selections in one bet. The odds multiply, so the possible return grows, and so does the chance of losing.
- Other markets: total goals, first goalscorer, corners, cards and player props.
Betting shop or betting site
For years, most people placed bets over the counter in a betting shop or through a local agent. On a betting site there is nobody in the middle: you sign up, deposit and place bets straight from your own account. The big difference is who holds your money and who decides when you get paid.
Before you start
Betting is for adults aged 21 and over only. Set an amount you are happy to lose and stick to it. If betting stops being fun, stop. And check the law where you live before you sign up to any site.
Frequently asked questions
What is sports betting?
Staking money on the outcome of a sporting event. If your pick wins, you get your stake back multiplied by the odds.
How do you win money from betting?
There is no guaranteed way. You win when the outcome you picked happens, which is why you should only bet money you can afford to lose.
What is the easiest bet for a beginner?
The match result, also called 1X2: home win, draw or away win. Start there with small stakes before trying in-play bets or accas.
Can I bet on my phone?
Yes. Ashbet runs in the browser on your phone or computer, with no app to install. You can also add it to your home screen.
Want to see how it looks on Ashbet?
More guides
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.