The vibrant world of UK sports betting offers dozens of opportunities for the discerning punter. From the thunderous horse races at Ascot to the electric atmosphere of Premier League Football, the UK sports betting landscape is as diverse as it is dynamic.
Learning about betting odds is a skill that can make your favourite sport game come alive. Whether you bet on the outcome of a game or how well your favourite players do, knowing the odds can help you make smart choices.
Betting Markets: Which sports games have the most betting markets?
When it comes to betting markets, certain sports tend to offer a more diverse and extensive range of options due to their popularity, complexity, and the nature of the game. Football, undoubtedly, leads the way in terms of betting markets.
This global sport offers a multitude of options. Football Betting Sites Not on GamStop such as Crazy Star Sportsbook have over 1,000 betting markets. This is followed by horse racing, tennis, cricket, and of course, the National Football League.
A Closer Look at Different Betting Odds Formats
UK sportsbooks odds are the compass that guides punters. They come in various formats, each offering unique insights into the likelihood of an outcome. The most common are decimal, fractional, and American odds.
Decimal odds
These are the easiest to understand, as they represent the total payout a bettor will receive for every unit wagered. For instance, odds of 3.00 mean a £1 bet yields a £3 return, including your stake.
Fractional odds
Are considered a more old-school and traditional format in the UK. They reflect the potential profit relative to the stake. So, odds of 3/1 (read as ‘three-to-one’) imply a £3 win for every £1 staked.
American odds
These are also known as moneyline odds, are less common in the UK. They are denoted as positive or negative numbers indicating the amount won on a £100 bet or the stake needed to win £100, respectively. Positive odds represent the potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative odds indicate the amount that needs to be wagered to win $100.
Decode Sports Betting Odds Like A Pro: Here’s How to Do It
The setting of the odds is a blend of science and intuition. Bookmakers, the architects of odds, consider various factors: player form, team statistics, historical performances, and expert analyses.
Navigating the odds across different sports requires a keen eye. In football, odds might focus on match outcomes, goal scorers, or specific score lines. On the other hand, in horse racing, the odds reflect factors like track conditions and jockey experience.
Betting sites Not on GamStop also consider the patterns and preferences of the public. This helps them adjust the odds to ensure a balanced market and minimise their own risks. For example, if a popular team is heavily favoured to win a football match, bookmakers may adjust the odds to attract more bets on the opposing team and balance out the betting.
Which UK Football Bookies Not on GamStop Have the Best Odds?
There are several sportsbooks not on GamStop that have competitive odds for football. They often operate under licences from jurisdictions like Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao eGaming.
Just for you, here are our top five picks:
| Reviewed Site | Top Sports to Bet On | Football Betting Markets | Popular Betting Markets | Livestream Option |
| Crazy Star | UEFA Champions League, NBA, tennis, ice hockey | 182 | 1×2, Double chance, total goals | Yes |
| Luck of Spins | UEFA Champions League, Premier League, NBA | 1108 | 1×2, Double chance, total goals | No |
| GoldenBet | Soccer, basketball, tennis | 1219 | In-play, 1×2, Total goals, rest of the match, next goal | Yes |
| MilkyWins | UEFA Champions League, handball, hockey | 1218 | 1×2, Double chance, total goals, in-play | Yes |
| Fortune Clock | NHL, football, tennis | 1210 | 1×2, Double chance, handicap | Yes |
Why Betting Odds Are the Key to Making Intelligent Choices
More than just numbers; they’re the gateway to a well-informed strategy. Smart betting isn’t just about understanding odds; it’s about leveraging them. Comparing odds across different sportsbooks can reveal value bets – odds that may be higher than you’d expect based on your assessment of the event.
Watch out for betting margins, which are the bookmaker’s way of making sure they make money, no matter what happens. This difference can change how much you could win, so it’s important to find odds that are really worth it.
For instance, you might come across two different bookmakers offering odds of 2.00 and 2.10 for the same outcome. While the difference may seem small, it can significantly impact your potential winnings eventually.
