Frequently asked questions about betting
What is online betting?
Online betting is the placing of bets with the playing and collecting of money done over the internet.
How old do I have to be to bet online?
You must be 18 or older to bet online.
What is an online bookmaker?
An online bookmaker is an internet website where you can wager on a variety of sports and novelty bets to win real money.
How do I get started with an online bookmaker?
To start placing your bets with an online bookmaker you have to register and fill out a form providing your personal details and information. You will get an account number (or username) and a password necessary to log into your betting account.
Do I need to download and install software to bet?
Not to bet on sports. Poker websites and some casinos offer download based games and require players to install software to bet.
How does a betting account work?
All bookmakers require funds to be posted in advance, thus you send money to them and they credit your betting account for that amount. As you bet, money is credited or debited on your account as you win or lose. When you wish to withdraw money from your betting account, you can do it using any of the methods that could be used for depositing. Make sure you understand the bookmaker's fine print about deposit and withdrawal policies and fees associated. Bear in mind that minimum deposits vary depending on the method that you choose for depositing. Most online bookmakers are modeled to cater to recreational bettors, with minimum bets as low as 0.01 euro, whereas if you plan on betting over the phone be advised that minimums are higher, usually 25 or 50 euro for each bet.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
This depends upon the country where you reside. You should check with proper authorities, or seek advice of a qualified consultant in your country of residence, if to declare winnings.
Is betting success based on luck?
Not at all, the success in the betting game is reliant upon information and knowledge.
Is online betting for me?
Whether you are a casual bettor, interested in having some action on TV games, an amateur bettor, wishing to have a chance to beat the book, or a sharp bettor, treating bets as investments and looking for long term profits, there are three "rules" you should always refer to: be disciplined, never bet more than you can afford to lose and never chase your losses.
How can Bookmakers Review help me in my betting?
We recognize that unbiased information is paramount and both recreational and professional bettors need to know which bookmakers are trustworthy. Our mission is to educate online bettors and give them all the necessary information to make safe decisions on where to bet online.
Is online betting legal?
While most countries do not have laws that make online betting illegal, the situation is complicated and unclear, with different approaches to legislations throughout the world. Where regulations exist, they are often not comprehensively developed and subject to ongoing changes. In those countries where online betting is prohibited, it is difficult to enforce rules. For more information on the legal issues concerning online betting, check our jurisdictions section and your local and national government laws.
What does Ante Post Betting mean?
Betting in advance of the race itself. This happens most often before major races.
What does the expression ‘Bar’ mean?
Excludes horses for which a price is quoted e.g '6/1 bar two' means that odds of 6/1 or better are available for all horses except the first two in the betting.
How do I bet on more than one race?
You can have a Double when you have a bet on two different races, win or each way. The winnings from the first race are placed on the second race. Trebles are bets on three races and bets on four or more races are Accumulators.
When do each way bets get paid out for fourth place position?
When you bet in a handicap race which has 16 or more runners.
What does Evens or Even Money refer to?
When the stake and the winnings are identical e.g. if your stake is €5 at evens you win a further €5.
What is a Nap?
A tipster's main bet selection at a given meeting.
When is a bet Odds on?
When the winnings are less than the stake e.g. if you bet €2 at 2-1 on you win €1.
What does Rule 4 refer to?
The betting rule which covers deductions from winning bets if a horse is withdrawn after the betting has been set up but before the horses go under starter’s orders. The amount of the deduction depends on the price of the withdrawn horse.
What is a Starting Price or SP?
The official price of a horse at which bets are settled in betting shops.
What is the Tote?
Short for the Horserace Totalisator Board. Tote betting is available at every racecourse. All money bet on horses in a race goes into a 'pot' or 'pool' and following the race, this pool is shared out amongst all those who have placed winning bets. All profits from the Tote go back into racing. For the various types of bet which the Tote offers see our Types of bet section.
What is a Yankee?
A combination bet of four selections in different races: six doubles, four trebles and one four-horse accumulator – eleven bets in all.
