- How to bet on sports online
- Soccer
- Basketball
- American Football
- Baseball
- Ice Hockey
- Cricket
- Tennis
- Golf
- Boxing and Martial Arts
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- Gaelic sports
- Esports
- Motor Racing
- Is sports betting legal?
- Mobile sports betting
- FAQ
- Recommended bookmakers
Online sports betting gives punters the chance to wager on major leagues, tournaments, races and individual athletes from almost anywhere in the world. The exact sports, markets and bookmakers available to you will depend on your country, local gambling laws and the betting sites licensed or permitted to operate in your region.
BettingPlanet’s geo-targeted tables help show sports betting sites that are available where you are. Whether you want to bet on soccer, basketball, American football, cricket, tennis, racing, combat sports, esports or motorsport, this guide explains how online sports betting works and what to look for before opening an account.
How to bet on sports online 2026
Betting on sports online is usually a straightforward process, but it is important to choose a legal, reputable bookmaker and understand the rules before placing a wager.
- Step 1: Find a sports betting site that suits you: Start by comparing sports betting sites that accept players from your location. Look for proper licensing, a strong reputation, fair odds, useful markets, safe payments and clear terms.
- Step 2: Create a new account: Sign up with your correct personal details, including your name, address, date of birth and email. These details may need to match your documents when your account is verified.
- Step 3: Fund your betting account: Deposit using an accepted payment method. The best option will depend on your country and currency, but common choices include bank cards, online banking, e-wallets, vouchers and bank transfers. You can read more in our betting deposit guide.
- Step 4: Verify your account: Licensed bookmakers usually need to verify your identity before you can withdraw. This may happen automatically, or you may be asked for proof of identity, proof of address or payment verification.
- Step 5: Place your bet: Choose your sport, league and market, add your selection to the bet slip, enter your stake and confirm the wager. You can bet on both desktop and mobile betting sites.
Soccer
Football, soccer, the world game – whatever you call it, it remains the biggest sport on the planet and one of the most important betting markets for online bookmakers. Soccer betting runs all year, with odds available on domestic leagues, continental competitions, internationals, women’s tournaments and lower-division matches.
The most common soccer betting markets include match result, double chance, both teams to score, over/under goals, correct score, Asian handicap, player goalscorer markets and futures. Live betting is also popular because odds can swing heavily after goals, red cards and tactical changes.
Top competitions for online soccer betting include:
- UEFA Champions League
- UEFA Europa League
- English Premier League
- Spanish La Liga
- German Bundesliga
- Italian Serie A
- French Ligue 1
- Dutch Eredivisie
- Scottish Premiership
- Brazilian Serie A
- Argentine Primera Division
- Major League Soccer
- Australian A-League
- Japanese J1 League
- Korean K League
Basketball
The basketball betting scene is huge, with markets available on men’s and women’s leagues, college basketball, international tournaments and major domestic competitions around the world.
The NBA is the standout league for basketball bettors, offering deep markets on every game. Punters can bet on moneyline, point spread, total points, player points, rebounds, assists, three-pointers, double-doubles, series betting and season awards.
College basketball is another major betting product, especially during March Madness and the NCAA Basketball Championship. The WNBA, EuroLeague, NBL and other international leagues also attract regular betting action.
American football
American football has always been a huge betting sport in the United States, and its global wagering audience continues to grow. The NFL betting market is the main attraction, with weekly regular-season games, playoffs and the Super Bowl drawing major betting interest.
Common American football markets include moneyline, point spread, total points, team totals, touchdown scorers, player passing/rushing/receiving props, same-game parlays and futures. The Super Bowl also brings novelty markets, MVP betting and a wide range of player props.
College football is another key market, with punters betting on regular-season rivalries, conference championship games, bowl games, the national championship and the Heisman Trophy.
Baseball
Baseball has one of the busiest betting calendars in sport. With teams playing almost every day during the regular season, baseball betting gives punters a constant flow of moneyline, run line, total runs and player prop markets.
Major League Baseball is the sport’s leading competition, with American League and National League teams chasing the World Series each year. Pitching matchups, bullpens, batting form, travel and ballpark factors all matter when assessing baseball odds.
Baseball betting is not limited to the United States. Professional leagues in Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Caribbean and Australia also attract interest from specialist punters.
Ice hockey
The best online bookies run ice hockey betting markets across North America, Europe and international competitions. The sport suits bettors who like fast-paced markets, live betting and tight margins.
- National Hockey League: NHL betting is the main ice hockey market, with 32 teams from the United States and Canada competing for the Stanley Cup. Popular markets include moneyline, puck line, total goals, period betting, player shots and anytime goalscorers.
- European leagues: Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany and Czechia all have strong domestic leagues that attract betting markets, particularly during playoffs and international breaks.
- International hockey: World Championship, Olympic and junior tournaments can draw large betting interest when elite players represent their countries.
Cricket
Online cricket betting covers internationals, domestic leagues and franchise tournaments across several formats. The sport offers a huge range of markets, from match winner and series betting to top batter, top bowler, total runs, player performance and live betting.
Major cricket formats include:
- Test matches: The longest format, played over five days. Test betting requires close attention to pitch conditions, weather, team balance and draw markets.
- One Day Internationals: ODI cricket combines tactical batting with limited-overs pressure. The ICC Cricket World Cup remains one of the sport’s biggest betting events.
- Twenty20 cricket: T20 is fast, high-scoring and popular with live bettors. Domestic tournaments such as the Indian Premier League and Big Bash League attract strong markets.
Tennis
With men’s and women’s tours running for most of the year, online tennis betting gives punters regular opportunities across ATP, WTA, Challenger, ITF and team events.
The four Grand Slam tournaments – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open – are the biggest outright markets in tennis. Match betting, set betting, game handicaps, total games, tie-break markets and live betting are also popular.
Tennis bettors should look at surface, recent workload, head-to-head history, serving numbers, injury concerns and travel. Live betting can be especially active because momentum can change quickly from set to set.
Golf
Golf betting runs most weeks of the year, with golf betting sites offering odds on tour events, major championships, team events and player matchups.
The biggest markets usually centre on the four men’s majors: The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open and The Open Championship. The PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, LIV Golf and major team competitions such as the Ryder Cup also attract significant wagering.
Common golf markets include outright winner, top five, top 10, top 20, each-way betting, round leader, make/miss cut, tournament matchups and group betting. Course fit, weather, putting form and recent approach-play numbers are all important when assessing golf odds.
Boxing and martial arts
Boxing betting has always been a major part of combat sports wagering. Online bookmakers cover world title fights, undercards, regional cards and major pay-per-view events, with markets on fight winner, method of victory, round betting and total rounds.
The four major boxing sanctioning bodies are:
- World Boxing Association
- World Boxing Council
- International Boxing Federation
- World Boxing Organisation
Mixed martial arts is another major combat sports market. The UFC betting guide covers the world’s leading MMA promotion, while Bellator betting and BKFC betting offer alternatives for punters interested in other fight formats.
Rugby league
Rugby league betting is especially popular in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, with online bookmakers offering markets on club competitions, international matches and major representative events.
- National Rugby League: The NRL is the world’s leading domestic rugby league competition. Popular markets include head-to-head, line, total points, try scorers, first try scorer and futures.
- State of Origin: New South Wales and Queensland meet in one of Australia’s biggest annual sporting rivalries. The three-match format makes series betting and match-by-match markets both popular.
- Super League: The top Northern Hemisphere club competition attracts regular betting interest, especially around finals and Challenge Cup matches.
- Rugby League World Cup: International rugby league’s biggest tournament draws futures, match and player markets when it comes around.
Rugby union
Rugby union betting has a global audience, with markets available on club competitions, international Tests, annual championships and the Rugby World Cup.
Major club competitions include Super Rugby Pacific, the United Rugby Championship, Premiership Rugby, France’s Top 14 and European Champions Cup rugby. International betting is led by the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations, Rugby Championship, British & Irish Lions tours and traditional rivalries such as the Bledisloe Cup.
Common markets include match winner, handicap, total points, winning margin, first try scorer, anytime try scorer and tournament futures. Weather, team rotation, goal-kicking accuracy and forward-pack strength can all influence rugby union betting.
Gaelic sports
Gaelic sports remain a key betting niche in Ireland and among specialist punters overseas. Online bookmakers can offer markets on Gaelic football and hurling, especially around the All-Ireland Championships.
- Gaelic football: A fast team sport combining elements of soccer, rugby and Australian rules football. The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship is the biggest annual betting event.
- Hurling: One of the world’s oldest field sports and a major betting market during the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.
Gaelic sports betting markets are often more limited than major global leagues, but match winner, handicap, totals and outright championship betting are commonly available around big fixtures.
Esports
Esports betting has grown from a niche market into a major part of online wagering. The biggest betting titles include Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, VALORANT, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six Siege and other competitive games with established tournament circuits.
Popular esports markets include match winner, map winner, map handicap, total maps, round handicap, correct score, first map, outright tournament winner and live betting. Roster changes, patch updates, map pools and regional form can all be important when assessing esports odds.
Because esports events can run across different time zones and formats, bettors should always check the match format, start time, roster news and tournament rules before placing a wager.
Motor racing
Motor racing betting gives punters a wide mix of outright, qualifying, podium, head-to-head and live markets. Weather, track layout, starting position, tyre strategy and reliability all play major roles.
- Formula One racing: F1 betting covers race winner, pole position, podium finish, points finish, team head-to-heads and drivers’ championship futures.
- Rally cars: Rally betting focuses on driver skill across changing surfaces, weather and long-distance stages.
- IndyCar Racing: IndyCar brings fast oval, street and road-course racing, with markets on race winner, podiums and season futures.
- NASCAR racing: NASCAR betting is especially popular in the United States, led by major races such as the Daytona 500.
- Touring cars: Touring car markets can cover Supercars, WTCR-style series and other national championships.
- Motorcycle racing: MotoGP betting is the leading two-wheel racing market, with odds on race winners, podiums, qualifying and championship futures.
Sports betting – is it legal?
Sports betting laws vary by country, state and province. Some markets, such as Great Britain, have a licensed online betting system. Others, such as Australia, allow licensed online sports betting but restrict products such as online in-play betting. In the United States, sports betting rules are set state by state, so availability depends on where you are located.
The safest option is always to use a licensed bookmaker that is permitted to accept customers in your location. A legal sports betting site should provide clear terms, secure payments, responsible gambling tools, account verification and transparent withdrawal rules.
If sports betting is restricted where you live, do not assume that an offshore bookmaker is legal or safe to use. Check your local laws, use regulated operators where available and avoid betting sites that do not clearly state who licenses them.
Mobile sports betting
Mobile sports betting is available through betting apps and mobile-friendly bookmaker websites. Most leading sportsbooks now let customers sign up, deposit, place bets, check live odds and request withdrawals from a phone or tablet.
App availability depends on your country and device. In some regulated markets, iOS and Android betting apps are available through official app stores. In other locations, Android users may need to download an app directly from the bookmaker, while iPhone users may rely on the mobile website.
A good mobile betting site should be quick, secure and easy to use. Look for fast loading markets, a clean bet slip, live betting, clear account tools, responsible gambling settings and payment methods that work properly on mobile.
Sports betting FAQ
The easiest sports to start with are usually those with simple match-winner markets, such as soccer, basketball, tennis, American football and cricket. New bettors should start with basic markets before moving into props, futures or live betting.
The best beginner market is usually the head-to-head or moneyline market, where you simply pick which team or player will win. Once you understand the sport better, you can look at spreads, totals, handicaps and player props.
Yes. Most leading online bookmakers support mobile betting through apps or mobile websites. Availability depends on your location, device and local gambling laws.
Sports betting bonuses can be useful, but only if the terms are fair. Check the minimum odds, expiry time, eligible markets, wagering requirements and withdrawal rules before claiming any promotion.
Odds move when bookmakers react to team news, injuries, weather, market money, line-up changes or changes in public betting opinion. In live betting, odds can change within seconds after key moments in a match.
Online sports betting legality depends on where you live. Some countries and states have licensed betting markets, while others restrict or ban online wagering. Always check local laws and use licensed bookmakers where available.
Check licensing, reputation, odds quality, sport coverage, payment methods, withdrawal speed, bonus terms, mobile usability and responsible gambling tools before signing up.
BettingPlanet’s featured bookie reviews
Pre-match singles only. First bet per match. Min $5, max $250 refund. UFC fights only (no Contender Series). Standard Stake T&Cs apply. Full terms.
1XBet is a popular land-based betting company headquartered in Europe, with a growing global betting reach in other parts of the world. 1xBet has one of the largest ranges for online gambling choices.
GGBet is one of the worlds leading esports specialist online bookmakers who offer a full range of sports betting options.
Terms & Conditions Apply. Visit BetOnline for more information.
Minimum deposit of €10 using deposit code 30F - A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least €10 placed on any sports market - Minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5) - Free bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days - Free bet stakes not included in returns - Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager bonus amount x40 within 14 days • Wagering req. vary by game • Withdrawal restrictions apply. Full Terms & Conditions Apply.
18+ Gamble Responsibly. Min deposit $20. 40x rollover requirement. Full terms.
Servicing the USA, Bovada is part of the Bodog empire. Gives all new customers $250 deposit bonus.
Terms & Conditions Apply. Visit Bovada for more information.
100% bonus up to €600 (betting) or €2,000 (casino). Min deposit €20. Wagering: 10x for betting, 40x for casino. Supports BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT, XRP, BCH, BNB, TRX, and DOGE. Full terms
The bookie with everything you need!
New UK & Ireland customers only. Min Deposit: £10. First deposit matched up to £30. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. T&Cs Apply
Popular betting site in Asia with outstanding coverage in Malaysia, China, Vietnam and Japan.
Terms & Conditions Apply. Visit Dafabet for more information.