How To Place A Bet – Including Singles, Accumulators & Combination Bets

If you’re new to the world of betting and eager to place your first bet, this comprehensive guide is here to help you get started. Whether you prefer the traditional bookmaker shop experience or the convenience of online platforms, we’ll walk you through the steps.

Table of Contents

Placing A Bet In A Betting Shop

Placing a bet in a betting shop is a classic and social experience. To get started, find a local bookmaker and head to the counter or self-service terminal.

Take your time to study the odds and available betting options for the event you’re interested in, whether it’s the Grand National, football, or horse racing.

Once you’ve made your selection, approach the counter or terminal, inform the staff about your choice, and specify the amount you want to stake. After paying, you’ll receive a printed betting slip as proof of your bet.

Placing A Bet Online

Online betting offers convenience and a wide range of options. Begin by creating an account with a reputable online bookmaker.

Once you’re logged in to their website or mobile app, navigate to the desired sport or event. Explore the available betting markets and select the outcome you want to bet on.

Enter your stake amount, review the potential winnings, and confirm your bet. You’ll receive a digital confirmation, ensuring your bet has been successfully placed.

How To Place A Bet On The Grand National

How To Bet On The Grand National

The Grand National is a prestigious horse racing event that is one of the biggest betting attractions of the year in the UK.

To bet on the Grand National, conduct thorough research on the participating horses, jockeys, and trainers. Visit a bookmaker shop or use a trusted online platform that offers Grand National betting options.

Follow the steps mentioned earlier for either bookmaker shops or online platforms, depending on your preference.

Consider each-way betting, where you place two bets: one for the horse to win and one for it to place in the top positions, usually the top four or five.

Placing A Bet For Beginners

If you’re new to betting, it’s important to start with a solid foundation. Take the time to understand the basics of odds, betting markets, and terminology.

Choose a sport or event that interests you and conduct thorough research. Set a budget for your betting activities and ensure you stick to it responsibly.

Begin with simpler bets like single bets or each-way bets before exploring more complex options. Learn from experienced punters, read educational resources, and seek advice from trusted sources.

If you are looking to get started with online betting, these would be the betting apps we would recommend starting off with:

1 – bet365

bet365 app icon

The bet365 app is a very good option for beginners. the brand is one of the best in regards to customer service within the betting industry and provide an enhanced digital help library for any frequently asked questions. There are regular offers and promotions available to both new and existing customers.

2 – William Hill

William Hill app logo new

William Hill is one of our favourite apps as far as navigation is concerned. It is super easy to get along with, has competitive odds across a vast array of sporting events and has free daily games to add extra value to those who log in regularly. 

How To Place A Bet On Football

Football betting is immensely popular. To get started, analyse upcoming football matches, considering factors like team form, injuries, and statistics.

Explore the available betting markets, such as match result, over/under goals, or specific player performances. Apply your knowledge and intuition to select the outcomes you believe are most likely to occur.

Follow the steps outlined earlier for placing bets either in bookmaker shops or online platforms.

How To Place A Bet On Horse Racing

Horse racing offers a thrilling betting experience. Familiarise yourself with different horse racing bet types, including win, place, each way, and forecast bets.

Study the race card, which provides valuable information about the participating horses, jockeys, trainers, and their recent performances. Consider factors like the horse’s form, suitability for the distance, and track conditions.

log in to your registered betting app or visit a high street bookmaker to get the desired bet placed.

How To Place An Each Way Bet

Each way bets provide a greater chance of winning. With each way bets, you place two bets: one for the horse to win and one for it to place.

This way, even if the selection doesn’t win, you can still get a return if it finishes in the top positions. 

Betting apps will have a little Each Way check box in the bet slip on applicable selections that can be toggled on to place an each way bet.

In regards to visiting a betting shop, each way can be represented by E/W on a written betting slip. Alternatively, simply advise the cashier behind the counter that you would like to place the bet each way and they will do the rest. 

How To Place An Accumulator Bet

Accumulators offer the chance to win big by linking multiple selections into a single bet. The potential returns are higher, but so is the risk, as all selections must win for you to receive a payout.

accumulators can be made on betting apps by adding multiple selections in to the bet slip. When multiple selections are placed there, options will appear for placing single bets on individual selections, as well as multiple betting options – one of which will be an accumulator including all selections within the bet slip. 

How To Place A Combination Bet

Combination bets are a little more complex, so we will go in to more detail here for the benefit of the absolute beginner.

A combination bet, commonly referred to as a perm bet or system bet, is a type of wager that allows you to select multiple outcomes across different events and combine them into a single bet. This type of bet offers increased chances of winning as it covers various combinations of the chosen selections.

To place a combination bet, follow these steps:

  1. Selections: Choose the events or matches you wish to include in your bet. It could be different sports, matches within the same sport, or even a mix of different types of bets.
  2. Bet Types: Determine the specific types of bets you want to include in your combination bet. Examples of popular combination bets include lucky bets, Trixies, Yankees, Canadians, Heinz, and Super Heinz, among others. Each bet type has its own rules and combinations.
  3. Number of Selections: Decide on the number of selections you want to include in each bet type. Keep in mind that the more selections you add, the greater the number of combinations and the higher the cost of the bet.
  4. Stake: Set the stake, which is the amount of money you are willing to wager on the combination bet. Remember that the stake is multiplied by the number of combinations, so it’s important to manage your bankroll accordingly.
  5. Placing the Bet: Once you have finalised your selections, bet types, number of selections, and stake, proceed to your chosen betting platform, whether it’s a bookmaker shop or an online betting site. Navigate to the combination bet section and enter your selections according to the chosen bet type.
  6. Confirmation: Before finalising the bet, review your selections and stake to ensure accuracy. Double-check that you have selected the correct combinations, as any mistakes cannot be modified once the bet is placed.
  7. Payment: If you are betting online, proceed with the payment process to confirm and place your combination bet. If you are in a bookmaker shop, provide the necessary details and payment to the bookmaker.

Remember, combination bets can be complex due to the various combinations involved. It’s essential to understand the specific rules and potential outcomes of your chosen bet type. Additionally, keep in mind that combination bets require a higher stake compared to single bets, so consider your budget and betting strategy before placing them.

By placing a combination bet, you can increase your chances of winning by covering multiple outcomes. However, it’s important to note that each combination within the bet is treated as an individual bet, and not all selections need to win for you to receive a return.

How To Place A Bet Builder Bet

Bet builder bets offer a unique approach by allowing you to create customised bets with specific conditions. You can combine various selections within a single event to build your own unique bet.

Most of our recommended betting apps have a user friendly bet builder feature to bundle selections together from the same event. A handful of bookmakers also offer out the ability to place bet builder accumulators.

Keep Betting Fun And Safe

Placing your first bet can be an exciting experience, but it’s crucial to do so responsibly. Remember to gamble within your means and set a budget for your betting activities.

Take the time to understand the basics, research the events you’re interested in, and choose reputable bookmakers or online platforms.

Whether you’re betting on the Grand National, football matches, or horse racing, follow the steps outlined in this guide to confidently place your bets. Enjoy the thrill of betting, but always gamble responsibly.


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