After much anticipation, Love Island is soon back on our screens, with a host of singletons headed for Spain in search of romance.
Ahead of next week premier, BestofBets.com has looked at the list of Top Man and Woman and the current favourites are disabled England cricketer Hugo Hammond (11/4) and Scottish model Shannon Singh, from Fife (3/1).
Born with clubfoot and going on to represent his country in cricket, Hugo is the early market leader to emerge from the villa victorious.
Hashtag United footballer Toby Aromolaran is next in the pecking order, priced at 7/2 and will be looking to find a keeper in Mallorca.
VIP host Aaron Francis has looked after everyone from the Royals to Stormzy, and can be found as joint-fourth favourite in the betting at 4/1.
That’s the same price as Northumberland labourer Brad McClelland, who reportedly split with his girlfriend of eight years before heading to the villa.
Finally, Water Engineer Jake Cornish rounds off the betting ahead of the start of the show, priced as the least likely to win at 5/1.
Taking a look at the female half of the villa, it’s a similarly tightly priced market, although there are a number of longer priced hopefuls.
Leading the way is Scottish model Shannon Singh, from Fife is currently 3/1 – with some bookies making her as short as 5/2.
Influencer and model Kaz Kamwi is next up in the bookies list at 4/1 boasting brand deals outside the villa with the likes of Primark and SkinnyDip.
Beauty pageant contestant-turned Department of Transport Operations Lead Sharon Gaffka is next up in the betting at 9/2.
Interestingly, there are six women compared to five men, and that’s reflected in the market.
There are two hopefuls priced at 6/1 in Liberty Poole and Faye Winter.
Despite labelling herself as “bubbly, funny and a big character”, rounding off the market is marketing executive Chloe Burrows at 8/1.
Much will obviously change over the next few weeks but this is where the market is at the moment.
Winning girl
- Shannon: 3/1
- Kaz: 4/1
- Sharon: 9/2
- Liberty: 6/1
- Faye: 6/1
- Chloe: 8/1
Winning guy
- Hugo: 11/4
- Toby: 7/2
- Aaron: 4/1
- Brad: 4/1
- Jake: 5/1
Betting fundamentals and practical how-to guides
Whether you’re new to wagering or sharpening your approach, this guide explains the fundamentals that help punters bet with clarity and control. It complements the prices above with practical, responsible advice you can apply across sports and specials betting.
Use our independent reviews to compare the UK’s licensed bookmakers and casinos, and click the banners and affiliate links on this page when you’re ready to register. Always bet for entertainment, keep it affordable, and remember gambling is strictly for adults aged 18+ in the UK.
Start here: key concepts every bettor should know
Good betting starts with understanding odds, managing your bankroll and knowing the different bet types available. Get these right and you’ll make more informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a safer experience.
On this page, you’ll learn how to read fractional and decimal odds, convert prices to probabilities, choose sensible stake sizes and decode promotions. When you’re ready, compare trusted brands via our banners and links and pick the right welcome offer for you.
Understanding odds formats and implied probability
Odds are simply a way to express probability and potential payout, and in the UK they’re most often shown as fractional prices like 11/4 or 7/2. Decimal prices are also common online, and both formats describe the same thing in different ways.
Converting odds into an implied percentage helps you compare markets and judge value. If a price suggests a lower chance than your assessment, you may have found value; if it suggests a higher chance, it’s probably a pass.
Fractional, decimal and American odds compared
Fractional odds show profit relative to stake, so 11/4 means £11 profit for every £4 staked, plus your stake back on winners. Decimal odds show total return per £1 staked, so 3.75 means £3.75 return including stake on a winning £1 bet.
American odds use plus and minus numbers and are less common in the UK, but you might still see them on global events. For completeness, +275 means £275 profit on a £100 stake, while -200 means you’d stake £200 to profit £100.
Convert odds to percentage using quick formulas
For fractional odds A/B, implied probability = B ÷ (A + B), so 11/4 implies 4 ÷ 15 = 26.67%. For decimal odds D, implied probability = 1 ÷ D, so 3.75 implies 26.67%.
Use these conversions to benchmark your own view against the market and to compare prices across bookmakers. The closer your estimation process gets to realistic probabilities, the better your long-term decision-making will be.
Stake sizing, bankroll plans and risk limits
Set a betting budget that you can afford to lose and treat it as entertainment spend, not income. Decide your unit size before you start, and avoid chasing losses or increasing stakes emotionally.
Consistent stake sizing reduces volatility and helps you ride out normal variance. If you prefer to scale stakes, do it modestly and only when the edge and your confidence justify it.
Simple staking plans: flat, percentage and Kelly
Flat staking means placing the same amount on each selection, which keeps risk steady and bankroll swings manageable. Percentage staking adjusts stake to a small, fixed fraction of your bankroll (for example 1–2%), preserving longevity during downswings.
Kelly staking uses edge-based maths to size bets, but it’s sensitive to estimation errors and can be aggressive. If you explore it, consider a fractional Kelly (for example, quarter- or half-Kelly) and keep your assumptions conservative.
Bet types explained: singles, accas and each-way
Singles are the foundation, as your result depends on one outcome and value is easier to judge. Accumulators link multiple selections and can offer bigger returns, but the risk multiplies and the bookmaker’s margin compounds across legs.
Other common options include doubles, trebles, bet builders and system bets like Yankees and Trixies. These can be fun, but remember the more legs you add, the harder it is to sustain realistic strike-rates.
What each-way means in racing and specials bets
An each-way bet splits your stake in two: one part to win and one part to place, with place terms set by the bookmaker. It’s popular in horse racing, where place terms might be 1/5 the odds for a set number of places depending on field size.
In specials markets like reality TV, each-way options are uncommon because there aren’t standardised place terms. If you see them offered, read the place fraction and place count carefully before you stake.
How specials like Love Island markets are priced
Specials prices reflect public sentiment, narrative momentum and voting patterns as much as hard performance data. Traders will react to casting announcements, episode edits and social media trends, so odds can move quickly and sometimes overreact.
Liquidity and limits are often lower in specials than in top-tier sports, and overrounds can be higher. That makes careful price shopping and disciplined staking especially important in these markets.
Research specials: format changes and voting data
Before you bet on a TV show, understand the format, elimination mechanics, twists and historical voting trends. Small rule changes can have a big impact on probability, especially if they affect how and when the public votes.
Track sentiment over time rather than reacting to one episode, because early narratives can fade as the series evolves. If you can’t establish a fair price with reasonable confidence, it’s better to skip the bet than to speculate.
Promotions decoded: free bets, boosts and terms
Bookmaker offers can add value when used sensibly, but only if you understand the small print. Look for clear, fair terms, and always check minimum odds, qualifying markets, expiry windows and payment method exclusions.
Odds boosts, acca bonuses and early payout features can be useful if you would place the bet anyway. Avoid reshaping your selections solely to trigger a promotion, as that often reduces expected value.
Reading bonus terms: odds, expiry and payment
Minimum odds requirements might exclude short-priced selections, and some offers restrict qualifying markets or sports. Expiry times can be tight, so set a reminder and don’t accept a bonus you won’t realistically use in time.
Some promotions exclude certain deposit methods or require verification before withdrawal, which is standard for compliance. Always ensure the payment route you prefer is eligible for both the offer and withdrawals.
Qualifying bets, wagering and stake not returned
Many welcome deals require a qualifying bet with specific odds or stake size before releasing a free bet or credit. Keep a simple checklist to confirm you’ve met each condition before placing the qualifier.
Free bet stakes are usually not returned with winnings, and playthrough requirements may apply to credits. If wagering is involved, calculate the realistic cost and ask whether the effort suits your goals and time.
Placing a bet: step-by-step with best practice
Choose a licensed bookmaker from our reviews, click through via our banners, and complete registration with accurate details. Verify your account promptly, then deposit using your preferred eligible method and set deposit and loss limits from day one.
Shop prices across multiple brands we feature, add your selection to the betslip, confirm the stake and read the final summary. Only place the bet once you’re confident about the market rules, settlement conditions and any promotion you’re using.
Verification, payments and quick withdrawals
UK-licensed operators must verify identity, which protects you and prevents underage gambling. Keep proof of ID and address handy, as additional checks can be requested, especially before your first withdrawal.
Choose payment methods that support fast withdrawals and match promotion eligibility. E-wallets and debit cards are widely supported, but always check operator-specific processing times and any fees before you deposit.
Using cash out, in-play and price boosts wisely
Cash out can manage risk or lock profit, but the price includes a margin, so use it selectively. Consider partial cash out if available, and compare the implied rate with your real-time assessment of the event.
In-play markets move quickly and can be more volatile, so pre-set limits and avoid impulsive decisions. Price boosts are best used on selections you already rate, not as a reason to bet.
Comparing bookmakers safely and picking value
Use our expert reviews to compare odds quality, market depth, limits, usability and support. A small price edge compounded over time can outweigh many convenience features, but service and verification speed also matter.
Hold accounts with several licensed UK bookmakers so you can shop lines and seize fair boosts. Click our affiliate links to new-customer offers from trusted brands, then manage your bankroll across accounts with simple tracking.
Market depth, limits, features and customer care
For niche or specials betting, deeper markets and fairer limits improve your experience and reduce friction. Look for consistent availability, not just headline prices, especially around big episodes or matchdays.
Modern features such as bet builders, request-a-bet and detailed stats can aid research and execution. Responsive customer support and transparent help pages are hallmarks of operators committed to fair play.
Safer gambling controls, tools and support help
Stay in control with deposit limits, loss limits, time-outs and reality checks that prompt regular breaks. Set these before you place your first bet, and adjust only after calm reflection, never in response to a loss.
If betting stops being fun or you feel pressure to recover losses, step away and seek help. Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money, fix problems or change your life circumstances.
Set limits, take breaks and keep bets affordable
Decide your maximum weekly or monthly spend and stick to it, regardless of results. Use time-outs or self-exclusion if you need a longer reset, and never borrow to gamble.
Track your activity with simple notes so you can spot patterns, both good and bad. Small habits compound, and the best habit is betting less, better and within clear boundaries.
Self-assessment, exclusions and support charities
Regularly self-assess by asking if you’re betting more often, increasing stakes or hiding activity. If any answer worries you, consider exclusion tools and speak to a support organisation for confidential advice.
Support is available if you need to talk, from live chat to helplines and counselling. You’re not alone, and seeking assistance early is a sign of strength and self-care.
Checklist before you click our partner banners
Confirm you’re 18+ and betting for entertainment with a pre-set budget. Decide the type of market you want, research the selection, and note your fair price before shopping odds.
Compare promotions and T&Cs, check minimum odds and expiry, and make sure your payment method is eligible. When everything aligns, click our affiliate links and banners to claim a vetted offer from a licensed UK bookmaker.
Legal and audience guidance for UK bettors
UK residents must use operators licensed by the Gambling Commission, and we only recommend brands that meet that standard. Operators may verify your age and identity, and you must never allow anyone under 18 to access your account.
Our content is designed for adults and should not be shared with children or young persons. Marketing should not appeal to under 18s, and no bet should be placed at work or in contexts that encourage unsafe behaviour.
Please gamble responsible – online gambling is for 18+ aged adults only. Please review the terms of the online casinos and bookmakers we advertise here on our site.
What is Best Of Bets?
Best Of Bets is an independent UK betting tips, strategy and bonus review site that compares licensed bookmakers and casinos via affiliate links; it is not a bookmaker.
How do fractional and decimal odds differ?
Fractional odds show profit relative to stake (e.g., 11/4), while decimal odds show total return per £1 staked (e.g., 3.75), and both express the same probability.
How do I convert odds into implied probability?
Use B ÷ (A + B) for fractional A/B and 1 ÷ D for decimal D to get the percentage chance the price implies.
What’s a sensible staking plan for beginners?
Pick an affordable unit, use flat stakes or a small percentage of bankroll (around 1–2%), and never chase losses.
What is an each-way bet and when is it used?
An each-way bet splits your stake between win and place parts under stated place terms, most commonly in horse racing.
Are accumulators and bet builders riskier than singles?
Yes—accas and bet builders multiply risk and the bookie’s margin across legs, so singles are usually easier for judging value.
How are specials markets like Love Island priced?
Specials often move with public sentiment, edits and voting patterns, and typically have lower liquidity and higher overrounds than top-tier sports.
What should I check before claiming a welcome offer or free bet?
Always read the T&Cs for minimum odds, qualifying markets, expiry windows, eligible payment methods and whether the free bet stake is returned.
How do I place a bet safely via BestOfBets.com?
Choose a reviewed licensed operator, click our banner to register, verify your account, set limits, shop prices, and only stake once you understand the market rules and any promotion.
Who can legally bet in the UK and what verification is needed?
You must be 18+ and use UK-licensed operators, who will verify your identity and age before withdrawals for safety and compliance.
