As England look to move on from last Friday night’s rather laboured showing against the Auld enemy Scotland, the Three Lions seek top spot in Group D against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
But do they want to?
Permutations aside, Gareth Southgate’s men are under pressure to find a performance but remain strong favourites to win, with MansionBet at 3/5 and SkyBet at around 4/7. The Czechs however, currently sit top of the pile in the standings and have proved a tricky customer for England in recent meetings.
Priced at an intriguing 15/2 with Unibet or 25/4 with MansionBet again, Prague could be turned red with a Czech win at Wembley. The draw meanwhile, can be fetched at 29/10 with Betfair.
Though Harry Kane has struggled in the tournament so far, Patrik Schick has been the star for Jaroslav Silhavy’s men with three goals so far in the Euros, and will look to add to his tally versus England. The Bayer Leverkusen forward has looked in fine form this summer, and at 4/1 to score anytime with SkyBet, Schick may be shrewd value.
With England set to make several changes due to Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell isolating, and as the possibility of Kane being rested arises, goals from set-pieces perhaps look the best threat for the hosts.
As such, with Harry Maguire likely not risked, John Stones, after hitting the bar against Scotland still carries a tantalising 11/1 value to score with SkyBet.
Finally, if we return to the state of play in the Group, a draw would see both teams through, and the visitors will perhaps see their initial first-place qualification as a plus, albeit with a last 16 tie against a Group of Death opponent to play.
A stalemate therefore is a vague possibility, and if a 0-0 draw takes your fancy, MansionBet will give you 6/1 odds for your Tuesday evening.
Betting fundamentals and practical how-to guides
Welcome to a clear, practical guide designed to help you bet smarter, manage risk, and get more from the UK’s best-licensed bookmakers. Use this as your go-to primer before you place your next wager.
Wherever you see an offer or banner on this page, you can click through to compare trusted bookies, view prices in real time, and secure verified sign-up bonuses. Always read the terms and conditions, and please bet responsibly.
Start with odds, markets and staking basics
Before you back your next selection, make sure you understand how odds convert to implied probability and how markets are framed. That understanding is the foundation of finding value and protecting your bankroll.
Combine that knowledge with a disciplined staking plan and basic record-keeping, and you will make more consistent, informed decisions. If you are new, start small, track everything, and scale only when you are comfortable.
Understanding fractional, decimal and probability
UK sportsbooks display fractional odds by default, but most now allow decimal or American formats. Learn all three so you can shop for the best price quickly across multiple operators.
Implied probability helps you judge whether a price is fair compared to your own assessment. If your true probability exceeds the implied probability, you have potential value.
Convert odds and implied probability easily
For fractional odds A/B, implied probability is B ÷ (A + B), and decimal odds D convert to implied probability as 1 ÷ D. For example, 4/1 implies 1 ÷ (4 + 1) = 20%, while 1.80 implies 1 ÷ 1.80 ≈ 55.56%.
You can also convert fractional to decimal by D = (A ÷ B) + 1, and decimal to fractional by removing the 1 and simplifying the remainder. Use the format that helps you compare value fastest.
Avoid common mistakes with price shopping
Do not assume prices are identical across brands because markets are competitive and move at different speeds. A small improvement in price compounds significantly across a season’s worth of bets.
Check at least three UK-licensed bookmakers before placing a bet, and click our partner banners to see live offers. Better odds and fairer terms improve your long-term return without extra risk.
Example calculations for typical football bets
If a team is 4/6 (1.67), the implied probability is roughly 60%. If your model or research puts them at 65%, the price might represent value if you also consider variance and lineup risk.
For an anytime goalscorer at 4/1 (5.00), the implied probability is 20%. If you estimate 24% based on minutes, shot volume and opposition, that is a positive edge if you shop for the top line.
How to read markets and match outcome options
Start with the main result market, then learn how related markets capture different match dynamics. Each market tells a story about how a game might unfold and where risk sits.
Understanding how markets interact helps you avoid inconsistent positions and duplicate risk. It also opens up smarter ways to express a view at a better price.
Match result, double chance and draw no bet
Match result (1X2) pays on home, draw or away, and prices reflect team strength, injuries and venue. Double chance covers two outcomes in one selection for lower risk and shorter odds.
Draw no bet removes the draw by refunding stakes on stalemates, sitting between 1X2 and double chance in both risk and price. It is a practical way to back favourites when a cagey game is likely.
Totals, handicaps, BTTS and correct score basics
Totals and both teams to score let you back game tempo rather than picking a side. Handicaps, including Asian lines, can reduce draw risk and align your stake with expected margins.
Correct score offers big prices with high variance, so stake smaller and shop prices carefully. For most bettors, totals and BTTS are more reliable reflections of team profiles and playing styles.
Same game multiples and related contingency
Same game multiples combine correlated selections like a team to win and over 2.5 goals. Prices are algorithmically adjusted for correlation, so value is rarer than in unrelated accas.
Build these only when you have a strong angle that the pricing does not fully capture. Always verify final terms and any boosts via our recommended partners’ banners.
Bankroll management, staking plans and limits
Your bankroll is the amount you can afford to risk without affecting everyday life. Ringfence it, track it, and never chase losses or use money needed for bills or essentials.
A good staking plan protects you during variance and helps you scale during hot streaks. Your aim is to survive the downswing to still be present for the upswing.
Set deposit limits and choose a base unit
Set deposit and loss limits with each bookmaker to stay in control; tools are easy to apply in your account. A base unit is a fraction of your bankroll, such as 0.5% to 2%, that keeps stakes consistent.
Smaller units lower risk and reduce pressure during losing runs, which are inevitable. Review limits monthly and adjust only if your financial situation and confidence justify it.
Level stakes, percentage staking and Kelly
Level staking uses the same stake per bet, making tracking simple and variance manageable. Percentage staking scales your stake with bankroll changes, keeping risk constant as a proportion.
Kelly uses edge and odds to size stakes optimally but can be volatile if your edge is misestimated. Many bettors use fractional Kelly or cap stakes to reduce downside.
Recording results, variance and losing runs
Track every bet with date, market, odds, stake, reasoning and result. A simple sheet reveals where you win, where you leak, and what to refine.
Expect losing runs even at positive expected value; that is the nature of probability. Prepare emotionally and financially so variance does not pressure bad decisions.
Finding value and calculating expected return
Value is the difference between your true probability and the market’s implied probability. Without a value edge, the bookmaker margin will beat you over time.
Calculate expected value before you place a bet and prefer prices that beat the closing line. If you consistently secure better than the market’s final price, you likely have a durable edge.
Line shopping, closing line value and edges
Line shopping means comparing multiple bookies and placing your bet where the price is highest. Closing line value is the difference between your taken odds and the price at kick-off, adjusted for margin.
Beating the close regularly suggests your selection method is sound. Use our partner links to browse alternatives quickly and lock in top prices.
Expected value, payout rate and ROI tracking
Expected value combines your probability estimate and the odds to project average outcome over time. Payout rate is the bookmaker’s return percentage, which you overcome by finding mispriced odds.
Track ROI by market type to see where your time is best spent. Reallocate effort to higher-yield angles and retire strategies that underperform after sufficient sample size.
When to pass: pricing uncertainty and noise
Passing is a positive action when information is thin or lines feel efficient. If you cannot define your edge in one clear sentence, you probably do not have one.
Injury rumours, weather, or tactical ambiguity can make a fair price difficult to gauge. When in doubt, wait for better information or a live angle instead.
In‑play betting tips, timing edges and cash out
In‑play markets move quickly and punish slow reactions, so preparation is everything. Create a plan before kick-off, then let the match confirm or deny your entry criteria.
Latency matters in-play, so use fast, reliable feeds and avoid betting on delayed streams. Price changes around goals, red cards and half-time can offer precise windows.
Pre‑match prep, live notes and momentum shifts
Pre-write scenarios: what you will do if the favourite concedes early, or if the game starts cagey. Live notes on pressing, passing lanes, and tactical tweaks help you spot shifts before prices fully react.
Do not rely solely on possession or shots; focus on chance quality and territory. Enter at prices that reflect your updated probability, not excitement.
Second‑half angles, late goals and time decay
Second halves often open up after subs and fatigue, increasing goal probability in some matchups. Time decay compresses prices for totals, so a delayed entry can be justified when play pattern supports it.
Conversely, game states with a happy draw can reduce late goal risk. Align your in-play bets with incentives for both teams, not just momentum.
Cash‑out maths, partial cash‑out and hedging
Cash-out offers include margin and are not automatically optimal, so compare to a manual hedge price. If you do cash out, consider partial cash-out to bank some profit while keeping upside alive.
Use cash-out as part of a pre-defined plan rather than as a reaction to nerves. Always ask, “Is this offer better than the current fair price to trade out elsewhere?”
Bonuses, wagering, terms and how to compare
Promotions can enhance value when you understand their true cost and restrictions. Always verify eligibility, time limits, minimum odds and market exclusions before committing funds.
Click our exclusive banners to view current UK-licensed offers in one place. We review and compare them so you can select the most suitable for your style.
Welcome offers, reloads and price boosts
Welcome packages usually deliver the highest headline value but come with strict conditions. Reloads, odds boosts and bet clubs can be more sustainable for regular bettors when terms are fair.
Build a rotation of reputable brands to maximise promos without overexposure. Track net benefit after wagering, not just the face value.
Wagering requirements, caps and eligibility
Wagering multiplies the amount you must stake before withdrawing bonus-derived funds. Check contribution rates by market, maximum winnings, expiry, and any payment method exclusions.
Minimum odds can push you into higher-variance selections, so size stakes modestly. If terms reduce your edge, it may be better to decline the promo and take the top price instead.
How we compare bonuses across bookmakers
We evaluate promotional value net of wagering, market access, min odds and time window. We also examine site usability, payout speed, KYC efficiency and safer gambling tools.
Use our reviews and banners to choose a licensed operator that fits your needs. Secure the best available terms and verify all conditions before you bet.
Data, research, models and tracking your bets
Shape your edge with consistent research, not hunches. Even a simple model built from stable stats beats guesswork over time.
Document your reasoning so you can review and refine. This discipline also reduces emotional decision-making during variance.
Building a simple model and testing inputs
Start with a handful of predictive inputs like shot quality, recent strength of schedule and lineup continuity. Calibrate weights using historical data, then test out-of-sample before risking money.
Keep the model simple and robust rather than complicated and overfitted. Update cautiously and compare predictions to closing prices for feedback.
Sources of data and how to avoid bias traps
Use consistent, reliable data sources and standardise definitions so stats mean the same thing across leagues. Avoid cherry-picking timeframes or overreacting to tiny samples.
Beware of recency and confirmation bias by setting rules before you look at the prices. Let structured analysis, not emotion, drive your selections.
Tracking prices, bet rationale and outcomes
Record the odds you took and the closing price to gauge whether you beat the market. Log your pre-match rationale and post-match review in the same place.
Over time, this habit reveals which insights are durable and which are noise. It also makes it easier to scale up successful approaches responsibly.
Bookmakers vs exchanges: fees, odds and uses
Traditional sportsbooks set margins into their prices and often limit winners at scale. Exchanges charge commission but can offer sharper prices and the ability to both back and lay.
Choose the venue that best suits your selection, stake size and timing. A blended approach often unlocks better value and flexibility.
Commission rates, liquidity levels and depth
Exchanges add commission to net winnings, so factor that into any comparison. Liquidity and market depth vary by event and time, affecting your achievable stake and price.
On quiet markets, sportsbooks may beat exchanges on final price and fill. On major fixtures, exchanges often lead on sharpness and transparency.
When to use exchanges versus sportsbooks
Use exchanges to back at bigger prices, to lay outcomes you oppose, or to trade around key moments. Use sportsbooks for promos, best odds guaranteed on racing, and niche markets with low exchange volume.
Always check both sides via our partner links before you click confirm. Even a 0.02 improvement in decimal odds adds up across a season.
Lay betting, trading and managing exposure
Laying an outcome is like acting as the bookmaker, so understand liability and worst-case loss. Trading in and out around information events can reduce variance when you plan entries and exits properly.
Set maximum liability thresholds before you place any lay bet. Stick to them regardless of match emotion or commentator noise.
Responsible betting tools, checks and guidance
Gambling should be enjoyable entertainment, not a way to make money or solve problems. Set time and money limits and only stake what you can afford to lose.
All offers featured are for adults 18+ and from UK-licensed operators. Please use safer gambling tools and take breaks regularly.
Only 18+ and keep gambling within your means
You must be 18 or over to use UK betting sites, and age verification is required. Bet with a clear budget and never borrow money to gamble.
Do not treat gambling as a source of income or financial security. If it stops being fun, stop and review your habits.
Safer gambling tools, time-outs and exclusion
Every reputable operator offers deposit limits, loss limits, time reminders, time-outs and self-exclusion. You can set these in your account area and adjust them to fit your needs.
Cooling-off periods help you reset after a busy run of fixtures. Self-exclusion is available if you feel your control slipping at any point.
Signs of harm and where to get confidential help
Warning signs include chasing losses, hiding spend, betting with bill money, or feeling anxious about gambling. If any of these sound familiar, take a break and seek support.
UK-based help is confidential and non-judgemental, and you can access guidance any time. Look for links on operator sites to dedicated support services and blocking tools.
Direct next steps and how to use Best Of Bets
Compare odds, promos and markets from UK-licensed brands with the banners and links on this page. Click through to secure verified welcome packages or reload bonuses that suit your style.
Build your staking plan, track your bets, and only proceed when the price is right. Enjoy the action, keep perspective, and bet responsibly at all times.
Odds and offers are subject to change, availability and operator terms. This content is for information only and is not financial advice; gambling is for 18+ adults in the UK.
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.
How do I convert fractional and decimal odds into implied probability?
Convert fractional A/B to decimal by (A ÷ B) + 1 and implied probability by B ÷ (A + B), while decimal D implies probability of 1 ÷ D.
How do I identify a value bet?
A bet is value when your estimated true probability for an outcome exceeds the bookmaker’s implied probability at the available odds.
Which football markets should I learn first?
Begin with match result (1X2), double chance, draw no bet, totals and both teams to score, before exploring handicaps, Asian lines and correct score.
What staking plan and base unit should I use?
Use small base units of roughly 0.5%–2% of bankroll with level or percentage staking, adjusting only as your bankroll and confidence evolve.
What is closing line value (CLV) and why is it important?
CLV is the difference between your taken odds and the price at kick-off, and beating it consistently indicates a sustainable edge.
How should I approach in‑play betting and cash‑out?
Pre-plan entries, rely on fast, reliable data, stake only when live prices match updated probabilities, and compare cash‑out offers to a fair manual hedge.
How do bookmaker bonuses and wagering requirements work?
Welcome and reload offers can add value but usually include wagering, minimum odds, market exclusions and expiry windows that must be met before withdrawal.
When should I use a betting exchange instead of a sportsbook?
Choose exchanges for sharper prices, liquidity-led trading and laying, and sportsbooks for promotions, Best Odds Guaranteed on racing and niche markets.
Who can use Best Of Bets’ offers and how do I bet safely?
Offers are for UK adults aged 18+ only, so set deposit and loss limits, never chase losses, and bet only what you can afford to lose.
How does Best Of Bets help me compare UK bookmakers and secure bonuses?
Best Of Bets compares odds, markets and verified UK‑licensed bonuses in real time, with links to claim offers and read full terms and conditions.
