After 44 games of Euro 2020, we are down to the last eight and on Friday and Saturday we will see the semi-finals take shape.

Is football coming home?

Well, perhaps, but first England must face Ukraine in Rome on Saturday, to keep their eternal hopes of glory on track.  The Three Lions are currently overwhelming favourites to reach the last four for successive major tournaments, at 4/9 with Betway.

But Andriy Shevchenko is breaking footballing ground also in his home country, and for a side who will be massive underdogs to reach Wembley next Wednesday, the Ukrainians will be tricky opponents on neutral turf of the Stadio Olimpico.

Should you choose to back the Ukrainians, you can get eye-opening 9/1 odds with UniBet.

Belgium versus Italy is surely the tie of the round meanwhile, and there is precious little in quality separating the two nations.  The markets agree, but though the Red Devils are ranked the best side in the world, it is the Azzurri priced at the shorter 7/5 with MansionBet.

MansionBet have Belgium at 12/5 however, an equally enticing price.

Goals should be the order of the day here also and for those who like their Both Players to Score markets, for both Ciro Immobile and Romelu Lukaku both to find the net, you can get an extremely appealing 7/1 with Bet365.

Switzerland meanwhile were not expected to be in this position of quarter-finalists, but after stunning France on penalties earlier this week, will fear nobody.  Spain stand between them and a last four date at Wembley, and look very interesting value at 9/2 with all three of Bet365, Betfair and MansionBet.

The fourth quarter-final sees Denmark facing off against the Czechs, who knocked out the Netherlands last time out.  Since Christian Eriksen’s harrowing collapse in the Danes’ opening game of the tournament, The Red and White sneaked into the knockouts and disposed of Wales with ease in the last 16.

At 13/11 with SBK, all other major bookies have Denmark at 11/10 to make the trip to London next week.
If we are looking more widely, Denmark are still 11/1 outright with Betway to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy a week on Sunday, and repeat their Euro ’92 heroics.  And make no mistake, with a wave of emotion and support carrying the team, that could happen.

The Czechs meanwhile, also have their own history in this tournament having reached the final of Euro ’96, and after beating Oranje, have shown they can topple teams that will go on the front foot.  That is what you will get with the Danes, and accordingly, their 3/1 price with Betfred, VBet and Unibet may yet look a shrewd punt.

Betting Fundamentals: Smart Wagers Made Simple

Build on today’s big-match excitement with a clear, practical guide to betting basics from Best Of Bets. This page expands your knowledge with step-by-step how-tos, strategies, and safer gambling essentials for confident, informed play.

If you’re ready to compare trusted UK bookmakers and pick up value deals, use our affiliate links and on-page banners to browse welcome offers and ongoing promotions. Always read terms, conditions and eligibility criteria before you opt in.

How to Bet Online: A Practical Step-by-Step

Start by choosing a licensed UK bookmaker, creating your account, completing KYC, and setting deposit and time limits that suit your budget. Verify your payment method, add funds calmly, and only then begin to explore markets that you understand.

Pick a sport, select a market, assess the odds, and decide your stake using a clear staking plan. Confirm the bet, track your position pre- and in-play if offered, and record the result in a bet tracker for long-term learning.

Understanding odds and implied probability basics

Odds tell a story about the chance of an outcome and the price you pay to back it. Learning to translate prices into implied probability is the foundation of value betting.

Once you see odds as estimated chances, you can compare them with your own assessment. That difference between your view and the market is where potential value lives.

Decimal, fractional and American odds explained

Decimal odds show your total return per unit staked, including stake, which makes calculations quick for UK bettors. Fractional odds show your profit relative to stake, which remains popular in racing and legacy markets.

American odds express favourites with a negative number and underdogs with a positive figure. Mastering all three formats helps when you compare prices and read overseas analysis.

Convert odds to true chance and spot fair prices

Implied probability for decimal odds is 1 divided by the decimal price, then multiply by 100 to get a percentage. For 2.50, that’s 1/2.50 = 0.40 or 40% implied chance.

If your research says the true chance is 45% and the market implies 40%, you’ve found positive expected value. Keep a calculator to hand or use a spreadsheet to speed up checks.

Bankroll management and setting betting limits

Your bankroll is the amount you can afford to set aside for betting, separate from essential expenses. Protect it with deposit caps, time-outs, and a written staking policy.

Never chase losses or increase stakes reactively, because that breaks your plan and elevates risk. Short-term variance is normal; your discipline is what keeps you in the game.

Staking plans: flat, percentage and Kelly notes

Flat staking keeps every bet the same size, which simplifies discipline and stabilises swings. Percentage staking adjusts stakes to a fixed portion of bankroll, maintaining risk proportionality as your balance moves.

The Kelly Criterion uses your edge and odds to size stakes more efficiently, but it can be volatile. If you experiment, consider a fractional Kelly to dampen swings and avoid overexposure.

How to track bets, results and return on stake

Record every bet with date, event, market, price taken, stake, result, and closing line if relevant. Add notes on your reasoning to review quality, not just outcomes.

Calculate key metrics such as ROI, yield, average odds, and performance by sport and market. This turns intuition into data, helping you refine selections and drop weak habits.

Bet types explained: from singles to accumulators

A single is the cleanest bet: one selection, one outcome, one result. Doubles, trebles and accumulators multiply odds but also multiply risk, as every leg must win.

Each-way bets pair a win bet with a place bet at reduced terms, which is common in horse racing. System bets like Trixie, Yankee or Lucky 15 spread risk across combinations of selections.

Handicaps, totals, props and player specials

Handicaps level the field by giving underdogs a head start or favourites a deficit, often offering sharper prices. Totals markets ask you to predict the combined points, goals or runs rather than who wins.

Props and player specials focus on individual or team events, such as shots on target or corners. These markets reward deep sport knowledge but can be more volatile, so stake conservatively.

In-play betting, cash-out and hedging basics

In-play markets move fast, reflecting new information like momentum shifts, injuries and tactical changes. Plan your angles before kick-off so you react with intent rather than impulse.

Cash-out offers let you lock in a partial result at a price set by the bookmaker’s model. Hedging with opposing bets can reduce risk, but be mindful of fees, margins and your original edge.

How bookmakers price markets and move lines

Bookmakers blend statistical models, expert inputs and market behaviour to set and adjust prices. Early lines tend to be tight in core markets and looser in niche angles, where experts may find value.

When heavy money arrives, especially from sharp accounts, prices move to balance risk and reflect updated probabilities. Watch these moves to learn where the market disagrees with public sentiment.

Beating the vig: shop prices and compare margins

The vig or overround is the bookmaker’s margin built into a market’s total probability. Lower margins mean better value for bettors over time.

Open accounts with multiple licensed bookmakers via our banners to line-shop effectively. A few ticks of improvement on many bets can transform long-term results.

Bonuses, free bets and promotions explained

Promotions can add extra value if you understand their rules and apply them with discipline. Always check eligibility, wagering, payment limitations and market restrictions before you click opt-in.

Our affiliate links and advertising banners feature top UK-licensed offers we review and recommend. Use them to compare fair terms, strong pricing, and useful ongoing value.

Welcome offers, qualifiers and wagering terms

Welcome deals often require a qualifying bet at minimum odds with specific payment methods. Some promotions pay free bets, not cash, and exclude certain markets or bet types.

Wagering requirements define how many times a bonus must be staked before withdrawal. Read these carefully and keep a tracker so you complete them without rushing or over-staking.

Ongoing value: boosts, insurance and reloads

Odds boosts can turn close calls into value, particularly on niche props or enhanced multiples. Acca insurance returns stakes as free bets on near-miss slips, softening variance without guaranteeing profit.

Reload bonuses and loyalty clubs reward regular, responsible play when used purposefully. Target promos that fit your strategy rather than forcing bets to fit the offer.

Form, data and research: building better picks

Combine objective data with contextual insight to estimate true probabilities more accurately. Look beyond final scores to metrics that predict performance, such as expected goals or efficiency ratings.

Evaluate consistency, quality of opposition, venue effects and schedule intensity. This turns surface-level trends into deeper conviction that can justify a bet or a pass.

Use stats, injuries, tactics and schedule context

Check injuries, suspensions and rotation risks that change roles and matchups. A star striker at 70% fitness is not the same asset as the name on the team sheet.

Consider tactical styles and how they interact, like high presses versus direct long balls. Factor in rest days, travel, weather and pitch conditions to refine the final probability.

Creating a pre-match routine and checklist

Build a routine you repeat for every bet to reduce errors and emotional decisions. A consistent flow from research to pricing to staking improves performance and accountability.

Your checklist should include market scan, edge estimation, best price, stake calculation, and exit conditions. Close with a sanity check: “If this lost today, would I still be happy with the decision?”

Market timing, team news and weather factors

Key news drops move prices, so timing matters as much as selection quality. If you rely on undisclosed team news, act early; if you wait for confirmation, expect the price to adjust.

Weather changes totals and player props materially, especially wind in outdoor sports. Track forecasts on match day and be ready to pivot if conditions shift late.

Responsible gambling and safer play essentials

Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and keep betting separate from essential living costs.

Protect yourself with deposit limits, time reminders, reality checks and cooling-off periods. If betting stops being fun, step back and seek support promptly.

Age checks, KYC, and tools for setting limits

UK-licensed bookmakers require age and identity verification, which helps keep gambling safe and crime-free. Complete KYC promptly to access full features and responsible gambling tools.

Set daily, weekly or monthly deposit and loss limits that reflect your budget. Use session timers and activity statements to maintain perspective on time and spend.

Time-outs, self-exclusion and getting support

Use time-outs for short breaks or opt for self-exclusion if you need a longer reset. These tools are there to protect you and are simple to activate within your account.

If you feel your gambling is harming you or others, seek independent help. Talking to professionals is a strong, responsible step, and support is confidential.

Practical examples: applying fundamentals to markets

Imagine a football match where the home side is 2.20 and your model makes them 50%. The market implies 45.45% (1/2.20), so you have a potential value edge if your inputs are robust.

Stake using your plan, record the price you took and the closing line to evaluate your timing. Over months, focus on edges that repeat rather than one-off hunches.

From research to price: a quick worked example

Start with baseline team ratings, adjust for injuries and travel, then account for tactical mismatches. Convert your final rating differential into a percentage, and then into a “fair” price.

Compare that fair price with the best live odds via our recommended bookmakers. If the gap covers the vig and leaves a margin, the bet qualifies for your shortlist.

Building your bookmaker portfolio the smart way

Diversify across several licensed UK bookmakers to access the best lines and promos. Some firms specialise in sharp prices on majors, others on niche markets or player props.

Use our affiliate links and banners to open accounts with trusted brands we review. Spreading your action also reduces the risk of being limited in a single account.

Account hygiene, security and payments best practice

Enable two-factor authentication, keep unique passwords, and verify logins regularly. Review payment methods, withdrawal times, and any fees before you deposit.

Maintain tidy records of deposits, withdrawals and bonuses used. Clean data creates cleaner decisions and smoother customer service interactions.

Closing guidance and next steps with Best Of Bets

Apply these fundamentals to your next matchday with a clear routine and measured staking. Compare prices, shop promotions, and pass on bets that don’t meet your edge threshold.

Explore our bookmaker reviews via the affiliate links and banners on this page for competitive prices and fair terms. Remember: 18+ only, bet responsibly, and keep it fun.

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 start betting online safely with UK bookmakers?

Choose a UK-licensed bookmaker, complete KYC, set deposit and time limits, fund calmly, and only bet on markets you understand.

Who can bet online in the UK?

You must be 18+ and pass age and identity verification to use UK-licensed betting sites.

How do I convert decimal odds into implied probability?

Divide 1 by the decimal price and multiply by 100, so 2.50 implies a 40% chance.

What’s the difference between decimal, fractional and American odds?

Decimal shows total return including stake, fractional shows profit relative to stake, and American uses +/− to indicate underdogs and favourites.

How can I find value bets?

Compare your estimated true probability with the market’s implied probability and bet only when your edge remains after the bookmaker’s margin.

Which staking plan is best for beginners?

Flat staking is a simple, disciplined approach that keeps every bet the same size and reduces emotional decision-making.

How should I track my bets and results?

Use a bet tracker recording date, event, market, price taken, stake, result and notes so you can monitor ROI and improve selections.

What should I know about in-play betting, cash-out and hedging?

In-play odds move with new information, cash-out settles early at a bookie-set price, and hedging with opposing bets can reduce risk at a cost.

What must I check before opting into bonuses or free bets?

Always read eligibility rules, minimum odds, payment method limits, market exclusions and wagering requirements, and ensure the promo fits your strategy.

Why open multiple accounts via Best Of Bets?

Comparing several trusted UK bookmakers through Best Of Bets helps you line-shop for better prices and promotions while spreading account risk.