A standard bookmaker provides a range of over 20 sports categories to select from. Some of these sports gain more prominence due to their widespread popularity. Their straightforward rules make placing bets on these sports quite simple.

One such widely favored sport for entertainment and sports betting is basketball. It’s not only a national pastime for both watching and playing, but also for wagering. This explains the significant focus of PAGCOR on basketball events.

Outlined below is a brief overview of the most popular sports for betting, the available bet types, and some notable events to bet on.

Soccer Betting

Apart from basketball, soccer is another favored choice for sports betting in this region, and it’s easy to understand why. Soccer enjoys global popularity, ensuring a continuous stream of events for betting throughout the year. Furthermore, numerous markets exist, including overall outcomes, double chance, first/last goal method, and anytime goalscorer. Bets can also be placed on variables like the number of goals, corners, and cards.

Tennis Betting

One key reason tennis is a hit among bettors is the absence of draws. A winner must emerge at the end of a match, leaving you to decide who to support. Experienced bettors might engage in matched betting, backing each player to secure a profit irrespective of the outcome. You can choose from several other markets, such as sets played, final set or match scores, and handicap bets, which provide an advantage to one player before the match begins.

Cricket Betting

While cricket is particularly popular in India and Pakistan, it remains open to bets elsewhere. Enthusiastic cricket fans can visit online bookmakers to wager on various cricket events. From the Indian Premier League to the Ashes and Champions League Twenty20, these events offer a wide array of betting markets. Options include boundary count, man of the match, highest opening partnership, leading wicket taker, and naturally, series winner or match outcome.

Rugby Betting

Similar to soccer, rugby’s season runs year-round. In the United Kingdom, the Rugby season spans from February to October, with Rugby Union taking place from September to June. This provides ample betting opportunities weekly. Common markets include match winners, first team to score, winning margin, and highest-scoring half. The season-long trophy winner bet lets you predict the competition winner. Another option is the top try scorer, akin to the top goal scorer in soccer.

Boxing Betting

Boxing gained immense popularity through Manny Pacquiao, yet it was favored even before his fame. Boxing betting becomes especially lively during major fights. Given that only one victor emerges, boxing is suitable for those interested in matched betting. For those seeking more specialized markets, options like total rounds and winning methods (KO, decision, DQ, TKO) are available.

Unique Sports

Sports betting extends beyond mainstream options. The industry offers various choices for diversification and new experiences. Esports, for instance, lets you combine a love for sports betting and video games. Niche options such as betting on political events or even weather conditions provide further avenues.

Aside from basketball, soccer, tennis, cricket, rugby, and boxing, there’s an array of other sporting events available for wagering. Recommended sportsbooks encompass eSports, Futsal, Greyhound Racing, Darts, Bowls, Baseball, and numerous others.

To succeed as a bettor, it’s crucial to grasp odds comprehensively. In the realm of sports betting, odds serve as indicators for the likelihood of specific events and the potential returns tied to your wagers. Lower odds signify a higher likelihood of the event happening. Various odds formats exist, but three prevalent formats are predominantly used by online bookmakers.

American Odds

American odds, as the name suggests, are prevalent primarily among American bookmakers. They showcase projected returns relative to a baseline of 100 units, expressed as either negative (-) or positive (+) values. Negative odds (-200) point to favorites, while positive odds (+200) denote underdogs.

Furthermore, a -200 favorite carries better winning prospects than a -100 favorite. Similarly, a +200 underdog holds a higher likelihood of winning compared to a +500 underdog. Essentially, odds further from 0 indicate lower event likelihood.

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are prevalent in the UK and Europe. Despite their initial complexity, they offer straightforward understanding, presenting potential winnings as fractions of your wager. Examples include 1/5, 10/1, 11/8, 5/2, and so on.

Fractional odds consist of two parts: the denominator and the numerator. The denominator represents your wager, while the numerator signifies anticipated returns. For instance, odds of 10/1 denote staking $10 to gain $1. Conversely, 11/8 implies wagering $11 to yield $8. Exceptions exist; for instance, odds like 1/5 (denominator smaller than numerator) require a $5 stake to obtain $1.

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds, the most prevalent format, serve as the default for numerous sportsbooks. Also known as European odds, they depict the anticipated return for your wager. Decimal odds examples include 1.30, 1.87, 3.70, 6.80, and so on.

A $10 wager at odds of 1.30 yields a $13 return if successful. Similarly, a $10 bet at odds of 6.80 results in a $68 return, inclusive of the initial $10 stake.

If you’re looking to begin your sports betting journey, the information you’ve absorbed is sufficient to secure a few online wins. If you’re new to sports betting in the Philippines or seeking to transition to online platforms, here’s a concise guide on how to start and enhance your chances of success:

1. Creating an Account, Betting, and Withdrawal Process:

   • Sign Up: Click on the ‘Create Account’ or ‘Sign Up’ button and follow on-screen instructions. Activate your account by clicking the confirmation link sent to your email.
   • Depositing: To bet with real money, fund your account using available payment options. Click ‘Deposit’ or ‘Banking,’ choose a method, and follow instructions to complete the transaction.
   • Betting: Navigate to the homepage, view available matches (for in-play betting) and upcoming events (for pre-match betting). Choose an option, set your stake, and confirm the bet.
   • Winning: Successful predictions result in automatic deposit of winnings into your account.
   • Withdrawing: Follow a similar process as depositing to withdraw your winnings. Choose a payment option and complete the withdrawal request. Processing times vary based on the method chosen.

2. Tips for Optimizing Your Sports Betting Experience:

   • Matched Betting: Utilize matched betting by betting on all possible outcomes, suitable for sports without draw options like basketball and tennis.
   • Multiple Accounts: Open accounts across various bookmakers to capitalize on odds differences, securing profit regardless of the event outcome.
   • Betting Exchanges: Advanced bettors can benefit from better odds through betting exchanges.
   • Record Keeping: Maintain a comprehensive record of bets placed, lost, won, stakes, and amounts won. This provides insight into your progress and informs your strategies.
   • In-depth Sports Knowledge: Understand your chosen sport thoroughly to make informed bets. For instance, in football, you’ll know when to opt for the Over/Under Goals market instead of Over/Under Corners.
   • Bonuses and Promotions: Leverage bonuses and promotions wisely to enhance your betting. Utilize this extra cash effectively, win your bets, and withdraw winnings.

Remember, successful sports betting requires a combination of strategy, knowledge, and responsible gambling practices. It’s important to set limits, gamble responsibly, and enjoy the process while enhancing your skills over time.