How to Bet on Sports
Betting on sports is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, and at offshore sportsbooks, it has never been more accessible. This guide walks you through everything from reading a line to placing your first wager.
Step 1: Choose a Sportsbook
Not all sportsbooks are created equal. Look for an offshore book with a strong reputation for paying out, competitive odds, and a solid welcome bonus. GODDS ranks all major offshore sportsbooks by our Throne Score algorithm, check our rankings before signing up anywhere.
Step 2: Understand the Odds
American odds use a +/- system. A negative number like -150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100. A positive number like +130 means a $100 bet returns $130 profit. The favorite always has a negative number and the underdog a positive one.
Step 3: Pick Your Bet Type
The three most common bets are the moneyline (picking the winner), the point spread (winning by a margin), and the over/under (total points scored). Start with moneylines, they are the simplest and most straightforward bet type.
Step 4: Fund Your Account
Most offshore sportsbooks accept credit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency. Crypto is the fastest and most widely accepted method, often unlocking larger bonuses and faster payouts. Bitcoin and Ethereum are accepted everywhere.
Step 5: Place Your Bet
Navigate to the sport and game you want to bet on, click the odds to add them to your bet slip, enter your wager amount, and confirm. Your potential payout will be shown before you confirm. Keep bets small until you understand how the platform works.
Step 6: Manage Your Bankroll
Never bet more than you can afford to lose. A standard bankroll management rule is to risk no more than 1-5% of your total bankroll on a single bet. This protects you through losing stretches and keeps you in the game long enough to find your edge.