The sportsbook
Start with the market, then the price
A sportsbook organises betting around events and markets. Before making a selection, identify the exact event, the period covered by the bet and the settlement rules. A match winner, a goals total and a handicap are different predictions, even when they concern the same game.
The explanations below use hypothetical examples. Available events and markets are shown in the sportsbook.
Explore the terminology
Pre-match, live and esports
Before an event starts
A pre-match market is offered before play begins. Its settlement depends on the named event, market and rules.
Markets during an event
In-play prices may change as an event progresses. Markets can be suspended, and the displayed price may change before a bet is accepted.
Three possible outcomes
In a standard football match-result market, 1 means a home win, X a draw and 2 an away win. The specified match period matters.
A stated adjustment to the score
A handicap adds or subtracts a specified amount before the result is assessed. Different handicap types have different settlement rules.
Over or under a stated total
A goals total is a prediction about the combined goals compared with a stated line, such as 2.5. It is separate from predicting the winning team.
Several selections in one bet
The selections are linked. Typically every included selection needs to succeed for the accumulator to win, subject to void and settlement rules.
Competitive video-game events
Markets can relate to a match, map or series. The named competition and settlement rules determine what a selection covers.
Understand a price
What decimal odds tell you
Decimal odds show the potential total return for each pound staked on a winning selection. They include the original stake. For example, a £10 winning bet at 2.50 returns £25 in total, of which £15 is profit before any applicable charges or adjustments.
Decimal odds, explained
Hypothetical numbers — no live event or market
The return includes the original stake and only applies to a winning, settled selection. A losing bet normally loses its stake. This does not assess the likelihood of winning.
Before confirming
Read the details of your selection
Check the event and market
Confirm the participants, the start time and the match period covered by the bet.
Review the accepted price
Live prices can change and markets can pause. The accepted odds may differ from an earlier display.
Understand settlement
Read the rules for draws, postponements, void selections, extra time and abandoned events.
Set a spending limit
Choose an affordable budget before betting. Do not increase stakes to recover a loss.