How to Open an Online Betting Account

There are several reasons why players prefer online bookmakers instead of land-based shops. Besides the ease of use, the odds are higher, the variety of markets wider, and they can qualify for numerous bonuses and promotions. One of the most common questions new users ask is how to create an online betting account.

Even though you can access thousands of sportsbooks literally, you will be glad to know that the process is more or less similar. However, you should be on the lookout for the online betting registration requirements like restricted countries and account preferences, as well as possible problems you might encounter. Let’s get down to it.

How to Create a Bet Account in 6 Steps

Before learning how to bet online, you must first sign up with a bookie. Usually, the whole process can be completed within a few minutes, as sites tend to ask for similar information while you sign up. Underneath, you can see all the required steps you need to take to open an online betting account:

Step 1 - Pick a Bookmaker: Before anything, you must select the online bookmaker you want to register with.

Step 2 - Click on the ‘Register’ button: Select the sign up option that will transfer you to a different page. Then you will need to provide some personal information.

Step 3 - Fill in the Registration Form: Most sites will ask for your name, email address, residence, phone number, and date of birth. Some might ask you for additional information. In any case, the form will look something like this.

Step 4 - Choose the Username & Password: To be able to come back and log in again, you have to choose a unique username and password to protect your account.

Step 5 - Accept the Terms and Conditions: The site will ask you to accept the T&Cs before you start betting. We advise you to read them carefully in advance to avoid any surprises later on.

Step 6 - Activate your Account: Some bookies will ask you to activate your account by email or through the phone number you provided when you signed up. This is to make sure that the data you presented is true.

Alternative Sign-Up Options

First, you can enter a bookie by adding your mobile number. You will receive a text message with a PIN code that you must input into the form to confirm it. Another way is to link your social media accounts, such as Facebook or Twitter.

These platforms already have your personal info, so a sportsbook can retrieve them from there. Finally, on a handful of bookmakers, you can register with 1-click. The only thing you need to choose is your preferred currency.

Then, you will be given a unique username and password. These options are quicker, and you will probably be asked to input the rest of your information later. If you are wondering which site to choose, check the list below.

How to Set up a Betting Account via Mobile

If you are using a smartphone, you can open a betting account. You can visit the bookmaker from your web browser and locate the register button. The rest is the same as before. Top online bookmakers like Bet365, 22bet, and Unibet have developed mobile betting apps to make it easier for players.

You can download these from the official website and create a profile with the bookie. With so many people betting on the go these days, applications can definitely come in handy. Note that you can use the same login details for mobile and desktop betting; you don’t need two separate accounts.

What are the Online Betting Registration Requirements

While you set up a betting account, there are several additional requirements you need to pay attention to. Each country has different laws and regulations regarding online gambling. Let’s see at everything else you might encounter during the process:

⏩ Restricted countries: First and foremost, you must ensure that the bookie accepts players from your country. Most have a list of regions they do not welcome players from. You can find out if you can register either in the drop-down menu in the registration form or by contacting customer support.

⏩ Age: To start betting, you must be of legal age. But how old do you have to be to bet exactly? Depending on the country, the minimum you have to be ranges from 18 to 21 years old. Anyone underage will not be able to sign up.

⏩ Residence: Make sure the address you provided is correct. The bookmaker will ask you to provide a document that proves it to verify your account. If you make any mistakes, you won’t be able to complete the verification.

⏩ Personal info: Much like the address, all the personal information you provide must be true and correctly spelt, since you also need a valid ID to verify your online betting account.

⏩ Security QnA: Many sites will ask you to answer a security question as a way to protect your account. You will need the answer in case you lose your password. The most common ones are ‘what is the city you grew up in’, ‘what is your mother’s maiden name’, or ‘what is the name of your first pet’.

⏩ Preferences: Apart from all the information you must provide, you will also select your account preferences. The biggest bookmakers ask you to pick your preferred odds format, alongside the betting and deposit limits.

Do I Also Qualify for an Online Betting Account Bonus

One of the easiest ways for bookmakers to motivate new players to create a betting account is by offering a lucrative Welcome Bonus. In particular, when you are trying a bookmaker for the first time, these offers can make or break your whole experience. There are several different types of bonuses.

The most common one is the Deposit Offer, where you get an extra cash percentage on your first deposit, like 50%, 100%, or 200%. Other kinds include Free Bets, Enhanced Odds, and Mobile Bonuses. Usually, bookies will ask you to pick the Offer you want during the signup process.

Depending on where you want to play, casino or sportsbook, you might only be able to claim one, so make sure you do not make any mistakes. Also, note that you might need bookmaker promo codes to activate the bonus, so make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before depositing. 

How Can I Add Money to my Betting account

Once you’ve completed the online betting registration process, it’s time to fund your betting account and start playing. For years, the transaction options at the player’s disposal have been critical for picking a betting site. On most sites, you can select from various bookmaker deposit methods.

✔️ Debit/Credit Cards: Almost everyone has one of these. It’s the oldest payment method online because it is simple and accepted everywhere in the world. Of course, VISA and Mastercard are the most prominent, but you can also use local ones.

✔️ E-wallets: Options like Skrill, Neteller, or Ecopayz have become essential and are tailored to each player’s needs. Using them is lightning-fast, but they might be excluded from Welcome Bonuses.

✔️ Instant Bank Transfers: This is one of the most trusted alternatives since you can pay using your back directly. Local bank transfers, namely Klarna, iDeal, and Trustly, are extremely popular.

✔️ Vouchers: Due to the low limits and the confined availability around them, getting a PIN from vouchers like Paysafecard, Flexepin, or Astropaycard has steadily been declining.

✔️ Mobile Payments: Even though online bookies have not caught up yet, some sites still allow you to deposit and withdraw with mobile methods, such as Boku and Zimpler.

✔️ Cryptocurrencies: Cryptos, for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin offer high levels of anonymity and instant transactions. However, they might also be excluded from the promotions.

What Should I Do After Signing Up

If you have done everything correctly and paid attention to all the necessary terms and requirements, you can start betting. However, the process does not stop at online betting registration. It’s important to know why you need to verify your account and how you can withdraw your winnings.

Account Verification

Like bettors want all the payments to be transparent, bookmakers also wish to avoid scammers. For that reason, in most sites, you must also complete the KYC verification process. Essentially, you must provide valid documents that prove your name and physical address. The KYC was introduced a few years ago to prevent money laundering and other fraudulent practices.

If you don’t complete it within a specific timeframe, you will not able to perform transactions and your account will eventually be blocked. If you want to learn more on the topic of how to complete the bookmaker KYC verification process, make sure to check our detailed article.

Withdrawals

If you rollover the bonus and win money, excellent. Now it’s time to cash out your hard-earned profits. The cashier on the online bookmaker will showcase all the alternatives at your disposal. These will differ slightly from the deposit option but do not fret. It’s best to choose the same method you have used to deposit, if possible, to avoid any problems.

You need to pay attention to a couple of things, though. First, the minimum and the maximum amount you are allowed to withdraw. Second, if the withdrawals come with any fees. Finally, how long will it take for the money to reach your bank account? Fast withdrawal sites are some of the most sought-after bookies.

Delete the Account

There are many possible reasons of why a player might want to delete his online account. Constant technical issues, mediocre product, unresponsive customer support, lack of offers or the loss of gambling control are among the main ones.

And while it may sound simple, the actual how to delete a bet account process can be long and annoying, as every bookmaker holds its own set of terms & conditions. The easiest way is to contact the customer support team and state that you wish to delete your account, so they will guide you through accordingly.

Which Bookmakers Have the Best Online Betting Accounts

Choosing the right site to place your wagers can make or break the whole experience. When creating a betting account, you need to consider several different factors. If you feel overwhelmed, choose one of the sites in the list underneath or visit our comparison page and weigh up the top sportsbooks. You can also follow our guides on how to bet for beginners to learn all the basic strategies.