Pros and cons
- Bigger potential rewards.
- More betting markets.
- Ability to lock in profits.
- Adds extra interest to matches.
What is spread betting?
When placing a sports bet you’ll typically be choosing a team or player that you believe will win, with a fixed amount of winnings if your prediction proves to be correct. As we’ve explored in a previous guide, it’s also possible to create your own odds at the
best betting exchanges, thanks to a system of ‘back’ and ‘lay’ bets agreed between the two parties making the wager.
Spread betting works rather differently, as you’re not backing someone to win or lose. Instead, sport spread betting sites allow you to adopt the Buy and Sell positions that you’ve possibly come across in the financial markets.
An example of a sports betting spread
Let’s say you’re considering betting on a football match between Chelsea and Liverpool. You could bet on either team to win, with the odds indicating the potential returns if your prediction is correct. But with a spread bet you won’t be wagering on either team winning - you’ll be betting on outcomes such as the Total Goals scored during the match, with the Sell-Buy range set out by the sportsbook.
For example, in our suggested Chelsea v Liverpool match, the spread for Total Goals could be set at 1.8 - 2. This effectively means that the sportsbook thinks 2 goals will be scored overall, with no consideration given to which teams or players are responsible for them. If you believe that more than 2 goals will be achieved then you’d adopt the Buy position, but if you think that the match will end with one goal, or none at all, you’d choose Sell.
Spread betting offers the chance for bigger wins - but the risk can be high
Set your Buy stake at £5 for the Chelsea v Liverpool match and it’s not just a matter of receiving back a fixed amount if your prediction proves to be correct. You’ll win £5 for every goal, so there’s the possibility of receiving a decent cash payout if multiple goals are scored during the event. But if you’ve taken the Sell position and more than 2 goals are landed, you’ll be paying out £5 for each one, so it’s easy to see how losses far exceeding your original wager could be incurred, keep in mind
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How to choose the right
spread betting site
Bettors in Ireland have a few options in terms of betting platforms offering the chance to explore spread betting, but that doesn’t mean you should simply pick one, sign up and start wagering. There are a number of points to consider, so the fact that a site allows you to wager on Buy or Sell positions should take a back seat to begin with - there are other more important aspects that need to be factored in first.
Here at betting.co.uk we take a robust approach to checking out gaming sites, and we’re extremely strict about it too. We have a well-honed system for reviewing and rating online sportsbooks and casinos, and we most definitely don’t believe in cutting any corners, so you can depend on us to bring you the complete details. These are just some of the checks we make when conducting our reviews on the leading spread betting sites:
| Licence: | Every betting site operating in Ireland is required to be in possession of a valid licence issued by a recognised industry regulator. There are plenty of regulatory bodies, but the UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Commission) MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) and Gibraltar Gambling Commission tend to uphold the highest standards of all. The GRAI (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland) is a new industry regulator that you can also expect to see featuring on gambling platforms across Ireland over the coming months. |
| Security: | Even if you’re in a hurry to deposit funds and start wagering, security isn’t something you can afford to be complacent about. You’ll be inputting personal data and revealing your financial information so robust security protocols, including SSL encryption are absolutely non-negotiable. Customer funds should also be maintained away from the platform’s other financial affairs as an extra safety precaution. |
| User experience: | Everyone has to start somewhere, but that’s not something all online betting sites appreciate. As part of our comprehensive review process, we always make a point of checking out how easy a platform is to navigate, assessing its overall look and feel and determining whether it’s more suitable for beginners or experienced bettors. |
| Mobile apps: | Now that the majority of bettors prefer to conduct wagers on handheld devices, some platforms provide a downloadable app. They’re not always necessary, particularly for newer sites that have been developed with mobile users in mind, so we make sure to let you know whether any downloads are needed, as well as giving you a heads up on the overall mobile experience. |
| Payment methods: | You can’t use credit cards to fund your betting account, but we’ll fill you in all your available options, which should include debit cards, bank transfers and eWallets at the very least. We also let you know about any limits, expected timeframes for withdrawals, and any fees to watch out for. |
| Customer support: | If you run into any technical problems, or you have a question, you’ll need to know that there’s a reliable route to the support team. We check whether there’s a live chat feature, as well as telling you about FAQs, Help Centres, email address, telephone numbers and support tickets - as well as anticipated waiting times, if applicable. . |
| Bonuses and rewards: | An introductory offer of a deposit match bonus or free bets is always welcome, and once again, you can trust us to have the full details - as well as a few exclusive promo codes to get you off to a positive start. |
| Special features: | Not only do we explore all the available betting markets, but we look out for added-value extras too. Whether you’re hoping to find in-play betting, live streaming or the top betting sites with cash out, we can always point you in the right direction. |
Comparison table of the
best spread betting sites
The best options for sports spread betting in Ireland right now are Sporting Index and Spreadex, both of which score highly in our ratings.
| Betting site | New customer bonus | Tutorials available | Live streaming |
| Spreadex | £40 in free bets | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sporting Index | £20 in free bets | ✅ | ❌ |
Top tips for making the most of your
spread betting site
We go to great lengths here at betting.co.uk to ensure our reviews and guides are packed with relevant and up-to-date information, but we still aim to go that little bit further to add extra value to every wagering experience. So we’ve set out five top tips to help ensure that once you’ve found your ideal sports spread betting site you can take full advantage of the wagering opportunities available to you.
1 Bet with small stakes when you’re first starting out
When spread betting goes in your favour the rewards can be seriously impressive, but there’s also the potential for big losses if you get it wrong. New bettors who are just starting out could quickly find that losses spiral out of control, which is why it’s so essential to set defined limits - and even more so when you’re just dipping your toes into spread betting waters for the first time. Keep your wagers as small as possible to begin with, as you get a feel for how it all works. You’ll be lowering your prospects of walking away with a big win, but by the same token you won’t find yourself completely out of pocket if events don’t go in your favour.
2 Choose your betting market with care
There’s a huge variety when it comes to spread betting on sporting events, so selecting the most appropriate ones for your level of expertise is key to your overall enjoyment. Although there’s the possibility of some surprising outcomes if you choose to bet on Total Goals in a match, for example, there’s much more potential for huge losses if you make the wrong selection on Total Goal Minutes.
3 Start with Buy bets until you’re familiar with spread betting
It’s impossible to put too much emphasis on the unpredictability of any sporting event, so every bettor understands that there’s always a degree of risk involved. Spread betting is exceptionally risky due to the way it operates, but the possibility of capitalising on positive outcomes means that many bettors are more than happy to take the rough with the smooth. Sell bets are considered to be riskier, so it’s always best to start out with Buy bets when you’re learning how spread betting works.
4 Set out your maximum loss limit
When you’re betting on fixed odds it’s only your stake that you stand to lose if you back the wrong team or player. The fact that you could lose much more than your stake when spread betting means it’s really important to calculate possible losses before you start wagering. Define the maximum sum that you’d be prepared to lose, then calculate your bets according to the absolute worst case scenario to avoid any unpleasant surprises if things don’t go your way.
5 Take time to understand the markets
Whether you’re trying out some new betting sites or exploring a new way of placing a sports wager, it’s a good idea to test the waters before diving in. There’s certainly the possibility of big wins, but this is most definitely a case of the more knowledge the better. Read up on spread betting and watch a few instructional videos to improve your understanding of how it works. Even more importantly, you should make a point of only wagering on markets that you’re familiar with - this is a type of betting in which simply guessing and hoping for the best won’t do you any favours at all.
A closer look at our favourite spread betting sites in October
Next, let us take a little bit of time to shine the spotlight on Spreadex -- our most trusted spread betting site in October
Spreadex
Spreadex: Pros & Cons
- Choice of two welcome offers
- Competitive odds
- Impressive mobile app
Spreadex looks to kick things off by offering you one of two welcome offers. The first rewards you with 2x€5 spread bets and €300 in cashback for simply opening a spread betting account. The second option offers you the chance to unlock €50 in bets after wagering €25 on fixed odds.
Regardless of your preferred way to bet online, you’ll find that Spreadex caters to all, providing you with markets on all kinds of competitive leagues and sports backed by the very best odds. Football, greyhounds, virtuals, horse racing, and more are all just one click away. Plus, you’ll also have the option of enjoying the full sports betting experience via the mobile app.
Spreadex Highlights
- Excellent range of markets covered
- Full apps for extra convenience
- Welcome bonus delivers €40 in free bets
The
best spread betting sites
are right here
As we’ve seen, spread betting comes with a high degree of risk along with the potential for some above-average returns. That means choosing an appropriate sports spread betting site is essential, along with taking the time to learn as much as possible about this type of wagering. Check out our guides and reviews here at betting.co.uk, which come packed with absolutely all the information you need to decide on the option that’s right for you.
We can’t ever promise winning outcomes, but we always go that extra mile to ensure we only recommend safe and reputable betting sites that have successfully passed our rigorous testing process. We can often get you off to a great start by pointing you in the direction of the
best free bet offers
too, so be sure to check out site banners for all the latest deals.
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Spread betting sites
FAQ
🌐 Which is the best spread betting site for sports fans?
Deciding which is the best sportsbook for spread betting is very much a matter of personal opinion, as every platform has its own pros and cons. But our guide here at betting.co.uk is packed with useful information to help you choose the one that’s right for you.
🔒 Is it safe to wager at sports spread betting sites?
Spread betting on sports comes with a high degree of risk, so it’s absolutely essential to select tried and trusted betting sites if you’re planning on giving it a go. Come and take a look at our guide to choosing and using the right betting site for you, along with our top tips for making the most of every sports betting experience.
👍 How do I know which sports spread betting sites are reliable?
Spread betting on sporting events carries a high degree of risk along with the potential for achieving positive outcomes, so choosing the right sportsbook is absolutely essential. We’ve got reviews and guides here at betting.co.uk to ensure you make informed decisions, so don’t register with any betting platforms until you’ve checked them out.
