Sports betting is big business, thanks to online sportsbooks. In the Philippines, like most parts of the world, a wide range of sports are available to bet on at great convenience. You can wager on local, regional, and international sports events at your desired betting website. If you are just getting into online sports betting, then the scene can seem confusing. However, learning critical aspects of the industry allows you to get the most out of it. Whichever questions you have about online sports betting in the Philippines, this guide attempts to answer them. Find out different essentials, from which sporting activities to bet on to the best betting sites and everything in between.
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Is Sports Betting Legal in the Philippines?
Yes. The Philippines is one of the few Asian nations that provide legalized sports betting. Filipino bettors can wager on various games online at licensed betting sites. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) grants licenses to sportsbooks based in the country. These betting sites have permission to offer services to foreigners. Residents can only legally wager on sports online at offshore websites, granted they are regulated. So, your online sports betting options depend on what type of resident you are. You must be at least 21 to use online sportsbooks.
How did Sports Betting Become so Popular?
Betting and gambling go back centuries, although the options were limited. For a long time, these activities were considered improper and, so, took place in shady back rooms. However, as sports gained more audiences worldwide and wagering on games grew popular, the industry saw a resurgence. In the Philippines, betting on sports and casino games is a $6 billion market. The advent and proliferation of the internet are mostly responsible for how far the industry has come.
Online sports betting brought fun closer than ever to people. Bettors can enjoy legal online sports betting from most parts of the nation. Additionally, betting on the web made the process easy. Although betting shops still exist, you are not restricted to them. Besides simplifying betting, online sports betting sites also increased betting opportunities. Horse racing and a few lotteries were the biggest offerings. Now, you can find a betting site with up to 50 sports and thousands of events every week. The extensive coverage available today allows you to expand your horizons.
How Does Betting Work?
Regardless of how popular sports betting is, not everyone understands it. The activity is not overly complicated once you grasp a few elements. In betting, you stake money on something being true or not. Here, you are placing money on the results of a sporting event. If the outcome is true, you win and lose if it’s not. A sportsbook is an operator that takes your wagers and pays your winnings.
How does it do that? Bookmakers pay winners with losing bets. When you wager on a certain result, and another bettor chooses its opposite, it means when one of you wins, the other loses. So, the loser’s stake pays the winner. Unlike playing casino games, betting takes skill and a lot of research. You must know how to analyze selections and pick them sensibly. Your wagering alternatives depend on the sports and markets your preferred site offers.
What are Sports Odds, and Where Do They Come From?
You shouldn’t wager on sports without understanding betting odds. They are how you make money. Odds represent the probability of an event coming true. You determine the return on a stake using betting odds. Think of them as the prices of certain selections. Operators compile betting odds for any events they offer, from basketball games to horse racing to special events. Odds are available in different formats, and knowing how to read them is paramount in online sports betting.
American odds or Money Line odds are written with a plus or minus sign. A +ve odds represent the underdog and show the amount you win for wagering $100. -ve odds are for favorites and tell you the amount to stake to win $100. European or decimal odds show you the amount won per every $1 wager. British or fractional odds indicate the ratio of the winnings to the bet. For instance, 7/1 means you win $6 for every $1. These formats don’t cause any difference in value. Hence, most sports betting sites give customers all three alternatives.
Other Sports Betting Terms and Their Meaning
When betting online on different games and horse racing, you will encounter various words and phrases. Learning their meanings makes betting less complicated. Here are a few:
- Against the Spread – staking money on the underdog in a point spread, meaning you are laying points.
- Contrarian Betting – wagering opposite to the public by taking advantage of lopsided betting percentages.
- Cover – used in spread betting to indicate a win. For example, a favorite winning by six points when the odds were +4 means you covered the point spread.
- Even money – a bet without vigorish.
- Favorite – the team expected to win.
- Push – explains when a game’s outcome is the same as the point spread, meaning no team wins, requiring the sportsbook to return all wagers.
- Reverse-Line Movement – when the betting line movement is oppositive of public betting percentages. For example, a -9.5 team moving to -9 with 80% of the wagers.
- Underdog – the team expected to lose.
- Vigorish (vig or juice) – the tax betting sites impose for taking your bets.
Pros and Cons of Online Sports Betting
The obvious advantage of sports betting is that you can make money. When you make smart selections with excellent betting odds, you could earn decent profits. Unlike casino games, online betting provides you with realistic chances to generate returns.
Online sports betting is convenient. You don’t have to leave the house or the office to stake money on sports. The activity only requires a reputable sportsbook. An array of sports and markets are at your fingertips to bet on as desired.
You don’t have to learn a lot to bet online. Beginners won’t have a hard time finding their way around. Once you understand odds, types of bets, and how to place a wager, you can start betting.
As with anything else, betting has its downsides. One is that you could lose money. Although research and analysis help, you can’t be confident of the outcomes.
Having too much fun at betting sites can reduce your productivity. Bookmakers always have something to bet on, hence, if you are not careful, you could spend hours every day on these platforms.
Popular Sporting Activities to Bet On
One big plus point of online betting is that bettors have a large collection of games from which to choose. Libraries vary across sportsbooks, but an average operator will have at least 20 sports. Here are a few Filipino favorites available at top websites:
Basketball
No other sport inspires passion among Filipinos as much as basketball does. It is the national sport with a fan base that includes everyone from toddlers to adults. Basketball draws the attention of millions on TV, with the Philippine Basketball Association ranking as one of the top leagues in Asia. The game is available at the collegiate level, as well. For this reason, any operator serving the region offers basketball markets. You can wager on the PBA during the regular and the pre-season. The NBA is also a huge attraction in the country. Continental and international competitions like the EuroLeague are also big markets.
Football
The Filipino football scene goes back to before WWII, even though the sport doesn’t have the huge following basketball does. Football gained more followers in 2010 after the national team qualified for the ASEAN Football Federation semi-finals. With the global attention football commands, especially during the World Cup, it’s impossible for it not to have a fan base almost everywhere. In the Philippines, you can bet on major football tournaments, from the Asian Cup to the English Premier League to Copa America.
E-Sports
Undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing betting industries, e-sports has forced bookmakers to increase their offerings. The Philippines has an active gamer community, which is one reason eSports are becoming popular by the day. Talented gamers participate in various events, thus building a bigger fan base for the genre. If you prefer eSports betting, Filipino sites let you pick from a host of events. Expect to find markets for major competitions like the World of Warcraft.
Other Sports Popular in the Philippines
Several other sports have decent popularity rates in the country, meaning they are viable online betting alternatives. Horse racing is one of the few legal betting markets in the Philippines. It’s also one of the oldest activities to bet on. Although horse racing might be considered for the elite, it remains a favorite way to make money for many sports bettors. Billiards or snooker is another fun activity that is available at sportsbooks. The game is easily accessible, with almost every neighborhood owning billiards halls.
Volleyball is a popular summer pastime in the Philippines, but the sport draws attention all year round. Locals play volleyball in backyards, public parks, and vacant lots. The Philippines has a professional women’s volleyball league. When it comes to individual sports, boxing takes the cake. With the legendary Manny Pacquiao and other champions, the country boasts impressive talent in the sport.
Sports Betting Types You Can Place
Before creating your online betting account to start wagering, know the different ways you can bet on a sport. Online sportsbooks offer a myriad of markets, leaving it up to you to select the most appropriate one. Below are common bet types.
- Money Line – You bet on a team’s probability of winning. So, you stake money on whether it wins or loses. The figures in a money line indicate how big a favorite or underdog is.
- Outright – Similarly to a Money Line, you are betting on the final result of a match.
- Parlay or Accumulator – This bet allows you to put several selections on one ticket. The point is to maximize profit by having different wagers.
- Futures – You can opt to put money on the outcome of a future sports event. In Futures, you can bet on a team or player. For example, the MVP winner in the PBA.
- Totals or Over/Under – The bet is for the combined number of goals, run lines, or points scored in a match. You have to wager if the result will be more (Over) or less (Under) than the bookmaker’s score.
- Proposition (Prop) – A sportsbook can let you stake money on different occurrences during a game. These selections are not related to the final score. For example, First Team to Score in a football game.
How to Pick the Right Sport to Bet On?
While most advice about online betting cuts across various sports, you have to familiarise yourself with the intricacies of individual games. How you bet on association football is not the same way you approach American football. Hence, be careful when deciding the right sport for you. Your sports betting objective is one element to look at. Why do you want to wager? If making money is the goal, then you have to factor in the profitability of a particular game. Can you get good returns from sports betting? If you want fun, then pick a sport you love watching.
The types of bets a sport provides are integral to your betting. Some games have complex wagers, while others offer simple ones. So, decide which bets best match your sports betting skills. Stay away from sports with markets you don’t understand. For example, if you have trouble grasping spread betting, then American football and baseball are not ideal for you. A novice should try to stick to common offerings. The more popular a game is, the more information there is on it, which is a plus for your betting plans.
Tips and Strategies to be Successful at Sports Betting
Don’t be in a hurry to master online sports betting, it takes time. Thus, be patient with the learning process. Be willing to put in the necessary effort to keep educating yourself. Leverage the numerous resources online to get familiar with different aspects of online betting.
Before you start staking wagers, set objectives and stick to them. It’s how you stay disciplined and responsible.
Have a budget and a betting strategy to avoid reckless wagering. Maintain a record of your betting to track spending.
Compare sports betting odds and lines to ensure you get maximum value. Online sportsbooks differ significantly in how they price various markets. Therefore, look at odds from the top online betting sites to find the best offers.
Avoid betting when emotional or under the influence. Impaired judgment can lead to costly mistakes.
How to Decide on the Amount to Bet?
As a novice, you might be confused as to how much is enough for your online sports betting. The first rule is to wager only money you are comfortable losing. Therefore, you should never view sports betting as an investment that will bring back returns. Start by setting a budget based on your income. Ensure you have funds for all essentials before apportioning some to your betting plans. Next, you need to determine a unit stake, which is the amount you put down for each selection. The recommended size is 1% of the bankroll for beginners. Once you are more confident, you can raise it to 2% – 3%.
Online vs Offline Betting – Which is Better?
How can you decide between brick-and-mortar and online sports betting? The biggest appeal of betting at a physical location is the environment. Imagine going out to the horse racing tracks or sitting at the bar watching a game with other fans as you bet. The feeling is unmatched. Another advantage is that with offline betting, you can collect winnings straightway as opposed to waiting a few days until an online sportsbook can process your withdrawal request. Online sports betting beats physical bookmakers in convenience. You can even bet on your smartphone. Line shopping is uncomplicated when wagering online because various betting sites provide odds comparison. Additionally, you have more betting options online than offline.
Tips for Bankroll Management
Whether betting on sports or casino games, bankroll management is good practice. Always keep an eye on the money you intend to spend to avoid rookie mistakes. As mentioned above, have a budget and keep these funds separate. As a new bettor, deposit a fraction of your budget to see how your betting goes first. Remember to establish a unit stake proportionate to your balance. Have a strategy for growing your bankroll. You can decide to take a share of your profits and add to the original amount while saving the rest. As your bankroll grows, so should your bet size. So, adjust it accordingly.
How to Choose the Right Online Sportsbook for Your Betting Journey?
You could learn everything about sports betting, but have a bad experience because of the bookmaker you picked. Selecting an online sports betting site from the seemingly limitless alternatives available can be daunting. Begin by checking licensed and registered online betting sites. Regulated operators guarantee a certain standard of service delivery. Also, they are legal.
If you want the full online betting experience, ensure a sportsbook offers all the required features. You should be able to cash out, edit bets and bet in-game. Bet Builder, Bet Exchange, and live streaming are premium offerings.
Consider bonuses. New player packages, accumulator boosts, and free bet offers are some promotions sportsbooks offer in the Philippines. Evaluate different promotions and select the ones with fair terms.
The best online betting sites should meet your needs. If you intend to play casino games too, then the site should make that easy. Consider the sports and betting markets provided.
A bookmaker’s supported payment methods influence how easily you can deposit and withdraw. Sports betting websites that accept local banking solutions have an advantage. Remember to confirm if a sportsbook charges for transactions.
Check the mobile sports betting options. Does the operator have an app or mobile site? Whatever it is, ensure it provides a decent range of sports, runs seamlessly, and has all the features.
A List of the Top Sports Betting Sites for Filipino Players
Thanks to the massive growth of the sports betting industry, bettors have thousands of websites from which to pick. However, not all betting sites are worth your time. Here are five of the best sports betting sites for Filipinos:
PNXBET
The sportsbook is tailored for Filipinos, with markets and payment methods that cater to the region. Launched in 2019, PNXBET offers more than 40,000 live events every month. It has an average coverage of popular markets, with decent basketball betting odds. Expect attractive promotions, including free bets.
22Bet
With more than 1,000 live events daily across major sports leagues, 22Bet ensures Filipinos have enough to meet their needs. The site has a long list of sports and all the basic features including cash out, livescore, and Bet Builder. 22Bet has free bets deposit bonuses and cashback offers, as well.
Cloudbet
If cryptocurrency sports betting piques your interest, Cloudbet is the most reputable sportsbook to try in the Philippines. It supports several digital coins, including Bitcoin. The website offers a broad sport selection and popular markets. Additionally, it provides interesting prop bets.
Betfair
One of the biggest online sports betting sites in the Philippines, Betfair boasts comprehensive coverage. Regular and niche sports, such as water polo, are available. The operator is suitable for eSports betting because it has more than 10 offerings. Betfair also provides live streaming, in-play betting, cashout, and Bet Builder.
1xBet
One area 1xBet shines is the promotions. It has everything from welcome packages to free bet offers. The bookmaker has a high payout rate of about 98.4% and some of the best betting odds for football. If you like betting on mobile, 1xBet has highly intuitive platforms for Android and iOS devices. It’s also ideal for online gambling.
Conclusion
At this point in the guide, you must be better informed about online sports betting than when you started. You have an idea of the sports you can bet on in the Philippines and the different betting markets. Sports betting is a fun activity with a vibrant global audience. Filipinos have as wide an array of betting options as any other sports bettors in the world. Whether you prefer using your PC or mobile device, you can wager competitively on local and international events. Don’t forget to use licensed betting sites and find out about tax requirements on winnings. Remember to bet responsibly.