Beginners Guide to Virtual Sports Betting

Virtual sports are anything but new to the online gaming community. Dating back to 1961, when the first fantasy baseball match was developed, the sport is recognized by almost every country in the world. It is within the past 3 decades that virtual sports took over the iGaming market. Fuelling this progression is the evolution of computer technologies, coupled with the turbo-fast internet systems available across the globe.

If you’re an avid sports fan, this information is no news. However, for fresh faces, it’s crucial to understand every aspect of the game. Many bookies offer welcome bonuses to first-time punters, so you can put your game face on and take advantage of such rewards. Since there’s no such thing as a free meal, watch out for T&Cs tied to the offer. But that’s just half of it. Our guide will break down the golden rules for a wholesome virtual sports betting experience.

Page Navigation

Understanding the rules

virtual sports guide

Inherent to real sports activities, virtual sports events come with a string of regulations. These serve to protect the interests of both parties. So, it’s of the utmost importance to research and fully comprehend the rules of the game. Furthermore, virtual sporting rules serve as guidelines on how to strike a lucky bet. Deficient of a detailed understanding of the sport, you’ll be stuck playing a million times over without any luck.

Note that virtual sports betting rules differ according to the type of sporting activities. However, there are a few general rules shared across titles. To save you time surfing the internet searching for these rules, we’ve narrowed down all the basics.

  • Bets are placed before the onset of the event.
  • Results are displayed on-screen after every match.
  • In cases of technical glitches, all bets are considered void, and refunds are made to customers. This applies when the match fails to start or finish.

Types of Virtual Sports

virtual sports betting types

Virtual sports have been on the rise in the past few years. While the underlying reason remains a subject for discussion, many reviews point towards competition in the market. The technological advancement in the industry cannot be dismissed. With these key factors being established, you’ll notice that almost every virtual sport strongly resembles its physical counterpart. Whether you enjoy football, tennis or horse racing, you’ll find a virtual variant with similar rules. Some virtual sports outcomes are determined using an RNG, while others are played out on video gaming consoles.

Virtual Football

Football is undeniably a champion in the sports arena. It’s only natural that the virtual version of the sport closely follows. The condensed version of land-based sports also attracts millions of gamers across the globe. Virtual sports betting sites, therefore, offer a wide range of markets for this game. For football fanatics, virtual sports games bring to life the fantasy of actively partaking in the sacred sport. Punters can bet on the winning team, kick back and hope to make a success.

Virtual Tennis

With more people boarding the virtual ship, it comes as no surprise that tennis is available in almost every virtual sports betting online lobby. Being one of the most popular sports in the world, the sport has multiple virtual betting options, from the win market to the total score. As simple as this sounds, there is no definite way of striking it lucky.

Virtual Basketball

A staple in the American market, virtual basketball is also available in almost every sportsbook. The online sport allows the opportunity to bask in the spotlight as the next LeBron James. Virtual basketball tournaments take a few minutes, so there’s a game at play every second of the day. Similar to the real-life NBA, virtual basketball has seasons that comprise 30 rounds. A champion is crowned at the end of the set period. As a punter, you can wager on the ultimate champion or on each round.

Virtual Horse Racing

If mounting horses suits your fancy, then virtual horse racing tournaments might be your chance to grab your winning chance. Joining virtual sports betting sites that feature this game allows you to put your feet up and stream tournaments from the comfort of your home. The adrenaline kick that comes with watching your favourite horse racing down the track is not compromised. To enhance the sport, most iGaming sites have tournaments running every 2 to 3 minutes. So, the betting markets are unlimited. The only limit is your bankroll. A few examples of virtual horse racing include tricast, combination bets, and the full forecast.

Virtual Greyhounds

Virtual greyhound betting runs as fast as the participants. Having been originally bred as hunting dogs, greyhounds run an average of 72 km/h. As such, betting on the sport sounds like a fun and exciting experience. The money-spinning tournaments are just icing on the cake. Virtual greyhound betting markets are as broad as any other popular sport. The most common include forecast, each way, race winner, tricast, combination bets, and more!

Virtual Racing

An adrenaline-loaded sport for professionals and amateurs alike, virtual racing tournaments will have you on the edge of the seat for hours. Seasonal gamers have probably heard of the forklift driver who went toe to toe against a professional racer and came out triumphant. This is one of many jaw-dropping experiences recorded on the greatest moments of virtual racing. Punters have the choice to bet on races against the clock or against teams of professional virtual racers.


Where to find Virtual Sports betting websites?

Rating: 5.0/5
Virtual Sports
  • Different bonuses
  • Cash Out
  • Different payment methods
  • High odds
New Customers only. Registration required. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. +18 | Terms & Conditions time limits & exclusions apply. #Advertisement
Rating: 4.9/5
Virtual Sports
  • High odds
  • Great markets
  • Superb support
  • Welcome offers
New customers only. Min Deposit: £10. First deposit matched up to £10. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Terms apply 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.2/5
Virtual Sports
  • An amazing sportsbook
  • Superb bonus offers
  • Cash-out feature available
  • Mobile apps
18+ | New Players only | Get up to £50 in FreeBets, an Odds Boost Token, 20 Free Spins and £10 Casino Bonus when you sign up to Sportingbet today. | T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.7/5
Virtual Sports
  • Big range of sport betting options
  • High odds
  • Casino games
  • Poker platform
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Pace 1 sport bet (3+ selections) } Excl Horse Racing| Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min odds 1/5 (1.5) for each selection | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.9/5
Virtual Sports
  • Wide range of casino games
  • Hundreds of sports betting markets
  • Lots of other betting options like bingo and poker
  • Cash Out option
New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
Virtual Sports
  • Great selection of sports betting markets
  • Competitive Odds
  • Various Betting Features
  • Android and iOS mobile apps
NEW Significant terms: T&Cs apply. New customers, Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 free bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. Stake not returned. Opt-in required. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
Virtual Sports
  • Great selection of sports markets
  • High-level Odds
  • Casino Games
  • Excellent Betting Features Included
*New members. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook, placed & settled at 1.5 min odds within 14 days of sign-up. Register before 17:59 8/04/20022 and after 18.00 9/04/2022. Win part of the E/W bets. 2 non-withdrawable £10 Free Bet Tokens: accept in 7 days, valid for 7 days from acceptance (ex E/Ws & Multiples), stakes not returned. 18+ T&Cs Apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
Virtual Sports
  • Good bonuses
  • Big range of sports betting options
  • Different casino games
  • Mobile apps
New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. No deposit required for NI customers. Call 08081699314 to claim. Full T&Cs apply | 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
Virtual Sports
  • Licensed Brand
  • Easy-to-navigate Platform
  • Excellent Odds
  • Great Betting Products
New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £/€10. Qualifying real money bet of £/€10. Min. odds greater than or equal to 1.50 required. Each way bets excluded. Offer credited within 48 hours. Additional T&Cs apply. | 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Odds promotions
  • Good sports betting
  • Opportunity to watch the games live
New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Good welcome offer
  • Active cash-out option
  • Plenty of sports
New bettors get 50% of deposit up to £50; Once per household; Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager 8 times deposit + bonus, max qualifying bet equal to initial bonus amount; valid for 60 days; Min odds of 4/5 on singles or 2/5 per acca leg; Some bet types excluded; See full terms; 18+ begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Reputable and licensed brand
  • Excellent horse racing section
  • Outstanding Club in Central London
  • Good odds
New customers only aged 21+. Minimum deposit £10. Qualifying bet must be placed at odds of evens (2.0) or greater. Get 50% back on first day losses as a free bet up to £50 plus 10 free spins on Reel King, credited within 24 hours. Free Bet and Spins expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.6/5
Virtual Sports
  • High Odds
  • Good Mobile Apps
  • Reliable Customer Support
  • Quick Payments
18+ New UK+IRE customers. Certain deposits and bet types excl. Min £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x /€5 free bets. Free bets valid available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Rrestrictions + T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.6/5
Virtual Sports
  • Big list of sports
  • Great betting features
  • Variety of casino games
  • Nice payment options
New Players Only. Minimum stake €/£/$10, minimum odds 1.5, stake not refunded. 10X wagering the winning from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Maximum conversion: €/£/$20. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Variety of sport markets
  • eSports and Virtuals in place
  • Cash-out option available
  • Helpful customer support
New Players Only. Minimum £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet is a one-time stake of £10, minimum odds of 1.50, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: £20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Great looking website
  • A ton of sports
  • Good welcome bonus
  • Helpful customer support
Free bets must be claimed within 28 days of opening. Free bet stake not included in any winnings. | 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Good welcome bonus
  • A ton of sport markets
  • Casino games in place
  • Helpful customer support
New Players Only. Minimum £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet is a one-time stake of £30, minimum odds of 2, stake is not returned, maximum Conversion £30, 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Valid for 5 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Great selection of sports
  • Casino games available
  • Helpful customer support
  • Competitive odds
New customers only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus toket with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. Real money bets required. First bet required to opt into next tournament. T&Cs apply. 18+. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Good looking website
  • Great selection of sports
  • Cash-out feature available
  • Helpful customer support
Sig. terms: New customers only. First £10+ (£10 E/W) real money bet at odds of 2.0+ qualifies. £10 free bet credited following bet settlement and to be used on sports. Stake not returned, use within 7 days. begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Generous bonuses
  • VIP program for punters
  • Lots of features for Sports & Casino
  • Great payment methods
New Customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. T&CS APPLY. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 4.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Amazing sportsbook
  • Offers a welcome bonus for new customers
  • Provides applications for iOS and Android
FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 4 X £5 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. NO FREE BET EXPIRY. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.4/5
Virtual Sports
  • Trusted and Licensed brand
  • Great betting exchange
  • High odds at the Sportsbook
  • Various bonuses
New UK & Eire clients only. 50% cashback on cumulative net losses on qualifying spread bets placed and settled within 7 days of account opening. Fully, partially or reverse closed bets do not qualify. Max cashback £500. Full terms apply. Spread betting involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits. Always bet responsibly | 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.4/5
Virtual Sports
  • Great selection of sports
  • Cash-out and live streaming
  • Live betting available
  • Helpful customer support
Key Terms: New customers only. Place the 5 specified bets to earn Free Bets. Each leg must have minimum odds of 1.8 (4/5). Applies to bets on sport only. Valid once per customer. Free Bet valid for 7 days. Free Bet max winnings is 20x Free Bet stake. Free Bets must be accepted in popup messages once their qualifying bets have settled. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 4.3/5
Virtual Sports
  • Many betting options on sports
  • Cash Out is available
  • Good sports bonuses
  • Follows Esports
New Players Only. Min £10 qualifying bets, stake not returned. Free bet - one-time stake of £30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill deposits. Full Terms apply.
Rating: 4.2/5
Virtual Sports
  • Cash out option is available
  • Modern and stylish approach
  • Huge selection of games from several providers
Bet £10 Get £10 Free Acca Bet | T&Cs apply. New players only. Qualifying bet(s) must have minimum odds of 4.0 and must be settled before triggering free bet. Free Bet must be used on an accumulator with 3 or more selections. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Rating: 3.9/5
Virtual Sports
  • Cash Out Feature
  • In-Play Section
  • Live Streaming function
  • Virtual Sports
New customers only. First deposit with Debit Card (Wirecard) only. First bet must be accumulator bet, min. 3 Sportsbook events (min. £5) to qualify, must settle within 14 days. Odds of (3/5 / 1.6) or higher for each selection. Free Bet will be 100% matched amount of first bet placed (max. £25). Non-withdrawable and valid for 14 days, T&Cs apply. | 18+| begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Rating: 3.5/5
Virtual Sports
  • Easy-to-navigate design
  • Live betting on sports
  • Casino and Live casino games
18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | Play Responsibly

Show More

With virtual sports betting online platforms popping up daily, companies have difficulty dominating the market. You’ll find that almost every primary website hosts virtual sports events. As exciting it may sound, locating the ideal website has never been this difficult. Cybercrime and threats are prevalent, and millions fall victim to online sharks. As such, it’s always a good idea to ensure that a website is fully licensed by a reputable organization before risking your hard-earned money.

In case you bump into a few roadblocks mid-ply, it also helps to use virtual sports betting sites with 24/7/365 customer support systems. Some sportsbooks offer promotional packages in a bid to attract new customers. If you’re lucky, you might even land on a site that offers virtual sporting tips. During our review, we searched extensively for brands with all the markings of industry leaders. Thankfully, we struck gold and unearthed betting sites with features beyond our imagination.


Short History and Facts

Sports betting has been around for centuries. However, it was not until the advent of computer technology that the seeds of virtual sports were sewn. Since the invention of the computer, technology has developed at such a rapid pace that sports fanatics were fast adopting the new trend. Traditional punters are most likely familiar with the Pong, the first-ever virtual sporting game inspired by tennis. With many people using computers and the internet, virtual sports took hold until reaching their modern-day position.

But don’t be fooled into thinking virtual sports solely include chilling with friends and sharing consoles; there’s a lot more involved in the sport than what meets the eye. Today, more markets dominate the virtual sports betting online scene than punters get with traditional real-life sports. Interestingly, every virtual sports fanatic watches the same game no matter where they are in the world.


Final Thoughts

A challenging yet rewarding hobby, virtual sports provide the perfect kick for adrenaline junkies looking to score some cash. Never before has there been an opportunity for avid sports fans to partake in their favourite game and make right predictions in the process. Virtual sports rules typically mimic those of traditional games, which makes them easy to understand. Better still, the best bookmakers award punters with bonuses and promotional packages to kickstart a successful gaming journey.

While there’s no way of guaranteeing a lucky streak, several sites offer virtual sports betting tips and strategies to help maintain the excitement and thrill of the sport. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, fancy some horse racing, greyhound, or looking to become the next LeBron James, virtual sports events provide boundless opportunities.


FAQ

Are virtual sports betting fixed?

Real-life sports have been known to be fixed from time to time. This has placed virtual sport under heavy scrutiny. But while virtual sports themselves are subject to potential manipulation, the bets themselves are typically fair. You just have to wager at reputable sportsbooks to get your payouts on time.

How do virtual sports work?

Virtual sports games closely resemble video games. In essence, real-life sporting activities are played out on the computer. Inherent to real sports, winning outcomes take into account both luck and skill. Results are determined by a virtual football betting algorithm or a tennis algorithm, depending on the type of sport.

What virtual sports are there?

Almost every major sporting activity in the world has an online version. You can play any sport from tennis, basketball, and football to horse racing, greyhound racing, and actual racing.

Is betting on virtual sports legal?

There are no laws that prohibit virtual sports. However, the legality of the sporting activity is largely reliant on the sportsbook. For a virtual sport to be considered legal, the website hosting the game should be fully licensed by a reputable regulatory authority.

How do you win at virtual sports?

The outcome of a virtual match is largely dependent on chance. As such, there is no proven method of hitting the lucky score. However, thorough research and sound strategies can significantly increase your chances of winning.

Author
Leona Melvin
Leona MelvinLeona is part of the Content Writers team behind Nostrabet. With 6+ years of experience within the iGaming industry, she has an in-depth knowledge of casinos and games.