The finest virtual sports betting sites can provide engaging electronic versions of your favourite games and betting markets, available 24/7. This means you’ve got nearly limitless ways to play, but only if you understand how betting on virtual sports works and where to find such games. Our guide will point you in the right direction.
- 1 Best Bookmakers for Virtual Sports Betting
- 2 Our Favourite Virtual Sports Betting Sites Reviewed
- 3 What Is Virtual Sports Betting?
- 4 Why Bet on Virtual Sports?
- 5 Virtual Sports Betting Tips
- 6 Popular Types of Virtual Sports
- 7 How To Bet on Virtual Sports
- 8 Virtual Sports Live Betting
- 9 Popular Virtual Sports Betting Markets
- 10 More Sports Betting Articles
- 11 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 12 FAQs
Best Bookmakers for Virtual Sports Betting
Bet £10 Get £30
Payment methods:
18+. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Bet £10 Get £40 in Bonuses
Payment methods:
This promotion runs from 00:01 Saturday – 23:59 Friday from 21st March 2020, and ends on Friday 1st May 2020. Opt-in is required in order to participate in the leaderboard. Every winning bet on Virtual Sports (minimum stake £5, minimum odds 2/5) will give you 1 point on the leaderboard. All Betradar Virtual Sports only are eligible for this leaderboard. Cash Free Spins will be awarded on Football Champions Cup and are valued at 20p a spin. All winnings from free spins are cash and have zero wagering. Leaderboard will be updated daily at 16:00 CEST, and prizes will be awarded the Monday after the end of the promotion by 19:00 CEST. If two players are tied on the leaderboard, the winner will be the player with the highest number of winning bets. If both players still have the same number of winning bets, then the winner will be the player with the highest odds winner. #ad |
£20 Backup Bet
Payment methods:
18+ New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 2/1 (3.0) | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Up to £50 in Free Bets, Odds Boost Token, 20 Free Spins & £10 Casino Bonus
Payment methods:
Up to £50 in Free Bets, Odds Boost Token, 20 Free Spins & £10 Casino Bonus
Payment methods:
18+ New players only | Available until 23:59 GMT 31.12.2025 Each challenge has its own TCs. Eligible Bets must be placed for each respective Challenge during the Promotional Period including the following: ACCA, Football, In-Play, and Casino. Each challenge has its own set of TCs and can only be completed 1x. Available to claim: 20 Free Spins, Odds Boost Token, £10 Free Bet, 50% Back up Free Bet up to £20, £10 Casino Bonus when you wager £50+. If all are completed you will receive Max £20 Free Bet to be used on any sport. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
Payment methods:
18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 or more on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds. No cash out. Get £30 in Free Football Bets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Debit card / Apple Pay payments only. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Bet £5 Get £20 in Free Bets
Payment methods:
18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first 5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x 5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Bet £5 get £20
Payment methods:
18+ New UK+ ROI Customers only. Deposit & Bet min £5 as first bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x £20 Free Bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
Payment methods:
18+ New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won't apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Our Favourite Virtual Sports Betting Sites Reviewed
Although betting on virtual sports has become a common feature in most reputable sportsbooks, not all sites are created equal. Some stand out for their variety, quality, and overall experience. Here are five of our favourite virtual sports betting sites and what makes them exceptional.
1. bet365 — World-Class Variety
This industry juggernaut offers 15 different digital disciplines including soccer, soccer match day, horse racing, greyhounds, cricket, American football, speedway, motor racing, darts, basketball, tennis, baseball, trotting, cycling, and golf.
Better still, the quality of the streams and the variety of the markets are consistently excellent. On the virtual football betting page, you can choose from several football leagues and dozens of markets, which include over/under goals, Asian handicap, and team scorecast.
With smooth streaming and events starting every few minutes across multiple sports, the experience feels close to the real thing.
- Reliable livestreams
- Incredible virtual sport variety
- Immersive betting experience
- Lack of virtual sport relevant promotions
2. Unibet — Immense Virtual Tournament Options
Unibet exemplifies what a great bookmaker can achieve with virtual sports betting, offering a deep and engaging experience. They use detailed statistics and ongoing tournaments to immerse you in the action, just like real sports.
For instance, their virtual football betting includes versions of the World Cup, Bundesliga, and Euro Cup, from group stages to finals. You can also view previous match statistics, such as winners and goals stats. They expand on the question of what football virtual betting is and show its potential. They also follow a virtual NBA, cricket, and tennis season, complete with relevant stats.
Racing fans might not have tournaments to look forward to, but they can enjoy excellent streaming performance and ultra-easy forecast and tricast betting.
Terrific graphics and flawless technical performance on any device further enhance the experience, making you feel right in the action.
- Top choice for virtual tournaments
- Fantastic statistical detail
- Simple, satisfying racing markets
- Fewer sports than bet365
3. bwin — Sublime Simplicity
Some virtual sports betting sites, like Unibet, offer an in-depth experience to rival that of real sports betting. However, if you prefer a simpler, more streamlined form of virtual bet, bwin might be your perfect match.
This bookie provides digital markets available almost every minute across football, tennis, basketball, American football, greyhounds, speedway, velodrome, and trotting. There are relevant stats, but they are kept simple, and the focus is instead on the beautifully captured action. This is ideal if you’re looking to understand your options within moments and without any fuss.
Not that there’s any shortage of odds to choose from. bwin provide several simulated tournaments across all sports, with dozens of markets for each event and competitive odds.
- Ideal for newcomers
- Unique sports available
- Ideal for fast betting
- Lacks stat depth available elsewhere
4. Sportingbet — Perfect for Newcomers
Sportingbet utilise the same virtual sports programmes as bwin, which means those signed up to this operator can enjoy excellent livestreams and consistent markets.
While not unique, their instant football, greyhounds, horse racing, tennis, speedway, velodrome, and trotting options remain exceptional. Plus, the quality design of Sportingbet and technical performance ensures smooth, enjoyable virtual betting.
If you prefer Sportingbet to bwin, or are signed up to both to take advantage of additional odds and promotions, then you’ll appreciate the inclusion of these excellent markets.
- Straightforward and satisfying
- New games in minutes
- Excellent streaming quality
- Does not include instant basketball
5. BetVictor — Fantastic Attention to Detail
Perhaps more than any other, BetVictor’s virtuals sports bet page feels like one built for entertainment.
The TV channel-like setup is engaging, and this immersion is enhanced by the sheer quality of the streams. Every one of our recommendations here looks great, but BetVictor might take the prize for most natural presentation. Complementing this are great sound effects, commentary, and an ongoing selection of stats on screen.
It’s not just a great viewing experience, but a terrific betting one as well. Offering consistently competitive odds by the dozen, with an especially deep collection of points-based odds, it’s fun, compelling, with plenty of strategic depth.
- Realistic live action
- Commentary is fantastic
- Entertaining presentation
- Only four sports available
Best Virtual Betting Sites Compared
Not sure which of our recommended virtual games betting sites is right for you? Explore the key features of each option to quickly find the one which best suits your needs.
Bookmaker | Desktop | App | In-Play | Welcome Bonus | Customer Support | Total Virtual Sports |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
bet365 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Bet £10 Get £10 | Live Chat, Email, Phone Twitter | 15 |
Unibet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Bet £10 Get £40 in Bonuses | Phone, Email, Live Chat | 6 |
bwin | Yes | Yes | Yes | £20 Backup Bet | Email, Phone, Live Chat | 13 |
Sportingbet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Up to £50 in Free Bets, Odds Boost Token, 20 Free Spins & £10 Casino Bonus | Phone, Live Chat | 7 |
BetVictor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Bet £10 Get £30 | Facebook, Twitter, Email, SMS, Phone, Live Chat | 6 |
Ladbrokes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Bet £5 Get £20 in Free Bets | Email, Phone, Twitter, Live Chat | 13 |
Coral | Yes | Yes | Yes | Bet £5 Get £20 | Facebook, Twitter, Email, Live Chat | 13 |
BoyleSports | Yes | Yes | Yes | Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets | Phone, Email, Twitter, Live Chat | 5 |
What Is Virtual Sports Betting?
Virtual sports are a modern phenomenon where simulated sporting events are streamed 24/7. Today, almost all the top UK betting sites offer virtual sports betting markets to some extent. In virtual football, for example, a list of fixtures will be displayed alongside a fictional league table, with plenty of popular betting markets available.
These markets will be familiar to anyone used to betting on the real-life version of that sport. For instance, in virtual horse racing, you can bet on a horse to win or place, and popular bets like tricast and forecast are often available. On the best virtual sports betting sites, the number of markets can be nearly as extensive as those found in real sports betting.
The match is then presented visually, just as with FIFA betting, and the results are shown very soon after. Results in virtual sports are random, with the bookie having no control over the result of a fixture.
Why Bet on Virtual Sports?
Betting on virtual sports offers several unique advantages that appeal to both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike. Here are some compelling reasons to consider virtual sports.
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Because virtual sports are computer simulations, matches can be made available 24/7.
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They are perfect for when a sport is off-season, or if you want to bet live but have a time zone which typically makes that impractical.
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Matches tend to be much shorter, allowing for quick bets. For instance, virtual football typically lasts between three to five minutes, while racing can conclude in under a minute.
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Virtual sports can be more accessible to people that may not have an in-depth understanding of real sports, as betting options and rules are typically easier to grasp.
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The outcomes of a virtual sport are determined by random number generators, ensuring fair results and consistent odds unaffected by public opinion.
Virtual Sports Betting Tips
Just like any form of betting, you can benefit from a sound betting strategy with virtual sports. While there’s no magic formula for guaranteed wins, following our sports betting tips can optimise your approach and ensure safe and enjoyable betting.
Only Choose Quality Virtual Sports Betting Sites
While most sportsbooks offer virtual bets, the top options offer greater value and more fun. They feature broader options, more entertaining and reliable streams, plus the selection and quality of the odds is far improved. Perhaps the simplest of our virtual betting tips, but arguably the most important.
Choose Sports You Know
Although there may be a difference in speed and presentation, the rules of virtual sports remain the same as their real-life counterparts. So, if you’ve got prior knowledge of the actual game, you can quickly understand the markets available to you.
If you do decide to try your hand at something new, it may be a good idea to watch a couple of games (they only last a few minutes at most) to wrap your head around your options.
Manage Your Bankroll
The cornerstone of successful betting across all forms lies in responsible management of your bankroll. This means only wagering what you can comfortably afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses or assuming inevitable wins.
If you plan on betting frequently (which, for many, is one of the appeals of virtual sports betting), it’s wise to start with smaller bets to stay within safe limits.
Avoid Pattern Recognition
We’re naturally inclined to seek patterns in events. This can lead to the gambler’s fallacy, which is incorrectly believing that previous outcomes influence future probabilities. For instance, you may think that because you’ve had repeated failures, you’re due to win soon.
The important thing to remember here is that each bet is an independent event, unaffected by past successes or failure.
Slow down your pace
Virtual betting is much faster than traditional betting. As an example, a virtual soccer bet can be placed and settled every couple of minutes, whereas regular football bets take much longer to conclude. While this can be a positive, it also increases the risk of quick losses and losing track of a strategic approach.
Our advice is simple: slow down, decide on the number of games to bet on in advance, and take regular breaks to manage the rapid pace of virtual bets effectively.
Popular Types of Virtual Sports
The selection of virtual sports options is ever expanding, but there are still those pillars of popularity you can expect in most quality sportsbooks. Here’s a look at what you can typically expect from the most reliable, virtual, sport-friendly operators.
Virtual Football
Offered by all bookmakers that we’ve recommended, virtual football is one of the most popular virtual sports. It comes with the widest variety of betting markets to choose from, most of which football fans will already be very familiar with. Virtual football betting is further enhanced by match commentary and background sounds, and many bookies even offer the chance to bet on different domestic and international competitions.
Author’s Verdict
In my opinion, Unibet is the best option for anyone looking to place a virtual soccer bet. This is because of their dedication to providing engaging tournaments, which are best explored and executed with this operator. Plus, you can make the most of every event with a huge selection of markets, which include double chance, handicap, and half-time betting, to name a few. Best of all is their broad selection of goals markets, with the variety of over/under total goals markets standing out as an exceptionally versatile and generous selection of odds.
Virtual Horse Racing
Virtual horse racing is hugely popular thanks in no small part to its fast pace, simplicity, and variety of markets. Bookies offer many different variations of this sport, such as flat, jumps, sprint, national hunt, and grand national betting. Common bets include race winner, forecast, and tricast betting. Virtual horse racing options are also available on specific events like the Virtual Grand National betting and the Virtual Kentucky Derby
Author’s Verdict
While all our recommendations offer excellent virtual horse racing, none provide as much variety or detail as BoyleSports. And it’s not just the number of events that makes them so exceptional, but their fantastically user-friendly each-way options. Selections appear immediately to your right on an easy-to-understand bet slip, which allows you to add and remove odds without hassle.
Virtual Dog Racing
There’s little practical difference between virtual greyhounds betting and horse racing, except that these events largely consist of six to eight racers on a simple oval track. Betting on greyhounds is therefore very straightforward, with win, forecast, and tricast odds typically available.
Author’s Verdict
Unlike many betting sites with dog racing virtuals, Ladbrokes offers a multitude of courses, plus a variety of betting markets. You can expect excellent forecast and tricast odds alongside win/each-way options, really taking it to another level. This, alongside fantastic livestreaming quality, consistent races, and an accessible layout make Ladbrokes my pick for the finest place to enjoy virtual dog racing.
Virtual Tennis
Consisting of either singles or doubles matches, virtual tennis can be played on different types of courts, just like in reality. Common virtual tennis betting options include game, set, and match winner markets, as well as player to win, correct score, and total points.
Author’s Verdict
No alternative makes you feel like you’re in the action quite like the world-class livestreaming quality of Coral. This is backed by a broad selection of fair odds — not just on who will win, but also total number of points, correct score, and winning margin. Best of all is their excellent selection of handicap betting odds. This, alongside games every three minutes, make Coral my premium virtual tennis option.
Virtual Motorsports
Similar to virtual horse and dog racing, except with virtual motorsports you’re wagering on cars and bikes in thrilling, fast-paced action. Odds are usually similar to other racing sports, and common markets include winner, forecast, and tricast. Virtual speedway is another common sport offered by bookies which involves only motorbikes.
Author’s Verdict
For the high-octane action of virtual motorsports, it’s vital to have a betting site that consistently keeps up on desktop and mobile. Considering this, alongside event and odds variety, bwin is my pick for top virtual motorsports betting. Their presentation really is above and beyond, providing a whole new screen to contain all the fun. This also makes it easy to adjust your bets, which includes some fantastic forecast betting options.
Virtual Cricket
Virtual cricket allows you to enjoy the strategic depth of this game within a few minutes. Market variety can be excellent too, with the top virtual sports betting sites offering odds on total runs, boundaries, wickets lost, first method of dismissal, number of runs off, first delivery, and more.
Author’s Verdict
For me, bet365 is clearly the best choice for virtual cricket. They boast fantastic market variety and a game every five minutes. Perhaps most impressive of all in terms of betting variety is the huge selection of over/under on total runs markets. It really allows you to customise your level of risk to a level that few alternatives come close to. Plus, the commentary and statistics really make the most of each game.
How To Bet on Virtual Sports
The process of betting on virtual sports should be familiar to anyone who has ever placed a bet. Much like how virtual sports markets can be understood by those who know their traditional counterparts, so can the wagering process. But to make everything perfectly clear for all newcomers, here’s all you need to know:
Advantages of Virtual Sports Betting
By blending the thrill of sports with the convenience of technology, virtual sports betting sites provide unique benefits. Here are a few pros that virtual bets can offer over traditional options.
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Fair odds: Unlike real-life contests, where odds can fluctuate with public opinion, virtual sports offer consistent and fair odds, unaffected by betting patterns.
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Beginner-friendly: No need to research teams, players or weather conditions. Virtual betting doesn’t require any prior knowledge, except a basic understanding of the markets, making them ideal for newcomers.
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New markets every few minutes: Any time of day, any day of the week, you can log on and find odds on computer-simulated sports.
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Quick matches: Virtual sports provide results in just a few minutes, offering convenience for those who are busy or prefer frequent betting.
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Experimentation: The speed and simplicity of virtual contests make them perfect for experimenting with new markets and strategies, providing valuable learning experience applicable to real events.
Disadvantages of Virtual Sports Betting
No form of betting is perfect. With that in mind, below are the key cons of virtual sports betting that newcomers should be aware of.
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Limited promotions: Unfortunately, there are rarely promotions dedicated to virtuals, and general sports betting offers often restrict their use to traditional sports.
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Less strategic depth: While a betting strategy is important in virtual sports, it is generally simpler, offering fewer opportunities to leverage knowledge and expertise for betting success.
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Lacks the real sports experience: The finest virtual sports betting sites can provide amazing virtual options that are well worthy of your time. But, for a sports fan, we don’t think anything can replace real sports as entertainment.
Virtual Sports Live Betting
Although virtual betting events are typically presented live, you will be placing your bets before the contest begins. You are usually given a minute or so before a contest starts to confirm your wagers. Some allow you to place bets a few hours in advance. The reason for this is simple. Results are determined by a random number generator, and everything that happens on screen is purely for your viewing pleasure.
Virtual Sports Betting Sites With Livestreaming
All reputable virtual sports betting sites offer those events with livestreaming. Livestreaming is integral to the immersion of virtual sports, and there are none of the typical restrictions faced by real sports, making it an expected feature.
Popular Virtual Sports Betting Markets
Our recommended virtual sports betting sites offer an enormous selection of odds for you to choose from, based on their real-life counterparts. Here’s a selection of the most popular, showcasing the variety you can enjoy when virtual sports betting.
Final Result: Whatever virtual sport you’re interested in, you’ll certainly be given an option to bet on the final result. If it’s a tennis match, it’s which player will win. If it’s cricket, it’s the team that will emerge victorious. The simplest and perhaps purest of all the betting markets, this one asks you to back a winner.
Total Goals: A football market, total goals have you predicting the number of goals scored at the end of a game by both teams. Typically, this will be an over/under market, providing a great variety of odds and the ability to customise the level of risk you’re after.
Correct Score: As the name suggests, this tough football market asks you to correctly guess the final score. To be clear, it’s the whole result, not the goals scored by one team. So, for instance, if a virtual showdown between England and Turkey ended 2-1, only an exact prediction of that score with the correct winner would yield returns.
Half Time/Full Time: This versatile market asks you to split the game into two distinct results. Let’s say it’s Japan vs Spain. Your options may look like Japan – Japan, or Japan – Spain.
If Japan won each half independently, with goals from the other half not counting, then the first pick would be a winning bet. If Japan won the first half, but Spain the second, then a wager on the latter option would be a success. You can also bet on a draw result.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: There’s a broad selection of over/under goals markets on virtual football, typically ranging from 0.5 to 4.5. For many, 2.5 is the sweet spot, providing the right level of risk and reward. This market can be offered for both teams, each individual team and on half time results only.
Winning Margin: This broadly applicable type of bet is most associated with football, but can be offered on a range of virtual sports. Essentially if there are points, there’s a winning margin for you to predict. To use the common example of virtual football, it might be one, two or three plus goals you’re betting on for either team.
Forecast/Tricast: If you want to lengthen the odds on horse or dog racing, forecast and tricast betting options are ideal. The way they work is simple — forecast asks you to pre-dict both the 1st and 2nd finishing positions in the correct order. Tricast goes even further, requiring you to select all three podium positions correctly.
Spread Betting: Here, you’re wagering on the margin of victory rather than just a win/loss outcome. The bookmaker sets a spread, such as team A to win by 10-12 points. You bet on whether you think it will be below or above that amount, and to what extent. Your profits or losses vary with the accuracy of your prediction.
For example, if you bet £1 per point that Team A would win by more points than 12, and they won by 15, you would win £3.
More Sports Betting Articles
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Virtual sports have evolved significantly, and today, the best virtual sports betting sites can offer a fantastic experience. While they can’t replace real sports, they serve as a valuable addition to your betting options. When your favourite sport isn’t in season or no real game is available, they are a terrific alternative.
Plus, they offer a simplified approach to betting on various sports, making them perfect for newcomers and a great way for experts to refine their strategies.
FAQs
For the widest variety of virtual sports markets and quality livestreams, we consider bet365 to be the top choice for virtual betting. However, any of the recommended sites on this page offer excellent options for virtual sports enthusiasts.
It is a form of betting which involves placing bets on computer-generated sporting events designed to simulate real sports. The markets are often the same as you would find on real-world betting options. For instance, virtual football offers odds on the number of goals scored, correct score, half time results, and handicap markets — just like the real thing.
While your bets and potential winnings or losses are real, virtual sports themselves are simulations.
Virtual sports software calculates all potential outcomes of a match or race, and then a random number generator (RNG) is used to randomly select a result.
No, you are not able to combine virtual sports bets with other sportsbook markets.
That would depend on the terms and conditions of the individual welcome offer in question. However, it is common for virtual sports to be restricted for use with promotions.