Virtual sports betting was popular even before the pandemic left stadiums and sports venues empty. The games appeal to both punters who would frequent online bookmakers and casino enthusiasts. Virtual sports betting sites usually provide members with access to both types of bets, so a single account paves the way to both forms of entertainment. Many have also expanded and cover videogame competitions, just like esports betting sites, so players have everything at their fingertips.
What is Virtual Sports Betting?
The name is self-explanatory, as virtual bets are at the intersection of classic sports and fantasy. They draw inspiration from real sports events and their protagonists are derived from real sports teams and athletes. They are essentially electronic games, so those who visit virtual sports betting sites will play against the algorithms. Simulations of sports events are generated by software that can be certified as fair by auditors to project an image of trustworthiness.
Major bookmakers such as betway, bet365, 22bet have entire sections dedicated to these competitions where players can place virtual bets. Initially, virtual sports betting was limited to horse and greyhound races. Right from the start, they were immensely popular with the audience, because of their similarities to real races. Punters will no longer have to wait for real races to take place and instead enjoy the excitement of fast-paced events 24/7.
As the popularity of virtual bets on horse racing competitions grew, bookmakers began expanding their portfolios. Currently, it is possible to engage in virtual Grand National betting and wager on horse racing events of extraordinary magnitude. Football matches were next on the list of virtual sports betting sites options and they are today the biggest thing in this industry. Simulated games are based on the standard rules of the game, so players can easily understand the mechanics and the learning curve is smooth.
Advantages of Virtual Sports Betting Sites
The main reason why virtual sports betting is so popular today is convenience. These events are available around-the-clock, so you can bet on them whenever you feel like it. When time is of the essence, virtual bets are once again a superior alternative to classic sports. That’s because the average length of a virtual match is three minutes, whereas a regular game will take more than 90 minutes.
When it comes to authenticity, virtual sports betting sites leave nothing to be desired and faithfully re-create the reel games. Exceptional graphics and flowing animations quickly get players fully immersed in the gaming environment. Major bookmakers use the latest technologies, so when you try bet365 virtual sports, you enjoy the finest graphics.
Compared to regular sports, their virtual counterparts have at least as many betting options. In fact, when it comes to low-profile tournaments and less popular teams, there are strong reasons to choose virtual sports. The simplicity of placing a bet on virtual sports is another reason why people flock to this type of entertainment. All the mainstream betting markets, as well as niche ones, are available on any game.
Unlike regular sports that require a lot of research and some knowledge of the games, their virtual counterparts are based on luck. The odds reflect the chances for an outcome to happen, so it is essentially as easy to bet on virtual sports as it is to spin the reels of slots. Speaking of which, they are just as profitable for bookmakers, so they have vested interests in promoting them expanding their collections.
How to Bet on Virtual Sports?
Virtual sports betting sites provide their members with multiple options when it comes to choosing their bets. Whether you choose to bet on horse and greyhound races, football, or other virtual sports, the same principles apply. You need to have a funded account and select the event and odds that you fancy. The next step is to enter the stakes and have the potential profits displayed. The only thing left is to wait for the outcome, as virtual sports are usually settled in a matter of minutes.
Bet365 virtual sports offers similar odds to real-life events, so punters are not at a disadvantage. The main difference is that for most bookmakers, it is not possible to bet on virtual sports in real-time. With live betting unavailable, punters must make up their minds before the games begin. On the bright side, if you miss out on this opportunity, you have another game starting shortly after, hence more betting options. Virtual sports are licensed and got the necessary regulatory approval, therefore they can be trusted.
Bet Legally on Virtual Sports on Mobile Devices
Licensed bookmakers create the secure environment that punters expect when betting on virtual sports. Even in countries where other forms of gambling are illegal, virtual sports could be accepted. New Jersey is a shining example of a state where Americans can legally play virtual sports. There are probably more such examples worldwide, so those who fancy virtual sports should check their legality in their country. For those who can’t enjoy the real thing, this is the closest it gets to experience the fun of sports betting.
Mobile gaming is a distinct possibility and punters can enjoy it straight in the browser or two-way virtual sports betting app. Major bookmakers have developed such applications that players can download and install on handheld devices. Betting straight in the browser is more convenient, therefore preferred by most modern punters. Those who choose to download the virtual sports betting app are likely to find versions for both Android and iOS powered devices.
Virtual Sports Betting FAQ
What is virtual sports betting?
Virtual sports bear many similarities to traditional ones and share many of the common betting options. The outcome is determined by algorithms, yet there is still an indissoluble link between the risks taken and potential winnings. The sports events are simulated and the software determines the winner.
What kind of virtual sports are there?
Virtual sports fans can now bet on nearly a dozen sports and many more markets. Horse and greyhound races were the first, but they were quickly followed by football, as the most popular sport. Many punters continue to bet on horse races, with the focus being on simulated flagship events. The other sports that can be found in the section reserved to virtuals are tennis, basketball and ice hockey among others.
How do virtual sports work?
Virtual sports take place round-the-clock, so there is a new betting opportunity available in a few minutes. Punters are expected to place their bets before the virtual match begins, by focusing on the outright winner or one of the special markets. Just like classic sports, these bets require a funded account, but the stakes are sensible and players enjoy a lot of flexibility. Live betting isn’t possible on most virtual sports events, although select bookmakers offer this alternative
Is virtual betting rigged?
The outcome of virtual sports is determined by algorithms, so punters might have second thoughts about their fairness. Playing at licensed bookies working with leading software developers greatly reduces the risks of fraud. It also pays off to choose gambling operators that have the software monitored for fairness by independent auditors. If all these boxes are checked, virtual betting can be trusted on real money.
Is virtual betting profitable?
Just like any other casino game, virtual betting has an average return to player. A percentage of the stakes are returned, with the house edge ensuring that the casino makes a profit. Just like any other game of pure chance, virtual betting favors the house, but punters are entitled to expect many winning sessions.
How to win at virtual sports betting?
The odds of winning when betting on virtual sports reflect the chance of an outcome to come to fruition. The manner in which the odds are calculated is identical to real sports, so higher potential payouts are riskier. Proper bankroll management is needed to mitigate the risks and make sure that you can stay afloat even when you go through an unlucky streak.
What is Virtual Football League?
The Virtual Football League, commonly referred to as the VFL is made of 16 teams which compete in a simulated season. The entire championship takes a two hours and a half, as it is made of 30 match days worth 4.35 minutes each. In this case, virtual betting is conducted over the course of the entire season and punters can also bet on the outright champions in addition to the winners of individual matches.
What is the difference between virtual sports and fantasy sports?
The main difference consists in the manner in which success is quantified. In virtual sports, the algorithms determine the outcome, much like in a casino game. The odds indicate the potential risks, but punters have no control whatsoever. In fantasy sports, participants earn points based on the manner in which the teams and key athletes perform. Research and knowledge are much more important in being successful.
What is the difference between virtual sports and esports?
Virtual sports are computer simulated events of real sports competitions. Esports are videogame contests played by real people where skill determines the outcome rather than luck. They are covered by the same rules as traditional sports, with the only difference being that esports are played on computers or consoles.