It’s no secret that betting on football is big business. In fact, millions of pounds are wagered every single weekend on the Premier League alone. All across the UK, punters hand over their hard earned cash for a chance to reap rewards, combining the exhilaration of betting with the thrill of the beautiful game.

Leicester City

At the start of the 2015/16 season of the English Premier League, Leicester City were completely disregarded as potential champions. The club’s chances were reflected by the bookies odds of 5,000-1 to win the league. Their subsequent success sent shockwaves across the footballing world and cost the bookmakers an unparalleled £25 million. However, this incredible achievement and its consequent payouts are few and far between, although the following guide is on hand to help increase your chances of winning the big bucks.

  • Know your sport –

whether it’s football, tennis, horse-racing or any other form of competition, detailed knowledge pays off. Results are not always an indicator of a team’s form so make sure to watch as many games as possible to improve your predictions.

  • Shop around –

bookmakers often entice punters to stick with them through loyalty schemes and bonuses. However, the competition is so fierce in the betting world that you may be missing out on better odds. Use a comparison website to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your money. In addition, learn to play blackjack before jumping in over your head.

  • Bet Against the Favourites –

sometimes underdogs come up trumps, as demonstrated so emphatically by Leicester’s unexpected Premier League title. You will receive higher odds when backing smaller clubs, which can pay off quite nicely if you’re lucky.

  • Use a bet calculator –

these handy devices are available on most online sites, which help determine potential winnings based on your wager and current odds. This allows you to determine how much to bet without having to work out complicated sums by yourself!