New to football betting? No problem - let’s get you set up. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through placing your first online football bet using Bet365 as an example (this process is nearly identical with any other bookmaker too!).
✅ Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to Bet365 and click “Join” in the top-right corner. You’ll be asked to enter your details and set up a secure password. Once your account is created you can deposit funds using a debit card, PayPal or your preferred payment method.
💡 Goals Guru Tip: Switch to decimal odds in your account settings - they’re simpler to read than fractional odds and match the style we use in our daily picks.
✅ Step 2: Find the Football Section
On the homepage, click on the “Soccer” tab in the left sidebar.
✅ Step 3: Choose Your Competition
Once inside the Soccer section, click “Competitions” to explore worldwide league and cup fixture lists.
✅ Step 4: Pick Your League
Scroll down to find the league you want to bet on. In this example we’re selecting "USA MLS."
✅ Step 5: Select Your Match
Click on the game you’re interested in. Here, we’ve chosen "Cincinnati vs Inter Miami."
✅ Step 6: Explore Available Betting Markets
Inside the selected match page, you’ll see a variety of betting markets such as:
✅ Step 7: Place Your Bet
Find the correct market and click the odds for the outcome you wish to bet on. For example, we’ve selected Inter Miami to win at odds of 2.80.
Your selection appears in the "Bet Slip." Enter your stake (e.g. £10), check your potential return and hit “Place Bet."
💡 Goals Guru Tip: Start with small stakes (£1–£5) while you get up to speed with the process.
🏆 Want Bigger Odds? Try Multiples (Doubles, Trebles And Accumulators)
If you want to combine multiple picks into one bet for higher odds you can create a double (2 selections), a treble (3 selections) or an accumulator (4 or more selections).
- ✅ Add two or more selections to your Bet Slip.
- ✅ The bookmaker will automatically group them as a multiples bet.
- ✅ Enter your stake and review the potential returns.
Remember, all selections must win for your bet to pay out. Great for small stakes and big ambitions - but higher risk too.
💡 Goals Guru Tip: Stick to singles while you’re learning. Once confident, explore multiples carefully to avoid overloading your risk. Read our guide on how and when to use accumulators.
✅ Step 8: Bet Confirmation
Once your bet is placed, you’ll see a confirmation screen listing your bet details.
✅ Step 9: Track Your Bets
Go to “My Bets” in the top menu bar to follow live updates from your selected game(s) or check your results.
✅ Step 10: Use Cash Out When Needed
Like most online bookmakers Bet365 offers a "Cash Out" feature, allowing you to settle a bet early. This can be handy if you’re in profit but nervous about a late goal ruining your bet.
🎯 Responsible Betting Tips
- ✅ Only bet what you can afford to lose.
- ✅ Set deposit limits and use “Time Out” features if needed.
- ✅ Remember that betting should be fun, not stressful.
🚀 Ready To Level Up?
👉 Learn more about markets like Over/Under Goals, BTTS and Draw No Bet in our "Betting Market Essentials” series.
Or get smarter with strategy - read Bankroll Management: The Most Important Strategy You’re Probably Ignoring.
📥 Join Goals Guru for expert picks, tutorials and sharper insights every week.