Virtual Sports Betting

Written by: Joseph Falchetti, Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert
Last updated:
8 minute read
Bet on virtual sports

Virtual sports betting is where computer algorithms play out a sporting event or contest. Players can before the event starts on who they think will win or cover.

The technology isn’t exactly cutting edge by today’s standards, but the concept allows sportsbooks to create round-the-clock betting opportunities.

It is possible to bet on many different sports or events using computer-generated graphics and animations.

Virtual Sports Betting Popularity

Virtual sports betting sites have grown in popularity in recent years, as it allows bettors to wager around the clock without the need for live events or participants. Just about every betting site online now offers some form of virtual sports betting.

Just like all forms of gambling, there is an edge or a way to increase your odds of winning. Read on for more information about virtual gambling and some insight into virtual sports betting tips.

Top Online Sportsbooks To Bet On Virtual Sports 2024

Rank
Payment Grade
Rating
Bonus
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  • 1
    A+
    4.9/5.0
    100% Up To $2,500
  • 2
    A+
    4.9/5.0
    50% Up To $250
  • 3
    A+
    4.2/5.0
    125% Up To $1,250
  • 4
    A+
    4.8/5.0
    50% Up To $1,000
  • 4
    A+
    4.8/5.0
    100% Up To $500
  • 5
    A
    4.7/5.0
    100% Up To $1,000
  • 5
    A
    4.7/5.0
    50% Up To $1,000
  • 5
    A
    4.7/5.0
    50% Up To $1,000

How To Bet On Virtual Sports

Betting on virtual sports, when it pertains to placing bets and the rules for grading wagers, doesn’t change from real-life sporting events.

If you understand the basics of sports bettting, then you most likely will have no issues wagering on virtual sports.

  1. Choose A Virtual Sports Betting Site – There are a lot of excellent online betting sites, but not all of them are virtual sports betting sites.

    Virtual sports are offered at most sportsbooks, especially top tier ones, but not all. Be sure to choose a reputable sportsbook and check to see if they have virtual sports odds before making your choice.
  2. Go To The Virtual Sports Betting Menu – Virtual sports betting odds will likely be harder to find than traditional sports.

    Some betting sites have all their virtual sports on a virtual sports betting app that lists many different virtual sports and markets on one menu without the need to reload the page.
  3. Choose Your Sport And Market – As mentioned above, the process for betting on virtual sports doesn’t differ from placing bets on real-life sporting events.

    The odds will be in the same format as real sports. For Americans, this usually means moneyline odds
  4. Place Your Bet – Once you’ve decided on a contest or sport, add it to your bet slip and choose the amount you want to bet.

    Many sportsbooks have one-click confirmations on bets these days, so be sure to check your selection and amount before confirming your wager. Once you are sure, click to place your bet(s).
  5. Enjoy Virtual Sports Betting – Once you have placed your bet, sit back and enjoy!

    One of the best parts of virtual betting is that you don’t need to wait long to place another bet. Countdowns for new games and contests begin as soon as the others are finished.

Best Virtual Sports Betting Sites 2020

It’s vital to choose a top-rated sportsbook when betting online. There is a big difference in betting sites, as some are much more reliable when it comes to payout speeds and security.

Bonuses and betting markets are also other factors to consider, along with the availability of virtual sports betting options.

RankBetting SiteDeposit BonusHighlightsGet Started
#1MyBookie Sportsbook50% Up To $1,000
  • Popular
  • Good Payouts
  • Bet Variety
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#2Sportsbetting Sportsbook50% Up To $1,000
  • Trustworthy
  • Fast Payouts
  • Accepts Crypto
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#3GTBets Sportsbook100% Up To $500
  • Safe Site
  • Small Operator
  • Half Point Promo
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#4Bovada Sportsbook50% Up To $250
  • US Bettors Only
  • VIP Program
  • Low Rollover
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#5BetNow Sportsbook100% Up To $1,000
  • Trustworthy
  • Accepts Credit Cards
  • Excellent Parlay Odds
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#6BetOnline Sportsbook50% Up To $1,000
  • Best In Class
  • Speedy Payouts
  • Accepts Crypto
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Tips For Success When Betting On Virtual Sports

Just like betting on live events, involving real-life participants, there are virtual sports betting strategies.

There are some parallels between virtual sports and real-life events, and many of the same principles of being a successful sports bettor apply.

Don’t Forget About Bankroll Management

Virtual sports are held 24/7, and there is always another event to bet on within a few minutes. This makes them exciting, but also a risk for bettors as they are constantly putting money into play.

Don’t forget about the principles of bankroll management when betting virtual sports. They are honestly more important than when wagering traditional sports as there are betting opportunities 24/7, 365 days a year.

Stick With What You Know

Virtual sports are random events, and you don’t need to intensely understand them to place bets, but having a knowledge of the sport you’re betting on is still helpful.

For example, if you have never bet on horse racing before, then you might want to brush up on the odds and bet types before putting down some cash.

If you’re looking for a way on how to win at virtual sports betting, sticking with the sports you already know is a good starting point.

Choose A Betting Site With A Lot Virtual Sports Betting Options

If betting on virtual sports is something you’re going to be doing a lot of, then it makes sense to have a lot of options and opt for sites with a higher quality experience.

The difference in betting markets and graphics can be quite significant between virtual sports betting sites.

How much do graphics matter to you? Do you want a specific virtual sport or market? What about betting limits? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before depositing.

Virtual Sporting Events & Games You Can Bet On

Horse Racing

Like real-life horse racing, betting on virtual horses is extremely popular. There are new races every few minutes and the same markets available that you would see with real races, such as win, exactas, trifectas, and so on.

Greyhounds

Greyhounds, from an odds perspective, are nearly indistinguishable from horse racing when it comes to odds and how the races are graded. The main difference being that races feature greyhound dogs and not horses and is held on a greyhound track.

Tennis

Tennis betting is extremely popular among bettors, and that has also spilled into the virtual sports betting realm.

Similar to real tennis, you will see different courts, such as grass, clay, and hard courts. Markets include stuff like match winner, total points, number of sets, and the correct score.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport in the world is soccer, which, not so surprisingly, makes it an extremely popular virtual sport.

Matches are much faster than 90 minutes and sometimes involve real-life players and teams. Betting markets can also be quite expansive and close to live match soccer betting.

Motorsports

There are a whole host of different motorsports to bet on when it comes to virtual sports. There are NASCAR style races, Formula 1, and other variants such as buggy or jeep racing.

This is one of the areas where oddsmakers can have some fun. Odds for motorsports are similar to horse racing, with bets like win, place, and show.

Virtual Cycling And Speedway

Cycling may be more popular as a virtual gambling sport than a real-life competition. We’re only half-joking! Races take place in a velodrome, which is similar to what we see in the Olympic games.

Speedway is sort of like a BMX race with a dirt take and only four riders. The sports don’t differ much, so bettors can simply choose their preference.

Outrights are the most common bets here, but you can also wager on variations of the show bet, like in horse racing.

Football

Surprisingly, football is a little rarer as a virtual sports offering. That may be because the real-life product is so much more exciting. But, many betting sites still have it available. The teams and players are fictional, but lots of sportsbooks will have fictional teams from cities that have NFL teams. 

The games are shortened considerably from the four hours it takes to watch an NFL game, but there are a ton of bets from sides, totals, moneyline, and even props. Virtual American football may also be one of few virtual sports that offer in-play wagering or live betting.

Basketball

Another real-life sport that has major appeal for virtual sports betting online is basketball. Like virtual American football, the game won’t use real players and teams, but you may seem some similarities.

The games will also be shortened and far less than the three hours it takes to watch an NBA game. Sides, totals, moneylines, and all of your regular basketball wagers will also be available when betting the game virtually.

Other Virtual Sports And Games

There are many other sports and games that we haven’t listed here. The best part about virtual gambling is that the oddsmakers can think of wacky events and competitions to bet on that don’t have even be connected to real-life sports.

Virtual Sports Vs. Real Sports Betting

Thre are some significant advantages and disadvantages to betting on virtual sports.

Depending on your preferences, you may end up liking virtual sports more than their real-life counterparts. 

Advantages Of Virtual Sports Betting

Advantage

No Need To Wait

TThere is no need to wait around for games or matches to start. Virtual sports betting sites offer 24/7 action on a variety of sports.

Advantage

They’re Much Faster

If you’re merely interested in betting action and don’t want to wait around through commercials or other delays – virtual sports are ideal.

Advantage

Bets Are Graded Instantly

Real-life events involve oddsmakers and scores from live games, which can result in delays, in some cases. Virtual sports will be graded instantly, and the funds will be back in your account.

Disadvantages Of Virtual Sports Betting

Disadvantage

they’re Not The Real Deal

Ultimately, virtual sports are not the real thing. This is always going to be a negative for some people that crave the real thing.

Disadvantage

Betting limits Are Lower

You can wager tens of thousands on NFL games at many betting sites, but most virtual sports have maximum bets of $1,000.

Disadvantage

The Graphics Can Be Poor

This isn’t always the case, but typically, simulated games, using videogames, such as Madden 20 or NBA2K20, offer much better graphics than virtual gambling online.

Virtual Sports Betting Frequently Asked Questions

Are Virtual Sports Rigged?

No, they are randomized events, similar to a random number generator on an online slot machine, but with a bit more luck or variance factored into the result.

There will be crazy results in virtual sports, but that’s just the nature of sports and gambling, in general.

Is Virtual Sports Betting Better Than the Real Thing?

It depends on what you’re looking for in a sports betting experience.

If you want 24/7 betting options and aren’t interested in the narrative that real-life sports bring, then virtual sports may be a better option for you. Some operators do a great job of creating an authentic experience, as well.

Is Betting On Virtual Sports Legal?

Yes, virtual sports betting is legal in most places where sports betting is legal.

The difference might be where it appears in sports betting site menus, but if the site offers odds on live sporting events, then betting on virtual sports is valid under the law.

Is Virtual Sports Betting Available In The US?

Yes, betting on virtual sports is available at hundreds of different online betting sites.

How Do You Win Virtual Bets?

The same way you do when betting on live participants involving humans and not computer generated algorithms.

Virtual sports have the same betting markets and odds as traditional sports betting markets and are graded the same way.

What Are The Betting Limits On Virtual Sports?

They won’t be as large as traditional sports betting markets.

The average maximum betting limit is $1,000 across virtual sports betting sites, but this can vary quite a bit.

About the Author

Joseph Falchetti

Joseph Falchetti

Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert

Joe is the author of the majority of sports betting pages on SBS and he serves as a gambling consultant to our content team. He's been mentioned on Forbes.com as a gaming analyst, and his articles have been linked by larger publications, such as the New York Times.

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