Opening and Online Account

Security is no longer an issue as all the major bookmakers run very safe and wellprotected websites, and Mr X will only ever recommend placing bets at reputable bookmakers.

Betting over the internet is very quick and easy to use for anybody with access to the internet. First of all, you will need to visit a bookmaker's website and set up an online account.

If you already have a phone account or a deposit account at that bookmaker you will still need to set up a specific online account. However, once your online account is set up you will be able to use your password details to bet over the phone with that bookmaker from your online account.

Online websites operate as debit accounts so you will not be able to place any bets until you have deposited money in to your online account. With just £5 you will be able to set up an account with most bookmakers. All stakes are taken out of this amount and all winnings from bets that you place at that website will be paid in to the online account, and you can deposit or withdraw money at any time.

A stepbystep guide to opening at online account with Ladbrokes:

You will need to have your credit or debit card to hand; don't worry - the site is extremely safe and your details will only be used when you authorise deposits to be made. Also, remember that the card billing address is the address you need to give when opening an account.

Ladbrokes is one of the biggest and most reputable bookmakers, and their easytouse website is a good place to start if you are new to internet betting. Their website address is: www.ladbrokes.com

In the top right hand corner of the Ladbrokes home page there will be the words 'Open account.' If you click on these words a new window will open on the page asking for your personal details.

Make sure that you fill in all the blank spaces that have a star by them.

The second step is then to confirm your address, fill in a contact phone number, and tick the boxes to confirm that you are aged 18 years or over and have read the Ladbrokes rules and privacy policy. Clicking on these words will allow you to view this information.

There will be the option to have odds displayed as fractions or decimals whenever you are logged in. Don't worry too much about which you choose as the site allows you to swap between fractional and decimal odds at ease anyway.

You will then be asked to enter a username and password. Keep these safe, as you will use these to sign in to your account each time you visit the website to place a bet. Also, make sure you do not disclose your username and password to anybody else. A security question must also be set - this will be used as extra security, should you lose your details or need to query your account.

The final two steps require you to set a limit for the amount of money you can bet per day, and to register a credit or debit card for depositing funds in to your account. £5 is the minimum amount that can be deposited at Ladbrokes, and you will need to deposit money in order to successfully open your account.

Placing your first online bet

One all the steps have been completed - that's it, you're account is ready to use immediately.

Navigate around the site using the menu bars to choose the sport and matches you want to place bet on, and click the Bet Now button to select that bet.

A 'betting slip' box will appear on the right of the screen, showing all of your selections. In that box you can specify the size of stake you wish to place - clicking the Check Bet button will calculate the potential returns for that bet.

Clicking the Place Bet button will put that bet on, and your specified stake will be withdrawn from your account balance. A confirmation message will appear on the screen. Clicking on the My Account button will allow you to view all of your account details and transactions.