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Bettors Uganda » Sports Betting » Virtual Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide

Virtual Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide

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virtual football betting

Virtual sports are another way bettors can have fun on a betting site. This guide introduces the game and how to register and take advantage of a wide range of markets.

What are Virtual Sports

Looking to bet at any time and not just on weekends only? Check out virtual sports. These are popular computer games like football, with realistic 3D graphics, offering all bet types like real football. However, algorithms decide the results, making it quite unpredictable.

Types of Virtual Sports

Virtual sports betting is more accessible than ever, although it has been around for a long time. The computer algorithm produces results using player statistics and a random number generator.

Virtual Sports
Screenshot taken on 24th of May, 2024.

Our experts have tested different sports simulation events and confirmed that they are fun. Many virtual betting sites have included multiple options for bettors to explore.

Virtual Soccer

Virtual soccer betting offers fast-paced video games that completely mimic real football matches. The graphics are 3D and realistic, with complete commentary. Based on our analysis, virtual football is popularly known as V-football on popular Ugandan platforms.

One major difference between this sport type and regular football matches is duration. V-football matches last only 5 minutes, with only 2 minutes within, unlike traditional football matches, which go on for 90 minutes with a 15-minute break.

Traditional and virtual soccer retain the same formats, and all betting types are similar. The most popular options on different betting sites are Over/Under and Match Winner markets.

Unlike traditional games that are only available on weekends and seasons, virtual soccer is available 24/7. In addition, matches take only minutes to complete.

The odds differ depending on which betting site you choose. The dynamics are attractive for beginners and experienced bettors, which is even more engaging than regular football games. In addition, there are player statistics, including head-to-head, which help bettors when placing their bets with Ugandan currency.

Horse Racing

Horse racing is one of the popular virtual sports you’ll find on different betting sites. Like soccer, the graphics are realistic, but the format is less similar to the traditional horse racing event. Our expert analysts say the style is more lottery, which most sites prefer. This sport’s virtual bet makes it more exciting, especially as many players enjoy staking on the lottery.

Two things make virtual horse racing similar to the actual event. You can place bets on horses before the race and watch it in a computer or digital form. However, remember that the outcomes are not based on the jockey or racehorse form, weather, length, or layout but on computer algorithms.

Odds are the only factors suggesting which horse performs well in a race. The higher the odds, the less likely a horse will win. On the other hand, the favourites have smaller odds.

By conducting research on different betting sites, we found that the betting types are simple, focusing only on race outcome, difficulty, and reward levels. The following are the available betting markets.

  • Win. It’s the simple and most popular option for virtual horseracing. Choose which horse has a high winning chance. You win if it crosses the finish line first.
  • Show. Select your horse to finish in the top 3 positions. The payout is lower, but the outcome is slightly more favourable.
  • Each-Way. This combines the win and place bets for a single horse. If it wins, you get all parts of each bet.

Greyhound Racing

Greyhound racing is popular among experienced bettors. If you are new to betting, the process is quite straightforward. Here, 6-8 dogs compete against each other on an oval track for a winner.

It has become popular because of the almost real-life graphics it uses for all races. Another reason greyhound racing is among the famous virtual sports options is the clear betting types available.

Up to 10 betting markets are available, ranging from simple to complex selections. Depending on your betting site, the tracks are state-of-the-art, including HD quality, which offers an unforgettable betting experience. The markets include the following.

  • Win. Select a dog, and your bet wins if it crosses the finish line first. 
  • Place. Your bet wins if the selected dog ends in first or second position. 
  • Show. Your bet wins if the selected dog finishes first, second, or third position. 
  • Double (Exacta). Choose which 2 dogs will finish in the first two positions (in order of selection).
  • Quinella. Selected dogs will finish in the first 2 positions (in no exact order).
  • Triple. Three selected dogs will finish in the first 3 positions (in order of selection). 
  • Even/odd. Predict if the dog’s number will be even or odd. 
  • Over/under. Forecast if the winning dog’s number will be under or over 3.5.
  • System 2. Accumulator Bet that includes all separate Double bets for at least 2 dogs. 
  • System 3. Accumulator bet that provides for separate Triple bets for a minimum of 3 dogs. 

The winning chances vary depending on which bet you select. In addition, some betting sites list greyhound racing in the “Virtuals” section, while others list them in the traditional sports area.

Tennis

Virtual tennis includes live commentary and real sound effects. It usually features 16 players, each competing against each other in 3-set full matches. An exciting feature of this game is that you get new betting opportunities every 3 minutes. Each game lasts only 2 minutes, and bookmakers settle your bets immediately.

The track setup is the same as in real life. After completing our registration on the 1xBet virtual games section and playing, we found that only computer algorithms determine the outcome. Since not many sites offer virtual tennis betting, you won’t find many types. We discovered the following betting markets.

  • To win match
  • Total points
  • Correct score

Basketball

Virtual basketball simulates real-life matches in almost all ways. It is available on many virtual online sports betting sites in Uganda, often displayed as an entire season.

GSB Virtual

However, it is more enticing than regular games since customers can bet on all upcoming 5 weeks, 8 games each and get results within 5 minutes. The general structure for betting is separated into the following.

  •  Pre-match
  • 1st quarter
  • 2nd quarter
  • Half time
  • 3rd quarter
  • 4th quarter
  • Overtime 
  • Post-match 

You can place bets on a match up to 10 seconds before the start of a season. The betting types differ, depending on the site offering virtual basketball games. They are similar to traditional sports games. The graphics are excellent, especially as you can watch the full game from different camera angles.

The following are the possible betting markets.

  • Match winner, incl. Overtime. 
  • Total points, incl. Overtime
  • Handicap, incl. Overtime
  • Winning margin, incl. Overtime. 
  • 1st half winner
  • 1st half total points 
  • 1st half handicap, etc.

Motorsport

Betting on virtual motorsport is identical to betting on traditional F1 racing games, except that algorithms determine the outcome. There are different odds to select from, and while algorithms determine final results, odds can show which car is the favourite.

In addition, we tested the game on some betting sites and found that races only take minutes and occur back-to-back. The betting markets are limited, especially since only a handful of virtual betting sites use them.

  • Each-way or place betting
  • Race winner

Football

Virtual football is largely similar to virtual soccer in Uganda. However, our research found that some players prefer to bet on American football for Virtual sports betting. The simulations are similar to regular NFL matches, although only a few bookmakers in Uganda offer them.

Cycling

Virtual cycling occurs around the clock, sharing the same fundamentals as regular races. Here, the visuals and graphics are realistic but computer-generated, occurring between 6-9 riders on 2 to 3 laps. Each lap takes 45 seconds, and the interval per race is 3 minutes. Track all riders using their helmet colours since the race time is short.

The odds may look confusing, especially for newbies. From our research, the most common feature is that there are favourites and outsiders, which the random number generators determine. Hence, riders with longer odds are underdogs, although they could still finish first.

Depending on which online betting site you prefer, the number of races could be up to 20 per hour. Since this virtual sport is fast-paced, not many betting options are available. Types vary depending on which site you choose. Here are some popular options.

  • Win market
  • Forecast & Tricast
  • Top 2 finish

Darts

Although not popular in Uganda, virtual darts are another exciting sport you could try. Some sites list them as Rush or Interactive Darts because they are the closest to the real event of all virtual sports on our list.

From the analysis of this sport, it’s possible to see real team names like Newcastle AFC and Islington Reds and player names. However, our experts have revealed that while players’ faces and names are real, you should remember that the games are virtual, and computer algorithms determine the final results.

The screen displays the player throwing darts and them landing on the board. Each game could take up to 5 minutes.

Like many virtual casino games, darts have a return-to-player value. Its virtual mode is 97%, higher than the regular option, which is 90%. Betting options vary depending on the betting website.

  • Match winner
  • Checkout markets. (betting on colours)
  • Player – first three darts. 
  • Match events
  • Wincast

Advantages and Disadvantages

The options are endless since the National Lotteries and Gambling Regulatory Board licensed most betting platforms to accept virtual sports bets from players. However, this doesn’t mean that there are no disadvantages.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Non-stop Fun
Most virtual online games have short frequency periods between them, offering continuous action and entertainment. It means there are plenty of betting opportunities.
Risk of Gambling Addiction
Because it is fast-paced, there’s a chance of developing an unhealthy addiction to virtual sports betting.
24/7 Access
Virtual games betting are available 24/7 and offer real-life, appealing visuals, creating excitement.
Not Suitable for Players who prefer skills
Virtual sports do not require skills but betting strategy. If you like using abilities, this is not suitable for you.
Fairness
Placing a virtual bet online is safe because a computer algorithm controls the outcome. Any betting site that tries to manipulate it risks losing its license.
Unpredictable
Because the games are determined by a computer algorithm, players are never sure if they will win since it’s mostly about luck.

How to Bet on Virtual Sports

Placing bets on virtual games is straightforward. Multiple sports are available, and our experts recommend testing each option to find the best fit. Knowing how to place bets is essential, especially as they are fast-paced and new rounds begin within minutes.

Based on the results we got from our research, betting markets and odds differ between the most popular bookmakers in Uganda. You’ll need to create an account to start.

Betting Process Overview

Here is the process to follow when betting on virtual sports.

  • Select a reputable virtual betting app or site to register on. Confirm that it has a license from the National Lotteries and Gambling Regulatory Board before proceeding. 
  • Register or create an account before placing bets. You must input your personal information, including name, date of birth, and contact information. 
  • Deposit funds. Most sports betting platforms in Uganda allow customers to make deposits using Orange Money, MTN Mobile Money, and Airtel Money. Make a deposit to add funds to your virtual online betting account. 
  • Visit the Virtuals Section. Select from the VR providers to place bets. For instance, 22bet Uganda partners with famous names, including Betradar, Golden Race, Leap, Kiron Interactive, 1×2 Virtuals, and DS Virtual Gaming, to offer VR games.
  • Study the Odds. After selecting the game, study the odds and statistics. Lower odds indicate the favourites, while higher odds indicate the underdogs. Look for recent team performance and form to draw a pattern. 
  • Understand the mechanics. It’s best to familiarise yourself with sport virtual jackpots’ concepts and mechanics. Know the difference between scheduled and instant leagues and how to use them. 
  • Place Bet. Enter your amount to confirm your bet and watch the match (optional). 

Although bet types differ, some options apply to all sports. For instance, the match-winner betting market is common. Markets like over/under are specific to sports like football, soccer, and basketball.

Examples and Scenarios

To help you understand how virtual sports work, our experts offer some examples that can help out. If you choose virtual soccer on a platform like 22bet Virtual to wager on.

After selecting a provider and choosing a team selection with match winner bet type offering odds like:

  • Blue Hawks: 2.00
  • Red Lions: 2.50
  • Draw: 3.20
22bet Uganda

These odds signify what the potential payout will be. Here’s how it looks:

  • A bet of 10 UGX will pay 20 UGX if Blue Hawks win (original bet 10 UGX x 2.00 odds = 20 UGX). 
  • A bet of 10 UGX will pay 25 UGX if the Red Lions win (original bet 10 UGX x 2.50 odds = 25 UGX).
  • A bet of 10 UGX will pay 32 UGX if it ends in a draw. 

Studying the odds, previous matches, and other statistics before betting is important, as well as tips and predictions.

Top Virtual Sports Betting Sites

Wondering which platform you can start playing virtuals on? Some betting sites offer many virtual sports you can begin on. Our experts have tested these sites and can confirm they are all reputable bookmakers.

BetWinner Virtual Sports Betting Site
Betting SiteLink Promo CodeFeatures
bet365
A welcome bonus is available for new players. Check the site for the full terms. Virtual soccer, horse racing, greyhounds, cricket, American football, speedway, motor racing, and more are all available.
Gal Sport Betting
Welcome bonus of 100% up to UGX 500,000 for first deposits. Competitive odds for virtual football, virtual horses, and virtual dogs.
22bet
Welcome bonus of up to 490,000 UGX for new customers. Providers are Kiron Interactive DS Virtual Gaming and more.
BetWinner
New users get a 200% first deposit bonus of up to 900,000 UGX. Providers include DS Virtual Gaming, Golden Race, Leap, and 1X2 Virtuals. Available bets are over/under, accumulator, tricast, forecast, win, and place bets.

Wrapping up Virtual Sports Betting

Virtual sports are becoming more popular as eSports grow in Uganda. The visuals and graphics are exciting, simulating real-life sports. The betting markets are also straightforward, even for beginner bettors.

However, virtual sports are volatile, and results are generated by a random number generator. Nevertheless, this ensures for fairness, eliminating the possibility of bias. We encourage our users to practice responsible gambling and only bet what they can afford to lose.

FAQ Section

Yes. Virtual online sports betting is entirely legal in Uganda. The Uganda National Gaming Board regulates the country’s betting business.

You can bet on popular virtual sports like football, basketball, horse racing, greyhound racing, and cycling.

A number of top Uganda sports betting sites allow customers to bet on virtual sports using real money.

A random number generator determines the final results. It is a computer algorithm that ensures fairness and transparency.

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