Once the event you have bet on has finished the bet will close and if you have won your winnings will be added to the funds available in your account. The winnings can then either be left in your account to be used on future or you can ask them to be paid out. There are usually a variety of ways which the online bookmaker will pay you.

If any problems should arise you can email your query to them or ring their telephone support. Be aware though that sometimes contacting them by telephone can be difficult as most companies call centres seem to be hugely understaffed.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using an online bookmaker. The main advantage is probably the convenience. They are open all day every day and all you need to do to use them is to go and sit in front of your computer. They often provide statistics of past events as well to help you in your selections and also live commentary of sporting events. Some even offer in progress betting, which means you can bet whilst the game is going on. The greatest benefit though is probably the ease in which you can shop around for odds. It is better if you sign up to a number of different online bookmakers and compare the odds with the different companies then place your bet with the company who offers you the best odds. So now you don't have to walk up and down the high street to find the best odds on offer. It is also possible to find better odds than are available anywhere on the high street.

There are unfortunately some disadvantages with using online bookmakers. There is a small security risk as your account detail can be stolen and your money transferred to someone else. Although this is highly unlikely. Be aware though, of emails supposedly coming from your internet bookmaker asking for any account details as these could be fake and are being sent by criminals trying to access your account. The only other downside to internet betting is that is not as much fun as going down to your local bookmakers placing your bet then going back and collecting hard cash