Sports betting has come a long way. Now, anyone interested in betting can bet on their favorite sporting events online on their mobiles and computers.
Also, virtual sports are available for betting these days where people can bet on virtual sporting events. Real sports betting and virtual sports betting are two different options available for sports betting enthusiasts.
In this article, we will compare these two types of sports betting. Here we will talk about their similarities and differences.

Similarities Between Virtual Sports Betting & Real Sports Betting
There are commonalities between virtual sports betting and real sports betting. Because of this, you can easily get into virtual sports betting if you have already bet on real sporting events.
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Let’s discuss the similarities between virtual and real sports betting.
1. Same Betting Markets
Both virtual sports betting and real sports betting offer many of the same betting options or bet types. The common betting markets available in both forms of sports betting are:
- Moneyline
- Point spread
- Over/Under (Totals)
- Prop bets
- Halftime/Quarter totals
- Double Chance
- Asian handicap
2. Betting odds work in the same way
Betting odds, whichever format are they in (Decimal, Fractional or American) work in the same way in both forms of sports betting.
For example, you bet ₹100 on Team A to win with odds of 2.25 against Team B. You will receive ₹225 as a total payout including your original stake if your bet is successful in both virtual and real sports betting. No matter which form of sports betting you choose, it is important for you to have a good knowledge of how betting odds work.
3. Online betting processes are the same
All betting sites offer real sports betting but not all of them offer to bet on virtual sports. However, many top betting sites have added virtual sports betting options.
The steps to be followed for betting on both real and virtual sports are basically the same. You need to choose a betting site, register on the chosen site, deposit using one of the payment options offered by the site, and then place bets using a bet slip.
The only difference is that virtual sports betting features a screen where you can watch a virtual sports match.
4. Betting bonuses are available in both
Top online sports betting India platform like BetBarter offer betting bonuses for both real and virtual sports betting. You are also able to mix these two to meet the wagering requirements of betting bonuses.
You have to check the bonuses’ terms and conditions of your chosen betting site to ensure that the way you are betting contributes towards the wagering requirements of bonuses.
Differences between Virtual Sports Betting and Real Sports Betting
‘Although virtual sports betting and real sports betting share similarities, they are also different from each other in many ways. Let’s check out the major differences between these two forms of sports betting.
5. Virtual sports betting is always online whereas real sports betting can be both online and offline
Unlike real sports betting, virtual sports betting is always online. For betting on virtual sports, you have to choose a betting site to get started. Although virtual sports betting can be done offline in a land-based sportsbook theoretically by playing computerized sporting events on TV screens, they stick to real sporting events and tournaments.
On the other hand, real sports betting can be performed through an online sportsbook as well as a land-based one. You might take a vacation to visit the land-based sportsbook and place your bets. You can watch the sports event either live or on TV screens. In case you want to place a quick bet on your favorite sport, online sports betting is more convenient.
6. How betting outcomes are determined
In real sports betting, betting outcomes are determined by the performance of real athletes or players. So, if you place bets on real sporting events, the fates of those wagers are decided by the performances of human players. The human element of real sports betting can keep you on the edge of your seat.
In virtual sports, there are no real players but computer-generated players instead. To determine the outcome of virtual sports, a random number generator (RNG) is used. Such sports use an algorithm to deliver random outcomes. So, the betting outcomes are determined by RNG and they fall in line with the provided betting odds over time.
7. Duration of sporting contests
Virtual sporting contests finish quicker than real sporting contests. Real sports whether it is football or cricket will take a lengthy period of time to finish. Although different sports have different time durations, you can expect real sporting contests to take a considerable time period to finish. Real sporting contests typically last for about 2 hours. So, you need the patience to wait for the outcome of your bet.
Although virtual sporting contests mimic the real ones, they typically don’t show the entire contest. They focus on the highlights and take only several minutes to finish. So, the betting outcomes of virtual sports betting are decided quicker than real sports betting.
8. Schedule of sports matches
Real sporting events or contests have particular match schedules which the sports leagues put out before they start. If you want to bet on real sports, you have to check the starting times and dates of sports matches and place your wager before matches start if it’s not in-play betting. In-play or live betting allows you to place your bets during a match.
Virtual sports are designed and developed for betting purposes. They don’t follow any particular schedule and run one after another. You will get information when you have to place bets on the websites of sportsbooks. Their site shows what match is going to happen next. Unlike real sports betting, you don’t have to wait for a long time if you miss the chance to bet. You will get another chance to bet in a few minutes.
9. Available Sport Options
Of course, virtual sports betting is still new to this day and there are not as many options as with real sports betting. Both physical and online sportsbooks offer to bet on a wide range of real sports that include Cricket, Football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Baseball, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, MMA/UFC, Hockey, Motor Sports, Golf, Cycling, Rugby, Snooker, Horse racing, Darts, Volleyball, etc.
Only major sports options are available with virtual or digital sports betting at present. Virtual sports available for betting are Football, Horse racing, Greyhound racing, cycling, motor racing, etc. In the near future, you are likely to see more sports options for virtual sports betting.
Final Words
Although real sports betting still rules the betting industry, virtual sports are there to offer a different betting experience to punters. If you are someone who wants to place bets by researching teams and players, then real sports betting is a better option for you. Real sports betting also offers more options than virtual sports betting.
If you want fast-paced betting action and don’t have much time to watch hours-long matches, then you can go with virtual sports betting. Another advantage of virtual sports betting is that you get to bet on the offseason. Some sports bettors wager on both forms of sports betting to enjoy the best of both.
For any form of sports betting, choose a licensed and fully regulated online betting site. You can choose BetBarter for the best experience of online betting India.