Most punters know that they have to complete a betting slip each time they place a bet, but few know just what that entails. This article will explain, with examples, just what information you need to provide on a betting slip and how you need to complete it. It will cover:
The Basics
Each time a bet is placed, the following details need to be provided to the bookmaker:
- The name and address of the person placing the bet
- The amount of the bet
- Whether the bet is won, lost or placed in error
- The date the bet was placed
- The place the bet was placed (exclude the venue if the bet has been placed online)
- The type of bet (e.g. sports bet, casino bet)
Additionally, if the wagered money is equal to or greater than £10, then you need to provide the following details:
- The name and address of the person carrying out the transaction
- The date of the transaction
- The place the transaction was carried out (if different from location of residence)
When the bookmaker verifies the above information with respect to a specific bet, they will issue an official receipt which you can use as proof of the transaction. Keep a copy of this receipt for your records.
The Form
A betting slip is a standard form that you will find when registering with a bookmaker. It is used to record the details of bets and transactions and is therefore available in most bookmakers’ offices and on their websites. You will find a model betting slip in the document below.
The form is designed to be as concise as possible, so that it can be easily scanned. For this reason, it only includes the essential information. Some of the fields are pre-filled based on the information you have provided, while others (e.g. Amount) require you to fill them in manually. The form also instructs you to date and sign it. Doing so provides you with an official record of your transaction. In most cases, a bookmaker will request the following details from you:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Gender
- Race
- Tobacco use
- Driving license number
If you reside in the United Kingdom, the form needs to be completed in English. In the event that there is an error on your part, you must inform the bookmaker immediately so that it does not come up in the event of an audit.
Completing The Form
When you receive your racing or sports bet slip from the bookmaker, you need to verify the following details:
- That the information provided is correct
- That the signature on the form matches the person providing the information
- That the date is correct
- That the amount is correct
- That the place is correct (or, if this is an online transaction, that the venue is correct)
- That the event/sport is correct
If you discover any errors, you must notify the bookmaker immediately so that they can correct the form and issue you a new one. In most cases, you will need to provide proof that the form has been completed (e.g. scan of the signed form or email with a copy of the transaction details).
Your betting slip is a key document. Be sure to keep a copy of it for your records and, in the event of an audit, provide a satisfactory explanation as to why you did not provide the original to the bookmaker.