Self-service terminal

SB stands for self-service. A self-service terminal is therefore a machine in the betting shop at which you put together your bet on your own. Via a touchscreen, you select the sport, the match and the betting market and set your stake. The operation is reminiscent of a ticket machine and is usually self-explanatory.

At the end, the terminal prints a betting slip. Depending on the shop, you hand this in directly at the machine or at the counter and pay there. Some terminals also accept cash directly. This way you save time and don't have to discuss every selection with the staff. Use is only permitted from the age of 18 (21 in Bremen).

The terminal shows you the most important information at every step. You see the odds, the possible payout amount and an overview of your selection before you confirm. Many devices also let you bundle several tips into an accumulator. So at the betting shop you have the same options as at the counter, just in self-service.

The operation is usually self-explanatory and runs in a few steps.

• Choose the sport: for example football or tennis
• Match and market: tap the fixture and bet type
• Set the stake: enter the amount, the odds are displayed
• Print the slip: confirm the tip and take the receipt
• Pay: depending on the shop, at the machine or at the counter

Some terminals also display live odds, which change during a match. Check your slip carefully before paying, because after placing, tips are binding.

The self-service terminal complements the counter and has some strengths in everyday use.

• No waiting: you tip directly, even when the counter is busy
• Choose at your leisure: you compare odds without time pressure
• More privacy: you put together your tip on your own
• Quick slip: the receipt is printed directly

One disadvantage is that no one is on hand directly if you have questions. If you are unsure, you can still turn to the staff at the counter at any time.

At the betting shop, you often have the choice between the terminal and the counter. Both routes lead to the same goal, but suit different situations.

• Terminal: good if you know exactly what you want to bet and want to be quick
• Counter: good if you have questions or are unsure about the selection
• Peak times: at the terminal you avoid a long queue at the counter
• Complex tips: with accumulators or system bets the staff can help you

Many users combine the two. They put together the tip at the terminal and clear up open questions briefly at the counter. That way you use the advantages of both routes. Beginners in particular often feel more comfortable if they have the staff briefly check their first selection. With a little practice, tipping at the terminal then comes quickly.

Always check the odds, the stake and the selected match on the screen before you confirm. A typing error is hard to correct later. With live odds, the value changes continuously, so check shortly before confirming.

Self-service terminals can be used only from the age of 18 (21 in Bremen). At the betting shop, the staff can check age. In Germany, sports bets carry a betting tax of 5 percent, which Tipico calculates separately from the odds. Keep the printed betting slip safe, because it is your proof for a later payout.

Quick tipping at the terminal has a disadvantage. It easily tempts you into staking more than you wanted. Set yourself fixed limits and use the terminal deliberately. Only play with money you have to spare. Gambling is only permitted from the age of 18 (21 in Bremen) and can be addictive. If you have problems, free counselling services can help. How the terminal works in everyday use is explained in the guide the self-service terminal in the betting shop.