Sports Betting 101
Sports betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling and has grown immensely since legalization in the US. Yet there are some aspects of the industry that remain unclear to many casual or even experienced sports bettors (called “sharps”). For example, it’s important to know how to interpret odds and understand variance. The more you know about how betting odds work, the better your chances of winning a wager.
How to Bet
When it comes to placing a bet, there are several different types of wagers you can make. The most common are moneyline and point spread bets. The difference between the two is that a moneyline bet pays out based on the final score of the game, while a point spread handicaps one team or another by adding or subtracting points from the winning total to produce a spread winner. A favored team will be given negative points in a point spread, while an underdog gets positive points. Point spreads are also often shown in increments of half a point (.5) to eliminate the possibility of a tie.
The best way to be profitable at sports betting is to limit your buy-ins. It’s important to have a set amount of money that you want to risk throughout the season, which is known as your bankroll. It’s also helpful to research the game you’re betting on by checking weather forecasts and injury reports, among other things. It’s also a good idea to avoid services that promise guaranteed profits because they aren’t possible to achieve.