Over the past four years, sports betting has emerged from the shadows and into American mainstream culture. Legalized and regulated, sports betting has exploded into a multibillion-dollar industry. But before you place your first bet, you need to understand the rules of sports betting. From basic odds and types of wagers to common terms and popular tips, here’s everything you need to know about sports betting.
Bet with your head, not your heart
Sports betting is a gambling game, and the more you think about it as such, the better chance you have of winning. It’s important to keep in mind that no matter how much research and knowledge you have, there will be times where things go against you. The key is to not let those losses destroy your bankroll. A good strategy is to start small and increase your bets as you gain confidence. This way, if you lose (which you will), it won’t devastate your finances.
Understanding the lingo
While it may seem daunting at first, learning the language of sports betting is easy. When you place a bet, your potential payout is always listed on the betting slip, whether you’re wagering online or in person. The payout will be determined by the amount you wagered plus the odds attached to your bet.
Many new bettors assume that making money betting on sports is easy because they see handicappers come in with hot picks all the time. But the truth is that making money on sports betting, even for professional bettors, is not easy, especially over the long haul.