Sports betting is an easy way to get more involved in the game you love, while still getting paid if your bet wins. The rules of placing wagers are fairly simple, but the number of different bet types can be overwhelming for the beginner. Here are the basics of sports betting:
Moneyline bets are single-team bets that pay out if your team wins the game, or loses by a specific amount. Alternatively, you can place a spread bet, which pays out when the team wins by a certain margin. You can also place a parlay, which is a combination of bets that all win.
Over/Under (Total) bets are wagers on the total combined score of two teams. Over bettor will want the total to be higher, while under bettors will hope for it to be lower. If the final adjusted score is a tie, it’s called a push, and most sports books will refund these bets.
Prop bets are bets on unique or unorthodox aspects of a game. These bets often have a higher house edge, but they can also be rewarding if you’re right. For example, a NFL football game might have props on how long the national anthem will last or what song the halftime artist will perform first. You can find many of these props online or at the bookmakers in person. Be aware that a lot of these props are based on the opinions of fans and aren’t necessarily researched or priced by professionals.