Betting on sports can be a very enjoyable activity for those who enjoy watching their favorite teams. For some it can become a career and be taken very seriously while others use it as something to add a little extra excitement when they’re watching with friends or at home. Whatever your reason may be for betting on sports there are a few key things you should know before getting started.
Firstly you need to understand how odds and payouts work in sports betting. When you place a bet, the sportsbook will set a number of odds on a particular occurrence in a game. The lower the probability, the lower the payout and the higher the probability the more you’ll be paid out. It’s important to be able to recognise these odds and understand the risk/reward ratio of each bet. By doing this you can create value in your bets and increase your chances of winning long-term.
Moneyline: A bet that simply predicts which team or player will win a game/competition. It is a straightforward bet that can be placed on either the Underdog or the Favorite. Oddsmakers will often set a point spread with a plus or minus sign, which is meant to help you identify the underdog and the favorite.
Over/Under: The total of a game can refer to anything from points, goals, rebounds, wins, saves, birdies, aces and many other statistical categories depending on the sport. A bettor can choose to wager on whether the combined amount of any given category will finish over or under a pre-determined total. When the total ends up higher than a sportsbook’s odds you win an Over bet, when it’s lower you will win a Under bet.
Parlay(s): A bet that combines multiple selections in one single wager to increase the potential payout. This type of bet is usually more difficult to win than a straight bet but can yield large returns when it’s successful.
Hedging: A bet placed against an existing active bet you’ve made in order to minimize losses or guarantee a small profit, depending on how the lines change. It’s an effective strategy for minimizing your risk in sports betting.
Legalizing sports betting is a huge step forward for the integrity of sports, both on and off the field. It should be celebrated by fans, state legislatures and the leagues that farcically oppose it. But most importantly, it should benefit the millions of people who want a safe, secure way to place bets on their favorite teams and games. We encourage everyone to take part responsibly, do their research and set boundaries and limits for themselves. It’s all about having fun, but not at the expense of your emotional and financial well-being. If you feel like your gambling is out of control, seek help and stay away from betting altogether. Illegal sports betting undermines the integrity of the games we love to watch and can have serious consequences for players, owners, and spectators alike.