Sports betting is a fun and exciting way to place wagers on sporting events. It has a long history in America, but it is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity. It’s easy to get lost in the jargon and terminology of sports betting, but there are some basic tips you can follow to make sure your bets have the best chance of winning.
Understanding odds
The first thing you need to understand about sports betting is that the numbers on a wager indicate two different things. They tell you which team is favored and how much you will be paid for winning the wager. The minus sign means the favorite while the plus signs mean the underdog.
Understanding odds is important for both new and experienced sports bettors alike. It will help you determine which teams are undervalued and which ones offer the best value for your dollar.
Line moves
The odds on a sports bet are constantly changing, depending on the action in the sportsbook and other factors like injuries or weather. It’s important to know what your bet is worth before you place it, and timing is key to making your wagers successful.
Props and totals
These wagers are a great way to take advantage of the odds on the bookmaker’s line. For example, FanDuel has Max Scherzer’s strikeout total set at 7.5, but they’ll pay you more to bet the Reds if he goes under than if he strikes out more than he does. The same is true for regular season win totals, moneylines and points.