In sports betting, there are two kinds of bets: those that are placed during a specific game, and those that are placed after the game is over. While most sports wagers have a short time horizon, futures bets are long-term bets. For example, you can bet on the outcome of a futures game, such as the NBA finals, or on the winner of a league championship. You can also bet on player props, which are odds on certain players or teams.
US sports bettors should always stick to sports betting sites that have been licensed in their state. While it is possible to find offshore sports betting sites, it is advisable to stick to operators that have put in a great deal of effort and investment to become licensed. Several regulatory bodies are involved in sports betting, but only a handful of them are approved for US citizens. This does not mean that they are illegal, but you should stay away from illegal offshore sites.
When betting on sports, point totals are the most popular type of wagers. Also known as over/under bets, point totals represent the total combined score of two teams in a game. For example, a game involving the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants has a point total of 45.5. The Eagles are favored by eight points, while the Giants are favored by three. Therefore, if the Eagles beat the Giants, the point total is 45.5.