Sports Betting Basics

sports betting

Sports betting is a fun and exciting way to bet on your favorite teams. Whether you’re into football, basketball, baseball or golf, you can place a bet to win a big prize. However, there are a few basic terms that you should know before placing any wagers.

First, you’ll need to know the difference between a point spread and a total. A point spread is a number that’s assigned by bookmakers to the teams. This number usually represents how many points a team must win by.

Alternatively, you can bet on the total score of the game. This type of wager is the most common and simple to understand.

The total is a combination of the number of goals, points and runs scored. It’s also possible to place an under or over bet. An under bettor wants the total to be less, and an over bettor wants it to be more.

Another popular type of sports bet is a parlay. A parlay is a series of bets that combine multiple outcomes into one. These types of bets are especially popular during NFL Super Bowl seasons.

Other sports betting options include prop bets and horse racing. Both are legal in most states. Prop bets allow you to stake your money on a particular outcome, such as who will win the next NFL championship.

Sportsbooks offer hundreds of props on every game. Each one usually has a corresponding price and is not a standard moneyline.