Sports betting is a fun and rewarding way to add an extra element of excitement to your sports viewing experience. It can also be a great money-maker for the gambler that knows what they’re doing and follows sound betting principles.
There are plenty of different bet types when it comes to sports betting. The most basic is to bet on a team to win. This is known as a moneyline bet. There are also spreads and total bets that are based on the number of points scored or lost in a game. Then there are prop bets that give the bettor a more vested interest in a specific outcome of a game, such as how many touchdowns a player will score.
Regardless of the type of bet you make, there are some general rules that can help you increase your chances of winning. First, never place a bet with any site that requires you to give up your credit card information upfront. It’s just not safe, especially when you’re not sure if the site is legitimate.
Another key rule is bankroll management. It’s best to open a special account for your sports-betting funds and only bet 1% to 2% of your total bankroll on each play. This ensures that you will always have enough money to cover your losses, even if you have a bad streak. It also helps you avoid the pitfalls of chasing a losing bet with additional bets in an attempt to make it back.