Taking advantage of the opportunities that sports betting offers can be a great way to have a little fun while also making some money. There are a number of different types of bets you can make, including Moneyline bets, Spread bets, and Totals bets. Each type of bet can be different, so it pays to learn about them all.
Favorite or underdog
Generally, there are two sides to every sports betting game. The underdog is the team that the oddsmaker thinks is less likely to win. The favorite is the team that is expected to win.
Identifying the underdog’s strengths and weaknesses is important to a successful underdog bet. Some underdogs are just less talented than their favorite counterparts, while others have inferior coaching. Another factor that can change an underdog’s status is an injury.
Spread bets
Putting money on the winning team is one thing, but spreading your bets across more than one team is another. The point spread is a clever way of doing so. The team you choose needs to cover the spread to win. Alternatively, you could win big by betting on the underdog. The underdog must finish in the top four positions. This may be an obvious choice in the NFL and college football, but it is a viable option in many other sports, too.
Moneyline bets
Unlike other types of bets, moneyline bets are based on the outcome of a game rather than a specific player or team. Moneyline bets are one of the easiest types of bets to understand. They are also a good way to make money if you are able to identify an underdog.
Moneyline bets offer payouts that are higher than those offered by point spread bets. However, these payouts are not guaranteed. In some cases, a sportsbook may cancel a moneyline bet due to suspicious activity in a match or accidental odds.
Totals bets
Often overlooked by new bettors, totals bets are one of the most popular wagering options available at sportsbooks. These bets can be found in virtually every sport imaginable, including hockey, football, basketball, baseball, and even mixed martial arts.
As the name suggests, totals bets are all about the total combined points scored by both teams. This is similar to the point spread, but isn’t always as simple to determine.
Totals are calculated based on many factors, including offense, defense, and team speed. They are also commonly included in prop bets, such as the winner of the Masters shooting more than 278.5 strokes.
Prop bets
Using a prop bet to play a game can be fun. Props offer more options and are less predictable than most lines. But props are not as common as the main betting lines. They also have limits. In addition, you may have to wait longer for your bet to be settled. If you’re a new player, a prop bet can be a good way to get into the game without worrying about losing too much money.