How to Wager on Sports

Most sports bettors get their start in sports betting by simply wagering with a friend that one team will beat another. Moneylines and point spreads aren’t factored into the equation; it is just a flat bet on one team or the other, and the winner gets the money.

So when a beginner gets introduced to the world of sports betting at a sportsbook, it can be quite overwhelming. Not only are there moneylines, spreads, and totals to learn the nuances of, but there are also prop bets and futures. Not all sports are bet the same way either, which further complicates the learning process.

Some bettors are forced to learn the hard way that they have bet a game the wrong way when they wager on a favorite to cover a spread and they don’t cover, or when they expect a bigger payout when they bet on a winning favorite on the moneyline. These common mistakes can frustrate and intimidate new sports bettors.

Over the next series of articles, we’ll break down how to wager on each of the major sports as well as how to wager on the non-major sports as well. We’ll go over the most common types of bets, how they work, how payouts work, and what options you have at your disposal.

After reading this series, you should feel confident going into any online sportsbook either in person or online and betting on any event on which you have an opinion. Knowing how to bet on sports is the first step towards success.