Sports betting is a popular way for fans to wager money. There are several ways to bet, and if you are new to the game, it can be confusing. However, there are a few basic rules that you should know.

Most sports offer a moneyline, and over/under bets. The first option is a simple wager on the total number of points. You can also place a bet on a player’s future performance. In addition to the usual bets, sportsbooks also offer hundreds of prop bets.

The most common type of bet is a parlay. This allows you to increase your odds of winning while simultaneously increasing the amount you pay off.

For a parlay, you can choose between a single team, two teams, or three teams. If you choose three teams, your bet will be called a “parlay.” It is a risky bet because you have to win all of the bets you make in order to get a payout.

Point spreads are another popular type of bet. These are the margin of points that a favored team has to win to “cover the spread.” They can be as small as three points, but they are usually between eleven and ten.

In addition to betting on the games themselves, you can also bet on the outcome of the playoffs and the NBA Finals. Both of these events draw a high volume of wagers.

Live betting is also a popular way to bet. Sportsbooks update their lines throughout the day.