Whether you’re an avid sports bettor or just starting out, there are some basic rules that can help you avoid making costly mistakes and maximize your winnings. First, make sure you’re betting on a legitimate site. The best sites have easy-to-use interfaces, great security features and a variety of betting options. They also offer great features like live streams, name a bet options and bet editing tools to enhance your experience.

Another tip is to find a sport you love and follow it closely. This will allow you to stay abreast of all the team and player news and developments. However, it’s important to try new sports and leagues as well, as you never know when you might find your next favorite.

One of the best ways to increase your chances of winning is by placing a bet on the underdog. This strategy is especially effective in the summer, when most teams are trying to rest up for the playoffs and the books are less sharp.

Also, consider betting on props, or proposition bets. These are wagers that are not traditional point spreads, money lines or totals and can relate to things like a player’s strikeout total against an opponent (over/under 1.5 TD passes) or the color of Gatorade used by a coach during his postgame shower. While these bets may not seem as important as the outcome of a game, they can add up to big payouts over time.