Sports Betting 101

betting

Sports betting is a fun activity for any sports fan. Whether you bet on the NFL, NBA or NHL, it’s easy to find a bet to suit your tastes. The key is to keep your bankroll in check and to stick to your rules.

The most popular form of wager is the moneyline. The bookmaker sets a line based on the score of the game. This gives the bettor the opportunity to win big if the favorite wins. But if the underdog wins, you’ll get back your investment.

Another type of bet is the point spread. Point spreads are usually found on football and basketball. They allow you to bet on the game’s winner, the margin of victory, or the difference in points. These types of wagers can be more exciting and potentially result in more wins for you.

There are numerous other forms of betting, from the parlay to the prop bet. To get started, look for introductory offers at your favorite sportsbook. You might also consider making a futures bet, which is a wager placed weeks in advance of the game.

Other types of betting include the over/under, which is typically used for pro football. It’s also available for major league baseball and basketball.

While most bettors won’t even bother with the unit sizing, it’s a good idea to know how many units you’re betting on. A standard size bet is 1% to 5% of your bankroll. With a bigger bankroll, you can increase your unit sizes.