If you are a sports fan, you know that sports betting can help you increase your excitement for your favorite team. But just like any other form of gambling, there are benefits and risks when it comes to sports betting. While it is possible to get rich betting on the underdog team, you also have to be aware of the risks. When betting on the underdog, you run the risk of losing your money, and you have to know your team’s history and current form of play.

The best way to get started in sports betting is to learn the basics. Become familiar with sports betting lines and odds, which include points, totals, and futures. These betting lines are based on events that will happen in the future. For instance, if you’re betting on a football game, you may want to bet on the team winning its division or the championship. By understanding these concepts, you will be able to make informed decisions regarding your bets.

Sportsbooks usually circle certain games, based on factors like the public’s betting volume. For example, if the Oakland Raiders are favored by 13 points, the public betting percentage will be low. But if the Oakland Raiders win by 10 points or less, they’ll be a push. Other factors that affect the betting volume include the weather. In the NFL, for example, games at Wrigley Field often have high point spreads, while those at Lambeau Field are more likely to be low.