One of the biggest mistakes that bettors make is betting too much. It is important to understand how to manage your bankroll and not risk more money than you can afford to lose. This can be done by setting a budget and using a betting system to track your profits and losses. It is also essential to know how to read the odds of a game.

This means understanding how Vegas odds work, conversions from different formats of odds, and conversion of odds into implied probabilities. It is important to be able to read and interpret these odds to understand the risk/reward of each type of bet.

Totals bets (also known as over/under betting) are wagers on the total amount of runs, goals or points scored in a game. These bets are placed based on the over/under number posted by oddsmakers. If you think the teams will combine for more (over) than the total, you place a bet on the over. If you think the games will be a defensive slugfest and end with less combined points (under), you place a bet on the under.

The best way to maximize your chances of winning is by researching the games you plan to bet on and the sportsbooks that offer them. This includes reading sports betting forums and checking sportsbook reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings. You should also look into a sports betting service that can provide you with professional picks. However, be wary of services that promise guaranteed wins.