A bettor can bet on the game’s outcome using different betting strategies. Many bookies have different ways to adjust the point spreads, so one way to bet is to “buy” half a point and change the odds. Another betting strategy is to bet on the underdog. Underdog teams usually lose straight up, but they can be bet on a team’s chances of winning by a lesser margin than the predicted amount. This is sometimes referred to as a “chalk” bet.

Regardless of what sport you choose to bet on, it’s important to keep track of your progress. It’s a good idea to sign up for several sportsbooks to maximize your chances of winning. Keep in mind that sportsbooks often have promotions that affect betting lines, which is why you’ll need to keep checking multiple websites before making a wager. Sportsbooks adjust their betting lines several times before an event to keep up with the latest odds.

In basketball, tempo can play a large part in how many goals a team scores. So if a team isn’t good at defense, it’s likely to have higher totals. The same applies to baseball. Typically, a left-handed pitcher will have lower totals compared to a right-handed pitcher, but a half-point at the end of a game can eliminate the possibility of a push. In outdoor sports, weather is another big factor. While some sportsbooks will refund your wagers, a push is often considered a loss.