A sports bet is a form of gambling where a player bets on a sports event. It is a popular activity that has a wide range of betting options and can be a fun way to win money, but it’s important to understand the basic terms before you place a bet.

Favorites and Underdogs – The favorite team is the one that has been selected to win a match. It will receive a minus symbol next to its odds, while the underdog will have a plus symbol.

Point Spread – This is the most common bet that sports bettors make, and it can be made on a favourite or an underdog. A favorite must win the game by a predetermined number of points to cover or win the bet, while an underdog must lose the game by less than that number.

Total – A total is the combined score of the two teams in a game. It’s a great way to bet on both sides of a match, and it’s a good way to build your bankroll while betting on multiple events.

Parlay – A parlay is when a bettor groups several picks together, and the payouts are adjusted according to how many picks they have. A teaser is a variation of a parlay, where a bettor still groups multiple picks but tweaks the point spreads in their favour to lower the overall payout.

The odds and lines for sports bets are constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest betting odds. It’s also a good idea to use a betting odds calculator to ensure that you’re placing the best bet possible.