Sports betting can be fun, but it can be intimidating to first-time bettors. Whether you choose to bet online or in person, you’ll need to know a few basics to have a solid foundation for your wagering.

A good place to start is to learn about the most common sports bets. There are many different types of wagers. You can bet on the winner of a game or tournament, how many rounds a team will play, or even the length of the national anthem.

The most common type of bet in sports is the moneyline. Moneyline bets allow you to win more than you originally bet. For example, if you bet $10 on a team, you’ll get $22 in winnings.

Another popular type of bet is the point spread. This is a line that specifies the margin of points that a favorite team must win to cover. Usually the line is set between 11 and 10 points.

Other popular wagers include futures and props. Prop bets are not part of the regular betting schedule, but are popular with fans of a particular sport. They do not influence the outcome of a game, but can help you earn more if you’re a knowledgeable bettor.

You can also bet on the total number of points in a game or tournament. Totals are a great option for a bettor who can accurately predict the pace of a game.

As with anything, there are risks involved. It is always a good idea to consult a respected sports bettor before putting any money on the line.