Sports Betting 101
A sports bettor places wagers on the outcome of specific events. Unlike straight bets, futures bets can take place at any point in time and generally have higher odds than regular bets. They are also more likely to yield a large payout because they can cover multiple outcomes, including the winner of a competition. Examples include betting on a team to win the World Series; a country to win soccer’s World Cup; or an individual player to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
In addition to traditional point spreads and moneylines, a sports bettor can place bets on props (property) – which are specific wagers that differ from standard points, moneylines or totals. Among other things, these bets focus on a team’s total number of runs, goals, points and so forth in a game. A common saying in the industry is “it’s never over until it’s over,” meaning that a team’s final score may be lower than its posted total.
For those who are serious about betting on sports, it is important to open a specific bank account that is used solely for placing wagers. It’s also recommended to shop around for the best prices on a particular side. For example, the Cleveland Cavaliers are -8 in one sportsbook while another offers them at -7.5. This slight variation can add up over the long run and significantly boost a bettors’ profits.