Sports Betting Strategies and Odds in Sports Betting

If you want to bet on sports, you need to have a strategy. A good one will take into account the game, its unique circumstances and the overall betting market. It will also include a bankroll management plan, so you don’t risk more than you can afford to lose. A common rule is to only bet 1% to 5% of your total bankroll per play, though the exact number will depend on your individual situation and risk tolerance.

Odds in sports betting are based on the probability that an event will occur, allowing bettors to place wagers on both sides of a game. A higher win probability will result in a lower payout and vice versa. This is why it’s important to research a few different betting sites and find the ones that offer odds you find most appealing.

Aside from placing a standard moneyline bet, you can also place a totals bet (also known as an over/under) where you’re betting on whether the total points scored in a game will go over or under a pre-determined number set by the sportsbook. These bets are generally much cheaper to place than a regular point spread or moneyline, but the lower win probability means you’ll have to risk more money to make a profit.

Novelty props, meanwhile, are specific to an event or game and can range from the length of the national anthem to the first song that the halftime artist will perform. These bets tend to have a lower win probability than the more traditional types of wagers, but can be fun to place if you’re able to stay objective and remove your emotions from the decision-making process.