The Basics of Sportsbetting

In sportsbetting, you place a bet on the outcome of a sporting event. If your prediction is correct, you win a set amount of money. The types of bets differ and depend on different aspects of the game, such as how many points are scored or which team wins a given matchup. Regardless of the type of bet, you have to know how to read odds and understand the basics of betting.

Moneyline bets are the most basic form of sports betting and rely on the implied probability that one team will win over another. The sportsbook sets the odds and a bettors simply select which team they think will win the game, with low-risk moneyline bets paying out smaller returns and high-risk wagers (like underdogs) giving bigger payoffs. If a game is perceived to be too close to be set with a point spread, it will be deemed a pick or pick’em game and the bettor will have to choose which team to bet on outright.

Total (Over/Under) bets require a bit more research on the teams, their historical matches, the weather and other factors in order to predict how many total scores will occur during a game. Those predictions are then used to set the odds on whether the total number of scores will be Over or Under the predetermined total, with a push (where the combined score equals the proposed total) refunded by most sportsbooks.

Novelty props are also available on some events, ranging from how long the national anthem will last to what song the halftime performer will sing first. They can be more difficult to win, but can pay out significant winnings if the bet is accurate.