Types of Sports Betting

The most common type of bet in American sports betting is a total bet. This involves a wager based on the total score of the two teams involved. In some cases, bets are placed on ties as well.

Another popular type of bet is the point spread. A point spread is an imaginary line that is assigned by bookmakers. It indicates the difference in points that one team should win by in order to beat the other. As a result, it incentivizes potential bettors to consider both sides.

In other words, a point spread is a handicap. It allows a bettor to increase their odds by putting more money on an underdog. For example, if a bettor chooses a team with a -110 point spread, they would have to place a $100 bet to win $150.

Another type of bet is a “trifecta”. When a bettor selects the first three finishers in any order, they earn a trifecta. However, they may also earn a “superfecta.” Essentially, a bettor can pick any four finishers and get a superfecta if all of them meet the condition.

One other popular form of bet is the moneyline. With a moneyline, a bettor’s selection is expected to win outright. Unlike a spread, a moneyline does not have a handicap.

Other types of bets include teasers, props, and parlays. Props are usually short-term bets. Examples of a prop include predicting the number of yards that an American football player will throw or the number of goals scored in an association football match.