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Sports betting is everywhere. More states are legalizing it, and the industry is growing fast. But if you’re new to it, diving in without knwing the basics can be risky. The good news? Learning a few key concepts can help you make smarter bets and avoid costly mistakes.
A Beginner’s Guide To Sports Betting: Understanding The Basics
How Betting Lines and Point Spreads Work
Let’s start with the basics—odds and point spreads. These are the numbers that decide how much you can win and what a team needs to do for your bet to cash.
Point spread? It’s not a score prediction. It’s just a way to balance the bets between two teams.
Example: If a football team is listed as -7, they need to win by more than seven points for your bet to win. Betting on the underdog? They either need to win outright or lose by less than seven.
Simple enough, right? It’s all about making sure one side doesn’t get too much action.
Choosing a Sportsbook: Where to Place Your Bets
Before you bet, you need a sportsbook. And not just any sportsbook—a good one.
Big names? Bovada, BetOnline, and 5Dimes are some of the most popular.
- What to check: Look at reviews, payout speed, and bonus offers.
- Why it matters: The right sportsbook means better odds, fewer headaches, and faster withdrawals.
How to Place a Bet
Once you have an account and some funds, it’s time to place your first bet. The easiest option? A straight bet.
- Example: Let’s say the Seattle Seahawks are -7 against the San Francisco 49ers. If you bet on Seattle, they need to win by more than seven. If they win by exactly seven, it’s a “push” (your money is refunded).
- Watch out for the juice: Sportsbooks take a small fee, usually 10%. So, if you bet $100, you’re actually risking $110 to win $100.
Other Types of Bets You Can Try
Once you’re comfortable with straight bets, you can explore other options:
- Moneyline Bets: Just pick a team to win—no spreads involved.
- Over/Under Bets: Betting on total points scored in a game. Will it be over or under a set number?
- Parlays: A high-risk, high-reward bet where multiple picks must all win.
- Prop Bets: Fun bets on in-game events. Example? Betting on who will score the first touchdown.
- Live Betting: Wagering while the game is in progress, adjusting to the action in real time.
Do You Need a Professional Handicapper?
Some bettors trust their instincts. Others prefer expert picks.
- Handicappers study stats, trends, and matchups to give betting advice.
- Some charge for their picks, promising higher win rates.
Reality check? Even the best handicappers struggle to hit 60% accuracy. There’s no such thing as a guaranteed win.
Smart Betting Tips for Beginners
Want to avoid beginner mistakes? Keep these in mind:
- Set a Budget – Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Flat betting—wagering a fixed percentage per bet—helps manage risks.
- Don’t Chase Losses – Losing streaks happen. Doubling down to recover? That’s how you go broke fast.
- Shop for the Best Odds – Different sportsbooks offer different odds. A little shopping can mean bigger payouts.
- Know the Sport – Team injuries, trends, and matchups can make a huge difference.
Think with Your Head, Not Your Heart – Love a team? That doesn’t mean they’re a smart bet.
Also Read: Beginner’s Guide To Sports Betting: Simple Bets Explained
