Sports betting has become a major part of American sports culture in just four years, with legal gambling on all sorts of games and events now taking place across the country. As more people start wagering on their favorite teams and players, it’s important for beginners to understand the basics of how sports betting works. Here are 12 things you should know about betting on sports.
Bets can be made on different aspects of a game, from the total number of points scored to the winner of a particular matchup. In some cases, the oddsmaker will handicap the game by assigning a margin of victory to one team that the bettor must win by (known as covering the spread) in order to win the bet. This can be helpful in evening the playing field between two strong teams or allowing a less-favored team to win by a certain number.
Some bets are also based on probabilities, such as the likelihood that a certain team or outcome will occur. The more knowledgeable a bettor is about a sport or event, the better they will be able to predict what will happen and place smart bets.
Money management is a key factor in any betting strategy, and it’s crucial for new bettors to set up a bankroll before they begin. It’s recommended that bettors use 1-2% of their bankroll on each individual play, so they don’t deplete their funds after a bad run.