If you want to bet on sports, you need a strategy that can overcome the house edge. The best way to make money is through value betting, which involves identifying bets that have a higher chance of winning than the odds indicate. This requires extensive research and analysis of teams, players, and historical data. It also includes analyzing recent form, injuries, and other factors that might influence the outcome of a game.
There are a variety of different types of wagers in sports betting, including over/under bets on total points scored in a game and parlay bets that combine multiple wagers into one ticket. Some bets have a specific time frame, such as the first half of a football or basketball game or a fewer number of innings in baseball. Others have a more general scope, such as predicting the winner of a particular contest or event.
The minus or plus sign before a team’s odds indicates whether they are the underdog or favorite. Our brains are wired to think of plus as positive and minus as negative, but that’s not how it works in sports betting.
Regardless of the type of bet, you should always set a budget and stick to it. A good rule of thumb is to risk no more than 1% to 5% of your bankroll per play. This will minimize the impact of losing bets and protect your profits. Many novices start with high bet amounts, but this can quickly drain your bankroll if you’re not careful.