Whether you’re a longtime sports bettor or just getting started, there can be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to understanding how different types of wagers work. The complexities of the various bet types can quickly add up, and it’s important to understand these nuances to make more informed wagering decisions.
The most basic form of sports betting is placing a bet on the winner of a game or event. This bet type is typically known as a moneyline bet, and it involves putting money behind an outcome that will pay out if it wins. Those bets are priced using plus (+) and minus (-) odds, with the “+” indicating the favored team and the “-” indicating the underdog.
Another common wager type is the Over/Under bet, which involves predicting the total number of points or runs scored during a game. Over/Under bets can also be combined into parlays to increase your winning potential. One popular saying in relation to Over/Under bets is, “It’s never Over until it’s Over!”
Sports betting can also involve futures wagers, which are placed on events that will not take place yet. These bets can be made throughout the year, but the payouts are typically not received until the event takes place, such as a bet on a team to win the Super Bowl. When making a futures bet, it is important to research the teams and players involved thoroughly so that you are not relying on flukes or other outside factors to win your bet.