Sports betting is growing to become one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Its legalization in the United States in May 2018 has further enhanced its popularity. Nevertheless, there are some aspects of sports betting that most casual sports fans, as well as participants, still do not understand. Here is a quick rundown of some of the basics of sports betting.
Point spread
The point spread is an important element of sports betting. In sports such as basketball, a point spread on a team is important to know when placing a bet. Point spreads are usually posted well in advance of a game. They will change throughout the week, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.
Money line
One of the easiest wagers to win is a moneyline bet. It doesn’t take much study and can be a great way to win even if you’re not an expert. It can also help you make smart decisions as it gives you key indicators on what the betting public is thinking.
Futures
Futures in sports betting is an exciting and lucrative way to place wagers on events that will occur in the future. These bets are placed weeks or months in advance of the event. They can be very profitable because you can make multiple picks and are usually not required to place a high stake. You can place a futures bet on almost any event. For example, if you’re interested in making multiple picks on the next major golf tournament, you can do so with futures.
Horse racing futures
If you want to bet on a horse race at a later date, you can use the Futures market. The Futures market is open at any time, and you can place a wager as soon as you get an idea of which horse will win the race. The odds will change as the race gets closer, and the sportsbooks will make adjustments as news about the horse’s trainer, jockey, and other factors become known. If you place your bet early, the odds are much higher, but the risk is also higher.
Parlays
Parlays in sports betting are bets that involve multiple selections, which are collectively known as a multi or accumulator. The winning outcome of these wagers depends on the combination of all individual selections. They are most popular among novice bettors.
Daily doubles
Daily doubles in sports betting are betting options that involve placing bets on two events on the same day. The money you win from the winning bet is used to stake the second selection. This can provide a profitable result if you’re betting on standout runners.
Second Half bets
One of the best bets for second half games is a team that is favored by more than one touchdown. If a team has a big lead in the first half, they may throw caution to the wind in the second half, but this can leave them vulnerable defensively. Second half betting should also consider the bigger picture of the game, as a team may shift its priorities during the second half.
