Sports betting has never been easier or more available, but there’s a learning curve when it comes to understanding how odds work and the many types of wagers you can place. Fortunately, we’re here to help!
Straight bets are wagers on a single outcome, such as a team winning a game. The odds of a straight bet are simply the percentage chance that your team will win, calculated using the math of basic probability. For example, if the odds of a coin toss are heads + 50% and tails + 50%, then any bet on either side will pay out exactly half your initial bet amount.
Point spreads are a way for sportsbooks to make money by giving bettors a better chance of winning their wager. When a sportsbook puts up an odds number that favors one team over another, it’s called “setting the line.” The underdog team “takes the set” by beating the line, while the favorite team covers it.
Prop bets are unique wagers that allow sports bettors to have a vested interest in more specific outcomes, such as how many points a player will score in a particular game. These bets are often offered in addition to standard bet types such as moneylines and spreads, and will vary from sportsbook to sportsbook. They also require a certain level of concentration and quick reaction time. They can be a great way to add some extra excitement to a game, but you should always shop around for the best prices and odds.