Sports Betting 101

Sports betting is the act of placing a wager on the outcome of a sporting event. Wagers can be placed at a physical location that accepts bets in person or through online and mobile platforms, depending on state laws.

When betting on sports, it is important to set aside a bankroll for this purpose and to establish a unit size (amount of money that you will bet on each play). Using 1-2% of your bankroll on each bet will allow variance to play out without going broke. It is also important to stay focused and not bet more than you can afford to lose. This will help avoid “going on tilt,” which occurs when a bettor allows emotions to cloud their judgement and makes bad decisions.

The most common type of bet is the straight bet, which is a wager on a single team or player. A parlay bet combines multiple straight bets into one ticket and is typically better-suited for high-rollers who can place larger bets.

In addition to the traditional moneylines, sportsbooks offer over/under bets that involve predicting the total number of points, runs or goals scored in a game. Many bettors find these bets more exciting because of the potential for a big payout.

Before placing a bet, it is important to research each sportsbook to find the best one for you. Read independent/nonpartisan reviews and pay special attention to how the sportsbook treats its customers and whether it pays out winning bets quickly and accurately.