How to Bet on Sports for Beginners: 12 Tips to Know

How to Bet on Sports for Beginners: 12 Tips to Know

Over the past four years, sports betting has emerged from the shadows and into the mainstream. The anti-gambling stigma that existed for decades faded quickly in American popular culture, opening the door for a massive, multibillion-dollar legal sports betting industry to emerge.

With sports betting now legal in many states, millions of sports fans will be looking to enter the betting market for the first time.

But where do you begin if you're unfamiliar with the terminology?

Here's an introduction into how to bet on sports with 12 things that every beginner needs to know.

1. Favorites vs. Underdogs

When oddsmakers release a betting line on a game, the first thing they do is decide which team should be the favorite and which should be the underdog.

The favorite is the team that is more likely to win the game and will get a minus sign next to its odds. The underdog is expected to lose and gets a plus sign.

Here's how it looks at FanDuel.

How_to_Bet_on_Sports_for_Beginners__12_Tips_to_Know

If the game is a true 50/50 toss-up, books will open it as a "pick" or "pick'em."

2. Spreads

There are two main ways to bet on a favorite or an underdog. The first is the point spread, which is a bet on the margin of victory.

Let's use the same example from FanDuel.

How_to_Bet_on_Sports_for_Beginners__12_Tips_to_Know

The Eagles are a -4.5 favorite over the Lions in Week 1. That means anyone betting on Philadelphia needs the Eagles to win by 5 or more points. Anyone betting on Detroit needs the Lions to lose by 1-4 points or win the game.

  • Eagles win by 7: Eagles bettors win
  • Eagles win by 3: Lions bettors win
  • Lions win by 3: Lions bettors win

Point spreads are adjusted for team ability and many other factors. That's why the Colts are an 8-point favorite on the road against the lowly Texans, while the Eagles are a smaller favorite on the road against the Lions.

Spreads are available in every sport but most common in higher-scoring sports like basketball and football.

You can place point spread bets like the example above with FanDuel. To learn more about the sportsbook, read our FanDuel promo code review.

Still confused? Check out this video breaking down point spreads.

3. Moneylines

The second way to bet on a favorite or an underdog is on the moneyline. A moneyline bet requires you to just pick the winner of the game, and uses American odds to calculate the payout.

American odds are centered around winning $100.

So if you're betting a -200 favorite, you need to risk $200 to win $100, or any fraction of that — $20 to win $10, $2 to win $1, etc.

If you're betting a +200 underdog, you will win 2x your money for every dollar wagered — $100 to win $200, $10 to win $20, $1 to win $2, etc.

Back to Colts-Texans. Oddsmakers believe Indianapolis is the much stronger team. So to bet the Colts just to win the game, you need to risk a substantial amount.

The Colts are -375 — that means you need to risk $375 to win $100 or $37.50 to win $10.

The Texans are +300. If you bet $100, you'll win $300. Or if you bet $5, you'll win $15.

You can place moneyline bets (and more) with any of Action's best sportsbooks, including bet365 and Caesars. For more information about bet365, read Action's bet365 bonus code review. To read more about Caesars, check out our Caesars Sportsbook promo code recap.

How_to_Bet_on_Sports_for_Beginners__12_Tips_to_Know

So why do you have to risk more on the favorite than you'd win on the underdog?

This is called the juice, and it's how sportsbooks maintain their edge over bettors.

Moneylines are available for all sports, but they are predominantly used when betting on lower-scoring sports like baseball, hockey and soccer.

4. Over/Unders (Totals)

In addition to setting a line for the favorite and the underdog, oddsmakers will also set a total number of points scored in a game by both teams combined. This is called the total or over/under.

Bettors can then wager on whether or not the game will go over or under the total. You're not trying to guess the exact score (though that bet is available, too).

Eagles-Lions has a total of 46 — about average for an NFL game.

  • If you bet the over, you need 47+ points
  • If you bet the under, you need 45 points or fewer
  • If it lands on 46 exactly, it's a push and bets are refunded

Over/unders can be impacted by factors like the elements as well. Be sure to check out our NFL weather page for the latest updates on the forecast of the game(s) you're following.

How_to_Bet_on_Sports_for_Beginners__12_Tips_to_Know

The over/under concept is applied to many different kinds of bets.

  • Tom Brady over or under 295.5 passing yards
  • LeBron James over 7.5 assists
  • Yankees over 93.5 wins

5. What Is the -110 Number Listed Next to My Bet?

With many bets, you may see two numbers — a spread like -4.5, and then odds below it, like -110.

  • The spread is the margin of victory your team needs to win by
  • The -110 odds are the price you need to pay to bet that spread

How_to_Bet_on_Sports_for_Beginners__12_Tips_to_Know

Let's say you're betting on the Colts at DraftKings.

  • The spread is -8, so to win your bet, you need Indy to win by 9+ points.
  • The "juice" is -110. So you'd need to wager $110 to win $100, or $11 to win $10, on that spread.

If you wager $11 to win $10 and the Colts win by 14, you'd win $10. If the Colts win by 3, you'd lose $11.

NFL spreads will usually be -110 on both sides.

But for something like an MLB spread, where the line is almost always -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog, the juice will differ depending on the gap in ability between the two teams.

How_to_Bet_on_Sports_for_Beginners__12_Tips_to_Know

6. How to Place a Bet

OK, so you now know what each bet means. So how do you place them?

Most sportsbooks make it quite easy.

  • Navigate to your desired game and bet type
  • Click the "bet cell"
  • The bet will populate in your bet slip
  • Enter your bet amount
  • Submit bet

Each team will be lined up with its corresponding lines. So in that video, USC was a 14-point underdog against Alabama. To bet USC, just click the cell across from its name.

7. Where to Place a Bet: Best Online Sportsbooks

Alabama,Alaska,Arizona,Arkansas,California,Colorado,Connecticut,Delaware,Florida,Georgia,Hawaii,Idaho,Illinois,Indiana,Iowa,Kansas,Kentucky,Louisiana,Maine,Maryland,Massachusetts,Michigan,Minnesota,Mississippi,Missouri,Montana,Nebraska,Nevada,New Hampshire,New Jersey,New Mexico,New York,North Carolina,North Dakota,Ohio,Oklahoma,Oregon,Pennsylvania,Rhode Island,South Carolina,South Dakota,Tennessee,Texas,Utah,Vermont,Virginia,Washington,West Virginia,Wisconsin,Wyoming,Washington, D.C.

So where can you actually place a bet?

More than half the U.S. states have some form of legal betting, but about 20 have full online wagering. Others have only in-person betting at casinos, racetracks and other venues. Legalized online North Carolina sports betting is next on the horizon.

  • Tracking Legalization in All 50 States
  • Full Sportsbook List by State

Make sure to enhance your betting strategies by using welcome offers such as the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code, the BetMGM bonus code, and/or the PointsBet promo code. An exciting new sportsbook is set to enter the market soon as well — ESPN BET. Keep track of updates regarding ESPN's sportsbook offering by reading our ESPN BET promo code and review.

8. How Much to Bet

In the end, you have the final say on how much to risk on a game, but a good rule is risk only what you can afford to lose. Sports betting is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be good days and bad days. As a result, we recommend a flat-betting approach.

This means betting the same amount on every game and risking only 1% to 5% of your bankroll per play (the bankroll is the starting amount you have at your disposal to bet with). For example, if you are starting with a bankroll of $100, you should risk no more than $5 per game.

By employing a flat-betting approach, bettors guard themselves against losing their entire bankroll during a bad stretch, but also set themselves up for a positive return on investment (ROI) when they're doing well.

9. Parlays

A parlay is a wager type in which two or more bets are linked together to create one bet with a greater payout, but all the bets must win.

So instead of betting $10 each on three games, you can make one $10 wager that will pay out more of all three teams win. But if even one loses, you lose your $10.

The payouts will vary based on how many bets you include, and the prices of those bets.

This MLB parlay with Mariners +114, Mets -220 and Marlins and Marlins -134 pays +443.

How_to_Bet_on_Sports_for_Beginners__12_Tips_to_Know

Even more popular than traditional parlays featuring multiple games is the same game parlay, pioneered by FanDuel and now offered by almost every sportsbook.

This feature allows you to parlay multiple bets from the same game, with the correlation of each event priced in. That means if you bet over 51 in Rams-Bengals and Matthew Stafford over 2.5 passing touchdowns, you won't get the full parlay payout, because those events are more likely to happen together.

Same game parlays wildly popular in standalone NFL and NBA games.

10. Props

Betting spreads and totals isn't enough for most people anymore.

Props — short for proposition bets — can be any wager that's not a standard point spread, moneyline or total.

But when people refer to props, they're usually talking about player props like:

  • Steph Curry over or under 5.5 assists
  • Max Scherzer over or under 7.5 strikeouts
  • Derrick Henry to score the first TD +500

Like point spreads, you often have to pay the corresponding price with props.

Here, Scherzer's strikeout total against the Reds is set at 7.5. But it's more likely than not he goes under, according to FanDuel's lines, so you have to pay a steeper price to bet the under than the over.

How_to_Bet_on_Sports_for_Beginners__12_Tips_to_Know

If you're getting serious about making money betting sports, props are a great place to start.

U.S. sportsbooks offer hundreds of props on every game, creating a greater attack surface since they can't properly price all of them. Even if you're not creating your own statistical models, tracking specific props and understanding how they're priced can help give you an edge over the sportsbooks.

11. Shop for the Best Line

Lines can vary based on the sportsbook, because different books have different clienteles. As a result, one book may post the Cavs -8 while another has -7.5.

Having access to more than one sportsbook allows you to shop for the best line. Getting an extra half-point might not seem like a huge deal, but it adds up over the long haul and increases your chances of winning.

Our live odds pages will automatically surface the best line for every game.

12. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

This isn't Monopoly money, so you want to make sure you're tracking your progress. The easiest way to do that is with our award-winning (and free!) app, which has awesome features like live bet cover probability and odds shopping, it also lets you track all of your bets across nearly every sport.

And that’s valuable because you can identify where your strengths and weaknesses are as you start betting. Are you more successful betting on the NFL or NBA? Do you thrive when taking player props or over/unders? These are all a good thing to know, and it can allow you to maximize your winnings.

Source:actionnetwork

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The best bonus code for WPT Global is WPT777. By entering the bonus code, players will get a welcome bonus 100% up to $1,200 on the first deposit. The minimum deposit is $20.

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My WPT Global Account

1. How do I start playing?

To play on WPT Global, please download and install the app on your device. Then, register a player account, agree to the terms of use and privacy policy, and deposit funds to start playing.

2. How can I change my personal information?

If you made a mistake during registration or your personal information has changed, please contact [email protected]. Customer support will assist you.

3. What if I forget my password?

If you forget your password, open the app and click the 'Forgot Password' button to reset it.

4. How do I close my account?

If you wish to close your account, please contact customer support at [email protected]. Note: Once you close your existing account, you cannot register a new one (only one account per person is allowed).

5. I'm leaving this country for a while. Can I play poker from other regions?

WPT Global is available in over 100 countries and regions where it is licensed to operate. If your destination is not legal, you will not be able to access the app.

6. Can I use poker trackers or HUDs with my account?

No, WPT Global does not allow the use of third-party tools.

What is WPT Global

1. What is WPT Global?

WPT Global is an online gaming platform offering real-money poker to players in over 100 countries.

2. What is the World Poker Tour (WPT)?

The World Poker Tour (WPT) is an international gaming entertainment brand that operates live tournaments, television, online, and mobile events.

3. Where is WPT Global licensed?

WPT Global is licensed by Gaming Services Provider N.V. in Curacao, with license #GLH-OCCHKTW0701202022, to provide online gambling.

4. How can I participate in WPT live tournaments?

WPT hosts famous live events at top venues worldwide, and anyone of legal age can participate. Please check the official website for the latest schedule. WPT Global also offers exclusive satellites where you can win seats to WPT live tournaments for a small buy-in.

5. What is a WPT satellite?

A satellite is a special tournament where you can win entry to online or offline events instead of cash prizes. WPT satellites offer unique opportunities to qualify for WPT tournaments worldwide.

Bonus Terms

1. What bonuses are available on WPT Global?

WPT Global offers all new players a 100% deposit match bonus (from $20 to $1,200). Get your bonus with WPT777.

2. How much is the first deposit bonus?

On your first deposit, you receive a 100% match bonus (minimum $20, maximum $1,200). Participate in tournaments or cash games, and $5 of your bonus is unlocked for every $20 played and credited directly to your cashier. You can check your available bonuses in the 'Bonus Center' in your profile.

Deposits in WPT Global

1. How do I make a deposit?

To deposit, log in to your player account and access the cashier page. Click the 'Deposit' button to see all available payment methods.

2. My deposit hasn't been reflected in my account

Please wait a few minutes for your deposit to be reflected in your account. Occasionally, there may be delays due to your bank or provider. Please check if the funds have been deducted from your bank account, credit card, or wallet. Proof of payment may be required for investigation.

3. Are there any fees for deposits?

There are no deposit fees.

4. What deposit methods are currently available?

Available methods vary by region, but you can deposit via Visa, Mastercard, JCB, instant bank transfer, prepaid vouchers, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and major e-wallets (Neteller, Skrill, Muchbetter, Luxonpay, except Ontario).

5. How do I deposit with cryptocurrency?

To deposit with cryptocurrency, you need a crypto wallet with coins. Log in to your WPT Global account, access the cashier, select 'Deposit' and then 'Crypto Payment', enter the currency and amount, and send the funds from your wallet to the displayed address. Wait for the deposit to complete.

6. How do I deposit with Skrill?

To deposit with Skrill, create and verify your account. After adding funds to your Skrill wallet, log in to your WPT Global account, go to the cashier, select 'Deposit' then 'Skrill', and follow the on-screen instructions.

7. How do I deposit with Neteller?

To deposit with Neteller, create and verify your account. After adding funds to your Neteller eWallet, log in to your WPT Global account, go to the cashier, select 'Deposit' then 'Neteller', and follow the on-screen instructions.

Withdrawals in WPT Global

1. How do I withdraw from my player account?

To request a withdrawal, log in to your account and access the cashier page. Select your preferred payment method and amount from the 'Withdraw' button.

2. Why hasn't my withdrawal arrived yet?

You can check your withdrawal status at any time in the 'Transaction History' section. Usually, your funds will arrive within 1 to 5 business days.

3. Are there any fees for withdrawals?

There are no withdrawal fees.

4. Why was my withdrawal rejected?

Withdrawals may be rejected if you select a payment method different from the one used for deposit.

5. Why can't I withdraw my original deposit amount?

According to the terms and conditions, you must wager at least the amount of your deposit before requesting a withdrawal. Once completed, you can request a withdrawal using the same method as your deposit.

WPT Global Account Verification

1. Why is account verification necessary?

To comply with laws and regulations, we require player identity verification. Please submit the necessary documents for account verification.

2. What documents are required for verification?

Verification requires a valid ID, passport, driver's license, utility bill, deposit proof, etc. Documents must be clear photos showing all corners, and utility bills must be within the last three months. Black-and-white or partial documents are not accepted. Payment cards require clear images of both sides. For details, contact customer support ([email protected]).

3. How long does account verification take?

After submitting the required documents in the correct format, we aim to complete verification within 72 hours.

WPT Global Technical Issues

1. How do I download and install the WPT Global app?

**Windows** - Minimum requirements: Windows 10, 500MB+ free disk space, 3GB RAM (4GB recommended) - Start download from [here](/download) - After downloading, open the file (in the 'Downloads' folder) and run the installer - Follow the installer instructions **Mac** - Minimum requirements: macOS 10.14, 500MB+ free disk space, 3GB RAM (4GB recommended) - Start download from [here](/download) - After downloading, open the file (in the 'Downloads' folder) - Drag the WPT Global icon to the Applications folder - Start WPT Global from the Applications folder **Android** - Minimum requirements: Android 8.0, 500MB+ free disk space, 3GB RAM (4GB recommended) - Start download from [here](/download) - When prompted 'Download file?', select 'Download' - Open the .apk file - When prompted 'Install this app?', select 'Install' - After installation, select 'Open' to launch WPT Global - When prompted for location access, select 'Allow only while using the app' **iPhone** - Minimum requirements: iOS 10, 500MB+ free disk space, 3GB RAM (4GB recommended) Search for 'WPT Global' in the App Store and download the app.

2. What should I do if my antivirus blocks pop-ups?

For Safari, go to 'Settings' > 'Security' and turn off 'Block Pop-ups'. For Chrome, go to 'Settings' > 'Privacy and Security' > 'Site Settings' > 'Pop-ups and Redirects'. For Android, select 'Always show' at the bottom of the page. For Firefox, allow via 'Options' when prompted, or add the site to the 'Exceptions List' under 'Settings' > 'Privacy & Security' > 'Permissions'. For Internet Explorer, go to 'Tools' > 'Internet Options' > 'Privacy' > 'Pop-up Blocker'. For Microsoft Edge, go to 'Settings' > 'Site Permissions'.

3. What if I get a driver error when downloading WPT Global?

If you get a driver error when downloading the WPT Global app, please refer to the graphics driver update instructions.

4. Is this download safe?

Yes, it is safe. Only WPT Global will be installed.

5. The app is not responding.

If you experience issues with the app, first clear your cache and cookies. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the app. If you need support, send a screenshot of the error message and details to [email protected].

6. Mobile app updates

To avoid issues, always approve app update notifications. New updates are frequently released, so always use the latest version.

7. What should I do if I see 'Cannot run files in temporary directory' on Windows?

You need administrator rights to download WPT Global. In the Downloads folder, right-click WPT Global and select 'Run as administrator'.

WPT Global Poker Games

1. What is a flight tournament?

A flight tournament has multiple qualifiers (or Day 1s), and the top X% (usually 10-20%) of each flight advance to the final day. When a flight reaches that percentage, it ends automatically, and the remaining players move to the final day (chips are carried over). Flights may also end based on level, time, or remaining players. Some flights may not award prizes, while others do. After all flights end, the final day starts as scheduled. You must buy in for each flight; direct entry to the final day is not allowed. You can enter multiple flights in the same tournament, but only your largest chip stack carries over if you qualify more than once.

2. What is a satellite tournament?

A satellite tournament is a tournament where you can win entry to a major tournament for a small buy-in. The entry fee is usually 10-20% of the major tournament. Multiple entries may be awarded depending on the number of participants. Example: In an $11 ($10+$1) satellite, one ticket to a $110 ($100+$10) tournament is awarded for every 11 players. Some satellites award generic tickets that can be used for any tournament with the same buy-in, not just a specific tournament.

3. What is a guaranteed tournament?

A guaranteed tournament is a tournament where a certain prize pool is guaranteed regardless of the number of players. If there are more players, the prize pool increases, but it will not fall below the guaranteed minimum. Example: In a $55 ($50+$5) tournament with a $2,000 guarantee, even with 22 players, $2,000 is paid out. With 63 players, $3,150 (63×$50) is paid out.

4. How do I use tournament tickets in my backpack?

To use a ticket, select a tournament with the same value as your ticket from the 'Tournaments' tab in the lobby and register.

5. Which hands are eligible for the cash game jackpot?

Each jackpot table displays the prize for each qualifying hand. Players must use both hole cards and have a winning hand to qualify for the cumulative jackpot.

Fairness and Security

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Our fairness algorithm is designed to ensure that all players have an equal chance of winning and to enhance the player experience. By limiting the number of skilled players at each table, we provide new players with a fair chance of winning. You will never be seated with eight pros at the same table and will mainly play against others of similar skill. Even for pros, limiting the number of other pros provides a better experience. Whether you are a new, recreational, or professional player, you will find your preferred game in one of the largest cash game player pools.

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Our team consists of over 50 industry experts and former professional poker players. We use AI detection tools to monitor for bots, RTAs, collusion, and multi-accounting 24/7/365. Every security case is reviewed independently by at least two team members to ensure accurate and objective conclusions.

WPT Global Game Rules

1. Where can I check the rules for each game?

You can check the rules for each game on the help page found in the game's menu or info button.

2. What is the maximum bet for casino games?

The maximum bet varies by game. Please check the help page for each game for details.

3. What is player return (RTP)?

RTP indicates the expected return rate for players in slot games and varies by game.