Over the past few years, as sports betting has gone from niche to omnipresent in the United States, billions of dollars have been wagered on sports events. And the growth hasn’t stopped. A recent Supreme Court ruling allowed individual states to legalize sports betting, transforming the way many of us consume and watch sports.
In addition to the traditional moneyline and point spread bets, there are a host of other wagering options in sports betting, including over/unders and parlays. However, it is important to know the rules of each wagering type before making any bets. For example, if multiple teams/players have the same odds, the team/player with the lowest number is considered the favorite. This is often indicated by adding a “+” before the number. Alternatively, if the numbers are equal, it means that each of those teams/players has an identical chance to win.
Finding value in sports bets is one of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of sports betting. It can be done by analyzing the current market conditions and looking for mispriced odds. To make the most of this strategy, be sure to keep track of your bets by using a spreadsheet or a betting app. Additionally, it is helpful to bet on sports that you are familiar with from a rules perspective and to follow the news for each team/player. This will allow you to find the best bets and improve your chances of winning.
Another way to find value in sports bets is to look for “sure bets” or “locks.” These bets guarantee a profit by placing a wager on all possible outcomes of a game, such as a team to win and score the first touchdown of the game. While these bets are a great way to increase your profits, they should only be placed with money that you can afford to lose. And remember that even a “sure bet” can go sideways, so you should always risk only 1% to 5% of your bankroll per play.
The growth of sports betting has been fueled by the emergence of online and mobile sportsbooks. But while some states are cagey about who exactly is placing bets, it’s clear that a lot of this growth is coming from young men who have a high propensity for gambling. This is why Congressman Paul Tonko is proposing the SAFE Bets Act, which would regulate sports betting marketing tactics. The bill would limit ads to times and places where vulnerable groups aren’t likely to see them. It would also require companies to provide information about responsible gaming. Click here to learn more.