Sports Betting Explained - How to Bet Online

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Introduction to odds and online betting

Sports betting is a fun way to support your favorite team while (hopefully) making a couple of bucks in the process. But not everyone is familiar with how sports betting actually works. And that’s OK!

This is why we put together these sports betting guides to explain everything you need to know about placing a wager on a game, match, or event, and answer questions like What are Vegas odds?, and How do you bet online?

Tips when betting online

 

Betting strategies and terminology

Betting strategies and terminology

In addition to the tips above, we have also written a comprehensive guide to the fundamental building blocks of sports betting. In this guide, you will learn the basics of sports betting odds, the various ways you can bet on specific sports, and tips on how to bet.

This section is divided into six parts:

#1 Understanding Sports Odds

We look at how odds work, the function of decimal odds, what fractional odds are, and explain the role of statistical probability when producing sports betting odds. As a bonus, Jonathan has added an explanation video where he discussed each aspect of these betting types in detail.

#2 Moneyline, Spread, and Total Betting Explained

In this section, we cover the most popular betting types, what they are and how they work. Moneyline betting, betting the spread or betting the total are perhaps the most popular ways of placing a wager on the outcome of a game or match. Regardless of which betting type you prefer, there are nuances to each to bear in mind.

#3 How do Sportsbooks Make Money?

Sportsbooks, whether online or physical sportsbooks in casinos, all have a system to produce sports betting odds and allow for us bettors to bet on them. Naturally, they do so in such a way that allows them to earn money on the wagers made at each event. Here, we’ll explain how this works and how the books can make their profits through their odds making and outcome probability.

#4 Prop Bets and Future Bets Explained

Sportsbetting has come a long way when it comes to giving bettors a wide range of betting types to choose from when placing a wager. Prop bets and future bets fall into a category of bets that allow bettors to be creative with what they bet on, other than simply the immediate outcome next game. Read on to get a good idea of props and futures.

#5 In-play and Live Betting Explained

Live betting has become a tremendously popular form of betting. In short, you are betting while the event is still going and, obviously, there are pros and cons to this type of wagering. Learn about what these pros and cons are and how you can use this way of betting to increase your chances of making the right bet more frequently.

#6  How to Make Your First Bet

if you are ready to take the plunge and get started with betting, the online betting options in the U.S. are growing monthly, with new states legalizing sports betting. Read about what state is legal today, then pick one of our listed online sportsbooks by reading our reviews.

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Author

The USBettingReport team combines sports passion with betting expertise. Seasoned analysts and fresh voices bring you insightful content, from handicapping tips to the latest trends. We value accuracy, responsible gambling, and healthy sports discussion.