Sports betting is a great way to make a little extra money on the side, but it can also be a bit overwhelming for those who are new to it. It’s important to understand the basics before you start wagering on your favorite teams. Here is a guide to the basics of sports betting picks, so you can get started on the right foot.
1. Moneyline Bets:
Moneyline bets are the most basic type of sports bet. This type of bet involves betting on which team will win a game. The team that is favored to win will have a negative line, while the underdog team will have a positive line. The amount of money you would need to wager to win a certain amount is determined by the line.
2. Point Spreads:
Point spreads involve betting on a team to cover a certain margin of points. This means that the favored team will have to win by a certain number of points in order for the bet to be a winner. Point spreads are usually set at half points to avoid any pushes or ties. For example, if a point spread is set at 7 points, the favored team must win by 7 or more points for the bet to be a winner. If the favored team wins by only 6 points, the bet is considered a loss.
3. Over/Under:
Over/under involve betting on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a certain number. This number is set by the bookmaker and is based on the teams’ past performances and other factors. For example, if the over/under bet is set at 45, and the combined final score of the two teams is 50, then the bettors who chose the over option will win, while those who chose the under option will lose.
4. Parlays:
Parlays involve free sports picks website on more than one event at the same time. This can be a great way to increase your winnings if all of your picks are correct. However, if even one of your picks loses, the entire parlay will be a loser.
5. Props:
Prop bets involve betting on a specific event that may or may not happen. These bets are usually based on individual players’ performances or on the outcome of a specific game.
6. Teasers:
Teasers are similar to parlays, but they involve adjusting the point spreads or over/under in your favor. This can be a great way to increase your chances of winning a bet, but it also decreases the amount of money you can win.
7. Live Betting:
Live betting is a relatively new way to bet on sports. This involves betting on games while they are in progress. This can be a great way to make money if you have a good handle on the game and can predict which team is going to come out on top.