Sports Betting: Understanding the Basics
New to sports betting, or just need a refresher? You’re not alone! Whether you’re watching your first game or looking to get more familiar with betting terms, this will help. We’ll walk you through the most common types of bets, what they mean, and how they work-step by step. No prior knowledge needed.
*Please note these bet types apply only where sports betting is allowed.*
What is a Moneyline Bet?
A Moneyline bet is one of the simplest forms of sports betting. You’re just picking which team (or athlete) will win the game or event—no point spreads or totals involved.
Each team is assigned odds to reflect their likelihood of winning:
- A negative number (e.g., -180) indicates the favorite—a team expected to win.
- A positive number (e.g., +150) indicates the underdog—a team less likely to win but offering a bigger payout if they do.
Example:
Team A (+150) vs. Team B (–180)
- $100 bet on Team A wins $150 (total $250).
- $180 bet on Team B wins $100 (total $280).
What is a Point Spread Bet?
A point spread bet is designed to make a matchup more even from a betting perspective. Instead of just picking a winner, you’re betting on how much a team wins or loses by.
The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog can either win the game outright or lose by fewer points than the spread.
Example:
- Team A (–6.5) vs. Team B (+6.5)
- If you bet on Team A, they must win by 7 or more points.
- If you bet on Team B, they can either win or lose by 6 points or fewer.
This bet type is commonly used in football and basketball.
What is an Over/Under (Totals) Bet?
An Over/Under bet (also called a Totals bet) is based on the combined number of points, goals, or runs scored by both teams. The sportsbook sets a number, and you bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
Example:
- Total set at 45.5 points
- Bet the Over if you think both teams will combine for 46 points or more.
- Bet the Under if you think the total will be 45 points or fewer.
You don’t have to choose a winner—just whether the game will be high- or low-scoring.
What is a Parlay Bet?
A parlay bet combines two or more individual bets (called “legs”) into a single wager. To win a parlay, every leg must win. While parlays are more difficult to win, they offer larger payouts because the risk is higher.
Example:
A parlay might include:
- Team A to cover the spread (–3)
- Team C to win (+200)
- Over 6.5 total goals in a game
If all three bets win, the parlay pays out. If even one loses, the entire bet loses.
What is a Teaser Bet?
A teaser bet is a type of parlay, but it allows you to adjust the point spreads in your favor across multiple games. This increases your chances of winning, but the payout is lower than a standard parlay.
Example:
- Original line: Team A (–6), Team B (+3)
- Teased line: Team A (–3), Team B (+10)
This adjustment makes each outcome easier to achieve, which is why the potential payout is smaller.
What is a Prop Bet (Proposition Bet)?
A prop bet is a wager on something other than the final score or winner of a game. These bets often focus on specific events or player performances.
Prop bets can be:
- Player-based: How many points a player will score.
- Team-based: Whether a team will score in the first five minutes.
- Event-based: Whether there will be a safety in a football game.
Examples:
- Will a quarterback throw over 250 yards?
- Will a basketball player make more than 3 three-pointers?
Props are popular for adding excitement to specific moments in a game.
What is a Futures Bet?
A futures bet is placed on the outcome of a long-term event, such as a full season, playoff series, or tournament.
These bets are usually made weeks or months in advance and come with higher odds due to the uncertainty involved.
Examples:
- Who will win the Super Bowl?
- Who will be named MVP of the season?
- Which team will make the playoffs?
Payouts can be significant, but the risk is greater because the outcome is far off.
What is Live Betting (In-Game Betting)?
Live betting lets you place bets while the game is in progress. Odds change in real time based on the action—such as a touchdown, goal, or injury.
This type of betting offers flexibility and excitement, especially for fans who closely follow the game.
Examples:
- Who will win the next quarter?
- Will the next batter hit a home run?
- Will the next play result in a turnover?
Live betting requires quick thinking and often offers unique betting opportunities not available before the game starts.
What is an Asian Handicap Bet?
Asian Handicap betting is mostly used in soccer. It adds a handicap to one or both teams to remove the possibility of a draw, making it a two-outcome wager instead of three (win, lose, or draw).
Handicaps can be full numbers, half points, or even quarter points, and they influence the final result based on how many goals a team wins or loses by.
Example:
- Team A (–1.5) vs. Team B (+1.5)
- If you bet on Team A, they must win by 2 or more goals.
- If you bet on Team B, they can win or lose by 1 goal for your bet to win.
Asian Handicaps are useful in close matches where a draw is likely.
What is a Round Robin Bet?
A Round Robin is a way to place multiple parlays at once using a group of picks. Instead of one single parlay, you bet on several combinations. This increases your chance of winning something, even if not all picks are correct.
Example:
You select Team A, Team B, and Team C.
A Round Robin creates these parlays:
- Team A and Team B
- Team A and Team C
- Team B and Team C
If two teams win, one of the combinations still pays out. This approach spreads the risk while still offering good potential rewards.
What is Spread Betting (Handicap Betting)?
Spread betting (also called handicap betting) is similar to point spread betting. The sportsbook gives one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to make the matchup more even.
Example:
- Team A (–2) vs. Team B (+2)
- A bet on Team A means they must win by more than 2 points.
- A bet on Team B wins if they win outright or lose by fewer than 2 points.
This type of betting is designed to give both teams roughly equal chances in the eyes of the bettor.
Have More Questions? No problem—sports betting can take a little time to get used to. If anything still seems confusing or if you want help placing a bet, we are available 24/7 to help.