How to Bet on Sports: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Basics

How to Bet on Sports: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Basics

For newcomers, sports betting can feel overwhelming and sometimes even intimidating. The world of odds, spreads, and various betting types might seem confusing at first, but once you break it down, it’s all about understanding the fundamentals. Here’s a guide highlighting the first 12 things every beginner should know before placing their first bet.

1. Favorites vs. Underdogs

When oddsmakers set a line for a game, the first decision they make is which team is the favorite and which is the underdog. The favorite is expected to win, marked with a minus sign (-), while the underdog has a plus sign (+). For instance, if the Eagles are -4.5 favorites, they must win by at least 5 points for a bet on them to pay out.

2. Point Spreads

Point spreads are a popular way to bet, where you predict the margin of victory. In the example above, if the Eagles are favored by 4.5 points over the Lions, the Eagles need to win by 5 or more for a bet on them to win. If the Lions win or lose by fewer than 5 points, a bet on them wins. Point spreads are common in high-scoring sports like football and basketball.

3. Moneylines

A moneyline bet involves picking the winner of the game. The odds are represented in American format, and the amount you risk depends on whether you’re betting on the favorite or underdog. For example, a bet on the Colts at -375 means you need to wager $375 to win $100, while a bet on the Texans at +300 would earn you $300 for every $100 wagered.

4. Over/Unders (Totals)

Oddsmakers set a combined total for both teams’ scores in a game. You bet on whether the total points will be over or under that number. For instance, if the total for an Eagles-Lions game is set at 46, a bet on the over means you need 47 or more points scored in total for the bet to win.

5. What Does -110 Mean?

When you see odds like -110, it refers to the “juice” or vig — the amount you need to bet to win $100. A -110 line means you need to wager $110 to win $100. The odds reflect the sportsbook’s commission and are common across most bets, especially point spreads.

6. How to Place a Bet

Once you understand the bet, placing it is simple. Choose your game, select the bet type, and enter your wager amount. The sportsbook will then populate the bet slip, allowing you to confirm your selection and place your bet.

7. Where to Place a Bet

You can place bets at legal online sportsbooks, which vary by state. Be sure to check which sportsbooks are available in your state, such as BetMGM, FanDuel, or Caesars. Some states also allow in-person betting at casinos or racetracks.

8. How Much to Bet

A key rule in sports betting is to only bet what you can afford to lose. It’s recommended to start with a flat-betting strategy, risking 1% to 5% of your bankroll per bet. This approach ensures you can weather losing streaks without depleting your funds.

9. Parlays

A parlay combines multiple bets into one, offering a higher payout but higher risk. All bets within the parlay must win for the bet to pay out. A more recent trend is the “same-game parlay,” where you combine bets from the same game, allowing for more personalized betting options.

10. What Is a Prop?

Prop bets are wagers on specific events within a game, like player performance or other unique outcomes. For example, you might bet on a quarterback throwing over or under 2.5 touchdowns. Props can add excitement but are often riskier due to their specificity.

11. Shopping for Lines

Different sportsbooks offer slightly varying odds. It’s beneficial to shop around to ensure you’re getting the best value for your bet. A slight difference in odds can affect your long-term profitability.

12. Know Your Strengths/Weaknesses

As a beginner, focus on learning one or two sports well. Specializing helps you understand patterns and trends that could give you an edge. Also, be aware of your strengths and weaknesses in betting, whether it’s analyzing data, understanding odds, or managing your bankroll.

With these 12 tips, you’re better equipped to dive into the world of sports betting. Remember, sports betting is a journey that requires patience, discipline, and knowledge. Start small, stay informed, and most importantly, bet responsibly.

NBA Betting Picks Today: Free Expert Player Props and Bets for December

NBA Betting Picks Today: Free Expert Player Props and Bets for December

For those looking to make informed bets on NBA games, we’ve got expert player prop picks and game predictions for today. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the scene, these insights will give you a head start on your NBA betting strategies. Our picks cover player prop bets, game totals, and other key betting markets to maximize your chances of success.

Best NBA Bets Today

Tyler Herro Over 23.5 Points (-110) vs. Boston

Betting Site: FanDuel

Boston will face off against Miami today, and although the Celtics are a tough opponent, they’ll be missing a few key players. Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford will all be out, which significantly weakens their defense. While Miami also has a notable absence with Jimmy Butler sidelined, this actually benefits Tyler Herro. When Butler was out for a five-game stretch earlier in the season, Herro stepped up, averaging 27.6 points in 37.6 minutes per game. With the ball likely to be in his hands more often today, Herro should be able to surpass the 23.5-point mark, even against a strong Celtics team. At -110, this is a solid line to bet.

Dyson Daniels Over 2.5 Steals (+123) vs. New Orleans

Betting Site: BetRivers

The New Orleans Pelicans have been one of the more mistake-prone teams in the NBA, allowing opponents to rack up steals at an alarming rate. Over their last ten games, they’ve allowed the third-most steals per 48 minutes (10.3). Dyson Daniels has capitalized on these opportunities all season, averaging 3.0 steals per game. With New Orleans’ continued issues protecting the ball, Daniels should be able to meet or exceed his average today. At +123, this is great value for a prop bet.

Lakers vs. Timberwolves Under 219.5 Total Points

Betting Site: DraftKings Sportsbook

Both the Lakers and Timberwolves have been struggling on offense lately, which makes this under bet appealing. Over the past five games, the Lakers have ranked 26th in offensive rating, while the Timberwolves have ranked 27th. Furthermore, both teams have been playing at a slower pace recently. Minnesota ranks dead last in pace during this stretch, while the Lakers are 26th. With two teams that have been failing to generate consistent offense and are focused on defensive adjustments, betting the under on the total points line of 219.5 makes sense for today’s matchup.

Key Betting Insights and Trends

As we look at today’s matchups, it’s essential to consider the broader trends across the NBA, particularly with teams like the Lakers and Timberwolves struggling with injuries and inconsistent offensive performances. Betting on unders or player prop bets can often provide more favorable odds and increase your chances of success, especially when the game dynamics shift due to injuries or other factors.

Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring more NBA bets, you can check out RotoWire’s NBA Betting Page for up-to-the-minute odds, betting trends, and player news. They also provide useful betting tools, like the Historical NBA Odds and ATS Standings, which can help you analyze how teams have performed against the spread over time.

Other Notable Prop Bets and Picks

  • Jayson Tatum Over 9.5 Rebounds (-120) vs. Miami
    Tatum has been an outstanding all-around player for Boston, and with key players out for Miami, he could see an increased role on both offense and defense. At -120, this is another strong bet for a prop pick.
  • Zion Williamson Over 25.5 Points (-105) vs. Dallas
    Zion has been a force for New Orleans, and Dallas will have a tough time stopping him. This line presents good value, especially considering the Pelicans will look to lean on Zion’s scoring with other offensive options in flux.

Why These Bets Matter Today

The NBA is known for its unpredictable nature, especially when injuries and lineup changes impact how games play out. That’s why having access to the latest player news, such as who is active and who’s sidelined, can help you make smarter betting decisions. These expert picks take all of that into account, looking at both short-term trends and long-term performance to give you a comprehensive view of the matchups.

As mentioned earlier, players like Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis are missing from their respective lineups today, making a significant impact on their teams’ chances of success. When you can predict how these changes affect individual players, such as Herro or Daniels, you can spot betting opportunities others might overlook. This is where player prop bets come into play. Rather than betting on the full game outcome, focusing on individual performances allows for more specific, potentially lucrative bets.

How to Place Your NBA Bets

If you’re wondering where to place your bets, RotoWire also provides resources on the best NBA Betting Sites and NBA Betting Apps to ensure you have access to the best odds and promotions. Checking out trusted sportsbooks like FanDuel, BetRivers, and DraftKings ensures you’re betting in a safe environment and taking advantage of any promotional bonuses. These platforms offer a variety of options for placing prop bets, spreads, totals, and moneyline bets on NBA games.

Additionally, RotoWire’s NBA Lineups Page is an essential resource for tracking up-to-date player news, including injuries and game-time decisions. Having the most current information before placing your bets is crucial for making the best choices.

Conclusion

For those looking to get ahead with NBA betting, today’s picks offer great opportunities to take advantage of player performances and game dynamics. From Tyler Herro’s scoring potential to Dyson Daniels’ ability to steal the ball, these prop bets provide a lot of value. Remember to monitor injuries and lineup changes, as they often create additional value for certain betting markets. By utilizing the insights and tools available at RotoWire, you can refine your NBA betting strategy and increase your chances of success. Good luck with your bets today!