Bet Smarter, Not Harder: Your Intro to Sports Betting

New to sports betting? This section is your quick-start guide to understanding how it works. From picking winners to reading the odds, we break it down in plain English so you can place your bets with clarity and confidence. Whether you're betting on a big game or just testing the waters, you'll find the tools here to play smart.

Because it's not just about luck—it’s about knowing the game.

What Is Sports Betting?

It’s placing money on the outcome of a sports event. You pick a team, player, or scenario—if your prediction is right, you win money. If not, you lose your bet.

How It Works:

1. Choose a Sport – Football, basketball, baseball, boxing, etc.

2. Pick a Bet Type – (explained below)

3. Place Your Wager – Choose how much to risk.

4. Watch the Game – If your bet hits, you get paid.

Common Bet Types:

• Moneyline – Bet on who wins the game.
  Example: Eagles (-150) vs Giants (+130)

• Point Spread – Bet on margin of victory.
  Example: Cowboys -6.5 = They must win by 7+ points

• Over/Under (Totals) – Bet on the combined final score.
  Example: Over 42.5 means total points must be 43+

• Parlay – One bet with multiple picks.
  All must win for payout, but the reward is higher.

• Prop Bets – Bet on specific outcomes (e.g., “Will Mahomes throw 3+ TDs?”)

• Futures – Bet on long-term outcomes (e.g., who will win the Super Bowl)

Odds 101:

• Favorites have a minus sign (–): You risk more to win less.

• Underdogs have a plus sign (+): You risk less to win more.

Example:

• –150 = Bet $150 to win $100

• +200 = Bet $100 to win $200

Goal:

Pick smart bets based on stats, trends, or gut feeling—and manage your money wisely.