How to Bet on Sports: A Beginner's Guide
Are you thinking about trying your hand at sports betting? It can be a great way to add excitement to sporting events and make some extra money. But if you're new to the sports betting, it can be tricky to know where to start. In this guide, we'll walk you through the basics of how to bet on sports. So read on for everything you need to know about betting on sports!
What are the easiest kinds of bet?
If you're just getting started in the world of sports betting, the last thing you want to do is make a complicated bet. The good news is, there are plenty of simple ones that still give you a chance to win some money. Here are a few bets you can make:
- Moneyline bet — on which team will win a match. No point spreads are involved, so the team you pick just needs to win the game outright.
- Point spread bet — on which team will win a match, with a point spread factored in. In order for you to win your bet, the team you choose must not only win the game but also do this by more than the point spread.
- Totals bet — on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a certain number.
- Check if the site is licensed and regulated by a government body. This ensures that it's operating legally and is subject to strict rules and regulations.
- Look for positive reviews from other users. This is a good way to get an idea of how the site operates and whether or not it's trustworthy.
- Make sure the site offers customer support in case you have any questions or problems.
The most trusted betting sites we can recommend
If you don't want to spend time researching betting sites, we've done the hard work for you. Here are our top picks for the most trusted betting sites:
- William Hill;
- Ladbrokes;
- Betfair;
- Paddy Power;
- Coral.
9 betting tips for beginners to know
No matter how much research you do or how confident you're in your picks, there are always going to be risks when betting on sports. But that doesn't mean you can't still make a profit! Here are nine betting tips to help you get started:
- Understand the odds. They represent how likely or unlikely it's for a certain outcome to happen, and they're usually expressed in a decimal or fraction format. The higher the number, the higher the risk and potential payout; the lower the number, the lower the risk but also the potential payout.
- Find value bets. This is when you believe the odds of a certain outcome happening are higher than what the bookmakers think. For example, if you think a team has a 50% chance of winning but the odds are only offering a payout of 40%, then that would be considered a value bet.
- Shop around for the best lines. Different bookmakers will offer different odds on the same bet, so it pays to shop around before placing your bets.
- Favor the underdog. It may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually be more profitable in the long run. That's because the odds are usually higher, which means you stand to win more money if they do pull off the upset.
- Have a betting strategy. It doesn't mean you're guaranteed to win, but having a strategy will help you stay disciplined and limit your risks.
- Don't bet on every game. That's a surefire way to lose all your money. Stick to the games you know and only bet on those.
- Manage your bankroll. Always know how much money you're willing to lose before placing a bet and stick to that amount.
- Know when to walk away. If you're on a losing streak, don't keep betting in an attempt to recoup your losses. Take a break and come back when you're feeling more confident.
- Don't get too emotionally attached to your bets. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement, but that doesn't mean you should let your emotions dictate your bets. Always remember to bet with your head, not your heart.