When you bet on sports, it’s important to understand how betting odds work. This includes understanding the different types of bets, how payouts work and what to look for in a good bookmaker. Whether you’re placing bets on the Super Bowl, March Madness or an NBA game, knowing the basics can help you make smart bets that increase your chances of winning.
The first thing to remember when it comes to sports betting is that no one makes money every time they bet on a game. However, if you can consistently make small bets that result in positive profits over the course of an entire season, you can be considered a successful sports bettor. To achieve this, you must be disciplined (don’t bet more than you can afford to lose), do your research and seek out the advice of respected and experienced sports bettors.
A common mistake among new bettors is not understanding how to read sports betting odds. The higher the number on a spread, the more favored the team is to win. For example, a favorite of -180 means they must win by more than seven points to cover the spread. Underdogs, on the other hand, must lose by less than seven points to cover the spread.
Also, be sure to check out the lower-market sports betting markets and props that can often offer better odds than their bigger counterparts. This is particularly true for college basketball and hockey, as these events tend to have lower betting limits.