How to Bet on Sports: A Simple Beginner's Guide
How to place successful sports bets? It is the most common query of almost every bettor before choosing a bookmaker. Here, we will explain you all the facts about sports betting—and if you are looking for value sites, take a look at some of the best odds betting apps.
How to Bet Correctly: What Are the Bets?
The beauty of the betting world lies in the many possibilities! There are several kinds of bets, from simple to complicated—let us take a look at the most crucial ones.
Bet Type: Winner or Draw
In the "Line" area of any bookmaker's website, you can see the list of forthcoming events (pre-match). The most simple bet on any event is on the winner or draw. Under this kind of bet, you have to foretell who will win or whether the match will result in a draw.
Example: Boxer 1 (1.7 odds) against Boxer 2 (4.0 odds). Tap on your desired outcome and enter the stake amount in the bet slip.
Bet Type: Handicap (Spread)
This is one of the most popular bets used in team sports, where you can wager a team or player to win by a specific margin. The handicap may be expressed in goals, points, or sets.
Example: Team 1 (-2.5 handicap). This means Team 1 must win by 3 goals or higher for the bet to succeed.
Bet Type: Total (Over/Under)
Yet another extremely popular bet with players, as a lot of match action is eligible. In boxing, for instance, you can wager on the total amount of rounds. In team sports, totals might be applied to corners, fouls, penalties, cards, and so forth.
Example: Boxer 1 v. Boxer 2. More than 7.5 in total (odds 1.6). The bet is successful if the match lasts more than 8 rounds.
Bet Type: Double Chance
Double chance is a safer bet on two events, achievable only in sports in which there can be a draw. A 1X bet means the first team will not lose, and 2X means the second team will not lose.
Example: Team 1 vs. Team 2. Bet on 2X (odds 1.5). The bet is a winner if Team 2 wins or draws.
Bet Type: Live Betting
Live betting allows you to alter your strategy during the middle of the event. Sometimes the match does not go as expected, and live betting allows you to place additional bets once the match has started—or grab better odds.
Example: Pre-match odds: Boxer 1 (1.7) vs. Boxer 2 (4.0). During the fight, Boxer 2 takes the lead. Live odds are updated to Boxer 1 (3.0) vs. Boxer 2 (2.0).
Bet Type: Accumulator (Parlay)
The easiest way to multiply your chances is to bet several wagers on one slip. The final odds are the product of all selections. Building a parlay with 3–4 solid favorites is a great strategy. But beware: sports are unpredictable, and even favorites can fail. Never bet money you can't afford to lose.
Example: Boxer 1 (1.5) + Boxer 2 (1.6) + Boxer 3 (1.5) = Parlay with combined odds of 3.6.
Bet Type: System Bet
A mix of several parlays on different events. While standard accumulators will pay out if all your predictions are correct, system bets will pay out even if some of your predictions are incorrect. The amount of payout is determined by how many of the outcomes you predicted correctly and their odds.
How to Bet on Sports: Tips for New Players
These are a couple of simple tips for newbies to begin:
- 1. Use promo codes. Promotion codes can make your betting—and who does not love free bonuses? Completing bonus terms can also guide betting decisions.
- 2. Do not remain with one bookmaker. If you are considering signing up bonuses of some bookies, make the most out of it—especially when they are providing no-deposit free bets or a free bet with a symbolic deposit.
- 3. Stay level-headed when you win and lose. Winning bets can be easy money, but never forget your original deposit. If you lose a portion of your winnings, do not try to recoup your losses. Always remember your initial bankroll and control your emotions.
- 4. Try out different methods of betting. Bet small in order to experiment and observe how different methods and types of bets work. What you find out from these small investments can result in winning big in the long run.