Ways to Bet on Major Sporting Events
Each sport will offer different types of betting opportunities, but there are a few types of bets that will be offered on all major sporting event. Take a look at some of the types of bets offered on each sporting event, but here is a breakdown of a few of the bets you will typically see.
Futures Betting: A futures bet is typically available on all major sporting events and involves picking the winner in advance of that event beginning. Odds are updated daily leading up to the big event, and there is great value in picking an underdog that eventually winds up winning.
Prop Betting: Prop betting seems to have gotten its start in the Super Bowl, but now these bets are available on all major sporting events. Prop bets typically deal with unique things surrounding the event and can be a way for the non-sports fan to get involved in the action.
Point Spread: A point spread event is usually available on every single sporting event throughout the sports calendar, but each sport offers different types of spreads. Sportsbooks will give the “favorite” a certain spread that they must cover in order to make them the betting winner. This type of bet is usually placed the night before or the day of a particular game or contest.
Moneyline: A moneyline bet is simple, you are simply betting on the winner of a particular game or match. The team or player that is the favorite will offer a much less return on your bet than the underdog, but it’s not wise to place this kind of “straight up” bet on the underdog often.
Over/Under: An over/under or “total” bet is usually placed on the combined final score of a particular game or event. This type of bet will look drastically different for each sport, but it allows the bettor a chance to focus on a number rather than a winner/loser.
For more terms, see our Sports Betting Glossary page.
Tips For Choosing the Right Sportsbook
Choosing the right sportsbook is the first step for anyone looking to make some money on sports. The top sportsbooks will offer betting opportunities on all of the major sporting events highlighted on this page, but they aren’t all the same. Here is a quick rundown of some of the most important things to look for in a sportsbook.
Live Betting: Live betting is becoming more popular and more common amongst sportsbooks, but not all of them have jumped on board yet. If you are someone who enjoys betting while watching your favorite sporting event then finding a sportsbook that offers this feature is a must.
Mobile App: Assuming that you have a smartphone or tablet, finding a sportsbook that also has a mobile app is a must. It’s not always convenient to find a computer to place your bets online, and using your mobile device is much quicker and much more efficient. If a sportsbook doesn’t have a mobile app, then they probably aren’t a reputable site.
Cheaper Lines: If you are someone who regular bets on sports then you know that most lines are offered at -110 for most sporting events. This is a common practice on most sportsbooks, but there are some out there that offer lines at -105. This might not seem like a huge deal, but saving 5% on each bet can save you, the bettor, a ton of money in the long run.
Customer Service: Finding a sportsbook that has excellent customer service has little impact on the actual betting process, but it can save you a ton of headache. Dealing with sportsbooks can be extremely tricky, but there are some out there that have great customer service. Do some research online and try speaking to customer service before depositing any money on the site.
Deposit/Reload Bonuses: Almost all sportsbooks will offer some sort of deposit or reload bonus, but they aren’t ever the same. Sportsbooks want your money and your action, and they will offer some deals to keep you coming back. Look around and compare the different types of bonuses that each offer before choosing one to bet on.
Betting Tips and Strategies
If you want the best betting tips and strategies, take a look at each individual page for the major sporting events. Each sporting event and sport is extremely unique, and the best types of bets change with each one. No matter what event or what bet you are wanting to focus on, the first thing you have to do is to research the sport and the participants.
Finding the right sportsbook is the first step in winning some money on sports, but there is so much more work left to do. Placing a futures type of bet is the best way to win some real money, but it is also extremely hard to pick a winner. The best strategy is to focus on a singular game and event and decide which type of bet works best for you.
No matter what route you go, just understand that there are no guarantees in sports. Take a look around at the breakdowns of the various sporting events and best of luck in your future betting endeavors.