Sports betting has exploded since it was legalized in states across the country. While some fans still place wagers with friends or in small groups, most legal betting now occurs in regulated online sportsbooks. While there’s no magic formula to making money, professional bettors, known as sharps, employ a number of strategies to increase their chances of winning. This includes thorough research and disciplined bankroll management.
The Over/Under Bet
Over/Under bets are wagers on the total number of points scored in a game, set by the sportsbook. These are typically in increments of half a point (.5) because very few sports have a full point scoring system. In general, when a team’s over/under line is set high, it means that the sportsbook expects a lot of points to be scored and is therefore favoring the underdog for an upset. Conversely, when a game’s over/under line is low, it means that the sportsbook expects very few points to be scored and is therefore favoring a favorite for an easy win.
The Over/Under Bet is a great way to make some extra cash, especially in the MLB where there are so many games and a large number of betting options. It’s important to bet with your head and not your heart when making over/under bets, however, as it’s nearly impossible to predict the exact score of a game before it happens. Remember, “It’s never over until it’s over.”
Another popular bet is the spread, or handicap. This is a number that the bookmakers assign to one team or player over another, giving them more points than they deserve to win by a certain amount. For example, a 2.5-point spread in the Super Bowl meant that the Patriots had to win by three or more points for your bet to win.
The best bets to make are the ones that aren’t popular amongst the public, such as contrarian betting. This involves placing bets against the crowd, as sportsbooks often adjust odds based on public demand and betting patterns. It’s also a good idea to focus on the unique circumstances of each sport. For instance, some teams are better at home than away, while others struggle against certain types of pitching. The more you learn about the unique factors of each sport, the better you’ll be able to make smarter bets. It’s also a good idea not to bet more than 1% to 5% of your total bankroll on any single play. This will help you to avoid making bad bets when the market goes against you. For this reason, it’s important to use a spreadsheet to keep track of your bets. This will help you to make the most informed decisions possible and improve your winning percentage over time.