Bets are an integral part of sports. Whether it’s placing a bet on the final result of a game or laying down some cold hard cash on a sportsbook, placing a bet is a significant and exciting part of the sports experience.
While the idea of having a bet can be fun and exciting, it’s important to remember that not all bets are created equal. There are certain things you need to keep in mind before placing that next wager. We’ve laid out some basic guidelines below that can help you make the right decision for your situation.
Types Of Bets
To start, it’s important to understand the various types of bets you might find available when it comes to sportsbooks. It’s not always as easy as it seems at first glance. When in doubt, ask the bookmaker for help. They should be able to guide you in the right direction. Below is a short summary of the most popular types of bets available.
Over/Under
An under bet (also called a “dog”) is where you place your bet if you think the total (point spread) of the game will be less than the number displayed on the board at the sportsbook. For example, if the line is currently -3 and you bet $100 on the underdog, you would win $100 if the total was less than or equal to -3. Most people think of an over/under bet when they think of sports betting, but it is also possible to have an over or under bet when the favorite will win.
Point Spread
The point spread is the line difference between the favorites and the underdogs. For example, if you’re at a sportsbook and the line is currently -3, you would place a $100 wager on the Kansas City Chiefs to win by more than 3 points. A 3 point spread bet would mean that you’d win $300 if the team you backed (in this case, the Chiefs) wins by more than 3 points. In some cases, it could be hard to get a handle on how much your favorite team will win by. In these instances, it is best to just stay away from these types of bets altogether. They can be terribly volatile and you might lose a significant amount of money if the game ends up being close. Plus, there’s always that chance that you’ll lose more money than you’ve ever made if the team you bet on loses by more than the point spread!
Field Goal
A field goal bet (or just “field goal” bet) is where you lay down money on whether or not the kicker will be able to make a field goal. For example, if you’re at a sportsbook and the line is currently -3, you would lay down a $100 bet on the San Francisco 49ers to make a field goal. A field goal bet means you’ll win $300 if the Niners make a field goal, but you’ll lose $100 if they don’t make a field goal.
Tailgate
Tailgating is where you sit close to the action and follow the game closely. This is usually done either by standing outside the stadium or by sitting in the stands right next to the action. One of the best things about tailgating is that you get to interact with the people who matter most in your life. Be near the fans, feel their energy, and gain some wonderful stories and photos to share with your friends. Unfortunately, tailgating also exposes you to all kinds of bacteria and infections. Before you know it, you’re spending more time in the hospital than you are at home. So, while it’s exciting to be near the stadium and get a peek at the action, keep your legs strong and your tailgating short.
Money Line
The money line is where you bet on the actual winner of the game. For example, let’s say the New York Giants are playing the Atlanta Falcons. You’d place a “Yankees -205” bet on the Giants, which means you believe they’re going to win the game and you’re going to win $205 if they do. The total number between -205 and +205 is the money line. If the game is a dog, then you’d put down your $100 on the underdog. If the game is a push, then you’d put down your $100 on the favorite. If you’re really lucky, the game might even end in a tie and you’d have to split your bet with the bookmaker. In these instances, it’s usually best to just walk away. You’re likely to lose more money than you ever made.
Proposition
A proposition bet (or “prop” bet) is where you lay down a wager on whether or not something specific will happen during the game. For example, if the Atlanta Falcons are playing the New York Giants and you believe that one of the defenses will give up more than 35 points, you can bet on that happening with a prop bet. In that case, you would lay down a $100 bet on the defense to give up more than 35 points. If the defense does end up giving up more than 35 points, you would win the $100 you bet on. If the defense does end up giving up less than 35 points, you’d lose your $100 bet. You can also make the bet if the total number of points scored by both teams is within 10 points. In these instances, it’s usually best to just walk away as you’re likely to lose more money than you’ve ever made.
Prediction
A prediction bet (or “pred” bet) is where you place a wager on what will happen at the end of the game. It’s similar to a proposition bet in that you’re not necessarily predicting something that will happen during the game, but you’re rather betting on the end result. For example, if the Detroit Lions are playing the New York Giants and you believe that the Lions will beat the Giants, you can lay down a $100 bet on them to win the game. This is one type of bet that can be very handy, as you can use predictions to hedge your bets. If you feel the game is going to be close, you can use a prediction bet to give yourself a better chance at winning. For example, if you’re at a sportsbook and the line is currently -3, but you think the game might end up being close, you can put down a $100 prediction bet on the underdog to win. If the game does end up being close, you win your $100 prediction bet, but if the game is not close, you lose your $100.
Pro Shop
The Pro Shop is where professional athletes and coaches buy their clothing and equipment. If you’re a diehard sports fan and have a bit of money to spare, then this is the place for you. You can get products that they use in their daily routine, such as spikes, jerseys, gloves, and hats. You can also get a picture taken with the pros, ask them questions about the upcoming game, or show them your support for their team. This is also a place where you can get autographs from the athletes and have them sign your memorabilia. If you’re lucky, you might even get a free item from the Pro Shop if the product is signed by the athlete.
Food & Beverage
At a sporting event, you’ll usually find concession stands, which are places vendors sell their delicious food and drink. If you’re a fan of a certain team, you can find snacks, coffee, soft drinks, and other items with the team’s logo on it. Sometimes, the teams will even have their jerseys made into shirts, which you can wear to the game. If you’re going to a game and need some food or drink, then this is the place to be.
These are the most popular types of bets available at sportsbooks around the world. As a sports fan, what are your favorite types of bets? Do you have any specific guidelines or tips for placing bets? Feel free to leave us a comment below!