The line between winning and losing often gets blurred in sports betting, as evidenced by the number of bets that are placed each day. This is why it is important to understand what different betting outcomes mean. In most instances, a sporting event will have multiple outcomes that can impact your bankroll. Let’s take a look at what these different outcomes mean, and how you can utilize this knowledge when placing your wagers.
Over/Under
One of the simplest ways to look at betting lines is in terms of over/under categories. These are basically bets that are placed on whether an athlete will perform above or below a set amount. For example, if you think that a certain football player is going to score more than three points in the next game, you can place an over/under bet on that player’s score. If you believe that he is going to score less than three points, then you can also bet on that proposition. The over/under categories are extremely popular in sports betting, and it is essentially due to their simplicity that makes them so appealing.
The advantage of using this type of betting is that you know exactly what you are getting into prior to placing the bet. For experienced bettors, this can be a safer and more convenient option, as you are not necessarily taking a chance on something that you do not understand. Plus, you can place a greater amount of money on each bet, as the spreads are often wider than those found in traditional betting. This makes it easier for you to lose money without regret, as you knew that your risk/reward profile was favorable at the time that you placed the bet.
Half/Full
The half/full categories in sports betting are generally used for propositions involving goals. For example, if you think that a certain football team is going to score more than five goals in a game against a certain team, you can bet on that proposition. Similarly, if you think that a specific golfer is going to make a hole in one on a specific course, you can also place a half/full bet on that golfer’s score.
The advantage of using these types of bets is that you are not necessarily restricted to one outcome. This makes it easier for you to win, as you can take partial action should you choose to. For example, if you think that a certain football team is not going to score more than five goals against a certain team, you can place a half/full bet on the underdog. In this manner, you are not necessarily committing to a single winner, but you also do not have to risk losing your entire bankroll if things do not work out according to plan.
Yardage*/Points*/Teams 1/2*
When it comes to horse racing, there are essentially two types of wagers that you can make: win, place, or show. A win bet is pretty self-explanatory; you are simply betting on which horse will win the race. A place bet is similar, but you are also specifying which track the horse will run at. The last type of wager, show, allows you to make a pick for the outcome of the race. In the case of show bets, you are essentially playing the role of the handicapper, and it is up to you to select the winner of the race, based on the current odds.
Each of these different wagering types has its perks and disadvantages. For example, placing a win bet on a horse that is 1-2 favorites is usually a safe wager, though it requires more calculations on your part to ensure that you do not lose money. The disadvantage of this type of wager is that if the favorite loses, you do not necessarily win. In a similar fashion, betting on a 1-2 underdog makes for a very safe bet, but you have to be willing to risk losing money, as the favorite has a better chance of winning. Show bets are always the safest and most convenient way to wager, as you are already taking the necessary steps to make the selection for yourself. The disadvantage of this type of wager is that you do not necessarily know what the outcome of the race will be, as the selections are usually based on the current odds, and it is often difficult for the layman to determine which horse has the best chance of winning.
Even though there are numerous types of bets in sports betting, the over/under, half/full, and yardage/points types usually stand out. These are the three types of bets that you will find most frequently on the center rack of a sportsbook floor. It should come as no surprise that they are so popular, as they make it easy for the layman to participate in high-quality sports wagering without needing to be a seasoned accountant.