How to make a wager at a sportsbook
If you’re new to sports betting, the idea of walking into a sportsbook or opening a betting app can seem intimidating. But once you understand the basics, placing a bet is simple and enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
1. Choose a Legal and Trusted Sportsbook
Your first step is to find a licensed sportsbook. Many casinos have in-person betting counters, while online options like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook are available in most states where betting is legal. You must be at least 21 years old and located within a state that allows sports wagering.
2. Understand the Types of Bets
Before betting, familiarize yourself with the main bet types:
• Moneyline: A straightforward bet on which team will win.
• Point Spread: Betting on the margin of victory or defeat.
• Over/Under (Total): Wagering whether the total score will be higher or lower than a set number.
• Prop Bets: Specific outcomes, like which player will score first.
• Parlays: Combining multiple bets for bigger potential payouts, though they’re riskier.
• Teasers: Wagers where a players is able to move the pointspread to a better number in exchange for a lower payout
3. How to Place a Bet
At a physical sportsbook, approach the counter or kiosk and clearly state your bet. For example: “NFL, Chiefs vs. Ravens, Chiefs moneyline, $50.” The ticket writer will confirm the odds and print your ticket—always check it for accuracy.
4. Collecting Winnings and Betting Responsibly
If your bet wins, return to the counter with your ticket. Remember, betting should always be for fun. Set limits, stick to your budget, and avoid chasing losses.
By understanding the basics and taking a thoughtful approach, even beginners can enjoy the thrill of placing a sportsbook bet confidently and responsibly.
How to make a wager online
1. Choose a Legitimate Betting Site
Always verify the site is licensed in your state or country and has secure payment processing (look for “https://” and regulatory info in the footer).
2. Create and Verify Your Account
You’ll need to:
• Provide basic details (name, address, date of birth, email).
• Verify your identity (upload an ID or confirm SSN details in the U.S.).
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
3. Deposit Funds
Most sportsbooks accept:
• Credit/debit cards
• Bank transfers
• PayPal or Venmo
• Prepaid cards
• Crypto (on some international sites)
Minimum deposits usually range from $5–$20.
4. Choose Your Sport and Market
Browse the site for the sport and event you want (e.g., “NFL → Week 7 → Chiefs vs. Bills”).
Common bet types:
• Moneyline – who wins the game.
• Spread – win/loss by a certain number of points.
• Totals (Over/Under) – total points scored.
• Parlay – multiple bets combined.
• Props – specific outcomes (e.g., “Mahomes over 2.5 TDs”).
5. Place the Bet
1. Click the odds for your chosen bet (this adds it to your bet slip).
2. Enter the amount (stake) you want to wager.
3. Review the potential payout shown on the slip.
4. Confirm by clicking “Place Bet”.
Once confirmed, your bet is live (action).
6. Track and Withdraw
• You can track open bets in your “My Bets” section.
• If you win, the funds are credited to your account.
• Withdraw using your preferred method — usually the same as your deposit.
How to read betting Odds
1. American (Moneyline) Odds
This is the standard format in the U.S.
- Favorites have a minus (-) sign (e.g. -150)
- Underdogs have a plus (+) sign (e.g. +130)
How It Works
- A
negative number shows how much you must bet to win $100.
Example:- Odds: -150
- You must bet $150 to win $100 (and get $250 total back).
- A
positive number shows how much you win if you bet $100.
Example:- Odds: +130
- You bet $100 to win $130 (and get $230 total back).
2. Point Spread
Used mostly for team sports (NFL, NBA, etc.) to make the two teams even from a betting standpoint.
Example:
49ers -7.5 vs. Bears +7.5
- 49ers -7.5 means they must win by 8 or more points to “cover the spread.”
- Bears +7.5 means they can lose by up to 7 points (or win outright) and still cover.
If the final margin equals the spread (say, exactly 7), it’s called a push then your bet is refunded.
3. Over/Under (Total)
This is a bet on the combined total score of both teams.
Example:
Over/Under 47.5 points
- Over → You’re betting the total will be 48 or more
- Under → You’re betting it will be 47 or fewer
Quick Example
Let’s say you see:
That means:
- Chiefs are favorites (bet $170 to win $100).
- Bills are underdogs (bet $100 to win $145).
- Chiefs must win by 4+ to cover.
- The total combined score must go over 51.5 for “Over” bets to win.