Betting on sports can be fun and exciting, but there are many things to consider before you jump in. Choosing the right sportsbook can help you make the most of your betting experience, and keep you safe from scams.
Create a bankroll
Before you place your first bet, it’s important to set a goal for how much money you want to invest in sports betting. This number should be a reasonable amount that you are willing to lose, but not so much that you have to risk your entire savings on one wager.
Decimal odds
Every bet you place at a sportsbook is based on a decimal number. This number is written beside every point spread, money spread, and total (over/under).
The decimal numbers are always positive. This means that if you win, you will get your initial stake back plus a profit.
Using decimal odds is an excellent way to increase your winnings by making better-informed decisions. It also gives you the freedom to bet on more games than just one game per day.
Decimal odds are easy to read and understand, and they can be used to predict how a team will perform over time. They are also useful for comparing teams and finding edge bets.
Bet on home teams
The location of the game has a big impact on the outcome. Some teams do better in their home venues than others, and these will be represented by higher odds in the point spread and money line markets.
Bet on underdogs
Often, a team with a poor record is overhyped in the media and sportsbooks, which can result in better odds. In the same vein, teams with a strong record that are losing regularly can be overpriced in the sportsbook.
Take a break
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the volume of games and are struggling to decide which ones to bet on, try taking a break from betting for a while. This will help you get your bearings and allow you to return to it with more confidence.
Create an account
Creating an account at a sportsbook is very simple. Most sites require a name, email address, mobile phone number, and date of birth. Once all this information has been submitted, your account will be created.
Deposit funds to your account
Most online sportsbooks accept a variety of deposit methods, including credit or debit card, Play+, PayPal, and ACH (eCheck). You can upload a digital copy of your driver’s license or state ID, which will usually be accepted. Some sportsbooks may need you to provide additional verification or proof of identity before allowing you to deposit, so it’s worth checking with them to see what steps they need to complete before you start playing.
Sign up for an intro promo
The first thing you’ll want to do when you’re ready to start playing at a sportsbook is check out the sportsbook’s welcome offer. This will typically come in the form of a deposit match or risk-free bet, and you should ensure that you’re eligible to claim it before you deposit any money.