Different Types of Sports Bets Explained

Within each sport, there is a wide range of betting options. This range means you can select a bet based on your knowledge, risk tolerance, strategy, and available funds. When you look at sports betting sites, you’ll find a wide range of odds for different basketball, football, and tennis games. You’ll also see options such as over/under, point spread, and prop bets.

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline is the most basic betting option. For this, all you do is simply select which team you think will win. If they win, you’ve won the bet – and that’s it.

For this type of bet, odds are given based on the perceived outcome of the game. The favorite team will be given smaller odds to reflect their higher chance of winning. Because this team is more likely to win, the potential payout is also smaller.

Those who are unlikely to win – commonly referred to as the “underdogs” – are consistently given bigger odds. These odds reflect the risk involved in betting on them, as well as the potential for a larger payout.

Point Spread Bets

Point spread betting is hugely popular in football and basketball. It involves betting on a margin of victory to give both teams more of a chance from a betting perspective.

The favorite team to win is given a minus point spread (-) and a number. To win your bet on the favorite, the team must win by more than the listed number of points.

The underdog is given a plus (+) and a number. In order for your bet to be successful, the team can either win the game or lose by fewer points than the number given.

Here’s an example:

Team A: -7
Team B: +7

If you bet on Team A, your bet will be successful if they win by 8 points or more. If they win by exactly 7 points, the bet is normally called a “push,” and your stake will be refunded.

Over/Under

An over/under bet – also known as a “totals” bet – involves betting on the total number of points that you believe will be scored in the game.

Sportsbooks set the number, and you can bet on whether you think the final total score will be either over or under.

If you prefer analyzing offensive and defensive performance, the over/under market could be best for you.

For example, if your sportsbook was offering an over/under bet for the recent Yankees vs Detroit Tigers game with a total of 8.5, you would have won if you selected “over” (the final score being 7-3).

Proposition (Prop) Bets

Prop bets involve betting on specific events that take place within a game, rather than the outcome.

Common examples include:

First team to score
How many points will a player score
A quarterback’s passing yards
The total number of corner kicks a team has

Prop bets are more common during major sporting events, particularly in live-betting markets.