Sports betting has evolved into a diverse field, offering various types of bets tailored to different strategies, sports knowledge, and risk levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simple wagers or an experienced bettor interested in complex betting structures, understanding the types of sports bets can help you choose the one that best suits your style. Here’s a comprehensive look at popular types of sports bets and how to decide which one fits your betting goals.
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets are among the simplest forms of sports bet, ideal for beginners who want to keep things straightforward. In a moneyline bet, you’re simply choosing which team or player will win the game. Odds are provided for each team, with the underdog typically offering higher payouts compared to the favorite.
Moneyline bets are popular because they’re easy to understand. You don’t need to worry about point spreads or complex calculations – it’s a straightforward win-or-lose situation. However, they may not always offer the best payout if you only bet on favorites.
Who Moneyline Bets Suit Best
Moneyline bets are great for beginners or those who prefer lower-risk, straightforward betting options. They’re also ideal for sports like boxing, MMA, and tennis, where draws are rare, and betting on an outright winner is common.
Point Spread Bets
Point spread betting adds a layer of complexity, making it popular among more experienced bettors. In point spread betting, the favorite must win by a certain margin (or “cover the spread”) for the bet to pay off, while the underdog only needs to lose within that margin to win the bet. For example, if Team A is favored by -7 points, they must win by more than 7 points for you to win the bet. If Team B is an underdog at +7, they only need to lose by fewer than 7 points (or win outright) for your bet to be successful.
Point spread betting is commonly used in high-scoring sports like football and basketball, where the scoring differential is significant. This type of bet evens the playing field and can make matchups between uneven teams more exciting.
Who Point Spread Bets Suit Best
Point spread bets are ideal for those with a good understanding of team strengths, scoring trends, and in-game strategies. Bettors who enjoy analyzing games and looking for value in underdogs will find this type of bet appealing.
Totals (Over/Under) Bets
In totals or over/under bets, you’re not betting on a team to win or lose; instead, you’re wagering on the combined total score of both teams. Bookmakers set a projected total score, and you can bet on whether the actual score will be over or under this number.
Totals bets are a great way to bet on a game when you have a good sense of the teams’ scoring abilities but aren’t sure who will win. This type of bet is particularly popular in sports like basketball and football, where points can accumulate quickly.
Who Totals Bets Suit Best
Totals bets are ideal for those who focus on team or game scoring trends rather than individual matchups. Bettors who enjoy looking at average points scored and defensive stats will appreciate this type of betting option.
Parlays
Parlay bets allow you to combine multiple bets into a single wager for a potentially high payout. For a parlay to pay out, however, all selections (or “legs”) must be correct. This added risk makes parlays challenging but rewarding. You can combine various bet types within a parlay, such as moneylines, spreads, and totals.
Parlays are popular because of their potential for large payouts from a small wager. However, they’re also riskier than single bets, as a single loss in any leg means the entire bet is lost.
Who Parlays Suit Best
Parlays are suitable for risk-takers who enjoy betting on multiple games and are willing to accept the challenge of hitting several predictions. They’re also a good option for experienced bettors who feel confident in their knowledge across multiple games.
Prop Bets
Proposition bets, or prop bets, focus on specific events within a game rather than the game’s outcome. Examples include betting on the first player to score, the total number of yards a player will achieve, or the number of three-pointers a basketball player will make. These bets can be highly detailed, ranging from individual player performances to team-based achievements.
Prop bets add excitement to the game, especially if you enjoy focusing on individual performances or niche game aspects. They’re common in big events like the Super Bowl but are also available in regular-season games across various sports.
Who Prop Bets Suit Best
Prop bets are ideal for bettors who closely follow specific players or game details. They appeal to those with deep sports knowledge or fans looking to add more interest to particular game moments without needing to bet on the game outcome.
Futures Bets
Futures bets are long-term wagers placed on events that will be determined in the future, such as the winner of a championship, league MVP, or total wins a team will achieve over the season. These bets are often made before or early in the season, with odds fluctuating as the season progresses.
Futures bets can be rewarding if you have strong predictions about a team or player’s performance over the season. The long wait can be challenging, but the potential for high payouts can make it worthwhile.
Who Futures Bets Suit Best
Futures bets are great for bettors with a broad understanding of the sport or those who follow team dynamics and trends over time. They’re also appealing to fans who like the thrill of rooting for a long-term outcome.
In-Play (Live) Bets
In-play or live betting allows you to place bets during the game as it unfolds. Bookmakers adjust the odds in real-time based on game developments, such as a team taking the lead or a player’s performance. Live betting offers flexibility and instant engagement, allowing you to react to changes as they happen.
In-play betting is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring quick decision-making. It’s a popular option for fans who are actively watching the game and want to make wagers based on immediate observations.
Who In-Play Bets Suit Best
In-play bets suit fans who are tuned into the game, able to make quick judgments, and are comfortable with fast-changing odds. They’re also a good fit for bettors who enjoy being fully immersed in the game experience.
Teasers
Teasers are a type of parlay bet that allows you to adjust the point spread or total in your favor, lowering the risk but also reducing the payout. Teasers are commonly used in football and basketball, where you can “tease” the spread or total by a certain number of points across multiple games. All selections must still be correct for the bet to win.
Teasers offer a balance between risk and reward, making them an attractive option for those who want the thrill of a parlay but with more manageable odds.
Who Teasers Suit Best
Teasers are ideal for intermediate bettors who enjoy parlays but prefer to improve their odds with more favorable spreads or totals. They’re suited to those looking to hedge against risk without sacrificing the excitement of multiple-leg bets.
Which Bet Type Suits You?
Choosing the right type of sports bet depends on your knowledge of the game, risk tolerance, and desired level of engagement. Beginners may want to start with moneyline or totals bets, while those who enjoy higher risk and reward can explore parlays or prop bets. Fans with extensive sports knowledge and analytical skills might be drawn to point spreads, teasers, or even in-play betting. No matter your preference, understanding the different bet types can enhance your betting experience and help you make informed choices aligned with your betting goals.
