How to Bet on Sports: A Beginner’s Guide to Spreads, Money Lines & Totals

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How to Bet on Sports

• Betting on sports can seem complex at first, but it’s simple once you understand the basics.
• The three core types of wagers are point spreads, money lines, and totals (over/under).
• Each offers a different way to bet based on how you predict the outcome of a game.

Point Spreads

• Point spreads even the playing field between two teams by assigning a margin of victory.
• For example, if the Cardinals are -3.5 against the Rams, they must win by 4 or more points to "cover the spread."
• If the Rams lose by 3 or win outright, bets on them win.
• This format is popular in football and basketball.

Money Lines

• Money line bets are straightforward: you’re betting on who will win.
• Odds are assigned based on each team’s likelihood of winning.
• A -150 favorite means you must bet $150 to win $100. A +130 underdog means a $100 bet wins $130.

Totals (Over/Under)

• This bet is based on the combined final score of both teams.
• If a game’s total is set at 48.5, and you bet the "over," you’re hoping the combined score is 49 or more.
• "Under" wins if it’s 48 or fewer. Totals are common across all major sports.

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