The legalization of sports betting in the United States brought a newfound excitement to the sport, and fans now have more options than ever to make wagers on their favorite teams. But the world of sports betting has a learning curve and is not without its risks, especially for those new to it. Here are some of the top tips for those looking to get started in this arena.

The most important thing to remember when placing a bet is that it is not guaranteed to win. Even the best bettors lose money at times, and that is a part of the game. But you can increase your chances of winning by following a few key principles. These include not betting more than you can afford to lose, never chasing a bet that has won and making sure you are betting sober. It is also helpful to have a betting schedule or routine and to bet on the games you know the most about.

A straight bet is a bet on a team or individual to win a specific event. In football, this bet type is sometimes called a moneyline bet or point spread. The point spread is the number that handicaps one team and favors another when two teams are playing each other. It is often given in increments of a half-point (.5), although this is rare in other sports, as it can create ties. The team with the higher number is favored to win, while the underdog takes points.

In college football, the biggest schools are a safe bet since they are known for their dominant players and history of success. This is why Alabama and Clemson are two of the most popular teams to bet on. But if you are betting on smaller schools, it is important to research them thoroughly. A good place to start is by checking out their past performance and reading up on player and coaching trends.

Another option is to bet on the over/under totals for a particular sporting event. This type of bet is based on the total score of a game and has a higher risk than a regular bet. To determine the over/under odds, the sportsbook looks at historical events, weather conditions and other factors. Then it tries to predict how many goals will be scored in the game and offers odds accordingly.

Lastly, when betting on sports, be sure to look into the reputation of the sportsbook you are using. While user reviews are a good starting point, don’t take them as gospel. Read multiple reviews and try to find out what other bettors think about the sportsbook in question. In addition, check out the sportsbook’s security features and deposit/withdrawal options. This will help you make a wise decision.