Sports betting is a form of gambling that involves placing a wager on a specific outcome of a sporting event. It can be a great way to watch the game while making money at the same time, but it’s important to know how to bet correctly so you don’t get caught off guard.

Betting on a team to win is the most basic form of sports betting. It’s also the most popular.

The betting lines are determined by the sportsbook and reflect the expected margin of victory for each team. For example, a sportsbook might set the point spread for an NBA game at 5.5 points. This means that the Dallas Cowboys must win by at least six points in order to cover the spread and win the bet.

A point spread is used to even out the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. For instance, a Las Vegas Suns team might be a 14-point favorite against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, a sportsbook might shift the odds slightly to make the Lakers more appealing so that more bettors will wager on them.

This type of bet is especially popular in professional basketball. Because of the wild swings in a game, there are often opportunities to place bets that will pay out big profits.

Props are another popular bet type. They’re similar to point spreads and totals in that they’re related to margins of victory, but they don’t have a standard price. For example, if Max Scherzer’s strikeout total against the Cincinnati Reds is 7.5, FanDuel sets the price at a higher price to bet that Scherzer goes under.

These types of bets can also be a good way to diversify your investment. They’re not as volatile as betting on individual games, which can help you limit your losses.

Before you start betting on sports, it’s important to know the rules in your state. Some states have legalized sports betting, while others prohibit it or restrict it to in-person wagering. You can check the sports betting laws in your state at Legal Sports Reports to find out more information.

It’s also a good idea to set a budget for your bets and stick to it. You don’t want to bet a lot of money on a single game, or risk ruining your bankroll with a bad run.

Ideally, you should bet anywhere from 1-2% of your bankroll on each play, allowing for variance to run its course and not destroy your account. This is especially important if you’re new to the game or just want to learn how to bet on sports.

The first step to getting started is to choose a sportsbook that offers the bets you’re interested in. Look for a site that has a variety of markets and sports, and that accepts payment in multiple currencies.

It’s also a good idea to research the team you’re betting on before placing your bet. This will ensure you’re making a smart decision and will help you avoid betting on teams that aren’t worth your money.