Here on this page, we’ll take a look at some of the more common types of bets and sports wagers that you could place while engaging in online gambling. Take heart in knowing that at all of our recommended sportsbooks – which incidentally have been chosen due to their stellar reputations and integrity levels, top-notch wagering flexibility, and literally humongous range of sports (and other events) to choose from – offer betters all of the wager types that we list below. You can’t go wrong if you visit Sportsbook.com or Bodog!
Straight Bets
This is by far the most common type of bet that can be placed at an online sportsbook. It’s simply a wager placed on the final score of a game. Typically, one team is usually favored by a point spread where, for the purpose of the bet, the favorite gives the game’s underdog points (which functions like a head start). The favorite is indicated by a minus sign (example: -2) whereas the underdog is indicated by a plus sign (example: +2). The end result of a game is determined by taking the total score of the game, then subtracting points from either the favorite’s score or adding points to the underdog’s score. Keep this in mind, because technically, a favorite team can end up winning the game but actually lose the bet if it doesn’t cover the spread; likewise, the underdog can lose the game but actually win the bet if it covers the spread.
Totals Bet
A bettor can wager whether the combined total number of goals or points scored by any two teams in a game will be “over” or “under” a total set by the online sportsbook. As an example, a sportsbook can announce that the total points scored in a game will be 40. If you believe that the total points scored by the teams will be over that number, you would place an “over” bet. You would do the opposite if you believe that the total combined points will be under that amount, in which case you would bet “under”.
Money Line Bets
In addition to, or in lieu of, a point spread on a match between two teams, a money line is sometimes used. In this case, a player must bet more to place a bet on the team favorite.
As an example, if the Yankees are a -170 favorite over the Angels, a bettor would need to lay $170 down in order to win $100. If the Yankees happen to lose, the punter loses $170. However, if the bettor placed a wager on the underdog (the Angels, for the sake of this example), he / she would lay down $100 in order to win $140 (based on a 10 cent line). If the Angels loses, the bettor would only lose $100 – if, however, the Angels happens to win, the bettor would subsequently win $140.
Parlay Bets
A parlay is simply a bet on two or more teams or games, and is a fantastic way to combine different sports, point spreads and money lines. You should know that parlay bets offer higher odds than if you were to place bets individually on the games – and that’s due to the relatively more difficult nature of predicting the outcome of several games versus just one. When you place a parlay bet, any winnings on one game will rolls over into the next – the risk factor being that if you lose just one of the games or selections in your series, you’ll lose the bet.
