When it comes to betting on sports, odds are a major factor in determining whether a bet wins or loses. Depending on the sport, there are different types of odds, and understanding how they work can help bettors maximize their profits. Luckily, there are plenty of resources on the internet that break down sports betting odds for beginners.

The first thing a new sports bettor should do is determine how much money they are willing to invest in a particular game. This is called bankroll management and is one of the key factors in being a profitable sports bettor. A good rule of thumb is to deposit a percentage of your total savings into the sportsbook, and then allocate a certain amount of that to each bet. This way, you can avoid placing a bet that is too large or risking more than you can afford to lose.

Many people fail to recognize that sports betting is a gambling activity, which means they will probably lose more money than they win. However, there are also plenty of people who can make a profit from their wagers. This is generally achieved by having a well-crafted betting strategy that includes thorough research and disciplined bankroll management. Many professional bettors, known as sharps, maintain profitability by betting against public perception and relying on advanced betting software and data.

There have been a number of scandals in sports betting that have affected the integrity of events. These include point shaving (players altering their performance to improve their chances of winning), spot-fixing (fixing individual player actions), and overall match-fixing (a complete manipulation of the outcome of a sporting event).

Whether you’re a casual or an expert sports bettor, learning about the different ways you can place a bet is crucial. Here are a few things to consider before placing your next bet:

Most online sportsbooks offer a variety of betting options, including moneyline bets and over/under bets. Each bet type has its own unique odds and payouts. The moneyline bet is the simplest, and involves predicting the winner of a game. Its odds are typically displayed as a ratio of $100, and you’ll win your bet if you are correct.

Over/Under bets are based on the total points scored in a game. The underdog team gives up points to the favorite, which makes the final score closer to the over. Oftentimes, these bets will have a + or – sign, but the minus sign is more common in American sports betting. Regardless, the odds are calculated in increments of half-a-point (.5) so that the sportsbook can eliminate the possibility of a push.

Some sportsbooks even allow you to bet in-game, which is becoming increasingly popular among sports fans. This feature allows players to place bets during live games and can increase the excitement of a game. The FanDuel Sportsbook app, for example, is one of the most popular in the US and offers an innovative same-game parlay feature and a big selection of player props.