Common sports bets vary depending on the sport and the type of betting market available. Here are some of the most common types of sports bets:
- Moneyline Bet: This is a straightforward bet where you choose the team or player you believe will win the game or match. The odds are associated with each team, indicating the potential payout.
- Point Spread Bet: In this type of bet, a point spread is applied to the favored team to create a more balanced betting situation. You can bet on whether the favored team will win by more points than the spread or if the underdog will lose by fewer points than the spread.
- Totals (Over/Under) Bet: Here, you bet on whether the total combined score of both teams will be over or under a certain number set by the sportsbook.
- Proposition (Prop) Bet: These are bets on specific events within a game, such as which player will score the first goal, how many touchdowns a quarterback will throw, or even non-game-related events like the length of the national anthem at the Super Bowl.
- Parlay Bet: A parlay is a combination of multiple bets on a single ticket. To win, all the bets in the parlay must be correct. Parlays offer higher potential payouts but are also riskier due to the need for all bets to be successful.
- Teaser Bet: Similar to a parlay, a teaser allows you to combine bets from different games. The difference is that you can adjust the point spread or total in your favor for each game, but in return, the potential payout is lower.
- Futures Bet: These are long-term bets on outcomes that will be determined in the future, such as betting on the winner of a league or championship before the season starts.
- Live Betting (In-Play Betting): This involves placing bets on an ongoing game. Odds are adjusted in real-time as the game progresses, offering the opportunity to react to changing circumstances.
- Round Robin Bet: This is a way to create multiple parlay bets from a group of games. It’s a way to hedge your bets by covering various combinations of outcomes.
- Spread Betting: More common in countries like the UK, spread betting involves betting on the outcome of an event relative to a spread determined by the bookmaker. Your winnings or losses depend on how accurate your prediction is.
- Asian Handicap Bet: Popular in soccer (football), an Asian handicap adjusts the point spread to eliminate the possibility of a tie. This can make the odds more appealing for both sides.
Remember that sports betting involves risks, and it’s important to gamble responsibly. Different sportsbooks and regions might offer variations on these common bet types, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and terms of the platform you’re using.