The Super Bowl is the most-watched and wagered on sports event of the year. You can expect more than a billion dollars to be wagered on Super Bowl 60.

A lot of bettors place their Super Bowl wagers on whim, but it's much better to consult a Super Bowl betting guide before betting. That way, you can get some much-needed intel on things like Super Bowl betting trends and how to compare lines at multiple sportsbooks.

This year's Super Bowl takes place in Santa Clara at Levi's Stadium between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. Below, we've prepared a Super Bowl 60 betting guide to help you bet on The Big Game like a pro.

Super Bowl Betting Options, Explained

The Super Bowl has more betting options than any other game of the year. That's why it’s important to be aware of all your options before putting your money on the line.

Of course, there are traditional markets like the Super Bowl spread and moneyline, but there's also 100s of prop bets at most sportsbooks. Or, you could opt for more advanced bets like parlays and live betting. Knowing how each works can help you make smarter decisions.

Below, we break down the most popular Super Bowl bets:

Spread

One of the most common bet types is the point spread. This is the number the oddsmakers set on each game to try to influence more betting volume on both sides by providing a margin of victory that the favorite must hit to cover the spread. For each game, the favorite's spread is noted with the margin of victory with a minus sign (-) in front of the number, while the underdog has a point spread with a plus sign (+) in front of it.

For Super Bowl 60, the Seahawks are a 4.5-point favorite, meaning they have to win by at least 5 points to cover the spread. This means if you bet on the Patriots +4.5 as an underdog, the Patriots have to win or they can't lose by more than 4 points to cover the spread as an underdog.

For reference, Super Bowl favorites have failed to cover the spread in five straight Super Bowls.

Total

Betting on a game's total is an over/under wager on the combined points scored by both teams in the game. If you expect a high-scoring game, then you'll likely want to bet the over on the total. If you expect a more defensive game, the under is the better bet.

For Super Bowl 60, the total is 45.5 points, with slight juice on the over.

Moneyline

The moneyline (ML) is simply betting on which team is going to win the game with no concern over the margin of victory. For Super Bowl 60, these are the current odds for the moneyline for each team to win the game:

• Seahawks -230
• Patriots +190

For the Seahawks, that's an implied win probability of 69.7% and a $100 wager on the Seattle ML would return a payout of $143.48. For the Patriots, that's an implied win probability of 34.5% and a $100 wager on the New England ML would return a payout of $290 ($100 stake back + $190 in winnings).

Parlays

A parlay is when you add multiple bets (also called legs) to one bet slip and place a wager. Every leg has to be successful for the parlay to win. You can add numerous legs to your parlay, and each one will increase the odds to make for a better payout. But each leg also makes it harder to win.

You can parlay together the spread, the total, and prop bets from Super Bowl 60, which would make it a Same Game Parlay since it all comes from one game. You could also make a parlay with a market from the Super Bowl, as well as legs from other sports taking place this month, to create a cross-sport parlay.

Here's an example of a three-leg Same Game Parlay for Super Bowl 60 with roughly +360 odds:

• Drake Maye over 36.5 rushing yards
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba anytime touchdown scorer
• Seahawks ML

Note: You can always build a parlay with negative correlation to further boost the odds. For example, betting on Drake Maye to throw two touchdowns while the over 45.5 points hits would have +172 odds since that's a correlated game script, but betting on Maye to throw two touchdowns with the under 45.5 points hitting (negative correlation) would have +500 odds instead.

Prop Bets

Proposition bets, commonly known as prop bets, are available for every game in a variety of forms. You can place prop bets at the game, team, and individual player levels. They are usually over/under bets based on a statistic like yardage or points.

Here are some examples of prop bets you'll see for Super Bowl 60:

• Game Props: Bet if there will be overtime, the highest scoring quarter, if the coin flip will be heads or tails, etc.
• Team Props: Bet on Seattle's team points over/under, if the Patriots will allow 5+ sacks for a record fourth-consecutive playoff game, how many yards the Patriots will have as an offense, etc.
• Player Props: Bet on which players will score a touchdown, if Drake Maye will throw an interception, and the over/under on receiving yards for star receivers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Stefon Diggs.

Live Betting

Live betting is when you place a wager on the game while it is already in progress. This can be a very fun way to bet on a game like the Super Bowl on your mobile device, as odds change on the fly with each play. You can use live betting to hedge on your pregame bets if you see something you don't like early on, or you can predict what's going to happen next, like who scores the next touchdown, or who catches a pass on the next Seattle possession. There are many markets available for live betting these days, including the ability to place parlays on player props and more for a live game.

Imagine live betting the Patriots to win in Super Bowl 51 when they were down 28-3 in the third quarter to Atlanta. That's possible now thanks to live betting.

How to Bet on the Super Bowl Online

Here are the steps to follow to bet on the Super Bowl online at any sports betting site:

1. Select a Super Bowl sportsbook (make sure the site is legal in your state).
2. Create an account – Register a username and password, and input the required personal information.
3. Deposit money into your new sportsbook account (some sign-up bonuses require a minimum deposit—typically $5-$10).
4. Go to the sportsbook's ‘NFL' or ‘Super Bowl' section and check out all the available bets.
5. Choose the wager you want to make and enter a bet amount. Next, confirm your bet.
6. After the game ends, if your bet wins, your winnings will be available in your account.

Bet Responsibly: Remember to only wager what you can afford to lose and always use licensed sportsbooks in states where sports betting is legal.

Look for Super Bowl Bonuses & Promotions

The Super Bowl is the perfect time to sign up for a new sportsbook. Most sites offer special Super Bowl betting promos, meaning you can earn bonus bets or bet boosts for wagering on the game. These include “bet-and-get” offers, first bet protection, parlay boosts, and more.

CLAIM the FANDUEL Super Bowl Promo

Super Bowl Betting Strategies: Tips & Things to Avoid

If you live in a state where online sports betting is legal, you should be set for a fun night of betting on Super Bowl 60. But before you get started, there are some general tips and strategies you should follow to make sure you have the best betting experience possible.

We've listed our top Super Bowl betting strategies and tips below, as well as things to avoid:

1. Use a licensed sportsbook

When you make a Super Bowl bet or any sports bet, you must use a licensed sportsbook and ensure that sports betting is legal in the state where you want to make the bet.

2. Research, Research, Research

If you are serious about betting on Super Bowl LX, you have to do your research and look into both teams and their strengths and weaknesses this year. Focus on their recent performances and how they've done against teams with similar offenses and defenses. Check the injury reports, as injuries have been a major factor in New England's success in the playoffs. Make sure the Seahawks are healthy before you bet on them to cover the spread or win. Keep up with line movement to see which direction the spread and total are moving before kickoff.

3. Never chase losses

For the Super Bowl or any sporting event,  you never want to chase losses. Things won't always go your way, so it's best not to dig the hole deeper and make bets you can't afford to try to make up for losses. Use smart hedging techniques, like live bets on game night, and don't try to do too much hedging on your bets before the game even starts.

4. Think outside the box

With two weeks to prepare for a Super Bowl, these teams could be ready to throw the kitchen sink at one another. Don't be afraid to think outside the box for your parlay ideas, as we have seen Super Bowls end 13-3, 31-9, and 40-22 in the last decade. Not every game is going to be a 23-20 thriller that goes down to the wire, so be prepared to make picks that sound bizarre on paper but could happen in the game like Kayshon Boutte going over in receiving yards but under in receptions because he catches one deep ball and nothing else like Rashid Shaheed just did for the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. Get creative with your Super Bowl bets, and remember to bet small amounts on lottery picks (low risk, high reward).

5. Don't bet on the opening coin toss

Even if you're getting 50/50 odds as you should, don't bet on something silly like the opening coin toss (heads or tails) as you'll just be in a bad mood the rest of the night if you lose that one before kickoff even happens. Save your bankroll for actual football bets, and remember to enjoy yourself, as it's the last meaningful football game until September.

Super Bowl 60 Game Preview: Storylines and Things to Know

It's been a wild 2025-2026 NFL season, and it all comes down to one more game at Levi's Stadium between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. Let's discuss some key storylines, players to watch, and other betting tidbits to know.

Sunday| 6:30 PM ET | New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (-4.5, O/U 45.5)

The New England Patriots (17-3) and Seattle Seahawks (16-3) both lost in Week 1 at home, and that made this unlikely Super Bowl matchup even more unlikely. In fact, it's the second-least likely championship matchup in North American sports history, as the Seahawks (+6000) and Patriots (+8000) both were major preseason longshots to win the Super Bowl. Only the 1991 World Series featured teams with worse odds heading into the season: the Twins (+8000) vs. the Braves (+20000).

But here they are, and they've both enjoyed long winning streaks this season. The Seahawks enter on a nine-game winning streak, during which they allowed 64 points in two home games against the Rams (both wins) and just 68 points to the other seven teams they played in that stretch combined. That's why Seattle boasts the No. 1 scoring defense. They've also been the No. 1 defense on third down, and that was key in their win over the Rams last week as they held the Rams to 1-of-8 on third down.

But if you're the Seahawks, you do have some causes for concern in this matchup as a 4.5-point favorite:

• The Patriots had the second-best spread record (13-6-1 ATS) in the NFL this year, behind only the Seahawks (14-5 ATS).
• With Milton Williams in the lineup, the Patriots have an elite run defense that can shut down Kenneth Walker.
• Patriots corner Christian Gonzalez could draw the island assignment of following Jaxon Smith-Njigba around as he dominates the ball in Seattle, with 1,200 more receiving yards than any other Seattle receiver this year.
• Sam Darnold is the first quarterback since Eli Manning (2007) to reach the Super Bowl after leading the regular season in turnovers.
• The Seahawks were only -3 in turnover differential in the regular season.
• New England's defense has allowed 19 net points in three games, thanks to scoring a pick-six against Houston.

For the Patriots, everyone knows they had an easy schedule in the regular season (the weakest strength of schedule in the 32-team era and are just 1-2 vs. winning teams). Everyone knows they've also played a lot of injured, subpar offenses in the playoffs, and they got the gift of gifts last week when Jarrett Stidham had to replace an injured Bo Nix, leading to a 10-7 victory for the Patriots in Denver in the AFC Championship Game that got them here. But they'll have to show they can hang with an elite NFC team here that's healthy:

• The Seahawks should have their top quarterback, running back, three wide receivers, tight end, and offensive tackles (something you couldn't say for any of New England's first three playoff opponents).
• Seattle coach Mike Macdonald is 12-4 ATS in away games since 2024.
• Drake Maye has taken 5.0 sacks in each playoff game, the only quarterback in NFL history to win multiple playoff games with 5.0 sacks taken, and he's done it three times in a row.
• The 2025 Patriots are only the third team in NFL history to win three straight games after allowing 5.0+ sacks.
• Drake Maye has the second-lowest passing success rate (31.5%) in playoff wins, sandwiched between Trent Dilfer (34.2%) and Rex Grossman (31.3%), in NFL history.
• Seattle's three losses have been by a combined 9 points.
• The Seahawks are still 3-1 when they turn the ball over at least three times this season.

It's a game where most of the matchups on paper favor Seattle, but these teams are also fairly inexperienced on the big stage, and this is far from the matchup in Super Bowl 49 between these franchises. So, it is likely going to come down to who handles their nerves better and which quarterback makes fewer costly mistakes. Let's just hope it doesn't get decided by a team trying to throw a pass at the 1-yard line.

You have the Tush Push now.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Super Bowl

Hopefully, this Super Bowl LX betting guide has taught you some tips and strategies for betting on Super Bowl 60 and other sporting events the rest of the year. Remember to bet responsibly, and don't forget to enjoy the game and the evening, as it's the only night of the year of this magnitude.

The GA lottery payment methods available in April 2026 are Visa, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, and bank transfer. Deposits start at $10 and process instantly, while withdrawals via PayPal or bank transfer take 3-5 days.

Below, we cover how to deposit and withdraw funds from the Georgia Lottery online platform, plus how to claim larger prizes over $600 in person or by mail.

If you're looking for a GA lottery code before funding your account, check our dedicated page for the latest offers.

GA Lottery Payment Methods Overview

I chose Visa from the list of GA lottery payment methods to deposit to my account, which went through instantly. Once I was ready to withdraw my balance, I used bank transfer, which hit my bank account after four business days.

There are no fees for any of the GA lottery deposit methods or withdrawal methods charged by the Georgia Lottery platform. I wish they’d offer Apple Pay, but it’s a simple site that’s owned and operated by the Georgia state government so I’m not surprised by the lack of more payment types.

Withdrawal Limits and How to Claim Larger Prize Amounts

Withdrawals are reserved for smaller winnings up to $600. You can use bank transfer or PayPal to withdraw your winnings. Visa, Discover, and MasterCard cannot be used as withdrawal methods, only as GA lottery deposit methods.

Any winnings of $601 or higher have to be claimed in person or by mail. Make note that unclaimed winnings expire after 180 days. For Diggi games, prizes are only valid for 90 days, meaning you should withdraw your winnings within that timeframe.

Tip: To establish ownership over your winning ticket, you should sign and print your name on the back as soon as possible. That way, there can be no dispute about whether or not the ticket is actually yours.

Where Can I Claim My Winnings from GA Lottery In Person?

If making a claim at a GA Lottery retailer, they can pay you in cash or a money order. At the Atlanta airport (domestic terminal), you can claim winnings from physical tickets only up to $25,000, which are paid on the spot in cash.

For winnings exceeding $25k, it’s best to visit a GA Lottery office. Winnings of $250k-$500k can only be claimed at a GA Lottery office location. For a same-day payout, you should arrive by 4:00 pm.

Any prizes exceeding $500k can only be deposited to your bank account, which takes 3-5 days to process, sometimes longer depending on your bank.

You can make an appointment to make a claim here. Walk-ins are subject to first come, first served, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment for your claim. For your appointment, be sure to have a picture ID and proof of your Social Security number.

Here are the hours available for in-person claim centers:

How Do I Claim My GA Lottery Winnings By Mail?

Prizes of any size can be claimed by mail. To claim, sign your winning ticket, fill out the winner claim form, and make copies of a photo ID and your Social Security card, then send them all to:

• Georgia Lottery Corporation
• P.O. Box 56966
• Atlanta, GA 30343

Winnings take 4–6 weeks to process. Obviously, if you have a physical ticket and your prizes are for tens of thousands of dollars, it’s wise to make the claim in person so you never part ways with your winning ticket before it’s cashed in.

How to Get Started & Deposit Money to GA Lottery

Getting started and depositing funds to use at the Georgia Lottery is simple. Here’s a walkthrough to get you going.

How to Withdraw Money from GA Lottery

You can only withdraw winnings prizes of $600 or less to a withdrawal method. If you win a prize of $601 for example, you’ll need to claim that in person at the Georgia Lottery headquarters or a district office.

Here’s how to withdraw funds from your iHope account:

Note: Any prizes over $5,000 will have federal and state income taxes withheld.

Minimum and Maximum Balances at the Georgia Lottery

There’s a minimum $10 required to make a withdrawal. However, if your account balance reaches zero, your account will remain active and there is no penalty.

There is no set maximum balance for the GA Lottery. Although prizes over $600 must be claimed in person, your balance is allowed to exceed this limit as long as it’s made up of prizes and winnings below $600 each.

For example, if you won $500 in a game and then $500 in another game in the same day, the $1,000 in winnings would be eligible for withdrawal using bank account or PayPal.

Processing Times & Troubleshooting Withdrawals or Claims

• PayPal withdrawals take 3-4 days
• Bank transfers take 3-5 days, sometimes longer depending on your bank
• In person claims up to $250k are paid on the spot
• Claims of $250k-$500k are paid on the spot before 4pm
• Winnings above $500k are sent to your bank account and take 3-5 days
• Prizes won from playing online can’t be claimed at ATL airport

These processing times are standard for state-run lotteries. If faster cashouts are a priority, you might prefer the fastest payout betting sites, which often process withdrawals within 24 hours.

What to Do if You Have a Problem Withdrawing or Making a Claim

If you’ve attempted to make a claim or withdraw and encountered an issue, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Physical tickets must be signed with your name on the back
• Only winnings up to $600 are eligible for withdrawal
• Winnings over $600 must be claimed at a retailer or a GA Lottery office
• Prizes ranging from $250k to $500k can only be claimed at a GA Lottery office
• Retailers may pay you with a money order if they don’t have sufficient cash on hand
• Prizes expire after 180 days, 90 days for Diggi game winnings
• For online prize above $600, you’ll receive instructions on how to claim via email

In the My Transactions section, you can view all incoming and outgoing transactions on your account. To check the status of a withdrawal, you can look there and see if the transfer has gone through.

What to Do When Withdrawals Still Show as Pending

If it has gone through but you haven’t received your funds yet, it may be because the funds haven’t been processed by your bank or by PayPal yet. In that case, you should contact them to see if they can spot any incoming transactions to your account.

If a transaction seems to be stuck you should contact GA Lottery customer support and see if there’s a verification pending or something that’s holding up your transfer.

If you need help for any reason, get in touch with the Georgia Lottery customer service.

GA Lottery Customer Support

• Phone line: 1-800-GA-LUCKY
• Headquarters: 1-404-215-5000
• Contact form: https://www.galottery.com/en-us/contact-us.html
• FAQ: https://www.galottery.com/content/portal/en/player-zone/player-faqs.html
• Headquarters address: 250 Williams Street, Suite 3000, Atlanta, GA 30303

The best way to contact GA Lottery is by using the 1-800 number. When I called to test their customer service, someone answered after only a minute or two. The agent was friendly and helpful, answering all my questions.

It would be great if they would offer live chat as well, but a 1-800 number is just as good in my opinion. If you want them to get back to you via email, that way you have a paper trail of their correspondence, you can write to them through the contact form to initiate that.

Buying Lottery Tickets at Retail Locations

Buying lottery tickets at a retail location is easy. You can pay with cash or debit. Credit is not recommend and many merchants will not accept credit since when used to gamble, it is technically considered a cash advance.

Authorized retailers will have the authority to print you as many valid tickets as you’d like to purchase. You can also claim prizes in-store, which will be paid out in cash, money order, or a combination of both.

Responsible Gambling Tools at GA Lottery

Georgia Lottery has a section of their site called Play Responsibly. Here’s an overview of what you can find there.

Setting Deposit and Session Limits

The default limits for GA lottery deposit methods are $1k per day, $2k per week, and $6k per month. These limits can be lowered in the My Account section. If you want to increase your deposit limits, there’s a 24-hour ‘cool-off’ period required.

A Time Notification will pop up once per hour to let you know how long you’ve been playing. You can also set time restraints, which will automatically end your session after a certain period of time as passed.

Self-Exclusion Options

The platform offers a voluntary self-exclusion option, allowing you to temporarily pause access to your account. The available timeframes for exclusion are 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, or a full year. Once applied, the exclusion is irreversible.

To set up voluntary self-exclusion, please call our support team at 1-800-GA-LUCKY (1-800-425-8259).

Problem Gambling Resources

GA Lottery’s Play Responsibly page includes a section called Understanding Problem Gambling. There you’ll find a self-assessment tool in the form of a questionnaire and tips section titled Debunking Common Myths About Lottery Play.

To speak with someone who can help you further, call 1–800–GAMBLER now.

GA Lottery Payment Methods – FAQs

FanDuel is one of the leading names in sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS), with a presence in 24 US states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. FanDuel most recently launched in Arkansas on March 20, 2026. 

Our in-depth guide offers a comprehensive overview of where you can wager with FanDuel Sportsbook, along with the services available in each state.

FanDuel Legal States: Where is FanDuel Available?

As we mentioned, FanDuel is currently available in 24 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico (updated: April 2026). The table below provides an at-a-glance summary of FanDuel’s operations in each state (you can redeem the FanDuel promo code in each state listed below):

State	Live	Launch	Partner	Casino	DFS
Arizona		Sep '21	Phoenix Suns
Arkansas		Mar '26	Oaklawn Casino
Colorado		May '20	Golden Gates BH
Connecticut		Oct '21	Mohegan Sun
Illinois		Aug '20	Fairmount Park
Indiana		Oct '19	Blue Chip Casino
Iowa		Sep '20	Diamond Jo
Kansas		Sep '22	Kansas Star
Kentucky		Sep '23	Oak Grove Racing
Louisiana		Jan '22	Treasure Chest
Maryland		Nov '22	Live! Casino
Massachusetts		Mar '23	Mobile License
Michigan		Jan '21	MotorCity Casino
Missouri		Dec '25	St. Louis City SC
New Jersey		Sep '18	The Meadowlands
New York		Jan '22	Tioga Downs
North Carolina		Mar '24	N/A
Ohio		Jan '23	Belterra Park
Pennsylvania		Jul '19	Valley Forge
Tennessee		Nov '20	N/A
Vermont		Jan '24	N/A
Virginia		Jan '21	WA Commanders
Washington, D.C.		Mar '24	Audi Field
West Virginia		Aug '19	The Greenbrier
Wyoming		Mar '22	N/A

FanDuel Casino Legal States

If you are wondering which states allow FanDuel online casino games, you've come to the right place. Currently, FanDuel Casino is available in five states:

FanDuel Casino offers players hundreds of slots from top software providers like IGT and Evolution Gaming. It also features a variety of table games, including European Roulette, Blackjack, and live dealer experiences.

FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports Legal States

DFS remains FanDuel's most widely available product, with contests in the majority of states. states. Users can draft virtual teams and compete for points based on player performance in leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB.

FanDuel Sportsbook Retail Locations: In-Person Betting

FanDuel has partnered with retail locations in multiple states, allowing users to place bets in person. These partnerships have bolstered its presence in markets where physical sportsbooks are required.

FanDuel Retail-Only Betting States:

• Washington
• Montana
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• Wisconsin
• Mississippi

Where Will FanDuel Launch Next?

FanDuel has aggressive expansion plans and is actively lobbying for the legalization of sports betting in several states. Most recently, FanDuel launched in Missouri on December 1, 2025.

Other states where sports betting legalization has gained traction are Georgia and Oklahoma. They are likely to legalize sports betting in the coming years; however, there have been recent setbacks. If either of these states moves forward with sports betting legalization, there's a high likelihood that FanDuel will be one of the first sportsbooks available in the state.

Where is FanDuel Not Available?

While FanDuel continues to expand its reach, some states remain outside its scope due to regulatory challenges. Below are all of the states where FanDuel isn't currently legal:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• California
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wisconsin

How to Sign Up for FanDuel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Signing up for a FanDuel account in your state is quick and easy. Here are the steps:

1. Visit FanDuel.com or open the mobile app and click ‘Join Now.'
2. Choose the state where you will be betting from.
3. Enter your email address, then create a username and password.
4. You must verify your identification by inputting your:
   • Full name
   • Date of birth
   • Address
   • Phone number
   • Last four digits of your Social Security Number
5. Enable two-factor authentication (optional)
6. Agree to the terms and conditions.
7. Make your first deposit.

Terms & Conditions: Who Can Sign Up For Fanduel

To register for a FanDuel account, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 21 years old (or 18+ in KY, MT, NH, RI, and D.C) in a FanDuel legal state
• Provide a valid Social Security Number for identity verification
• Reside in or be physically present in a state where FanDuel operates legally

FanDuel enforces strict compliance with state laws, including account limitations, to prevent duplicate registrations.

About FanDuel

FanDuel is an online betting platform that began as a DFS site but now offers a sportsbook, online casino, racebook, and FanDuel Faceoff. Not all products are available in every state, and you can view the legal states for FanDuel in the table above. The sportsbook is one of the most popular in the U.S. market, and with good reason: it offers players so much.

• Founded: 2009 in Edinburgh, Scotland
• DFS Launch: 2010
• Sportsbook & Casino Launch: 2018

Where Can You Get the FanDuel Sign-up Bonus?

The FanDuel promo code gives new users $300 in bonus bets back if their bet loses for 10 days straight. Follow the link below to claim the Fanduel sign-up bonus in your state: 

• FanDuel Arkansas Promo
• FanDuel Kentucky Promo
• FanDuel Missouri Promo
• FanDuel NC Promo

Final Thoughts: Where is FanDuel Available?

FanDuel is one of the US's most popular and reputable sportsbook brands. It also has the second-widest availability behind DraftKings. There are 24 FanDuel legal states vs. 27 DraftKings legal states.

If you live in a state where FanDuel is available, you can sign up, claim the bonus offer, and wager on games from dozens of sports. You can also mix traditional sports betting with DFS and casino games—depending on legal status in your state.

For those who live in states where FanDuel is not yet legal, don't worry too much. There's a high likelihood that FanDuel will launch in your state in the coming years as more and more states legalize online sports betting.

FanDuel Legal States | FAQs

Live football betting is when you bet on a game after it’s already started, in real-time. It’s one of the best ways to use a sportsbook. Live betting gives you a new way to bet on the game, with different odds and under different circumstances.

Below, we’ll give you a rundown on how it all works and how to use live betting to your advantage.

The Basics of NFL Live Betting

Live betting takes place after the game in question has already kicked off, and can last until the final minute of a game. Since the action depends on realtime events, the odds shift as the game goes on.

Of course, live betting is subject to the same rules and regulations as any other form of sports betting, including age limits, geographic constraints, and responsible gambling support.

Live Lines & Real-Time Odds

When real-time odds are being updated, you may see them lock up momentarily, preventing you from adding the bet to your bet slip until the updated odds are given. This locked period for a real-time bet normally only lasts a few seconds.

When placing a bet on a game that isn’t live, you don’t need to worry about this problem since the NFL betting odds are generally stable for most bets until the game starts.

You may sometimes see a live game referred to as ‘in-play’, which is the same thing. A live game will have ‘live lines’, meaning the odds for various bets are subject to change at any moment. These ‘real-time odds’ are what makes live betting possible.

How NFL Live Betting Odds Change During Games

Understanding how and why odds shift during NFL games is crucial for successful live betting. Sportsbooks employ sophisticated algorithms that adjust lines based on several key factors happening in real-time.

The most obvious factor is the score differential. If a team that was favored by 7 points suddenly falls behind by 14 points, the live spread will adjust dramatically to reflect the new game situation. Similarly, if an underdog takes an early lead, their moneyline odds will improve significantly.

Game flow and momentum also heavily influence odds adjustments. A team that gains 150 yards in the first quarter will see their total yards props and team performance bets shift favorably, even if they haven't scored yet. Conversely, a team struggling to move the ball will see their odds lengthen across multiple bet types.

Sportsbooks also factor in time remaining, field position, and possession. A team driving in the red zone with 2 minutes left will have much better odds to score next than a team starting at their own 20-yard line. These situational factors create constant opportunities for savvy live bettors to identify value.

Types of Live Bets You Can Place on NFL Games in 2026

Just like with betting before a game starts, you have a wide variety of betting options for in-play games. The bet types can vary depending on which sportsbook you’re using, but nearly all of the main bet types should be covered.

These include the following:

Point Spreads

The point spread is the expected point differential between two teams. This handicapped score allows you to pick a team to either cover the point spread or not cover the spread, regardless of whether they win or lose the game outright.

The live line for the point spread will shift during the game. If the underdog ties the game in the third quarter for example, you will likely see the point spread shift significantly.

Moneylines

The moneyline is simply betting on who will win the game. However, the odds for the bet are what you have to pay attention to. The odds for moneyline bets are always shown as what you’ll get if you bet $100.

The favorite might have -200 odds for example. In that case, you’d have to bet $200 to win $100 in profit. The underdog for a game might have +175 odds for example. In that case, a $100 bet would get you $175

The odds for the moneyline shift during a live match. Consider the team you back’s estimated probability of winning the game. That will help you understand whether or not you’re getting favorable odds for betting the moneyline.

Totals/Over-Under

Totals, i.e. over-under bets, are very simple. You’re wagering on whatever the combined total points scored in a game will be, the sum of both teams’ final score. This is normally represented as a fraction, such as 56.5.

If you think both teams will combine for 57 or more points, then take the over. If you think it’ll be 56 or fewer, take the under. When live NFL betting, you’ll see the number fluctuate throughout the game.

Live Prop Betting

Props are when you bet on a specific outcome, such as player performance, team performance within one quarter, and sometimes even things as random as who will win the coin toss.

For live betting, you’ll find a list props to choose from. Specific bets will come and go, with some options disappearing after a certain point or being replaced by new prop betting options.

Where to Bet on NFL Games Live

As of April 2026, virtually all of the best sportsbooks for NFL betting support live betting, both through their mobile app and main website. Here are some of the top bookmakers that support live football betting:

• Bet365
• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• BetMGM
• BetRivers
• Caesars
• Fanatics
• Hard Rock Bet

If you create an account at any of the above sportsbooks, you’ll be able to do in-play football betting for both NFL and college football.

Best Features on a Live Betting Platform

Most sportsbooks have developed simple to use, intuitive interfaces for their platforms—including the live betting functionality. However, you might be more comfortable with one platform over another in terms of the layout and design.

The speed of the live betting is key. Although peak hours can sometimes cause platforms to stall a bit, some apps can be more laggy than others. That’s why it’s best to test out a few different apps in your state and see which platform you prefer.

Likewise, the betting menu will vary from platform to platform. If one bookmaker offers live betting options that you prefer over others, then you might want to stick with that one.

However, it’s important to compare lines between sportsbooks if you’re prone to make numerous bets at a time or relatively high bet amounts. Then, you can find the most favorable odds for the bet you want to make.

Cash Out Feature

One great feature to have for live betting is the early cash out. This handy feature lets you withdraw a bet mid-game. For example, if the team you back in down by two touchdowns at half time, you might have a change of heart and decide to cash out what you can and cut your losses.

You won’t be able to cash out the entire bet in this scenario, but you’ll get some of it back. Some sportsbooks only give you bonus bets when you cash out a bet, meaning you may have some restrictions on what you get for your cash-out, such as a bonus bet expiry.

How to Read Live NFL Betting Odds Like a Professional

Successfully interpreting live NFL betting odds requires understanding both the numbers themselves and the story they tell about the game's current state and future probabilities.

Live odds display both the current line and often the opening line for comparison. When you see a point spread that opened at -7 but now shows -10.5, this indicates the favored team has been receiving heavy betting action or has performed better than expected early in the game. Conversely, if a spread moves from -7 to -4.5, it suggests the underdog has either been backed by sharp money or has started the game stronger than anticipated.

Moneyline odds fluctuations reveal win probability shifts in real-time. A team with +150 odds (40% implied probability) that moves to +120 odds (45.5% implied probability) has seen their chances improve based on game events. Understanding these implied probabilities helps you identify when a team's actual chances might exceed what the odds suggest.

The key to reading live totals is recognizing pace and efficiency indicators. If a total drops from 47.5 to 44.5 after one quarter of low-scoring football, the sportsbook is adjusting for a slower pace than expected. However, if both teams have moved the ball effectively but settled for field goals instead of touchdowns, the total might be undervalued as teams could break through for touchdowns later.

Juice movements in live betting often signal sharp action. When the vig on a live bet moves from standard -110/-110 to -115/-105, it indicates one side is receiving disproportionate action, and the sportsbook is trying to balance the handle rather than necessarily reflecting true probability changes.

How to read the live betting odds for spreads on Bet365 // Captured September 22, 2025

NFL Betting Strategies for Live Wagering

NFL live betting is a matter of identifying value before the oddsmakers have a chance to catch on. That means watching the game develop very carefully and seeing how matchups play out.

If you spot something, it's important to take advantage while you can. You often need to trust your gut but at the same time be prudent. That's where bet sizing really counts.

Other Factors to Consider for In-Play NFL Betting

There’s a lot to keep track of when live betting. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Injuries for either team
• The weather if the game is at an outdoor stadium
• The momentum of the game
• How teams tend to perform when leading/trailing
• How teams tend to perform in various quarters of a game
• How to cut your losses with the cash-out feature

Some teams are more prone to a certain level of performance at various stages of the game, so it’s important to make note of this. If you can identify any patterns throughout their season, or through the past few years, it could help inform your decision-making.

Likewise, anything that affects the flow of the game, such as a player going down, the weather, crowd response, etc, is worth making note of. After all, the coaches and players on the field are only human.

Events and Situations to Look for

As mentioned above, the advantage of live betting lies in placing a bet before lines have a chance to change based on the action. However, this requires acting fast. Certain situations can be favorable, though.

Live betting on bet365 // Captured September 22, 2025

These include:

• High-scoring games
• Low-scoring games
• Momentum shifts
• Two-minute drill situations
• Garbage time situations

In a game that becomes a shootout, betting the over on the total before it can fully adjust is a great opportunity. Likewise, if a game becomes a defensive slog, betting the under in time can be a wise move.

Tips for Live Football Betting Success

Live betting can be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, especially if you’re just starting out. That’s why it’s important to try to make your decisions calmly and with prudence.

If you feel something is a good bet, that’s a good sign you should act—but only bet as much as you’re comfortable losing in case your estimate turns out wrong.

Managing your bankroll is key. Start small, and shop around for the best lines. That way, you can get better odds by using multiple betting apps to place your bets.

And of course, do your research. The NFL is required to issue injury reports before their games. The NCAAF has just created a similar rule, so be sure to check before betting. Research player stats, team stats, and get an idea of what is likely and less likely to happen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Live Football Betting

We went over the ‘do’s’ above. Now here are the ‘don’ts’ for NFL betting strategies.

• Never chase losses
• Never bet without watching the game
• Don’t overreact to one single play or drive
• Don’t make bets in an unclear state of mind

And most importantly, gamble responsibly. If you ever feel that you may have a problem, seek professional help. Every licensed sportsbook in the US has a responsible gaming section filled with resources, including account management tools like deposit limits, spending limits, and account lockout.

Gambling problem? Text 1-800-GAMBLER.

Live Betting Guide Conclusion

Live betting is very similar to pre-game betting. The only difference is that the lines change frequently and in real-time. That means you must think fast and bet according to what you’ve seen in the game.

Rely on the research you’ve done before kick-off, and then use the insights you’ve gained from watching the game to guide your decision-making. Never bet emotionally and try to keep a logical point of view.

Start small and gain some experience before going at it full force. And as always, gamble smart and responsible.

FAQ on Live Betting on Football

If you plan to wager on NFL games this season, you've likely asked yourself what happens at tax time. Do you need to declare your NFL betting winnings? And how do sports betting losses fit into the equation?

Below, we've compiled a quick guide to NFL and sports betting taxes. We'll explain what you must report and which forms are needed when filing your returns.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Sports Betting?

Short answer: yes.

Bettors must pay taxes on sports betting wins. The IRS treats sports betting winnings the same way as any other income. Uncle Sam wants his share, regardless of whether you won $50 or $5,000.

All gambling winnings are considered ordinary taxable income by the federal government. This means your NFL betting winnings get taxed at your regular income tax rate, not a special gambling rate. If you're in the 22% tax bracket, your sports betting winnings will be taxed at 22%.

You must report taxes on sports betting winnings even if you didn't receive a tax form from your sportsbook. The rule is simple: if you win money betting on the NFL, you owe taxes on it. This applies whether you bet online, at a casino, or in a friendly office pool.

Most sportsbooks will send you Form W-2G if you win $600 or more. For wins over $5,000, they may automatically withhold 24% of that amount for federal taxes. However, this doesn't mean you're off the hook for smaller wins.

What Counts as Sports Betting Income for Tax Purposes?

Sports betting income includes any money you win from wagering on NFL games, NBA matches, fantasy sports leagues, or any other sporting events. This covers online sports betting sites like DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel. As well as retail sportsbooks, and even fantasy football leagues with your friends.

The IRS doesn't distinguish between professional and casual betting. Whether you placed one Super Bowl bet or wagered every Sunday, all winnings count as taxable income.

How Do Sports Betting Taxes Work?

Sports betting taxes work exactly like regular income taxes. Your NFL betting winnings get added to your total annual income, and you pay taxes based on your overall tax bracket.

Let's say you earned $60,000 from your job and won $3,000 betting on NFL games. Your total taxable income becomes $63,000, and you'll pay taxes on that full amount, according to your tax bracket.

The thing is that you can't subtract losses from wins when reporting individual bets. If you lost $500 on one NFL game but won $800 on another, you must report the full $800 as income. You can potentially deduct the $500 loss, but only if you itemize your deductions.

How Much Do I Need to Pay in Taxes on Sports Betting Winnings?

Federal tax rates on sports betting winnings range from 10% to 37%, depending on your total income. These are the same tax brackets that apply to your regular paycheck.

If your NFL betting winnings push you into a higher tax bracket, only the amount over that threshold gets taxed at a higher rate (this is how marginal tax rates work). For example, if you earned $47,000 and won $3,000 betting on sports, only $1,525 of your winnings would be taxed at the 22%.

Are All Sports Betting Winnings Taxable?

Yes, all sports betting winnings are taxable. You technically owe taxes even if you win just $20 on an NFL bet. The IRS requires you to report all gambling income, whether you receive the W-2G form or not.

This means your office fantasy football league winnings are taxable, too. Your friends won't send you a W-2G, but you're still supposed to self-report that $200 you won for picking the best fantasy lineup.

How to Declare Taxes on Sports Betting Winnings

You report sports betting winnings as ‘gambling income’ on Form 1040, Schedule 1, line 8b. This gets added to your other income sources and becomes part of your total taxable income for the year.

That’s why it pays to keep detailed records of all your sports bets. Write down dates, amounts wagered, winnings, and losses for every NFL bet you place. It helps that most sportsbooks provide year-end summaries.

You must report all winnings, even if you didn't receive a W-2G form. The IRS expects you to track this information yourself.

About Form W-2G

Form W-2G reports sports betting winnings to both you and the IRS. Sportsbooks must send you this form by January 31st of the following year if you meet the thresholds.

You'll receive a W-2G for sports betting if:

• You won $600 or more, AND
• Your winnings were at least 300 times your wager

For example, betting $5 on 200-to-1 odds and winning $1,000 would trigger a W-2G. The form shows your total winnings and any taxes that were withheld.

What Forms Do I Need to Use When Reporting Sports Betting Winnings?

Use Form 1040, Schedule 1, to report your sports betting winnings. Enter the total amount on line 8b as gambling income. If you received multiple W-2G forms, add them all together.

If you have gambling losses to deduct, you must itemize using Schedule A, Form 1040. Remember that you can only deduct losses up to the amount of your winnings, and only if itemizing gives you a bigger deduction than the standard deduction.

How to Deduct Sports Betting Losses

You can deduct sports betting losses, but only up to the amount of your winnings. If you won $2,000 betting on NFL games but lost $5,000, you can only deduct $2,000 in losses. The remaining $3,000 can't be used to offset other income.

You must itemize your deductions to claim gambling losses. This means giving up the standard deduction of $15,000 for this year. Only itemize if your total deductions exceed the standard deduction amount.

Sports Betting Taxes by State

State taxes on sports betting winnings vary widely across the country. Some states, like Nevada, don't impose taxes on sports betting winnings, while others impose their own rates on top of federal taxes.

Most states with income taxes also levy taxes on your sports betting earnings. This means you might owe both federal and state taxes on your NFL betting wins. States typically tax gambling winnings at their regular income tax rates. So, in most cases, you owe both federal and state income taxes on your sports betting spoils.

This means you should check your specific state's rules for sports betting taxes. Some states have reciprocal agreements, while others may require you to file returns in multiple states if you bet while traveling. If you live in Texas (no state income tax) but win while betting in New York, you might owe New York state taxes on those winnings.

Sports Betting Taxes in 2026 | FAQs

You may have heard of the vig (also known as the “juice”) in sports betting. But what does the vig actually mean?

Our article will walk you through how the vig works in sports betting and how to calculate it using real-world examples.

What Is the Vig in Sports Betting?

The vig is the built-in commission or fee sportsbooks levy for taking bets. It's actually short for vigorish, but you may hear slang alternatives like the “juice” or “rake.” However you want to call it, the vig is how sportsbooks make money, no matter which side of a bet wins or loses.

You can think of the vigorish as a service charge that sportsbooks place on every bet. Sportsbooks bake this fee into betting lines and odds, so you don't immediately see it unless you know what to look for. For example, if you see odds of -110 on both sides of a point spread, the added price on top of even money (+100) is the vig.

Example of the Vig/Juice

The Arizona Cardinals are favored by 6.5 points (-110) on the spread in their NFL Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. You would need to successfully wager $110 on the Cardinals to receive $100 profit (on top of your stake).

If there were no vig, that same bet would be priced at even odds (-100). You’d earn a $100 win from a $100 bet on the Cardinals. However, sportsbooks inflate the line to get a cut from every bet (i.e., -110 odds instead of -100). The $10 extra you need to put down to win $100 goes to the sportsbook.

Is There a Difference Between the Juice and the Vig in Sports Betting?

The vig and the juice refer to the same thing in sports betting. You may hear the terms used interchangeably, and rightfully so (juice is slang for vigorish).

Some bettors (or even the actual sportsbooks) may use the “take” instead of vigorish and juice. They all refer to the price or cut sportsbooks take for accepting your bet. The most popular juice pegged on each side of a point spread bet is -110.

Fun Fact: If you are a history buff, you may know that vigorish comes from a Yiddish slang borrowed from Russian for gain or winnings. The term worked its way into American betting lingo and stuck around.

How to Calculate Vig/Juice in Sports Betting

In most cases, it's easy to spot the vig by looking at the odds. That's almost always true for total and spread bets where both sides typically have the same odds (read: -110). That means you must wager $1.10 to win $1, which translates to a $0.1 vig. Calculating the vig for other types of odds and lines isn't always as easy.

The step-by-step process for how to calculate vig/juice in sports betting goes as follows:

How the Vig Works in NFL Betting

NFL point spreads typically use -110 odds on both sides. Let's say the Buffalo Bills are 3-point favorites over the Chicago Bears at -110 each. If we use the formula above, Bills -3 (-110) would come to an implied probability of 52.38%, and Bears +3 (-110) would have an implied probability of 52.38%. The vig will be 4.76%.

For NFL moneylines, the vig is based on how far off the favorite is from the underdog. A game between the Green Bay Packers (-180) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+155) would have a lower vig of 3.51%.

Pro Tip: Sign up for multiple NFL betting sites to ensure you get the lowest possible vig for each bet.

How the Vig Works in Soccer Betting

Soccer betting includes three-way moneylines (win, lose, draw), and that makes calculating the vig more difficult. Let's calculate the vig of the upcoming Manchester United vs Chelsea match with odds of Man Utd +170, Draw +275, Chelsea +135:

• Man Utd win: 100 divided by (170 + 100) = 37.04% implied probability
• Draw: 100 divided by (275 + 100) = 26.67% implied probability
• Chelsea win: 100 divided by (135 + 100) = 42.55% implied probability

The vig would be total of 106.26% – 100% = 6.26% (juice)

For a simpler two-way soccer bet like Liverpool (-120) vs Manchester City (+105): Liverpool: 120 divided by (120 + 100) = 54.55% Man City: 100 divided by (105 + 100) = 48.78% Total: 103.33% Vig: 3.33%

How the Vig Works in Basketball Betting

NBA spreads work similarly to the NFL, with mostly standard -110 pricing. But let's look at the WNBA example of Indiana Fever (-115) vs Phoenix Mercury (-105):

• Fever: 115 divided by (115 + 100) = 53.49% implied probability
• Mercury: 105 divided by (105 + 100) = 48.78% implied probability

That means the Vig would be 2.27% (102.27% – 100%)

How Does Vigorish Impact Your Betting?

Since the juice is baked into lines, it must impact your bets. The vig pushes your break-even point past the normal 50% win rate. When offered -110 on point spreads, you must bag 52.38% of your bets just to break even. That ugly 2.38% is half the juice you're paying.

The higher the vig, the bigger its impact on your betting. At -115 odds, your break-even point rises to 53.48%, and it doesn’t help that the extra 3.48% is just half the vigorish. In fact, the table below shows how different odds affect how much you need to win to break even:

How to Minimize the Impact of the Juice

While avoiding the vig completely is impossible, you can take steps to reduce its impact on your bottom line. Here are tips on how to minimize the sting of the vig:

• Shop around for the best betting lines: That gap between -110 and -109 may look small, but over hundreds of bets, it can make a significant difference to your betting balance.
• Avoid bets with a high vig: Futures, props, and parlays can have up to 30x the juice of moneyline and spread bets.
• Odds boosts can price out the vig: Taking advantage of odds boosts at sportsbooks can counteract the vig.
• Keep tabs on your win rates: This will tell you if you are beating the break-even cutoffs for your favorite odds and lines.

How to Use a No-Vig Calculator to Compare the Juice

A no-vig calculator removes the sportsbook's commission to show fair odds. This tool helps you identify which sportsbook offers the best value for a given bet.

• Enter the odds from different sportsbooks into the calculator.
• It will show you the actual probability of each outcome and what the odds would be without any vig.
• The sportsbook closest to fair odds has the best deal (lowest vigorish).

For example, if the fair odds on a game are -105 for both teams, but one sportsbook offers -108 while another offers -112, the first sportsbook is a no-brainer, since the vig is lower.

The Vig in Sports Betting | FAQs

21+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly

Bet365 is legal in 16 states as of April 2026: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Bet365 recently launched in Missouri on December 1, 2025.

Our guide will detail every state where Bet365 is legal, including the betting services offered and how to sign up and claim the Bet365 bonus code.

Bet365 Legal States in April 2026

Bet365 Sportsbook, originally based in the UK, expanded its services to the US after several states legalized online sports betting. Bet365 abides by strict rules and regulations in each state where it operates, ensuring a safe and fair betting experience.

Bet365 is legal in 16 states as of April 2026. The sportsbook most recently launched in Missouri (December 1, 2025), Kansas (August 6, 2025), and Maryland (August 30, 2025). Bet365 operates under strict state regulations in each state where it is licensed. In addition to sports betting, it also offers DFS and casino games in select states.

Below is a table summarizing where Bet365 is legal and what services are offered:

State	Live	Launch	Partner	Casino	DFS
Arizona		Oct '23	AZ Gaming
Colorado		Sep '22	CO Gaming
Illinois		Mar '25	Walker's Bluff
Indiana		Jan '23	IN Gaming
Iowa		Aug '23	IA Racing
Kansas		Aug '25	KS Racing
Kentucky		Sep '23	KY Racing
Louisiana		Jan '23	LA Gaming
Maryland		Aug '25	MD Lottery
Missouri		Dec '25	MO Gaming
New Jersey		Aug '19	NJ Casino
N. Carolina		Mar '24	NC Lottery
Ohio		Jan '23	OH Casino
Pennsylvania		Jan '24	PA Gaming
Tennessee		Mar '25	N/A
Virginia		Feb '23	VA Lottery

Captured: December 19, 2025

Bet365 DFS Legal States: Where is Bet365 Available?

Daily Fantasy Sport (DFS), or as it's called on Bet365: “Daily Lineups,” is a fantasy sport where players build a team of athletes from a particular competition or league to compete against other players for points. Whereas a sportsbook allows you to wager on actual sports events that are scheduled to be played.

At the time of writing, Bet365 DFS is allowed in seven states:

• Ohio
• Louisiana
• New Jersey
• Colorado
• Tennessee
• Illinois
• Kansas

Bet365 Casino Legal States

If you are wondering which US states allow Bet365 online casino games, you’ve come to the right place. Currently, Bet365 Casino is only accessible in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Bet365 Casino offers players hundreds of slots from top software providers like Playtech, NetEnt, and IGT. It also offers several table and card games, such as European Roulette, Blackjack, Keno, and video poker.

How to Sign Up for Bet365 in Your State

If you want to register for Bet365 Sportsbook, our guide will walk you through creating an account, no matter which state you are registering in.

Step 1: Visit the Bet365 site or app

To get started, head to the Bet365 website or download the app. Select from the different Bet365 legal states on the website. Each state has slightly different terms and conditions. You are required to choose the state where you reside.

Step 2: Click “Join”

On the website, click the “Join” button in the top-right corner of your screen. If you use the Bet365 app, click Log In, then Join Now, and fill out the registration form.

Step 3: Provide your personal info

Input your personal information, including your email and a valid cell phone number. An authentication code will be sent that you must enter. Also, enter your name, date of birth, and last four digits of your SSN.

Step 4: Input your address

You'll also need to provide your residential address to verify that you are in a state where Bet365 is legal. Adding your residential address is important for verifying your account. So, type in your street number and name to select from the list presented.

Step 5: Enter your login details

Finally, enter a preferred username and a password to receive one of the Bet365 sign-up offers: Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets, or a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net.

Finally, agree to the terms and conditions, then click ‘Join Bet365' to create your account. If all the information you entered is accurate, click “Confirm” to verify your identity.

Terms & Conditions: Who Can Sign Up with Bet365?

Creating an account with Bet365 in any state where it's available comes with terms and conditions that determine who is eligible to create an account. First and foremost, to sign up for a Bet365 legal state, you must be at least 21 years old–except in Kentucky, where the legal online gambling age is 18.

Bet365 values fair usage, which means players are not allowed to create or operate more than one account at a time. This will be checked against your ID and Social Security number.

Bet365 Sportbook Retail Locations

Given the number of US players Bet365 has garnered over the past few years since it started operating in certain states, one might expect Bet365 to have retail locations nationwide. Unfortunately, despite there being 16 Bet365 legal states, none have physical Bet365 locations where bets can be placed.

Although Bet365 collaborates with other brick-and-mortar casinos, such as Century Casino and Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, it does not yet have its own retail location in the US. Bet365 is an online-only platform, meaning players cannot wager on their favorite sports games in person. 

Bet365 Sportbook State Launch Dates

The following section outlines the official launch dates for each Bet365 legal state.

Captured: September 10, 2025

Where Will Bet365 Launch Next?

Although it doesn't have as wide a coverage as sports betting giants like FanDuel and DraftKings, Bet365 saw rapid expansion in 2025. 

On March 16, 2025, Bet365 launched in Illinois and Tennessee. On August 6, 2025, it launched in Kansas. Even more recently, it launched in Maryland on August 30, 2025. As of now, there are 16 Bet365 legal states.

Missouri was the last state to welcome Bet365, bringing the total to 16. The state legalized online sports betting in late 2024, and betting went live at Bet365 Missouri on December 1, 2025.

Captured: March 15, 2025

States Where Bet365 is Not Available in April 2026

Bet365 is not yet available in 15 states where sports betting is legal: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Below is a complete list of states where sports betting is legal, but Bet365 has yet to establish a presence:

1. Arkansas
2. Connecticut
3. Delaware
4. Florida
5. Maine
6. Massachusetts
7. Michigan
8. Mississippi
9. Montana
10. Nevada
11. New Hampshire
12. New York
13. Oregon
14. Rhode Island
15. Vermont
16. West Virginia
17. Wyoming

Bet365 Sports & Betting Markets

The NFL is one of the most popular sports in America, with an average of 37% of adults ranking it as their favorite. So, of course, in any Bet365 legal state, you can find their NFL section well-covered.

Wagering on the NFL in Bet365's legal states is a significant focus, making the platform one of the top NFL betting sites available. The site offers a wide array of betting options. You can bet on Thursday Night Football games, the NFL Playoffs, the draft, and the Super Bowl Champion. 

In terms of betting markets, Bet365 offers the usual game lines, player props, futures, and outrights to bet on, as well as more exotic choices like passing yards, receptions, teasers (4-10 points), and player props. 

Bet365 offers special promotions, like bet boosts, in the lead-up to games.

Get the Bet365 Sign-up Bonus in Your State

Players can follow any of the links below to sign up in their state and receive $365 in bonus bets when they register and place a first bet of $10 or more:

• Bet365 Arizona Bonus Code
• Bet365 Colorado Bonus Code
• Bet365 Illinois Bonus Code
• Bet365 Indiana Bonus Code
• Bet365 Iowa Bonus Code
• Bet365 Kansas Bonus Code
• Bet365 Kentucky Bonus Code
• Bet365 Louisiana Bonus Code
• Bet365 Maryland Bonus Code
• Bet365 Missouri Bonus Code
• Bet365 NJ Bonus Code
• Bet365 North Carolina Bonus Code
• Bet365 Ohio Bonus Code
• Bet365 Pennsylvania Bonus Code
• Bet365 Tennessee Bonus Code
• Bet365 Virginia Bonus Code

Recapping Bet365 Legal States

Bet365 recently launched in Maryland, Kansas, and Missouri, bringing its total number of available states to 16. While this isn't nearly as many as leading sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel, Bet365 continues to expand to more states.

Bet365 has one of the best online sports betting platforms, providing some of the best odds in the business and two great welcome bonuses to choose from when you sign up.

If you reside in a Bet365 legal state, we highly recommend signing up, placing bets, and taking advantage of the new user promo.

Bet365 Legal States | FAQs

NFL public betting trends, consensus picks, and money percentages are betting terms often thrown around, but what do they actually mean?

In short, they are terms to describe where the public is placing their money on NFL games. Public betting trends often impact line movements and betting strategies.

In this guide, we'll discuss NFL betting trends and how you can use them to your advantage.

What Is NFL Public Betting?

NFL public betting shows the percentage of bets on each team or outcome. It's a simple stat that pegs where most bettors are placing their money.

Take Kansas City vs the Buffalo Bills, for instance. If 80% of wagers are on the Chiefs to cover the spread, public betting heavily favors Kansas City.

The data comes from legal sportsbooks that track every wager. Leading sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel share these numbers, which are usually accurate since they handle millions of bets. Some sports media sites combine data from multiple sportsbooks to give bettors an even better idea of the direction of public betting.

SFA Betting Tip: Since public betting considers all bets being placed, it's a solid representation of how casual bettors are wagering. Unlike sharp bettors, public betting decisions are probably based more on instincts and team loyalty than on a given game's nuances.

NFL Betting Percentages: Bet Percentages vs. Money Percentages

The bet percentage accounts for total bets (or “tickets”), while the money percentage (also known as the “handle”) tracks dollar amounts. The key difference between these NFL public betting percentages lies in what each reveals about betting behavior. A high bet volume but low money volume suggests many casual bettors are backing a team.

For instance, if 75% of bets favor the Dolphins but only 40% of money does, it indicates recreational bettors are taking Miami, while bigger money prefers their opponent.

Odds and betting trends at BetMGM accurate at time of posting (Aug 19, 2025)

What Are NFL Public Betting Splits?

Betting splits put bet percentage and money percentage side-by-side for the same game. They provide a complete picture of betting action.

An NFL public betting chart may display splits like this: Jets 65% bets (tickets) / 45% handle (money) vs. Patriots 35% of bets (tickets) / 55% handle (money).

SFA Betting Insight: The example suggests casual bettors are backing New York with more raw bets, but serious money is backing New England. Splits help identify when public sentiment doesn't match where sharp bettors are pouring their money.

NFL odds and betting trends at DraftKings accurate at time of posting (Aug 19, 2025)

How Public Betting Affects NFL Odds

Sportsbooks adjust lines when betting action becomes lopsided. If 85% of the money is on one side, the books might move the spread to attract opposite action. However, sharp money often influences lines more than public volume, especially early in the week when smart bettors are hunting better closing-line value.

Data-heavy sportsbooks like FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings often dance between risk management and making profits off their sportsbooks. They don't always need equal action on both sides if they're confident in their numbers. When the public heavily backs an overvalued favorite, books might keep favorable lines for smart money on the underdog.

Line movement reveals the ongoing battle between public sentiment and sharp opinion. Early sharp action often sets the direction, while late public money might cause smaller adjustments before kickoff.

How to Capitalize on NFL Public Betting Trends

Smart bettors use NFL public betting percentages as one piece of the puzzle. You want to compare bet and money percentages to spot bias and swoop in. At the same time, you want to track how lines move relative to public money, injury reports, weather conditions, and team form.

NFL Betting Trends, Explained

NFL betting trends are slightly different. They track how betting patterns change over time, not just single-game snapshots (think of it as a macro-view). These trends show which teams consistently attract public money and how betting behavior shifts during the season. Unlike public betting percentages, trends reveal longer patterns.

Trends change as the season progresses. Early-season betting often focuses on last year's playoff teams. By mid-season, current form matters more. Playoff contenders see increased public backing, while eliminated teams get less betting action.

What Are NFL Consensus Picks?

NFL consensus gives you the percentage of bettors backing a side in moneyline, spread, or total markets. It combines data from multiple sportsbooks to show overall betting sentiment. Consensus picks spot where the big money is across all bet types.

A strong consensus occurs when the percentage of public bets and public money heavily favors one side. A split consensus happens when the bet and money percentages are misaligned.

NFL Public Betting | FAQs

One thing casual sports bettors often overlook is how the weather can impact NFL betting outcomes. Whether it's high winds or frigid temperatures, the weather has a measurable effect on football betting, especially over/under bets and player props.

Below, we’ll discuss how to account for weather conditions when placing NFL bets.

Weather Factors that Can Impact NFL Betting

The NFL has some stadiums with domes, which shield games from inclement weather. However, only seven NFL stadiums have fixed or retractable roofs. The rest are outdoor stadiums.

It’s important to keep in mind that these effects can be compounded, having a greater impact on the game and how you should wager.

How Precipitation Affects NFL Games

Precipitation, in its various forms, is the first thing people tend to think about when they consider NFL weather conditions.

It’s hard to measure intangibles such as a quarterback's ability to throw accurate passes during a snowy game or the psychological effect that heavy rain can have on playmakers. However, any weather factor that affects the game can, in turn, impact player performance and things like a game's pace, scoring, and offensive/defensive strategies.

Precipitation is often accompanied by wind, so it’s important to factor in both. And when it’s both windy and rainy, for example, expect things to get even more complicated and messy, especially for offenses.

Snow

The biggest weather concern for NFL betting is snow. NFL games with heavy snowfall show a 25% decrease in points scored. That's because snow affects visibility, traction, and grip on the ball (leading to an increase in turnovers, especially fumbles).

Game data shows that light snow doesn't have nearly as much of an impact on games. This makes sense since light snow is the least obtrusive form of precipitation. Games that took place in light snow showed only a 2% drop on average in points scored.

In general, snow does have a significant impact on field goal kicking, though. Games that have taken place in snow have a 76% field goal percentage (down 7% from the league average of 83% success rate on field goal attempts).

It’s also important to note that many coaches shorten the acceptable range of kicking field goals if there’s snowy weather. This means most field goals tried in snowy weather come from a closer range, and still, there are more misses.

Rain

On average, a quarterback’s passing completion percentage drops by 12% in rainy weather. Unsurprisingly, a wet ball leads to lower throw accuracy and catch success rates.

On the other hand, made field goal percentages actually increase from 83% to 85%. However, this is a bit misleading, as teams tend to attempt shorter field goals during rainy games. When you compare field goals from the same distance in the rain vs. normal conditions, the success rate decreases by 2%.

According to another NFL kicking study, the typical 40-yard field goal in the NFL has an 86% chance, while the same field goal has a likelihood of 82% in the rain. A 50-yarder goes from 71% to 65%.

Wind

Wind can significantly affect passing and kicking. The average windspeed for an outdoor NFL game is 7 mph. This level of wind is negligible, but as it increases, passing and kicking percentages decrease substantially.

At around 15 mph, a difference begins to show, with a 3% drop in field-goal success rate. When windspeed surpasses 20 mph, the effects are much more severe, and data shows a significant drop-off in both passing and kicking percentages. 

Like precipitation, coaches factor these weather effects into pre-game and in-game decision-making. On a windy day, a savvy coach will shorten their potential range for field goal tries, stick more to the ground game (more predictable), and hit teams with more dinks and dunks (less air time for the ball to be affected by wind).

Temperature

Temperature as a factor on its own is fairly straightforward. Data for extreme temperatures shows a drop-off in points scored.

Games with temperatures higher than 85°F or lower than 25°F show an 8% reduction in points scored. On that same note, games played in weather between 25°F and 50°F show a 5% drop-off in average scoring rates.

How to Factor in Weather When Placing NFL Bets

Always factor weather conditions into your NFL betting strategies. This will help you predict the outcome of football matches to the best of your abilities.

Rain and Snow Typically Mean Lower Scoring

Games with extreme weather tend to be lower scoring, so when it comes to player props and totals, make sure to adjust your football predictions accordingly. It's also important to know that sportsbooks factor in weather conditions when creating lines, so if there's a chance of snow, rain, or heavy wind, that will already be baked into the odds.

On average, light rain or snow leads to a combined 2 points fewer scored, while moderate rain leads to 4 fewer points on average, and moderate snow leads to 6 fewer. Heavy rain and snow have an even larger effect, reducing scoring by 6 points and 10 points, respectively.

Expect Lower Player Production (but not always)

Passing and field goal production rates fall in windy or rainy weather. So you can expect lower points and lower offensive player production, especially for key skill positions like quarterback and wide receiver, which require much more fidelity. In fact, drops increase by as much as 6% depending on the amount of snow or rain. Your NFL prop bets should reflect this.

However, lower production isn't always the case. For example, a running back could be in line for a huge day if a team decides to pound the rock on the ground, which can be a great way to negate bad weather conditions. Also, tackling ability seems to fall sharply during rainy or snowy games as players struggle to grasp slippery ball carriers.

Real-life Example: Eagles running back LeSean McCoy barreled his way to 217 yards in 8 inches of snow against the Lions in 2013. The same game saw Lions' return man Jeremy Ross take both a punt and a kickoff back to the house. Moral of the story: neither team's defenders could get anyone to the ground.

Use Weather Conditions to Get a Betting Edge

In short, sports bettors need to be aware of the forecasted weather before NFL games, especially if it is likely to be extreme. If you can move fast, you can get better odds before NFL betting apps adjust their lines to account for the weather forecast.

Acting fast and capitalizing on weather changes heading into NFL games is a good way to get a betting edge and boost your CLV.

What does hedge mean in betting? Hedge betting in sports places an additional bet or bets opposite to your initial bet. It is done so that you will receive a return no matter the event's outcome. This article will explain what hedging means in sports betting, its advantages and strategies, and tips on hedging bets.

What Is Hedge Betting & How Does it Work?

The first step in hedge betting is making an initial bet, such as the winner of an NFL game. Before the game or while it is happening, new information may steer you from your initial pick. The new information can include changing odds, injuries, or how the team plays in the game. These things can impact the odds of the game.

Because you are unsure about your initial bet, you can hedge the bet by making an additional one and betting on the other team with odds that are not the same as the first wager.

It does not matter what the game's outcome is, as since you made a bet on both sides, you will guarantee a return. When you hedge a bet, you will not have a guaranteed profit, but with more than one bet, you may make one or at least lessen the loss of your initial wager.

Hedge betting is more of a betting strategy than a specific type of sports bet, such as the spread or moneyline. You can hedge bets on various types, such as parlays, futures, live bets, and straight bets.

Key Advantages of Hedge Betting

The main advantage of hedging bets is that they act as insurance against losses. If you are betting on both sides of a game or event, it ensures you will get some return.

For example, you make a moneyline bet on a football game taking the Dallas Cowboys (-120) to beat the Washington Commanders. You start watching the game, and the Cowboys get off to a bad start. You have a bad feeling about them turning it around, and for a live bet, you take the Commanders at -130 with the sportsbook,k changing the odds for what is happening in the game. You are assured of a payout no matter what happens in the game.

What is the Payout for an Over/Under Bet?

For any hedge bet, since you are ensuring a return, it means that you are limiting losses. Rather than lose the entire amount of the initial wager, one of your two bets will come in when you hedge a bet. You may not make a profit, but you may, but you will not lose big.

Strategies/how to place a successful hedge bet

Regarding hedge betting strategies, there are two basic schools of thought: partial hedge and full hedge.

A lot goes into making a successful hedge bet. If you are confident in your first bet, you would likely not hedge, believing that the first wager you made will be successful. However, hedging can be a good option if your confidence wanes on the first bet you make.

One of the main things to look at when you want to make a successful hedge bet is evaluating the potential outcomes of the hedge as well as the associated odds. One of the best times to jump on a hedge bet is if the odds move significantly for the opposite outcome of your initial bet. When this happens, it gives you a good opportunity to profit by betting against your first bet.

Examples of Hedge Betting: Minimizing Losses and Turning a Profit

There are times to hedge bets when you minimize losses and when you can profit. Let's look at a couple of examples of both.

In the above example, you hedge a bet and lose money, but not as much as if you stick with your original bet.

Tips for Effective Hedge Betting

The main tip for making a hedge bet is to evaluate the wager's loss or profit. When you see line movements that can make you a profit, albeit smaller than riding out your first bet, taking the hedge bet may be a good idea. With a bet of this type, you can guarantee a smaller profit and reduce the risk of losing a significant amount of money.

You need to pinpoint what type of bet you want to hedge. In the example above in the Super Bowl matchup between the Lions and the Chiefs is an example of a futures wager hedge bet.

Live betting is becoming increasingly popular with hedge bets, as you are betting on the live action. If you bet on the Chiefs to beat the Broncos and Patrick Mahomes suffers an injury where he will not play the rest of the game, you can take the Broncos against your initial bet to ensure a win.

Monitoring lines is also a valuable tip when hedging bets. Check the lines often, as if they change, you can get a feel of how the public is betting, such as on a football game, and get more favorable odds when hedging a bet.

Always be aware of risk tolerance. When calculating a hedge bet's profit or loss, you need to know the exact risk or reward factor. This is why hedge calculator betting is a good idea: You always know the profit and loss. Again, many top sites offer a hedge betting calculator.

Managing Your Bankroll with Hedge Betting

For a hedge bet to any bet, you must gamble responsibly. Sports betting is supposed to be fun and a form of entertainment. Sure, winning money is always a bonus, but it is a form of gambling, and you need to know there is a chance you will lose. You may want to take a break if you are not having fun anymore and sports betting is becoming stressful. This is especially the case if you hit a losing streak, which costs you significant money.

Chasing losses is betting more on the next game or event to regain money lost. Doing this is the quickest way to lose money. The best way to get over a loss or losses is to chip away and not try to get it all back in one fell swoop.It is also important that you bet with your head rather than your heart. Avoid making emotional decisions when betting on sports. Take some time and research the sports bet you want to make, and do not just bet because you like a team or player. The more you research (handicap) a bet, the more likely it will be a smarter bet and, therefore, one that is more likely to win.

Using an offshore sportsbook is always a bad idea. The site may carry a license, but since it is not under U.S. jurisdiction, American citizens are not fully protected if issues arise.

Conclusion: Is Hedge Betting Right for You?

Hedge betting is making an additional wager with the opposite outcome of your initial bet. By doing this, you can ensure one of your bets can win. Hedging bets can minimize losses and help you profit if the odds are in your favor. You can hedge bets for football and many other sports.

We have covered aspects of hedging, but we recommend you do further research to learn more about it and how you can succeed.

Middle betting is a clever way to find value in sports betting where bettors identify an outcome that allows for two opposing bets to hit. It’s one of the best opportunities a bettor can come across, and adding it to your arsenal could lead to big wins.

From the definition to expert tips on making the perfect middle bet, here's a thorough rundown of middle bet in sports betting.

What is Middle Betting?

Middle betting is when you place two opposing bets that leave room for you to win both based on how the sportsbooks have set their odds. This typically involves placing a wager on two different sportsbooks.

Since sportsbooks set their odds independently, you can often find differing odds for the same wager if you check various sportsbooks. This isn’t always the case, but when it is, you can sometimes find an opportunity to middle bet.

For example, let’s say that BetRivers had and over/under bet for Jayden Daniels passing for 214.5 yards in a game. And BetMGM had an over/under bet for Jayden Daniels passing for 224.5. yards. Note that there’s a 10-yard differential between the two wagers.

Important: Depending on the odds and how much you bet on each, winning only one of the bets will typically lead to breaking very close to even or sometimes exactly even.

If you bet the under on the 224.5 and the over on the 214.5, there is a possibility to win both bets if Daniels happens to pass for between 224 and 215 yards. And even if Daniels passes for way less or way more than either of those amounts, you’d still win one of your two bets.

Depending on the odds and how much you bet on each, winning only one of the bets will typically lead to breaking very close to even or sometimes exactly even. In fact, if the odds are just right, you can make a small profit even with the bets essentially canceling each other out, which is referred to as arbitrage betting.

Understanding Various Types of Middle Bets

Middle bets can come in many forms. You can find O/U bets for team totals, team props, player props, and more. If you can find differing point spreads or money lines between two sportsbooks, you may be able to discover opportunities for betting the middle. This even includes live wagers and parlays. Here's some information to keep in mind:

Advantages of Middle Betting

Middle bets are like low-risk lottery tickets for sports betting. If a lucky result occurs, you win both bets. If not, you lose next to nothing or possibly even win a bit through arbitrage.

When arbitrage betting is available with a middle bet, you’re getting an amazing deal. You’ll make a profit no matter what, and if both wagers hit, you’ll win both bets simultaneously.

These opportunities are somewhat rare, but among the thousands of betting options that any sportsbook offers daily, you can find a handful of middle betting opportunities at any given time if you compare odds between multiple sportsbooks.

Although middle betting minimizes risk, it requires more investment since you’d be placing two wagers instead of one. The strategy is not for newcomers because it requires a solid understanding of odds, using a middle betting calculator (more on this later), and familiarity with betting practices.

Have Multiple Sportsbook Accounts and Bet Before Lines Change

Two things are important for being able to middle, having many accounts on sportsbooks so you can compare odds and make bets, and placing your bets quickly before the odds have a chance to change.

Sportsbooks often make corrections to their odds once they discover that they’re offering an opportunity for sports bettors to make a profit. For example, if a disproportionate number of bettors are taking the over on a bet, the sportsbook will often adjust the odds or the vig to compensate. That’s why speed in placing your bet is key.

For sportsbooks, the ideal scenario for them is for exactly the same amount of people to bet each side of a wager. That way, one side can pay off the other side and the bookmaker gets to keep the profit they gained from charging vig (a.k.a. juice). Meanwhile, sportsbooks are competing with one another for the most competitive lines in order to attract bettors.

How Does Vig Factor into Middle Betting

The standard vig for the vast majority of bookies and bet types is 10%. So instead of a bet being dead even at -100 odds (betting $100 wins you $200, so $100 in profit), you’ll normally see odds at -110 instead.

You have to take the bookie’s vig into account when calculating how much a bet can yield, including middle bets. In the case of middle bets, you have to calculate the vig from two bets on two different sportsbooks.

How to Middle a Bet Successfully

For any sport, you’ll find all kinds of different bets to choose from. So if you notice any lines that look advantageous, you can start there and compare the odds for the same bet to those of other sportsbooks. You can basically compare the lines of two different sportsbooks side by side and find any possibilities for middle bets.

Middle bets are rare, less than 1% of all available lines between sportsbooks offer the opportunity for a middle bet. But since there are thousands of betting options available, there are normally always some options to be found.

Determining the Value of a Middle Bet

Once you identify a middle bet, it’s important to consider how likely that middle range between the bets is to hit.

If you take the over for the Devils on FanDuel and the under for the Devils on Hard Rock Bet, you’re hoping the final score is exactly four goals scored.

In the second similar example, you’re hoping the final score is exactly 121 for both your over and your under bet to hit.

The NHL middle bet is far more likely to hit than the NBA middle bet since four goals scored in a hockey game is a far more likely outcome than exactly 121 points in an NBA game.

When it comes to football, consider how likely the middle bet you’re making is to occur. That will help you determine how much to value the betting opportunity with the odds you’re being given (most middle bets won’t offer arbitrage).

Discrepancies in Odds and Arbitrage

A rule of thumb is that the larger the discrepancy in the middle bet, the more valuable the betting opportunity will be. With large-discrepancy middle betting opportunities, you end up with a situation where you have arbitrage betting plus middle betting. It’s a literal win-win situation.

Keep in mind that when the O/U is a whole number, for example in point totals, and the result ends up being that example number, you have a push. When there’s a push, the bettors are given their money back.

So if there were to be a push when you were attempting a middle bet, that particular bet would simply be refunded instead of winning or losing and you would presumably win the other wager from your middle bet.

For the next example, we’ll look at some specific football middle bets.

Middle Betting in Football

Let’s say BetMGM had the point spread for Ohio State at -8.5 with odds of -278. And Caesars had Notre Dame at +8.5 for +300. With the help of an odds calculator, we could determine exactly how much to bet in order to balance out the two wagers so that payout matches for each opposing wager.

In this case, there’s a profit for making these two bets regardless of what happens since one or both of the sportsbooks hasn’t corrected their odds yet. So there’s a golden opportunity to take advantage of.

In this example, the profit was 1.46%, which makes it an arbitrage bet. That may seem like a tiny margin, but over the course of a month, if a sports bettor increased their bankroll by 1.5% daily, it would really add up ($10,000 turns to $15,000).

Tips for Making a Middle Bet

Betting fundamentals are, of course, going to be essential to being successful at middle betting. After all, what is a middle in sports betting going to be worth if you are missing the bigger picture?

With that said, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

Recognize the Importance of Key Numbers in Football

Consider Prop Bets on Teams That You’re Already Familiar with

Refer to Historical Data for Deeper Insight

Sportsbooks That Offer the Best Middle Betting

Just about any sportsbook could be one of the best middle betting sites, depending on what sports you’re looking to bet on and what types of bets you’re looking to make.

However, if your primary goal is simply to turn a profit, then it’s best to compare lines between sportsbooks and look for opportunities in markets you wouldn’t normally bet on.

With that said, there are a few sportsbooks that we’ve had good experiences with middle betting before. They are:

Money Management and Bankroll Protection

With middling, it’s important to understand that you are risking more at a time. That’s why it’s essential to make totally sure before placing your bets that you’ve crossed your t’s and dotted your i’s.

FAQ on Middle Betting

Conclusion

Middle betting is one of the most beneficial strategies in sports betting. When done right, it’s like a low-risk lottery ticket. Sometimes you can find arbitrage opportunities along with a middle bet, which a win-win scenario.

However, the strategy isn’t for newcomers. Make sure you do plenty of research on middling before attempting it for the first time. That way you can go into it prepared, well-informed, and ready to pad your bankroll.

Over-under betting is a type of wager where you predict whether the combined score of both teams in a game will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook. Also called totals, over and under betting is one of the simplest and most popular forms of sports betting.

Instead of picking which team wins, you're betting on the total points scored. If you're wondering “what does over under mean in betting?“, it's straightforward: bet the over if you think the total will exceed the line, or bet the under if you think it'll fall short.

We'll cover how to place an over-under bet, which sportsbooks offer the best over-under betting markets, and other tips and tricks for placing intelligent bets in April 2026.

Best Sportsbooks for Over Under Betting in 2026

Finding the right sportsbook can make a huge difference in over/under betting. The best platforms offer competitive odds, live betting options, and alternate totals that give you more control over your wagers.

Both DraftKings and FanDuel give bettors flexibility beyond the standard total, making them strong choices if you like to mix in alternate lines and prop-based over/under bets. Bet365 stands out for its international reach and comprehensive totals across various sports.

How to Place an Over/Under Bet: Step-by-Step

1. Open the sportsbook app and find your game: Pick the sport/league, then tap the matchup you want.
2. Select the Totals (Over/Under) market: Look for “Total,” “O/U,” or “Over/Under.” You'll see a number (e.g., 47.5) and odds for Over and Under (often around -110). Remember: overtime typically counts toward totals.
3. Choose Over or Under: Tap the side you want to bet on.
4. Enter your stake and review: Type your amount; the slip auto-calculates potential payout. Double-check the total number, odds, and that you selected Over or Under correctly.
5. Place the bet: Confirm to submit. Track it in “Open Bets.”

Example: If an NFL total is 47.5 at -110, choosing Over 47.5 means you need 48+ combined points to win. At -110, a $100 bet returns $190.91 total ($90.91 profit).

How Do Over/Under Bets Work?

Over-under betting, also called totals, is when you bet on the combined score of both teams. You'll see it labeled as “Total,” “O/U,” or “Over/Under” at sportsbooks.

Instead of picking the winner of a match, like in spread betting, your goal is to predict whether the total points scored will be above or below the number set by the sportsbook. It's that simple.

For example, if the over/under for a football game is 55.5, you need 56 or more points to hit the over. You need 55 points or fewer to hit the under. What is over-under in betting? It's predicting the total score, not who wins.

Over/under bets (along with moneyline bets) are beginner-friendly. Other bet types have more moving parts and require a deeper understanding of sports betting terms and how to read odds.

Over/under Example: Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans O/U 47

What to Keep in Mind When Betting the Over/Under

Betting on point totals is popular in nearly every sport. It's especially common in over-under betting for football and basketball, where points pile up quickly.

Does a team have a strong passing game against a weak secondary? Or maybe a team is trotting out a banged-up quarterback against a defense that likes to cause havoc in the backfield?

Several key factors should guide your decision:

• Team offensive stats: High-scoring offenses push totals higher
• Defensive stats: Elite defenses can suppress scoring
• Weather conditions: The weather impact on NFL betting is significant—wind, rain, and cold can slow down scoring
•  Player injuries: Key players missing can dramatically change scoring potential
• Specific matchups: Does a team have a strong passing game against a weak secondary? Expect more points

Expert betting tip: When betting on a game's point total, it's important to contemplate matchups in terms of strength vs. strength, strength vs. weakness, and weakness vs. weakness. Power rating models, such as nfelo, are good resources for determining matchup advantages. They give efficiency ratings for teams' offenses and defenses, which can help determine how high or low a point total might be and where matchup advantages exist.

How Do Odds for Over Under Bets Work?

Sportsbooks typically set over/under odds at -110. That means wagering $110 wins you $100.

This margin—usually 10%—is called “vigorish” (or “vig” or “juice”). It's how sportsbooks profit on each bet.

Expert betting tip: Pay attention to the odds for each over/under bet. The lower the sportsbook’s vig, the better for you. For example, -109 is better than -115. -109 would be 9% going to the house, and -115 would be 15% going to the house.

What is the Payout for an Over/Under Bet?

Calculating your payout is simple. Let's break it down with an example:

Notice the odds differ for the over and under. This happens when one side receives more action. Sportsbooks adjust odds (not the total) to balance betting.

• Bet $115 on the over → Win $100 if it hits
• Bet $105 on the under → Win $100 if it hits

Over/under bets use negative odds (-110, -115, etc.). Negative American odds (-110, for example) show how much you need to bet in order to receive $100, making payouts easy to calculate.

How Do Bookmakers Determine the Over/Under?

Sportsbooks employ oddsmakers and power rating models to set totals. Oddsmakers analyze every piece of data—team stats, player matchups, weather forecasts, and even insider info.

The total can shift before game time based on:

• Betting behavior: Heavy action on one side prompts adjustments
• New information: Late-breaking injuries or weather changes

Sportsbooks aim for balanced action on both sides. When betting is 50-50, one side pays the other, and the sportsbook simply collects the vig.

Types of Statistics Used in Over/Under Betting

As a rule, the total is the sum of both teams' points for the game. However, there are variations:

• Total points by one team
• Total points scored in the first half by both teams

Many other statistics can be used. In American football, various statistics are used, including total yards, attempts by a player or team, down conversions, interceptions, completions, completion percentage, and percentage of throws from a play, among others.

What is a Push in Over Under Betting?

Let's say a sportsbook sets an over/under total at 48 points in a game between the LA Rams and Arizona Cardinals. What happens if the final score is 34-14 in favor of the Rams, equalling the exact point total? This is called a “push”. Every wager involving the over/under is refunded when this happens, and there is no winning bet.

Typically, sportsbooks avoid this by setting the over-under as not a whole number. For example, a football game might be set at 46.5 points, a baseball game at 4.5 runs, and a basketball game at 120.5 points. That way, the total must be either over or under the number set by oddsmakers, preventing a push.

How Do Over/Under Bets Work in Live Betting?

You can place over/under bets during live games. Real-time dynamics let you capitalize on what you're seeing.

Examples:

• A pitcher is dominating and looks unhittable? Bet the under
• A soccer match is wide open with scoring chances everywhere? Bet the over

Live betting adds another layer of strategy to over and under betting, letting you react to momentum shifts and game flow.

Over/Under Betting Final Takeaways

Over/under bets are a common type of straight bet. They're beginner-friendly and offer seasoned bettors a way to bet on games based on matchups that could determine scoring.

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Over/under bets are wagers on the combined number of points scored in a game
• Sportsbooks often set the total as a decimal (e.g., 55.5 points) to prevent pushes
• Also called totals
• Sportsbook odds include the house's cut (vig or juice)
• The most common odds are -110, meaning wager $110 to win $100
• Available for nearly every team sport, but most common in football and basketball betting

Note: Not all US states have access to betting online due to legal restrictions. Players in most states can wager online with their state lottery. For example, users in Michigan can use the MI iLottery Promo Code to get a sign up bonus for their state lottery.

BetRivers is one of the biggest US sportsbooks. Its popularity is growing and spreading to more states each year. If you're wondering whether or not BetRivers is available in your state, check below.

BetRivers Sportsbook Legal States: Where is BetRivers Legal?

BetRivers is currently legal and active in 15 states. Each of the BetRivers sportsbook legal states has a corresponding retail location. Here’s a list of all the BetRivers legal states & retail partners:

BetRivers DFS Legal States

BetRivers Casino Legal States

As one of the best PA online casinos, the BetRivers Casino offers a good selection of slots, table games, and live casino games. It’s got plenty of progressive jackpots and the option for instant withdrawals through certain payment options.

BetRivers Casino is legal and available in four states:
Michigan
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
West Virginia

The welcome bonus is a 100% deposit match up to $500 for players in Michigan and New Jersey and a 100% deposit match up to $250 for players in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

What’s great about the BetRivers Casino welcome bonus is that any winnings resulting from playing with bonus funds can be withdrawn immediately since they only have a 1x rollover requirement.

What is the BetRivers Welcome Bonus in my State?

BetRivers differs from most other major sportsbooks in the United States because the bonus amount from the welcome offer changes depending on your state. That could either be a good or bad thing, depending on what offer you end up with. The BetRivers Michigan promo code, for example, is $500, whereas the BetRivers offer in Iowa is just $100.

For example, their highest offer is $500, which is solid. But their lowest offer is only $100, which is on the low end of sportsbook welcome bonuses. Here’s which BetRivers states get which welcome bonus:

BetRevers Welcome Bonus Tiers by State: Up to $500 second-chance first bet:• Illinois
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia Up to $250 second-chance first bet:• Colorado
• Delaware
• Maryland
• New Jersey Up to $100 second-chance first bet:• Arizona
• Iowa
• New York
• Ohio
• West Virginia

To claim the welcome bonus, use the BetRivers affiliate code SFABET during registration.

BetRivers Welcome Bonus Terms and Conditions

The BetRivers welcome bonus is easy to claim, but some restrictions exist. You can only claim the offer if you:

Important Eligibility Requirements:• Must be a new BetRivers user
• Must be 21 years or older
• Must be physically present in a BetRivers legal state during registration

You're eligible for the welcome bonus if you meet all of those criteria. Just place your first bet on anything with odds of -200 or longer within 30 days. If your first bet loses, you’ll receive the same amount back as a bonus. Bonus bets are only valid for 7 days.

How to Get Started with BetRivers

If you’re of legal gambling age for online sports betting in one of the BetRivers states (21), you can sign up using the BetRivers mobile app or through their website using a browser.
Getting started with the BetRivers sportsbook is straightforward.

1. Install the BetRivers mobile app or visit the website
2. Click ‘Join Now‘ from the top-right
3. Select your ‘gambling state' from the dropdown list
4. Choose a screen name, input your email and create a password
5. Add in the affiliate code BETSFA
6. Continue and confirm to finish creating your account
7. Make your first deposit
   

BetRivers Legal States: How Old Do You Have to Be to Bet on Sports?

The federal age limit for any type of gambling is 18. Beyond that, each state dictates the legal age for online sports betting. In nearly every US state, the minimum age is 21, including all of the BetRivers legal states.

The only states where the legal age for sports betting is 18 are Kentucky, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wyoming, and Washington DC, though BetRivers is inactive here. For every other US state, the legal sports betting age is 21.

Who Can Sign Up with BetRivers?

BetRivers welcomes customers 21+ from across the United States to register. However, to actually place a bet, you must be physically located in one of BetRivers' legal states. That doesn’t mean you have to be a resident of that state, though. BetRivers must access your location to allow you to bet.

If your location is not within one of the BetRivers states, you cannot use the app or website on any device.

BetRivers Sportsbook Launch Dates

BetRivers Legal States: Where is BetRivers Poised to Launch Soon?

States Where BetRivers Isn't Legal

NFL Betting at BetRivers

BetRivers has established itself as a premier destination for NFL betting, offering a comprehensive suite of betting options and competitive odds. During the NFL season, users can take advantage of various promotional offerings, including odds boosts and profit boosts, enhancing the betting experience.

One of BetRivers' distinguishing features is its highly competitive odds structure. They consistently offer some of the industry's lowest vig (house edge), with lines frequently available at -109 or even -108, representing significant value for bettors.

The platform provides an extensive betting menu that includes: Comprehensive props betting options
Same Game Parlays (SGPs)
Multiple game combinations
Alternate lines
Creative futures markets

BetRivers Legal States | FAQs

A parlay bet is an exciting, high-risk, high-reward wager that combines multiple bets. To win, all must hit. Read on for parlay betting tips and insights.

Understanding Parlay Betting

Making a parlay is easy at most sportsbooks, with many US sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars, to name a few, offering parlay builders. You can mix spreads, totals, props, and moneylines to create your perfect parlay.

Calculating odds for a parlay betting

The easiest way to calculate odds when making parlays is to:

One of the nice things is that you can put multiple betting markets in one bet. Often, at the best US sportsbooks you can also make same game parlays (SGP's) and even ones for live betting.

NFL Parlay Bet Example

Let's take a look at an NFL parlay bet with four legs. Using a weekend schedule of games from DraftKings, where the moneyline is already converted to decimal odds, here are four Sunday matchups you like:

Now multiply all of the odds together, and for this example, you are taking all of the favorites.

Examples Using Different Betting Markets

While the format is the same, let's now examine a parlay using three different betting markets: two money lines, two totals, and a prop bet.

Advantages of Parlay Betting

The main advantage of parlay bets is straightforward: bigger payouts. Anytime you have multiple bets in one ticket, you are multiplying those bets together, and more than one bet in one ticket will always give a better payout. Beyond that, a few additional advantages include:

Tips for Making Parlay Bets

Handicapping Your Bets

The main tip for making parlay bets, or any other type, is to handicap it to make a smarter wager. Handicapping a bet involves researching the teams or players involved to get a better idea of the outcome.

The more you handicap a bet in doing some homework on the teams or players, the more likely it will be a more intelligent one, meaning one more likely to win.

Regarding parlays, a few other tips are to look for parlay insurance and promos and use a bet calculator.

Additional Parlay Betting Tips; Insurance & Promos

Sportsbooks that Offer the Best Parlay Bets

BetMGM is one of the best to make parlays for the US market, as they not only have all of the money lines already converted into decimal odds but also tend to offer some parlay promotion. At the time of writing, they have a Parlay Boost Token where if you make a parlay, your odds will be boosted, and the percentage of the boost will increase for more legs in a parlay. Also, for every single wager they offer, there is a button at the bottom of the wager to make a parlay.

DraftKings is another one of the best US sportsbooks for parlay betting. It offers a parlay bet builder and often offers promos for parlays, especially same-game parlays.

Bet365 is also one of the best parlay betting sportsbooks, with a bet builder and usually promos available for parlays.

Money Management and Bankroll Protection

Legit sportsbooks, like those mentioned earlier, offer Responsible Gambling tools. These let you set limits on time and deposits or even temporarily exclude yourself. They also provide links to problem gambling resources.

Important U.S. Betting Requirements

In the U.S., it's essential to bet with a legal sportsbook in your state. You don't need to be a resident, but you must be physically in the state to place a wager. Be cautious with offshore sites—they may have gaming licenses, but since they're outside U.S. jurisdiction, you might face issues if problems arise, especially with payouts. Legal U.S. sportsbooks ensure safe, secure betting and protect your personal and financial information.

Bankroll Management Essentials

Bankroll management is key. Set a budget for sports betting and stick to it. If you're winning, you can bet a little more; if you're losing, bet less. Never chase losses—it's a quick way to lose more money. Instead, make smaller bets to recover gradually.

Smart Betting Strategy

Finally, bet with your head, not your heart. While it's fun to bet on your favorite team, it's not always the smartest move. Focus on value bets and handicap them properly. Avoid betting on a whim without doing homework, as those bets are likelier to lose. Smart betting is all about preparation and strategy.

Conclusion

A parlay bet combines multiple bets into one, offering bigger payouts but making winning harder. It's a high-risk, high-reward wager—the more legs you include, the better the payout, but the tougher it is to hit. Have fun building your parlays, but stick to licensed U.S. sportsbooks and gamble responsibly.

If you've ever watched football or basketball, you've likely heard commentators mention a “points spread” or ask if a team will “cover the spread.” But what does that mean? What is a spread bet?

In this guide, we'll break it down, explain why it's such a popular wager type, and provide examples, strategies, and tips to improve your betting game.

Understanding the Spread

A spread bet is a type of wager in which points are added or subtracted from a team's score to create a more balanced betting scenario. The favorite, slated to win, gives points, while the underdog, expected to lose, gets points. This levels the betting playing field, making the bet outcome not just about who wins but by how much.

Differences Between a Spread Bet and a Moneyline Bet

Unlike a moneyline bet, for a spread bet, the team has to cover the spread for the bet to be a winning one and not just win the game. In this type of bet a team can lose and cover the spread for a winning wager.

• Moneyline Bet: You win if your chosen team wins the game.
• Spread Bet: Your chosen team must “cover the spread” for your bet to win. The favorite must win by more than the given points, while the underdog can win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread.

Example of a spread bet

In the big NFC East rivalry game above, the Cowboys are the favorite, shown by the -3 in front of the number, and they have to win by four or more points to cover the spread (win the bet). Here's what that looks like:

The Giants are the underdog, shown by the + in front of the number, and they have to win the game or lose by less than three points to cover the spread. If the final score is Cowboys 27, Giants 21, the Cowboys win by 6 points. This means:

• The Cowboys covered the spread, making bets on them winners.
• The Giants failed to cover the spread, resulting in losing bets.

You might also see a .5 after the number for games with a spread. As you cannot score half a point in football or basketball, the .5 removes the tie (called “pushes”).

• For instance, if the Cowboys win 24-21 with a spread of -3.5, they fail to cover because they didn’t win by 4 or more points.
• Conversely, a spread of +3.5 for the Giants means they cover even if they lose by 3 points.

Unlike a moneyline bet, the spread bet has an even payout. You can also use spreads as part of a parlay wager.

Advantages of Spread Betting

Spread betting can be advantageous if you think the underdog is better than the points they are getting or if you think the favorite is better than the points they are giving. If you can pinpoint why you believe either of these things is the case, the spread might be a good idea.

• Leverages Underdogs: If you believe an underdog is stronger than the spread suggests, you can find value in betting on them
• Amplifies Matchups: When betting on favorites, spread betting ensures they perform well enough to justify the hype
• Enhanced Strategy: Spread betting rewards deeper analysis, making it a favorite among knowledgeable bettors

How to Place a Successful Spread Bet

Like any bet type, you need to handicap a game to be better informed about the bet to make. For football, it is important to look at player injuries, especially key players; team and player form; home and away records; weather; team and player stats; and how the team has fared against the other team in the past.

It is simple to make a spread bet. For example, you can create an account using the BetMGM bonus code, then head to the NFL betting section, where the Minnesota Vikings are a 3.5-point favorite over the Chicago Bears. Those who don't have access to sports betting can opt for state lottery games and claim the Michigan Lottery promo code.

The Vikings are having a stellar season at 8-2, while the Bears are struggling at 4-6. You’re confident the Vikings will dominate and place your bet. For your wager to win, the Vikings must beat the Bears by at least 4 points.

Tips for Making a Spread Bet

1. Research your bet in advance: Handicapping a game is important. That is the best tip, as with a little research, you can make a more intelligent bet that is more likely to win.
2. Get the timing right: Another tip is when to make a bet. The betting public likes to bet on the favorite more often than not. The spread can change during the week depending on how the public bets on the game.
   • For example, the Kansas City Chiefs open as a 7.5-point favorite against the L.A. Chargers. The Chiefs are playing great this season and are the defending Super Bowl champion. As favorites, the public will likely bet more on them, so mid-week, the spread may change to them being an 8-point or 8.5-point favorite.
3. Focus on value: Look for spreads that seem misaligned with your analysis and capitalize on easy wins.
4. Watch line movements: The sportsbooks shift the spread to get even money bet on the game, so they will make money. Because of this, it's a good idea to bet early in the week if you plan on betting on the favorite and later in the week if you want to bet on the underdog.

Money Management and Bankroll Protection: Stay in Control

Like any other betting, spread betting requires smart money management. Here are my suggestions:

• Set a budget: Have a bankroll for a season, such as the NFL, and stick to it. Only bet what you can afford to lose.
• Never chase losses: Don't get emotional and bet more on the next game to try to recoup losses from the previous one.
• Be safe: Always play at legal sportsbooks in your state, and always remember to gamble responsibly.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered your question of what is spread betting? It is the favorite giving points and the underdog getting them. The favorite has to win by more than the spread, while the underdog has to win or lose by less than the spread. Remember that with betting, nothing is guaranteed; however, this can be a fun way to place a bet, and you might just cover the spread.

A proposition bet, or ‘prop bet,' is a wager on specific events or outcomes within a game that aren’t directly tied to the final score. This article will explain what prop bets are and share helpful prop betting tips.

What is a Prop Bet? Understanding Prop Betting

With prop betting, instead of betting on which team will win, you're betting on things like a player’s performance or specific events during the game. For example, you might bet on how many goals a player will score or how many yards a quarterback will throw. Prop bets can have even odds or higher, depending on the specific bet.

Some examples of prop bets include:

• Player prop bet: Will Patrick Mahomes pass for over/under 275.5 yards?
• Team prop bet: Which team will score first, the Kansas City Chiefs or the Panthers?

Which events are best for prop bets?

The bigger the event, the more prop bets will be available. For example, the top US sportsbooks will offer many prop bets for an NFL game, while only a few will be available for a college football game between two unranked teams.

You will see the most prop bets available for marquee events such as the Super Bowl, World Series, and NBA Championship series.

Combining prop bets with parlays

Prop bets can be made by themselves and can also be part of a parlay bet. With so many betting options for prop bets, you can create a parlay with all prop bets or other types of wagers, such as against the spread and total bets.

Remember, when making parlays, it is a risk-reward type of wager, as the more legs (bets) in the parlay, the better the payout will be, but the harder it will be to win the bet. It is easier to make a same-game parlay in a game with many prop bets available.

Prop Bet Parlays: Look for a sportsbook offering parlay insurance. Parlay insurance is where you must put at least a certain number of legs, usually four or five, in the parlay, and you will still win the bet if one of the legs is a losing one, but you will not get the odds for that bet.

Advantages of Prop Betting

Prop bets offer a fun and creative way to bet, especially for casual fans. Even people who don’t follow sports can join in with novelty props, like betting on the Super Bowl coin toss or how long the National Anthem will last.

Just like any other sports bet, the best strategy for betting on props is to handicap the bet, which means researching it. The more you do a little homework and handicap a bet, the more successful it will be, meaning there is more of a chance to win the bet.

How to Handicap a Prop Bet: A Step-by-Step Example

So, now that you know the answer to what is a prop bet is, let's answer the question of how to handicap a prop bet. You see that the Philadelphia Eagles are playing the Dallas Cowboys. There is a prop bet that Jalen Hurts will pass for over or under 285.5 yards.

Look to see how he has been playing as of late, how much the Eagles run the ball versus passing the ball, and how good or bad the Cowboys' pass defense is.

A good example of a value bet in this example is if the Eagles’ main RB is banged up or injured and will not play, and the Cowboys’ pass defense is not very good. With the Philadelphia RB injury issue and with Dallas struggling to defend the pass, it is more likely Hurts will air it out more often, which means it is more likely he will put up a solid passing yard total, so the Over would be the value pick.

When you handicap a prop bet or any bet, checking out player and team statistics, trends, current form, and significant injuries is always a good idea. Look for the best odds for any bet and if you want an easy way to get the profit for a bet you can use an odds calculator.

Tip:  Most sportsbooks do not directly offer odds calculators on their platforms. However, some may include built-in tools or features to help users understand potential payouts for parlays or multi-leg bets. For odds calculators, you can use third-party websites like Oddsjam or BetCalulator.

Exploring Prop Bet Categories and Odds with BetMGM

BetMGM is one of the leading sportsbooks in the U.S., offering many prop bets. In a game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, you will see the categories of prop bets of:

• Quarterback props
• Rushing props
• Receiving props
• Alternate rushing and receiving yards
• Totals
• Winning margin 4-way (including OT)
• Green Bay Packers: total points
•  Chicago Bears: total points
• Halftime/final (excluding OT)
• Alternate passing yards
• Alternate rushing yards
• Alternate receiving yards
• Spread
• Correct score
• Winning margin (including OT)

It was mentioned earlier that some prop bets have even odds, and some have inflated odds. For the game above between the Packers and Bears, let’s check out an example of both. The QB matchup is the Packers’ Jordan Love and the Bears’ Caleb Williams.

BetMGM has Love with an O/U 235.5 yards and Williams with an O/U of 195.5. If you bet on Love to pass for over 235.5 yards, and he does, you will nearly double your stake in the even bet. I say nearly double, as even prop bets will be at either -110 or -115.

For an inflated bet, the Totals category has full-time, 1st half, and 1st quarter subcategories. For the full-time bet, there are many totals available with inflated odds, and just three of the many of them are:

An example of a player prop with inflated odds for the example above is Alternative rushing yards for Josh Jacobs (Packers):

Note: When betting on inflated odds, consider the risk-to-reward ratio carefully. While these bets often have higher payouts, they typically represent less likely outcomes. To maximize value, focus on inflated odds that align with strong statistical trends or situational factors, such as a player performing well against weaker defenses.

Making Prop Bets: Tips & tricks

The Number #1 prop betting tip, as previously discussed, is to do your homework and handicap the wager. Focus on identifying high-value prop bets by analyzing matchups, current form, and historical data, such as past games between teams and how they fared at home and on the road.

Avoid prop bets with high volatility or unpredictable outcomes. Stick to those backed by solid stats and trends. For example, instead of gambling on something random like the first touchdown scorer, choose props like a player’s total rushing yards, where you can rely on recent performance (this is key), opponent matchups, and game conditions.

 Real-world example: In the 2023 NFL season, Calvin Ridley's prop bets on receiving yards were highly anticipated after his return from a one-year suspension. However, his inconsistent early-season performance, especially in Week 1, showed that prop bets on players returning from long absences carry high volatility.

Sportsbooks that Offer the Best Prop Bets

The three US sportsbooks that offer the best prop bets are BetMGM, Bet365, and DraftKings. All of these legitimate and respected sportsbooks offer many prop bets, especially NFL bets. They all have a wide selection of betting options besides prop bets, and they also offer great bonuses and promotions for both new and existing players.

Since they are three of the top sportsbooks overall, all of them offer a decent amount of prop bets for live bets, which is not often found at many other sportsbooks. Let's take a look at some of the best prop betting markets offered by the big three:

BetMGM, DraftKings & Bet365 prop betting markets & features

BetMGM

Wide range of prop bets.
Regular NFL odds boosts.

DraftKings

Boosted Same Game Parlays.
Performance-based bets.

Bet365

Extensive prop bets.
Game-specific bets.

 During Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the 49ers, over 2,000 prop bets were offered.

Money Management and Bankroll Protection

You always need to remember to gamble responsibly. The top US sportsbooks, including the ones mentioned above, will have a Responsible Gambling link, usually at the bottom of the landing page. In this link you will find responsible gambling tools such as limits (betting and time) as well as resources to problem gambling organizations.

It is vital that you only bet on sports at sportsbooks that are legal in your state. It is never a good idea to bet at offshore sites, as they may have a license from a legit gaming body. However, since the site is not under US jurisdiction there is no recourse for issues that may arise and this is especially the case for issues dealing with money.

When you bet on sports, you must use responsible bankroll management. Have a certain amount for sports betting and stick to that amount. For example, the NFL season is long, so pinpoint the bets you want to make and stick to betting smaller amounts on more games.

One key thing you need to avoid is chasing losses and chasing losses in betting more on a following game or bet after losing one to try to recoup your money lost. This is the easiest way to get a big hole and lose money. If you are on a cold streak chip away at the losses rather than trying to get them back on one bet.

Always bet with your head and not your emotions. Make handicap bets and make smart decisions rather than betting with emotions or simply betting on your favorite team or player.

Prop Betting FAQ's

If you're new to sports betting, moneyline bets are the perfect place to start. Unlike other, more complex sports betting terms, such as teasers and parlays, moneyline wagers are easy to understand. You're picking who will win the game straight up, not betting based on a point spread.

Moneyline wagering is a viable betting strategy across all sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and everything in between. Simply put, it's a bet on who will win the game and nothing more.

What is a Moneyline Bet?

A moneyline bet is the most basic sports wager. You bet on the winner of a game or match, and that's it. If your team wins, you win the moneyline bet. It's that simple.

Unlike point spread betting, where the margin of victory matters, moneyline betting only cares about who comes out on top. For example, if you place a moneyline bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers to win against the Cleveland Browns, it doesn't matter if they win by one point or three touchdowns – a win is a win, and you'll collect the payout. The image below shows the current moneyline odds for BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings:

What are the Three Outcomes of a Moneyline Bet?

In most sports, there are three possible results of a moneyline wager:

Win

This one is straightforward. If you select the winner on a moneyline bet, you receive your stake back plus the winnings (determined by the odds).

Loss

If you bet on the team that comes out of the game on the losing end, you lose your stake and don't receive any earnings.

Draw/Tie

While rare in American sports (29 ties in the NFL since 1974), a game ending in a tie results in a “push” for those who bet on the moneyline. A push, also called a “no-action bet,” simply means that no one (the bettor or sportsbook) won the bet, so the stake is returned to the bettor.

Note: Sports like soccer, where draws are common, typically allow bettors to wager on a draw as a possible match outcome. For example, a bet on a European soccer match would allow three wager options: team A to win, team B to win, or a draw.

How to Read Moneyline Odds

Understanding moneyline odds can help you place better wagers. Moneyline odds are displayed with a plus or minus sign followed by a number, indicating whether a team is an underdog (+) or a favorite (-), respectively.

When you see a negative number, you're looking at the favorite. The number tells you how much you must bet to win $100. On the other hand, a positive number indicates the underdog, and the number itself shows how much you'd win if you bet $100. The bigger the number, the stronger the favorite or underdog.

Here's a practical example:

Imagine you bet $200 on the Giants at -200 odds. If your bet wins, you will net $100. A $100 bet would net $50, and a $400 bet would net $200.

Winnings from successful moneyline wagers are determined by how large of an underdog or favorite a team is:

• The heavier the favorite, the fewer winnings relative to your stake.
• The heavier the underdog, the more winnings relative to your stake.

For example, if you place a successful $100 bet on a huge underdog sitting at +800 on the moneyline, you will net $800. Here are a few more examples:

What is an Even/Pick'em?

A “pick'em” (PK), also known as “even” (EV) odds, occurs when oddsmakers think the winner of a game is a toss-up (both teams with a 50% implied probability to win). Since there is no underdog or favorite in a pick'em, the odds for each team to win are the same.

So, regardless of which team you bet on, the winning payout is the same (equal to the amount wagered). For example, a successful $100 bet on a game with even odds (+100) will result in a $100 profit.

How to Calculate Moneyline Odds

Calculating potential payouts for moneyline bets follows a straightforward formula. For favorites (negative odds), divide 100 by the odds number and multiply by your bet amount.

For example, a $50 bet on -200 odds would be calculated as (100/200) × $50 = $25 profit.

For underdogs (positive odds), divide the odds by 100 and multiply your bet amount. A $50 bet on +150 odds would be (150/100) × $50 = $75 profit.

How to Calculate Implied Probability

You can also calculate the implied percentage chance that a team has to win a game based on the moneyline odds.

• Positive odds (+): 100/(odds + 100)
• Negative odds (-): odds/(odds + 100)

Let's take this week's Tennessee Titans (+350) at Houston Texans (-450) NFL game as an example. The Texans are the heavy favorite at -450 on the moneyline.

We can do 450/(450 + 100) to calculate their implied probability of winning the game. This gives them an 81.8% implied chance to win the game by oddsmakers. To calculate the Titans implied probability based on the moneyline, we need to do 100/(350 + 100). This comes out to 22.2%.

Wait, 81.8% + 22.2% = 104%. These few extra percentage points are called the “juice” in sports betting circles. The juice is the cut that sportsbooks take on every bet.

Point Spread vs. Moneyline Bets

Point spread and moneyline bets serve different purposes in sports betting. Here's how it's displayed on Fanduel:

Point spreads consider the margin of victory and typically offer similar odds on both sides. That makes them ideal for heavily mismatched teams. The odds usually hover around -110 for both sides.

Moneyline betting, on the other hand, focuses solely on the winner, with odds that can vary between teams. This makes moneyline betting particularly attractive for evenly matched contests where you have a strong sense of who will win outright.

When to Place Moneyline Wagers

Moneyline betting isn’t for everyone or every sports event. The biggest upside to this type of bet is its simplicity, as you don't need to worry about point spreads or complicated calculations. They are beginner-friendly, as moneyline bets are easy to understand, place, and track.

It is also a perfect bet type if you tend to bet on low-scoring sports where point spreads are less relevant, such as soccer or baseball. Moneyline betting can be especially good when wagering on underdogs. If the underdog you bet on wins, you can expect a larger payout than if you would have bet them to cover the point spread solely.

Example of an NFL Moneyline Betting Strategy

Many experienced NFL bettors choose to place moneyline bets when the point spread of a game is tight, but they strongly believe the underdog will win. Hence, getting better odds and larger profits if the wager is successful.

Let's pose an example: say the Las Vegas Raiders are a 2.5-point underdog on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. A savvy bettor might bet the Raiders on the moneyline if he believes they are likelier to win the game. The bettor's odds would go from somewhere around -110 for the Raiders to win or cover to +120 for them to win outright.

So, a successful $100 moneyline bet in that scenario would net $120, whereas a $100 spread bet would profit $91.

When to Avoid Moneyline Bets

Moneyline betting has some drawbacks, especially when you wager on heavy favorites. It can be expensive with a low payout. Additionally, underdog bets offer attractive payouts but are harder to win. In heavily mismatched games, moneyline betting might not offer the best value.

So it's probably not the best idea to bet the moneyline on a powerhouse matched up against a cupcake or vice versa.

Which Sports are the Most Popular for Moneyline Bets?

Low-scoring sports like baseball, hockey, and soccer are the most common for moneyline wagers. That's because low-scoring sports typically have more parity, as goals, runs, or points are harder to come by. Final scores are usually much closer. In an NFL game, it's not unusual for a team to outscore another team by more than 20 points.

In the MLB, on the other hand, point spreads don't really make sense when the separation between teams is often only one or two runs at the end of the game. Therefore, sportsbooks opt for moneyline betting on these games with odds determined by the teams' status as underdogs (less likely to win) or favorites (more likely to win).

Can You Add Moneyline Bets to Parlays?

Moneyline bets can be included in parlays. Many seasoned bettors combine multiple favorites in a parlay to add up the odds rather than betting them individually.

Moneyline Bet FAQs

Sports betting has evolved from a niche hobby into a mainstream entertainment activity, with millions of Americans now having access to legal betting platforms. Whether you're examining your first point spread or considering an advanced parlay strategy, understanding the language of sports betting is your key to making informed decisions.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything from basic terminology to advanced concepts, helping you confidently navigate the exciting world of sports betting. We've organized the information by difficulty level and category, making it easy to find exactly what you need, when you need it.

Navigate through sections based on your needs:

• New to betting? Start with our Quick Start Guide
• Looking for sport-specific terms? Jump to dedicated sports sections
• Ready for advanced concepts? Head to the Professional Terms section

Quick Start Guide: Essential betting terms every bettor should know

1. Sportsbook

Basic Definition: A platform or establishment that accepts sports bets

In-Depth Explanation: A sportsbook, whether online or physical, is a licensed operator that sets odds, accepts wagers, and pays out winnings on sporting events. Modern sportsbooks offer various betting options, from traditional sports to entertainment and politics. They make money through “juice” or “vig” – a commission charged on bets.

Key Features:

• Odds display and updates
• Multiple betting markets
• Account management
• Deposit/withdrawal options
• Customer support

Popular Examples: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM

Pro Tip: Important Note: Each sportsbook may offer different odds and betting options for the same event

 Note: Those who don't have access to online sports betting can choose to bet online with state lotteries. You can even sign up and get bonuses, such as $430 in bonus funds from the MI Lottery promo code.

2. Moneyline

Basic Definition: A straight bet on which team will win

In-Depth Explanation: Moneyline betting is the simplest form of sports wagering, where you're simply picking the winner of a game or event. The odds are expressed in American format with plus (+) and minus (-) signs, indicating potential profit on a $100 bet or how much you need to bet to win $100.

Type	Example	Meaning
Favorite (-150)	Must bet $150	To win $100
Underdog (+130)	Bet $100	To win $130

Real Example:

• Lakers -180: Betting $180 on Lakers wins $100 if they win
• Celtics +160: Betting $100 on Celtics wins $160 if they win

Pro Tip: The bigger the number, the bigger the favorite/underdog status

3. Point Spread

Basic Definition: A margin of victory bet that evens the playing field

In-Depth Explanation: The point spread is a handicapping system that levels the betting field by forcing the favorite to win by a certain number of points. This creates a scenario where both teams theoretically have an equal chance of “covering” the spread, regardless of which team actually wins the game.

Key Concepts:

•  Favorite (-7): Must win by more than 7 points
• Underdog (+7): Can lose by less than 7 or win outright
• The “Hook” (.5): Prevents ties (pushes)

Real Example: Patriots -7.5 (-110) vs Jets +7.5 (-110)

Patriots scenarios:

• Win by 8+ points = Spread bet wins
• Win by 7 or less = Spread bet loses
• Lose the game = Spread bet loses

Jets scenarios:

• Lose by 7 or less = Spread bet wins
• Win the game = Spread bet wins
• Lose by 8+ = Spread bet loses

Pro Tip: Common Point Spread Sports: Football, basketball

4. Over/Under (Totals)

Basic Definition: Betting on the combined final score of both teams

In-Depth Explanation: Rather than picking a winner, total betting focuses on the combined scoring output of both teams. The sportsbook sets a number, and bettors can wager whether the actual combined score will be over or under that number. This bet type is popular because it allows you to bet on the game's flow without picking a side.

Key Features:

• Includes all scoring (including overtime)
• Usually includes half-point to avoid pushes
• Available for full games and segments (quarters/periods)

Example Aanalysis:

1. NBA Total: 220.5 (-110 both sides)
2. Final Score: Lakers 112, Celtics 110
3. Combined Score: 222
4. Result:
   • Over bets win (222 > 220.5)
   • Under bets lose (222 > 220.5)

Alternative Markets: Team totals, Players props, First half/quarter totals

5. Odds

Basic Definition: Numbers showing potential payout and implied probability

In-Depth Explanation: Odds represent both the likelihood of an event occurring and the amount you can win betting on that event. They come in three main formats, each expressing the same information differently. Understanding odds is crucial as they tell you both the risk and reward of any bet.

Three main formats: All represent the same probability but are displayed differently.

Type	Example	Probability
American	+150, -150	40%, 60%
Decimal	2.50, 1.67	40%, 60%
Fractional	3/2, 2/3	40%, 60%

Conversion Tip:
Positive American to Decimal: (+150 / 100) + 1 = 2.50
Negative American to Decimal: (100 / -150) + 1 = 1.67

Getting Started Checklist

✓ Understand the basic bet types above
✓ Learn how to read odds in your preferred format
✓ Know the difference between favorites and underdogs
✓ Familiarize yourself with your chosen sportsbook's interface
✓ Set a clear budget (bankroll) before placing any bets

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the Odds Format

• Solution: Choose one format (American, Decimal, or Fractional) and stick with it until you're comfortable

2. Misunderstanding Point Spreads

• Solution: Remember that favorites (-) must win by more than the spread, underdogs (+) can lose by less than the spread

3. Overlooking the Juice/Vig

• What it is: The sportsbook's commission
• Standard: -110 means betting $110 to win $100
• Solution: Always factor in this cost when calculating potential profits

Quick Reference: Visual Betting Flow

• Select Event → Choose Bet Type → Review Odds → Calculate Potential Payout → Place Bet

Each of these fundamental terms builds upon the others, creating a comprehensive foundation for understanding sports betting. As you progress through this guide, you'll see how these basic concepts connect to more advanced betting strategies and opportunities.

Ready to move on to the main glossary and explore more advanced concepts?

Main Glossary: Fundamental Betting Terms

Now that you understand the basics, let's dive into the essential betting vocabulary you'll encounter. Each term includes a difficulty indicator ( Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) and practical examples.

Action

Quick Definition: Any type of bet or wager placed on a sporting event.

Detailed Explanation: “Action” refers to having an active bet on any game or event. When someone says they “want action” on a game, they're expressing interest in placing a bet. The term also describes the total amount of money wagered on a specific event.

Common Usage:

• • “Do you have any action on tonight's game?”

• • “The Super Bowl sees more action than any other sporting event.”

Pro Tip: “No action” means bets are voided and stakes returned, usually when a game is canceled.

Bankroll

Quick Definition: Your dedicated betting budget.

Detailed Explanation: Your bankroll is the money set aside specifically for betting – funds you can afford to lose without affecting your daily life. Smart bankroll management is crucial for long-term success.

Bankroll Management Essentials:

Bet Type	Recommended Stake
Single Bets	1-2% of bankroll
Confident Picks	2-3% of bankroll
Parlays	0.5-1% of bankroll

Pro Tip: Track every bet in a spreadsheet to monitor your bankroll performance over time.

Edge

Quick Definition: An advantage a bettor has over the sportsbook.

Detailed Explanation: An edge exists when you identify that the true probability of an outcome differs from what the odds suggest.

Types of Edges:

• Information Edge: Having unique or better information
• Statistical Edge: Finding value through data analysis
• Line Shopping Edge: Finding best available odds

Real-World Example: Odds suggest Team A has a 60% chance to win (-150). Your analysis shows they have a 70% chance = 10% edge in your favor

Handle

Quick Definition: Total money wagered on an event.

Detailed Explanation: Handle represents the complete betting volume for any event, regardless of outcomes. It's a key metric for understanding market interest and betting activity.

Handle vs. Revenue Example:
Super Bowl Handle: $100 million (total bets placed)
Sportsbook Revenue: $7 million (money kept after paying winners)
Hold Percentage: 7% (revenue/handle)

Pro Tip: Large handles typically mean more stable odds and lower probability of dramatic line movements.

Learning Check:
Which scenario represents an edge?

1. Betting on your favorite team
2. Following a tipster's advice without research
3. Finding odds of +150 when your analysis shows 45% win probability

The third option represents an edge because the odds (+150 = 40% implied probability) underestimate the true probability (45%)

Types of Bets: Understanding Different Betting Options

Beyond basic moneyline and point-spread bets, there are numerous ways to wager on sports. This section covers the most common bet types you'll encounter, from simple straight bets to complex parlays.

Parlay

Quick Definition: A single bet combining multiple selections where all must win for a payout.

Detailed Explanation: Parlays offer higher payouts by combining two or more bets into one ticket. While the potential rewards are greater, the risk increases significantly as all selections must win.

Parlay Example:
Bet: $100 on a three-team parlay

• Patriots -7 (-110)
• Lakers +5 (-110)
• Yankees -1.5 (-110)

Potential Payout: $600 (6-to-1)

Remember: One loss voids the entire ticket

Pro Tip: Avoid parlaying more than 3-4 teams unless you're making small recreational bets. The odds of winning decrease dramatically with each addition.

Same Game Parlay (SGP)

Quick Definition: A parlay combining multiple bets from the same game.

Detailed Explanation: SGPs allow you to combine correlated bets from the same game, such as a team's point spread with the game total or player props.

Common SGP Combinations	Strategy Note
Team to Win + Over Total	Popular for favorites expected to control game
Player Points + Team Spread	Good for star players on favored teams
First TD + Team Win	Common NFL correlation play

Pro Tip: Look for correlating outcomes to build stronger SGPs, but remember sportsbooks adjust odds accordingly.

Here's what my betslip looks like with a three-way SGP on the  Vikings vs Bears game:

Prop Bets (Propositions)

Quick Definition: Bets on specific events or player performances within a game.

Detailed Explanation: Proposition bets focus on individual achievements or game events rather than the final outcome. They can range from simple player point totals to unique events like coin toss results.

Common Prop Types:

• Player Props: Individual statistical achievements
• Team Props: Team-specific outcomes besides winning/losing
• Game Props: Specific events during the game

Example NBA Player Props:

• LeBron James Points: Over/Under 27.5
• Stephen Curry 3-Pointers: Over/Under 4.5
• First Basket Scorer: +650 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Teaser

Quick Definition: A parlay where you adjust point spreads or totals in your favor for lower payouts.

Detailed Explanation: Teaser bets let you move the spread or total by a fixed number of points, making it easier to win but reducing the potential payout. Most common in football and basketball.

6-Point Football Teaser Example:
Original Lines:

• Chiefs -7 becomes Chiefs -1
• Bills +3 becomes Bills +9

Standard payout: -120 (risk $120 to win $100)

Pro Tip: In NFL, tease through key numbers (3, 7) for best value.

Here's what the betslip for a teaser bet on ESPN Bet looks like:

Interactive Learning Check:
Match the bet type with its best use case:

1. Parlay Small stake, big reward potential
2. Teaser Multiple favorites you want to make safer
3. Props Exploiting specific player/team matchups
4. SGP Leveraging game flow correlations

Remember: Each bet type has its place in a betting strategy, but straight bets (spreads, moneylines, totals) generally offer the best long-term value. Use more complex bets sparingly and with clear reasoning.

Sport-Specific Betting Terms

Each sport has its own unique betting terminology and markets. Understanding these specific terms is crucial for specialized betting strategies.

Football Betting Terms

Key Numbers in Football: Point spreads that frequently decide NFL games.

Key Number	Explanation
3	Most common margin (field goal)
7	Second most common (touchdown + extra point)
10	Touchdown + field goal

Football-Specific Markets:

• First Down Props: Bets on total first downs or method of achieving them
• Defensive Props: Sacks, interceptions, tackles
• Drive Results: Outcome of a team's possessions

Pro Tip: The value of buying points in football increases significantly around key numbers 3 and 7.

Baseball Betting Terms

Run Line: Baseball's version of point spread betting.

Detailed Explanation: The standard run line is set at ±1.5 runs, with odds adjusted based on team strength rather than the spread changing.

Example Run Line vs Moneyline:Yankees vs Red Sox

• Moneyline: Yankees -200, Red Sox +170
• Run Line: Yankees -1.5 (+110), Red Sox +1.5 (-130)

Notice how laying 1.5 runs with the favorite often yields plus money

Baseball-Specific Props:

• First 5 Innings: Bets on just the first 5 innings (starting pitchers)
• Listed Pitcher Rules: Bet validity depends on starting pitchers
• No Score First Inning (NSFI): Popular prop betting on a scoreless first

Basketball Betting Terms

Detailed Explanation: Basketball offers some of the most diverse betting markets due to its high-scoring nature and frequent possessions.

Quarter/Half Betting:

• First Quarter Spreads: Often reflect team starting strength
• Second Half Lines: Posted during halftime, factor in first half performance
• Live Betting: Odds updated every few possessions

Race to X Points Markets:

Race to 20	First quarter indicator
Race to 50	First half performance
Race to 100	Game pace indicator

Quick Sport-Specific Strategy Quiz:

Match the betting strategy with the appropriate sport:

1. Checking starting pitchers Baseball
2. Buying points around 3 Football
3. First quarter team totals Basketball

Hockey Betting Terms

Puck Line: Hockey's equivalent of the run line, typically set at ±1.5 goals.

Detailed Explanation: Due to hockey's low-scoring nature, puck line bets often offer significantly different odds than moneylines.

Hockey-Specific Markets:

• Period Betting: Wagers on individual period results
• 60-Minute Line: Regulation time only, excluding overtime
• Grand Salami: Over/under on total goals scored across all games that day

Pro Tip: Empty net situations late in games significantly impact puck line betting. Consider this when betting live.

Here's what period bets look like on Draftkings:

Additional Sports and Specialized Betting Terms

Soccer Betting Terms

Common Soccer Markets:

Market Type	Definition
Double Chance	Bet on two of three possible outcomes (Win/Draw/Loss)
Draw No Bet	Stake returned if match ends in draw
Asian Handicap	Spreads including quarter goals (0.25, 0.75)
BTTS (Both Teams to Score)	Yes/No bet on both teams scoring
Over/Under Corners	Total corner kicks in match

Time-Specific Markets:

• First Half Result: Outcome at 45 minutes
• 10 Minute Markets: Events within specific 10-minute periods
• Last Team to Score: Final goal scorer of the match
• HT/FT: Half time/Full time combination results

Pro Tip: Asian Handicaps eliminate the possibility of a push by using quarter-goal spreads (0.25, 0.75).

Advanced Statistical Terms

Terms used in analytical betting approaches:

• Expected Value (EV): The theoretical long-term profit/loss of a bet
• Closing Line Value (CLV): Getting better odds than the closing line
• Standard Deviation: Measure of outcome variance
• Regression to the Mean: Return to average performance levels
• ROI (Return on Investment): Profit/loss as percentage of total wagered

EV Calculation Example:
Bet: +150 odds (40% implied probability)
Your estimated win probability: 45%
EV = (0.45 x 1.5) – (0.55 x 1) = +0.125 or +12.5%

Horse Racing Terms

Basic Race Types:

• Maiden Race: For horses that have never won
• Claiming Race: Horses can be purchased for preset price
• Stakes Race: High-level races with substantial purses
• Allowance Race: Non-claiming races with specific conditions
• Handicap Race: Horses carry different weights to level field

Betting Types:

Bet Type	Definition
Win	Horse must finish first
Place	Horse must finish first or second
Show	Horse must finish first, second, or third
Exacta	Pick first and second in exact order
Trifecta	Pick first, second, and third in exact order
Superfecta	Pick first through fourth in exact order

Exotic Bets:

• Daily Double: Pick winners of two consecutive races
• Pick 3/4/5/6: Pick winners of consecutive races
• Box Bet: Cover all possible combinations of selected horses
• Wheel Bet: Combine one or more bankers with other selections
• Key Bet: One horse in win position with others in place/show

Track Conditions:

• Fast: Dry, even dirt track
• Firm: Dry, even turf course
• Muddy: Wet but not deep track
• Sloppy: Saturated track with standing water
• Yielding: Soft turf course

Exchange Betting Terms

Basic Concepts:

• Back Bet: Traditional bet on something to happen
• Lay Bet: Betting against something happening
• Matched Bet: When back and lay bets are paired
• Unmatched Bet: Order waiting to be matched
• Commission: Fee charged on net winnings

Exchange vs Traditional Betting Example:
Traditional: Bet $100 on Team A at -110
Exchange: Back $100 on Team A at 1.91 (same as -110)
Key Difference: On exchange, another user must lay your bet

Advanced Exchange Terms:

• Liquidity: Available money to match bets
• In-Play Delay: Time lag for live bet matching
• Market Base Rate: Commission percentage
• Premium Charge: Higher fees for successful traders
• Trading Out: Taking opposite position to lock profit/loss

Pro Tip: Exchange odds typically offer better value due to lower margins, but remember to factor in commission when calculating potential profits.

Live Betting Terminology

Basic Terms:

• In-Play: Bets placed during live event
• Cash Out: Settling bet before event conclusion
• Partial Cash Out: Settling portion of original bet
• Suspended Market: Temporarily unavailable for betting
• Quick Bet: One-click betting feature

Live Betting Markets:

Market Type	Common in
Next Score Type	Football, Basketball
Next Break Point	Tennis
Race to X Points	Basketball, Volleyball
Next Corner/Free Kick	Soccer

Technical Terms:

• Bet Delay: Processing time for live bets
• Stream Latency: Delay between live action and broadcast
• Quick Markets: Short-term betting opportunities
• Dynamic Odds: Constantly updating prices
• Bet Builder: Custom live bet combinations

Cryptocurrency Betting Terms

Basic Concepts:

• Crypto Sportsbook: Betting platform accepting cryptocurrency
• Block Confirmation: Transaction verification time
• Gas Fee: Transaction processing cost
• Hot Wallet: Online crypto storage for active betting
• Cold Wallet: Offline storage for larger amounts

Crypto-Specific Features:

Term	Description
Instant Withdrawal	No processing delay for payouts
Provably Fair	Verifiable randomness system
Smart Contract Betting	Automated bet settlement via blockchain
Zero-Confirmation Bet	Instant betting before blockchain confirmation

Cryptocurrency Deposit Terms:

• Minimum Confirmations: Required blockchain verifications
• Network Fee: Cost to process transaction
• Address Whitelisting: Security feature for withdrawals
• Token Support: Accepted cryptocurrencies
• Conversion Rate: Crypto to fiat betting odds

Professional Betting Language

Professional Terms:

• Sharp Money: Bets from professional gamblers
• Steam Move: Sudden line movement from sharp action
• Reverse Line Movement: Line moves opposite to public betting
• Look-Ahead Lines: Early odds for future games
• Circuit Betting: Spreading bets across multiple books

Professional Strategies:

Strategy	Description
Middling	Betting both sides of moved line
Scalping	Exploiting small price differences
Arbitrage	Guaranteed profit from odds differences
Value Betting	Betting when odds exceed true probability

Professional Tools:

• Line Service: Real-time odds monitoring
• Odds Calculator: Conversion and probability tools
• Bet Tracker: Performance monitoring software
• Position Calculator: Risk management tool
• Steam Move Alert: Sharp action notification

Advanced Statistical/Analytical Terms

Key Statistical Concepts:

• Standard Deviation: Measure of result variance
• Correlation: Relationship between outcomes
• Sample Size: Amount of data for analysis
• Variance: Spread of possible outcomes
• Regression Analysis: Trend prediction tool

Advanced Metrics:

Metric	Usage
DVOA	Football efficiency measurement
WAR	Player value above replacement
xG (Expected Goals)	Soccer scoring probability
PITCHf/x Data	Baseball pitch analysis

Probability Calculations:

Common Formulas:
• True Probability = 1/Decimal Odds
• Expected Value (EV) = (Probability x Winnings) – (1-Probability x Stake)
• Kelly Criterion = (bp-q)/b
Where:
b = odds – 1
p = probability of win
q = probability of loss (1-p)

Tennis Betting Terms

Match Markets:

Market	Description
Game Handicap	Spread based on total games won
Set Betting	Predict exact set score (2-0, 2-1, etc.)
Total Games	Over/under on total games played
First Set Winner	Winner of opening set only

In-Play Markets:

• Next Game Winner: Outcome of upcoming game
• Next Break Point: Will next break point be converted?
• Race to X Games: First player to reach specific game total
• Next Set Score: Exact score of upcoming set
• Point by Point: Individual point outcomes

Pro Tip: Service games are crucial in tennis betting. Track hold/break percentages for value betting opportunities.

Golf Betting Terms

Tournament Markets:

• Outright Winner: Tournament champion
• Each Way: Place betting (usually top 5-8)
• First Round Leader: Leader after 18 holes
• Make/Miss Cut: Player advances past cut line
• 72-Hole Match Bet: Head-to-head player matchup

Specialized Markets:

Top 5/10/20 Finish	Player to finish in specified position range
Nationality Markets	Top player from specific country
Group Betting	Best score from 3-4 player group
Round Score	Over/under on player's round total

MMA/Boxing Terms

Fight Outcomes:

• Method of Victory: How fight ends (KO, TKO, Submission, Decision)
• Round Betting: Specific round of finish
• Group Round Betting: Fight ends in rounds 1-3, 4-6, etc.
• Go The Distance: Fight lasts full scheduled rounds
• Total Rounds: Over/under on fight length

Prop Markets:

Knockdown Props	Will fighter score knockdown
Fight of the Night	Best fight on card bonus
Performance Bonus	Fighter receives bonus award

Risk Management Terms

Basic Risk Concepts:

• Exposure: Total amount at risk across all bets
• Hedging: Reducing risk by betting opposite sides
• Position Size: Amount wagered relative to bankroll
• Stop Loss: Maximum daily/weekly loss limit
• Risk-Reward Ratio: Potential loss vs potential gain

Bankroll Management Systems:

System	Description
Fixed Unit	Same stake size for all bets
Kelly Criterion	Stake based on edge and odds
Percentage Method	Bet fixed percentage of bankroll
Confidence Units	Vary stake by confidence level

Advanced Risk Metrics:

• Maximum Drawdown: Largest peak-to-trough decline
• Risk of Ruin: Probability of losing entire bankroll
• Value at Risk (VaR): Potential loss at confidence level
• Sharp Ratio: Risk-adjusted return measurement

E-Sports Betting Terms

General Markets:

Market Type	Description
Map Winner	Winner of individual game/map
First Blood	Team/player to get first kill
Total Maps	Over/under on maps played
Correct Score	Final map score prediction

Game-Specific Markets:

• CS:GO:
  • Pistol Round Winner
  • Total Rounds
  • First to X Rounds
  • Overtime Yes/No
• League of Legends:
  • First Dragon
  • First Tower
  • First Baron
  • Kill Handicap
• DOTA 2:
  • First Roshan
  • Total Kills
  • Race to X Kills
  • Duration Over/Under

Pro Tip: Map veto process is crucial in E-Sports betting. Teams often have strong preferences for certain maps.

Virtual Sports Betting Terms

Types of Virtual Sports:

• Virtual Horse Racing:
  • Win/Place/Show
  • Forecast/Tricast
  • Number of Finishers
• Virtual Football:
  • Match Result
  • Correct Score
  • Total Goals
• Virtual Tennis:
  • Set Winner
  • Game Handicap
  • Total Points

Technical Terms:

Term	Description
RNG	Random Number Generator determining outcomes
Return to Player (RTP)	Theoretical payout percentage
Event Frequency	Time between virtual events

Sportsbook Platform Features

Account Management:

• Bet Slip: Digital record of pending/placed bets
• Open Bets: Active wagers not yet settled
• Bet History: Record of past wagers
• Balance History: Transaction record
• Responsible Gaming Tools:
  • Deposit Limits
  • Loss Limits
  • Time Limits
  • Self-Exclusion Options

Betting Features:

Feature	Function
Cash Out	Early settlement of bets
Bet Builder	Custom same-game parlay creation
Quick Bet	One-click betting option
Edit Bet	Modify open bets

Live Betting Features:

• Live Streaming: Watch events in-app
• Match Tracker: Visual game representation
• Stats Center: Real-time statistics
• Live Score Updates: Current game status
• Quick Markets: Short-term betting options

Platform Security Features:

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Additional login security
• KYC Verification: Identity confirmation process
• SSL Encryption: Secure data transmission
• Session Management: Automatic logout features

Mobile Betting Terms

App-Specific Features:

• Push Notifications: Alerts for odds, results, promos
• Touch/Face ID: Biometric login options
• Quick Access Menu: Customizable shortcuts
• Geolocation: Location verification for legal betting
• Mobile Betslip: Optimized for touch interfaces

Mobile-Specific Functions:

Term	Description
Swipe Actions	Quick bet placement/removal gestures
Quick Deposit	Saved payment methods for fast funding
Widget Support	Home screen shortcuts and live scores

Fantasy Sports Betting Terms

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Terms:

Term	Description
GPP (Guaranteed Prize Pool)	Tournament with fixed prize regardless of entries
Cash Games	Head-to-head or small group contests
Salary Cap	Budget for player selection
FPPG	Fantasy Points Per Game average

Contest Types:

• 50/50s: Top half of field doubles entry fee
• Double-Ups: Winners get exactly 2x entry
• Satellites: Win entry to larger contests
• Showdown: Single-game contests
• Multipliers: 3x, 5x, 10x prize structures

Strategy Terms:

• Stacking: Selecting multiple players from same team
• Correlation Play: Complementary player selections
• Ownership Percentage: Roster % in tournaments
• Value Plays: Underpriced players for performance
• Punt Play: Minimum-priced player selection

Regulatory and Compliance Terms

Legal Requirements:

Term	Details
KYC (Know Your Customer)	Identity verification process
AML (Anti-Money Laundering)	Financial transaction monitoring
Responsible Gaming	Safer gambling protocols
Gaming License	Regulatory authorization to operate

Responsible Gaming Tools:

• Deposit Limits: Maximum funding amounts
• Cool-Off Period: Temporary account restriction
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntary account blocking
• Reality Check: Session time notifications
• Loss Limits: Maximum loss thresholds

On any licensed and legal sportsbook in the United States, you will find the gaming license, responsible gambling resources, and regulatory information at the bottom of the page. On BetRivers, for example, it looks like this:

State-Specific Requirements:

• Geolocation verification
• Age verification (21+ in most states)
• State-specific bet restrictions
• Tax reporting requirements

Special Event Betting Terms

Major Events:

• Super Bowl Props:
  • Coin Toss Result
  • National Anthem Length
  • Halftime Show Props
  • Commercial Props
• Draft Betting:
  • First Overall Pick
  • Position Draft Order
  • Team Draft Selections
  • Total Players by Position
• Awards Betting:
  • MVP Markets
  • Rookie of the Year
  • Coach of the Year
  • Hall of Fame Selection

Entertainment Markets:

Reality TV	Show winner, eliminations
Awards Shows	Oscar, Emmy, Grammy winners
Politics	Election outcomes, debate props

Advanced Platform Analytics

Performance Metrics:

• ROI Tracking: Return on investment calculation
• Unit Performance: Profit/loss by bet size
• Sport Analysis: Performance by sport type
• Bet Type Analysis: Success by market type
• Streak Analysis: Win/loss patterns

Advanced Statistics:

Metric	Purpose
Closing Line Value	Measure of line shopping success
Expected Value	Theoretical long-term profitability
Win Probability	Statistical chance of success

Olympic Betting Terms

General Olympic Markets:

Market Type	Details
Medal Count	Total medals by country
Gold Medal Winner	Individual event winner
Head-to-Head	Country vs country performance
World Record	Will record be broken?

Sport-Specific Olympic Markets:

• Athletics:
  • Winning Time/Distance
  • Qualification Round Props
  • Medal Sweep by Country
• Swimming:
  • Lane Winner
  • Margin of Victory
  • Split Times
• Team Sports:
  • Group Qualification
  • Tournament Winner
  • Match Results

Pro Tip: Olympic betting often requires research into recent World Championships and qualifying events for accurate form assessment.

Motorsports Betting Terms

Formula 1 Markets:

• Race Winner
• Podium Finish (Top 3)
• Fastest Lap
• Safety Car Deployment
• First Retirement
• Qualifying Markets:
  • Pole Position
  • Front Row Lockout
  • Q3 Appearance

NASCAR Markets:

Stage Winner	Individual stage victory
Head-to-Head	Driver matchup betting
Manufacturer Winner	Winning car brand

Championship Markets:

• Drivers Championship
• Constructors Championship
• Top 3 Finish
• Points Finish

Advanced Betting Algorithms and Models

Statistical Models:

• Regression Models: Predict outcomes based on historical data
• Machine Learning Models: Pattern recognition in sports data
• Neural Networks: Complex pattern analysis
• Bayesian Analysis: Probability updates with new information

Key Components:

Component	Purpose
Power Ratings	Team strength evaluation
Situational Analysis	Context-based adjustments
Weather Models	Environmental impact assessment
Injury Impact	Player absence evaluation

Model Metrics:

• Accuracy Rate: Model prediction success
• Confidence Intervals: Prediction range reliability
• Variance Analysis: Model consistency measure
• Backtesting Results: Historical performance check

Historical Betting Evolution

Traditional Methods:

• Paper Tickets: Physical bet receipts
• Morning Line: Initial odds setting
• Wire Services: Pre-internet odds distribution
• Runner System: Manual bet placement network

Modern Innovations:

Algorithm Trading	Automated betting systems
Blockchain Betting	Decentralized wagering
AI Integration	Machine learning applications

Historical Note: Understanding betting evolution helps predict future trends and adaptations in the industry.

Advanced Platform Features

Customization Tools:

Feature	Function
My Favorites	Bookmark preferred markets/teams
Odds Format Toggle	Switch between American/Decimal/Fractional
Bet Builder Templates	Save custom parlay combinations
Quick Picks	Preset stake amounts

Advanced Betting Tools:

• Odds Calculator:
  • Parlay payout calculator
  • Hedging calculator
  • Arbitrage finder
  • Kelly criterion calculator
• Betting Trends:
  • Public betting percentages
  • Line movement history
  • Team performance ATS
  • Historical matchup data

Platform Analytics Tools:

• Performance Dashboard: Bet history visualization
• ROI Tracker: Return by bet type/sport
• Streak Analyzer: Win/loss pattern tracking
• Variance Calculator: Bankroll fluctuation analysis

Advanced Statistical Methods

Probability Analysis:

Method	Application
Poisson Distribution	Predict scoring outcomes
Monte Carlo Simulation	Game outcome modeling
Regression Analysis	Performance prediction
Bayesian Inference	Probability updating

Advanced Metrics:

• Closing Line Value (CLV):
  • Opening vs closing line comparison
  • Market efficiency measure
  • Long-term profitability indicator
• Expected Value (EV):
  • Theoretical profit calculation
  • Risk assessment tool
  • Bet selection criteria

Statistical Formulas:

Expected Value:
EV = (Probability × Potential Win) – (1-Probability × Stake)

Kelly Criterion:
Bet Size = (bp – q) / b
Where:
b = odds – 1
p = probability of win
q = probability of loss (1-p)

ROI Calculation:
ROI = (Net Profit / Total Investment) × 100

Performance Analytics

Advanced Performance Metrics:

• Unit Profit/Loss: Standardized performance measure
• Yield Percentage: Return on turnover
• Maximum Drawdown: Largest peak-to-trough decline
• Sharpe Ratio: Risk-adjusted return measure
• Win Rate vs. ROI: Betting efficiency measure

Analysis Tools:

Tool	Function
Variance Analysis	Measure of result dispersion
Trend Analysis	Pattern identification
Correlation Studies	Relationship between variables

Pro Tip: Focus on long-term statistical significance rather than short-term variance when evaluating betting performance.

Modern Betting Concepts

The digital age has revolutionized sports betting with new technologies, features, and betting options. Understanding these modern concepts is crucial for today's bettor.

Live (In-Play) Betting

Core Features:

Feature	Definition
Dynamic Odds	Real-time odds adjustments based on game events
Cash Out	Settle bets before event completion
Quick Markets	Short-term bets (next goal, corner, etc.)
Live Streaming	Watch events while betting

Live Betting Tips:

• Account for streaming delay when placing bets
• Use partial Cash Out for risk management
• Watch for temporary market suspensions
• Consider momentum shifts in decision-making

Same Game Parlay (SGP) Innovation

Definition: Combine multiple bets from the same game into one parlay.

Key Concepts:

• Correlation: Related outcomes affecting odds
• Builder Interface: Tool for creating custom combinations
• Maximum Combinations: Platform limits on selections
• Odds Calculation: Complex algorithms for correlated events

Popular SGP Combinations:

Sport	Combinations
Football	QB Passing + WR Reception + Team Total
Basketball	Player Points + Team Spread + Game Total
Soccer	First Goalscorer + Total Corners + Match Result

Cash Out Technology

Types of Cash Out:

• Full Cash Out: Settle the entire bet early
• Partial Cash Out: Settle portion of original stake
• Auto Cash Out: Set trigger points for automatic settlement
• Edit My Bet: Modify selections while keeping stake active

Cash Out Scenarios:

Scenario	Action
Winning position late in-game	Lock in profit
Multiple legs complete in parlay	Secure partial winnings
Team losing momentum	Minimize potential losses

Micro-Betting Markets

Definition: Ultra-short-term bets on immediate outcomes within a game.

Common Micro-Markets:

• Next Play in Football:
  • Run/Pass Result
  • Yards Gained
  • First Down Yes/No
• Next At-Bat in Baseball:
  • Hit/Out/Walk
  • Pitch Count
  • Type of Contact
• Next Point in Tennis:
  • Server Wins Point
  • Return Winner
  • Double Fault

Pro Tip: Micro-betting requires quick decision-making and understanding of immediate game situations. Consider stream delay when placing these bets.

Social Betting Features

Community Elements:

• Bet Sharing: Post picks and analysis
• Leaderboards: Performance rankings
• Discussion Forums: Strategy sharing
• Follow Features: Track successful bettors

Social Integration:

• Copy Betting: Replicate others' wagers
• Group Betting: Pool resources and share wins
• Betting Challenges: Compete against other users
• Social Verification: Community-driven trust systems

Pro Tip: While social features can provide insights, always conduct your own analysis before placing bets.

Advanced-Data Analytics Integration

Real-Time Analytics:

• Performance Metrics:
  • Advanced player statistics
  • Team momentum indicators
  • Situational analysis
  • Weather impact modeling
• Predictive Models:
  • Win probability calculators
  • Score prediction algorithms
  • Player performance forecasts
  • Trend analysis tools

Pro Tip: Advanced analytics tools can provide valuable insights, but should be used in conjunction with fundamental analysis and sports knowledge.

Sport-Specific Regional Terms

Popular Sports by Region:

• North America:
  • Football (NFL) terminology
  • Basketball (NBA) terms
  • Baseball-specific language
• Europe:
  • Soccer (Football) terms
  • Rugby betting language
  • Cricket terminology
• Asia:
  • Table tennis terms
  • Badminton betting
  • eSports terminology

Pro Tip: Understanding regional sport preferences and terminology can help identify value betting opportunities in different markets

FAQ Section

Entering the world of sports betting can be overwhelming, but understanding sports betting odds is a huge help. Put simply, knowing how odds work is essential to determining payouts and identifying favorites and underdogs.

There are three types of odds: American, decimal, and fractional.

Understanding American Odds

One of the most popular forms of sports betting odds in the United States is American odds, which are also known as moneyline odds. American odds are the standard at most US sportsbooks.

In the simplest terms, if it's a ‘-‘ in front of the odds, you must bet that much to win $100. If it's a ‘+' in front, you must bet $100 to win that much. The ‘-‘ denotes a favorite, while the ‘+' denotes an underdog.

Caesars odds accurate at time of posting (Aug 19,2025)

American Odds: Moneyline Example

Let’s look at an example of how American odds work using a theoretical NFL moneyline wager (a bet on who will win the game). The line for the game will look like this:

As we mentioned, the ‘-‘ in front of the number shows the favorite in the game (Commanders), and the ‘+' in front shows the underdog (Cowboys). Let's look at a couple of examples to paint a clearer picture (using the odds above):

• If you successfully bet $130 on the Commanders (the favorite) at -130 odds, you would win $100 in profit, for a total payout of $230 (your original stake plus your winnings).
• If you successfully bet $100 on the Cowboys (the underdog), you would win $150 in profit if they win, for a total payout of $250 (your original stake plus your winnings).

Pro Tip: The higher the odds next to a ‘-‘, the higher the implied probability of a successful bet (and a lower payout). The higher the number next to a ‘+', the lower the implied chance of a successful bet (and a higher payout).

American Odds: Spreads & Over/Unders

One of the more unique aspects of American betting lines is that spread bets and totals can be incorporated. In these bets, oddsmakers handicap the wager so that the implied probability is 50-50.

Here's an example of a spread using American odds:

Both teams often have odds of -110 for spread betting, though this can vary slightly. In this example, betting $110 on either team would return $100 in profit if your team covers the spread.

Note: For spread bets, a “push” (tie) occurs when the margin of victory equals the spread. To avoid this, sportsbooks often add 0.5 to the spread.

Explaining Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are more common outside the US, especially in Europe. Here's an example of how a decimal odds bet for an NFL game would look:

The team with lower decimal odds is the favorite, while a higher number indicates the underdog.

In this example:

• If you successfully bet $1 on the Seahawks (1.50), you would receive $1.50 total ($1 stake + $0.50 profit).
• If you successfully bet $1 on the Saints (2.50), you would receive $2.50 total ($1 stake + $1.50 profit).

SFA Breakdown: Decimal odds represent the total payout per unit wagered, making them easier to calculate compared to fractional or American odds.

Fractional Odds, Explained

Fractional odds are popular in the UK and frequently used for futures betting, such as predicting championship winners. Here's an example of a fractional odds bet for the Kansas City Chiefs to win the 2026 Super Bowl:

In this case, if you bet $10 on the Chiefs at 7.5/1, you would win $75 in profit (7.5 × $10) plus your original stake, for a total payout of $85. 

Simplifying fractional odds:

• The first number represents your potential profit for each unit wagered.
• The second number represents the unit.

For example, 11/5 means you would win $11 for every $5 wagered, 5/2 is $5 for every $2 wagered, and 8/3 is $8 for every $3 wagered.

Pro Tip: If fractional odds feature a 1 as the second number (5/1), you can easily convert it to American odds by multiplying it by 100 (5 x 100 = +500).

Sports Betting Odds Comparison

In Europe, odds are shown as fractions like 3/1, which means for every $1 you bet, you’d win $3 in profit. When converted to American odds, 3/1 equals +300. Both formats reflect the same implied probability (25%).

The image below shows an example of a -110 American odds converted to fractional and decimal odds, as well as the potential payout and implied probability:

Most sportsbooks allow you to toggle between odds formats. Understanding each format helps you find the best odds across platforms.

Which Sportsbook Has the Best Odds?

Odds vary between sportsbooks, so it’s always smart to shop around. Lines can shift based on betting activity. For instance, if most bettors take the under on a total bet (known as a public betting trend), the sportsbook might adjust the odds to balance the action.

Below is an in-depth look at the odds quality at every major US sportsbook:

What is the Spread?

You often hear the term “cover the spread“ regarding sports betting odds. The spread is commonly used in football and basketball betting. It's the expected number of points a team will win or lose by, set by oddsmakers.

In this example:

• A bet on the Patriots (-5) requires them to win by at least six points to cover the spread.
• A bet on the Dolphins (+5) wins if they win outright or lose by four points or fewer.

If the Patriots win by exactly five points (e.g., 27-22), it’s a push, and you get your stake back. However, if the spread were -5.5, there would be no possibility of a push.

FanDuel odds accurate at time of posting (Aug 19,2025)

Other Popular Bet Types

The smartest way to bet on sports is to hunt for the best odds. If you can find a value bet in any way, shape, or form, you should consider using it to grow your bankroll. That’s why it’s important to consider a wide range of bet types, such as:

• Totals (Over/Under): Betting on whether the total points scored in a game exceed or fall short of a set number (e.g., Over 45 points in Giants vs. Eagles).
• Prop bets: Betting on specific player or team outcomes (e.g., Russell Wilson passing yards, first touchdown scorer).
• Futures: Long-term bets on events like championship winners (e.g., Super Bowl champion).
• Parlays: Multiple bets combined (all must win, typically three or more legs).
• Live Betting: Betting on an event as it happens, with constantly changing odds.

Sports Betting Odds Calculator

A betting odds calculator is a valuable tool for bettors, helping to:

• Input betting odds (American, decimal, fractional)
• Calculate potential payouts
• Especially useful for parlay bets

Final Tip:  Use a betting calculator for complex bets like parlays or when comparing odds formats to ensure accurate potential payouts.

How to Get the Best Odds

Understanding sports betting odds—whether American, decimal, or fractional—gives you an edge when evaluating bets. These formats are simply different ways of expressing the same probability, so choose the one you prefer.

By comparing odds across sportsbooks and exploring different bet types, you can increase your chances of finding value bets and growing your bankroll.