Millions of sports fans watch their favorite teams and think, “Betting on sports must be easy!” Sadly, they’re wrong. Even the best “experts” lose more than they win on a regular basis. That’s why it’s so important to do your research, keep an eye on the weather and stay current with injury reports. It’s also vital to understand that there’s no such thing as a guaranteed winning bet. Even the best tipsters will suffer some losses—some from big upsets, others from calculated risks and still more from what will feel like bad luck.
What Are Sports Betting Odds?
Sports betting odds are simply the probability that an event will occur during a game or competition. You can bet on the team or player you think will win by placing a wager with the sportsbook, and they’ll pay out based on the odds you selected. The higher the probability, the lower the risk—but the potential payout is smaller.
When you see a plus sign (+) or minus sign (-) before a team’s odds, it means the oddsmakers have flipped their opinion on which side of the bet is more likely to win. You can also place a straight bet, where you pick the winner of a game, or a parlay, which is a combination of multiple bets.
When you place a bet, the potential payout will be listed on your ticket, whether it’s placed online or in person. Some sportsbooks include the amount you wagered in the payout, while others don’t. You can also shop around for the best odds by visiting a number of different sportsbooks.