An Overview of Online Betting in 2021 – How to Bet Online

• Placing A Bet Online
• Putting A Bet Online
• Online Betting Account
• Can I Bet Sports Online

In this article you’ll find an introduction to online sports betting covering all the key factors that will get you safely (and hopefully profitably!) off to the right start.

1. How to Place a Bet Online – A Complete Guide Whether you’re interested in wagering money on Cricket, Soccer or any other sport, placing bets online is easily done. But there are a couple of things you should know about, which we have covered in the following guide.
2. How To Place A Bet Online: Leaf through your favourite bookmaker’s site now and click the register button to open an account. Sign in to the newly created account and fund your account at “My Account” section. Using the menu option search and choose your favourite sport and the market you would like to place your bet on.
3. Want to know how to place a bet online? Placing a bet online in Canada works in much the same way as placing a bet in a physical bookmakers on the street. For each possible outcome, the online bookmaker will calculate a set of betting odds. These odds will reflect the likelihood of that outcome happening.

BetOnline allows you to place bets quickly and efficiently, which is really important for live betting. Quality of Odds BetOnline offers reduced juice betting on some sports, such as NHL. The first step is finding out which online casino offers sports betting. Next call support to walk you through the process of placing a wager via telephone. FAQs About Placing Sports Bet Online On Las Vegas Casinos. If you are a first-timer in placing a sports bet on any Las Vegas casinos, you should ask important questions before getting started.

You’ll find links to more advanced topics – and coverage for both US and non-US bettors.

There is nothing more enjoyable and exciting than watching a sporting event than when you’ve placed a bet on the outcome. This can giving the feeling of being completely involved when a touchdown or goal is scored, a player nets a 3 pointer or the ball flies into the crowd for a home run. Sports-betting is a huge industry, but with so many sites and so many betting options available, the whole thing can seem a little tricky - or even daunting for the beginner.

Here is what you will find below:

• How to make sure you are choosing the best betting site in terms of your needs (favorite sports), value (lines / odds and benefits) and reputation / safety.

• How to safely deposit and take best advantage of any current promotions.

• What bet types to expect, and how to physically place a bet.

• How odds / lines work, and why it is impossible to beat the sportsbooks without shopping for the best odds

• The different sports you can bet on online

Once you have the basics nailed, you can move on to the important task of finding value in the markets – and hopefully coming away with a tidy profit for your troubles.

How to Bet Online - Choosing the Right Sportsbook / Bookmaker

With so many different sites vying for your custom, choosing the right one isn’t always an easy task. If you are from the US, this is made more complicated by having to use offshore sportsbooks (though there are some very good ones). If you are not from the US, you can skip the next paragraph!

US Online Sportsbooks are Based Offshore: There is a thriving sports betting industry in the US, only the sportsbooks are not based on US soil. Instead these books operate from the Caribbean, Central America or Native American reservations in Canada (in the case of the Kahnawake tribe). There are some long-running and well trusted brands out there including Bovada, BetOnline and InterTops. You can safely bet on any of these sites, as I have explained in this article. What you need to be careful with are unknown brands, the opaque nature of regulation offshore means it is more important than ever to stick to sportsbooks with a solid reputation for fast payouts.

Outside of the US, the problem is different – too much choice. With big brands fighting for your custom, the trick is to find a reputable bookie that has just the right mix of betting options and promotions to suit you.

Here is how to get started in that search:

First you need to be sure that your site has solid reputation. For me this is 5+ years of service (with no major scandals) and operating license from a known jurisdiction plus a history of prompt payments. I would never bet at a sportsbook which failed any of these criteria.

Second, you need to narrow down the types of sports which you want to bet on (can still be a fairly big list) and make sure there are plenty of options available. For example some books have a big racebook section for horse racing fans, while others specialize more in football (including props / specials). It does take a little time to get to know the different sportsbooks, if you are brand new to this then I can recommend the books below as both reputable and having a wide range of bets for fans of different sports.

How to Bet Online In 2021 – Let’s Talk Money!

There are two key areas in this section, how to see through the ‘hype’ and get the best from bonuses and promotions – and then how to get your money safely deposited (and withdrawn) from the sportsbooks.

Bonuses and Promotions

With the industry being so competitive, you’ll almost certainly be welcomed with a large deposit bonus when you sign up.

To be able to compare them and find the best value, you should get familiar with how they work.

Each bonus will have a rollover requirement (often called wagering or play-through). This is the number of times you’ll need to wager both the deposit amount and the bonus before the bonus funds are freed up for withdrawal.

For example, if you make a $100 deposit with a (50%) $50 bonus at a sportsbook with a 5x rollover requirement, this means that you’ll have to wager $750 ($150 x 5) before the bonus is ‘cleared’. It also pays for you to read the terms and conditions of any bonus, just so you are completely sure how it works. Of course, bonuses matched to your initial deposit are only one of the attractions offered by online sportsbooks. You will find free bets (or no-lose bets), loyalty point collection schemes and extras for mobile or in-play betting commonly offered.

Here is my ‘golden rule’ when it comes to comparing bonuses:

Welcome bonus offers will be completed very quickly, what really counts is the promotions and rewards for loyal players – and the quality of the odds (lines) on offer. Choose a sportsbook which looks after players well, rather than the one with the biggest upfront bonus. This way you’ll be rewarded over the longer term.

For more on comparing sports betting bonuses, check out the following articles:

The Deposit and Withdrawal Process

Having chosen a site, you’ll have to register before making your first deposit. This will simply be a case of filling out an online form with details such as your name, address, phone number and e-mail address and you may well have to verify the e-mail address too (you’ll usually need to send Id when you withdraw for the first time, so make sure this information is accurate). You’ll now be ready to fund your account.

Again we have a split between US and non-US betting sites, here is a quick overview:

US Sportsbooks: The main method is Visa or MasterCard credit cards, which need to be able to spend abroad. You will also find sportsbooks accepting pre-paid Visa Cards, Amex and wires made from money transfer outlets like Western Union or MoneyGram. Some sportsbooks accept BitCoin and other more novel voucher / pre-paid options. Withdrawals from US sportsbooks are usually via a paper check, which US banks will accept.

You can find more on US Sportsbook Deposit Options in the linked article.

Non-US Sportsbooks: Here the range really opens up, with many of the biggest brands accepting PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, MasterCard and many local options like Ukcash, EcoPays and Webmoney. You can also use bank wires for larger amounts. Withdrawals are equally flexible, with wires a good default for any option not offered.

Once you have chosen a sportsbook and got your money on board, it is time to looks at the types of bet available…

How to Bet Online in 2021 - Types of Bets

There are a number of different bet types you can place and here I’ll divide them into 4 distinct broad categories. US and non-US betting uses different terms (and types of bets) which are explained in detail I the linked articles.

Futures Bets – These are bets that are placed on the long term eventual winner of a sporting contest. A good example would be placing a wager on the Super Bowl winner before the start of the NFL season.

Prop Bets – These are bets that you can place within a game, that are not actually dependent on the actual outcome. For example, you could wager that a named basketball player scores a certain amount of points in the game, or whether a named soccer player scores a goal.

Game Bets – This is by far by far the most popular category of the three, where you’ll find a wide range of betting options on a daily basis. These will include such bets as the point spread, where you’ll predict whether the favored team will win by more than the spread, the money line, where you are simply predicting the winner of a game and the totals, where you are predicting whether the total amount of points/goals/points is over or under the stated line.

Live/In-Play Betting – These are bets that you’ll place while the game is being played. The odds and lines can move rapidly in these markets, never more so than in the closing stages of a game.

How to Bet Online - Types of Odds

If you head to any online sportsbook you’ll find one of the following three odds types, although some sites will actually allow you to choose between the three.

Decimal Odds – This is perhaps the most straightforward system of all, where you’ll simply multiply your stake by the odds to see your total return. For example, a $10 wager at odds of 1.70 will see a total return of $17.

Fractional Odds – Using fractional odds you’ll see odds such as 7/1 or 13/8 and you’ll wager the second amount to win the first. For example, a $1 bet at 7/1 sees you win $7 (a total return of $8), while an $8 wager at odds of 13/8 sees you win $13 (and a total return of $21).

American odds – Using American odds you’ll find a number with a plus or minus prefix. A plus number is the amount you’ll win if wagering $100. For example, odds of +130 means you’ll win $130 for a stake of $100 (a total return of $230). A minus number is the amount you’ll have to wager to win $100. For example, odds of -250 means you’ll need to wager $250 to win $100 (and a total return of $350).

The size of the stake is your choice when using any of these odds and you’ll simply be paid out on a pro rata basis.

Having an understanding of how the odds work is very important, as you’ll want to shop around and get the best deal you can when placing a bet.

Once you have a grasp of the basics, I recommend you look into the math of why finding the best lines is so important. Though the odd half a percent here are there can seem trivial, these differences compound over time and are literally the difference between winning and losing sports bettors.

How to Bet Online - Betting Markets (Sports)

When you head to any sportsbook or bookmaker it’s a sure bet that they’ll have the most popular betting markets on their homepage. These will usually be based around the big televised action, which will usually be based around leagues such as the NFL, the NBA, the NHL and Major League Baseball in the US/Canada, while the focus will be more on the biggest soccer games at the European based sites.

Alongside these you’ll also find a wide range of other sports, with betting favorites such as golf and tennis prominent, while UFC/Boxing, Motor Sports and Horse Racing are particularly popular too. You’ll usually find that if a sport is on, you’ll be able to place a wager, certainly if it is televised.

However, it’s not just sports betting that you can get involved in. Many sites will also offer entertainment or politics betting, where you might want to predict the winner of an Oscar, Grammy or even the winner of the next Presidential election in the US.

How to Bet Online – How to Make a Bet

This section brings together the odds, bet types and different markets using 2 real examples. One based on the NFL for US bettors and the other Soccer for non-US bettors. This takes things from the moment you have a funded account, to the moment that your bet is completed:

#1 Bovada.lv – Placing a Bet on Bovada.lv

Step #1 – Find the Market

Step #2 – Select Your Wager and add to the Betting Slip

Step #3 – Add Bet Amount (Risk) to Betting Slip and Confirm

#2 – Unibet Bet – Placing a Bet on Unibet.com

Step #1 – Find the Market

Step #2 – Select Your Wager

Step #3 – Add to Bet Slip (with bet amount)

How to Bet Online – Summary

Hopefully, the step by step guide on this page has given you an overview of how to bet online.

With so many reputable sportsbooks (both offshore from the US and licensed in Europe), there have never been more opportunities to enjoy a bet. As long as you are betting within your means, you’ll find that televised (or even live) sports take on a whole new level of excitement.

Remember, stick with the reputable sites with a solid track record of speedy payouts – and do not get ‘seduced’ by the almost too good to be true offers of unknown brands.

Once again, if you are a beginning sports bettor, here are my strongest personal recs based on your location:

More Betting Articles

Many of the most avid sports fans often wonder how to bet on sports online legally, particularly because sports betting only became legal a few years ago.

Just two years ago, the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The historic decision paved the way for states to legalize sports betting on an individual basis.

In only two years, the burgeoning US sports betting scene has developed into a competitive market, and it’s only getting stronger.

Sports betting isn’t legal everywhere in the US, but many jurisdictions authorized and launched completely legal sportsbooks. It’s easier to place a legal bet in the US right now than it has ever been before.

How To Bet On Sports Online Legally

To bet online legally, you first need to find a legal and regulated operator. Fortunately, many states have legalized sports betting and have online sportsbooks live, accepting wagers. Sportsbook technology is so streamlined that using them is about as simple as using any other app you access on a day-to-day basis.

The bets you’ll find vary somewhat by state because certain jurisdictions prohibit specific types of bets. Illinois, for example, does not allow betting on elections, awards shows, any college match that includes an Illinois school, or minor league sporting events. Still, most sportsbooks offer a wide array of bets on professional sports, college matches, and international events.

Online sports betting brings a hobby to the digital space that formerly required users to visit land-based sportsbooks. Betting online has the added advantage of convenience and speed.

The Top Sports Betting Promo Codes

Here’s an at-a-glance overview of sign-up bonuses from some of the biggest sportsbooks:

Where To Place An Online Sports Bet

When the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, it granted states the individual opportunity to legalize sports betting. As a result, the US sports betting landscape is incredibly diverse and nuanced. Even among states that have launched sports betting, the laws make each market unique.

States With Legal And Live Online Sports Betting

Sports Betting Coming Soon

Legislation and regulation, especially when real money gambling is involved, can take time. Many states are still solidifying their sports betting laws, and a few are expected to enter the market very soon.

Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia have all legalized online sports betting and will launch once regulations are finalized and licenses are granted. Among those states, Tennessee is unique in that it will allow online-only sportsbooks exclusively because there are no land-based casinos in the state.

Meanwhile, New York, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, and New Mexico all have retail sports betting. Those states could consider online legislation in the near future to boost their existing land-based offerings.

Other states have been working on legislation, but have encountered roadblocks for various reasons. Once they overcome certain obstacles, we expect California, Massachusetts, and possibly Florida to legalize online sports betting.

The Best Online Sportsbooks In The US

The expansion of the US sports betting landscape has brought the rise of various operators. This gives sports bettors plenty of options to choose from, and using one of the top sports betting sites means you’ll have a seamless experience from start to finish.

DraftKings

Available in: CO, IN, NJ, WV, PA, IL, IA, NH

DraftKings is one of the industry’s undisputed leaders. The company began as a daily fantasy sports provider and grew rapidly to become a top-tier sportsbook and online casino operator. In states where it’s live, DraftKings almost always nabs the top spot in terms of revenue.

DraftKings is about as close to flawless as a sportsbook can get. It has apps for iOS and Android, it’s optimized for mobile browsers, and it has an intuitive desktop interface. With plenty of sports and competitive odds, playing at DraftKings should be an easy choice for any bettor.

The only downside is that DraftKings sign-up bonus, a 20% deposit match up to $500, requires a hefty initial deposit to make it worth your while.

Check out the current bonus at DraftKings.

FanDuel

Available in: CO, IL, IN, NJ, WV, PA

FanDuel is another leading name in the sportsbook world. It’s owned by Flutter Entertainment (a company formed by merging Paddy Power and Betfair). Flutter is a driving force in the European gambling market, so FanDuel has the backing of an experienced corporation.

Like DraftKings, FanDuel has plenty to enjoy and very few faults. The app has some minor interface issues (sometimes pages load on the slow side), but generally FanDuel is a top-notch sportsbook. You can find plenty of US sports in addition to more niche offerings on international events.

Check out the current bonus at FanDuel Sportsbook.

FOX Bet

Available In: CO, NJ, PA

The biggest downside for FOX Bet is that it’s only available in three states. However, the company has big expansion plans, and you can expect the sportsbook to move into new markets in the coming months and beyond.

FOX Sports and The Stars Group (another major European company) run the FOX Bet brand in the US. With strong backing from leading gambling and media corporations, FOX Bet has a great chance to rise to the top of the sports betting industry.

FOX Bet is user-friendly and has lucrative sign-up bonuses: a 50% deposit match bonus up to $500 and a $500 risk-free bet, totaling a possible $1,000 bonus for new players. FOX Bet players can access the book via Android or iOS app plus desktop and mobile browsers.

BetRivers

Available in: CO, IN, PA, IL

BetRivers is the official online sportsbook from Rush Street Interactive.

BetRivers’ welcome bonus offers up to $250 as a deposit match with a minimal play-through requirement, and you’ll find odds similar to those on DraftKings. The company’s app is user friendly and easy to navigate, cementing it as a sports betting leader.

PointsBet

Australian operator PointsBet has one of the most intuitive, user-friendly apps on the market. PointsBet also has great odds on the underdog compared to competing sportsbooks. Add on a welcome bonus up to $1,000 in risk-free bets, and you have a strong sportsbook.

Other Online Sportsbooks

There are plenty of other sportsbooks on the market. Barstool Sportsbook, for example, is coming to a few states. William Hill is another big operator with a strong industry history. Every sportsbook has something to offer, so keep an eye out for special bonuses, competitive odds, and unique betting options.

How To Choose A Legal Online Sports Betting Site

You should look for a few key details when you’re choosing an online sports betting site.

Availability And Accessibility

First and foremost, is your preferred sportsbook actually live in your state? That’s the first factor you should consider. Fortunately, many sportsbooks are making their way to multiple markets.

Second, how do you want to bet? Phone, tablet, or desktop? Most sportsbooks have apps and desktop sites available, but you should always check that your preferred method is available. Take it one step further and check to see how intuitive the experience is. Sportsbook apps should be seamless and easy to use.

Sports And Odds

Do you prefer to bet on the underdog or the favorite? Do you like to bet on a niche sport outside of the most popular events? Check for these types of things at your sportsbook. Some sites, like PointsBet, tend to favor the underdog while some offer better odds on the favorite. Learn more about odds for the NFL and how to use an edge table.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Most payment methods–credit/debit, PayPal, online banking, etc.–are standard across the board. But if you use a more obscure method like PayNearMe, you should be sure your preferred sportsbook accepts it.

How To Place A Bet At An Online Sportsbook App

Getting to the point where you can actually place a bet is usually very simple, but you do have to take a few required steps first.

Step 1: Choose A Sportsbook Site Or App

This may seem obvious, but given the growing market and the number of operators, choosing a sportsbook can be tough. Use the information on this page or visit our individual sportsbook reviews to help you choose one that’s legal in your state and best fits your tastes.

Once you’ve picked a sportsbook, you’ll want to access it via either desktop/mobile browser or by downloading the app. You can switch methods whenever you’d like, but for your first time pick one and stick to it to keep the process simple. If you’re playing on a desktop or a mobile browser, just head to the sportsbook’s website. To get the app, it’s slightly more complicated:

How To Download A Sportsbook App

Sportsbook apps have to adhere to strict regulations–not just from legislators, but from technology providers. Google and Apple have specific restrictions on gambling apps. To download a sportsbook app, you have to work with these restrictions.

For iOS device users, it’s pretty cut and dry. If your preferred sportsbook has an app in the App Store, just download it as you normally would.

Android users aren’t quite so lucky. Google prohibits all gambling apps from the Google Play Store, so you can’t get them from that marketplace. Instead, you can install the app straight from your sports betting provider’s website. Sportsbooks will have a convenient link on their site that kickstarts the download process. Once you select a few settings and install the app, you’re good to go.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Once you have the app or have visited the desktop site, create your account. This is similar to signing up for an account at a social media site or online shopping retailer with some small differences. You’ll provide:

• Username and password (you will create these)
• Name
• Email address
• Home address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Last 4 digits of your SSN (to confirm your age/identity)

You may also need to download a separate geolocation app (pr plug-in for desktop users) to confirm your location whenever you wish to place a bet. You need to be in state lines

In-Person Registration

Some states require you to confirm your account in person before you can place a bet. Illinois and Iowa are among the states with this requirement. Once you register, you need to visit your chosen sportsbook’s land-based partner to complete registration, then you can place wagers.

Step 3: Deposit, Bet, and Cashout

App downloaded/desktop site bookmarked? Registration complete? Now you’re ready to make a deposit. There are a number of popular payment methods: credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, PayPal, online banking, wire transfer, and more.

Use the method you’re most comfortable with. In the app or on the sportsbook site, visit the cashier section from the menu (sometimes there’s an option to just select “deposit”) and follow the prompts to connect your preferred payment method. ACH echeck and PayPal are two of the easiest methods, but others work just fine, too.

After you deposit, you can place a bet. And when you’re ready to cash out, head to the cashier page again and select from the available options. These usually include check by mail, bank transfer, or PayPal.

How To Place A Sports Bet Using A Bonus Offer

Sportsbooks offer a few common bonus types that you can use to maximize your account value, especially your first few bets.

No Deposit Bonus

This one’s simple. Just register for an account and the sportsbook will credit your account with a small amount of money, usually between $5 and $25 (more if you’re lucky). No deposit required! It’s essentially a “thank you” bonus for signing up, and you can use the credit to place a bet.

Deposit Match Bonus

Deposit matches are simple in theory, but the terms and conditions can make them tricky to navigate. In their simplest form, deposit matches allow you to double your account value. For example, BetRivers offers a 100% first deposit match up to $250. Simply put, if you make an initial deposit of $250, they’ll credit your account with an additional $250.

Some operators match a smaller percentage. DraftKings does a 20% deposit match up to $500. To get the maximum match, you’d have to deposit $2,500.

Always check the terms–deposit matches usually only apply to your very first deposit. And before you can cash out the bonus money, you typically have to wager with it.

Risk-Free Bet

With a risk-free bet, you have a wagering safety net. These almost always apply to your first bet and then expire. Just place a bet, and if you lose, the sportsbook will credit your account with the amount you wagered. If you win, you keep your winnings. Risk-free bets often come with a maximum of $500 (this is the case at FanDuel and PointsBet).

Placing Sports Bets Online Legally

Using a legal, regulated sportsbook offers the safest, most secure sportsbook experience. Offshore/grey market sites are incredibly risky; they can shut down at a moment’s notice and they don’t use high-level security tools. Your data and personal information are at risk at an offshore site, making legal sites your best route to a safe sportsbook outing.

Why Should I Trust Online Sports Betting Sites?

You should trust online sports betting sites only if they are licensed and regulated. State government agencies oversee sports wagering, and they put strict regulations in place to protect players.

Each state has some sort of governing body for sports betting that grants licenses. Legal sites have licensing information easily available on their websites and within their apps. Click through the available links for more regulatory and legal information about your chosen sportsbook.

Is My Money Safe With Online Sportsbooks?

Yes. Legal online sportsbooks use high-level encryption tools. SSL is one such tool, and it protects your data, including financial information, from hackers as it travels from your device to your sportsbook. Regulated sports betting sites use technology on par with security tools used by banking institutions and online shopping sites.

Are Sportsbook Winnings Taxable?

In most cases, yes. States often set a threshold for taxable winnings. If you win a significant amount of money, you will have to pay income taxes on those funds. Laws vary by state, so check with your sportsbook’s support team or your state’s gaming oversight organization for more information.

Is My Personal Information Safe When Betting Online?

Yes. You’ll need to provide your social security number, location, and other info when you sign up for a sportsbook. Your data is encrypted before it’s sent to the sportsbook, and only the sportsbook’s systems can view it to confirm your age and identity.

The SSN and location requirements also stop hackers from creating dummy accounts in an attempt to steal information from sportsbooks.

Types Of Sports Bets

Sports bets can be a bit daunting for beginners, but they’re not too complicated once you get a grasp on the most common available wagers. Here are some of the most common bets at legal sportsbooks.

Moneyline, Point Spreads, And Totals

These three bets are often listed side by side and are commonly the first bets you’ll see for a given match-up.

Moneyline

Moneyline bets simply require you to choose a winner of a given match. The odds (which we cover below) on that match then determine how much you win if you chose correctly. If you see moneyline bets available, all you have to do is pick the team or player you expect to win.

Point Spreads

Point spreads are intended to even the playing field for a match. Instead of picking an outright winner, you’re betting on the margin of victory. Here’s an example of how a point spread bet might look:

• Chicago Bears -3.5
• Green Bay Packers +3.5

The 3.5 on both teams represents the margin of victory, and players have to decide whether the Bears will win by at least 3.5 points. After the game ends, if you selected the Bears and they won 24-20, you would collect on your bet because they won by 4 points. If the final score was Bears 21 Packers 20 and you selected the Bears, you would lose your bet because they did not win by at least 3.5 points.

Totals

If you’ve heard the term “over/under,” it’s likely been in reference to totals bets. Totals take the final combined total score of both teams in a match and have players bet on whether that score will be over or under a certain threshold. Using our example match-up above, it might look like this:

• Bears vs. Packers, Over/Under 50.5

You would place a bet on either the over or the under. If the total points at the end of the game exceeded 50.5, the over wins. If the total is below 50.5, the under wins. If the score was 24-21, the total points would add to 45 and the under would be the winning bet.

Other Bet Types

You can find plenty of other bets at online sportsbooks, too. Each bet has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Parlays: you combine multiple simple bets into a single pool and you only win if every choice you make is correct. High payout potential, but harder to win than a single bet.
• Futures: bet on a match occurring in the future. For example, betting on an NFL champion before the regular season begins. High risk, high reward.
• In-Game/Live Betting: wager on events happening in a currently live match.
• Proposition (Prop) Bet: wager on an in-game event not necessarily affecting the final score or outcome. For example: will Tom Brady score two passing touchdowns in the first half?

How To Read Sports Betting Odds

Odds determine how much you’ll receive if you bet correctly. To new bettors, they can be intimidating, but they’re easier to understand than they look at first glance.

How Odds Are Determined

Odds are first set by the likelihood of one outcome to occur over the other. You will almost always see a higher payout on an unlikely bet than a wager on the favorite of a match. Once the initial odds are set, they can change based on how many bettors are wagering on either side. This is to balance out the sportsbook’s earnings on each bet.

Odds could also change based on events outside of a game. For example, if a starting quarterback is unexpectedly benched due to an injury, the odds on that team to win could plummet.

Placing A Bet Online

Understanding Odds

At US sportsbooks, odds are displayed as positives and negatives. Let’s use a moneyline bet as an example and pretend once again the Bears are playing the Packers:

• Bears +112
• Packers -136

When a team has a negative number (Packers -136), it means that team is favored to win the match. A positive number (Bears +112) means that team is the underdog. These odds also determine payouts.

If you bet on the favorite (Packers -136), you would need to wager $136 to win $100. Negative odds essentially mean you need to bet that amount to win $100.

Betting on the underdog is slightly different. The +112 on the Bears means you would win $112 if you bet $100. Because the underdog is less likely to win statistically, the payout potential is better.

Find The Best Odds

If multiple sportsbooks are available in your state, peruse the available odds to find the best possible payouts. PointsBet, for example, usually offers great odds on the underdog while FanDuel tends to give better payouts on the favorite. These change frequently, so always check your options before you place a bet.

See our fullGuide To Sports Betting Odds.

Sports Betting Words To Know

Placing Online Sports Bets FAQ

21. Regulated states require gamblers to be at least 21 years of age to place a bet. When you sign up for a sports betting account, you will provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number to confirm you’re old enough to participate.

It’s difficult to say if there’s one frontrunner. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, PointsBet, and FOX Bet could all be considered the best for different reasons.

If you look at revenue by state, DraftKings is the undisputed leader in the sports betting arena. In terms of overall experience and app functionality, PointsBet gives DraftKings a run for its money. Bottom line: it comes down to personal preference.

Yes. There are plenty of sports betting apps available in Las Vegas, most of them operated by Sin City casinos. To place bets online in Nevada, you have to be within the state, which will be confirmed by geolocation.

Most regulated sportsbooks already have Super Bowl future bets available, so you can bet on your favorite team to win the big game.

For more specific Super Bowl bets like moneyline, point spreads, and totals, you’ll have to wait until the playing teams are revealed and odds are set.

Yes. College sports betting is allowed in almost every state that has legal sports betting. Some states have specific restrictions, though. In Illinois, for example, you can’t bet on any match that includes an in-state college or university. Regulated sportsbooks won’t offer bets that are deemed illegal in that specific jurisdiction, or they’d risk losing their license to operate.

Putting A Bet Online

Not across the board. In fact, most states completely ban betting on high school sports for fear of league corruption. High school sports are considered amateur events, and almost every regulated sports betting market prohibits amateurs betting.

In some states. Not every state allows election betting. Because the overturning of PASPA gave states the right to regulate sports betting on an individual basis, election betting availability varies widely. Some states have chosen to allow it while others bar it completely.

No. Currently, 12 states plus Washington D.C. have legalized and launched sports betting.

Other states–Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia, to name a few–have legalized sports betting but haven’t launched any sportsbooks yet.

Online Betting Account

Some remaining states are in the early process of building legislation to allow sports betting, such as California and Massachusetts.

Can I Bet Sports Online

Only a select few states, such as Texas, have specifically moved to stop sports betting legislation.