U.S. Sportsbooks: The Betting Types Every Player Should Know

All bets vary in complexity and payout structure, so you need to know how they work if you want to bet successfully. The following common bet types are the basis of any betting strategy. You will choose a bet depending on factors such as your experience and the level of risk you want to take.

Moneyline bets

At US sportsbooks, a moneyline bet is the most straightforward type with a low risk level that’s suitable for beginners. You will bet on a team or player to win a match or game. Sportsbooks set odds for the two teams or players. The favorite has a minus (-) sign before the number, and the underdog has a (+) plus sign. Betting on an underdog is riskier, but the potential rewards are higher.

Point spread bets

Spread bets focus on the margin of victory, not simply which team wins. This betting option carries a moderate level of risk and appeals to players who enjoy strategy. Sportsbooks assign a “spread,” which represents the number of points a team is predicted to win or lose by.

For instance, if you take the favorite at -7, they must win by eight points or more for your wager to succeed. On the other hand, wagering on the underdog at +7 pays off if they either pull off a straight-up victory or keep the loss within six points or less.

Soccer’s popularity globally makes it one of the sports that fans most enjoy betting on, and spread betting is common. Sportsbooks commonly set spreads in soccer between 0.5 and 2 goals.

Totals (over/under)

In this type of bet, you bet on whether the total score of both teams goes over or under a set number. This is a good type of bet for you to place if you study aspects such as the flow of a game and defense strategies.

In a game, the sportsbook may set the over/under line at 55.5 points. If you bet the over, you will win if the total final score of both teams is 56 points or more. If you bet the under, you will win if the total final score of both teams is 55 points or fewer.

Parlays

Various bet types combine many wagers into one, which increases the risks and the rewards. A parlay is a type of bet that combines multiple bets on one ticket, and all the bets must win. It means you could get a high payout for a small stake, but as a mistake can kill the ticket, the risk is higher, too. For those who enjoy taking risks, watching a game and placing bets like these are one of those thrilling timepass ideas.

Props

Prop bets focus on certain events within a game that don’t necessarily have anything to do with the result. These bets can be split into player props, team props, and game props. In the NBA, you may place a bet on which player will score the first basket. In the NFL, you may bet on a wide receiver’s total number of receptions. A team prop bet may be on which team will score first or be the first to reach a specific milestone. A game prop bet refers to a broader event, such as the total number of penalties for each team.

There is a huge range of prop bets, and they are particularly popular during a major event like the Super Bowl. Your sports-specific knowledge is useful when placing bets like this.

Futures bets

A futures bet is a bet on what will happen in the long-term future. It may be a bet on the outcome of a full season. For example, you may place a bet on a certain team to win a championship at the end of a season. The value of such a bet is usually highest before the season begins.

In-play betting

You can bet on a live game with in-play betting. For example, you may bet on a team to recover after a poor first half. Things like injuries and shifts in the weather can offer opportunities for winning bets. It’s important not to delay when placing these bets, as the odds can change quickly.

Disclaimer

The information provided in “U.S. Sportsbooks: The Betting Types Every Player Should Know” is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered betting advice, financial advice, or a guaranteed guide to winning wagers. Sports betting involves risk, and there is no assured outcome in any betting activity.

While we aim to offer accurate and up-to-date information about common bet types—including moneyline bets, point spreads, totals, parlays, props, futures, and in-play betting—sportsbooks may change their rules, odds formats, and betting policies at any time. Users are responsible for verifying all information directly with the sportsbook they use.

Sports betting should be done responsibly and only by individuals who are of legal gambling age in their jurisdiction. If you choose to engage in betting activities, never wager more than you can afford to lose. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek help from a certified responsible-gaming organization or helpline in your region.