Can You Place Sports Bets Online
Placing sports bets has become commonplace, thanks to the widespread availability of the internet. As a result, numerous betting sites have popped up that allow you to place sport bets online. 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. Free Bets: Place qual bets of min £10 in 1st 7 days from deposit to unlock. Awarded as 3 equal £10 free bets. Min odds 1/1, 1+ legs & 7 day expiry. Insurance: Free bet crediting relies on marketing opt-in. Applied automatically to first horse race bet of each day at Cheltenham. Winnings credited in cash.
- How To Place Sports Bets Online
- Free Sports Bets
- Where To Bet On Sports
- Can You Place Sports Bets Online In Arizona
The big game is approaching and you think you’ve got the winner picked. Your friends are placing their bets and you want in on the action, but is it safe to bet online? The short answer is yes.
However, not all online sports betting sites are created equal and you can definitely find yourself losing more than just a few bucks. Safety and security checks should be your number one priority before placing any bets online.
Looking for more information on safely making bets online? You’ve come to the right place to learn everything you need to know about safe online betting and how you can cash in big on the next big match.
Safest Online Betting: How to Choose an Online Sportsbook
Wagering sports online is not only fun, but it can be rewarding if you play your cards right. You’ve already made a great decision by doing your research on the safety of online betting.
Bettors who take the time to get to know the landscape of online betting can enter into bets with the confidence of knowing they won’t get caught up in a scam. The last thing anyone wants is to have their team win in overtime just to find out their money has been sucked up in a scam and the payout never happens.
So, what should you look for when choosing an online sportsbook? Here are a few tips to guide you in the right direction.
Online Sportsbooks: Site Transparency
Before you start entering your information into a betting app or site, take your time to read the fine print — and there should be fine print. Their website should provide you with:
- Current licensing information
- Key highlights of their sportsbook
- Deposit and payout details
- Clearly laid-out bookmaker fees
- Frequently Asked Questions section
- Contact info such as phone, email, or live chat
We also recommend you read the reviews or only use apps and sites that have been referred to you by a trusted contact. The experiences of others can be very telling in the betting world.
Online Sportsbooks: Beware of Scams
It’s happened to many bettors looking to place a quick bet. They sign on to the first app or site offering big returns and never end up seeing a penny. Here are a few scams to be aware of:
Prediction Software: Any site offering to sell you betting software promising to accurately predict the outcome of a sporting event is a huge red flag. Promises of high returns can be tempting, but don’t do it.
Betting Syndicates: These often come with a compulsory fee which can be thousands of dollars to join the syndicate. They place bets on your behalf and you are promised a percentage of the profits.
Sports Investments: Often sold as an opportunity or investment, the promoter will use glossy diagrams and fancy-sounding terms, like “sports arbitrage” and promise you a huge return with little to no effort.
Protecting Yourself: How to Spot Red Flags
As with most scams, there are warning signs to watch out for.
Signs you might be under threat of a scam include:
- Over-the-top sales pitches with glossy pamphlets and massive returns promised
- You are told that you must act now or you will miss out on the opportunity
- Frequent sales calls or pushy/desperate salespeople
- The salesperson is using technical or financial jargon
If you suspect you may be caught up in a betting scam there are a few things you can do, such as:
- Hang up on any sales call that seems pressured
- Do your research into the company before signing anything
- Get independent financial and legal advice
- Look for ongoing costs and know how to cancel before you subscribe
- Do not provide any personal identification or banking information
The truth of the matter is scams exist. But the good news is that when you know what you’re looking for they are easy to spot. Take the time to conduct an independent check on any company you plan to place bets with before signing or buying.
Live Betting vs Online Sports Betting: Which is Safer?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been to a live betting site and are now considering moving your betting online. There are risks associated with both live betting and online betting, but knowing what the possibilities are will help protect you from an unfortunate incident.
Between the two, the risks that come with live betting come at a much higher cost, but it’s important to be aware of any issues you may be faced with when betting online.
The Safety of Live Sports Betting
First things first, let’s all agree that no one should ever be placing bets with an illegal bookie. Place your bets at a legal brick and mortar sportsbook. That being said, just because it’s legal it doesn’t mean it won’t attract some unsavory characters and criminals.
Common crimes that take place at casinos and sportsbooks include:
- Robbery – There are many stories of winners being held up by gunpoint, or beaten in a bathroom stall, or even followed home.
- Pickpockets – On the less violent side, pickpockets are sly and can easily go undetected as they steal everything you’ve got.
- Losing your winnings – And we aren’t talking about betting. It’s happened to even the most careful of people. You’ve won big and that wad of cash is sitting in your pocket or wallet and it falls out.
- Losing track of your bets – It’s pretty easy to lose track in the heat of the moment. You start winning and then wagering even more. Add in a little alcohol and you totally lose track of what you started with.
We’re not trying to scare you away from making live bets, this can be a lot of fun, but you should always be aware of your surroundings, even after you’ve left the establishment.
The Safety of Online Sports Betting
Since we’ve already covered the possible online betting scams, here we’ll focus on the risks of making bets on a safe site or app. Using an established online betting site is by far a safer way to wager on sports, but there are potential threats that you should be aware of, such as:
- Hackers – while this is becoming harder with some online sites, you never want anyone to gain access to your online betting accounts and information.
- One-click betting – sometimes the convenience of online betting can be the downfall of a bettors bank account. If you have a history of discipline problems when it comes to placing bets, then you should just walk away from online betting.
The risks of online betting are minimal and easily avoided with a little leg work on your part. Do your research, understand the safety and security measures of your online betting app, and don’t store or save your passwords on your devices.
ZenSports Uses Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: Keeping Your Information Safe
ZenSports is an online betting marketplace that allows its users to place bets without a centralized bookmaker. Using ZenSports’ unique cryptocurrency called SPORTS tokens you can safely deposit, withdraw, and place bets. With the help of blockchain technology, online bettors can see and verify that transfers have been made, and credited to your ZenSports account.
Maybe you’re unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies and blockchain and you’re wondering how this is better than cash. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We want you to have all the information you need so that you can feel secure in trusting ZenSports for all your online betting needs.
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a digital payment system that doesn’t need banks to verify transfers. This allows anyone, anywhere to send and receive payments. Cryptocurrency transfers are recorded in a public ledger and your funds are stored in a “digital wallet.” The word cryptocurrency comes from the term “encryption”, which is used to verify every transaction, thus providing safety and security.
It may all sound a little strange if it’s something new to you, we get it. But cryptocurrency involves super-advanced coding to guarantee that your funds are kept safe, and are recorded publicly. So they can’t just “disappear.”
What is Blockchain?
What’s a blockchain, and how does it fit into all of this? Blockchain is the complex technology that’s used to build cryptocurrencies. It’s called Blockchain to describe the way transactions are time-stamped and recorded in “blocks.”
Blocks store information, such as:
- The date, time, and an amount of your recent transaction
- Who is participating in the transaction, but without using your name you will be assigned a “digital signature” instead (like a username)
- Information that distinguished the block from other blocks called a “hash”, which is a unique code assigned to each transaction
A blockchain is a series of blocks all strung together like a chain.
A block cannot be added to the blockchain unless these four things happen:
- A transaction must take place
- The transaction must be verified
- The transaction is then stored to a block
- That block must be given a hash
It may seem complicated, but that’s the idea. It’s very difficult for hackers to tamper with. Transactions require a more detailed authentication process than your bank would typically offer.
We know that trust is a huge issue in the online betting world. So now you know why we go to such lengths to develop our own cryptocurrency using blockchain technology. With ZenSports, you can rest assured knowing your bets are in safe hands.
Peer to Peer Betting: The Future of Sports Betting
In a traditional wagering setting, a bookmaker sets the odds and stacks them in their favor as part of a profit-making strategy. The ZenSports platform operates on a peer-to-peer betting system, meaning that anyone can become the “bet-maker” and anyone can be the “bet-taker.” Without a bookmaker, your odds go up.
So how does ZenSports make money? Simple, we take a small percentage of every bet made on our platform. Aside from better odds, the great thing about peer-to-peer betting is that you can make or take bets anonymously from anyone around the world, and invite your friends to join in.
Peer-to-peer allows users to create their own bets as a maker, with their own odds and terms, putting you in full control of your betting destiny. If you prefer to be the taker of bets, simply set up your ZenSports account and find the bets you’re interested in betting on.
ZenSports is a decentralized sports betting system where everyone within our ecosystem has a role to play so that everything runs smoothly and fairly. We have created a system that operates on:
- Rules
- Deadlines
- A penalty/reward system
This ensures that everyone within the marketplace is acting in good faith. Peer-to-peer is the future of online betting. Give us a try today.
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.
How To Place Sports Bets Online
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:
Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Live In |
---|---|---|
DraftKings | 20% deposit match up to $1000 | CO, IN, NJ, WV, PA, IL, IA, NH |
FanDuel | Up to $1000 risk-free bet | CO, IL, IN, NJ, WV, PA |
FOX Bet | Up to $500 risk-free bet | CO, NJ, PA |
BetRivers | 100% deposit match up to $250 | CO, IN, PA, IL |
PointsBet | 2 risk-free bets up to $2,000 | NJ, IN, IA |
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
State | First Online Sportsbook Launched |
---|---|
Colorado | May 2020 |
Illinois | June 2020 |
Indiana | October 2019 |
Iowa | August 2019 |
Michigan | 2021 |
Nevada | 2010 |
New Hampshire | December 2019 |
New Jersey | July 2018 |
Oregon | March 2020 |
Pennsylvania | May 2019 |
Rhode Island | September 2019 |
Tennessee | Late 2020 |
Washington DC | May 2020 |
West Virginia | August 2018 |
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.
Free Sports Bets
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
Where To Bet On Sports
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.
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
Action | Having “action” is meant to indicate you have a vested interest in a match. If you placed a bet on a match, you could say you have “action” on that match. |
Bonus | An added benefit or reward, usually given to new players as a thank you or to frequent players for crossing certain spending thresholds |
Bankroll | The amount of money you’re willing to risk or bet at a sportsbook |
Edge | An advantage, either real or perceived, that a bettor has over the sportsbook’s odds |
Even Money | A bet with a 50-50 outcome, aka an even chance for either side to win |
Handle | Number of bets taken by a sportsbook |
Lines | Another term for point spread. A “line” is set on matches with a favorite and an underdog to make the outcome more even. |
Live betting | Wagering on a game or match after it has already started. |
Margin | The difference between the odds of a match and the true probability of the outcome. |
Odds | Numbers assigned to bets meant to indicate the likelihood of specific outcomes. |
Prop bet | A bet on an in-game event not likely to affect the outcome of the match. For example: Will Khalil Mack record a sack in the second half? |
Push | Result of a tie between the bettor and the sportsbook. No money is won and no money is lost in a push, you keep your wager but receive no winnings. |
Spread | Like “lines,” a spread is set to encourage bets on either side of a match-up by giving a point advantage to the predicted underdog. |
Exotics | Exotics are less common bet types beyond point spreads, moneylines, or totals. Some might consider parlays or pro bets to be “exotic.” |
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.
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.
Some remaining states are in the early process of building legislation to allow sports betting, such as California and Massachusetts.
Can You Place Sports Bets Online In Arizona
Only a select few states, such as Texas, have specifically moved to stop sports betting legislation.