How to Bet on Sports: Beginner’s Guide

Legal sports betting is now available in over half the U.S., and millions of Americans are placing bets on the NFL, NBA, MLB, and more.

Whether you’re new to betting or looking to sharpen your strategy, this guide explains everything you need to get started — from types of bets to choosing the right sportsbook.

1. What is sports betting?

Sports betting is the act of placing a wager on the outcome of a sporting event. Bettors place money on things like which team will win, how many points will be scored, or whether a specific player will hit a milestone.

Modern sportsbooks allow betting online via apps or websites, with live odds that adjust in real time.

2. Is sports betting legal in the U.S.?

Yes — but it depends where you live. Over 26 states have legalized online sports betting, including New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Some states offer retail (in-person) betting only, and others still ban it entirely.

Before you bet, make sure to:

Use a licensed sportsbook in your state
Meet the minimum legal age (usually 21)
Enable geolocation on your device to place bets

3. How to choose a sportsbook

A good sportsbook should be legal, fast, and easy to use.

Here are the key factors to consider:

Feature	Why It Matters
✅ Legal & licensed	Ensures secure betting and protected funds
✅ Welcome bonus	Get bonus bets or insurance as a new user
✅ Fast payouts	Receive your winnings within 24–72 hours
✅ User-friendly app	Easy navigation and fast bet placement
✅ Variety of markets	Bet on NFL, NBA, MLB, college, and international
✅ Live betting & cashout	Bet in real time and settle early if needed
✅ Loyalty rewards	Earn points or cashback on your bets

Top picks: FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, Caesars, BetMGM, Fanatics

4. How to place a sports bet (step-by-step)

Choose a licensed sportsbook in your state and download the app
Register an account with your name, email, address, and last 4 digits of your SSN
Make a deposit (usually $10 minimum) using PayPal, card, or bank transfer
Claim your welcome bonus — usually a bet-and-get offer or first bet insurance
Browse the sportsbook to find a game or player market you like
Select your bet type and enter a wager amount
Review and confirm your bet

After that, just wait for the event to finish — or use live betting features if available.

5. Most popular bet types explained

Understanding bet types helps you bet smarter, not just more often. Here are the main ones:

Moneyline

Bet on which team or player will win outright. Example: Yankees -150 vs. Red Sox +130

Point Spread

Wager on margin of victory. Example: Lakers -5.5 means they must win by 6+ points to cover.

Totals (Over/Under)

Bet on the combined score of both teams. Example: Over 48.5 total points in an NFL game.

Parlays

Combine multiple bets into one ticket for a bigger payout — but all legs must win.

Same-Game Parlays (SGP)

Multiple bets from a single game, like “Jalen Hurts to score + Eagles to win.”

Props (Player or Game)

Bet on individual performances or events, like “LeBron to score 30+” or “First team to score.”

Futures

Long-term bets like “Chiefs to win Super Bowl” or “Jokic to win MVP.”

Live Betting

Place bets during the game as odds shift in real time.

6. Tips for smarter betting

Here are some best practices to stay profitable and responsible:

Line shop: Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks
Start small: Learn the ropes before wagering big amounts
Use bankroll management: Never bet more than 1–2% of your total funds on a single bet
Track your bets: Stay organized and review performance over time
Avoid chasing losses: Take breaks and stick to your plan
Stick to sports you know: Knowledge gives you an edge

7. Can you bet on sports for free?

Yes — many sportsbooks offer promotions like:

Bonus bets with no deposit
Second chance bets if your first wager loses
Odds boosts on featured games

Plus, sweepstakes sportsbooks (like Fliff and Rebet) let you bet with virtual currency that can be redeemed for cash prizes.

8. Common mistakes to avoid

Betting based on emotion or fandom
Ignoring line movement and market trends
Parlaying too many legs for low-probability wins
Not understanding odds formats or bet types
Using offshore or unregulated sportsbooks

9. Final word: how to bet on sports safely and successfully

Sports betting can be fun, rewarding, and even profitable — but only if you approach it with a clear plan. Start with a trusted sportsbook, learn the basics, and bet within your limits.