As sports betting becomes more regulated in the United States, dedicated bettors and casual fans alike are looking to make their wagers with licensed operators. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. This article will outline some of the basics of official betting.

Money Lines

In a money line bet, you are placing your money on a team to win the game. The odds of this bet are listed on the ticket, with the negative sign indicating the favorite (LSU in this case) and the positive sign indicating the underdog (Auburn). Generally speaking, the higher the underdog’s price, the more likely you are to win the bet. The money line odds change constantly, and the one in effect at the time of your bet is considered the official for purposes of settlement.

Over/Under (TOTAL)

The total score of a game, which can be determined by adding the final scores of each team. You can bet on whether the TOTAL will be greater than or less than a set amount, which is usually published by sportsbooks prior to the game. If the TOTAL is surpassed, you will win the bet. If the TOTAL is not surpassed, you will lose the bet.

Almost all states that have legalized sports betting have strict licensing regimes in place, so be sure to read up on the specifics of each state before placing your bets. In addition, some states have restrictions on the types of bets they will allow, such as collegiate player props, and it is important to note these limitations before placing your bets.

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