The legalization of sports betting has given fans a chance to put their knowledge of the game and the players to work. In the United States alone, $13 billion was bet legally in 2019. But for many sports enthusiasts who want to try their hand at placing wagers, there are a few things they should consider before making their first bet.

Having a money management plan is essential to a successful sports wagering experience. This includes knowing how much you can risk on each bet and what percentage of your bankroll to use on each individual wager. Many experts suggest starting with between 1 and 5 percent of your total bankroll and slowly increasing it as you gain confidence in your skills.

In addition to money management, it is important to research the sport and be able to understand its dynamics. This can be done in a number of ways, from studying past match results to staying current with injury reports. It is also important to weigh in other factors like weather conditions and a team’s overall record against its opponent. This will help you make informed decisions and place bets that are most likely to succeed.

Oddsmakers determine the odds of a game by evaluating each side and the event’s overall chances of occurring. They then assign a number to each side based on their assessment, creating what is known as the spread or handicap. The favorite side or team is usually considered to be the stronger one, but this can depend on other factors such as home field advantage and injury history. The underdog, on the other hand, has a lower probability of winning or happening and therefore has higher odds than the favorite.

In addition to standard moneylines and point spreads, sportsbooks offer a variety of other bets, including totals, props, and futures. While spreads and totals focus on a specific game and team, props (or proposition bets) are outside of this scope. These types of bets are often tied to a specific aspect of the game such as player performance, and can pay out larger winnings than regular bets.

Another popular type of bet is the half-time or in-game line, which reflects a prediction of what will happen during the second half of the game. In-game lines are constantly updated based on how the game is playing out, and can be made at any time during the game.

While betting on sports is fun and a great way to add excitement to a sporting event, it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. While it’s not unheard of for a non-fan to place a bet, the majority of people who bet on sports are fans who are looking for a way to capitalize on their knowledge of a sport or team to earn extra cash. This article will provide some basic information about sports betting, including how to read the odds and common terms used by bettors.