Sports Betting 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to start betting on sports. Understand odds formats, bet types, how to read lines, and develop a winning approach to sports wagering.
Bet Awards Team
Expert Reviewer
Sports betting combines your love of sports with the thrill of having skin in the game. Whether you're betting on football, basketball, tennis, or esports, this guide will teach you everything you need to get started the right way.
Understanding Odds Formats
Odds tell you two things: the probability of an outcome and how much you'll win. There are three main formats:
Decimal Odds (Most Common Online)
Simply multiply your stake by the odds to calculate your total return.
- Odds of 2.00 = Double your money (even chance)
- Odds of 1.50 = 50% profit on your stake
- Odds of 3.00 = Triple your money
Example: $100 at odds of 2.50 = $250 total return ($150 profit)
American Odds (+/-)
- Positive (+150): How much you win on a $100 bet
- Negative (-150): How much you need to bet to win $100
Fractional Odds (UK Style)
- 5/1 = Win $5 for every $1 bet
- 1/2 = Win $1 for every $2 bet
🎯 Types of Sports Bets
- Moneyline: Simply pick the winner
- Point Spread: Team must win by a certain margin
- Over/Under (Totals): Bet on combined score being over or under a number
- Parlays/Accumulators: Multiple bets combined for higher payouts
- Props: Bets on specific events (first scorer, total assists, etc.)
- Futures: Long-term bets (championship winner, MVP, etc.)
- Live Betting: Wager during the game as odds change
How to Read a Betting Line
Here's an example NFL game:
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants
Cowboys -3.5 (-110) | Giants +3.5 (-110)
Total: 47.5 (Over -110 | Under -110)
This tells us:
- Cowboys are 3.5-point favorites (must win by 4+)
- Giants are 3.5-point underdogs (can lose by up to 3 or win)
- Combined score predicted at 47.5 points
- -110 means bet $110 to win $100
Building a Winning Approach
1. Specialize in What You Know
Don't try to bet on everything. Focus on:
- 1-2 sports you follow closely
- Specific leagues you understand
- Bet types you're comfortable with
2. Research Before Betting
- Check injury reports
- Look at head-to-head records
- Consider home/away performance
- Watch for motivation factors (playoffs, rivalries)
3. Shop for the Best Lines
Different sportsbooks offer different odds. Having accounts at multiple books lets you always get the best price:
- 1xBet - Best for variety (code: 1x_4199785)
- MelBet - Great odds on soccer (code: ml_1802491)
- 1win - Excellent live betting (code: betawards)
4. Manage Your Bankroll
- Never bet more than 1-3% of your bankroll per game
- Don't chase losses with bigger bets
- Track all your bets in a spreadsheet
- Set weekly/monthly limits
5. Avoid Common Traps
- Don't bet on your favorite team emotionally
- Big favorites don't always win
- Parlays are fun but rarely profitable long-term
- The public is often wrong—consider contrarian bets
📱 Best Sports Betting Platforms
| Platform | Best For | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | Most sports & markets | 1x_4199785 |
| Stake | Crypto sports betting | faJ0Es7P |
| 1win | Live betting & streaming | betawards |
| MelBet | Soccer betting | ml_1802491 |
Start Your Sports Betting Journey
Begin with small stakes while you learn. Track your bets, analyze your results, and continuously improve. The goal isn't to win every bet—it's to make smart decisions that profit over time.
Ready to place your first bet? Start with 1xBet using code 1x_4199785 for a 130% welcome bonus!
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