If you’re interested in sports betting, you’ll find that there are a number of options to choose from. There are bets on the outcome of a game, as well as wagers on other factors. Betting on sports is a fun and exciting way to put your money behind a particular outcome. However, you’ll also want to be aware of the different types of bets and what they involve.

Point spreads are one type of bet. In point spreads, you bet on a team to win the game, and the bet pays if it does. The team you bet on must win by at least three points to get the payout. On the other hand, you can bet on the underdog to lose by a specific amount. You can also bet on both teams to score.

Point spreads work in football, hockey, and other high-scoring sports. They’re a way to even the playing field for bettors on both sides of the matchup. Most of the time, a half point is added to the final score to ensure that the result is an even tie. Beware: This means the odds can change drastically if the game ends in a tie.

Totals are another common type of bet. The totals are the combined scores of both teams. An over bet is when the combined score of the two teams is higher than the odds; a push is when the combined score of the two teams lands in the under range.

Parlays are another popular form of bet. Parlays involve multiple bets, and can be as many as the bookmaker allows. A parlay’s payout is usually more than a straight bet’s. Payouts vary depending on the price of the bets, and the number of bets included.

Moneyline bets are also commonly used in betting on a game’s winner. Unlike point spread bets, a moneyline bet is not a handicap. It’s a straight bet on the winner. With a moneyline bet, you earn a set amount for every winning bet. But, the payout increases if you bet on the underdog. For example, if you bet on the Texas Rangers to beat the Houston Astros, you will get a payout if the Rangers win by more than six points.

Bets on the outcomes of sporting events often involve a lot of risk. That’s why some people choose a flat-betting approach. By betting the same amount on every game, you don’t have to worry about losing money if your favorite team loses a few games in a row. At the same time, you’ll also keep your bankroll intact in bad spots.

Prop bets are another type of bet that allow you to put your money behind specific outcomes. Examples include wagering on how many goals a team will score in an association football game, or how many yards a player will get in an American football game. These types of bets often involve “wacky” propositions. Sometimes, you can find these in Las Vegas sportsbooks.