In sports betting, people try to predict the outcome of a particular match or event and place a wager on sports betting odds. It’s a very popular form of gambling not just in the US but also in Europe, Japan, and many other parts of the world.

However, there are some places, particularly in the US, where sports betting is illegal and prohibited.

In the US, sports wagering establishments are allowed in states like Nevada, Montana, Oregon, and Delaware. But other than these states, a sports bettor can also find online bookmakers located outside the US.

Is Sports Betting Profitable?

Sports betting has become profitable for many people from all walks of life. Some even rely solely on this type of gambling to earn a living. But some bettors just want to prove that they are the best in predicting the outcome of particular sports.

These people find satisfaction in the pride of knowing the vast sports wisdom. But whatever one’s purpose is when betting on sports outcomes, this activity can surely add more excitement and spice to your life.

How to Bet on Sports?

Sports betting can be done in different ways, but the two most common types of betting are straight or side bets and point spread bets. In straight or side bets, a bettor picks a team or player he thinks will win the match. If the bettor’s choice wins the game, then he wins the wager.

Typically, the side or player who garners the most points will be the winner. Straight bets are commonly used for baseball matches. But most bettors prefer point spread betting for sports like basketball and football.

In point spread sports betting, wagers are applied not just on the outright winner of the game but also on a predetermined number of points.

Under this type of betting, you will only win the wager if the team or player you bet on has reached the specified number of points you picked before the game starts.

For instance, in a +9 bet, your chosen side must win the game by more than nine points for you to win the bet. On the other hand, a – 9 bet means your pick must win by less than 9 points; otherwise, you lose your money.

How to Choose a Sportsbook for Online Betting

The number of online sportsbooks is growing at an exponential rate. Hundreds of offshore wagering establishments have launched in the past few years. Unfortunately, it’s not easy sometimes to know which sportsbooks you should trust. Here’s a quick and practical guide for the uninitiated in choosing the right sports betting site.

What should you look for when evaluating online sports betting establishments? The Online Football Gambling Association (a respected industry establishment) answers this question by making judgments based on the following criteria:

Reputation

Does the company have a reputation for honesty and fair play? Do the leading independent gaming organizations fully endorse them?

Location

Is the company legal and licensed by the government under which they operate? Does location affect their accessibility and server uptime?

Customer Service

Is email and telephone contact information prominently displayed on their website, and do they offer wagering help and registration assistance 24 hours, seven days a week? Does this sportsbook have an excellent track record for dispute resolution?