There are two types of sports enthusiasts; those who go out and are actively involved in sports. Others sit in front of their televisions and get their dose of action. But somewhere in the middle, on the blurred line, are sports lovers who are dedicated to profiting from their understanding and knowledge of a certain sport. After all, every sports fan thinks they can do a better job than the captain of their favorite team or manage their resources better than the coach. So why not give it a try and win some money through online sports betting?

But just like any edge-of-the-seat thrill-filled sports action is not for a week-old fan, online sports betting is also not for the faint of heart. You may think you know more about your favorite sport, but things may not go your way on any given day. Like on the sports field when the overwhelming favorites are knocked out. So always weigh your options carefully before placing your bets and remember that false bravados will get you nowhere.

If you are in the United States, you probably want to bet on your favorite sports like basketball, American football, etc. The basic principles for online betting, whether it is American basketball betting or American football betting, remain the same. Your job is to beat the punter and win some money, while in the process you can also have a little fun.

There are different types of bets you can place and variations of these are available with various online betting companies. It is important to specify the type of bet you are placing, which can be tricky for a beginner.

Here are different types of bets you can place with bookmakers:

  • Straight bet where you bet on the winner with odds that are already given. It is also often referred to as a single bet.
  • A point spread bet makes things even more interesting and can work for you or against you. The favorite has to beat the underdog with a certain number of points or goals depending on your bet. Even if your team wins but doesn’t beat the other team by a sufficient margin, you won’t make any money.
  • Moneyline betting works exactly the opposite of the points distribution method, and it can take some getting used to. It is best to leave those bets until you become familiar with the system.
  • The total bet is made based on the number of points or goals scored in the match, depending on the sport in question. It has nothing to do with winner or loser, and you can even your chances.
  • An accumulator bet is when you pick your winners in more than one game. Winnings from your first game are combined into your next game for more wins. However, it is imperative that you win the first game; otherwise, it is only considered as a single bet.
  • You can also place bets for future games. Some bets are open at the beginning of the season and you can choose your first winners.

Online sports betting is not as complicated as you think and it can be a lot of fun.