How to place a sports bet – The Athletic

There are a lot of rules and terms to learn regarding sports betting before you can dip your toe in the water. Once you get a grasp on what it is youre betting on, the next step is learning how to place an actual bet.

For the most part, this is an easy process, but there are some key things to know before placing a bet. For starters, there are two common ways to place a sports bet. One is in-person at a sportsbook. That requires going up to a window with a physical ticket written out to place a bet. The more modern way, which has become much more recently, is betting online through a website or app. The process is very different between the two.

Sportsbooks can be intimidating places to new bettors. There are tons of screens with games on, usually a board with dozens of games and the lines and odds associated with them. Its a lot to take in.

If you go up to place a bet and just say I want the Panthers -6.5 the teller can look up the bet, but they might be a bit annoyed. Between Carolina (NFL), Florida (NHL) and a number of different college teams with the same name, theyd have a right to be. Bet sheets, actual pieces of paper with bets listed on them, in the sportsbook will have the number associated with the bet. Its easier and faster to come prepared with the bet number when you get to the window. Saying I want the Panthers against the spread, which is bet number 1234, for $100, will make the process go faster and help ensure you place the right bet.

Its important to know that bet sheets arent always updated throughout the day. They are only updated once per day in many cases. The number associated with the bet wont change, but the line may change. Make sure to read the board to see the latest line before turning in a ticket.

Betting in-person provides the full sportsbook experience: crowds of people yelling at games on big screens because they have money on the line. It can be a fun party atmosphere.

There arent as many options for betting though. With the exception of big events, live betting isnt always available and there is certainly less live betting than betting online. Its harder to find alternate lines and prop bets, for example.

Sportsbooks are cash economies. Bets must be placed with cash. The upside of that is its possible to get cash right away on a winning bet. Once the event has finished and the bet is settled, return to the betting window with a winning ticket and get cash in your hand.

Online betting is growing every year and is a very easy way to place bets. They all have apps and there are multiple to choose from if its legal where you live. Its as simple as clicking or tapping on the desired bet, placing the wager amount and confirming the bet. For parlays, simply choose multiple bets and make sure parlay is selected on the confirmation screen. With so many options its very easy to pick the wrong one so double-checking is a must.

Most online sportsbooks also typically have some form of rewards or loyalty programs that give bonuses based on how much you bet. They also offer profit bonuses, which will give better odds on specific bets, or promotions depending on the sportsbook. These vary from place to place but can be used to the bettors advantage.

The obvious pro to betting online is that its possible to place a bet from the couch. In terms of how to place a bet, its much easier online. Theres also a bevy of options to choose from. Not only are the lines and odds updated in real-time, but there are so many more lines more easily viewable. From alternate lines to countless props and constantly updated live betting on almost every event, everything a sportsbook offers is there to be found.

Another benefit is seeing the potential payout on the confirmation screen. This isnt a big deal for single bets but is nice for parlays or teasers. You can see how swapping bets can change the payout and make a determination of exactly what you want.

Its also much easier to shop lines online. In order to shop lines in person, you have to actually go to a different sportsbook. Thats not an option in most places outside of Las Vegas and even there, who knows if that line will even still be available by the time you get there. Online, simply open a different website or app and compare the offerings.

The downside is the lack of liquidity. In order to bet online, you need to deposit money to create a balance as opposed to paying cash for bets each time. Winning bets are immediately automatically added to the balance, but it can be tedious to cash out and is a slower process.

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth, exclusive coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Link:

How to place a sports bet - The Athletic