Whether you are new to sports betting or a seasoned veteran, there are a few things you need to know about sportsbooks. This article will cover some of the most common types of bets you can make, as well as the legality of sportsbook betting in the US.
Legality of sportsbook betting in the US
Depending on the state, legal sportsbook betting can take place in a retail location, online, or on a mobile app. In order to be legal, a sportsbook must be licensed and have a rigorous regulatory regime. It must also meet consumer safety requirements.
Some states have a lot more regulation than others. In New York, for example, there are dozens of retail sportsbooks that take bets in the state.
The first legal sportsbook in the state opened on June 14, 2018. After the US Supreme Court made sports betting legal in the US, the state has been a launch pad for many other sportsbooks to come.
Legalized sportsbooks in the US
Several states in the US have legalized sportsbooks, but not as many as some people might think. Most states took a year or more to legalize the betting option. However, there are several states with strong gambling regulations that already have legalized sports betting. Here are some of the states that are expected to legalize sports betting in the next few years.
Pennsylvania is already in the legal game. They have several commercial casinos that will offer in-person and online wagering. Their market is still a bit off maturity, though. Their online market will be launched in September 2019. The state recently approved statewide mobile wagering.
Common sports to bet on
Choosing the best sports betting site is a daunting task. Before you can actually play, you have to figure out what you’re playing for. A good rule of thumb is to pick a site that allows you to play for free. Luckily, the best sites for each sport have free trials and free bets for a few select teams. Likewise, you’ll want to avoid sites that don’t provide live coverage of your favorite team. Lastly, you’ll want to avoid sites that require you to pay up front for anything and everything. While this is a good rule of thumb, it isn’t ideal if you want to hone your gambling skills.
Common types of bets you can make at a sportsbook
Having an idea of the types of bets you can make at a sportsbook can help you find a winning strategy. In addition, it’s also important to shop for the best prices.
The most common type of bets at sportsbooks are parlays and spreads. Parlays allow you to combine multiple bets on a single game. If you choose a three-team parlay, all of the selections must win to make the parlay a winner. A three-team parlay would require you to risk $112 to make a profit of $100.
Spreads, on the other hand, are used to make predictions about the margin of victory. For example, if the point spread for a game between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Dolphins is -5 points, the sportsbook expects the Bulls to win by 5 points.