For many people, sports betting represents the pinnacle of skill-based gaming. Instead of relying on the odds, like slot machine players do, the sports bettor relies instead on his or her instincts and thorough knowledge of the game. This article focuses on some of the most frequently asked questions about the world of betting on sports.
What kinds of sports can the gambler bet on?
It is possible to bet on just about any sport, including professional football, college football, basketball, professional baseball, professional hockey, tennis, horse racing and dog racing. In addition, the sports book also sometimes allows betting on special events such as the Indy 500 car race and some professional golf tournaments.
Just what is meant by the “spread”?
The spread is a term any sports bettor needs to be familiar with. In simple terms, the spread is the point advantage given to the team considered to be the weakest. The weaker team is expected to lose by X number of points, and the odds makers even the bets using the spread. Generally those who bet against the spread will be making an 11-10 bet.
That means that you win $10 if you bet $11, giving you a total of $21 for your $11 bet if your team covers the spread. A team is said to cover the spread if it wins within the score set by the spread. For instance, if Team A is Playing Team B and the spread is Team A –7, Team B must win by at least 8 points to cover the spread.
Why must the player bet $11 to win $10?
This is how the sports book makes its money. In an ideal world, an equal amount would be bet on both teams, and the sports book would make its 10% from the losing side. However, this rarely happens in real life, and the $11 to $10 ratio is intended to even this situation out.
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