In a world where sports betting has emerged from the shadows and into the mainstream, millions of people have questions about how to wager on their favorite teams. The anti-gambling stigma that once surrounded sports betting has faded away, opening the door to legalization and an enormous industry.

Before you make a bet, you need to understand the game’s rules, betting terms and strategies. In addition, you should know what kind of bets are available and the different odds. You should also check out the house rules at your chosen sportsbook. These may differ from one sportsbook to the next.

A good starting point for beginners is the Over/Under (O/U) bet. The O/U is a bet on the total points scored in a game. The oddsmakers set the over/under number based on their predictions of how many points will be scored. A bettor can bet on the over or under by determining which team they think will score more points.

The Over/Under bet is a popular way to wager because of the high payouts. However, it is important to remember that the O/U bet will not pay off until the game is over. Therefore, it is important to research the teams and learn everything you can about them, including injuries, player statistics and other factors that could impact the game.

Another popular bet is the Moneyline bet. The Moneyline bet pays out if the team you bet on wins by exactly the amount that you chose. The odds for the bet are shown as plus (+) and minus (-). The plus sign means that the team is the underdog and the minus sign means that the team is the favorite.

There are many other types of bets, but the most important thing is to know your limitations and be clear-headed. It is difficult to make a lot of money at sports betting, but it can be done if you are patient and follow some simple rules. The key is to do your homework and separate your fandom from your bets.

Finally, be sure to research each sportsbook and read user reviews. However, don’t let these reviews be gospel; what a person sees as negatives, another might find positives. Then, find the site that fits your needs. In addition, be prepared for a fast-paced environment, especially in live betting, which is becoming increasingly popular. Also, be aware that not all online sportsbooks accept bets on all games. It’s important to choose the right sportsbook for your wagering needs.