Sports betting is an ancient practice, existing for as long as organized sports and physical competitions. So, what’s the reason that sports betting has remained so popular for centuries? The chance of making or losing some money is a great way of making any game more exciting. Whether you are a seasoned sport better or new to the practice, knowing more about sports betting is an easy way to increase your enjoyment.
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A Little History of Sports Betting
The first recorded example of sports betting in history dates back over 2,000 years to ancient Greece. It is believed that betting on athletic competitions became popular in ancient Greece with the Olympics’ start. The practice of betting on sports is thought to have spread from ancient Greece to Rome, where it became so popular it was eventually legalized. The Romans were particularly fond of betting on gladiator games, but sports betting remained popular even after gladiator games were outlawed.
As history progressed, sports betting became subjected to different politicizations. While some governments and cultures celebrated the pastime, others forced it underground. Modern horse racing gained massive popularity in the UK in the early 18th century. It was horse racing that promoted the modern United Kingdom’s boom in sports betting. The craze quickly became popular in other countries around the world. New world counties like the US and Canada set up their own gambling governing bodies by the late 19th century. The next major renaissance of sports betting then came with the emergence of online casinos in the 1980s. It is this form of betting that became a global focus of bettors everywhere.
Is Sports Betting Right for You?
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Sports betting is a fun activity that can help you get more excitement out of a sporting fixture. While sports betting is a very enjoyable activity, it should also be undertaken with caution. You are playing with money and the risks that surround that need to be respected. There are a few personality types that should not partake in gambling of any kind, so you should avoid sports betting if you have any of the following traits:
- If you have an addictive personality. Sports betting is a gambling activity and therefore has a high risk of addictions.
- You are low on money. While you can win money from sports betting, it is ill-advised to regarded betting purely as a money-making activity.
- If it is illegal where you are. While betting is legal in most places, there are some states and countries where it is illegal.
It is important to consider these risks before gambling, even if you do not think they directly apply to you. Remember, always gamble responsibly and seek help if you ever start to develop a problem.
How to Start Sports Betting
Before you put any money on a bet, you must understand some of the basic aspects of sports betting.
1. Understand the Different Wagers
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As a beginner, it is unlikely that you will encounter too many different types of wagers. However, it can be helpful to understand the terminology to make the most informed bet. A wager refers to the bet placed on any event offered by a sportsbook, casino, or racebook. The examples below are just a few of the most popular types of wager.
A win-bet wager is the ‘traditional’ way to bet on sports and one of the most popular. It is also one of the easiest to understand: you bet on one side or team to win and make money if they do.
Point spreads wagers are very popular, especially with American football and basketball. Instead of betting on a winner, you are betting on a participant that will ‘cover the spread’. The bookmaker chooses a favorite and an underdog. When you back a favorite on a point, spread you back them to win by a margin greater than the spread’s size. When you back an underdog, you back them to win or lose by a margin greater than the spread.
Handicap betting is similar to point spread betting as both awards and deduct points from teams. Unlike point spread, the aim of handicap betting is not to make the participants equal favorites.
Handicap betting focuses on improving or reducing the odds of winning.
2. Understand Odds and Pay-outs
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Odds not only inform you of the amount you stand to win, but they also offer valuable information about your chance of success. There are different odds formats and different prices. For example, a wager can have odds that are expressed either as ‘odds on’ or ‘odds against ‘. An ‘odds on’ wager means that the money that you stand to win is less than the stake you made on the bet. In ‘odds against’ wager, the potential winnings can be greater than the amount staked.
3. Learn How to Make Wagers
Making a high wager is as much about luck as it is about understanding. When you learn how to make a wager, start small, start slow, and go from there. Betting on the sports and teams that you know is a good start. Remember to keep a clear head and not be enticed into making snap decisions.
While luck is a big part of any type of gambling, sports betting allows you to put your knowledge and your skills to the test. Search online for professional handicapping advice, such as the kind that you find at https://www.docsports.com/.
4. Choose Your Sport
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If you are new to betting, then, chances are, you are planning to bet on your favorite sport or team. If this is not the case for you, then you might want to bet on one of the most popular sports. Choosing a popular sport like football, American football, or basketball offers you the most opportunity to place a bet. For anyone new to betting, you must understand your chosen sport before taking a wager.
5. Decide Where to Bet
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Online betting is probably the easiest and most convenient way of placing sports betting. It is important to choose the right online bookkeeper, as with some, like Unibet, you can receive their bonus, an offer for everyone new to their site.
While betting doesn’t involve as much luck as casino slots or other betting forms, it still plays a big part. If you are new to sports betting, remember that no matter how informed you are, you can never tell the outcome of a game. Stay sensible with your money; only bet what you have and don’t play too frequently.
