The sports betting boom of the United States is well underway, with Americans wagering more than $13 billion in legal games in 2019. Betting on sports has long been a part of sports culture, and the sportbook industry continues to expand as more people take up the practice. Whether you’re looking to make your first bet or have been betting on sports for years, there are some things to keep in mind when placing your wagers.

One of the most important aspects of sports betting is understanding how odds work. Odds specify the probability that an outcome will occur and how much money can be won if it does happen. They can be displayed as American, British (fractional) or European (decimal). The most common type of odds are the decimal numbers, which are shown with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. Our brains are programmed to see a plus sign as positive, but in the world of sports betting odds, it means the team is a favorite to win and a minus sign indicates they’re expected to lose.

There are a variety of ways to place a bet on a game, including moneylines, spreads and totals. You can also place multiple bets together to form a parlay. In addition, many online sportsbooks offer live betting, where you can bet during a game as the action unfolds.

Another common way to bet on sports is by participating in pools or fantasy leagues. Pools are organized by friends or coworkers, while fantasy leagues involve bettors selecting actual athletes to a “fantasy” team before a competition begins. The person with the best selections wins.

While there are no surefire strategies for winning every bet, experienced sports bettors typically use a combination of research and analysis to shape their picks. They often start with major stats like a team’s record, offensive and defensive trends, special teams and recent point totals. They also consider coaching history and player injuries when deciding on their picks.

Whether you’re new to sports betting or an old hand, remember to have fun. Gambling on sports should be a hobby, not a way to get rich quickly. It’s also important to stay clear-headed and not let your emotions or fandom interfere with your decision making. Bet wisely and always bet within your bankroll. You should never risk more than 1% to 5% of your bankroll on any single bet.