The number of props in a game can be overwhelming, but it’s also easy to track them with a sportsbook. While the sportsbooks have hundreds of props available for every game, you can gain an advantage by tracking them to get the best possible line. This small edge can add up quickly, as different sportsbooks have different clientele. By shopping for the best line at different sportsbooks, you can get that extra half-point on your bet, and that can add up over time.
Alternative Lines
While legalized sports betting has yet to hit all 50 states, the ability to place bets at sportsbooks is catching on in many states. These sportsbooks are required by law to offer many betting markets, including Alternate Lines. This type of betting is the most popular because NFL games have highly predictable margins of victory. But there are other ways to get ahead of the public with this betting strategy. Here are five of them.
American Odds
To understand how to interpret the American odds at a sportsbook, it helps to know what they mean. American betting odds begin with a positive or negative sign and then indicate how much money you will need to stake for a $100 profit. A positive number represents a favorite and a negative one shows the underdog. If the bookie is predicting the underdog to win, you will be able to place a bet that makes you a $100 profit.
Fixed Odds
Fixed odds are the most common type of bets available at sportsbooks. You place your bet at a specified price or odds and the sportsbook never changes the odds after you place the bet. This way, if you place a bet on the Giants at +280 odds, you are guaranteed to receive a payout of $280. Of course, news events and big stories can change the odds, making them lower or higher. Still, Fixed Odds at sportsbook ensure you will receive the payout you’ve agreed upon.
Fractional Odds
In football and baseball, fractional odds are the opposite of American odds, where the sum of probabilities for one event is 100 percent. In order to convert fractional odds to American odds, divide the number of zeros by 100. For example, Floyd Mayweather’s negative boxing odds (-325) can be converted to fractional “London” odds. By doing this, you can see that his odds are 17.1% to win the game.
Exotic bets
For sports fans, one of the more popular betting options involves placing wagers on various horses or numbers. This type of wager is available online, at the racetrack, or on the futures market. While exotic bets are generally difficult to win, they can provide good value. Here are some tips for placing these bets:
Deposit match
What is a deposit match at sportsbook? In simple terms, it is a promotional offer in which the sportsbook will match the amount you deposit. These bonuses are usually given as free bets or site credits, and are usually subject to playthrough requirements and wagering requirements. Make sure you understand all of them before you sign up with a sportsbook. This way, you’ll be sure to avoid missing out on any valuable promotions.