SPORTS BETTING

Sports betting could not exist without the invention of sportsbooks. A sportsbook used to be a literal paper ledger for bookmaker to record bets struck, stakes and prices. However, the sports betting industry has grown exponentially over the past ten years or so, and all the major layers have online betting sites, including an extensive sportsbook. Such sportsbooks have transformed the way in which punters become involved in sports betting. Online sports betting has vastly improved access to for sports punters. The variety of betting options available to punters wishing to bet on sports is absolutely vast. Furthermore, online sportsbooks allow punters to bet on a huge range of sports. Obtaining odds for many events, particularly those held abroad used to be difficult in some cases. However, sports punters can now choose from the almost limitless range of betting odds offered on worldwide sports and associated markets available online.

TYPES OF SPORTS BETTING

Outright Betting

Online sportsbook gamblers have the option of outright betting on most sports. All a punter has to do is pick the winner. For example, in an English Premiership game between Wigan and Middlesbrough, the betting might be 11/10 Wigan, 3/1 Middlesbrough, with the draw at 12/5.

N.B. Football punters should note that betting is for 90 minutes pay and includes odds for the draw.

In an NFL game between Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs the outright betting (money line) is likely to be 2/9 Carolina and 4/1 Kansas.

Points Spreads

Handicapping or "point spreads" are also used for betting on various sports. In the above Wigan v Middlesbrough match, the handicap betting would be in the region of 3/1 Wigan -1 goal, 4/6 Middlesbrough +1 goal, with the handicap tie at 11/4. Points spreads are used in American Football and basketball. In the Carolina v Kansas game the points spread is likely to be Kansas +9.5 points, Carolina 9.5 points, with both sides at 10/11.

Total Goals / Points

Online sports betting also allows punter to bet on the total goals or points scored in a game. This is presented as an Over / Under bet. In the Wigan v Middlesbrough game, the odds on offer might be 8/11 under 2.5 goals and Evens over 2.5 goals. In the Carolina v Kansas game the total points offer is likely to be Over/ Under 38.5 points, both offered at 10/11. The winner of the match is irrelevant to the outcome of the bet.

Quarter / Half Betting

A popular option with sports betting punters on NFL games is quarter / half betting. This form of betting is simply wagering on the first quarter or half the game. Only that quarter or half pertains to the bet, the final score being irrelevant. Outright and points spread betting is available. Half betting is also available on English Football League games.

Ante-Post Betting

Ante-post betting on sports is also popular. An ante-post bet is a wager on an individual or team to win a future event. Ante-post sports betting options are available on all major sports and may include such as the English Premiership, Superbowl, Golf's Order of Merit, the Snooker World Championship, Stanley Cup ice hockey, major tennis and cricket events, along with a vast range of others. Sports betting has always been an enjoyable pastime, but with new improvements that online sportsbooks offer, it is now more convenient and pleasurable than ever.