Sports betting is a form of gambling where you place a wager on a sporting event. You can do this online or at a sportsbook in person. In the United States, sports betting is legal in 23 states and is expected to expand to more states in the future.

The first step in sports betting is to find a legitimate bookmaker. This can be done by searching for online sportsbooks and comparing their odds, welcome bonuses, promotions and other features. Some sportsbooks also offer free bets or a risk-free bet, which can help you build your bankroll while learning the basics of sports betting.

There are two main types of bets that you can make: moneylines and point spreads. Both of these are based on the implied probability of an outcome, with low-risk moneylines (favorites) paying lower returns and high-risk moneylines (underdogs) paying higher returns.

Point spreads are the most common type of sports wager. A point spread is the difference in points between a favorite and underdog. Typically, the favorite will have a negative (-) value while the underdog will have a positive (+) value.

Most sports bettors prefer point spreads because they offer higher odds than other types of bets, making them a good choice for recreational bettor who wants to maximize their profits. They can also be used to profit from inefficiencies in the betting market, a strategy known as arbitrage.

If you want to become a successful sports bettor, you need to use your knowledge of the sport and research teams thoroughly. This will increase your chances of winning and avoiding losing streaks.

You should also bet only a small percentage of your bankroll each time. This way, even a strong bettor can keep his or her losses to a minimum.

It’s important to choose a legitimate bookmaker and check their reputation by reading reviews and checking the Better Business Bureau ratings. It’s also a good idea to check out forums, where you can find honest comments about sportsbook operators.

When you’re ready to place a bet, you can deposit funds into your sportsbook account using major credit cards and electronic banking methods like PayPal. You can then withdraw your winnings back to your bank account by using those same methods.

If you’re a beginner, you should start by placing a small bet on an underdog. This will allow you to learn the basic rules of sports betting and see if you’re comfortable with it before placing a larger bet on a favorite team.

The best sports bettors spend time researching their teams and analyzing their opponents’ stats. They do this to ensure they are picking a team that has the best chance of winning.

They also take advantage of free-spin bonuses, which are offered by some sportsbooks to new players and can be used to place more wagers than their original deposit would have allowed. These bonuses can be a great way to boost your bankroll while you’re learning the ropes and building your confidence.