How to Bet on Sports Online

Want tips on how to ace your first-ever online sports bet? Tried sports betting online but unsure of which strategies work best?

Online Sports Betting Guide: How to Bet Online

As more states allow sports betting, different sportsbooks are now available, like SportsBetting.com. We’re hosted in certified data centers with state-of-the-art data security to ensure our clients’ safety and privacy.

Whether you’re a newbie or a pro bettor, this is the place for you. What’s even more exciting is that you can place your bets in the comfort of your home!

Want to know how? Here’s a complete guide to making online sports bets to help you increase your chances of winning!

1. Find a site that matches your needs.

You may be asking this: How do I know which online sportsbook to choose? If you’re a sports betting rookie, choose sites that clearly discuss the rules of each bet well.

Try to pick sites that are easy to navigate. Answer the following questions to help you decide whether you’re on the right sportsbook site:

• Is it a trusted site?
• Does the site cover all the sports you want to bet on?
• Does it have your preferred deposit options?
• Does it offer live betting?
• Does the site have a mobile app?
• Is the site mobile-optimized for easy betting?
• Can you deposit and bet in your local currency?
• Do the minimum or maximum deposits match your bankroll?
• Are the odds and lines competitive?
• Are there enough bonus offers and rewards for you?

While not all of these questions may apply, they can help you decide which site satisfies your needs best.

Licensed and regulated in Colorado, SportsBetting.com guarantees safe and secure gaming across all our platforms.

To maximize your online sports betting experience, we have prepared daily and weekly promotions, including those for the biggest events of the season!

2. Create an account.

After choosing a credible sportsbook like SportsBetting.com and understanding the rules, you can now download our app and make an account.

If you’re a first-time bettor, start out charting bets you like without risking your own money. Most bookmakers let you access their odds without asking you to make an account.

Once you already know how moneylines and totals work and you’re ready to bet, you can now set up an actual account.

Each site may have different steps in creating accounts. But most online sportsbooks would ask you to give the following details:

• Name
• Address
• Password
• Mobile Phone Number
• Email Address (usually becomes your username)
• Date of Birth

To keep your personal info and payments safe and protected, SportsBetting.com only uses government-approved data centers and world-class security.

Once you input all the necessary details, you now have an account. Click here to see how easy it is to create your account with SportsBetting.com!

3. Make a deposit.

Sportsbooks offer different deposit options, including prepaid cards (specific to the site) and, sometimes, bitcoins.

4. Place your bet.

After checking the lines and determining which ones can be profitable, you’re now ready to place your bet!

When you click on the line you want, you’ll be taken to another screen. It’ll ask you if you’re going to place the bet as a straight bet or as part of a parlay or teaser.

Select “straight bet” if this is the only bet you want to make. Then, put the desired amount.

Once you enter the amount, you’ll know the payout for the winning bet. If you’re satisfied with that, hit “OK” or “Confirm bet.”

Wondering what to do next? Nothing but pray to the gambling gods!

Great to Know: Useful Tips for Online Sports Betting

1. Set a budget.

One of the biggest mistakes that sports bettor newbies make is not setting a budget. It’s also easier to be carried away when playing online, so don’t forget this tip!

In any type of gambling, the golden rule is to not risk what you can’t afford to lose. It’s better to stick to more or less the same amount with each bet. Once you’ve set the amount, try to stick to it.

Identifying a “can’t miss” bet is another common mistake of bettors. They tend to bet a crazy amount of money on such a line. Then, they end up in big trouble if that bet doesn’t win.

2. Start small.

Avoid making the mistake of betting too much when you're still learning how to win in online sports betting. Slowly increase the amount once you understand how the bet works.

Manage your bankroll well and only bet the amount you can afford to lose. Never use money required for your regular bills and expenses.

3. Read and understand the betting rules.

Know all the rules before even creating an account. Don’t assume you know all the betting rules before placing a bet. Take some time to review

Always double-check the guidelines, especially because it’s your money at stake. Also, read the terms and conditions about bonus offers.

You don’t want to be one of those online bettors who’ve missed out on extra value because they skipped the part about bonuses or promotions.

4. Compare betting odds and lines.

You have to be smart when making online bets. Choose the best possible value from your bets. Look for sites that offer the best possible odds and lines.

Different sites display the odds and lines they offer for all their betting markets. At SportsBetting.com, we have everything you need to make your sports betting experience even better. These include sharp odds, a wide range of lines, props, and futures.

We’re also supported by advanced data security and encryption.

5. Take advantage of special offers and promotions.

While it’s rare to see U.S. online sports betting sites that allow you to bet for free, different sportsbooks offer bonuses once you meet a few requirements.

These are available in different forms, like increased odds or cashback on specific bets.

Either subscribe to a newsletter or receive regular updates regarding special offers and promotions.

If you’re making your account for the first time, you may get a welcome bonus and other promotional offers from different sportsbooks. These include risk-free bets or bonuses equal to a percentage of your initial deposit.

6. Withdraw and enjoy some of your winnings.

If you win, there could be a handsome sum of money waiting for you in your online account. Usually, withdrawing at least some of it is the smart thing to do.

While there’s nothing wrong with growing your bankroll from your profits, it’s also a good idea to stash some of your winnings.

But avoid withdrawing everything and spending it all at once. Save some of a rainy day. It’s great to have something to fall back on when results don’t go your way.

For withdrawal options, you may be asked to use the same method you picked for depositing funds. But remember that there could be instances when that’s not possible.

For example, you can use your credit card to deposit money. But you can’t use it as a withdrawal option.

Make sure to learn the pros and cons of different withdrawal options. These include cryptocurrency, credit card or debit card, person-to-person, e-wallet, and wire transfers.

Remember thatprofits collected from sports betting or any other form of gambling are considered taxable income in the United States.

If you win above a certain level, you may receive a 1099-G tax form from operators that states your level of winnings. This tax form will be filed with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).

Also make sure to keep track of your deposits and withdrawals done for online gambling purposes. You can talk to a tax advisor for specific questions relating to your personal situation.

How to Claim Your Winnings

1. Place a withdrawal request.

Simply go to the Cash Out, Withdrawal, Cashier, or Wallet page or window. Then, enter how much money you want to take out. Make sure you’re aware how much money you can withdraw.

2. Select your preferred mode of payment.

There are same-day payouts for e-wallet withdrawals. Withdrawals from credit cards and debit cards take 3 to 5 business days only.

3. Submit your request.

Once you’ve entered all the necessary details, simply click the Submit button. Double-check whether the request has been accepted and processed.

Your request will be tagged as Confirmed or Processed once it’s approved.

Choosing an Online Sportsbook

Choosing an online sportsbook can be a bit overwhelming. Here’s how you can do so!

1. Collect information about the betting site.

To choose the right online sportsbook, make sure to collect as much info as possible about an online sports betting site.

Learn about its betting opportunities and available sports promotions, its availability for mobile betting, and its payment options.

Also check the company’s customer service options and how user-friendly the site is.

To avoid any unwelcome surprises, make sure that you’ve reviewed the betting site’s terms and conditions, especially the bonuses and promotions.

For instance, the sign-up bonus may include a betting requirement or a rollover requirement. This means that you have to bet a given amount to complete the bonus.

Be smart about it and learn how much you need to bet before you can cash out your bonus money.

Also, check the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits to know if they fit your bankroll.

2. Use the betting site’s resource section.

For novice sports bettors who wish to learn how to place bets, plenty of betting sites provide step-by-step guides to betting.

3. Check the site’s security.

The safest online betting sites are managed by legal and regulated operators. These sites undergo a strict application process, comply with specific rules and regulations, and check that customer funds are safe.

Also, offshore sportsbooks may not pay players. If you get stiffed by an unlicensed betting site, you have no recourse. That risk does not exist in licensed sites.

4. Read online sportsbook reviews.

Different sportsbooks give you previews, betting options and tips, odds and lines, and trends.

Where to Place a Legal Online Sports Bet

More states are allowing legal online sports betting. These include the following:

• Colorado
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Michigan
• New Hampshire
• Iowa
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Rhode Island

In 2019, voters in Colorado approved legal sports betting. On May 1, 2020, the official online and mobile rollout took place.

Several sportsbooks are available in Colorado, including SportsBetting.com, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRivers, and BetMGM.

Regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming, SportsBetting.com is licensed as an Internet Sports Betting Operator. So, you can confidently bet on your favorite sports legally with us.

We’ll soon be available in New Jersey, Iowa, Indiana, and more states. So register your email for news, free bets, and promotions!

States That Will Most Likely Launch Sports Betting Sites

Many states have opened up retail sports betting without launching online betting sites. The following states will most likely launch online sports betting sites:

• Arkansas
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Mississippi
• Delaware
• New York

In Delaware, sports betting is legal online, although it’s not officially launched yet.

Online Sports Betting Legality in the USA

With the 2018 US Supreme Court decision that allowed sports betting at the federal level, it’s now easier to place a legal bet on sports online.

Three federal laws apply to online gambling. These include the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), the Interstate Wire Act, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).

Many states, like Colorado, New Jersey, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, offer legal sports betting online. Recognized for high-stakes gambling and glamour, Las Vegas is also known for its sportsbooks that give updated features and different sports bet types.

Still, each state has its own laws and rules regarding online sports betting. Gather as many details as you can regarding the state’s sports betting laws before choosing a betting site.

As licenses are given on a state-by-state basis, some online sportsbooks are not available even where online gambling is allowed.

Legality also depends on your location. You need not be a resident of a state to place your bet. But you have to be physically located within the state to make a legal online sports bet.

The New Jersey Case

In November 2011, New Jersey voters passed a non-binding referendum directing the state legislature to legalize sports betting.

The legislature quickly passed a bill requiring regulated sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. Former governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law.

The major sports leagues challenged New Jersey in court. It claimed that the state was not exempted by the PASPA. So, sports betting couldn’t be legalized in New Jersey.

A lower court ruling favored the leagues, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed it. At that time, the US Supreme Court refused to hear the case.

New Jersey tried to deregulate sports betting in the same venues as before. The sports leagues returned to court and challenged the new approach to sports betting. They won in the lower court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

New Jersey made an appeal and received a rehearing in the Third Circuit, but the state also lost. The Supreme Court approved to hear the case. Then, in May 2018, Jersey won.

What Is Live Sports Betting?

Love the idea of watching action and making quick decisions about what’s going to happen next? Why don’t you check out live sports betting?

Also known as in-game betting or in-play betting, live betting lets you bet on a game while it’s ongoing—instead of before the game or event only.

Apart from the added thrill, live betting gives you more chances to make some money.

Popular with the National Football League (NFL) bettors, in-play betting allows you to take advantage of live odds while watching everything from the Super Bowl to a typical Sunday afternoon football game.

For instance, if an NFL team is getting closer to their opponent’s end zone, we’ll change the odds of a touchdown being scored.

You’ll see live odds during commercial breaks and timeouts or between periods, quarters, and innings.

Whether you want to make money or simply have fun, live sports betting is definitely worth trying with reliable sportsbooks.

Online Sports Betting vs Brick-and-Mortar Site Betting

As its name says, online sports betting allows you to place bets via websites and mobile apps. With the presence of sports betting apps, online sports betting is now a popular option for many sports fans.

Brick-and-mortar establishments need you to go to physical locations to be able to place your bets. For example, you have to visit a bookie, horse track, or casino.

Most of these establishments limit the number of sports that they take bets on. They also don’t offer as many types of bets for each sport.

Usually, off-line sports betting sites only take straight bets like moneylines, spreads, and totals. A few of them take parlays and teasers.

Online sports betting covers just about every sport possible.

Unlike brick-and-mortar sites, online sports betting sites offer every type of bet you can imagine. From parlays to futures and props, we give you every advantage that you need in betting on your favorite sports.

Sports Betting vs. Daily Fantasy Sports

Sports betting allows you to pick a team or several teams to win or cover a point spread.

Daily fantasy sports lets you choose athletes and enter a competition that picks the winner based on the stats gathered by the players in a specific sport.

Currently, daily fantasy sports is legal in about 40 states.

Types of Sports Bets You Can Make

The most known forms of online sports bets include moneyline, point spreads, and totals (over/under).

1. Moneylines

Ever heard people say “ML”? They must be referring to moneylines! A moneyline bet refers to a sports bet on which team will win a game.

The moneyline bet is the most famous way to bet on hockey and baseball. But moneyline sports bets are also popular in football, basketball, and other sports.

The payout in moneyline bets is the same despite how many runs or points the team you bet on got.

Before placing moneyline bets, make sure to understand the American odds system. It often uses a three-digit whole number expressed as either positive or negative.

There are positive and negative moneylines because the two teams are not equally matched.

A negative moneyline means that you won’t win back the same amount you bet. For example, a -200 line requires you to bet $200 to profit $100. So, if your bet is successful, you keep the $200 you staked plus the extra $100 in winnings.

A positive moneyline refers to how much you’ll gain from a $100 stake. For instance, you stake $100 on a +160 line. If you win, you keep the $100 that you bet. Then, you get an extra $160 in winnings.

2. Point Spreads

Point spread betting is the most known way to bet on the two most often bet sports in the United States—basketball and football. In point spread betting, the basic idea is to make the game closer to a 50/50 proposition by adding a handicap.

For example, the New York Giants have a +10.5 spread, while Los Angeles Rams have -10.5. The team with a negative value is the favorite, while the one with a positive value is the underdog.

So, the Rams are the favorites, which are expected to win by at least 10.5 points in this game. The underdogs in this game are the New York Giants, which are expected to lose by 10.5 points.

When betting online, you’ll often find point spreads that have half points involved (like -7.5/+7.5).

3. Totals (Over/Under)

Totals betting is one of the easiest sports bets to understand. All you need to do is bet on whether the combined points scored by both teams during a specific game will be over or under the betting total.

This bet might be over/under 200 points in basketball, over/under 40.5 points in football, or over/under 8.5 runs in baseball.

Like point spread betting, these bets are assumed to be offered at -110 (bet $110 to profit $100) unless otherwise stated.

It’s common in totals betting to see a different price for each option, such as over 5.5 -130 / under 5.5 +110.

4. Parlays

Parlay bets, or accumulators, include betting on two or more selections as part of the same bet. To win, make sure to get each selection on your parlay bet right.

Because of the string of picks associated with parlay, this type of bet is risky. While you can earn high payouts, you’ll less likely get them correct.

Parlay bets may not be perfect for beginners. We suggest placing smaller bets when using these betting options.

5. Futures

Futures, or outright betting, allow you to place a bet on the outcome of a sporting event or competition. You can put your bet at the start of the season and throughout.

Depending on the team’s results, odds will fluctuate. These kinds of bets are often available until the final day.

6. Specials

Specials, or prop bets, don’t necessarily involve the final score but rather events during the game.

You’re free to bet on the time of the first goal or first point, first rushing touchdown, or penalty. For instance, you bet on whether the Buccaneers will score a touchdown in the first 10.5 minutes of the game.

If you’re not confident about which team will win, you can choose these types of bets.

While online gambling takes a little bit of luck, checking schedules and box scores daily and finding the sportsbook with the best odds, like SportsBetting.com, give you higher chances to win money.