Sports betting is a popular pastime that can be fun and profitable. But it’s important to understand the different types of bets and how odds work before you place your first wager. It’s also critical to have realistic expectations and avoid chasing big wins or relying on get-rich-quick schemes. Instead, focus on making a series of small, smart bets that add up to a profit over time. And be sure to shop the odds and lines from multiple sportsbooks to get the best value on your bets.

It’s impossible to predict the outcome of a sporting event with certainty, even for professional handicappers. Those who make a living from sports betting know that they must consistently win more than half of their bets to break even.

One of the most common types of bets is the moneyline, which is a wager on the team or individual you think will win the game. You can also place a bet on the total points of a game, which is based on the combined score of both teams. The bookmaker sets a number for the total points and you can bet on whether the final score will be over or under that amount.

Another type of bet is the futures wager, which is a bet on an event that will occur in the future. These bets are usually available year round, but the payout will not be made until the event occurs. These bets can be placed on a variety of events, including the Super Bowl.