Welcome to Odds Shark’s sports betting guide which contains betting info explaining how sports betting works and how to bet online. Think of this betting guide as a sports betting 101 hub you can bookmark and revisit later when you're looking for anything related to sports betting, including strategy and finding the right sportsbook.
What is sports betting?
Sports betting is simply the act of placing a monetary wager on the result of a sports event (football, baseball, tennis, etc.) with the hope of winning money. Some people consider sports betting their job, but most people enjoy it recreationally as a form of entertainment and a way to make games more interesting.
Today, sports bettors in states where it's legal, can place wagers from the comfort of their own couch thanks to popular sports betting apps that accept various electronic payment methods.
Understanding sports betting and how to read odds can be confusing at first so keep reading for more betting information. Our sports betting glossary can help you learn the vocabulary.
Choosing a Sportsbook
You've probably seen FanDuel and DraftKings commercials on television or bet365 signage at ballparks. Every sportsbook is different, and at Odds Shark we help bettors get to know the pros and cons of each of the top sports betting apps so you can make an informed decision. Whichever sportsbook you choose, we suggest checking out this welcome bonus and promotions page to make sure you don't miss out on profit boosts and bonus bets.
Clicking on the icons in the blue box below will show you the pros and cons of each of the best sportsbooks for that specific sport. If you plan to mainly bet one sport, it's a great way to help you decide the right fit for you.
Having Multiple Sports Betting Apps
Every professional bettor utilizes more than one sportsbook and it's wise for recreational bettors to do the same if your state offers multiple options. By having several sportsbooks, you can take advantage of welcome offers and, more importantly, have the ability to shop around and get the best price on each bet.
How to win at sports betting
The truth is that consistently winning while betting on sports is not easy, and if someone makes it look easy, that's a red flag they're selling you snake oil. At Odds Shark, we give you the sports betting basics for beginners and sports betting strategies for seasoned bettors because we genuinely enjoy sharing the best sports betting information out there.
Finding trusted sources of sports betting info is an important piece of being a bettor, and this page is designed to keep you in the loop on different sports betting angles to consider. If you choose to lean on others outside of Odds Shark, we've written reviews for sports betting pick services that are worth your consideration. We encourage every new bettor to be skeptical of people or companies who promise to help make you rich betting on sports. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Sports Betting FAQ
What does +400 mean in betting?
+400 is a form of American odds. If an athlete or a team has a minus sign (-) in front of their odds, they are usually the favorite. If they have a plus sign (+), they are typically the underdog. Wagering $100 on a +400 long-shot would return $500, while wagering $100 on a -400 favorite would payout $125.
Can you make money from sports betting?
Yes, you can most definitely make money from sports betting. Having said that, you can also lose a lot of money from online sports betting as well. Betting on sports can be very profitable, but it's important to check out sportsbook Reviews and discover the ones that best suit both your needs and preferences.
What does 4.0 mean in betting?
4.0 is simply betting odds listed in a decimal format. 4.0 decimal odds are the exact same thing as +300 American odds, 1/3 fractional odds, or 25.00 percent implied odds. A $100 bet amount on 4.0 decimal odds, would payout $400. Our betting odds calculator is a great tool that can help show you how to calculate potential winnings.
Can you bet on sports legally?
Yes, you can bet on sports legally. Sports betting is, in fact, legal in more than two dozen states throughout the United States of America. However, many of these US states have in-person betting only. Several states are reconsidering sports betting because of shortfalls in budget revenue, while a dozen more are less likely to get online sports betting due to politics.
