Sports betting is a fun and entertaining way to place wagers on various sporting events. However, it is also a complex business that requires experience and knowledge of the game. There are a few key things you should know to be successful at sports betting, including how to start and where to place your bets.

1. Set a Bankroll

The first thing you need to do is decide on a bankroll that is appropriate for your betting habits. To do this, you need to find out how much money you have saved and how much money you are willing to risk on a bet. You can then deposit this amount into a specific account that will be used exclusively for placing sports bets.

2. Read the Odds

The oddsmakers determine who is a favorite and who is an underdog in every game. They consider a wide range of factors, such as home-field advantage and injuries, to determine which team is likely to win.

3. Disregard the Noise

If you want to make money with sports betting, you must ignore the opinions of national TV shows and talk radio hosts. They are usually not as knowledgeable about the sport or its teams as you are, and they will often skew your judgment of a matchup.

4. Be Contrarian

Another important part of sports betting is to bet against the spread or the money line. These bets can pay you more than straight bets, but they are more difficult to win. They also tend to have higher vigs, or vigorish, than straight bets.

5. Use Line Shopping

The best way to make money with sports betting is to look for a chance to bet against the spread at multiple sportsbooks. This is called “line shopping.” This approach takes time and effort, but it can be a rewarding one for the savvy bettor.

6. Use Twitter and Local Beat Reporters

Social media is a great way to keep up with breaking news in real time, including key injuries and team news. You can also follow on-the-ground reporters, such as those in college sports and student newspapers, to get a better idea of what is going on with each team.

7. Watch Live Games

During the summer, the majority of sportsbooks are closed, so it’s a good idea to watch live games when possible. This can help you pick out key players and their individual skills.

8. Use Totals Bets

In football and basketball, totals bets are the most popular type of bet. This is because many games are decided by a single run or a single goal. In addition, totals bets can offer big payouts when they are over or under the line.