If you’re a beginner to sports betting, the first step you need to take is to find a licensed casino. You will also need to learn how to bet and what the betting lines mean. In many cases, it’s not about just picking a winner or a loser. There can be a bit of a learning curve for beginners as there are a variety of different types of bets.

Choosing a sportsbook

Since January 2023, sports betting in Ohio has been legal. There are already many online betting sites where you can place wagers. It’s essential to choose the right sportsbook, and this involves checking whether it has a license. This means it must abide by the rules and regulations of the state gaming board.

The sport you want to bet on will also play a role. Some sportsbooks offer more bets on one type of game over another. Sportsbooks usually have similar games and odds, but where they may vary is in the features they offer. You should look at bonuses, loyalty programs, etc. before deciding. The payment options you want to use and whether there’s a mobile app could also influence your choice.

The betting lines

Betting lines show a favorite with a negative number and an underdog with a positive number. The favorite is the team that is more likely to win the game. The underdog is expected to lose. The betting lines move all the time. When the money starts to come in, the line will move, usually in half-point increments, to balance the wagering.

Types of bets

There are many types of bets and ways to win when placing sports wagers. If you make a moneyline bet, you have to pick a winner. Payouts are based on what you bet and the odds. If you bet $100 on a game, it doesn’t mean you will win $100. For odds of +110, you must bet $110 to win $100.

Another type of bet you can place is a points spread bet, which is a bet on the margin of victory in a game. Spreads are most common in high-scoring sports such as basketball and football. There are also various other types of bets, such as over/under and prop bets. You can learn more about these once you grasp moneyline and point-spread bets. The sports season 2024 is rapidly approaching, and in Ohio, excitement is building about the prospects of betting on favorite teams.