How to Bet on Sports Online

Are you a sports fan looking to join the betting action for your favorite leagues? You can learn tips on how to bet on sports online with the Megapari guide.

Once you decide to switch to online sports betting, the whole process is quite straightforward and typically user-friendly, but that depends on the bookmaker and how intuitive their website and app are. Here are 6 key sports betting tips to get started confidently: 

Know favorites and underdogs

Favorites, marked with a minus sign (e.g., -100), are the teams or players expected to win, but they pay out less. Underdogs, shown with a plus sign (e.g., +100), are less likely to win but offer bigger payouts. Understanding this distinction helps you weigh risk and reward when choosing your bets. 

Bet over/unders 

Over/under wagers focus on the combined score of both teams. The sportsbook sets a number, and you wager whether the total points will be higher (over) or lower (under). It’s a fun option when you’re unsure who’ll win but have a sense of the sports game’s pace.

Try moneylines

Moneylines are simple: you pick the outright winner, even with free betting. With -150 odds, you’d bet $150 to win $100 if the favorite wins. With +150 odds, a $100 bet on an underdog wins $150 if they succeed. It’s an easy way to wager without focusing on point spreads.

Understand point spreads

Point spreads let you bet on the margin of victory or defeat. For example, if the Lakers are -6.5, they must win by 7 or more points for your wager to win. Spreads are popular in basketball or football bets, evening out odds for teams of different strengths.

Manage your money

Never wager more than you can comfortably lose. Establish a budget (bankroll) and limit bets to 1-2% of it. For instance, with a $500 bankroll, betting $5-$10 is wiser than risking $50, helping you avoid rapid losses. 

Shop lines

Odds vary between sportsbooks, so compare them to find the best value. For example, one book might offer -110 while another has -105 for the same bet, saving you money over time. Line shopping maximizes your potential profits and minimizes losses.

Find Your Edge 

Track your bets to spot patterns—maybe you’re better at NFL than NBA bets. Focusing on your strengths, like specific sports or wager types, helps you refine your strategy and avoid wasting money on weaker areas.

You can always follow your pre-game bets in real time and place some in-play bets while the game is ongoing if you wish. Sports betting has made betting so much easier and more accessible, so you shouldn’t miss any significant action.