When it comes to betting on sports, everything centres around the odds. The odds basically indicate the probability of an outcome occurring, and they can be found on most sportsbooks, both online and in stores. Having an understanding of how they are calculated can go a long way in helping you determine the amount of risk associated with a particular wager.
Most sportsbooks will offer odds on both the underdog and the favorite in a matchup. They will also offer a “point spread” in some cases, which is designed to even out the playing field between two teams. For example, if the Eagles were playing the Cowboys, you would find the Eagles favored by 5.5 points. If you thought the Cowboys had a better chance of winning, you would bet on the underdog and lay the point spread (betting the Eagles -5.5).
Some sportsbooks will update their odds more often than others. This is especially true for popular sports, where huge sums of money can change hands quickly. Other factors may also sway the odds, including injuries and coaching changes.
Some sportsbooks also offer same race multis, which are a series of parlays on one event. These can be as simple or complex as you like and include any number of races. In addition, they will sometimes provide special promotions for these bets, such as bonus money or free spins. This allows them to reach a wider audience and increase their exposure.