From Eveningsnews.com
Wagering 101: What You Need To Know To Bet Football
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Sep 11, 2005, 17:00
(NAPSI)-With football season kicking off, everyone has an opinion about which teams will do well…and which will suffer at the bottom of the league tables. If you are confident enough in your opinions to put your money where your mouth is and place a wager, here are some things you need to know.
Research: A well-placed bet will always be based on fact, rather than fanaticism. Before you have a "flutter," take a look at the injury report for upcoming games. There are three terms on the report: probable (likely to play), doubtful (unlikely to play) and out (not going to play). If your team's star quarterback is doubtful or out, this will significantly affect the odds.
How it Works: Like any industry, gaming has a language all its own. Understanding the terminology and how different bets work is important.
A straight bet is a wager on one team to win one game, determined by a point spread and/or money line odds.
A parlay consists of picking the winners of different games and combining them together into a single play. Parlays are basically a collection of straight bets. All your teams must win for you to win your bet, and the payout is much better.
A prop (proposition) bet is a special wager offered by the sportsbook on unique topics including sporting events, politics and even reality TV show outcomes.
The money line is the money you have to place on the favorite to win $100. The favorite is identified by a negative sign. For example, a 155 money line means that if you bet $155 and your team wins, you collect $100 (plus your original wager).
If you bet on the point spread, you usually bet $110 to win $100, but in this case, the team you are betting on has to win by more points than the point spread.
Legalities and Common Sense: In the United States, gambling through a licensed online sportsbook such as BetUS.com is not illegal as long as you are over 18. Remember that any winnings need to be reported on your tax return, and like any personal activity, you should avoid spending time on gambling sites while at work. Never wager more than you can afford to lose, and only deal with reputable, licensed online sportsbooks.
If you're ready to try your hand, take a look at the BetUS.com props and futures available, including the winner of the Super Bowl XL (favorites include the Colts, Patriots, Chiefs, Jaguars and Steelers) and the first coach to be fired or resign.
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