Types of Sports Bets
Moneylines, spreads, totals, parlays, and props, a plain-English guide to the main bet types.
Sportsbooks offer dozens of ways to bet a single game. Most fall into a handful of core types. Understanding them helps you pick bets that match how confident you are and how much risk you want. Here are the main ones, from simplest to most complex.
Moneyline, spread, and total
A moneyline bet is simply picking who wins outright. A point spread handicaps the favorite by a margin (e.g. −6.5) so both sides carry similar odds, the favorite must win by more than the spread. A total (over/under) is a bet on the combined score of both teams, regardless of who wins.
Parlays and same-game parlays
A parlay combines multiple bets into one ticket, every leg must win, but the payout multiplies with each added leg. Same-game parlays combine correlated bets from a single game. Both are popular and high-variance: bigger potential payouts, but lower odds of hitting, since one missed leg loses the whole ticket.
Player props and futures
Player props are bets on an individual's performance (e.g. a quarterback's passing yards). Futures are long-term bets on outcomes decided later, like a league champion or season win totals. Note that college player props are restricted or banned in many states, always check our prop rules page for your state first.
Live (in-play) betting
Live betting lets you wager after a game has started, with odds that shift in real time as the action unfolds. It's fast-paced and offers markets you can't get pre-game, but lines move quickly, it rewards quick decisions and discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest bet type for beginners?
The moneyline, you're simply picking who wins. It's the most intuitive starting point before moving to spreads, totals, and parlays.
Are parlays worth it?
Parlays offer large payouts but are harder to win because every leg must hit. They're fun in small amounts but shouldn't be a core strategy, the odds of winning drop sharply with each added leg.
Can I bet on college player props?
It depends on your state. Many states restrict or ban college player props entirely. Check our prop rules page for the current rule where you are.
How Betting Odds Work →
Understand American, decimal, and fractional odds, and how to read what a sportsbook is really telling you.
Bankroll Management Basics →
How to set a budget, size your bets, and keep betting fun and under control.