Sports Betting Guide For Beginners

This guide is for those of you who are betting on sports for the first time. 

Sports betting is intimidating in the beginning and the sportsbooks don't make it easy. There are a bunch of numbers, odds, and new terms everywhere. But with a little practice, research, and a plan, it is also a ton of fun (which is why Betting Ladies exists in the fist place).

Everyone starts as a beginner, and learning the basics of sports betting will quickly make you more confident when placing bets.

Without further ado, let's learn sports betting :-)

Start with small bets

It’s tempting to jump into sports betting with high-stakes bets or long-shot parlays, but that’s not the best way to learn or build confidence. 

Instead, start with small, straightforward bets.

• Moneyline bets: These are as simple as betting on which team will win the game. If the team you pick wins, you win. No complicated calculations or spreads are involved.
• Player prop bets: These bets focus on an individual player’s performance rather than the overall game outcome. For example, in basketball, you can bet on how many points or rebounds a player will achieve. Prop bets are great for beginners because they’re easier to understand and don’t require advanced math.
• Totals (over/under): Instead of betting on a team, you can bet on whether the total combined score of the game will go over or under a set number. 

Click on the links above to learn more about each betting type.

Keep your wagers small at the beginning, and avoid multi-leg parlays or exotic bets until you’ve gained more experience. Starting simple helps you focus on learning the basics without unnecessary stress.

Choose the right sportsbook

Try to find the sportsbook that works best for you. Each sportsbook has its own features, odds, and benefits. 

When deciding where to bet, consider these factors:

1. Sports and leagues covered: Make sure the sportsbook offers the sports and leagues you’re most interested in.
2. Bonuses and promotions: Many sportsbooks offer special promotions for first-time users, such as free bets, deposit matches, or risk-free wagers. Take advantage of these offers to lower your financial risk when starting out. Explore the best sportsbook bonuses available.
3. Usability: Look for a platform that’s easy to navigate, especially if you’ll be using your phone or tablet.

Needless to say, you'd have to sign up with the sportsbook to know for sure which one you like best. It's common to have an account with multiple bookies 

Popular sportsbooks like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings are great places to start. Before signing up, take a moment to read reviews and compare features to find the best fit for your needs.

Learn about all available betting options

Understanding the basics of sports betting is key to making informed decisions. 

Here’s are the bet types with some more details about how they work:

• Moneyline: Bet on the outright winner of a game. Favorites are marked with a minus sign (-) and underdogs with a plus sign (+). For example, odds of -110 mean you’d need to bet $110 to win $100, while +110 means you’d win $110 on a $100 bet.
• The spread: This is the margin of victory set by oddsmakers. For example, if the Eagles are +5, they can lose by up to 5 points, or win outright, for your bet to cash. Learn more about spread betting.
• Totals (over/under): Bet on whether the combined score of both teams will go over or under a set number.
• Parlays: Combine multiple bets into one for a higher payout. But be cautious—every bet in the parlay must win for you to cash in.
• Live betting: Place bets during the game as events unfold. This can be a dynamic and exciting way to wager, but it requires quick decision-making. Check out our live betting guide.

Taking time to understand these terms and concepts will give you a foundation to explore more complex betting styles down the road.

Further reading:

• How to do a fundamental analysis

Bet on what you know

Your knowledge of a sport or team is one of your biggest assets. Betting on a sport you’re familiar with can help you make smarter decisions. 

For example, if you’ve been following the NFL for years, you probably already know which teams perform well in certain conditions or which players are currently in form.

That said, avoid betting on your favorite teams, at least to start. Emotional bias can cloud your judgment, leading to impulsive decisions. Keep your betting focused on the numbers and facts, not your personal loyalties.

Further reading:

• How to bet on football
• How to bet on basketball
• How to bet on baseball

Set limits and bet responsibly

Sports betting should always be fun, not stressful. Before you start, set a clear budget—this is your bankroll—and decide how much you’re willing to risk overall. A good rule of thumb is to only wager 1%-5% of your bankroll on a single bet. 

Many sportsbooks offer tools to help you stay in control, such as spending caps or time limits. Use these features to make sure your betting remains a fun and responsible hobby.

Further reading:

• Bankroll management
• Cool girls bet responsibly

Research before placing bets

Even if you’re familiar with the sport you’re betting on, research can give you an extra edge. 

For example:

• Check injury reports and recent performances.
• Analyze team schedules (e.g., back-to-back games or travel).
• Consider external factors like rivalries or weather conditions.

These small details can influence a game’s outcome, so taking time to study before placing a bet can make a big difference.

Further reading:

• How to do a fundamental analysis

Take advantage of bonuses and promotions

Most sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses for new users, such as free bets or deposit matches. 

These promotions can lower your risk and give you more opportunities to try out different betting styles. Make sure to read the fine print, as some bonuses come with conditions or wagering requirements. 

Explore some great betting promotions to get started.

Track your bets and learn from experience

Keeping a record of your bets can help you identify patterns and improve your strategy over time. Note details like:

• What type of bet you placed.
• The amount wagered.
• The outcome.
• Your confidence level in the bet.

Over time, you’ll start to see trends in what works and what doesn’t, helping you refine your approach.

Final thoughts

Sports betting is a blend of strategy, research, and a little bit of luck. By starting small, sticking to sports you know, and betting responsibly, you can make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Take advantage of resources like betting guides, community forums, and sportsbook promotions to build your knowledge and confidence. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the game.

Good luck, and happy betting!