If you're new to sports betting, starting with the right bet types saves you from early losses and helps you build an understanding of how betting markets work.
Best Bet Types to Start With
1. Spreads on major sports NFL and NBA spreads at -110 are the most liquid, most discussed, and most researched markets. You'll find the most educational content and tools.
2. Game totals (over/under) Totals require slightly different analysis than sides. Practicing both spreads and totals early gives you a more complete picture of how markets work.
3. Player props on major players Props on star players (LeBron points, Mahomes passing yards) are accessible for beginners. The stats are easy to find and the results are easy to track.
Bet Types to Avoid Early
Parlays: The house edge compounds. Learn to win on singles first.
SGPs (Same-Game Parlays): High hold, complex pricing, hard to evaluate.
Live betting: Fast-moving, high-variance, high-loss-rate for beginners.
Exotic futures: Season-long bets with high uncertainty and wide spreads.
The Right Sequence
- NFL/NBA spreads and totals
- Add player props once you're tracking and reviewing results
- Eventually explore futures and parlays with a small portion of bankroll only
[Track your bet types separately from day one with Oddible →]
