Beginner's Guide to Sports Betting

Learn everything you need to get started placing bets; the key terms and details, access tools to help you make informed bets, and then get started on Yahoo Sportsbook!
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What is Sports Betting?

Bettors pick the result of a sports event. The potential winnings they stand to win are determined by the odds provided by the sportsbook.
Want to know if betting is legal in your state?
View Legalization Tracker

Getting Started with Yahoo Betting Guides!

Let's say you are watching the San Francisco 49ers against the Los Angeles Rams and want to place a bet on the game.
How to Select Bets
Click on any of the buttons in the betting module to select the bet you want to get started.
Moneyline
The odds of selecting a team to win the event based on the strength of the matchup.
Vegas Style Odds
Odds expression indicating return relative to a $100 bet.
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Point Spread
A point spread is used to make the matchup between two unbalanced teams more even.
Pregame Odds
The odds available to bet before the event begins.
Total Points
The odds of betting over or under the total number of points, runs, or goals scored by both teams.
Next, let's walk through your different betting options:
01

Betting 101

Here are the options for types of bets you can place. Click each of the buttons below for explanations on the different bet types.
  • Moneylines
  • Parlays

How to Calculate Odds

The bet calculator allows you to input your stake & odds in American formats to quickly calculate the payout for your bets.

$
$0.00
$1,000,000.00
-100,000
-100 or +100
+100000
Payout

Your total payout with the current odds and stake.

$190.91

Profit

$90.91

Decimal

1.909

Implied Probability

52.38%

Fractional / UK

10/11

View Bet Calculator
02

Betting Tools

Use our tools to test out different bets and keep updated on state legalization.
03

Start Betting

Get started placing bets now, and come back here for our betting calculators or a refresher on any of the terms.
Bet now
Bet $10 on any game and win $200*
*New BetMGM users only. 21+. Terms apply.

*Bets and betting odds data are powered by BetMGM. New BetMGM customers only. Must be 21+. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, IN, LA, MD, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WY & WV), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 (MI).