Sports betting is an exciting and lucrative way to wager on a game, but it can also be complicated. From basic terminology to more advanced strategies, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. The key to success is research and understanding the numbers and unique circumstances that make up each team or event. This will help you place smarter bets.

Spread bets, also known as point spreads, are a type of handicap that evens the playing field between two teams or players by assigning a number to each side’s chances of winning. Bettors can take the points, meaning that they bet on an underdog team, or give the points, which means they’re betting on a favorite team. The goal is to beat the handicapper’s expectations and win the bet by a certain margin or score.

Parlays combine multiple selections into one bet and offer a higher payout than individual wagers. However, all of the bets in a parlay must win to create a profit. Some bettors also use a strategy called dutching, which involves placing multiple bets across different betting sites to create equal profits or losses.

Line movement refers to the tendency of sportsbooks to adjust their odds in the run-up to an event. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including injuries and changes in public perception of teams. It’s important to understand the factors that affect line movements so you can be a more profitable bettor.