Betting online is a popular pastime for many sports fans. While it’s not legal to place wagers on reality TV or the weather, regulated and licensed operators do offer odds for many sports events. However, it can be challenging to figure out what’s available and how to bet on a game.

When betting on totals, remember the popular adage that “It’s never Over until it’s Over.” This is a great way to keep your bets honest. Also, pay attention to line movements. Oftentimes when the public is heavily taking one side of a total the lines move in the opposite direction. This is when you can get a good price betting the underdog or even the Over.

Another fun option is to place futures bets. These bets are made on upcoming events and offer higher odds than straight bets. For example, you can bet on a team to win the World Series or a player to become the NHL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The biggest thing to remember is that you must be located within the state to bet legally. Signing up for an account usually requires only your first and last name, the last four digits of your social security number, and a valid email address. Then, you can begin placing bets on NBA, MLB, NHL and NFL games. Some states also offer matched betting options, which allow you to bet on both teams in a single event and earn free bets if the teams tie.