In sports betting, there are a number of different terms that you should be aware of. There is a favorite, an underdog, and even odds. A favorite is the team that is expected to win. The underdog is considered a risky bet because of its low probability of winning. However, if you place a bet on the underdog, your return will be larger than if you bet on the favorite.

Legalization of sports betting in the U.S.

Sports betting is a growing industry that’s generated billions of dollars in state and local tax revenues. However, the amount many states keep is small compared to their overall budget. In New York, for example, sports betting revenue is taxed at a rate of 51%. Sports betting operators say this rate is unsustainable over the long term.

Spread bets

Spread bets in sports betting involve placing a wager on the result of a game based on point spreads. Unlike straight bets, where you pick the winning team, spread bets are based on a variety of factors that go beyond the game. For example, you can place a bet on the team’s performance on a particular day or time. The odds for this type of bet can vary significantly, and you should always keep an eye on the spread.

Moneyline bets

Moneyline bets in sports betting work just like point spread bets, but with one major difference: you don’t have to bet on the team that is losing. This is because you can bet on a team that is favored over an underdog.

Futures bets

While regular betting depends on one single game, futures bets take a longer view and account for multiple outcomes. This type of betting offers the advantage of hedging, a strategy that allows you to lock in profits when things are going well.

State lotteries’ role in sports betting

There is a fine line between allowing sports betting and leaving the state lotteries out of the equation. State lotteries, as regulators of gaming, are responsible for maximizing state returns while keeping the market competitive. This means that state lotteries with lottery operators as partners need to be innovative to keep up with competition in the sports betting industry. The New Hampshire lottery, for example, went into its sport betting research with no preconceived notions and embraced mobile betting for its residents. As a result, it awarded exclusive mobile betting rights to DraftKings. It also received 50% of the sports betting profits and allocated that money to fund education in the state.