Sports Betting Guide (June 2026)

Sports Betting Guide for 2026

Sports betting in the United States has expanded rapidly since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018. Over 30 states now offer some form of legal sports betting, and the market continues to grow. Whether you are betting through a state-licensed platform or an offshore sportsbook, understanding the fundamentals gives you a significant edge.

Understanding Odds Formats

American sportsbooks use moneyline odds. A -150 favorite means you need to bet $150 to win $100. A +130 underdog means a $100 bet wins $130. The difference between the two sides represents the bookmaker's margin (vig or juice), which is how they make money regardless of the outcome.

A standard point spread bet at most sportsbooks is priced at -110 on each side, meaning you bet $110 to win $100. This 10% vig is the cost of doing business. Some books offer reduced juice (-105 or -107), which saves you money on every bet.

Types of Sports Bets

• Moneyline: Simply pick the winner. The odds reflect the implied probability of each team winning.
• Point Spread: The favored team must win by more than the spread, or the underdog must lose by less than the spread (or win outright).
• Totals (Over/Under): Bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a set number.
• Parlays: Combine multiple bets into one wager. All selections must win for the parlay to pay. Higher potential payout but higher risk.
• Props: Bets on specific events within a game (player performance, first scorer, etc.).
• Futures: Long-term bets on season outcomes (championship winner, MVP, win totals).

Recommended Sportsbooks and Casinos