Greetings, you've arrived turf side at the track! Have you ever wondered how to bet on sports the right way? You're in luck! Every punter has their secrets about betting on sports. Sometimes, they'll even share them with you. Sports betting is a technical process. There is quite some skill involved in selecting the right sports bets. We've compiled a time-tested list of sports betting tips to help you get a winning start.

Sports betting is gambling. You are risking money on an uncertain outcome. Sometimes your sports betting predictions payoff; sometimes, they don't. Ultimately, you want to get ahead of the game with a net positive win/loss ratio. 

Sports betting has blossomed in Ontario, and many bettors are trying to cash in on the action. That's good news for you because most of them don't have the insights we will give you. Instead, it's about tactics and strategies, picking the right sports bets, selecting the best odds, and using all available resources.

Sports betting is 100% legal in Canada as of 27 August 2021. That means Ontarians now join a large and growing global audience of punters. Ready to bet on the Toronto Maple Leafs? The Toronto Blue Jays? The Montréal Canadiens? The Edmonton Oilers? The Ottawa Senators? Read our sports betting guide before you rush off to place bets. You will know how to bet on sports the right way in no time.

 The action is about to get underway; let's roll!

•    How to pick a reputable sportsbook?
•    What sports should I focus on?
•    Tips for setting up a sports betting budget?
•    What is the point spread?
•    What is money line betting?
•    What is running the runline?

How to pick a reputable sportsbook? 

The first order of business in betting on sports is finding a reputable sportsbook. Many online sportsbooks are available, but not all of them are created equal. When choosing a sportsbook, you should consider the odds they offer, the range of markets they cover, and the deposit and withdrawal options they provide. 

You should also make sure that the sportsbook is licensed and regulated by a reputable body such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC), the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), or the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). 

What sports should I focus on? 

There is no easy way to answer this question. It depends on your interests and what you are looking to get out of your betting experience. If you are a greenhorn to betting on sports, it might be good to start with a sport you already understand well. 

Picking a familiar sport will give you a better understanding of how the betting process works and help you make more informed bets. Then, once you have gained some experience, you can start exploring other sports that might interest you. 

Tips for setting up a sports betting budget? 

When setting up your budget for sports betting, it is essential to be realistic about your expectations. For example, if you expect to win every bet you place, you will likely be disappointed. 

Therefore, it is essential to set a budget that you can afford to lose without causing yourself financial hardship. Once you have put a budget in place, it is necessary to stick to it. A budget will help you stay in control of your betting and prevent you from chasing losses. 

What is the point spread? 

The point spread is the number of points given by the sportsbook to the underdog team in a particular match. The point spread is used to even out the odds between the two teams. The point spread makes it so that both sides are equally likely to win. Therefore, the favorite team will have a negative point spread, while the underdog team will have a positive point spread. 

Are you a big fan of the New England Patriots? Let’s assume the New England Patriots are playing the Buffalo Bills, and the point spread is -7. This means the Patriots are 7 points better than the Bills. Therefore, if you bet on the Patriots, they must win by more than 7 points for you to win your bet. If they only win by 7 points or lose the game, you will lose your bet. 

What is money line betting? 

Money line betting is betting where you pick which team you think will win a particular match. The odds for each team are displayed as either a positive or negative number. The favorite team will have negative odds, while the underdog team will have positive odds. For example, the New England Patriots are playing the Los Angeles Rams, and the money line is set at Patriots -3 +105/-3 -125. 

This means that the Patriots are 3-point favorites and must win by more than three points to win the bet. If they win by exactly three points, it is a push, returning your original stake. For example, if you bet C$100 on the Patriots, you will win C$105 if they win the game outright. However, if they only win by two or three points, you will lose your original stake of C$100.

What is running the runline? 

The runline is a bet that is specific to baseball. It is similar to the point spread in other sports, but it adjusts for the number of innings in a baseball game. The favorite team will still have negative odds, while the underdog team will still have positive odds. However, bookmakers will adjust these odds for the number of innings in the game. For example, if the New York Yankees (NYY) are playing the Boston Red Sox (BOR) and the runline is -1.5 +120, you would need to bet C$120 on the Yankees to win C$100. If you bet C$100 on the Red Sox, you would win C$140 if they won by two or more runs. 

Summary 

Sports betting is a popular pastime across Canada. It is 100% legal to bet on sports in Ontario, and there are many online sportsbooks available. However, not all sportsbooks are created equal. When choosing a sportsbook, you should consider the odds they offer, the range of markets they cover, and the deposit and withdrawal options they provide. In addition, ensure that the sportsbook is licensed and regulated by a reputable body. These authorities include the KGC, UKGC, the MGA, etc. 

It is necessary to set a budget and stick to it when betting on sports. A budget will help you stay in control of your betting and prevent you from chasing losses. 

The point spread is the number of points given by the sportsbook to the underdog team in a particular match. The point spread is used to even out the odds between the two teams. It makes it so that both sides are equally likely to win. For example, the favorite team will have a negative point spread, while the underdog team will have a positive point spread. 

Money line betting is where you pick which team you think will win a particular match. The odds for each team will be shown on screen as either a positive or negative number. Of course, the favorite team will have negative odds. That's it; now you know how to bet on sports the right way! 
 

With digital marketing strategies in his blood Louis Wheeler has traveled around the world, exploring gambling cultures and gaining experience in sports betting & casino games from 2003. If you are in a casino anywhere around the planet, you may find him right next to you, playing blackjack, roulette or texas hold'em.