Online sports betting in the United States has become a mainstream form of entertainment, especially with the legalization trend sweeping across numerous states. As more fans participate, understanding the most common wager types can help bettors engage more strategically and confidently.
While betting platforms vary in layout and features, the core wager types—point spreads, totals, and proposition bets (props)—are staples across professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Each carries distinct risks, calculations, and appeal depending on the sport and matchup.
Point Spread Bets
Point spreads level the playing field between a favorite and an underdog. They’re used most often in high-scoring or evenly matched games like those in the NFL and NBA.
How Point Spreads Work in Football and Basketball
In football and basketball, oddsmakers assign a number to reflect how much a team is expected to win or lose by. For example, if the Dallas Cowboys are listed at -6.5 against the New York Giants, they must win by at least seven points to “cover the spread.” A bettor who backs the underdog would win if the Giants either win outright or lose by fewer than seven points.
The appeal lies in how spreads turn even a lopsided matchup into a balanced bet. Rather than just picking a winner, bettors are wagering on performance relative to expectations. This structure adds drama to every point scored.
Spread Variations in Other Sports
While point spreads are core to NFL and NBA betting, they’re also used in college football, college basketball, and occasionally hockey and baseball. In low-scoring sports like MLB or NHL, this type of bet appears as a run line or puck line, usually fixed at ±1.5.
Since scoring margins are often small in these leagues, the payout odds are adjusted instead of the line itself. These spread formats create different risk profiles and should be weighed based on team history and expected scoring tempo.
Totals Betting
Totals betting focuses on the combined score of both teams rather than which side wins. This wager is highly popular among casual and seasoned bettors alike due to its simplicity and strategic depth.
In NFL games, a common total might be 47.5. Bettors can choose the “over” if they expect a shootout or the “under” for a defensive battle. In NBA matchups, where scoring is much higher, totals can exceed 220 points. Factors like team pace, defensive rankings, and injury reports all influence how these lines are set.
Staying updated on the latest sports news is especially important for totals bettors. A last-minute scratch, weather update, or coaching decision can shift scoring expectations significantly. Sharp bettors use this information to anticipate line movement and lock in value before odds adjust.
Totals also tend to shift more than spreads due to public sentiment and injury impact. Some platforms even offer alternate totals for greater customization. Understanding how real-time developments affect scoring outlooks is key to getting the most out of these bets.
Player and Game Props
Proposition bets, or props, let bettors focus on specific outcomes beyond the final score. Popular during high-profile events like the Super Bowl, props range from player stats to game milestones. They offer more ways to stay engaged.
Player props are now a staple across sports like the NFL and NBA. Bettors can wager on passing yards, rebounds, assists, or combined stats like PRA. These bets reward close attention to player roles, matchups, and game tempo.
Many reputable online sportsbooks like FanDuel support this growing trend by offering a wide range of player-focused markets. These bets enhance the experience by turning individual performances into key moments.
Team and game props add even more variety. They cover outcomes like first to score, total team hits, or whether a game goes to overtime. They’re especially popular among casual fans during televised games, broadening the appeal of online sports betting.
Comparing Wager Types by Sport
Each major US sport has its quirks when it comes to bet types. While most wagers fall into the categories above, the context and usage shift slightly by league.
Football: Spread-Heavy With Seasonal Variability
NFL betting revolves around point spreads and totals. Player props are gaining traction thanks to fantasy integration. Because games are weekly and information is abundant, lines are often efficient. Bettors need to stay updated with injury reports and weather forecasts to find value.
College football adds complexity due to uneven matchups and less predictive data, but spreads still dominate. Bettors often seek mismatches or emotional letdowns following rivalry games.
Basketball: Player Props and Pace-Based Totals
NBA betting is fast-paced and data-rich, making it perfect for player props. Injuries and load management frequently alter lineups, which in turn impact point spreads and totals. Because basketball is high-scoring, sharp bettors often exploit pace statistics and advanced metrics like offensive efficiency to evaluate totals.
College basketball features tighter spreads and lower totals. Underdog wins are common, especially during March tournaments, where props and futures also rise in popularity.
Baseball and Hockey: Moneylines and Margins
In MLB and NHL, spreads are less common than moneyline bets, though puck lines and run lines still offer options. Totals are crucial, especially in high-altitude or dome stadiums. Player props exist but are less extensive than in football or basketball due to slower pacing and fewer highlight stats.
For example, betting on Aaron Judge to hit a home run offers long odds and higher volatility. Team props like first to score or total hits are often better suited for these leagues’ low-scoring formats.
Master Bet Types to Deepen Your Sports Betting Strategy
Wagering isn’t just about guessing outcomes—it’s about interpreting trends, team dynamics, and market movement. Knowing how spread, total, and prop bets function within each sport gives fans a more immersive experience and a more informed perspective when placing wagers.
Whether you’re following the NFL playoffs, diving into daily NBA action, or catching an early afternoon MLB game, familiarizing yourself with how these bets work will expand how you engage with every moment on the screen. From the coin toss to the final score, there’s a wager type suited for every kind of fan.
