Over the past two years, there has been an avalanche of legal sports betting. It’s grown to the point that it’s changing how fans consume their favorite teams and the games themselves. With billions of dollars at stake and more states approving sports betting, it’s important to understand how this form of gambling works.

Unlike the lottery or a casino, where the outcome of a bet is entirely randomized, sports betting allows for some level of skill and strategy. There’s a perception that students of the game can gain an edge over the betting industry by studying analytics, listening to podcasts, and getting picks from trusted experts. This perception leads to the idea that you can predict which team will win or lose, making sports betting different from regular gambling.

In reality, the odds of winning a bet are very slim, even for professional handicappers. Achieving profitability in sports betting requires research, patience, and discipline. The key is to keep track of your bets (we recommend using a standard spreadsheet) and stick to a few sports that you’re familiar with from a rules perspective. In addition, it’s essential to study the trends and stats of the sports you want to bet on.

Another critical aspect of profitability is limiting your losses. It’s tempting to try and recoup your losses by placing larger bets than usual, but this rarely results in positive outcomes. It’s important to establish a bankroll and adhere to it. Typically, bets should not exceed a certain percentage of your total bankroll, or a “unit size.” This prevents you from putting all of your money on one bet and helps mitigate the risk of large losses.

Sportsbooks also offer bets on things that wouldn’t normally be on a traditional wager, like the number of points scored in a game or how long it takes Reba McEntire to sing the national anthem. These types of bets are known as props, and they can be a fun way to spice up your Super Bowl watching experience.

While sports betting may seem harmless to many, it’s actually a serious problem for young people. The NCAA is not happy about the effect it’s having on college athletes and has introduced an e-learning module to teach players about the dangers of gambling. Congressional members are taking notice, too. Rep. Paul Tonko has proposed the SAFE Bets Act, which would regulate sports betting marketing tactics. It would require advertising to be conducted only at times and in spaces where vulnerable groups aren’t likely to see it. It would also limit promotions of bonus deals, which have been shown to encourage gambling among young men. This is an area where the industry needs to work harder to educate consumers and provide support for those who need it. It’s a crucial step to keeping sports betting safe for everyone.