Betting on sports is a tradition going back centuries, so it’s no surprise that after the internet was invented, online sports betting followed shortly afterward. Online sports betting is a booming worldwide market, although the only legal option for most Americans is a Sweepstakes Sportsbook.
The different types of online sweepstake sports bets
Sports betting is one of the most popular types of gambling in the world, and as such there are a lot of different kinds of bets you can make. These are just a select few of the available online sports bets:
- Over/under: a bet on a total number of points or other quantitative factors.
- Spreads: a bet on by how many points the favorite will win.
- Parlays: a collection of bets bundled together.
- Money line: simply picking the winner of a game.
How to get started betting at a Sweepstakes Sportsbook
Sweepstakes Sportsbooks are a legal way to bet on sports online in the US, and it’s a simple process to sign up and begin betting.
Choose which Sweepstakes Sportsbook to join
The biggest operator of sweepstakes sports betting in the US is Fliff, with the widest range of games covered and betting markets. Check out our reviews page to see which Sweepstakes Casino you want to join.
Register to the site and receive free coins
When you create an account, you will receive a welcome bonus. This typically consists of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. The former have no monetary value, but Sweeps Coins are worth $1 each. You can use both to bet on sports.
Purchase more coins or use bonuses to get more
You can get additional Sweeps Coins for free via promotions, requests, or with a purchase of additional Gold Coins.
Make your picks and win real money prizes
If you have placed your bets with Sweeps Coins, then any winnings will be paid in Sweeps Coins and these can be exchanged for cash prizes at a rate of $1 per Sweeps Coin.
Sweepstakes Sportsbooks: legality and rules in the USA
Sweepstakes Sportsbooks operate under sweepstakes rules, which means that no purchase is necessary to take part. However, you can still win real money making legal online sports bets at a Sweepstakes Sportsbook. The only exception is the state of Washington, where sweepstakes are prohibited.
Tips for winning at online Sweepstakes Sportsbooks
Part of the reason that sports betting is so popular is that it is a form of gambling where, over the long run, a player can actually beat the house. They need to be very good and work hard to do it, but it can be done. However, you do need to follow some tips.
Manage your bankroll
You can’t win if you don’t have a bankroll with which to bet. It’s important to predetermine exactly how much of your bankroll you are willing to risk on any one bet, and it should be a smaller percentage if the bet has longer odds.
Do your research
Sportsbooks have dozens and dozens of specialists analyzing games and teams in order to offer odds that they believe will make them a profit. If you want to beat the house at sports betting, you need to beat them at their own game and know the sport inside and out.
Don’t bet against your own team
No matter how bad they are, don’t. Because honestly, who wants to place a bet that they’re secretly hoping will lose?
Can I play Sweepstakes Sportsbooks for free?
Because of the laws under which Sweepstakes Sportsbooks operate, you can play for free. New players will receive free coins, and you can use bonuses and promotions to earn Sweeps Coins that are redeemable for cash.
Online Sweepstakes Sportsbook terms every player should know
You’re pretty close to being able to start placing bets at a Sweepstakes Sportsbook. Before you get going, though, it’s time to get familiar with a few terms and expressions that you might hear.
Straight Bets
A straight bet is a ticket with one outcome. It can be a point spread, moneyline, or total. Straight bets can win, lose, or in the event of a tie, push.
Parlay
Parlays are a thrilling way to bet on sports, allowing you to combine multiple bets into one. This means you can bet on different outcomes within the same game or across multiple games. The catch? All your picks, or “legs,” must win for the parlay to pay out. This makes parlays a high-risk, high-reward option.
Same Game Parlays (SGPs), a newer variation, let you focus on a single game, combining bets like the game winner, point totals, and player performances. Introduced by FanDuel in 2019, SGPs have surged in popularity, especially in NFL betting. They offer the chance for bigger payouts but remember, if even one leg fails, the entire bet is lost. Betting on SGPs requires a strategy, considering the correlation between your chosen outcomes to increase your chances of winning.
Teasers and Pleasers
Teasers and pleasers are two sides of the same coin in the world of sports betting, each offering a unique twist on traditional parlays. A teaser bet allows you to adjust the point spread in your favor across multiple games, making it easier to win your bet but for a reduced payout.
On the other hand, a pleaser bet moves the point spread against you, increasing the difficulty of winning but offering a much higher potential payout if you do. Both bets require selecting at least two outcomes, and all selections must be correct to win. While teasers are popular for their increased win probability, pleasers attract those looking for bigger rewards, albeit with higher risks. These bets are most commonly placed on football and basketball games, where point spreads are a key part of betting strategy.
Props
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are a unique and exciting way to engage with sports betting. Unlike traditional bets that focus on the outcome of a game, prop bets center on individual events or achievements within the game. For example, you might bet on how many points a basketball player scores, the number of touchdowns in an NFL game, or even the color of the Gatorade shower at the Super Bowl.
These bets offer a fun twist on sports betting, allowing fans to wager on specific aspects of the game that interest them the most. With options across major sports like the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL, prop bets provide both entertainment and potential profit opportunities, making them a popular choice among bettors.
Futures
Sports betting futures are all about placing bets on events that will happen later, like who will win the championship or who will be the MVP. This kind of betting is different because it’s not about what’s happening today or tomorrow, but about the outcome of a whole season or tournament. It’s like making a prediction and then waiting to see if you’re right. People like futures betting because it can be more exciting and the payouts can be really big if you guess right. But, it’s also a bit risky because a lot can change during a season.
Hedging
Hedging refers to a bet placed in direct opposition to a previous bet, in order to guarantee some kind of return and to not lose entirely.
Evens
If the bookmaker has set the odds at +100 this is said to be “even money” or evens. It means that the bookmaker believes that there is an exactly 50% chance of the event occurring.
Lock
If something is called a lock to win, it means it is a very heavy favorite. The odds on these are usually very short.
Types of Sports Offered for Betting
There is a large menu of sports available at sportsbooks and sweepstakes sites. The list below shows the major ones.
Baseball
Betting on baseball games can be both exciting and profitable if you understand the basics. The most common way to bet is through the moneyline, where you pick the team you believe will win the game outright. It’s crucial to consider the odds, which show the potential payout for betting on either the favorite or the underdog. Another popular option is the run line, similar to a point spread, where the favorite must win by a certain number of runs.
Over/Under bets, also known as totals, involve betting on the combined score of both teams, deciding if it will be over or under a set number. For those looking for more strategy, first five innings betting focuses on the outcome of the first half of the game, often emphasizing the starting pitchers’ performance. Always remember to research and consider factors like team performance, weather conditions, and starting pitchers before placing your bets. Betting responsibly and within your means is key to enjoying the thrill of baseball betting.
Basketball
Betting on basketball games can be both thrilling and rewarding, offering various ways to engage with the sport. To start, the moneyline bet is the simplest form, where you pick the team you believe will win the game outright. It’s straightforward but requires understanding the odds associated with each team. For a more strategic approach, consider point spread betting, which involves selecting a team to win by a certain margin. This levels the playing field between teams of differing strengths.
Additionally, the Over/Under or totals bet allows you to wager on the combined score of both teams, adding another layer of excitement. Combining multiple bets into a parlay can increase potential returns, though it comes with higher risk. Lastly, prop bets and futures offer unique opportunities to bet on individual player performances or long-term outcomes like championship wins. With these options, basketball betting can be a dynamic and engaging way to enjoy the game.
Football
Betting on football games can be both exciting and profitable, offering various ways to engage with the sport. To start, understanding the basics of American odds is crucial. Positive numbers show how much you could win on a $100 bet, while negative numbers indicate the amount you need to bet to win $100. For beginners, Moneyline bets are straightforward; you simply pick who you think will win the game. Favorites are marked with negative odds, and underdogs with positive.
If you’re looking for more challenge, Point Spread bets involve betting on the margin of victory, where favorites must win by more than the spread, and underdogs must lose by less or win outright. Over/Under bets, or totals, allow you to wager on the combined score of both teams, betting whether it will be over or under a set number. For those interested in the game’s specifics, Prop bets on particular events within the game, like the first touchdown scorer, can add an extra layer of excitement. Remember, betting should always be done responsibly, within your means, and with an understanding of the risks involved.
Hockey
Betting on hockey games can be an exciting way to engage with the sport, whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the game. The most straightforward method is the moneyline bet, where you simply pick the team you believe will win. Odds are assigned to each team, reflecting their chance of winning. For those looking for more strategy, the puck line adds a layer of complexity, requiring the favorite to win by more than 1.5 goals, or the underdog to not lose by more than 1.5 goals.
Over/Under bets, where you predict the total goals scored, and parlays, combining multiple bets for a higher payout, offer additional ways to participate. Remember, successful betting involves research, understanding the odds, and considering factors like team performance and injuries. Always bet responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game.
Tennis
Betting on tennis is an exciting way to engage with the sport, offering various options for both new and experienced bettors. To start, the most straightforward bet is the moneyline, where you pick the outright winner of a match. However, for a more nuanced approach, consider the spread, which levels the playing field between players of different strengths.
Over/Under bets on the total number of games played in a match are also popular, providing an alternative to picking winners. For those looking for longer-term engagement, futures betting on tournament outcomes can be rewarding. Remember, successful tennis betting involves understanding player performance on different surfaces, considering player fitness, and keeping an eye on live betting opportunities to capitalize on in-match dynamics. Always ensure you’re familiar with local laws and bet responsibly.
Golf
Golf betting is not just about picking who will win the tournament. It’s a thrilling way to engage with the sport, offering various bet types for every level of fan. To start, you might consider an Outright Winner bet, where you pick a player to win the tournament. This can be tough but offers big payouts. If you’re looking for something with better odds, try Place Top 5, Top 10, or Top 20 bets. These allow you to win if your chosen golfer finishes in one of these positions, without needing to win outright.
For those who enjoy head-to-head competition, Tournament Head-to-Head bets pit two golfers against each other, where you bet on who will perform better over the course of the tournament. Remember, successful golf betting involves understanding the players, their recent form, and how they fit the course. Always consider the weather, as it significantly impacts play conditions.
Boxing and MMA
Betting on boxing and UFC matches is an exciting way to engage with the sports, offering a chance to win money while enjoying the thrill of the fight. To start, you’ll need to understand the basics of moneyline betting, which involves picking the winner of a match. Odds are crucial here; negative odds (-200) indicate favorites, requiring a higher bet for a smaller win, while positive odds (+200) suggest underdogs, offering a bigger payout for a riskier bet.
Beyond the moneyline, you can explore over/under rounds betting, predicting the fight’s duration, or method of victory bets, where you guess how a fighter will win, such as by knockout or decision. Always research fighters’ stats and past performances to make informed bets. Remember, betting should be fun and responsible, so set limits and bet within your means.
Soccer
Soccer betting is an exciting way to engage with the world’s most popular sport. Whether you’re looking at the MLS, EPL, or Champions League, sweepstakes sports betting sites offer a wide range of betting options, from simple match winners to more complex parlays and live betting odds. Understanding the basics, such as the 3-Way Odds (Team A win/Team B win/Draw) and how they differ from 2-Way Odds, is crucial for newcomers.
Auto Racing
Betting on auto racing involves picking which driver wins and a multitude of props. This type of betting is available on organizations like NASCAR and Formula 1.
What is the difference between Sweepstakes Sportsbooks and real money online sportsbooks?
Sweepstakes Sportsbooks can operate legally in the US because of sweepstakes laws. Because you do not bet real money and you can take part for free, Sweepstakes Sportsbooks are legal in every US state except for Washington state.