Whether you are a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun way to add some extra excitement to your sports viewing experience, betting on sports is a great option. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before making your first wager. One of the most important tips is to stay level-headed and avoid getting too emotionally involved. This means no cheering during the game, limiting alcohol intake and not placing bets with more than you can afford to lose. You also need to separate yourself from your team fandom and remember that you are not a fan, but a punter. You need to think objectively and let statistics and math guide your decisions. It is also a good idea to do some homework and learn as much as you can about both teams, including injuries and any other pertinent information.

Another thing to keep in mind is that odds are not fixed and often change as the event gets closer. This is because the book is trying to balance the action by making bets on both sides. It is possible to find bets with value by being contrarian, but this takes research and a mathematically proven profitable strategy.

In addition to moneylines and spreads, there are also prop bets that allow you to have a vested interest in more specific outcomes. These can range from predicting the amount of Gatorade that will be doused on a coach to which song the halftime performer will play. Props are typically reserved for big events like the Super Bowl and can be a lot of fun.