A sports bettor’s success is largely determined by his or her ability to make sound analytical decisions. If you’re betting based on a gut feeling, fandom, or because one team has prettier uniforms than the other, you’ll have a hard time making money. A wise bettor will do his or her homework and read up on betting services, check Better Business Bureau ratings, reviews and complaints before making a deposit.

Whether you’re a recreational bettor or serious about making a living from sports betting, you need to create and manage a bankroll. It’s important to figure out how much money you’re willing to risk on a given season and to stick to that number – no more, no less. Then, divide your total bankroll into equal portions to represent the size of each individual bet you place. This is known as your base bet.

When betting lines move, it can create value for teams that are considered underdogs. In order to capitalize on this, bettors must keep a close eye on the odds and bet accordingly.

Futures bets are wagers on events that won’t take place until the future, such as a team winning the World Series, or a golfer winning next year’s Masters tournament. These bets typically offer higher odds than straight bets and can result in substantial payouts if successful. When selecting a site to make a futures bet, look for high payout speeds and intuitive customer service.