Sports betting is a big part of sports culture, and it’s becoming increasingly popular. Legalized gambling has made it more accessible for millions of sports fans, and it has given rise to a multibillion-dollar industry. But sports betting is not for everyone, and it can be easy to lose money. Here are 12 things every beginner needs to know before placing their first bet.

1. Choose a betting site that’s right for you.

Before you start betting, find a reputable sportsbook that offers the types of wagers you’re interested in. Read reviews on forums and other sites, but keep in mind that what one person thinks is a negative could be another’s positive. Also, make sure the sportsbook you choose is licensed and regulated.

2. Figure out your bankroll.

When you start placing bets, decide how much of your bankroll you want to risk on each play. A good rule of thumb is to risk 1% to 5% of your bankroll per game. This will ensure you’re not putting too much pressure on yourself to win every single bet, and it can help prevent over-betting or getting caught up in short-term gains.

3. Learn the basics of probability and odds.

Probability and odds are the two biggest factors to consider when placing a bet. Probability refers to the chance a bet will win, and odds are how much you’ll pay for each bet. The higher the odds, the more likely a bet will be a winner, but it’s important to remember that no bet is guaranteed to win.

4. Keep track of your wins and losses.

A good record-keeping system is essential for any sports bettor. This can help you identify trends and patterns, such as the fact that some teams are bad against left-handed pitching or that some players have a habit of missing free throws. By keeping a detailed record, you can test your theories and find ways to improve your betting performance.

5. Bet on both sides of a game.

There are many different kinds of bets in sports betting, including moneylines and point spreads. You can also bet on props, or proposition bets. These are bets that aren’t standard bets and often come with a larger payout than straight bets. Props are based on statistics, and you can place bets on anything from how many strikes a baseball pitcher will have to the total number of points scored in a game.

6. Don’t let your emotions get in the way.

Sports betting is a gamble, and most people will lose money. Even if you’re an expert, there will be times when your picks go sideways. The key is to stay calm, separate yourself from your fandom and do the math. If you do all of these things, you can enjoy the game and still have fun making bets. Just be careful not to fall prey to the temptation of chasing your losses or buying into hype from betting services that promise 100% winning picks.