Sports betting has become a part of sports culture, but it is still a risky endeavor. There are many factors to consider before placing your first bet, including how much you’re willing to risk and the number of wagers you’ll need to win just to break even.

Before you start placing your bets, familiarize yourself with the terms used in the industry. This is especially important if you’re new to the world of sports gambling. A few of the most common terms include favored and underdog, which refer to the chances of a team or event winning or happening. The favored side has a higher probability of winning, while the underdog has a lower one. The odds that are attached to a bet are determined by the sportsbook’s commission, which is built into the betting line.

A straight bet is a single bet on a particular outcome, such as the winner of a game or event. You can use a number of different ways to fund your sports betting app, from virtual or e-wallets to debit and credit cards. In addition, most high-quality apps feature secure biometrics to make the process as quick and easy as possible.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to open multiple accounts with sportsbooks. This gives you options for line shopping and can help you find the best value. Also, be sure to read reviews on each site before committing to any of them. Just keep in mind that what one person might think is a bad book, another might find to be excellent.