Betting on Team Sports vs. Individual Sports

As the sports betting scene expands into Arizona, a plethora of wagering options await you at online sportsbooks. If you’re a novice in this field, you might have a lot of queries. You might be wondering what the top bets to experiment with are, or if there’s a clear starting point for beginners. You might question whether it’s wise to directly bet on major NFL, NBA, and NHL games, or if individual sports like golf, tennis, MMA, and table tennis offer better value.

We will guide you through various types of bets and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of wagering on team sports versus individual sports, to assist you in addressing some of your queries.

Betting on team sports

The majority of wagers at sportsbooks are typically placed on team sports, which is where many novice bettors tend to gravitate. The team sports and their respective leagues that garner the most attention in North America include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey. Prior to placing a wager on any of these team sports, it’s important to first understand the different types of bets that can be placed:

Moneyline bets

Placing a bet on a team to win the game is known as a moneyline bet, which is one of the most frequently encountered wagers.

Consider this scenario: The Phoenix Suns are up against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns have a winning probability of +150, making the Lakers the favorites with -120 odds. If you bet $100 on the Suns and they win, you’ll pocket $150, bringing your total to $250. On the other hand, if you’re backing the Lakers with a $100 stake, you could earn $83.33, making your total $183.33 if they triumph.

Point spread bets

Point spread betting is designed to balance the two teams involved in a game. This contrasts with moneyline bets where one team usually has superior odds. To achieve this equilibrium, point spreads employ handicaps, resulting in both teams typically having odds at approximately -110.

Regarding the handicap, points will be deducted from the total of the favored team, indicated by a minus symbol in the spread. Conversely, the underdog team will gain extra points, which is represented by a plus symbol in the spread. At the end of the game, the sportsbook will consider these handicaps to determine if your bet is a win or loss. Take for instance an NFL game with the following spreads:

• Los Angeles Rams +2.5 with odds of -110
• Arizona Cardinals -2.5 (-110)

In this contest, the Rams are considered the underdogs. They enter the game with a +2.5 point advantage, meaning any bets placed on them with this spread only require the Rams to not lose by three points or more in order to win the bet. Therefore, even if the Rams were to lose by two points, they would still successfully cover the spread.

Conversely, the Cardinals are the frontrunners. Given the previously mentioned spread, they must secure a victory by at least three points for any related spread bet on them to succeed. Hence, a result such as 45-42 to the Cardinals would suffice to meet the spread. Nonetheless, if the Cardinals triumphed with a scoreline of 44-42, this wouldn’t be sufficient to win the bet due to their inability to surpass the 2.5 handicap.

Totals (over/under) betting

Totals betting is an alternative if you’re not inclined to predict the winner or loser of a game. This option requires you to forecast whether the game’s total number of points will surpass or fall below a threshold set by the sportsbook. The outcome of the game in terms of wins or losses is irrelevant, as the total score is the only factor of concern.

The betting site BetRivers has established an over/under line of 220.5 for a basketball game. If you choose to place a bet on the over, the combined scores must total 221 points or higher for your bet to be successful. Therefore, game scores such as 111-110, 120-105, and 130-107 would result in a win for you.

Choosing the under means that the combined score would have to be lower than the line set by the sportsbook. In this scenario, a total score of 220 points or less would grant you a winning bet.

Prop betting

Bettors have the opportunity to place wagers on various events within a game, a practice commonly referred to as prop betting. Prop bets differ from traditional bets as they are not solely focused on the game’s final outcome. They can be centered around a team, a player or a specific aspect of the game. For instance, a team prop bet could be wagering that Team A will call the first timeout. A player prop bet might involve betting on Tom Brady to score over two touchdowns, while a game prop bet could entail predicting whether the game will extend into overtime.

Futures bets

Futures bets are centered on long-term results. Typically, you can start placing these bets before the season begins, predicting outcomes like who will make the playoffs, win the Stanley Cup, or secure the Super Bowl victory.

Live betting

This refers to wagering on a game while it’s in progress. Rather than laying a bet before the game kicks off, you have the option to observe how the game unfolds. As you monitor the live action, you can make your bet. A possible benefit of live betting is that it allows you to gauge the flow of the game and make an informed bet based on that understanding.

Alternate lines

Point spreads and game totals often feature alternate lines. If you’re dissatisfied with the line set by the sportsbook, you have the option to select a different line. However, this typically results in less favorable odds.

For instance, let’s say the Suns are favored by 4.5 points at -110 odds. You’re confident they’re going to win, but you’re uncertain if they’ll cover the spread. You could opt for an alternate line, such as -1.5, however, the odds for this bet could be roughly -250 rather than -110. Thus, the downside of this increased security is that you’ll face reduced odds.

Betting on individual sports

Betting on individual sports can be advantageous for gamblers as they often find it simpler to assess individual athletes rather than entire teams. Frequently wagered on individual sports include golf, MMA, cycling, tennis, and boxing. Below are some of the most popular bets typically placed on these sports:

To win bets

Bet on a player to win either a tournament or a match in tennis or boxing.

Props

Props in individual sports continue to concentrate on particular outcomes. These props could be either tournament-based or match-based in sports such as tennis. The following are examples of such props:

• Will Tiger Woods achieve the highest score in the fourth round of the Masters?
• Rafael Nadal is expected to win the match without losing a set.
• The second set to be won by Naomi Osaka.

Futures bets

Betting on futures is quite prevalent in individual sports. The most prominent example is placing a bet on a player to triumph in an imminent tournament, but additionally, other futures can be bet on. Here are some examples of what you can anticipate:

• Dustin Johnson to be named PGA Player of the Year.
• Serena Williams to be named WTA Player of the Year.
• Tom Dumoulin to secure victory in the Tour de France

Head-to-head betting

In head-to-head wagers offered by sportsbooks, two players compete against each other, and you place a bet on who will have the superior record. For you to win your bet, it’s not necessary for the player you wagered on to win the entire tournament, they just need to outperform their direct competitor. This form of betting is widely seen in sports like golf and cycling.

Top finish bet

This involves placing a bet on a player to end up above a specified position in a tournament, such as in the top five, three, ten, and so on. For instance, wagering on Justin Thomas to secure a position among the top five in the US Open.

Top nationality bet

Many tournaments draw participants globally, leading sportsbooks to categorize these participants by their nationality. Bettors can then gamble on which player will be the best from a particular country. For instance, if you place a bet on Dustin Johnson to be the top American player in the Masters and he ends up ranking highest among all American participants, you will win your bet.

You can also place a bet on the nationality of the ultimate tournament winner. For example, you could wager that a US player will win the French Open. You don’t have to choose a particular player; if any US player clinches the tournament, your bet is a win.

Live props

You can also make prop bets on current matches or tournaments. These could include bets such as player X winning the next round, player Y winning the next set, and similar scenarios.

Pros and cons of betting on team sports

The following are some advantages of betting on team sports:

• Your bet isn’t dependent on one particular player for a win.
• Substitutions can be made by teams, replacing ineffective players with those who are well-rested.
• You can set both team and player props.
• You can place a broader range of bets.
• Wagers on team sports are more prevalent and simpler to locate.

Conversely, wagering on team sports also has its drawbacks. Some of these include:

• Some teams depend on single outstanding players, similar to wagering on individual sports. Without these star athletes, the performance of such teams might decline.
• Analyzing team sports can be more challenging than individual sports due to the numerous variables involved with team sports.
• Sometimes, team sports can be more unpredictable than individual sports.

Pros and cons of betting on individual sports

The following are some advantages of betting on individual sports:

• Analysis is simplified when you understand the participants and the tactics they use.
• In contrast to team sports where the result is determined by many, individual players dictate their own destiny.
• Individual sports can offer great value.

However, there are also some drawbacks to placing bets on individual sports:

• The outcome depends solely on one person. If they have an off day, no replacement can compensate for it.
• During the match or tournament, a participant might sustain an injury. In such cases, due to the absence of replacements, the injured player may be forced to concede the game. Certain sportsbooks do not provide refunds in these scenarios, resulting in the loss of your bet.
• Finding bets on some individual sports may be more difficult.

Live betting: Team vs. individual sports

Mostly, live betting on team sports and individual sports is similar. Pay attention to the players’ performance, regardless of whether it’s a team or individual sport. Attempt to evaluate any factors you believe have significantly impacted the current score of the game.

Bear in mind a significant distinction: tactical alterations have a more profound impact on team sports compared to individual sports. An example of such a tactical change is when a team introduces new players into the game.

Conversely, individual sports lack the advantage of strategic revamps. Granted, athletes can modify their gameplay to counter competitors, but this adjustment might be minor compared to the transformations that occur in team sports.

Best sportsbook apps for live bets

Several sportsbooks provide live betting in Arizona. Here are a few of the best options:

• DraftKings: The DraftKings Arizona is regarded as one of the premier sportsbooks available. Its speedy app is vital for live betting. Furthermore, the DraftKings Sportsbook offers a wide range of team and individual sports for bettors to select from. This ensures that you don’t miss out on any action when you choose this sportsbook.
• FanDuel’s Arizona app is a fantastic option for those looking for variety. It offers a host of features such as live betting, unique props, an excellent user interface, and competitive odds.
• BetMGM: The renowned name of MGM in the hospitality and entertainment sector is reflected in their sportsbook. The BetMGM AZ Sportsbook features a competent app, quick live betting, and unique promotions, some of which even apply to MGM’s brick-and-mortar resorts.

How to open a betting account in Arizona

To place a sports bet in Arizona, simply follow the steps below:

• Navigate to the website of the sportsbook you want to join, or you can opt to download their app.
• You should see a visible “Join Now” or “Register” button somewhere near the top of the homepage. Once you spot it, tap on it.
• You will have to input your email and select a password.
• The sportsbook may request the following information from you: Full name, date of birth, Social Security number, identification documents, home address, and phone number. Please provide all necessary details.
• Select a security question or multiple questions and give answers to enhance the security of your account.
• Should you possess a bonus code, there ought to be a designated space for its entry.
• Review all the details, accept the terms, and register.
• Start placing bets by depositing into your new betting account.

Top team sports to bet on

These are the primary wagering options for team sports at Arizona sportsbooks:

• NFL: The NFL boasts a vibrant history and enthusiastic fans, a combination that makes it the ideal sport for betting.
• NBA: Renowned for its high intensity and unpredictability, the NBA ensures that its bettors are always on the edge of their seats.
• NHL: The premier level of hockey offers a variety of excellent betting opportunities, attracting a significant interest from NHL bettors.
• MLB: Betting on the national pastime has also proven to be dependable, usually ranking among the top three sports in terms of betting volume.
• MLS: The popularity of soccer in the US has increased, leading to a rise in the number of betting options for MLS.

Top individual sports to bet on

Here are some of the most intriguing individual sports to place bets on:

• Golf: Selecting victors in golf betting, akin to the golf players themselves, necessitates an extra degree of expertise, making it all the more gratifying when golf wagers prevail.
• MMA: The substantial growth of MMA is largely due to the UFC. This sport is incredibly fast-paced, meaning UFC bets can be won or lost within mere seconds.
• Cycling: The complexity and unpredictability of cycling as a sport can make betting on it even more entertaining.
• Tennis: A significant advantage of tennis is the year-round organization of ATP and WTA tournaments, which provides almost constant opportunities for tennis betting.
• Boxing: This high-stakes sport can make watching Pay-Per-View events all the more thrilling, especially when you’ve placed bets on the matches.