Sports have always been a source of entertainment for people. Whether it is watching a live game, playing it, or betting on it, the thrill and excitement that comes with sports games are unmatched. Sports betting has been around for centuries, and the concept of putting money on the line to win big is not a new one. In this article, we will explore how many sports games are started involving money.
What is Sports Betting?
Sports betting is the act of placing a wager on the outcome of a particular sporting event. It is an activity where people put their money on the line to predict the outcome of a game or match and win a prize if they are correct. Sports betting is prevalent in almost every sport, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and more.
The Popularity of Sports Betting
The popularity of sports betting has been on the rise in recent years. According to a report by the American Gaming Association, Americans wagered $21.5 billion on sports in 2020, and this figure is expected to grow in the coming years. The legalization of sports betting in several states has also contributed to its popularity.
Types of Sports Betting
There are several types of sports betting that people can participate in. The most popular ones include:
- Moneyline Betting
- Spread Betting
- Total Betting
- Prop Betting
- Futures Betting
- In-Play or Live Betting
Moneyline Betting
Moneyline betting is the simplest form of sports betting. In this type of betting, you pick the team or player that you think will win the game. The odds are presented in a moneyline format, where a minus (-) sign indicates the favorite, and a plus (+) sign indicates the underdog.
Spread Betting
Spread betting is another popular type of sports betting. In this type of betting, the sportsbook sets a point spread for the game. You have to pick the team that will either win by more than the point spread or lose by less than the point spread.
Total Betting
Total betting is also known as over/under betting. In this type of betting, you bet on whether the total points scored in the game will be over or under a certain number set by the sportsbook.
Prop Betting
Prop betting, also known as proposition betting, is a type of sports betting where you bet on specific outcomes within a game. Prop bets can be anything from the number of touchdowns scored to the color of Gatorade dumped on the winning coach.
Futures Betting
Futures betting is a type of sports betting where you bet on the outcome of an event that will happen in the future. For example, you can bet on who will win the Super Bowl before the season even starts.
In-Play or Live Betting
In-Play or live betting is a type of sports betting where you bet on the outcome of a game while it is still in progress. This type of betting is becoming more popular, and many sportsbooks offer it to their customers.
How Many Sports Games Are Started Involving Money?
Almost every sport can be bet on, and the number of sports games involving money is vast. From the NFL to the NBA, MLB, NHL, and more, sports betting is prevalent. There are also several international sports that people can bet on, such as soccer, cricket, tennis, and golf.
The Legality of Sports Betting
The legality of sports betting varies from country to country and state to state. In the United States, sports betting was illegal in most states until the Supreme Court struck down a federal law in 2018 that prohibited sports betting. Since then, several states have legalized sports betting, and more are expected to follow suit.
The Pros and Cons of Sports Betting
Like any other activity, sports betting has its pros and cons. Some of the pros include the potential to win big, the thrill and excitement of betting, and the social aspect of watching games with friends. Some of the cons include the risk of losing money, the potential for addiction, and the negative effect it can have on relationships.
The Future of Sports Betting
The future of sports betting looks bright. With the legalization of sports betting in several states and the rise of online sportsbooks, sports betting is becoming more accessible to people. The industry is expected to grow in the coming years, and more people are expected to participate in sports betting.
Conclusion
Sports betting is an activity that has been around for centuries, and its popularity continues to grow. Almost every sport can be bet on, and the number of sports games involving money is vast. Sports betting has its pros and cons, and it is up to individuals to decide whether they want to participate in it or not. The future of sports betting looks bright, and it will be interesting to see how the industry develops in the coming years.
