TOTAL BONUSES:

{{currentCountry.code}}

Change your location

{{ c.title }}

Straight Betting Guide | How to Place Straight Bets

The straight bet is the most popular and common type of wagering. This betting guide explains how the single wager works and when to use it to enjoy the best results. Bettors choose it to predict the outcome of a specific event in any sport. The potential payout is calculated by multiplying the stake by the odds, which makes it one of the most straightforward types of bets.

Unlike an accumulated bet, straight betting doesn’t depend on the outcome of other matches. It is one of the best ways for beginners to make money betting on football. Straight betting works for any sport and market, and the payments are made immediately after the match ends or the bet is settled.

Best Sports Welcome Bonuses in 22 November 2024 – Updated List

Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Safe & Trusted
Rating
Get Started
1
Exclusive 10% Rakeback
Yes
Rating 9.99 out of 10
2
100% up to 500 €/$/£
Yes
Rating 9.95 out of 10
3
Welcome bonus on your 1st deposit up to 100 EUR
Yes
Rating 9.93 out of 10
4
Exclusive: 130% up to €143
Use Promocode: GAMBLINGJUDGE
Yes
Rating 9.90 out of 10
5
100% bonus up to €122
Yes
Rating 9.80 out of 10
6
100% up to €100
Yes
Rating 9.65 out of 10
7
Exclusive: 100% up to €130
Use Promocode: JUDGE
Yes
Rating 9.52 out of 10
8
Exclusive: 100% up to €130 Use Promocode: GJBET
Yes
Rating 9.26 out of 10
9
100% up to 500 USDT
Yes
Rating 9.18 out of 10
10
Welcome Package 100% Up to 100EUR
Yes
Rating 9.12 out of 10

Types of Single Bets and How Do They Work?

The most popular betting markets are money line bets, point spreads, and game totals. Due to their high odds and abundance of information, they work well for straight betting.

Point Spread

This is a type of wager that predicts the margin of victory. One team starts as favorites and is given a points handicap, while the underdog gets an advantage. For example, in a Premier League match, Arsenal has a -1.5-point spread to defeat Crystal Palace. If you bet on Arsenal, it needs to win by two goals or more, and if you bet on Crystal Palace, the team must win, draw, or lose by one goal at most.

Moneyline

A money line bet is one of the best options for straight wagers. You only need to predict the winner and don’t have to worry about the winning margin. In some sports, you also have the benefit of winning in extra time or a penalty shootout. If you bet on New York Rangers to defeat Columbus on a single selection, you are paid if the Rangers win the match, with overtime and penalties included.

Totals (Over/Under)

For these straight bets, you must predict the total number of points. Depending on the types of sports betting, totals can range around 2.5 goals in football and 5.5 goals in ice hockey. Popular straight bets are on over 2.5 goals, where you are paid for a football game that ends with three or more goals. Higher odds offer better payouts, but the risks are also increased, so a straight-up bet is preferable to a parlay.

How to Place a Straight Bet: Step-by-Step Guide

There is no hard and fast rule on how to bet straight pre-match or live. Just follow these easy steps below:

Step 1
Choose the sporting event you want to bet on.
Step 2
Select the odd you want and this will automatically appear on your bet slip.
Step 3
Enter the amount you want to stake in the box and your potential profit will show.
Step 4
Tap “Confirm Bets” then “Place Bets” to approve your selections.
Step 5
View your bet by clicking the bet slip section. This will help you confirm that your bet was approved.

Straight Betting in Sports

Once you understand what straight betting is, you can use it in every market. The best markets and sports to bet on for single wagers are those where the odds are decently high and you can apply strategies like the Fibonacci system. You can use the money line bet in football, ice hockey, basketball, and baseball, among other sports. Except for football, it implies the results after overtime, so there are only two possible outcomes.

  • In football matches, the money line bet is suitable for elimination games in tournaments. Competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League, or the World Cup are very important in this sport. A nice way to capitalize on high odds is to bet on the outright winners of such tournaments. When you just learned how to bet on football, this is a difficult but straightforward affair for experts.
  • Point spread betting is another good choice, especially when you have the safety net of an Asian handicap. You can bet on derbies like Real Madrid versus Barcelona and the Catalans to cover the -1 spread. If they won by exactly one goal, the stakes are returned, but if they cover the spread, you can cash in on high odds above 3.00. Spread bets can be even wider in basketball or ice hockey.

Single Bet Odds

The best sports betting exchanges offer the ultimate odds for single-game wagers. They reflect the potential team has to win the match, so the higher the odds, the greater the expected risks. A point spread bet pushes the risks even further, promising a bigger payout if successful. Single bet examples explain what a straight bet means, so let’s use one to highlight the odds.

A money line straight bet on Manchester City against Fulham would pay 1.22 on a single bet slip. If you bet on City to cover the -1.5 goals spread, the odds increase to 1.80. Parlays are alternative bets to straight ones, but you would need three moneyline games on a parlay betting ticket to get the same odds as a straight bet with a -1.5 handicap. With proper research, single bets are a better choice.

Tips for Straight Betting

Now that you know what is a straight bet vs parlay, it is time to see how betting strategies for single bets work. The approach differs depending on a few factors. These might include sports betting preferences, the bankroll, and the desired straight bet payout. A veteran bettor can take his chance with exotics and high-paying wagers such as the each-way bet in horse racing. Beginners should focus on these strategies:

Point Spread Straight Bet Strategies

  • Analyze team performance, injuries, and external factors. The strategy for point spread betting depends heavily on the ability to analyze these elements. Online betting sites allow you to move the spreads in your favor with teaser bets or seek higher odds with pleaser bets. You can bet on the favorites to cover the spread or place total straight bets on the number of points scored.
  • Bet on evenly matched teams – when one of them is highly motivated. A team trying to avoid relegation will keep pushing even after scoring one goal. If you can access sports betting strategies on starting formation and striker fitness, you can risk -1.5 goals spread at halftime.

Moneyline Straight Bet Strategy

The money line straight bet is the best way to start, regardless of your sport of choice. It is easier to find betting advice online for outright winners, especially when overtime is included.

  • Favorites often mean lower odds Favorites win with a higher frequency, so if you constantly bet on superior teams, you must accept lower odds. You can consider multiple single bets when you live bet if you watch the games.
  • Betting on favorites to recover – Especially when an underdog takes an early lead. This can yield higher odds due to the shift in live betting lines.
  • Underdogs’ defensive shift – After taking an early lead, underdogs often play defensively. They are creating opportunities to bet on other match outcomes.
  • Betting on corner kicks and yellow cards: Especially when underdogs shift to defensive gear. They might give up more corner kicks, while their aggressive defense may result in more yellow cards. Bettors can take advantage of these tendencies when betting.

 Totals Straight Bet Strategy

Game totals are betting terms that refer to the total number of points or goals scored in the match. The standard odds revolve around 1.90, but the number of points depends on the sport.

  • Weather conditions – Bad weather can signal a low-scoring match when the games are played outdoors.
  • Pitcher’s E.R.A. in baseball: When betting on baseball, the starting pitcher’s Earned Run Average (E.R.A.) is a crucial factor to be factored in. It can determine how many runs may be scored, influencing both money line and total bets.
  • Player’s performance and form: The performance of the goaltender is essential in ice hockey betting. A strong or weak goaltender can change the outcome of a match. In football, when strikers are missing or out of form, betting on under 1.5 goals can offer higher odds, presenting a value opportunity.
  • Football strategies for game totals:  The standard betting line for game totals in football is 2.5 goals. But some football betting strategies can go above or below this line. Modifications depend on team dynamics.
  • Injuries or Suspensions (Football): Injured or suspended key defenders or goalkeepers can lead to many goals.

Take it One Bet at a Time

Accumulators and system bets are worth considering after gaining experience in sports betting. Beginners should take it one step at a time and use straight bets as bankroll boosters. Popular markets such as point spread, money lines, or totals provide a clear path with little experience. You only need to correctly predict the outcome of one bet to be promptly paid.

In straight betting, simplicity is the name of the game. It is the first and most important wager to master and a building block for more complex bets. There is little variance; you won’t waste good picks because one selection lets you down. Don’t get greedy and win one bet at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Straight Betting

It is a betting slip with a single selection. You are paid if you correctly predict the outcome of one betting market.

It involves wagering on a particular event and if it wins, you will receive your profit. Select a team or individual to win a game or match and place a bet. If your prediction succeeds, you will be rewarded with a profit plus the amount you staked.

Yes, it is. Usually, the payout is small but you will enjoy it more if the odds are high and you stake a huge amount. The risk involved is lower.

Betting straight-up means the same as straight betting. They can be used interchangeably.

Parlays or accumulators are popular alternatives because the odds multiply. System bets are another option, as you need several matches to win but not all selections on the betting slip.

This is the most popular type of bet, and it can be placed on any sport or market.