The best way to bet on sports is with a well-crafted strategy that includes thorough research and disciplined bankroll management. Professional bettors, called sharps, use these tools and more to help them turn a profit while enjoying the occasional big upset. However, turning a profit is not easy; it takes months, if not years, to become a proficient sports bettor.

Before making a wager, first create an account with an online sportsbook. This will require filling out some personal information and depositing money to fund your betting account. Then, browse the sportsbook’s tabs to locate games that you want to bet on. Most sportsbooks offer a variety of different types of bets, including spreads, over/unders and teasers.

When placing a bet, always make sure to shop for the best lines. A bad line can ruin your bankroll and possibly even your life. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the line isn’t right for you. For instance, if you love the Cowboys and your sportsbook has them at -7 when everyone else is offering -6.5 resist the temptation to bet on them and instead go find another line that better suits your expectations.

Next, be careful not to fall victim to media noise and bias. A lot of money is made by sports talking heads and media outlets off the backs of their followers. The truth is that most sports talkers aren’t in the business of educating their audience, they’re in the business of selling advertising and generating controversy. One way to avoid this trap is by covering up the names of the teams on your betting sheet. This will force you to analyze the matchup without the distraction of team name recognition and allow you to bet objectively rather than subjectively.