Sports betting is simply the act of risking money on the outcome of a sporting event or any aspect of a sporting event. The goal is to turn a profit.

Sports betting includes wagers on the moneyline, spread, Over/Under, parlays, props and futures.

Multiple factors determine how much money sports bettors can win:

• The amount of money wagered (risked)
• The online betting site a bettor uses
• The odds established by sportsbooks in legal sports betting states

Sports bettors and sports fans are similar—both are usually emotionally invested in the outcomes of sporting events. The difference: Sports bettors are also financially invested in those outcomes.