Welcome to Lesson 2!
In this lesson, we'll break down the basics of each major sport you'll most likely bet on. Even if you've never watched a game before, by the end of this lesson you'll understand:
- How each game is played
- How long games last
- How teams win
- What happens if games tie
- How this affects your bets
Football (NFL and College Football)
How the Game Works
- Two teams take turns trying to score points by moving the ball into the end zone (called a touchdown)
- Teams move the ball by running or passing
- Each team gets 4 tries (downs) to move the ball 10 yards
⏱️ Game Length
- 4 quarters, 15 minutes each
- Halftime break after 2nd quarter
- Overtime (OT) if tied
🏆 How to Win
Team with the most points at the end wins.
If a Tie Happens
- NFL: OT played. In regular season, games can end in a tie if no winner after OT
- College: Overtime continues until someone wins
Pro Tip:
Moneyline bets (betting on who wins) can push (tie) in NFL if still tied after OT. Spreads and totals are graded based on final score, including OT.Basketball (NBA and College Basketball)
How the Game Works
- Two teams try to score by shooting the ball into the hoop
- Points are worth 2 or 3 depending on distance
- Fast-paced, lots of scoring!
⏱️ Game Length
- NBA: 4 quarters, 12 minutes each
- College: 2 halves, 20 minutes each
- Overtime: 5 minutes added if tied
🏆 How to Win
Score more points than the opponent.
If tied: Go to OT until someone wins.
Pro Tip:
Moneyline and spread bets include OT. Player props (ex: points scored) also include OT unless stated otherwise.Baseball (MLB)
How the Game Works
- Two teams take turns batting and fielding
- Goal: Score runs by hitting the ball and running around bases
- Each team gets 9 innings to score more runs than the other
⏱️ Game Length
- 9 innings (extra innings if tied)
- Each inning: both teams get a chance to bat and field
- No time limit — game ends when innings complete
🏆 How to Win
Score more runs than the opponent.
If tied: Game continues into extra innings until someone wins.
Pro Tip:
All bets include extra innings unless otherwise noted. 5-inning bets focus on just the first 5 innings — useful when betting on starting pitchers.Soccer (MLS, EPL, La Liga, etc.)
How the Game Works
- Two teams try to score goals by kicking the ball into the net
- Low-scoring game compared to others (typical: 1-3 goals per team)
- Continuous play — clock doesn't stop
⏱️ Game Length
- Two halves, 45 minutes each (90 min total)
- Added time (stoppage time) for injuries
- Overtime only in playoffs/cups
🏆 How to Win
More goals than the opponent.
If tied: In regular season, a Draw is a possible outcome!
⚠️ Important for Betting
3-Way Moneyline: You can bet on Home Win, Away Win, or Draw. If you bet a team to win and it's a draw, you lose! Consider "Draw No Bet" option — if tied, your bet is refunded.
Hockey (NHL)
How the Game Works
- Two teams skate on ice, trying to shoot the puck into opponent's net
- Physical, fast-paced game
- Power plays give one team an advantage when opponent has a penalty
⏱️ Game Length
- 3 periods, 20 minutes each
- OT: 5 minutes 3-on-3
- Then shootout if still tied
🏆 How to Win
More goals than opponent.
If tied: OT played, then shootout decides winner.
⚠️ Read Your Bets Carefully!
Moneyline can be "regulation only" OR "including OT/Shootout" — make sure you know which one you're betting! Puck line (spread) and totals usually include OT and shootout.
📋 Quick Recap: Game Basics + Betting Impact
| Sport | Game Length | Tie Rules | Betting Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏈 NFL/Football | 4 x 15-min quarters | OT (tie possible in NFL) | Moneyline may push if tie |
| 🏀 NBA/Basketball | 4 x 12-min quarters | Unlimited OT | All bets include OT |
| ⚾ MLB/Baseball | 9 innings | Extra innings until winner | All bets include extras |
| ⚽ Soccer | 2 x 45-min halves | Draw allowed in regular | 3-way ML: Draw possible |
| 🏒 NHL/Hockey | 3 x 20-min periods | OT + shootout | Check if "reg only" or OT |
End of Lesson Checklist
- I know how each major sport works
- I know how long games last and what happens in a tie
- I understand how these game rules impact my bets
🎯 Next Lesson Preview
In Lesson 3, we'll break down every major type of bet you can make — Moneyline, Spreads, Over/Under, Props, Parlays, and more. This is where things get exciting!