Online Gambling Guide for New Players:

Answers to the most frequently asked questions asked before placing the first online wager.

Is online sports betting legal?
What sports can I bet on?
What is "the spread"?
Why do I have to bet $11 to win $10?
Who makes the odds?

What Are All The Different Types of Sports Bets?
Do I have to be over 21 to bet on sports?

Should I report my winnings/losses to the IRS?

Q: Is Sports Betting Legal?
A: Currently, legislation is proposed that will make online gambling illegal. Click here to read about Rep. Goodlatte's (R- VA) attempts to outlaw online gambling. Until legislation such as Goodlatte's bill is passed, online gambing remains ostensibly legal. The ambiguity surrounds the legal definition of "wire" as it pertains to the ban on wire transmissions to place bets. While phone-in bets are outlawed by that definition, data signals passed through the internet are not specifically. There is disagreement then in the courts as to whether online gambling is already legal. Goodlatte's bill would remove that ambiguity. Click here to go the government's "Write your Representative" page to send a letter explaining to your State Rep why you think this bill's passage is a bad idea. Click here for Sports Intensity's letter, which you may freely copy and send.

Q: What sports can I bet on?
A: You can bet on any sport the Sports Book you are wagering with covers. At most books, this includes professional and college football and basketball, professional baseball, professional hockey, and horse and dog racing, Nascar, tennis, golf, etc.

Q:What is "the spread"?
A: The spread is a point advantage given to a weaker team that is expected to lose by X number of points. This is the odds makers way of making even bets possible for a Sports Book. Usually if you bet against the spread you make an 11-10 bet. This means that you win $10 if you bet $11 for a total of $21 if your team covers the spread.

A team covers the spread if it wins the game with the score modified by the spread. If Dallas and Washington are playing and the spread is (Dallas -7), then Dallas has to win by at least 8 points to cover. Half-point spreads are also possible.

Q:Why do I have to bet $11 to win $10?
A: This is one of the many ways the Sports book makes its money. In an ideal situation, the same amount of money will be bet on both sides of the line and the Sports Book will take its 10% from the losing side. If $55000 ($50000 and an addition $5000 to make the bets) was bet on Washington and $55000 bet on Dallas, no matter who wins the game the SB will make $5000. In case of a tie, all money is refunded. This is a rather simplified version as the spread moves when one side becomes more heavily bet on.

Q: What Are All The Different Types of Sports Bets?
A: See our Sports Betting Guide for an answer to that question.

Q:Who makes the odds?
A: Las Vegas Sports Consultants Inc., establishes the odds for about 75% of the licensed Sports Books in Nevada, as well as for the Oregon State Lottery. It is run by Michael 'Roxy' Roxborough. He also operates as a consultant on gaming strategies, management, marketing, and personnel. Most offshorer sportsbooks draw their odds from what is posted at the various casinos.

Q: Do I have to be over 21 to bet on sports?
A:Yes.

Q: Should I Report My Winnings to the IRS?
A: All gambling wins and losses must be reported to the IRS at the end of the year. Additionally, if you bet more than $10,000 at once, you must fill out some IRS paperwork at the ticket counter.