Betting basics, in plain words

The parts of betting nobody explains: what the prices mean, what a good bet is, how much to put on it, and how to judge anyone selling picks. Short, with dollar examples.

• What is +EV in sports betting?+EV means a bet pays more than its real chance is worth. The dollar version, the win rate you need at -110, and why +EV bets still lose often.
• What does -110 mean?-110 means you risk $110 to win $100. How minus and plus odds work, the chance each price implies, and why the same bet costs more at one app.
• How much should you bet?Bet a small fixed share of money set aside only for betting. What a unit is, why 1% is the rule, how to size for the edge, and a free calculator.
• What is closing line value?Closing line value compares the price you bet with the price when the game started. Why beating the close is the best early sign of a real edge.
• Spread, moneyline or total?A moneyline is who wins, a spread is by how much, a total is the combined score. How each pays, when each is better, and the one rule that decides.
• How to tell if a sports picks service is legitSeven checks before paying for picks: timestamps, losses kept, prices and sizes posted, a record by game date, no promised wins, a verifiable refund.