From the NBA to the NHL, indoor sports leagues are hugely popular across the US. One indoor sport that is growing increasingly popular with sports bettors is lacrosse. Invented by the Native American Indians as early as the 12th century, lacrosse is a sport that predates the US itself.
Now, dozens of sportsbooks offer betting on lacrosse tournaments, and it’s easier than ever to cash in on this exciting sport. Totals bets are one of the most straightforward ways to wager on lacrosse and are one of the best options for beginner bettors. This page will tell you everything you need to know about wagering on the National Lacrosse League and set you on your way to making your first Totals bet.
What is the National Lacrosse League?
Founded in 1986, the National Lacrosse League (NLL) is the professional league for men’s box lacrosse teams across North America. The NLL takes place annually from December to June and is played indoors on a grass-carpeted ice rink.
When it first launched, the NLL was called the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. It changed names again in 1988 to the Major Indoor Lacrosse League and eventually settled as the National Lacrosse League in 1997. With a record attendance of over 950,000 in 2019, the NLL is the third most popular indoor sports league in the US (behind the NHL and NBA.)
There were just four teams in the inaugural league – the Philadelphia Wings, the Washington Waves, the New Jersey Saints, and the Baltimore Thunder. Now, fifteen teams compete for the coveted NLL cup, ten of which are from the US and five from Canada.
Every NLL team plays 18 games throughout the season, each consisting of four 15-minute quarters. The league is divided into two conferences: East and West. The top four East conference teams make it into the playoffs, as do the top three West teams. One team from each conference makes it to the final, and the winner of the two becomes the NLL Champion.
What is a Totals Bet?
Also known as an ‘Over/Under’ bet, a Totals bet is one of the most straightforward wagers you can place at a sportsbook. It works similarly to a moneyline bet, but instead of selecting the winner of the game, you bet on whether the total points scored by both teams will be more or less than the number set by the sportsbook.
When laying out a bet, a sportsbook will indicate the odds with a (-) for the favorite or a (+) for the underdog (American odds). Since the sportsbook has projected that the underdog has a lower chance of winning, you’ll earn more when you win on (+) odds than (-) odds. However, since you’rebetting on the combined points of both teams, there are no favorites in a Totals bet. Instead, you’ll see both the Over (O) and Under (U) odds indicated with a (-).
Totals bets are an excellent option for lacrosse betting because they’re simple, offer an even chance of winning, and don’t require specialist knowledge of the game. There are three outcomes for a Totals bet: win, lose, or push. When the points total lands on the set number, the bet is a push – in other words, it’s void. If the outcome of a game is a push, all Totals bets are refunded.
Lacrosse Totals Betting Example
Week 1 of the NLL has kicked off in style, so it’s the perfect time to start placing your bets. Let’s take a closer look at how Totals betting works.
Say the San Diego Seals are playing the New York Riptide. The Totals number set by the sportsbook will typically be a decimal to lower the chances of a push. This is known as the “hook.” If the set number is 23.5 and you take the Over bet at -110 odds, the total points scored by both teams must be greater than 23.5. If this is the case, you’ll win $100 for every $110 staked.
The same goes for the Under. In this instance, the Under odds are -120. If you bet the Under and the total points scored is less than 23.5, you’ll win $100 for every $120 wagered. If these were the odds for an underdog (+), you’d receive $120 for every $100 staked.
How do I Bet on Lacrosse Legally in the US?
If you want to start wagering on lacrosse, you’ll need to register an account at a licensed US sportsbook in a state where sports betting is legal. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) made sports betting illegal in the US. However, this ban was overturned in 2018, and now all states can legalize sports betting at their discretion.
Not all states have passed sports betting laws, so there are only certain regions where you can wager on sports in the US. Each legal state has its own regulatory body which can issue licenses to retail and online sportsbooks. If a sportsbook operator wants to launch in multiple US states, it must obtain licensing from each individual region. For example, a New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement license does not allow an operator to launch in Michigan.
Though betting on professional lacrosse games has been legal since 2020, it is still on a state-by-state basis. For example, betting on lacrosse – or any other sport – is not yet legal in California, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, or Missouri. On the other hand, there are now more than 30 states where sports betting is live and legal. To make a legal wager, you’ll need to use a sportsbook that’s licensed in your state.
How to Sign Up with Legal US Sportsbooks
Registering at a legal US sportsbook is a swift and straightforward process. Follow the steps below, and you’ll be able to place your first Totals bet in no time.
- Make sure you’re in a state where sports betting is legal.
- Choose an operator that’s licensed in your state and offers lacrosse betting.
- Click the “Join Now” button to begin the process.
- If prompted, select your state from the drop-down list of options. Make sure to activate your geolocation (this is how the sportsbook verifies you’re within state lines.)
- Enter your email address, and select a unique username and password.
- Fill in your personal details, including your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number.
- Click “Create Account” to finalize the process. Once your account is up and running, you’re ready to make a deposit and start wagering!
Sports Betting Verification
During registration, you’ll receive an email with a link to verify your account. This link activates your account and allows you to make your first deposit. However, every player must further verify their account with proof of ID and address before requesting a withdrawal. This is a requirement at every legal sportsbook in the US.
To verify your account, you’ll need to send copies of your ID and address to the sportsbook. You can use government-issued documents like your passport or driver’s license to verify your ID. For your address, you can typically use a utility bill, mortgage statement, credit card statement, or lease agreement.
Totals Betting on Lacrosse Overview
Placing a Totals bet is one of the most straightforward ways to wager on lacrosse in the US. Boasting favorable odds and simple rules, Totals bets are a great way to introduce beginners to the world of sports betting.
Thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of the National Lacrosse League, you can bet on lacrosse games at most online US sportsbooks. Week 1 is already in full swing, so why not place your first lacrosse Totals bet today?
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