Understanding sports betting lines and how to read odds can be confusing at first. Let's take a deeper dive into some key terms and examples for baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer odds.
Key Betting Terms
Moneyline odds - These are the odds for picking the outright winner in a game or match, regardless of margin.
Point spreads - The spread sets a margin of victory needed to "cover the spread." Favored teams must win by more than the spread. Underdogs can lose by less than the spread and still cover.
Over/under - This is a bet on whether the total points/runs/goals scored will go over or under a set number.
Juice or vigorish - The commission or cut the sportsbook takes on each bet. Typically -110 odds means a $110 bet is needed to profit $100.
Baseball
Moneyline odds show how much you need to bet to win $100. Negative odds indicate the favorite. Positive odds are for underdogs.
Boston Red Sox -150
New York Yankees +130
Here the Red Sox are favored. A $150 bet profits $100 if they win. The Yankees are underdogs, so a $100 bet profits $130 if they win.
Run line bets add a spread of 1.5 runs. The favorite must win by 2+ runs to cover.
Over/under bets are typically set around 8-10 runs. You bet whether the total runs will exceed or fall below the set number.
Basketball
Common basketball bets:
Moneylines
Point spreads
Over/under on total points scored
Example:
Los Angeles Lakers -5 (-110)
Boston Celtics +5 (-110)
Over/under: 210 points
The Lakers must win by more than 5 points to cover the spread. The Celtics can lose by less than 5 and cover. Bet the over if you think the total score will exceed 210 points.
Football
Typical football bets:
Point spreads
Moneylines
Over/under on total points
Example:
Kansas City Chiefs -3 (-115)
Philadelphia Eagles +3 (-105)
Over/under: 48 points
Chiefs must win by more than 3 points to cover the spread. Eagles can lose by 2 or less to cover. The over hits if the teams combine for 49+ points.
Hockey
Hockey betting includes:
Moneylines
Puck lines (point spread of 1.5 goals)
Over/under total goals scored
Example:
Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (-125)
Dallas Stars +1.5 (+105)
Over/under: 6 goals
Tampa must win by 2+ goals to cover the puck line. Dallas can lose by 1 goal or win outright and cover. Bet the over if you think 7 or more total goals will be scored.
Soccer
Common soccer bets:
Moneylines
Goal spreads
Over/under on total goals
Example:
Liverpool FC -1 (-130)
Manchester United +1 (+110)
Over/under: 2.5 goals
Liverpool must win by 2 or more goals to cover the spread. Man United can lose by 1 goal or win outright and cover. The over hits if 3+ total goals are scored. Now you have a deeper understanding of how to read betting odds and lines for major sports! This info will help you bet smarter (or at least understand a conversation).
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