Sports Betting Lines

Sports odds come in the form of a Point Spread, Money Line and a Game Total. Understanding sports betting lines is essential for anyone who wants to succeed at sports betting.

What are Sports Betting Lines?

Sports betting lines are the odds that a sportsbook sets for a particular game or event. These lines are designed to attract equal betting action on both sides of a game, which allows the sportsbook to make a profit regardless of the outcome.

Point Spread

The point spread is the most common type of betting line in American sports betting. The favorite is given a negative number, which means they must win by that many points for a bet on them to win. The underdog gets a positive number, meaning they can lose by that many points and still win the bet.

Money Line

The money line is a bet on which team will win the game outright, regardless of the score. The favorite is given a negative number, which represents how much you need to bet to win $100. The underdog gets a positive number, which represents how much you can win on a $100 bet.

Game Total (Over/Under)

The game total, also known as the over/under, is a bet on the combined score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a number, and you bet on whether the actual combined score will be over or under that number.

How to Read Betting Lines

Reading betting lines can seem confusing at first, but it becomes easier with practice. Always pay attention to the juice or vigorish, which is the sportsbook's commission on each bet. Shopping for the best lines across multiple sportsbooks can significantly improve your long-term profits.