Reading betting lines is essential for any sports bettor. This guide breaks down every component.
The Moneyline
The simplest bet - pick the winner.
- Example: Chiefs -180 vs Broncos +160
- Chiefs are favorites (bet $180 to win $100)
- Broncos are underdogs (bet $100 to win $160)
Point Spreads
The most popular NFL and NBA bet type.
- Example: Cowboys -7.5 (-110) vs Giants +7.5 (-110)
- Cowboys must win by 8+ points to cover
- Giants can lose by 7 or fewer (or win)
- -110 is the juice (bet $110 to win $100)
Key Numbers in Football - 3 and 7 are most common margins - Half points eliminate ties (pushes)
Totals (Over/Under)
- Example: Total 47.5 (-110)
- Over bettors need 48+ combined points
- Under bettors need 47 or fewer
Line Movement
- Lines move based on:
- Sharp money: Professional bettors
- Public money: Casual bettors
- Injuries: Key player news
- Weather: Outdoor game conditions
Reading Line Movement - Opening line: First posted odds - Current line: Where it stands now - Steam move: Rapid movement from sharp action
Line Shopping
- Always compare odds across sportsbooks:
- Even 0.5 point difference matters
- -105 vs -110 juice adds up
- Use odds comparison sites
Implied Probability
- Convert odds to probability:
- -200: 66.7% implied
- -150: 60% implied
- -110: 52.4% implied
- +150: 40% implied
- +200: 33.3% implied
Find value when your estimated probability exceeds implied probability.
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Betting Lines
Odds
Point Spread
How-To
Line Shopping