Straight Wagers
The team wagered on must win by the
point spread given at
the time of the wager. The team perceived to have less
chance of winning is given a handicap of a certain
number of points for wagering purposes. This
handicap is known as the point spread, and is
sometimes called the line or price. If a player
or team
has a greater number of points after the point spread has
been factored into its final score, the bet is said to have
covered the spread.
The favorite is always listed with a negative number.
Why a negative number? For wagering purposes, points
are subtracted from the favorite's final score to determine
if the favorite is a winner.
Conversely, the
underdog is given a
positive number because points are added to the
underdog's final score to determine a wager's winners and
losers.
Unless otherwise indicated, the
odds are generally $1.10 to win $1.00. Events that tie
are considered "no action" - no one wins or loses. Due
to changing events, the point spread may fluctuate at any
time.
Example
These bets are common in basketball. Let's say a player makes a
basketball bet of $110.00 on the Lakers -6 to beat Sacramento +6.
If the Lakers win by more than 6 points the
player wins $100.00 so the total payout including the initial
wager would be $210.00. If the Lakers only win by 6 points,
then the game is considered "no action" and all money is
returned to the bettor. If the Lakers win by less than 6
points the wager is lost.
These types of bets are also common
in
football and some hockey (puck line) wagers.
