In the example, players can bet Philadelphia to win the game at -160 instead of laying 3 points at -110. That team with the minus sign (-) next to the money odds is the favorite. The money line is the number at the far right used to display these odds.

NOTE: Pointspreads fluctuate, but in sports betting the odds when the bet is placed are “fixed.” The listed pointspread at the time of the wager, which is printed on the ticket, may be different than the opening or closing pointspread of the game and the odds appearing on the wagering sheets.īettors also have the option of wagering on a team to win the game without the use of the pointspread the margin of victory does not matter.

For example, the player would lay $55 to win $50 or $110 to win $100, etc. Like the pointspread, the player wagers $11 for every $10 he wishes to win or multiples thereof, unless stated otherwise. All points scored in overtime are counted in the final score. The player can wager that the final score will be more or less than this number. The number next to the pointspread (42) is the Total for the game (also called Over/Under is the combined number of points scored by both teams). If Philadelphia wins by exactly three points, it is considered a wagering tie or “push” for wagering purposes and all straight bets on the pointspread are refunded. If the player bets Washington (+3), Washington must win the game outright or lose by two points or less for the player to win. Philadelphia must win the game by more than three points for the player to win his bet on Philadelphia. In the example, Philadelphia (-3) is favored by 3 points. The home team is always listed on the bottom, unless otherwise specified.

The pointspread on the electronic display boards and wagering sheets is always listed next to the favorite.

How people bet on football games