Moneyline Odds: Who Wins?
The Moneyline is the simplest bet: pick the winner. The odds reflect probability and determine payout.
AMERICAN ODDS EXAMPLE
Team A: -200 (Favorite)
Team B: +160 (Underdog)
> -200: Stake $200 to win $100 profit.
> +160: Stake $100 to win $160 profit.
DECIMAL ODDS EXAMPLE
Team A: 1.50
Team B: 2.60
> 1.50: Returns $1.50 total per $1 stake.
Quick rule: favorites have a minus sign in American odds and lower decimal odds. Underdogs have a plus sign and higher decimal odds.
Point Spread: Betting on the Margin
Spreads level the playing field. The favorite gives points, the underdog receives points.
SPREAD EXAMPLE
Team C: -7.5 (-110)
Team D: +7.5 (-110)
> Team C must win by 8 or more.
> Team D can lose by 7 or win outright.
Want to go deeper? Learn spreads in detail here:
Point Spread Betting Explained.
Over Under Totals: Betting on the Score
Totals ask one question: will the combined score be over or under a set number?
TOTALS EXAMPLE
Total: 205.5
Over (-110) / Under (-110)
> Over wins if the score is 206 or more.
> Under wins if the score is 205 or less.
If you want odds formats and implied probability:
Implied Probability Guide.
Why Reading Lines Matters
Understanding lines is the entry point to smart betting because it helps you spot value, where odds do not match true probability.
Bet Better compares model derived probabilities with bookmaker lines to highlight value betting.
FAQ
What does -200 mean in betting odds?
-200 means the selection is favored. You would stake $200 to win $100 profit (American odds).
What does +160 mean in betting odds?
+160 means the selection is an underdog. A $100 stake would win $160 profit if it wins.
What does -7.5 mean on a point spread?
-7.5 means the favorite must win by 8 or more points for the spread bet to win.
What does 205.5 mean for totals?
205.5 is the totals line. Over wins at 206 or more. Under wins at 205 or less.