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Sports Betting

Introduction

I have a ton of stuff on this website about sports betting. Way to much to fit on one page. If you're already familiar with the basics of how to make a sports bet, I invite you to go to skip this page and jump to one of my pages on a specific sport, as follows:

 

 

If you're new to sports betting, this page will endeavor to teach you the major types of bets. We'll use the photo above as a reference for some of them. In particular, we'll focus on the Rams/Vikings game, which looks like this:

Oct. 11, 2009 — Vikings Vs. Rams

401 Vikings -10 -600
402 Rams 41 +400

In all sports betting, the odds are on a "to one" basis. In other words, you always get your bet back, plus winnings, if you win. So, for example, if you must bet $11 to win $10, then you would present $11 at the window and the writer will give you a ticket worth $21 if it wins.

Money Line

Money Line bets are simply on whom will win. No point spreads or any other nonsense.

Most of the time, one team will be favored over the other. So, if you bet the underdog, then you're rewarded with more than even money if they win. If you want to bet the favorite, then you will have to risk more than what you stand to win.

Consider game numbers 401 and 402 in the example above. The +400 for the Rams means that a bet on the Rams would pay 4 to 1. The -600 on the Vikings means that if you bet them, then you have to lay 6 to 1.

Examples:

  • A $100 on the Rams would win $400.
  • A $600 bet on the Vikings would win $100.

Point Spread

 

The most common way to bet football and basketball is with a point spread. Most sports bettors like a wager that has about a 50% chance to win. Less than that and you'll probably lose. More than that and you won't win much if you do win.

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To achieve about a 50/50 chance of winning a bet on a lopsided game, like the Rams vs. Vikings above, the sports books have come up with the "point spread."

Before I go on, let me clarify some terminology. Despite it being probably the most popular way to bet, there is no particular term for a bet against the spread. Many people call this a "straight bet." However, this term can also be used, and is printed on tickets for, money line bets, total bets, and any other bet involving just one game. For purposes of this page, I call such bets a "point spread" bet, and invite the rest of the world to adopt this terminology.

A point spread is simply a handicap you give the weaker team, or deduct from the stronger one, depending on how you look at it. For example, if my average scoring in bowling is 120 and I play somebody with an average of 140, then to make a wager fair, I might be given a free 20 points. In this case you would say my point spread is +20.

In the example above you can see a -10 next to the Vikings. That means that the Vikings are favored to win by 10 points. So, if you bet the Vikings you give up ten points and if you bet the Rams you get 10 points.

Usually with point spread bets you risk $11 for every $10 you stand to win.

Examples:

  • A $110 bet on the Rams would win $100 if they win the game or lose by less than 10.
  • A $110 bet on the Vikings would win $100 if the Vikings win by more than 10.

Both bets will push if the Vikings win by exactly 10.

Total

 

Total Bets are similar to point spread bets, except the bettor bets on the total points scored. In the example above the bettor bets whether the total points combined between the Vikings and Rams will be over or under 41. Like point spread bets the bettor must generally risk $11 to win $10, for a house edge of 4.54%.

Examples:

  • A $55 bet on the under would win $50 if the total points in the game were 40 or less.
  • A $55 bet on the over would win $50 if the total points in the game were 42 or less.
  • Any bet on the over or under would push if the total points in the game were exactly 41.

Parlays

Parlay bets are a good and popular way to potentially win big with a small wager. The way they work is the bettor picks two or more events, which all must win or push to win the bet. One or more loss will cause the whole parlay bet to lose. In the event of a push, that "leg" of the parlay bet will be ignored and the win will be reduced to whatever it would pay if that selection were never made.

The way the win on parlay bets is calculated is as follows:

  1. If the player made two or more picks that are at -110 odds, then a parlay table will be used to determine to determine the win for just those events. These tables offer stingy odds, except for the two-leg parlay.
  2. After that, a mathematical calculation will be used for the other legs, as if the player made each bet independently.

As an example, consider the following parlay bet I made at the Golden Nugget, for the purposes of example only.

parlay golden nugget

Note the parlay above contains four legs at -110 odds and one at +210. The Golden Nugget pays 11 to 1 for a four-leg parlay. The total return of a parlay, including the return of the original bet, is the product of what every bet would be on a for one basis. In this case, $10 × 12 × 3.1 = $372.20.

My advice on parlays is to never include more than two legs at -110 odds.

For more information on parlays, please see my section on parlay bets the NFL. You can also find a survey of Las Vegas parlay tables at Wizard of Vegas.

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Sun Sep 15th 1pm Minnesota Vikings - san-francisco-49ers 235 -110 (6) -110 (46.5)
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Sun Sep 15th 1pm Washington Commanders - new-york-giants -135 100 (-3) -110 (42.5)
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Sun Sep 15th 4pm Arizona Cardinals - los-angeles-rams 150 -110 (3) -108 (46)
Sun Sep 15th 4pm Kansas City Chiefs - cincinnati-bengals -192 -105 (-3.5) -105 (48.5)
Sun Sep 15th 4pm Denver Broncos - pittsburgh-steelers 130 -108 (3) -110 (41.5)
Sun Sep 15th 8pm Houston Texans - chicago-bears -162 -110 (-4) -110 (47)
Mon Sep 16th 8pm Philadelphia Eagles - atlanta-falcons -166 -105 (-3.5) -110 (48.5)
Thu Sep 19th 8pm New York Jets - new-england-patriots -345 -110 (-7.5) -110 (42)
Sun Sep 22nd 1pm Indianapolis Colts - chicago-bears -130 -110 (-2) -108 (47)
Sun Sep 22nd 1pm Cleveland Browns - new-york-giants -265 -108 (-6.5) -108 (42.5)
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Sun Sep 22nd 1pm Tennessee Titans - green-bay-packers 160 -110 (3.5) -110 (44)
Sun Sep 22nd 1pm Minnesota Vikings - houston-texans 164 100 (3.5) -110 (46.5)
Sun Sep 22nd 1pm Pittsburgh Steelers - los-angeles-chargers -125 -110 (-2) -108 (42.5)
Sun Sep 22nd 1pm New Orleans Saints - philadelphia-eagles 130 -110 (3) -110 (45)
Sun Sep 22nd 4pm Las Vegas Raiders - carolina-panthers -185 -110 (-4) -110 (43)
Sun Sep 22nd 4pm Seattle Seahawks - miami-dolphins 110 -110 (2) -110 (49)
Sun Sep 22nd 4pm Arizona Cardinals - detroit-lions 160 -110 (4) -108 (50)
Sun Sep 22nd 4pm Dallas Cowboys - baltimore-ravens -112 -105 (-1) -110 (48)
Sun Sep 22nd 4pm Los Angeles Rams - san-francisco-49ers 130 100 (2.5) -108 (49)
Sun Sep 22nd 8pm Atlanta Falcons - kansas-city-chiefs 130 -110 (3) -110 (49)
Mon Sep 23rd 7pm Buffalo Bills - jacksonville-jaguars -205 -110 (-4.5) -110 (50)
Mon Sep 23rd 8pm Cincinnati Bengals - washington-commanders -325 -115 (-7) -110 (48)
Thu Sep 26th 8pm New York Giants - dallas-cowboys 170 -110 (4.5) -110 (44.5)
Sun Sep 29th 1pm Atlanta Falcons - new-orleans-saints -198 -110 (-4.5) -108 (44.5)
Sun Sep 29th 1pm Carolina Panthers - cincinnati-bengals 180 -110 (5) -108 (46)
Sun Sep 29th 1pm Chicago Bears - los-angeles-rams -122 -110 (-1.5) -110 (47)
Sun Sep 29th 1pm New York Jets - denver-broncos -245 -110 (-6) -110 (42.5)
Sun Sep 29th 1pm Green Bay Packers - minnesota-vikings -205 -110 (-4.5) -108 (45)
Sun Sep 29th 1pm Houston Texans - jacksonville-jaguars -175 -108 (-3.5) -110 (47.5)
Sun Sep 29th 1pm Indianapolis Colts - pittsburgh-steelers -110 -110 (-0.5) -110 (44.5)
Sun Sep 29th 1pm Tampa Bay Buccaneers - philadelphia-eagles 105 -110 (1.5) -110 (47)
Sun Sep 29th 4pm Arizona Cardinals - washington-commanders -125 -110 (-2) -108 (45)
Sun Sep 29th 4pm San Francisco 49ers - new-england-patriots -600 -110 (-11.5) -110 (45)
Sun Sep 29th 4pm Las Vegas Raiders - cleveland-browns 102 -110 (1.5) -108 (43.5)
Sun Sep 29th 4pm Los Angeles Chargers - kansas-city-chiefs 130 -110 (3) -110 (49)
Sun Sep 29th 8pm Baltimore Ravens - buffalo-bills -155 -110 (-3) -110 (47.5)
Mon Sep 30th 7pm Miami Dolphins - tennessee-titans -270 -110 (-6.5) -110 (46)
Mon Sep 30th 8pm Detroit Lions - seattle-seahawks -245 -110 (-6) -110 (49)
Thu Oct 3rd 8pm Atlanta Falcons - tampa-bay-buccaneers -155 -115 (-3) -110 (44)
Sun Oct 6th 8am Minnesota Vikings - new-york-jets 175 -110 (4) -110 (44.5)
Sun Oct 6th 1pm Cincinnati Bengals - baltimore-ravens -120 -110 (-1.5) -110 (46.5)
Sun Oct 6th 1pm Houston Texans - buffalo-bills -125 -110 (-1.5) -110 (48)
Sun Oct 6th 1pm Chicago Bears - carolina-panthers -218 -108 (-5.5) -108 (42)
Sun Oct 6th 1pm Washington Commanders - cleveland-browns 120 100 (2.5) -108 (43.5)
Sun Oct 6th 1pm Jacksonville Jaguars - indianapolis-colts -142 -110 (-2.5) -108 (47)
Sun Oct 6th 1pm New England Patriots - miami-dolphins 154 -110 (3.5) -110 (45)
Sun Oct 6th 4pm San Francisco 49ers - arizona-cardinals -425 -110 (-9.5) -110 (47)
Sun Oct 6th 4pm Denver Broncos - las-vegas-raiders -112 -105 (-1) -110 (41)
Sun Oct 6th 4pm Los Angeles Rams - green-bay-packers -130 -112 (-1.5) -108 (48.5)
Sun Oct 6th 4pm Seattle Seahawks - new-york-giants -175 -110 (-3.5) -108 (43)
Sun Oct 6th 8pm Pittsburgh Steelers - dallas-cowboys 105 -108 (1.5) -110 (43)
Mon Oct 7th 8pm Kansas City Chiefs - new-orleans-saints -375 -110 (-8) -110 (44.5)
Thu Oct 10th 8pm Seattle Seahawks - san-francisco-49ers 160 -110 (4) -110 (46.5)
Sun Oct 13th 8am Chicago Bears - jacksonville-jaguars -106 -110 (0) -105 (45.5)
Sun Oct 13th 1pm Green Bay Packers - arizona-cardinals -218 -110 (-5) -108 (46.5)
Sun Oct 13th 1pm Baltimore Ravens - washington-commanders -355 -110 (-8) -110 (46.5)
Sun Oct 13th 1pm Philadelphia Eagles - cleveland-browns -148 -108 (-3) -108 (45.5)
Sun Oct 13th 1pm New England Patriots - houston-texans 160 -110 (4) -110 (44)
Sun Oct 13th 1pm Tennessee Titans - indianapolis-colts 105 -108 (1.5) -108 (44.5)
Sun Oct 13th 1pm New Orleans Saints - tampa-bay-buccaneers -122 -110 (-1.5) -110 (43)
Sun Oct 13th 4pm Denver Broncos - los-angeles-chargers 102 -110 (1.5) -110 (44)
Sun Oct 13th 4pm Las Vegas Raiders - pittsburgh-steelers -105 -112 (1) -110 (43.5)
Sun Oct 13th 4pm Dallas Cowboys - detroit-lions -110 -110 (-0.5) -110 (48.5)
Sun Oct 13th 4pm Carolina Panthers - atlanta-falcons 154 -108 (3.5) -108 (44)
Sun Oct 13th 8pm New York Giants - cincinnati-bengals 170 -110 (4.5) -108 (45)
Mon Oct 14th 8pm New York Jets - buffalo-bills -115 -110 (-1) -110 (47.5)
Thu Oct 17th 8pm New Orleans Saints - denver-broncos -180 -110 (-3.5) -110 (42.5)
Sun Oct 20th 8am Jacksonville Jaguars - new-england-patriots -270 -110 (-6) -110 (42.5)
Sun Oct 20th 1pm Atlanta Falcons - seattle-seahawks -175 -108 (-3.5) -110 (48)
Sun Oct 20th 1pm Buffalo Bills - tennessee-titans -340 -120 (-7) -112 (47.5)
Sun Oct 20th 1pm Cleveland Browns - cincinnati-bengals -102 -108 (1) -110 (46.5)
Sun Oct 20th 1pm Minnesota Vikings - detroit-lions 140 100 (3) -108 (47)
Sun Oct 20th 1pm Green Bay Packers - houston-texans -130 -108 (-2.5) -110 (48.5)
Sun Oct 20th 1pm Indianapolis Colts - miami-dolphins -105 -110 (1) -110 (49)
Sun Oct 20th 1pm New York Giants - philadelphia-eagles 150 -110 (3.5) -110 (44)
Sun Oct 20th 3pm San Francisco 49ers - kansas-city-chiefs -124 -110 (-2.5) -110 (47.5)
Sun Oct 20th 4pm Los Angeles Rams - las-vegas-raiders -192 -110 (-4) -110 (46)
Sun Oct 20th 4pm Washington Commanders - carolina-panthers -155 -110 (-3) -110 (42)
Sun Oct 20th 8pm Pittsburgh Steelers - new-york-jets -105 -110 (1) -110 (43)
Mon Oct 21st 8pm Tampa Bay Buccaneers - baltimore-ravens 185 -108 (5) -110 (46)
Mon Oct 21st 9pm Arizona Cardinals - los-angeles-chargers -118 -110 (-1) -110 (45)
Thu Oct 24th 8pm Los Angeles Rams - minnesota-vikings -175 -108 (-3.5) -108 (45.5)
Sun Oct 27th 1pm Cleveland Browns - baltimore-ravens 102 -110 (1.5) -110 (45.5)
Sun Oct 27th 1pm Detroit Lions - tennessee-titans -310 -110 (-7) -110 (46.5)
Sun Oct 27th 1pm Miami Dolphins - arizona-cardinals -245 -110 (-6) -110 (47)
Sun Oct 27th 1pm Tampa Bay Buccaneers - atlanta-falcons 102 -110 (1.5) -110 (46.5)
Sun Oct 27th 1pm Washington Commanders - chicago-bears 110 -108 (2) -110 (44.5)
Sun Oct 27th 1pm Jacksonville Jaguars - green-bay-packers -105 -110 (1) -110 (46)
Sun Oct 27th 1pm Houston Texans - indianapolis-colts -198 -110 (-4) -108 (47.5)
Sun Oct 27th 1pm New England Patriots - new-york-jets 145 -110 (3.5) -110 (42)
Sun Oct 27th 4pm Seattle Seahawks - buffalo-bills 110 -110 (2) -110 (46.5)
Sun Oct 27th 4pm Los Angeles Chargers - new-orleans-saints -155 -110 (-3) -110 (44)
Sun Oct 27th 4pm Denver Broncos - carolina-panthers -135 -110 (-2.5) -110 (42)
Sun Oct 27th 4pm Cincinnati Bengals - philadelphia-eagles -155 -108 (-3) -110 (47.5)
Sun Oct 27th 4pm Las Vegas Raiders - kansas-city-chiefs 170 -110 (4.5) -110 (47)
Sun Oct 27th 8pm San Francisco 49ers - dallas-cowboys -210 -110 (46)
Mon Oct 28th 8pm Pittsburgh Steelers - new-york-giants -185 -110 (-4) -110 (42.5)
Thu Oct 31st 8pm New York Jets - houston-texans -142 100 (-3) -110 (45)
Sun Nov 3rd 1pm Atlanta Falcons - dallas-cowboys -105 -110 (1) -110 (48)
Sun Nov 3rd 1pm Baltimore Ravens - denver-broncos -500 -110 (-10.5) -110 (43)
Sun Nov 3rd 1pm Buffalo Bills - miami-dolphins -155 -110 (-3) -110 (51)
Sun Nov 3rd 1pm Carolina Panthers - new-orleans-saints -102 -110 (1) -110 (40.5)
Sun Nov 3rd 1pm Cincinnati Bengals - las-vegas-raiders -278 -108 (-6.5) -108 (45)
Sun Nov 3rd 1pm Cleveland Browns - los-angeles-chargers -170 -120 (-3) -110 (43.5)
Sun Nov 3rd 1pm Minnesota Vikings - indianapolis-colts -110 -105 (-1) -110 (46.5)
Sun Nov 3rd 1pm Tennessee Titans - new-england-patriots -142 -120 (-2.5) -110 (41)
Sun Nov 3rd 1pm New York Giants - washington-commanders -125 -110 (-1.5) -110 (42)
Sun Nov 3rd 4pm Arizona Cardinals - chicago-bears -108 -115 (1) -110 (46.5)
Sun Nov 3rd 4pm Green Bay Packers - detroit-lions -122 -110 (-1.5) -110 (49)
Sun Nov 3rd 4pm Seattle Seahawks - los-angeles-rams 102 -110 (1.5) -108 (47)
Sun Nov 3rd 8pm Philadelphia Eagles - jacksonville-jaguars -185 -105 (-3.5) -108 (47)
Mon Nov 4th 8pm Kansas City Chiefs - tampa-bay-buccaneers -355 -120 (-7) -110 (47)
Thu Nov 7th 8pm Baltimore Ravens - cincinnati-bengals -155 -110 (-3) -110 (47.5)
Sun Nov 10th 7am Carolina Panthers - new-york-giants 112 -110 (1) -108 (42.5)
Sun Nov 10th 1pm New Orleans Saints - atlanta-falcons 105 -108 (1.5) -110 (44.5)
Sun Nov 10th 1pm Indianapolis Colts - buffalo-bills 105 -110 (2) -110 (46.5)
Sun Nov 10th 1pm Chicago Bears - new-england-patriots -198 -110 (-4.5) -110 (43)
Sun Nov 10th 1pm Kansas City Chiefs - denver-broncos -410 -110 (-9) -110 (46)
Sun Nov 10th 1pm Jacksonville Jaguars - minnesota-vikings -162 -115 (-3) -108 (44.5)
Sun Nov 10th 1pm Washington Commanders - pittsburgh-steelers 102 -110 (1.5) -108 (43.5)
Sun Nov 10th 1pm Tampa Bay Buccaneers - san-francisco-49ers 164 -108 (4) -110 (46.5)
Sun Nov 10th 4pm Los Angeles Chargers - tennessee-titans -192 -110 (-4) -110 (43.5)
Sun Nov 10th 4pm Arizona Cardinals - new-york-jets 130 -110 (3) -110 (46.5)
Sun Nov 10th 4pm Dallas Cowboys - philadelphia-eagles -120 -110 (-1.5) -110 (47.5)
Sun Nov 10th 8pm Houston Texans - detroit-lions -115 -108 (-1) -110 (48.5)
Mon Nov 11th 8pm Los Angeles Rams - miami-dolphins -115 -110 (-1) -110 (47.5)
Thu Nov 14th 8pm Philadelphia Eagles - washington-commanders -250 -110 (-6) -110 (45.5)
Sun Nov 17th 1pm Pittsburgh Steelers - baltimore-ravens 130 -110 (3) -110 (42)
Sun Nov 17th 1pm Chicago Bears - green-bay-packers -108 -102 (-1) -108 (44)
Sun Nov 17th 1pm New Orleans Saints - cleveland-browns 110 -110 (2) -110 (42)
Sun Nov 17th 1pm Detroit Lions - jacksonville-jaguars -192 -110 (-4) -110 (50)
Sun Nov 17th 1pm Miami Dolphins - las-vegas-raiders -250 -110 (-6) -110 (47)
Sun Nov 17th 1pm New England Patriots - los-angeles-rams 160 -110 (4) -110 (44.5)
Sun Nov 17th 1pm Tennessee Titans - minnesota-vikings -105 -112 (1) -110 (43.5)
Sun Nov 17th 4pm Denver Broncos - atlanta-falcons 142 100 (3) -110 (44.5)
Sun Nov 17th 4pm San Francisco 49ers - seattle-seahawks -410 -110 (-9) -110 (47.5)
Sun Nov 17th 4pm Buffalo Bills - kansas-city-chiefs 100 -102 (-1) -110 (46.5)
Sun Nov 17th 4pm Los Angeles Chargers - cincinnati-bengals 110 -108 (2) -110 (45)
Sun Nov 17th 8pm New York Jets - indianapolis-colts -192 -110 (-4) -110 (46)
Mon Nov 18th 8pm Dallas Cowboys - houston-texans -155 -110 (-3) -108 (49)
Thu Nov 21st 8pm Cleveland Browns - pittsburgh-steelers -142 100 (-3) -108 (43.5)
Sun Nov 24th 1pm Carolina Panthers - kansas-city-chiefs 250 -110 (7) -110 (45.5)
Sun Nov 24th 1pm Chicago Bears - minnesota-vikings -155 -110 (-3) -110 (45)
Sun Nov 24th 1pm Washington Commanders - dallas-cowboys 114 -110 (2.5) -110 (46)
Sun Nov 24th 1pm Indianapolis Colts - detroit-lions 114 -108 (2.5) -108 (47.5)
Sun Nov 24th 1pm Houston Texans - tennessee-titans -218 -110 (-5.5) -108 (46.5)
Sun Nov 24th 1pm Miami Dolphins - new-england-patriots -265 -110 (-6.5) -110 (45)
Sun Nov 24th 1pm New York Giants - tampa-bay-buccaneers -105 -110 (1) -112 (44)
Sun Nov 24th 4pm Las Vegas Raiders - denver-broncos -155 -110 (-3) -110 (42)
Sun Nov 24th 4pm Arizona Cardinals - seattle-seahawks 130 -110 (3) -110 (46)
Sun Nov 24th 4pm Green Bay Packers - san-francisco-49ers 110 -110 (2.5) -110 (47)
Sun Nov 24th 8pm Los Angeles Rams - philadelphia-eagles -112 -110 (-0.5) -110 (47)
Mon Nov 25th 8pm Los Angeles Chargers - baltimore-ravens 105 -110 (2) -110 (47)
Thu Nov 28th 12pm Detroit Lions - chicago-bears -180 -110 (-3.5) -108 (50)
Thu Nov 28th 4pm Dallas Cowboys - new-york-giants -355 -110 (-8) -110 (44.5)
Thu Nov 28th 8pm Green Bay Packers - miami-dolphins -155 -110 (-3) -110 (48.5)
Fri Nov 29th 3pm Kansas City Chiefs - las-vegas-raiders -340 -120 (-7) -110 (45.5)
Sun Dec 1st 1pm Minnesota Vikings - arizona-cardinals -120 -108 (-1.5) -108 (45.5)
Sun Dec 1st 1pm Atlanta Falcons - los-angeles-chargers -135 -110 (-2.5) -110 (47.5)
Sun Dec 1st 1pm Cincinnati Bengals - pittsburgh-steelers -218 -110 (-5) -108 (44.5)
Sun Dec 1st 1pm Jacksonville Jaguars - houston-texans -115 -108 (-1) -110 (47)
Sun Dec 1st 1pm New England Patriots - indianapolis-colts 105 -110 (2) -110 (44)
Sun Dec 1st 1pm New York Jets - seattle-seahawks -198 -110 (-4.5) -110 (46.5)
Sun Dec 1st 1pm Washington Commanders - tennessee-titans -122 -110 (-1.5) -110 (46.5)
Sun Dec 1st 4pm Carolina Panthers - tampa-bay-buccaneers 105 -110 (2) -108 (44)
Sun Dec 1st 4pm New Orleans Saints - los-angeles-rams 105 -110 (1.5) -110 (46.5)
Sun Dec 1st 4pm Baltimore Ravens - philadelphia-eagles -192 -110 (-4) -110 (46.5)
Sun Dec 1st 8pm Buffalo Bills - san-francisco-49ers 105 -110 (2) -110 (47)
Mon Dec 2nd 7pm Denver Broncos - cleveland-browns 150 -110 (3.5) -110 (43)
Thu Dec 5th 8pm Detroit Lions - green-bay-packers -142 -115 (-2.5) -110 (48)
Sun Dec 8th 1pm Minnesota Vikings - atlanta-falcons -102 -108 (1) -108 (45)
Sun Dec 8th 1pm Philadelphia Eagles - carolina-panthers -310 -110 (-7) -110 (45)
Sun Dec 8th 1pm Pittsburgh Steelers - cleveland-browns -110 -102 (-1) -110 (43.5)
Sun Dec 8th 1pm Tennessee Titans - jacksonville-jaguars 110 -110 (2) -110 (45)
Sun Dec 8th 1pm Tampa Bay Buccaneers - las-vegas-raiders -118 -110 (-1) -110 (44)
Sun Dec 8th 1pm Miami Dolphins - new-york-jets -130 -110 (-2) -110 (47.5)
Sun Dec 8th 1pm New York Giants - new-orleans-saints -110 -118 (1) -110 (41)
Sun Dec 8th 4pm Arizona Cardinals - seattle-seahawks -115 -108 (-1) -110 (45.5)
Sun Dec 8th 4pm Los Angeles Rams - buffalo-bills -105 -110 (1) -110 (48)
Sun Dec 8th 4pm San Francisco 49ers - chicago-bears -230 -110 (-5.5) -110 (47.5)
Sun Dec 8th 8pm Kansas City Chiefs - los-angeles-chargers -265 -110 (-6.5) -110 (44.5)
Mon Dec 9th 8pm Dallas Cowboys - cincinnati-bengals -118 -110 (-1) -110 (48.5)
Thu Dec 12th 8pm San Francisco 49ers - los-angeles-rams -278 -108 (-6.5) -108 (46.5)
Sun Dec 15th 1pm Carolina Panthers - dallas-cowboys 225 -110 (6.5) -110 (44)
Sun Dec 15th 1pm Cleveland Browns - kansas-city-chiefs 120 -120 (3) -108 (46.5)
Sun Dec 15th 1pm New York Giants - baltimore-ravens 225 -108 (6.5) -110 (44)
Sun Dec 15th 1pm Tennessee Titans - cincinnati-bengals 170 -110 (4.5) -110 (46)
Sun Dec 15th 1pm Houston Texans - miami-dolphins -142 -110 (-2.5) -110 (49.5)
Sun Dec 15th 1pm Jacksonville Jaguars - new-york-jets -105 -110 (1) -110 (46)
Sun Dec 15th 1pm New Orleans Saints - washington-commanders -135 -110 (-2.5) -108 (42)
Sun Dec 15th 4pm Arizona Cardinals - new-england-patriots -155 -110 (-3) -110 (44)
Sun Dec 15th 4pm Detroit Lions - buffalo-bills -135 -110 (-2) -110 (50.5)
Sun Dec 15th 4pm Denver Broncos - indianapolis-colts 120 -110 (2.5) -108 (44.5)
Sun Dec 15th 4pm Los Angeles Chargers - tampa-bay-buccaneers -148 -105 (-3) -110 (42.5)
Sun Dec 15th 4pm Philadelphia Eagles - pittsburgh-steelers -148 -108 (-3) -110 (45)
Sun Dec 15th 8pm Seattle Seahawks - green-bay-packers -102 -110 (1) -108 (47)
Mon Dec 16th 7pm Minnesota Vikings - chicago-bears -110 -115 (1) -110 (46)
Mon Dec 16th 7pm Las Vegas Raiders - atlanta-falcons -105 -110 (1) -108 (45.5)
Thu Dec 19th 8pm Cincinnati Bengals - cleveland-browns -175 -108 (-3.5) -110 (46.5)
Sat Dec 21st 1pm Kansas City Chiefs - houston-texans -205 -108 (-4.5) -110 (47)
Sat Dec 21st 4pm Baltimore Ravens - pittsburgh-steelers -245 -110 (-6) -110 (46)
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm Carolina Panthers - arizona-cardinals -102 -110 (1) -110 (45.5)
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm Atlanta Falcons - new-york-giants -198 -110 (-4.5) -108 (44.5)
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm Buffalo Bills - new-england-patriots -355 -110 (-7.5) -110 (44.5)
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm Chicago Bears - detroit-lions 110 -110 (2) -108 (48)
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm Indianapolis Colts - tennessee-titans -175 -108 (-3.5) -110 (44.5)
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm New York Jets - los-angeles-rams -155 -110 (-3) -110 (47.5)
Sun Dec 22nd 1pm Washington Commanders - philadelphia-eagles 114 -110 (2.5) -110 (46.5)
Sun Dec 22nd 4pm Los Angeles Chargers - denver-broncos -180 -110 (-3.5) -110 (45)
Sun Dec 22nd 4pm Seattle Seahawks - minnesota-vikings -125 -110 (-2) -108 (45.5)
Sun Dec 22nd 4pm Las Vegas Raiders - jacksonville-jaguars -105 -115 (1) -108 (45.5)
Sun Dec 22nd 4pm Miami Dolphins - san-francisco-49ers -105 -110 (1) -110 (49)
Sun Dec 22nd 8pm Dallas Cowboys - tampa-bay-buccaneers -205 -110 (-4.5) -110 (46.5)
Mon Dec 23rd 8pm Green Bay Packers - new-orleans-saints -218 -110 (-5) -110 (45)
Wed Dec 25th 4pm Pittsburgh Steelers - kansas-city-chiefs 235 -108 (4) -105 (41.5)
Wed Dec 25th 8pm Houston Texans - baltimore-ravens 108 -110 (1.5) -108 (46.5)
Thu Dec 26th 8pm Chicago Bears - seattle-seahawks -175 -108 (-3.5) -108 (45.5)
Sun Dec 29th 1pm Buffalo Bills - new-york-jets -135 -110 (-2.5) -110 (45.5)
Sun Dec 29th 1pm Tampa Bay Buccaneers - carolina-panthers -205 -108 (-4.5) -108 (43.5)
Sun Dec 29th 1pm Minnesota Vikings - green-bay-packers 110 -108 (2) -108 (45.5)
Sun Dec 29th 1pm Jacksonville Jaguars - tennessee-titans -192 -108 (-4) -110 (46)
Sun Dec 29th 1pm New Orleans Saints - las-vegas-raiders -130 -110 (-2) -110 (43)
Sun Dec 29th 1pm Washington Commanders - atlanta-falcons 110 -110 (2) -110 (46)
Sun Dec 29th 1pm Cincinnati Bengals - denver-broncos -355 -110 (-7.5) -110 (45.5)
Sun Dec 29th 1pm New York Giants - indianapolis-colts 110 -108 (2) -110 (43.5)
Sun Dec 29th 1pm New England Patriots - los-angeles-chargers 114 -110 (2.5) -110 (41)
Sun Dec 29th 4pm Los Angeles Rams - arizona-cardinals -238 -115 (-5.5) -110 (48.5)
Sun Dec 29th 4pm Philadelphia Eagles - dallas-cowboys -135 -110 (-2) -110 (47)
Sun Dec 29th 8pm Cleveland Browns - miami-dolphins -130 -110 (-2) -110 (44.5)
Mon Dec 30th 8pm San Francisco 49ers - detroit-lions -205 -110 (-4.5) -108 (49.5)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm Atlanta Falcons - carolina-panthers -278 -110 (-6.5) -110 (45.5)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm Baltimore Ravens - cleveland-browns -218 -110 (-5) -110 (46.5)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm New England Patriots - buffalo-bills 150 -110 (3.5) -110 (44.5)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm Green Bay Packers - chicago-bears -155 -110 (-3) -110 (47)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm Pittsburgh Steelers - cincinnati-bengals -102 -110 (1) -108 (44)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm Dallas Cowboys - washington-commanders -225 -110 (-5.5) -110 (46.5)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm Detroit Lions - minnesota-vikings -205 -108 (-5) -110 (47.5)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm Tennessee Titans - houston-texans 130 -108 (3) -110 (45)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm Indianapolis Colts - jacksonville-jaguars -122 -110 (-1.5) -108 (46.5)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm New York Jets - miami-dolphins -122 -110 (-1.5) -110 (47)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm Tampa Bay Buccaneers - new-orleans-saints -135 -110 (-2.5) -108 (43)
Sun Jan 5th 1pm Philadelphia Eagles - new-york-giants -218 -110 (-5) -110 (44.5)
Sun Jan 5th 4pm Arizona Cardinals - san-francisco-49ers 185 -108 (5.5) -110 (43)
Sun Jan 5th 4pm Denver Broncos - kansas-city-chiefs 160 -110 (4) -110 (46.5)
Sun Jan 5th 4pm Las Vegas Raiders - los-angeles-chargers 102 -105 (1) -110 (44.5)
Sun Jan 5th 4pm Los Angeles Rams - seattle-seahawks -225 -108 (-5.5) -110 (47)

Teasers

Teasers are similar to parlays except the point spread on each game moves a certain number of points in the player's favor. In football the player gets 6 to 7 points, and in basketball, 4 to 5 points. The player pays for this in the form of much lower winnings. For example, if the Vikings were part of a 6-point teaser, then they would only need to win by more than 4 points to cover. If the Rams were part of a teaser, they could win, or lose by less than 16, and cover.

More information:

Buying Half a Point

In football and basketball, the straight bet player has the option to move the point spread 1/2 point to his advantage. The cost of this half point is laying 120, as opposed to 110. Not all sports books allow this, and if they do, they usually don't let you buy off of the common three-point margin of victory in football.

Futures

Futures are a bet on who will win the championship when there are still more than two possible teams to bet on. The house edge on futures varies substantially from one sports book to another. However, in general, they are a sucker bet.

More information:

Propositions

Often big games will have "proposition" bets on things not directly related to the final score of the game. These are usually abbreviated to "prop" bets. For example, in football whether or not the first score will be a touchdown. In baseball whether a run will be scored in the first inning. In hockey/soccer, whether anybody will score a hat trick. The odds on these are expressed like point spread bets. For example, as I write this the Golden Nugget has the following proposition bet on Super Bowl 49:

Will there be a safety in the game?
Yes: +500
No: -700

This means a bet on the "yes" pays 5 to 1, and on the "no" pays 1 to 7.

More information:

Basic Strategy

I could talk all day about betting sports but I know some of my readers just want it simplified to nice sound bites. For them, here is my basic strategy for sports betting:

  • Money lines: Bet underdogs.
  • Point spread bets: Bet underdogs.
  • Totals: Bet unders.
  • Parlays: Bet off the board as opposed to the cards. Either do a three-team parlay or mix in one event that doesn't pay -110 odds.
  • Teasers: Unless you know to cross the key numbers (namely 3 and 7 in football), avoid teasers completely.
  • Futures: Avoid them, as they carry a high house edge of about 30%. If you must bet them, for entertainment reasons, do so in strict moderation.
  • Propositions: Bet unders and things not to happen.
  • All bets: Shop around. Lines can vary from one sports book to another. It pays to compare lines for extra points or better odds.

Internal Links

Calculators

Sports Book Reviews

Outside Links

 
  • For a simplified explanation of sports betting, please visit my companion site Wizard of Vegas.
  • My sports betting advice in Spanish at LasApuestas.mx.