This most common type of sports wager is based on the results of a single game. One team is typically favored over another by a point spread / handicap or a money line. With the Pointspread or Handicap, the favorite gives the underdog a number of points as a head start. The favorite is always indicated by a minus sign (-7) and the underdog by a plus sign (+7). The number of points a player must give or take is estimated to be the number that will generate equal wagering on both the underdog and the favorite.
For betting purposes, the result of the game is determined by taking the actual score and subtracting points from the favorite’s score, or adding points to the underdog’s score. So, a favorite can win the game, but lose it for betting purposes, and an underdog can lose the game, but win it for betting purposes.
In most straight bets, which are set by a point spread, the player must lay $11 for every $10 he/she wishes to win.
For example, the Oakland Raiders may be favored by 7 points over the Denver Broncos. A player who wishes to win $10 on Oakland must give Denver 7 points. If Oakland wins by more than 7 points than the Oakland player wins $10. If Oakland wins by less than 7 points, or loses outright, then the Oakland player loses $11. On the other side of the wager, in order for a Denver player to win, The Denver Broncos must win the game outright, or lose by less than 7 points. stake, and $6.90 profit.
More About Straights Betting
The team wagered on must win by the point spread given at the time of the wager. For straight wagers, unless otherwise indicated, the odds are $1.10 to win $1.00. Games that tie are considered “no action” and money is re-deposited back into your account. Due to changing events, the point spread may fluctuate at any time.
Example
Player wagers $110.00 on Miami -7 to beat Buffalo +7
If Miami wins by more than 7 points the player wins $100.00 so the total payout including the initial wager would be $210.00. If Miami only wins by 7 points then the game is considered “no action” and all money is returned to the bettor. If the Miami wins by less than 7 points the wagers is lost.