Sports betting basics
Moneylines, spreads, totals and parlays explained without the hype. Understand the math before you look at a bet slip.
Topics
4
Focus
Math
Policy
No picks
Win/lose pricing
A moneyline is a straight win/lose price. Positive odds show the profit on a $100 stake; negative odds show the stake needed to win $100.
Handicap betting
The spread levels the playing field by giving the underdog a virtual head start. The price is usually -110 on both sides.
Over/under
Betting the total means wagering on whether the combined score will be over or under a set number. It is a pure scoring expectation bet.
Combined risk
A parlay combines multiple legs into one bet. All must win. The payout grows, but so does the probability of losing.
The bookmaker margin
Every sportsbook builds a margin into its odds. The sum of implied probabilities across both sides is usually above 100%. That excess is the bookmaker's theoretical edge.