For example, if the number next to the team says -5, then the team needs to win by more than 5 points in order for you to win a bet. The number for the point spread may also be a fraction or decimal, such as -4 ½ or -4. 5. In this case, the team must win by the next round number of points, which is 5 in this example.
For example, if the odds were listed as +4. 5, then the team must either win the game by any point margin, or lose by less than 5 points.
For example, if a team is listed as -4 and they only win by 4 points, then there is no winner and you get your original bet.
Favored teams usually cost more to place a bet and pay out less. Underdog teams cost less and let you win more money, but they’re riskier since the team may not be as good.
For example, if the odds are listed as -250, then you need to pay $250 USD in order to win an additional $100 USD.
For example, if the team has money line odds of +235, then you pay a $100 USD wager. If the team wins, you get back a total of $335 USD back. Wagers on the underdog tend to be riskier since the team is not expected to win.
Some bookies may offer a “teaser” parlay that lets you adjust the point spread to help an underdog or favored team win. The payoffs on “teaser” are usually not as high as a regular bet or parlay.
For example, the over/under may be listed as 42, which means the teams’ combined score must be greater in order to win. If the combined scores are the same as the over/under number, then you receive the amount you originally wagered.
Some prop bets are completely left up to chance. For example, some people make prop bets on the coin toss during the Super Bowl.
