Sports betting terminology can be confusing for newcomers, and one of the most frequently encountered elements is the plus (+) and minus (-) symbols in betting odds. These symbols play a crucial role in understanding how much you can win or need to wager. This guide will explain what the + and – symbols mean, how to read them, and their implications for your betting strategy.
The Basics of Plus (+) and Minus (-) in Betting Odds
In sports betting, the + and – symbols are primarily used in moneyline bets, point spreads, and totals (over/under) bets. Here’s a breakdown of what these symbols represent in different contexts:
- Moneyline Bets:
- Plus (+): Indicates the underdog in a matchup. The number following the plus sign shows how much profit you would make on a $100 bet. For example, if a team has +200 odds, a $100 bet would yield $200 in profit if the underdog wins, for a total payout of $300 (your original $100 stake plus the $200 profit).
- Minus (-): Indicates the favorite in a matchup. The number following the minus sign shows how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, if a team has -150 odds, you need to bet $150 to win $100 in profit, for a total payout of $250 (your $150 stake plus the $100 profit).
- Point Spread Bets:
- Plus (+): Shows that the underdog is given a points advantage. For example, if a team is +5.5, they need to either win the game outright or lose by fewer than 6 points for your bet to win.
- Minus (-): Indicates the favorite is given a points disadvantage. For example, if a team is -5.5, they need to win the game by more than 5.5 points (i.e., 6 points or more) for your bet to be successful.
- Totals (Over/Under) Bets:
- Plus (+) and Minus (-) symbols are less common in totals betting, but when they appear, they can indicate the favored side of the total. For example, if you see -110 on both the over and under, it means you must bet $110 to win $100 on either side of the total.
Examples of Plus (+) and Minus (-) in Betting
- Moneyline Example:
- Team A: -180
- Team B: +160
In this example, Team A is the favorite, and you would need to bet $180 to win $100. Team B is the underdog, and a $100 bet would win you $160.
- Point Spread Example:
- Team A: -7.5 (-110)
- Team B: +7.5 (-110)
Here, Team A needs to win by more than 7.5 points for a bet on them to pay out. Team B can lose by up to 7 points or win outright for a bet on them to pay out. The -110 indicates that you need to bet $110 to win $100 on either side.
- Totals Example:
- Over 48.5 (-110)
- Under 48.5 (-110)
In this scenario, you can bet on the total combined score of the game being over or under 48.5 points. Regardless of your choice, you need to bet $110 to win $100.
Implications for Your Betting Strategy
Understanding the significance of the + and – symbols is crucial for making informed betting decisions. Here are a few strategic considerations:
- Value Betting: Always look for value in the odds. Sometimes, the underdog with a + symbol may offer a better risk-reward ratio, especially if you believe the underdog has a higher chance of winning than the odds suggest.
- Bankroll Management: Knowing how much to bet based on the odds is essential for managing your bankroll. For favorites (with a – symbol), you need to wager more to win a smaller amount, so calculate your bets accordingly to avoid depleting your funds quickly.
- Research and Analysis: Don’t rely solely on the odds. Research the teams, players, and other relevant factors to make informed bets. Sometimes the odds don’t fully reflect the actual chances of an outcome.
- Shop for the Best Odds: Different sportsbooks may offer slightly different odds. Shopping around can help you find the most favorable odds, whether you’re betting on the favorite or the underdog.
Conclusion
The plus (+) and minus (-) symbols are fundamental to understanding betting odds in sports betting. They indicate the underdog and favorite, respectively, and determine how much you can win or need to wager. By mastering these concepts and incorporating them into your betting strategy, you can make more informed decisions and enhance your overall betting experience.