Pointspread

The Pointspread - also called the line, or spread - is used as a margin to handicap the favorite team. The oddsmaker or handicapper "gives" points (or goals) to the underdog. The bettor must take either the favorite or the underdog. The favorite is always indicated by a minus sign (e.g. -8.5) and the underdog by a plus sign (e.g.+8.5). The betting outcome of the game is determined by taking the actual game score and finding the point (or goal) difference between each of the two teams playing. If the spread is offered with a half-point (e.g. -8.5 for the favorite Green Bay) by the handicappers, then there can be no "push" and therefore you will either win or lose the bet.

Betting on Pointspread is also available for First Half (1H), Second Half (2H) and Quarter lines (1Q, 2Q, 3Q, 4Q). The betting outcome is determined by finding the difference between each of the 2 teams playing during that period of the game.

Note: -110 or 10/11 (Bet 11 to win 10) is the standard odds for pointspread bets on most sports.

Game Total

The Game Total or "Total" is the combined scores of both teams involved in the wager. You can bet whether the game will go "over" or "under" this figure.

Betting on the Game Total is also available for First Half (1H), Second Half (2H), and Quarter lines (1Q, 2Q, 3Q, 4Q). The outcome is the combined scores of both teams involved in the wager during that period of the game.

Example: the Buffalo Bills are playing the New York Giants and the Total posted by the sportsbook for the game is 38. If the final score is New York 20 Buffalo 19, the total game score would be 39. Therefore in this scenario if you bet over, you would win; if you bet under, you would lose.

Moneyline

A Moneyline is offered when no handicap is given, such as the case with a pointspread. The favorite and underdog are given odds to win a game or event. The minus sign (e.g. -130) always indicates the favorite and the amount you must bet ($130) to win ($100). The plus sign (e.g. +120) always indicates the underdog and the amount that you win ($120) for every bet ($100).

Multiplier

A Multiplier is a European-based line and is offered most often for soccer matches. Much like a moneyline, a multiplier is based on true odds rather than fixed odds. The favorite and underdog are given odds to win a match. You will achieve higher winnings from your original wager as the amount to be won will equal the original bet multiplied by the product of the odds. For example, a $100 bet on Arsenal (1.65) to win would result in a Payout of $165, if Arsenal did win the contest. Sample Bet: $100 x 1.65 = $165. For a Combo (Parlay) bet, Payouts would be as such: a $100 bet on Newcastle (2.90) to win, Manchester United (1.83) to win, and Chelsea/Liverpool (3.25) to draw would result in a payout of $1,724.78. The calculation of the Sample Bet is as follows: $100 x 2.90 x 1.83 x 3.25 = $1,724.78.

Runline

Baseball combines both a handicap/spread and odds, and is called the Runline (much like the Puckline for Hockey). Sample line: Tampa Bay +1.5 (-135), New York -1.5 (+115). The favorites are the Yankees, giving the Devil Rays 1.5 runs. To win the bet, the Yankees would have to win the game by 2 runs. If you're betting on Tampa Bay, you'll receive a 1.5 runs handicap, meaning they could lose by 1 run and you'd still win your bet.

For runline wagers to have action, both listed pitchers must start the game for their respective teams and the game must go 9 innings (8.5 if the home team is ahead).

Puckline

Hockey combines both a handicap/spread and odds, and is called the Puckline (much like the Runline for Baseball). Sample line: San Jose +1.5 (-220), Detroit -1.5 (+180). The favorites are the Detroit Red Wings, giving the San Jose Sharks 1.5 goals. To win the bet, Detroit would have to win the game by 2 goals. If you're betting on San Jose, you'll receive a 1.5 goals handicap, meaning they could lose by 1 goal and you'd still win your bet.