Betting Odds

Betting odds are compiled by sportsbooks and are used to predict the chances of events occurring. They can be displayed in fractional, decimal, and American format.

Fractional odds are a common choice for horse racing and futures betting. They are also easier to understand than American odds because they show the total return (including your stake) per unit staked.

Moneyline

Moneyline bets are a straightforward and easy way to place a bet. While point spreads even the odds by adding or subtracting points, moneyline bets simply require you to choose a winner. This can be beneficial for those who do not want to risk an entire game’s worth of points and only care about winning a certain amount of money.

The numbers that appear next to a team’s name on the money line indicate how much you would win if you placed a $100 bet on them. Positive numbers signify underdogs, while negative ones indicate favorites.

The odds are adjusted based on the matchup between two teams and can be influenced by weather conditions. Additionally, Moneyline odds can change quickly, especially when a heavy favorite is playing an underdog. This can make it challenging to win consistently.

Parlay

A parlay is a bet that combines multiple wagers for a bigger payout. The more teams in a parlay, the higher the payout will be, but it also increases the risk because every leg of the parlay must win for the entire wager to pay out. There are a few variations on parlay betting, including teasers and moneyline bets.

Adding multiple shot-priced moneyline or point spread bets in a parlay can drastically increase your payout. However, this is only a wise move if you have done the research and feel confident in your selections. Otherwise, you should stick to single-game bets. Parlays are notorious for negative expected-value outcomes and should be avoided by serious sports bettors. However, if you have spotted several bets with positive expected value, it’s worth considering parlays.

Futures

A futures bet is a wager on something that will not be decided until a later date. This includes a bet on the winner of a particular championship or team and also player awards like MVP. These bets are usually made before a season or tournament begins but can be placed at any point throughout the year as long as the odds are still available. Because of this, futures bets can offer hidden value if you know how to spot them.

The odds on a futures bet are typically posted much earlier than the regular lines for wagering on daily games at an online sportsbook. These odds are based on power ratings and other data and are adjusted as the season progresses. This is why futures bets tend to pay out more than standard moneyline, spread, and over/under wagers.

Runline

There are a variety of systems for betting on the run line. For example, some sportsbooks may offer a team on the moneyline at -125 while others will have them at -135. It is important to compare odds between different operators to spot any differences in price. It is also a good idea to shop around for the best prices and to check out how different sportsbooks handle rain-shortened games.

Many casual bettors are drawn to the run line betting option because it can provide better odds than laying heavy favorites on the moneyline. For instance, if the Yankees are -1.5 run favorites against the Pirates, you can place a bet on them for about EVEN money or +110. This is much more attractive than laying the -220 price on the Yankees’ moneyline.

Point spread

Point spreads are a form of sports betting odds that represent the oddsmakers’ and the betting market’s best guess at the numerical separation between two teams. They can be as little as half a point, or as high as 50 points in some cases. For a bet on Duke to win, they must beat their opponent outright or lose by less than seven points. If they lose by the exact number listed on the spread, it is called a push and your original bet is returned.

Lines can shift in a game for a variety of reasons, such as injuries to key players or weather conditions. They can also move based on the action from respected moneyline bettors, known as “sharp” bettors. These bets are common in football and basketball. In baseball, this type of betting is referred to as runlines.