Betting basics and more

By Dan Rodgers

I figured now would be as good a time as any to go over the betting basics for those of you who might be less familiar.

First of all, you've seen me post stuff like: Stl/NYG 6

In simple terms, this means that the St. Louis Rams are playing at the New York Giants and the Giants are favored by six points. The fact that NYG is bold means that is my pick. Traditionally, you will see something like this:

Favorite         Line        Underdog         Total
At Giants        -6             Rams            43.5

This is the way you will see it on FootballLocks.com.

OK, now I'm going to list some of the possible terms that might be included in sports betting and their respective definitions:

• Favorite: The team that is favored to win the game
  
• Underdog: The team projected to lose the game
• Point Spread (aka Line): The number of points that one team is projected to win or lose by, "-" denotes the favorite and "+" denotes the underdog
• Total: The projected points scored in the game, also referred to as the Over/Under
• Moneyline: The odds that the team will win or lose, Ex. -270 or +230
• Odds: The payout; in a sports book: -110 means if you bet $110 you win $100, in the situation that the team is favored (-), you have to bet the odds to payout $100, but in the situation that the team is the underdog (+), you have to bet $100 to payout the odds, Ex. +300 means if you bet $100 you win $300
• Straight Bet: A straight bet is exactly how it sounds, it simply a bet with one item, be it a total, moneyline, point spread, etc.
  
• Parlay: Betting on two or more point spreads, totals, or moneylines in a single bet. Parlay odds are approximately as follows if betting on point spread or totals: 2-team pays 2.6 to 1, 3-team pays 6 to 1, 4-team pays 10 to 1, 5-team pays 25 to 1 and so on and so forth...
• Teaser: Similar to a parlay because you have to have two or more items, but pays out less because you adjust the point spread or total in your favor. Every place is different but you can adjust the line anywhere from 3 to 10 points with half points, Ex. a 6-point teaser would take the Giants from 6-point favorites to zero, so they would only be required to win the game.
  

There are many other options, such as: progressive parlays, if bets, pleasers, and so much more. However, for the sake of understanding, this is already a lot of information and a good place to start.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

*This is simply information; I am in no way endorsing or encouraging gambling, especially through illegal platforms.

I hope all of you enjoyed the final night of the baseball season...I know I did. Playoff time it is; go Yankees!

Rodgers That