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In response to
"OK, it seems I don't know how to read a betting line. What does "-3-110" mean, for instance? -- nm"
by
Mop (229 lbs)
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http://en.allexperts.com/q/Gambling-1414/Sports-Betting-Lines-Work.htm
Posted by
6 (aka lone kirsten fan)
Nov 23 '09, 12:43
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Answer
Hello, glad to help.
O/U means over and under. You can bet on the total points scored in an sporting event. For example, a football game may be quoted as 43 O/U. You can bet the combined scores of both teams are either over or under the 43 number set by the casino sports book.
The reason sports books use 1/2 points is to guarantee one side is a winner. If you bet over on the illustration I used above and the total came to 43, neither side wins, so sports books use 1/2 points to make sure of a winner on each bet.
Baseball:
The line says in your example that if you would like to bet the Cubs you have to lay $175 to get back $100 profit. However, if you bet the underdog, in this case, Pittsburgh, you can bet $100 and get back $165 profit if they win outright. Line bets do not have points involved, they are for people who want to pick a winner outright and the house sets odds on both sides.
The reasons some lines are higher or lower is to match the probability of the outcome of the event. If a superior team plays an inferior team, the line might be as much as -900+850, or more. I have seen boxing events where the line was -2000+1800. Remember, these numbers are all based of the bettor playing $100 bets. If you wish to play $10, the odds are proprotionately the same.
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