How it works
Start with the bet, then the chance, then the price.
What is a spread?
A spread gives one team a head start and the other a handicap. 49ers −2.5 means they must win by at least 3 points; Falcons +2.5 wins if Atlanta wins or loses by only 1 or 2.
What is a total?
A total is a bet on the two teams’ combined score, also called over/under. Over 44.5 needs at least 45 combined points; Under 44.5 needs 44 or fewer.
What is a moneyline?
A moneyline is a bet on who wins, without a score handicap. In soccer, a three-way market includes the draw: a team-to-win bet loses if the match ends tied.
How to read American odds
Negative odds show what you stake to win $100: −110 means risking $110 for $100 profit. Positive odds show profit on a $100 stake: +150 returns $150 profit, plus your stake, if you win.
What expected profit means
At −110, you need to win about 52.4% of bets to break even. If our estimate is 56%, a $100 bet has about +$6.91 expected profit over many similar bets, not a promise about this one.
Why an underdog can be our pick
A pick below 50% wins less often than not. A bigger payout can still make it worthwhile over many similar bets. At +220, the break-even chance is 31.25%; an estimated 34% clears that, even though most individual bets lose. Estimates can be wrong. This is not guaranteed profit.
Why we sometimes say no bet
A likely winner can still be a poor bet if the price is too expensive. We say no bet when estimated profit does not reach our shared qualifying threshold.
Bet responsibly
For adults 21+ only. Set money and time limits before betting, never chase losses, and never stake money you need for bills.