What Does the + and - Mean in Sports Betting?
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What Does the + and - Mean in Sports Betting?

Sports betting can seem complex to beginners due to its unique terminology and numerical representations. Among these, the plus (+) and minus (-) signs are fundamental symbols in betting odds. They are used to indicate the favorite and underdog in a game, as well as to reflect potential payouts. This article explains the meaning of these signs and how to interpret them effectively in various betting scenarios.

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What Does the + and – Mean in Sports Betting? | 5 Easy Tips

As soon as you open up any sports website or turn on a game, there are usually odds with a + and – sign in front of them. The quick answer is the plus sign (+) is often used to represent an underdog, and the minus sign (-) is used to represent a favorite team. It’s fair to ask what does the + and – mean in sports betting, but once you follow this rule it’s pretty simple. 

 

The Basics of Sports Betting Odds

Before delving into the specifics of the plus and minus signs, it’s essential to understand the basic concept of betting odds. Betting odds are a numerical expression used to represent the probability of an outcome and the potential payout for a winning bet. There are different formats of betting odds, such as decimal, fractional, and American (moneyline) odds. In American odds, the plus and minus signs are prominently used.

Purdue Boilermakers fans cheer while playing cards during a Boilers in the Stands party at Carousel Bar on Monday, April 8, 2024, ahead of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four game against Connecticut Huskies at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. As the excitement builds, remember that what does the + and - mean in sports betting is very important.

Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN

What Do the Plus (+) and Minus (-) Signs Mean?

The plus (+) and minus (-) signs in sports betting odds indicate two primary things: the favorite and the underdog in a match, and the amount of money one can win relative to a standard betting amount, usually $100.

Indicating the Favorite and Underdog:

Minus Sign (-): This sign is used for the favorite. The favorite is the team or player expected to win the match. For example, if a team has odds of -150, it means they are favored to win, and you need to bet $150 to win $100.

Plus Sign (+): This sign is used for the underdog. The underdog is the team or player expected to lose the match. For example, if a team has odds of +200, it means they are less likely to win, and a $100 bet will yield $200 if they win.

Reflecting Potential Payouts:

Minus Odds (-): These odds tell you how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, -150 odds mean you need to bet $150 to win an additional $100, making your total payout $250.

Plus Odds (+): These odds tell you how much you will win for every $100 bet. For example, +200 odds mean a $100 bet will win you $200, making your total payout $300.

Pleasant's Aiden Smith runs with the ball after making a catch during a football game with Clear Fork this season (2023), showcasing his agility and field awareness. Understanding sports betting terminology like the + and – in the context of spreads and odds could enhance how fans perceive the stakes in such games. CREDIT: USA TODAY IMAGN

Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN

Examples to Illustrate

To better understand these concepts, let’s consider some examples.

Example 1: Betting on a Football Game

Assume a football game between Team A and Team B. The betting odds are as follows:

Team A: -130

Team B: +110

Here, Team A is the favorite, indicated by the minus sign. To win $100, you need to bet $130 on Team A. If Team A wins, you receive your initial $130 bet back plus an additional $100, totaling $230.

Team B is the underdog, indicated by the plus sign. A $100 bet on Team B will win you $110 if they win. Thus, your total payout will be $210.

Example 2: Betting on a Basketball Game

Consider a basketball game between Team X and Team Y with the following odds:

Team X: +150

Team Y: -170

In this scenario, Team Y is the favorite, and you need to bet $170 to win $100. If Team Y wins, your total payout would be $270 (your $170 stake plus $100 winnings).

Team X is the underdog. A $100 bet on Team X will win you $150 if they win, for a total payout of $250.

Xavier Musketeers guard Dayvion McKnight (20) pulls in a rebound in the first half of the NCAA Big East Conference Tournament first-round game between the Xavier Musketeers and the Butler Bulldogs at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the + and - mean more than just stats, they shape the odds.

Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN

Point Spreads and Moneyline Bets

The plus and minus signs are also integral in understanding point spreads and moneyline bets, two common types of bets in sports betting.

Point Spreads:

In point spread betting, the favorite gives points to the underdog to level the playing field. For instance, if the spread is -7.5 for the favorite, they need to win by more than 7.5 points for a bet on them to win.

Conversely, the underdog can either win the game outright or lose by less than the point spread to cover the bet.

Moneyline Bets:

Moneyline betting is straightforward, focusing solely on which team will win. The odds are presented with plus and minus signs to show favorites and underdogs. The payout calculations follow the same rules as explained earlier.

Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith (33) hits a double against the New York Yankees in the ninth inning at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, showing the determination that comes with understanding the stakes, much like deciphering the meaning behind the + and – in sports betting.

Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN

Importance of Understanding Betting Odds

Knowing how to read and interpret betting odds is crucial for making informed betting decisions. This understanding helps bettors:

Assess Value: Identify bets that offer good value by comparing the implied probability of the odds with their assessment of the game.

Manage Risk: Understand the amount at risk and the potential reward, allowing for better bankroll management.

Make Strategic Bets: Use the information to place strategic bets that maximize potential returns and minimize losses.

During game one of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena, Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) made a crucial defensive play by blocking a dunk attempt by Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13). This moment highlights the intensity and significance of every play in the postseason. In sports betting terms, understanding actions like this can be crucial, much like knowing what the + and – symbols mean in sports betting, where the spread indicates which team is favored and by how much, impacting the outcomes of such high-stakes games. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN

Practical Tips for Bettors

For those new to sports betting, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

Tip 1: Start Small: Begin with small bets to get comfortable with the process and understand how odds and payouts work.

Tip 2: Do Your Research: Gather as much information as possible about the teams or players, including their current form, injuries, and historical performance.

Tip 3: Shop Around: Compare odds from different bookmakers to ensure you get the best possible payout for your bet.

Tip 4: Stay Disciplined: Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and bet only with money you can afford to lose.

Tip 5: Use Tools and ResourcesUtilize betting tools and resources like odds calculators, expert analysis, and betting forums to enhance your understanding and improve your chances of success.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Avery Jones (66) and quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warm up before a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. In sports betting, the + and – symbols are essential, with the + indicating the underdog and potential payout and the – showing the favored team and the amount needed to wager for a potential win. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN

In sports betting, the plus (+) and minus (-) signs play a critical role in conveying the likelihood of an outcome and the potential payout. Understanding these signs helps bettors make informed decisions, manage their bankroll effectively, and place strategic bets. By grasping the basics of how these odds work, both novice and experienced bettors can enhance their betting experience and potentially increase their winnings.

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