When you look at different options in the sports betting markets, you’ll often see Winner (Money Line), Spread, Totals at first glance. All of the different options and numbers may seem daunting to start, but let’s break them down below.
Winner - This is also referred to as the Money line. This is as simple as betting on which team wins the game. If the team you choose wins, you win the bet! Accordingly, picking favorites may win more frequently, but you do not win as much money.
Spread - The spread bet was created to help make it easier for people to get into betting. Since certain teams may be a favorite, a spread provides more of an even chance for a bettor to determine the outcome. This is done by giving the underdog points or taking away points from the favorite.
If the Vikings are expected to win by 5 points, it would be represented as -5 spread bet and the Vikings must win by more than 5 points for you to win a spread bet.
Total Points - Here you are betting on how many Total Points will be scored combined by both teams. With Totals, a number is set as to the expected total from both teams. From here, you are betting if you think it will be Over or Under that number.
Check out some examples and learn more about betting in our New to Betting Article