What Does + Mean in Betting? Plus and Minus in Sports Betting Explained

Understanding symbols in sports betting is crucial. The "+" sign often confuses new bettors. Essentially, what does the plus and minus mean in sports betting? The "+" indicates the underdog. They're the team expected not to win. For example, a +180 beside a team means betting $100 would win you $180 if they triumph, totaling $280 with your bet.

What does plus mean in betting, in simple terms? It's how you figure out your winnings on underdog bets. Knowing the "+" sign can turn a less favored team into a golden opportunity for bettors.

Key Takeaways

• In spread betting, the "+" denotes the less favored team, while "-" marks the favorite.
• The "+" symbol in sports betting indicates an underdog with a lower probability of winning.
• When betting on a team with + odds, a smaller bet has the potential to yield a larger payout. Plus odds suggest a higher return on a successful underdog bet compared to a favorite.
• Betting lines with + and - affect payout potential and reflect the oddsmakers' expectations.

The Basics of Betting Odds Explained

If you're new to sports betting, it's key to get the basics down. Betting odds tell you how much you might win. They also show the likely outcomes of a game or event. We'll look at common betting odds and the "+" and "-" signs, especially in American moneyline odds.

There are three main types of odds in sports betting: American, British (fractional), and European (decimal). Each one shows payout info in its own way. It's important for you to know this to figure out your possible winnings. 

American moneyline odds are unique because of the what does + and - mean in betting. "+" is for the underdog, meaning a higher payout for a less likely win. "-" is for the favorite, which is more likely to win but pays less. For instance, in American odds, +300 means winning $300 on a $100 bet for the underdog. -300 means you need to bet $300 to win $100 on the favored team.

Knowing what does + mean in betting is crucial. It shows how much you win per $100 you bet. For example, numbers like +200, +350 show your profit on top of your $100 bet if you win. This system makes it clear that underdogs are less risky but offer big rewards. You can calculate your own odds using our free betting odds calculator here.

The plus and minus in betting mean more than just signs. They connect directly to what you have to bet and what you can win. This affects your betting strategy. Whether checking odds in Las Vegas or online, knowing these basics helps you bet smart and responsibly.

Getting a grip on how these odds work with examples and regular learning will make your betting smarter. It turns curiosity into well-thought-out betting decisions.

Learn more about how to read sports betting odds. 

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What Do the + and - Symbols Mean in Sports Betting?

Understanding the plus (+) and minus (-) symbols is key for sports betting. They show which team is the underdog and the favorite. Let's explore these symbols to clear up their meaning in sports betting.

The Difference Between Plus (+) and Minus (-) Odds

The plus and minus signs are very important in sports betting. A (+) next to a team's odds means they're seen as less likely to win. This affects their payout potential. Betting on them could bring a bigger reward since they're not expected to win.

On the other hand, a minus (-) sign means the team is expected to win. The odds will be lower, but they have a higher chance of winning. For instance, -150 odds mean you bet $150 to win $100. But +150 odds mean a $100 bet could win you $150, showing the underdog's higher reward potential.

Why Are + and - Used in Betting?

The + and - system helps quickly understand payouts and risks. It's mostly used in American betting markets to make gambling simpler. This system puts a clear money value on the risk according to how teams are viewed.

Below is a table that helps explain these symbols in sports betting:

This table helps you understand what the symbols mean in sports betting. Knowing these basics can really help increase your winning chances and make betting more enjoyable.

Understanding Point Spreads in Betting

In sports betting, knowing how to bet point spreads is key. It tells not just who might win, but by how much they need to beat the spread. Point spreads make the competition fairer between teams of different strengths by adding handicaps or advantages. Knowing the meaning of + and - in sports betting can really up your game.

What Does - Spread Mean?

The "- spread" shows the favorite team. It's like hearing about what minus 1.5 means in betting. This team must win by more points than the spread to cover the bet. For example, in NFL betting, if there's a -7.5 spread, the favorite needs to win by eight points or more. This evens out the odds, making betting more competitive.

Get the latest NFL betting odds here combined with our weekly NFL predictions. 

What Does + Spread Mean?

On the flip side, the "+ spread" gives the underdog a head start. Seeing something like what does +1.5 mean tells us the underdog can lose by up to 1.5 points, or win, and you still win the bet. It makes betting exciting, even when the odds seem unfairly matched.

What Does -1.5 Mean in Betting?

In sports like baseball and hockey, a -1.5 point spread means a lot. It's about run line and puck line bets. The favorite team must win by over 1.5 runs or goals. Bettors who think the favorite will win big often go for this option.

What Does +1.5 Mean in Betting?

The +1.5 spread gives the underdog a small cushion. They can lose by less than 1.5 points or win the match. This kind of bet favors those rooting for the underdog. It means you can still win even if the underdog doesn't.

From understanding what the + and - mean, to the specifics like minus 1.5 in betting, point spreads are essential. They level the betting field and bring more strategy into sports bets. Getting these details right can help you make smarter bets and enjoy sports wagering more.

Moneyline Betting and the Role of + and -

Understanding sports betting starts with knowing what plus and minus signs mean. In moneyline bets, this is key. It's a simple way for newbies to get into sports gambling. Sports bettors pick moneyline betting odds when they want to pick who will win the game outright. 

Interpreting Plus (+) in Moneyline Bets

A + sign before numbers means the team is not expected to win. But, if you bet on this underdog and they win, you could make a good profit. For instance, +250 means you'd make $250 from a $100 bet. This tempting reward reflects the risk since underdogs are less likely to win.

Interpreting Minus (-) in Moneyline Bets

On the flip side, a - sign means the team is likely to win. The number tells you how much you need to bet to win $100. With -300 odds, you bet $300 to win $100. Since this team is expected to win, the payoff isn't as big.

It's all about the balance between risk and reward. Understanding + and - signs is vital. They tell you about the odds and help shape your betting strategy. Knowing this helps you bet smarter, considering the game and teams.

Getting the basics down strengthens your betting skills. It's important as you take more calculated risks. Knowing how + and - in moneyline bets work is crucial for all bettors.

Over/Under Betting and Odds Symbols

Over/Under betting, or totals betting, is unique. It doesn't matter which team wins. Instead, it focuses on the total points, runs, or goals in a game. This betting is popular because it’s straightforward and engages bettors in analysis.

The symbols "+" and "-" are not used in Over/Under totals. But, understanding them in other bets is crucial. Knowing their meanings helps bettors grasp the odds better. This knowledge impacts betting strategies in all types of bets.

Most Over/Under bets have a standard vig of -110. To win $100, you'd have to bet $110. This vig ensures bookmakers profit and offers bettors fair win chances. Bets seen as even money might seem attractive since they appear to have a 50/50 win chance. They suit less risky betting strategies well.

Factors like weather and player injuries can change Over/Under totals. Bookmakers then adjust the vig to balance bets on both sides. Adjustments like Over -115/Under -105 are common for these situations.

• If the total score matches the Over/Under exactly, it's a push. All bets are returned.
• In unpredictable sports like baseball, the vig might vary for Over or Under. You might see Over -120 and Under +100 or EVEN.

Knowing these details about Over/Under betting is key. It widens your betting options and improves risk assessment. This leads to better decisions in different betting situations.

Examples of + and - in Real Betting Scenarios

In sports betting, knowing what + and - symbols mean can change how you bet. These symbols are key in point spreads and run lines. They show how much a team must win by for a successful bet. Let's look at examples from football and baseball to understand this better.

Football Betting: What Does -1 Mean?

Seeing -1 in football betting means the favorite needs to win by more than a point. This sets a handicap, making the game more fair for bettors. It's crucial for understanding risk and payout when betting on different teams.

Baseball Betting: What Does -1.5 Mean?

In baseball, a -1.5 run line means the favorite team must win by two runs. This makes winning tougher, as baseball scores are usually low. Knowing what -1.5 means helps tailor your betting strategy to baseball's unique scoring.

Understanding these examples helps in navigating sports betting's + and - symbols. Whether it's football or baseball, the idea is the same. The symbols indicate how much the favored team must win by. This knowledge makes betting clearer and improves your betting strategy.

Key Tips for Beginners Understanding Betting Odds

Entering the world of sports betting can be a challenge. You'll see odds marked with "+" and "-" signs. These symbols are common in American sportsbooks. The minus ("-") shows the favorite, while the plus ("+") indicates the underdog. Understanding these signs is crucial. They guide you through moneylines, point spreads, and Over/Under bets. Pay attention to changes in these numbers. They reflect shifts in public opinion or news about teams or players.

Starting with moneyline bets is helpful for beginners. For example, a team marked with -128 means you need to bet $128 to win $100. Conversely, a team at +108 means a $100 bet wins you $108. Start with small bets to understand the betting world better. Always keep up with team stats. They can greatly affect betting odds.

Shopping around is key to betting smart. Look at different sportsbooks to find the best value. Watch out for the vigorish, or sportsbook's fee, which can affect your winnings. Our goal is to help you make wise and successful bets. So, what do the plus and minus mean in betting? They're your initial guide, combined with strategies and knowledge for a rewarding betting journey.

Recommended Reads: Find the best sports betting sites here!

FAQ

What does "+ " mean in betting?

The "+" symbol shows the underdog in a game. It tells you how much you'd win for every $100 bet. For example, if the odds are +180, betting $100 could win you $280. This includes your original $100 plus $180 in earnings.

What do the "+" and "-" symbols mean in sports betting?

The "+" is for the underdog, promising a bigger payoff. The "-" is for the favorite, meaning you might win less. If odds are -150, you must bet $150 to win $100. A +200 means a $100 bet nets you $200.

Why are "+" and "-" used in betting?

These symbols help bettors quickly see risk and reward. They show which team is likely to win or lose. This makes choosing where to place your money easier.

What does a "- spread" mean in betting?

A "- spread" means the favorite team must win by more. This makes the odds more even. For example, they must win by more than 4 points to "cover the spread."

What does a "+ spread" mean in betting?

A "+ spread" gives the underdog a starting advantage. They can lose by less than the spread or win outright. This still counts as a win for their bettors.

What does "-1.5" mean in betting?

"-1.5" means the favorite team must win by over 1.5 points. If they win by 2 or more, the bet on them wins. Otherwise, the underdog "covers" the spread.

What does "+1.5" mean in betting?

"+1.5" gives the underdog a 1.5 point lead before the game starts. They can lose by 1 point or win, and bets on them still win.

How does "+ " and "- " affect moneyline bets?

The "+" means a bet on the underdog could pay more due to higher risk. The "-" means the favorite pays less, as their win is more likely.

What does "-1" mean in football betting?

"-1" means the favorite team needs to win by more than one point. If they do, bets on them win.

What does "-1.5" mean in baseball betting?

"-1.5" in baseball means the favorite must win by at least two runs. This is how run lines work, similar to point spreads. Get up-to-date MLB odds and MLB predictions every week!

What strategy should beginners use to understand betting odds?

Start with moneyline bets to learn about "+" and "-" symbols. Try small bets on different games. Compare odds at different sportsbooks. Learn about the vig and keep up with game stats. For a full breakdown, check out our guide to Betting Odds Explained: How To Read & Understand Sports Betting Odds