When you see a (+) or (-) sign, it reflects an odds format online sportsbooks in the U.S. use. This type of betting includes using one of these signs alongside a three-digit number. The signs refer to betting on a favorite or an underdog and change how you read the betting line. You will see these signs in all types of bets, including moneyline bets and point spreads. You would bet on odds with the (-) sign if you wanted to bet on which team was most likely to win. However, you would stand to win less than when betting on odds with a (+) symbol and the underdog winning.
Moneyline odds
The (-) sign applies to the favorite and the (+) to the underdog. If you back an underdog, the number accompanying the (+) sign denotes the profit you can win for every $100 you stake. Conversely, the number accompanying a (-) sign denotes what you need to stake to win $100. There is always a betting favorite with negative odds in matches that feature two teams. It is important to read those minus betting lines carefully before you place a bet from New Jersey or any other state where online sports betting is legal.
If a team has odds of -150, you need to bet $150 to win $100. If the team has odds of +200, you will win $200 on a $100 bet. This means you would get back $300 (your original bet plus your profit).
Point spreads
The use of AI in various fields is increasing, and sportsbooks use AI algorithms for more prediction accuracy. The point spreads they come up with represent the handicap that evens out matchups between teams. The top number stands for the point spread (+2.5 and -2.5). The bottom number stands for the odds and what you could win. If one team faces another at -6.5, it needs to win a game by at least seven points for you to win your bet. The other team at +6.5 could lose by as much as six points and your bet would still win.
NFL betting
With the betting industry growing and many states making online sports betting legal, Americans can bet on all their favorite sports.
The NFL is one of the most popular sports to bet on in the U.S. When money lines are close together such as -120 and +110, the perceived margin between the two teams is close. You would have to bet $100 to win $120 on the favorite while betting $100 on the underdog would give you $110 profit for winning. You will also see the (+) and (-) signs on many other types of bets such as point spreads and prop bets.
Other major league sports betting
In the NBA, the symbols have the same meaning as in the NFL. They either represent the odds or the spread on a wager.
There is also not that much difference when reading the odds on major MLB games. The difference is that there are no points in the MLB and scoring is referred to in terms of runs. Point spreads are represented as ‘run lines’ but mean the same thing.
When betting on an NHL game, scores are indicated by goals instead of points but reading the plus/minus lines and odds is basically the same. You will often see the number +1.5 in the MLB and NHL, which indicates a positive point spread. If you bet on the positive side, the team you wager on can lose by one run or goal and you will still win your bet.
