What Are Plus/Minus Odds in Basketball?
Plus/Minus odds in basketball is a way of betting on a team that you believe will win or lose by a certain amount of points, or a certain amount of points spread. This type of betting is unique to basketball, and is popular among sports bettors. Plus/Minus odds provide an interesting way to wager on a game and can be quite lucrative for those who know how to read them correctly.
Understanding the Basics of Plus/Minus Odds in Basketball
Plus/Minus odds in basketball are based on the point spread of the game. The point spread is the difference between the two teams’ scores. For example, if the point spread is 6, then the team that is favored to win the game must win by at least 6 points in order for the wager to be a winner. If the favored team wins by less than 6 points, then the wager is a loser.
How to Read Plus/Minus Odds
Reading Plus/Minus odds can be a bit confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, it can become quite simple. The odds are usually expressed as a negative or positive number. A negative number means that the team that is favored to win must win by at least a certain amount of points, while a positive number indicates that the underdog team must win or lose by a certain amount of points.
For example, if the point spread is -6, then the favored team must win by at least 6 points for the wager to be a winner. If the underdog team wins by 6 points or more, then the wager is a winner. Likewise, if the point spread is +6, then the underdog team must win or lose by 6 points or less for the wager to be a winner.
Types of Plus/Minus Odds
There are two types of Plus/Minus odds in basketball: full game and half-time.
Full Game Plus/Minus Odds
Full game Plus/Minus odds refer to wagers that are placed on the final score of the entire game. The point spread will be set before the game and can be adjusted during the game, depending on the score. If the favored team wins by at least the point spread, then the wager is a winner.
Half-Time Plus/Minus Odds
Half-time Plus/Minus odds refer to wagers that are placed on the score at halftime, rather than the final score. The point spread will be set before the game and can be adjusted during the game, depending on the score. If the favored team leads by at least the point spread at halftime, then the wager is a winner.
Calculating Plus/Minus Odds Payouts
The payout for Plus/Minus odds depends on the odds of the bet. The odds will usually be expressed in a decimal format and can range from 1.00 to 1.50. The higher the odds, the higher the payout.
For example, if the odds for a bet are 1.50, then the potential payout for a winning bet would be 1.50 x the amount wagered. So if you wagered $100 and won, then you would receive a payout of $150, plus your initial wager of $100.
Advantages of Betting on Plus/Minus Odds
Betting on Plus/Minus odds can be quite lucrative for those who know how to read them correctly. There are several advantages to betting on Plus/Minus odds, including:
- Lower Risk: With Plus/Minus odds, the risk is much lower than other types of bets, as you are betting on the difference in scores rather than the actual outcome of the game. This makes it a great option for those who don’t want to risk too much money.
- Greater Chance of Winning: With Plus/Minus odds, there is a greater chance of winning, as you are betting on the difference in scores rather than the actual outcome of the game. This makes it a great option for those who want to increase their chances of winning.
- Higher Payouts: With Plus/Minus odds, the payouts can be much higher than other types of bets. This is because the odds are based on the point spread, which can be quite large.
Disadvantages of Betting on Plus/Minus Odds
While betting on Plus/Minus odds can be quite lucrative for those who know how to read them correctly, there are also some disadvantages to consider. These include:
- Difficult to Read: Plus/Minus odds can be quite difficult to read, especially for those who are new to sports betting. It is important to understand the basics of Plus/Minus odds before placing a bet.
- Higher Risk: With Plus/Minus odds, the risk is higher than other types of bets. This is because the point spread can be quite large, making it difficult to predict the outcome of the game.
- Lower Payouts: With Plus/Minus odds, the payouts can be lower than other types of bets. This is because the odds are based on the point spread, which can be quite small.
Conclusion
Plus/Minus odds in basketball is a unique way of betting on a team that you believe will win or lose by a certain amount of points, or a certain amount of points spread. Plus/Minus odds can be quite lucrative for those who know how to read them correctly. It is important to understand the basics of Plus/Minus odds before placing a bet, and to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of betting on Plus/Minus odds.