What Does +- Mean in Basketball Betting?
Basketball betting is one of the most popular sports to bet on, and it’s no surprise given the high-energy and fast-paced nature of the game. But for those new to betting on basketball, understanding the terminology can be a bit tricky. One of the most commonly used phrases in basketball betting is “+/-”, and in this article, we’re going to take a closer look at what it means.
What is +- in Basketball Betting?
In basketball betting, the +- is a shorthand way of expressing the point spread. When placing a bet, the point spread is the difference between the two teams’ scores. For example, if the point spread is +3, that means that the team you’re betting on needs to win by at least 3 points in order for you to win the bet. Conversely, if the point spread is -3, that means the team you’re betting on needs to lose by less than 3 points for you to win the bet.
How Does +- Affect the Odds?
The +- point spread also affects the odds. Odds are the likelihood of a team winning or losing, and the larger the point spread, the higher the odds. For example, if the point spread is +10, the odds of the team you’re betting on winning are much higher than if the point spread is +3. Similarly, if the point spread is -10, the odds of the team you’re betting on losing are much higher than if the point spread is -3.
How to Calculate the Point Spread
Calculating the point spread is relatively simple. All you need to do is subtract the score of the team you’re betting on from the score of the team they’re playing against. For example, if the score is 95-85, the point spread is +10.
Types of Bets with +- Point Spread
There are a few different types of bets you can make with a +- point spread. These include:
- Moneyline bets: Moneyline bets are the simplest type of bet, and involve betting on which team will win the game. The odds for moneyline bets are usually expressed as +100 (for the favorite) and -100 (for the underdog).
- Spread bets: Spread bets are the most common type of bet, and involve betting on how much the favorite will win by. The odds for spread bets are usually expressed as +3.5/-3.5.
- Totals bets: Totals bets involve betting on the total number of points scored in the game. The odds for totals bets are usually expressed as -110/+110.
How to Calculate Your Return on a +- Point Spread Bet
Calculating your return on a +- point spread bet is relatively simple. All you need to do is multiply your bet amount by the point spread. For example, if you bet $100 on a +3 point spread and the team you bet on wins by 3 or more points, you will receive a return of $300 ($100 x 3).
How to Read a +- Point Spread
Reading a +- point spread can be a bit tricky, but it’s important to understand if you want to make successful bets. The + sign indicates the favorite, and the – sign indicates the underdog. The number after the + or – sign indicates the point spread, and the larger the number, the higher the odds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with a +- Point Spread Bet
When betting on a +- point spread, there are a few common mistakes to avoid.
- Betting on the favorite without considering the point spread: Many novice bettors make the mistake of betting on the favorite without considering the point spread. While the favorite may have higher odds, the point spread can make betting on the favorite a much riskier proposition.
- Failing to calculate the return: Calculating the return on your bet is an important step when betting on a +- point spread, and failing to do so can lead to costly mistakes.
- Betting without researching the teams: Before placing a bet, it’s important to research both teams and get an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Without doing this, you’re likely to make costly mistakes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding what +- means in basketball betting is essential if you want to make successful bets. The +- is a shorthand way of expressing the point spread, which is the difference between the two teams’ scores. The point spread also affects the odds, with higher point spreads leading to higher odds. There are a few different types of bets you can make with a +- point spread, and calculating your return is an important step. Finally, there are a few common mistakes to avoid when betting on a +- point spread, such as betting on the favorite without considering the point spread, failing to calculate the return, and failing to research the teams.