What does a line mean gambling?
William Jenkins
Updated on January 21, 2026
Another term for “point spread.” It is the betting “line” or gambling odds used to determine the parameters for wagering on either the favorite or underdog in a sporting event. The practice of wagering on a line was encourages betting on both sides involved in the contest.
What does +7 mean in point spread?
A team favored by -7 must win the game by eight or more points to win the bet. If the team wins by seven, the result is a “push” and the bet is refunded. A spread of +7 means the team must win the game or lose by fewer than seven points to win the bet.
How does the money line work?
Compare moneyline odds at sportsbooks Betting the moneyline for a game is possibly the most simple way to wager on sports. When making a moneyline bet, you simply choose a player or team to win. If the bettor chooses the winning side, the sportsbook will pay the amount due. It is really that simple.
How do gambling lines work?
A betting line is a form of wagering whereby the bookmaker or sportsbook set gambling odds and determine the favorite and underdog teams in a match. This handicap creates a margin (line) between the two teams, where there are only two outcomes possible, and sets the parameters for wagering on the game.
What does a positive spread mean?
The negative (-) sign indicates that the Cowboys are the favorites, while the positive (+) sign indicates that the New York Giants are the underdogs. With the spread set at 2.5 points, a bet on the Cowboys would mean that they would have to win by more than 2.5 points (3 or more) in order for you to win that bet.
Can a non gambler bet on the money line?
Even non-gamblers make moneyline bets. Betting the moneyline for a game is possibly the most simple way to wager on sports. Bettors just choose a player or team to win. If the bettor chooses the winning side, the sportsbook will pay the amount due. It’s really that simple.
How are betting lines used in sports betting?
What does a 220 money line mean in sports betting?
For example, a -220 money line means you need to bet $220 in order to win $100 provided the team you bet on actually does win. Heavy favorites are known in sports betting as a “ chalk ” pick. A heavy favorite usually has a number pushing +300 or more. Here, you’re wagering a lot on the favorite to win a little.
What do you call the winning line in a slot machine?
Slot machine combinations will land you what’s called paylines, also known as a betting line or a winning line. Going back to when these games were first invented, you’d find just one payline but now there are slot machine multi payline games, referred to as video slots.