Regardless of whether you are new to sports betting or have been betting on sports for some time, it will be important to understand what -110 means when you are betting.
Odds set at –110 means that you would need to make a wager of $110 to win $100. You are not forced to wager that much, but you can always do the math to determine how much you can potentially win.
Odds set at -110 are very common for spread bets, total bets, and some moneyline action, depending on the sport. Other betting types don’t use the -110 at all, but it’s imperative for any bettor to know what it means.
A +100 odds line, on the other hand, means that you have the opportunity to win the same amount that you are wagering. Making a $100 wager at +100 odds means that you could win $100 on that bet.
Worth noting is that sportsbooks are always looking to make money, and sports betting is a form of gambling. By offering odds at -110, you are assuming some risk, and you aren’t going to get all of your money back if you can win a bit.
Why Are Some Lines Different?
The standard betting line is -110 for most betting types, but you won’t see that everywhere, as mentioned. A moneyline bet is one of the most common betting options, and it is unlikely that you will ever see -110 for that type of bet.
You might also notice that some sportsbooks will be offering betting lines at -105 or -115 as opposed to -110. Each individual sportsbook sets these lines, and they can change them however they seem fit.
If you are looking at the same game, but it has different betting lines at various sites, always choose the one that provides the most value. Getting a spread wager at -105 as opposed to -110 can really add up in the long run.
Can Lines and Odds Change?
Betting lines change quite often, and if you are new to sports betting you might be shocked at just how often betting odds and lines change. You might see a different line a few hours, or even a few minutes after you first checked it. This variance is common.
Betting odds and lines can change for many reasons, but the biggest reason is based on the action. Sportsbooks are always looking to manipulate the odds to protect themselves from a significant loss or try to get more action on the bet. The more bets are in play, the more money sportsbooks can make.
In certain sports, injuries play a critical role in the changing of odds. Most teams don’t reveal the actual gameday roster until close to game time, and sportsbooks will be forced to make quick adjustments to the odds that they have already listed.
For more guides, strategies and tips, head over to our sports betting guides.