Straight bets are types of betting wagers on a single game or event that carries a point-spread, game total, money line, run line or puck line. Straight bets must win the game by covering the point-spread or by pushing (tying the expected outcome). A straight bet payout depends on the sportsbook odds available.
Straight Bet Point-Spread
This is also referred to as the line or the spread. Basically, a point-spread is used to even out the odds between two sides in a sporting event. In a point-spread, the favored team is always handicapped by subtracting points or goals (marked by a minus sign), whereas the underdog is given points or goals (marked by a plus sign).
To determine whether or not your wager has won, you must find the point or goal difference between the actual scores of the two teams. If your bet covers the spread you win. A push is not available in point spreads with half points.
Straight Bet
Pistons +6 ½ (-110)
Spurs – 6 ½ (-110)
In this example, a wager on the Pistons means that you are betting the Pistons will lose the game by no more than 6 points or they will win the game. A wager on the Spurs means that you are betting the Spurs will win by more than 7 points. A push is not available in this example. To win $100 on either team you must bet $110.
Another option that may be available is a Pick (PK). This means that the teams are even. There is not a favorite and an underdog. You are betting on the team winning the game or event.
Straight Bet PK
Vikings PK (-110)
Packers PK (-110)
In this example, a wager on the Vikings means that you are betting they will win the game. You must bet $110 to win $100.
Straight Bet Game Total
You can bet on whether the sum of both teams’ combined scores will be over or under the number indicated.
Game Total Bet
Pistons OV 176 ½ (-110)
Spurs UN 176 ½ (-110)
In the above example, a wager on over (OV) means that you are betting the Pistons and Spurs combined scores will be 177 points or more. A wager on under (UN) means that you are betting the Pistons and Spurs combined scores will be 176 or less.
Straight Bet Money Line
Money lines do not have a spread to cover. You wager on who you think will win the game or event, whether it’s the favorite or the underdog. Money lines are based on a $100 parameter. Basically, you will risk more to win less if you bet on the favorite and risk less to win more if you bet on the underdog. On certain sports or events you may be able to make an even (ev) wager, which means that you win the same amount as you bet.
Money Line Bet
Miami Heat -225
Washington Wizards +185
In this example, a wager on the Miami Heat to win means that you bet $225 to win $100. A wager on the Washington Wizards means you bet $100 to win $185. A tie results in a push.
Straight Bet Run Line
In baseball a run line is a combination of a spread and odds. The spread is always 1½ runs. If you wager on the favorite, they must win by 2 runs. If you wager on the underdog, they can lose by 1 run or win the game and you will still win your wager.
Run Line Bet
Houston Astros -1 ½ (-155)
New York Mets + 1 ½ (+135)
In this example, a wager on the Houston Astros means that they must win the game by 2 runs in order for you to win your bet. You will have to wager $155 to win $100. A wager on the New York Mets means they can lose by 1 run or win the game. You must wager $100 to win $135.
Straight Bet Puck Line
This is just like a run line except it is for Hockey. It is a combination of a spread and odds. The spread may vary.
Puck Line Bet
San Jose Sharks +1 ½ (-160)
Minnesota Wild – 1 ½ (+140)
In our example, a wager on the Minnesota Wild means that they must win the game by 2 goals in order for you to win your bet. You will have to wager $160 to win $100. A wager on the San Jose Sharks means they can lose by 1 goal or win the game. You must wager $100 to win $140.
