Scores and Odds in Sports Betting: The Complete Guide for Beginners

Sports betting can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out. Between unfamiliar terms, shifting numbers, and complicated betting slips, many new bettors are unsure how to make sense of it all. Two of the most important concepts to understand from day one are scores and odds.

Scores determine the outcome of the game, while odds determine how much you stand to win—or lose—based on that outcome. Together, they form the foundation of every wager placed in a sportsbook.

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Whether you are betting on an NFL Sunday, an NBA playoff game, or a Major League Baseball matchup, knowing how to read odds and connect them to scores will help you make smarter and more confident bets. This guide breaks down the basics, explains the types of odds you’ll see in the United States, and shows how scores and odds interact in different types of wagers.

What are odds in sports betting?

Odds represent the probability of an outcome and dictate the payout for a winning bet. In the US, odds are usually displayed in American format (positive and negative numbers), but you may also encounter decimal and fractional odds depending on the sportsbook.

• Positive odds (+200): Show how much profit you make on a $100 bet. For example, +200 means you win $200 profit if your $100 bet is correct.
• Negative odds (–150): Show how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, –150 means you must wager $150 to win $100 profit.

What role do scores play in betting?

Scores determine whether your bet wins or loses. Different betting markets use scores in different ways:

• Moneyline bets: The final score decides who wins.
• Point spread bets: The margin of victory matters more than just the winner.
• Totals (Over/Under): The combined score of both teams determines the result.
• Props: Certain bets depend on player or team stats, not just the final score.

Understanding how scores affect your wager is critical, especially in spread and totals betting where every point counts.

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Types of sports betting odds

1. Moneyline odds

• Easiest for beginners: just pick the winner.
• Example: Dallas Cowboys –150 vs New York Giants +130.
• Cowboys are favorites; Giants are underdogs.

2. Point spread odds

• Oddsmakers handicap the favorite to even out betting.
• Example: Lakers –6.5 vs Bulls +6.5.
• Lakers must win by 7+ points for spread bettors to cash.

3. Totals (Over/Under)

• Bettors wager on combined score rather than who wins.
• Example: Over/Under 47.5 in an NFL game.
• If the final is 28–24, total = 52, so Over bettors win.

4. Prop odds

• Focus on individual stats or events.
• Example: Patrick Mahomes Over 2.5 passing touchdowns.

5. Futures odds

• Long-term bets on season outcomes.
• Example: Chiefs +500 to win the Super Bowl.

Why understanding odds matters

• Value hunting: Spotting odds that don’t reflect true probabilities.
• Bankroll control: Knowing payouts helps you size bets wisely.
• Avoiding mistakes: Misreading odds can turn a winning prediction into a losing ticket.

Tips for beginners

1. Start with simple moneyline bets before moving to spreads or props.
2. Compare odds across sportsbooks—small differences add up.
3. Track both your bets and game scores to see how lines played out.
4. Never chase losses—stick to disciplined bankroll management.

For beginners, learning scores and odds in sports betting is the first step toward making informed wagers. Scores decide outcomes, odds decide payouts, and together they shape every betting market from moneylines to futures. Start simple, understand how each bet type works, and gradually build your betting knowledge. Over time, mastering odds will help you find value and approach sports betting with confidence.

FAQs

Q1: What does +200 mean in sports betting odds?
It means a $100 bet would return $200 profit if successful, plus your original stake.

Q2: Why are some odds negative in the US?
Negative odds indicate the favorite and show how much you need to bet to win $100 profit.

Q3: Do scores always matter in sports betting?
Yes, but in different ways. In moneyline betting, only the winner matters; in spreads and totals, the exact score is crucial.

Q4: What’s the easiest bet type for beginners?
Moneyline bets, since you only need to predict which team wins.

Q5: Can odds change before a game starts?
Yes. Odds move based on betting action, injuries, weather, and team news.