How to Read Betting Lines
Understanding spreads, moneylines, and totals
6 min read
The Quick Answer
Betting lines show three things: spread (point handicap), moneyline (who wins), and total (combined score).
When you see "Chiefs -7 (-110) | Bills +7 (-110) | O/U 48.5", you're looking at the spread for both teams and the total. The -110 is the juice (cost to bet).
Anatomy of a Betting Line
Example Line: NFL Sunday
Chiefs -7 (-110) | ML -280 | O 48.5 (-110)
Bills +7 (-110) | ML +230 | U 48.5 (-110)
Spread
-7: Chiefs favored by 7 points
+7: Bills getting 7 points
Chiefs must win by 8+ to cover
Moneyline (ML)
-280: Bet $280 to win $100 on Chiefs
+230: Bet $100 to win $230 on Bills
Straight-up winner, no spread
Total (O/U)
O 48.5: Combined score over 48.5
U 48.5: Combined score under 48.5
Doesn't matter who wins
What Does (-110) Mean?
The number in parentheses is the juice (also called vig). It's the cost to place the bet—the sportsbook's commission.
Standard Juice: -110
• Bet $110 to win $100 profit
• Implies ~52.4% break-even rate
• Most spread and total bets
Reduced Juice: -105
• Bet $105 to win $100 profit
• Implies ~51.2% break-even rate
• Offered by some sharp books
Learn more: What is Vig (Juice)?
Understanding Line Movement
Lines change between when they're posted and game time. Knowing why helps you find value.
Opening Line
The first line posted. Often has the most value because it's less refined by betting action.
Closing Line
The final line at game time. Generally the most accurate reflection of "true" probability.
Pro tip: Consistently beating the closing line (positive CLV) is the best indicator of long-term success. Learn about CLV
Lines by Sport
NFL/NCAAF
Spreads: 1-14 points typical
Totals: 35-55 points typical
NBA/NCAAB
Spreads: 1-15 points typical
Totals: 200-240 points typical
MLB
Run Line: ±1.5 (standard)
Totals: 7-10 runs typical
NHL
Puck Line: ±1.5 (standard)
Totals: 5-7 goals typical
Now You Can Read Lines—Find the Best Ones
We compare lines across books and surface the best value bets daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read betting lines?
Betting lines show the spread (handicap), moneyline (odds to win), and total (over/under). Negative numbers indicate favorites or how much to bet to win $100. Positive numbers indicate underdogs or profit on a $100 bet.
What does a line like "Chiefs -7 (-110)" mean?
This means the Chiefs are 7-point favorites at standard -110 juice. They must win by more than 7 points for spread bets to win. The -110 means you bet $110 to win $100.
What's the difference between spread, moneyline, and total?
Spread: handicap betting on margin of victory. Moneyline: straight-up winner. Total: combined score over/under a number. Each serves different betting strategies.
Why do some lines have half points?
Half points (.5) eliminate pushes. At -7.5, you either win or lose—no tie. This gives the sportsbook cleaner action and bettors clearer outcomes.
What does it mean when lines move?
Line movement reflects betting action or new information. If Chiefs move from -7 to -7.5, more money came in on them or sharps bet them. Early lines often offer better value.