This type of wagering is called moneyline betting. The bookmaker might set odds on this game as Hawks -700 (risk $7 to win $1) / Magic +500 (risk $1 to win $5). To give an example let’s say in the NBA the Atlanta Hawks are one of the best teams and are playing at home against the Orlando Magic who are not a very good team and have injuries. It is possible to bet just on which team will win with no point spread involved. The first thing to understand is point spread betting is only one of many ways to bet on a game from any sport. Note: If you are experienced with sports betting you may wish to skim past or skip this section where I cover the very basics for the benefit of readers who are brand new. There’s an old saying in sports betting “I know far more winning line shoppers than I do handicappers”. For example, if three sites have an NFL team -3, and you find another having -2.5 obviously you should make the bet at the site that is offering -2.5, so long as the odds are the same.

Because the point spread lines used often varies between online bookmakers it makes sense to shop the lines at all four bookmakers listed above.

Basketball betting point spread