SPORTS BET FUNDING

How to Read Betting Line: Point Spreads, Moneylines & Totals

How to Read Betting Line: Point Spreads, Moneylines & Totals

If you’ve ever glanced at a sportsbook or opened a betting app and felt overwhelmed by all the numbers, you’re not alone. Betting lines can look like a cryptic math puzzle. But once you understand what they mean, placing smart bets becomes a lot easier (and a lot more fun).


What is a Betting Line?

A betting line is essentially the oddsmaker’s way of leveling the playing field. It’s how sportsbooks encourage betting on both teams, ensuring they make a profit regardless of the game’s outcome.

The Role of Odds in Betting

Odds represent the potential payout. They’re a reflection of probability—how likely something is to happen. The better you understand odds, the more informed your betting decisions will be.

How Sportsbooks Set the Line

Bookmakers analyze past stats, injuries, weather, team dynamics, and betting trends to set a line. The goal? Attract equal money on both sides of the bet.


Understanding the Point Spread

The spread evens the odds between a favorite and an underdog.

What is a Point Spread?

A spread is a number of points by which one team is expected to win or lose. For example:
Patriots -6.5 vs Jets +6.5
The Patriots must win by more than 6.5 points for a bet on them to win.

Favorite vs Underdog Explained

The minus (-) sign means the team is favored to win. The plus (+) sign means the team is expected to lose but with a head start.

Covering the Spread

If the underdog loses by less than the spread—or wins outright—they’ve “covered.”


Breaking Down the Moneyline

Moneyline bets are simpler—you’re just picking who will win.

What is a Moneyline?

No spreads here. Just odds on which team wins.

Positive vs Negative Odds

  • -150: Bet $150 to win $100 (the favorite)
  • +130: Bet $100 to win $130 (the underdog)

Examples of Moneyline Bets

If you bet $100 on +200 odds, you’ll win $200 if the team wins. Simple math, but powerful strategy.


Totals (Over/Under) Explained

Instead of picking a team, you predict the total combined score.

How Totals Work

Oddsmakers set a line—say 47.5 points. You bet whether the actual score will go over or under that number.

Betting the Over vs the Under

Watch team trends. Some teams light up the scoreboard, others grind out slow, defensive games.

Factors That Influence Total Points

Weather, injuries, pace of play, and head-to-head history are all key.


The Juice or Vig – What It Means

This is the sportsbook’s cut. You’ll usually see -110 next to most spread bets. That means you bet $110 to win $100.


How to Read a Full Betting Line

Let’s break one down:

Cowboys -3.5 (-110), O/U 45.5

  • Cowboys must win by 4 or more
  • -110 = bet $110 to win $100
  • Total combined score must be above or below 45.5

Choosing the Right Type of Bet

When to Bet the Spread

Use spreads when you’re confident in how dominant (or weak) a team is.

When to Go with Moneylines or Totals

Moneylines are great when you like an underdog. Totals are perfect if you’re unsure who’ll win but know it’ll be a shootout (or a snooze).


Advanced Strategies and Tips

Bankroll Management

Only bet what you can afford to lose. Stick to a unit system to stay consistent.

Shopping for Better Odds

Different books = different lines. Always check multiple sites for the best value.


Online Betting Platforms and Safety

If you’re asking is online betting safe, the answer is yes—if you choose the right platforms.

Check if a betting site is legit before depositing money. Read reviews and ensure it’s licensed.


Betting Rules You Should Know

What Happens in Case of a Tie?

If a spread or total hits exactly, it’s a push—your stake is refunded.

Understanding Push and No Action

If a game is canceled or doesn’t meet certain requirements, your bet might be “no action”—again, your money is returned.

You can get the full rules explained clearly here.


How to Maximize Winnings With Bonuses

Types of Online Betting Bonuses

Sign-up bonuses, deposit matches, free bets—you name it. These are golden opportunities to boost your bankroll.

Using Promotions to Your Advantage

Online betting bonuses are an easy way to stretch your bets.


Recommended Betting Tools and Resources

Want an edge? Consider premium betting packages for insider picks and stats.


Final Thoughts on Reading Betting Lines

Learning how to read a betting line is like unlocking a new language. Once you get the hang of it, your sports viewing experience goes to another level. Whether you’re betting casually or more seriously, knowing how spreads, moneylines, and totals work is a must.


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FAQs

1. What’s the difference between +200 and -200 on the moneyline?
+200 means a $100 bet wins $200. -200 means you must bet $200 to win $100.

2. Is betting on totals easier than spreads?
Depends on the game and your insight. Totals are more about game flow than winners.

3. Can I lose money even if my team wins?
Yes, if they don’t cover the spread. Always check the full line.

4. Are there sports where moneylines are better than spreads?
Yes—like baseball or hockey, where scores are tight and spreads are minimal.

5. What’s a push in sports betting?
A tie. You get your money back—no win, no loss.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Betting Stage® is our program that helps players build better skills, discipline, and habits as they are evaluated for sports bet funding. Achieve the objectives in the Betting Stage® to earn the Player Funded Account™.

The following is an overview of the full journey traders can expect with Sports Bet Funding:

The Betting Stage®

Objectives:

Reach and maintain the profit target (30% Phase 1, 25% Phase 2)

Place a minimum of 20 bets

Bet a minimum of 20 days

Rules:

Do not allow your Account Balance to hit or exceed the Maximum Loss Limit

Do not lose more than or equal to 15% of your initial balance in a day.

Do not lose more than or equal to 30% of your initial balance at any point in the challenge.

Player Funded Account™

Objectives:

Reach and maintain the profit target of 25%

Rules:

Do not lose more than or equal to 10% of your initial balance in a day.

Do not lose more than or equal to 20% of your initial balance at any point in the challenge.

As you probably know, becoming a successful sports bettor who consistently takes profits from his bets is no small task. Losing $1,000+ when placing bets is a real thing that happens to players every day. Our mission is to provide a safe experience so that players can professionalize their passion while also limiting your personal risk.

Once you pass both phases, you are guaranteed a Player Funded Account™ with us.

After you earn a Player Funded Account™, we recommend you focus on minimizing your risk and building up your account balance through strategies learned in The Betting Stage®.

Once you have built up your account, we recommend that you start paying yourself and balance payouts while continuing to grow your account. This way, you will be prepared should you experience an unexpected drawdown.

If you are thinking about how to leverage the Betting Stage® and have more questions about membership or the path to earning a Funded Betting account, we encourage you to chat with a Sport Bet Funding Specialist who can help answer any questions you have about the programs.

You can also reach the Player Support Team here.

To learn more about Sports Bet Funding®, check out our Help Center or join Discord.

  1. Choose The Betting Stage® of your choice, i.e. $2.5K Rookie ($250 max wager), $5K Tipster ($500 max wager), $10K Punter ($1,000 max wager), $25K Wagerer ($2,500 max wager), $50K Player ($5,000 max wager), or $100K High Roller ($10,000 max wager).

    1. Click “Buy Now” (Make sure you sign up with your full name exactly as it reads on your government issued identification; do not use a fake name or a nickname; if you qualify for a Player Funded Account™, you must submit government issued identification)

  2. Follow the steps to purchase the The Betting Stage® account and create an account with Sports Bet Funding.

  3. Once payment is complete, your account will be created. Please allow up to 2 hours to receive an email containing your credentials (if account is purchased after 5:00PM ET, please allow until next calendar day @ 11:00AM ET).

  4. A video tutorial is available here

Follow the rules of the betting programs and you will succeed. Break the rules and the account will be terminated.

The Betting Stage®:

  • Minimum days betting: 20
  • Minimum bets per phase: 20 bets
  • Only Straight Bets and Parlays are allowed.

Parlay Rules:

  • Max Teams: 2
  • Max Odds: +300
  • Minium Bet Wager: 5% of initial balance.
  • Maximum Bet Wager: 10% of initial balance.
  • Maximum Daily Loss: Cannot be greater than or equal to 15% of initial balance.
  • Maximum Overall Loss: Cannot be greater than or equal to 30% of initial balance.
  • Profit Target To Complete Phase 1: 30% of initial balance (must meet minimum day and bet requirements).
  • Profit Target To Complete Phase 2: 25% of initial balance (must meet minimum day and bet requirements).

The Player Funded Account:

  • Minimum days betting per 30 days: 20
  • Minimum bets per 30 days: 20 bets
  • Only Straight Bets and Parlays are allowed.

Parlay Rules:

  • Max Teams: 2
  • Max Odds: +300
  • Minium Bet Wager: 5% of initial balance.
  • Maximum Bet Wager: 10% of initial balance.
  • Maximum Daily Loss: Cannot be greater than or equal to 10% of initial balance.
  • Maximum Overall Loss: Cannot be greater than or equal to 20% of initial balance

Once you qualify for a Player Funded Account™, there are two options available.

The monthly subscription is $85 per month per Player Funded Account™

The one-time fee is $250 per Player Funded Account™

Betting frequency must be carefully considered when deciding between the monthly subscription and the one-time fee. Deliberately placing minimal bets only to count as a betting day or keep a near-depleted account active, is not permissible.

Meet your Profit Target while Managing Risk (do not let your account meet either of the max losses).

Bet for a minimum of 20 days.

Please note, There is no maximum limit. All 20 days of betting must occur on the same account number that met the target. Multiple account numbers can not be combined, i.e. 10 days with one and 5 days with other.

What happens if I reach my goal in 3 days? Do I have to keep placing bets? (Yes)

If I reset my Betting Stage® account, do previous betting days count? (No)

If I reset my Betting Stage® account, does my previous betting balance count? (No)

What is considered a betting day? When does the clock start ticking on my new account? Days are calendar days – clock ticks the day credentials are emailed out (if received PRIOR to 5:00PM ET)

 

Consistency Guideline

Potentially hitting a profit target in a short span, could be luck. A day later, one could be unlucky. We want players to learn the ability to manage risk, stick to a betting plan, demonstrate their strategy and measure of consistency. Betting conditions change. You do not need to bet every day. Be wise, selective and patient. Betting Stage® accounts with monthly subscription fees connected to them remain active until you cancel.

I hit my goal early, how should I bet my remaining days?

Sports Bet Funding has made our case for needing to see you demonstrate your skill and bet on 20 individual days. However, we understand the wisdom of risk management if you have reached the required target. It’s acceptable to lower your bet size. This allows you to continue to take your normal bets which demonstrates your usual betting plan and strategy on the remaining days.

Players are permitted to purchase and operate more than one Betting Stage® account at the same time, as long as they are all associated with the same email address. Likewise, players are permitted to operate more than one Player Funded Account™ simultaneously. Multiple Player Funded Account™ will not be combined into one larger account and each require their own small monthly fee of $85 per month or one-time fee of $250 regardless of the size of the account.

WARNING *If a player is discovered to have registered more than one membership and operate more than one email address, that account is subject to termination.

SBF has set a defined limit of three (3) Player Funded Account™ that can be operated concurrently.

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