Many people think that -10 is a magic number when it comes to sports betting. If a game is +150 to -110, a bet of -10 on either side seems like a no-brainer. If you’re on the wrong side of the spread in an NFL game, you can bet 10 to win 20 and still cover your loss. It’s a common misconception that -10 always equals a clear winner. In reality, the line can completely obscure the game’s actual outcome, leaving you scratching your head in bewilderment.
What is the -10 Rule?
The -10 rule is named after its creation in the early 1900s, when sports book makers realized that attracting high rollers meant gaining trust and creating a more favorable atmosphere in the betting office. Essentially, the rule allows you to risk 10 percent of your total wager, provided you stay within that range. If you stray beyond -10, you’re automatically routed to a different branch of the bookie, where you’ll forfeit your initial deposit.
For example, if you bet $100 on a game and the spread is -115, your initial bet would be (100 x 1.15) =) $115. However, if you bet $110, your initial bet would be (110 x 1.15) =) $140. If you then wager $150 on the game, your total bet would be (150 x 1.15) = $210. If the game ends up being a victory, your winnings would be (110 – 115) = $5. Your loss would be ($210 – $115) = $105, and you’d still owe the bookie $100 at the end of the night. In essence, you’d risk $10 on a $100 stake, but if you won, you’d pay $15 ($10 x 1.15), providing you keep within the -10 range. In this case, if you won, your net gain would be ($5 – $10) = $45.
How is the -10 Rule Different from Other Limits?
While the -10 rule is widely accepted and used by sports betters, it is certainly not the only limit that can be applied. Some bookies will allow you to set a minimum and/or maximum wager. For example, you might be able to set a max bet of $100 and a min bet of $10, which would eliminate all wagers below $20 and above $110, respectively. In these cases, the rule can help eliminate some of the pain of losing, while providing the opportunity to gain some much-needed cash. It’s a double-edged sword, but for some bettors, the benefits outweigh the risks.
The Danger of Going Too Far
One of the biggest dangers in betting is going too far beyond what you’re comfortable with. The moment you stray beyond -10, you’re opening yourself up to being robbed. If you have a clear loser in a game, you can bet 10 to win 20, but beyond that, you’re just asking for trouble. There are countless stories of people who lost large sums of money due to this kind of reckless wagering. If you feel like you have the hang of betting but want to test your limits, go easy on the upper ranges until you’re feeling comfortable with the idea of betting large sums of money on sports. When in doubt, stick with what you know and enjoy betting smaller amounts.
When it comes to betting, knowing when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em is the key to successful wagering. Many people think they can predict the outcome of games with ease and make easy money, but that’s not always the case. Sports betting isn’t for the faint of heart, and it can be highly addictive. Just make sure you stay within your limits and continue educating yourself on the games and odds involved. You’ll soon find that betting is a fun way to pass the time and can even be an easy way to make money, provided you know how to use it correctly.