If you are entering the world of sports betting for the first time, you are undoubtedly wondering what the terms “85/40” and “totaled to 85” mean. You are also no doubt wondering how these terms affect you as a sports bettor. Let’s have a closer look.
What Is the Difference Between 85/65 and 85/40?
If you’ve ever gambled on the NBA, then you are undoubtedly familiar with the terms “85/65” and “85/40.” They refer to the betting lines offered on the NBA games that are televised in the United States. In the US, the majority of NBA games are available to be viewed live and, thanks to the NBA’s national TV contracts, those games are usually featured on several networks. For example, the 2020 NBA playoffs will be broadcast live on TNT and NFL Network. The TV channels that air NBA games vary by region, so if you live in a different part of the country, you may only see a few of the league’s best games (if any at all) via the internet.
Despite the differences across regions, the betting lines in the NBA are usually set by the bookmakers slightly in favor of the favorite. That means a $100 bet placed on a $100 win for the favorite will only net the gambler $85. For an NBA fan, this amount might not seem like a big inconvenience. However, if you are used to betting on horse races and want to transition to gambling on sports, then this amount can be highly frustrating. After all, a $100 bet placed on a $100 winner in a horse race would net the bettor $120 (2x win). To avoid this, many bettors choose to limit their NBA wagers to only those games where the spread is set at least at 65 points. This reduces the amount of their winnings that will be withheld by the bookmakers, often substantially.
What Is the Purpose of Setting a Spread?
As we’ve established, the majority of NBA games are available to be viewed live in the US. This means that there is a lot of exposure to the game and its results. Bookmakers look at this type of situation and believe that they can win more money from sports bettors by setting the spread more optimistically than what the matchup might actually be. For example, if they believe that the Knicks will cover the spread in a game against the Sixers, they may set the line at NY -3 rather than the more reasonable -6.5.
The purpose of setting a spread is to create more interest in the game. By doing so, the bookmakers hope to get more people to place bets on NBA games and, thus, make more money. Naturally, creating more interest in a game means that it will likely be more exciting to watch. This, in turn, could lead to more people wanting to wager on the games. An added bonus for the bookmakers is that by having more people interested in their product, it lessens the possibility of the product being abused. Since there is more interest in the game, there is also more opportunity for people to learn how to play it correctly. In other words, setting the line at least 65 points in favor of the Favorite creates a level playing field for both sides. This is something that horse race gamblers might argue is not fair, but in the world of sports gambling that is not possible.
Why Are Some Lines Set At Only -1 or Even -100?
If you ever watched the NCAA tournament or NFL playoff games, then you may have noticed that some lines are set at only -1 or even -100. Naturally, this is because the underdog is typically a popular topic in sports (see what we did there?). The theory is that there is more interest in the underdog and, thus, the possibility of drawing a bigger crowd. Naturally, this could lead to higher TV ratings and, thus, more profit for the sports franchises and leagues that broadcast those games. In order to get people to participate in this type of wagering, sportsbooks offer steep discounts (often over 80%) to casual sports bettors. This type of wagering appeals to all types of bettors because it allows them to have a little bit of an edge in a game that, typically, they are not very familiar with. For instance, if you are not from the US and wonder what -3 vs. -6.5 means in NBA betting, then this type of wagering may be what you’re looking for. Remember, though, that this is very betting and you should always use caution when participating in this type of wagering. It’s also important to keep in mind the laws regarding the types of sports that you can bet on and which ones you cannot. If you are unsure about whether or not you can bet on a certain sport, then it is probably best to avoid it altogether. Sometimes, it’s best to just walk away rather than risk having your account blocked by a bookmaker because of an unknown betting violation.
How Does All Of This Effect Me As A Sports Bettor?
As a first-time or even occasional sports bettor looking for ways to make extra cash, you may be wondering how all of this affects you. If you are looking to place a wager on an NBA game and the spread is set at least at 65 points, then you are likely wondering how you will win money. Let’s examine this question.
The first thing you need to do is find a reputable online sportsbook that handles your money safely and legally. Bear in mind that the majority of online sportsbooks are unregulated and, thus, anything could go wrong. Do your best to find a sportsbook that is licensed in your country and has a good reputation. Once you’ve done that, there are a number of things you can do to increase your odds of winning.
One of the things you can do is research the matchups and determine which ones seem like good bets. Of course, this depends on your personal preference for the games. If you are looking for a way to make quick cash, then you may want to focus on games where the spread is not restricted at all. If you are looking for a more leisurely approach, then you may want to focus on games with spreads set at least at 65 points. Another thing you can do to increase your odds of winning is to bet on the teams and players that you know more about. If you are not familiar with most of the players and teams, then it may be best to avoid betting on those games all together. There is also the option of using one of the many free betting apps available for download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. These apps allow you to place quick and easy wagers on the games that interest you, all while avoiding the complexities of setting up an account with a sportsbook (if, indeed, you even need to).
As you can see, there are a number of things you can do to significantly increase your odds of winning on a bet. Of course, this also means that there is a substantial amount of risk involved. You’re not going to win every time you place a bet, but if you play within certain rules and use reputable online sportsbooks, then this type of betting can be highly profitable. Naturally, it’s all about finding the right lines and knowing how to correctly position yourself for the best possible outcome.