The Meaning of +13.5
The number +13.5 has been a commonly used figure in the sports world for decades. It originally referred to the number of games behind the favored team when betting on the outcome of a match.
Today, many sportsbooks offer odds that use this number as a modifier, such as +125 to win money on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and +125.5 to win money on the New York Jets. For instance, the betting odds for the Indianapolis Colts vs Chicago Bears are now +125.5 with Sports Authority.
With the addition of projected scores to gambling in the 21st century, this number has found a new life.
Projected Scores and Odds
Today, many sportsbooks offer “projected scores” and “projected odds” for sports games. These are simply the predicted scores and odds of the teams involved in the games, based on recent form, current injuries, and other factors. When you see these numbers, you know the game is close to being decided, especially if the line moves in the right direction during the final minutes of the game.
Take last week’s NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants for example. The game was tied at 20 going into the fourth quarter. With 5 minutes remaining in the game, the line had moved from +165 New York to +135 Dallas. At this point, it was anybody’s game. However, Dallas came up with a last-minute drive that resulted in a 26-23 victory for the Cowboys.
In the world of sports betting, it is common to see games with long odds. In the last year, the Carolina Panthers were 14.8-point favorites (per 100 units of wagering) to win the Super Bowl. However, the odds of the team winning the coveted trophy were as high as 150-1. In other words, bettors who placed a $150 wager on the Panthers winning the Super Bowl would win $1,500 if their pick was successful. Most professional football players can make a living playing in the NFL without ever betting on sports.
Key Takeaway
Overall, it is important to keep in mind that odds are just that – they are just odds. Based on historical form and other factors, they can predict the outcome of a game. However, you should always keep your own counsel as odds can and often do change. For instance, take a look at LSU vs. Clemson. The betting line on this game had been +125 in favor of LSU since the beginning of the season. However, with less than a month left in the season, the betting public has shifted to lean heavily in favor of Clemson. If you had bet on LSU last month, you would have won $125 per week. In the world of sports betting, it is always best to follow the money – in this case, your own money. If you want to make the most out of sports gambling, it is always best to bet on the underdog. Sometimes, that means going against the public perception of a game. In other words, take the underdogs, and you will usually win.