When someone places a wager on an NFL game with betting lines, there is usually a T column next to the matchup. What does that mean? Let’s have a look:
There are two main versions of betting lines – the traditional yellow, orange, and black, and the more modern green, pink, and gray versions. The first one is the most popular because it was the first to appear on sportsbooks. The reason it is still around is because it is easy for sportsbook operators to update their odds display whenever the T column is changed. That way, the public can continue using the familiar terms without having to learn a new system.
On the other hand, the green, pink, and gray versions of the odds display are more commonly found in the Asian market and are also the ones you will find when looking at the betting lines for NBA games. The reason why they are more popular in the East is because the numbers are in the thousands rather than the hundreds and they make it easier for bettors to keep track of the wagering activity.
What Is The Underlying Factor Of The T Column?
The underlying factor of the T column is simply the fact that most sportsbooks calculate the payout percentage more accurately than the oddsmaker. This means that if a bookmaker advertises that their profit is 80% on a $100 wager, then in reality, it is more like 82% or 83%.
The difference is usually negligible and it is often times hard for the average person to find out how accurate the numbers are. However, there are situations where the divergence is quite significant and in those cases, it is usually quite obvious to the average person.
Why Are The Betting Lines Aligned That Way?
The reason why the betting lines are aligned this way is because when a bookmaker displays the odds, they are usually not in true decimal points. This makes it easier for the average person to keep track of what they’re doing. Also, since the majority of North American sportsbooks use the yellow, orange, and black versions of the odds, this is the default setting for all of them.
More On Converting Odds To Decimal Points
If you are not familiar with converting odds to decimal points, check out this helpful guide on how to do it correctly. Basically, you want to use this formula:
Here is how you would calculate the odds for a $100 wager on the New York Jets at home against the Buffalo Bills:
- 100 x Jets odds
- -110 x Bills odds
- Total odds =
- 70.8
As you can see, 70.8 is the decimal point of the odds. Also, keep in mind that since the odds are displayed in decimals, if your math skills are a bit rusty, it can be a real challenge to keep track of what you’ve wagered in decimal points.
Key Takeaway
As you can see, there are a lot of ways in which the T column is different from what you’re used to seeing on a typical football betting line. Most notably, the underlying factor of the odds is usually more accurate than what you would see on a bookmaker’s odds page.
Additionally, since most sportsbooks use the yellow, orange, and black versions of the odds, the T column is usually aligned that way by default. There is also the possibility that some of the Asian-style books might make the odds for NHL games align with the rest of the world, but since the majority of the hockey betting activity happens in Canada and the U.S., the default setting is usually Canadian. However, there are many ways in which the T column can be customized depending on your preferences.