One of the most popular and simplest betting options in sports is called a straight bet. Simply put, with a straight bettor makes a wager on the final score of an upcoming game with no consideration to the point spread. In other words, a straight bettor is willing to wager that the final score will be exactly what is written on the marquee at the end of the game.
The lines for sporting events are set by bookmakers with each bookie setting their own line for the odds to settle. For example, if a bookie sets the spread for a game at 3.0, a bettor would need to bet £100 to win £100. However, the game may end up being close so the bookie may choose to adjust the line to 4.0 or 4.5, which means the bettor will need to bet £125 or £150 to win £100. If the game is off by more than 4.0, then the bettor loses the bet. In this scenario, the bookie sets the line and the bettor is either happy or unhappy depending on whether or not the line is adjusted.
With a straight bet, there is no consideration for the point spread in the bet making it one of the simplest and most popular options in sports betting. If you’re looking for an easy way to wager on sports, then consider trying out a straight bet today!
Why Bet On The Final Score?
Going back to our example of a football game, if you were picking a winner between Manchester United and Manchester City, you would need to consider the point spread given the money on the line is so small. Alternatively, you could simply bet on the final score which is exactly what a straight bettor does. In this case, the point spread doesn’t matter because the game will end in a tie. In theory, at least!
For those who love an activity that is both simple and entertaining, consider trying out a straight bet in sports betting. In a nutshell, the odds are good and the lines are usually set in such a way that betting on the final score is a no-brainer for any sports fan.
How Do Bookies Adjust The Line In A Straight Bet?
One of the beauties of a straight bet is that the line is set in-stone and there is no consideration for the point spread in the betting process. As a result, the line is usually between one and two points either way. This means it is very easy for the bookmaker to make a profit from a straight bet, which is why they usually do it.
There are ways for bookies to make a profit even when the game ends in a tie. For example, if you wager on the New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox World Series, but both the Yankees and the Red Sox end up tying at 5.0, then you win the wager. In this case, you would need to pay £150 for a £100 bet because the line was moved up by half a point.
On the other hand, if you were to wager on the Superbowl to see who would win, but the game ends in a tie, then you would lose the bet. However, the bookie can adjust the line in such a way that you would win because their profit is guaranteed. In this case, if the line had moved down by half a point, then you would have won the bet. Similarly, if the line had been set at 5.0 with the Red Sox winning the game, then you would have won the bet too.
Who Wins More Often Than Not In A Straight Bet?
In theory, it would seem like a straight bet is a great option for both the bookmaker and the bettor because it is so simple and there is no consideration for the point spread. In practice, things are not quite that simple and it would appear that most bookmakers prefer to give the edge to the team they favor more so than the one the bettor favors. In other words, if you are looking for an even money wager or one that favors your team, then consider a straight bet, but if you are looking for an edge, then lay the points.
To our knowledge, there is no definitive answer to the question of which team wins more often than not in a straight bet. However, going back to our Superbowl example, if you had laid the points and picked the New England Patriots, then you would have made a very profitable wager. In fact, according to sports betting statistics, the Patriots are the most likely team to win a straight bet against the spread, which makes sense because they usually have an edge on their side. Nonetheless, it would seem that the spread can sometimes work in a bookmaker’s favor when considering the opposite. In any case, it is always a good idea to do your research before placing a wager.
How Often Do Bookies Adjust The Line In A Straight Bet?
As we mentioned above, most bookies will try to give the edge to the team they favor more so than the one the bettor favors in a straight bet. Nonetheless, they will sometimes have to adjust the line because of unexpected events or bad luck that befalls their pick. For example, if your team is down by multiple points and the bookie chooses to adjust the line in the favor of the other team, then you would have definitely lost the wager, but that’s not always the case.
There is no definitive answer as to how often bookies will have to adjust the line in a straight bet, but in general, it happens quite often and for the reasons we discussed above. Simply put, if you are looking for an easy and simple way to wager on sports, then a straight bet may be the option for you.