Line Betting Explained.

Line betting, also called handicap betting, evens up a contest by giving one team a head start or a deficit in points. It turns a lopsided match into something close to even money, which is why it is one of the most popular markets across football, basketball and American sports.

How line betting works

The bookmaker sets a line, a number of points added to or taken from each team's final score. The favourite is given a deficit, shown with a minus, and the underdog is given a start, shown with a plus. Your bet settles on the result after the line is applied.

Example. If the favourite is minus 10.5, they must win by 11 or more for a line bet on them to win.

The underdog at plus 10.5 wins the line bet if they lose by 10 or fewer, or win outright.

The favourite and the underdog

Backing the favourite on the line means you need them to win comfortably, not just scrape home. Backing the underdog means you are covered even if they lose, as long as they keep it close. Because both sides are priced near even money, the line is about the margin, not just the winner.

What is a push?

A push happens when the result lands exactly on the line. To avoid this, most lines use a half-point, such as 10.5, so there is always a clear winner. When a whole-number line is used and the margin matches it exactly, the bet is usually refunded. Check the market rules on the bet slip.

Line betting versus head to head

A head-to-head bet only asks who wins. Line betting asks by how much. In a one-sided game the head-to-head price on the favourite can be very short, so the line offers more value if you think they will win well, while the underdog line is a safer way to back a competitive loss.

How to place a line bet on Bet Right

1. Open the match and find the line or handicap market.
2. Choose the favourite (minus) or the underdog (plus).
3. Check the line and the price on the bet slip.
4. Enter your stake and confirm.

Line betting FAQs

What does minus 6.5 mean?

That team must win by 7 or more points for a line bet on them to succeed.

Is line betting the same in every sport?

The idea is the same, but the name changes: it is the point spread in the NFL, the run line in MLB, and the puck line in the NHL.

Can a line bet be refunded?

Yes, if a whole-number line lands exactly on the margin, the bet is usually refunded as a push.

See line betting in action in our guides to the AFL and NBA.