A straight bet is the most basic of all wagers on the sports betting menu. A straight bet is defined as wagering on any one single outcome of a sporting event. Straight bets can be made using a point spread or a money line.
A straight bet can be on the winner of a game or match. A straight bet can also be made on the total number of points scored, over or under a specific number.
The term “straight bet” is used to differentiate between the dozens of other more complicated wagers available at sportsbooks today. Examples of others wagers would be parlays, futures, prop bets, if bets, reverses, teasers and so on. Think of it this way. Straight equals Simple
Example of Straight Bet Using a Point Spread
Miami -7 to beat Buffalo +7
For straight wagers, unless otherwise indicated, the odds are $1.10 to win $1.00. Games that tie are considered “no action” and money is re-deposited back into your account. Due to changing events, the point spread may fluctuate at any time.
Example: Player wagers $110.00 on Miami -7 to beat Buffalo +7
If Miami wins by more than 7 points the player wins $100.00 so the total payout including the initial wager would be $210.00. If Miami only wins by 7 points then the Game is considered “no action” and all money is returned to the bettor. If the Miami wins by less than 7 points the wagers is lost.
If you bet on Buffalo +7, you simply add 7 points to Buffalo’s score to get your result. If Buffalo loses by more than 7, you lose your wager. If they lose by 6 or less, you win and if they lose by 7 your bet is a push and all funds are returned.
Example of Straight Bets on Totals
Totals betting is simply wagering on the combined total number of points (or goals) of both teams or participants. Just as when using a point spread, the price is 1.10 to win 1.00 unless otherwise noted.
Example: The player lays $220.00 on the OVER in the Miami/Buffalo Game. The total for the Game is 45. If both teams combined score is more than 45, the player would win $200.00. If the combined score is equal to 45 the Game is considered “no action” and the money is returned. If the combined score is less than 45 then the wager is lost (under bettors win)
Example of Straight Bet Using a Money Line
You can also wager on the outcome of a sporting event using a money line. When a money line is used you are simply wagering on the straight up winner with no pointspread involved.
Point spread sports like football and basketball also give bettors a chance to wager without the spread. So, for example, instead of betting a -4 point favorite for 110 to win 100 on an NBA game, a bettor could bet the favorite laying around -185 to win 100. But in this case, his team simply has to win. There is no “spread” to cover.
Many sports rely on the money line for betting purposes. Sports like Boxing and Tennis for example. No point spreads in those sports.
Baseball is another sport that utilizes money lines. For example, the Yankees may be a -120 favorite over the Red Sox. The Price on the Red Sox would be +110. Wager 120 to win 100 on the Yankees or 100 to win 110 on the Red Sox. Those would both be considered straight bets.
***Note – the prices in the examples above are standard odds of 11/10 or 110 to win 100. At 5 dimes sportsbook, you can get reduced juice and lay less than standard prices, such as 105 to win 100.
Hopefully this article answered your question about what a straight bet is. It’s truly the most simple bet available to bettors today. Good Luck!