Betting markets explained

Our comparison tables cover the three markets that nearly every bookmaker prices in the same way, which is what makes a fair comparison possible.

Match result

In football, the match result market is also called 1X2: 1 is a home win, X is a draw and 2 is an away win. It has three outcomes and is settled on the score after normal time, including stoppage time, so extra time and penalties usually do not count.

In NFL and NBA games the equivalent is the moneyline, where you pick the winner. Overtime usually counts, and there are normally only two outcomes.

Handicap and spread

A handicap gives one side a head start so that both sides are priced closer to even. In US sports this is the point spread.

If a team is -3.5, it must win by 4 or more for the bet to win. If the other team is +3.5, it can lose by up to 3 and the bet still wins.

Totals

Totals, or over/under, are about the combined score. A line of 2.5 goals means over wins with 3 or more goals, and under wins with 2 or fewer.

Half points and pushes

A half-point line, such as 2.5 or -3.5, cannot be tied. A whole-number line can be. If the line is 3 and the total lands on exactly 3, the bet is a push and your stake comes back. Our tables separate each line because a different line is a different bet.

Rules vary between bookmakers, so check how yours settles a market, especially for abandoned games and extra time.

Comparing the same line

Prices are only comparable on the same line. A bookmaker offering Over 2.5 at 1.90 is not directly comparable with one offering Over 3 at 2.10. Use the line selector on the match page so that you compare the same bet across bookmakers.