Basic soccer wagering question

[Ross]

I don't understand what the difference is between betting a team against -½ goal spread as opposed to betting them on the ML.
For example, On Bet Jamaica today they have Spain -½ -145 ---- and also have Spain ML -160. Am I retarded... or is this betting on the exact same thing, only betting Spain -½ justs costs less? Given these 2 options, why would anyone bet the ML? Any help appreciated. :think2:

 

[alense]

Yeah, it is exactly the same. I notice the same thing aswell. Dont know why it happens though.

 

[BigBetterRob]

my local has crazy lines like -1200...for germany the other day ... but the money line will be -145 and the 11/2 goal will be plus money i dont understand either

 

[Jack Herer]

If you take +½ and its a draw, you win.

 

[rhinooooo]

I don't understand what the difference is between betting a team against -½ goal spread as opposed to betting them on the ML.
For example, On Bet Jamaica today they have Spain -½ -145 ---- and also have Spain ML -160. Am I retarded... or is this betting on the exact same thing, only betting Spain -½ justs costs less? Given these 2 options, why would anyone bet the ML? Any help appreciated. :think2:

Yeah, it happens quite a bit. But maybe not as extreme as that. It's stupid, but you've got to remember that they are individual markets, and reacting to the money on that market.

Because the ML market has three options (including the draw), books have to balance the odds and money according to those three options.

A pretty crude example would be:
say there was no money coming in on the draw or Greece, then maybe a book will raise the odds to tempt more customers, and get more even action. Because of that, the Spain odds will get worse, but won't affect the handicap market.

On the handicap there are only two options (either -1/2 or +1/2). So, that's why there can be slight differences. Hope that makes sense.

Last thing - Bodie is the man. :toast: Best show ever made, no doubt.