Help Understanding Line Bets...

[CAL_BEAR]

Having some trouble trying to figure the "vig" in relation to the posted odds/point spread:

St Louis Rams +3 -104
Seattle Seahawks -3 -106

Baltimore Ravens -1 +104
San Diego Chargers +1 -114

Cleveland Browns +7 -102
San Francisco 49ers -7 -108

In the first game spread is (+/- 3) and the vig is within two points...this seems reasonable for a close game.

Second game, (+/- 1) Even closer but there's a TEN point separation between the fav and dog, and actually having to bet 114 to win 100 on the dog?? Why would you have to bet more to win on the dog?

Third game, similar to game two, except now you must bet more on the fav, 108 to win 100.

I'm having trouble catching on to how these numbers are set, and why.

Thanks for your help...CB

 

[RPM]

well, for starters it looks like you are playing at a reduced vig shop judging by example number 1. good for you.

in example number 2, it appears that the majority of action is coming in on san diego, so before they move the line any further, they are trying to get less action on s.d. and more on the ravens. if you see this, there are probably other books out there giving s.d. +.5 at normal vig.

same thing for example three, as what happened with example number 2. example 3 is quite as close to a line move as number 2 was though.

 

[CAL_BEAR]

Thanks RPM...So, the difference in vig numbers is representative of where the majority of the money is coming in on. I guess my confusion is that at other books, the vig numbers may be -110 for all games, and on both sides of the spread. So, if I wanted to bet with San Diego @ -114, should I shop for another book?

 

[RPM]

cal,

your best bet is to ALWAYS shop for the best line!!!

 

[BigGamesOnly]

One thing I would like to point out here that has not been mentioned and that is the difference between -104 and -106 as shown in the St. Louis/Seattle example. The difference in the vig here is actually 10, not 2.

For example, if you were to bet on each team you would need to bet $104 on St. Louis to win $100 and $106 on Seattle to win $100. If St. Louis won you would win $100 on that bet but you would lose $106 on Seattle. If Seattle won you would win $100 but you would lose $104 on St. Louis.

By risking $4 on the bet for St. Louis and risking $6 on the bet for Seattle the total amount you are putting up for risk is $10.