| The Super Bowl is just days away which means | | | | handsomely for choosing the underdog. If the money |
| you're already starting to hear things like "take the | | | | line on a game is -320, that means you have to bet |
| points," "I like the under," and "always go with the chalk." | | | | $320 just to win $100 on the favored team. The |
| For the uninitiated, them 're gambling terms. Here's a | | | | opposite end of that is a "+" number, usually 10, 20, or |
| quick rundown of things you should know about | | | | even many points lower, such as +300. That means |
| football gambling and the Super Bowl: | | | | betting $100 on the underdog will pay you $300 if they |
| Pittsburgh -7: that means Pittsburgh is favored by 7 | | | | win the game. Since there is no built in "juice" on this |
| points. If you bet Pittsburgh, they must win by more | | | | type of wager, that 20-point difference between -320 |
| than 7. On the flipside, that means Arizona is +7. Bet | | | | and +300 is how the bookie makes his money. |
| Arizona and it's like getting a 7-point lead to start the | | | | Parlays, teasers, and other wagers are available too, |
| game. And if the game end 24-17 in favor of | | | | but if you are reading this post because you need an |
| Pittsburgh? That's called a "push," and everyone gets | | | | intro to gambling, you don't need to worry about those |
| their original bet back. | | | | just yet. Lose your money slowly before you learn |
| O/U 46.5: that means the "over" is 46.5 points (also | | | | ways to lose it faster. |
| called the "under" or the "total"). If you think the | | | | Common gambling terminology: |
| COMBINED score will be more than 46.5 points, you | | | | "Take the points" - bet on the underdog. |
| would bet the over. Bet the under is you think the total | | | | "The chalk" - the favored team (you'll also hear "give |
| will be less than 46.5 points. "Juice" on the two types | | | | the points" from someone liking the favorite). |
| of wagers above is the percentage you pay the | | | | "The hook" - the half point that cost you a gambling |
| casino/bookie/guy down the street, and it's typically | | | | win. When you take the under in Sunday's game and |
| 10%. That means if you bet $110, you will lose $110 or | | | | the final score is 27-20, you can tell people you lost by |
| win $100. That's why gambling is impossible. | | | | the hook. Then you'll receive a fake wince from your |
| Most betting on football games is made against the | | | | friend and a "go get 'em next time" pat on the back. |
| spread (the + or - number) or on the total (over/under), | | | | "Props"- propositions, or those goofy bets |
| but there are plenty of other ways to wager. The | | | | predominantly found in the Superbowl, like betting on |
| money line is another common wager. In this case, all | | | | the coin toss, or who will score more - the Cardinals |
| you need to do is pick the winning team, but you pay a | | | | on Sunday or LeBron James in his basketball game on |
| premium for taking the favorite and get paid | | | | Sunday. |