Gambling 101: Reading Puck and Run Lines
How do bettors read puck and run lines? We are breaking it down today on Sports Illustrated's Gambling 101.
It's important to know how to wager on these handicap style betting options. Part of the point spread family of betting odds, bettors are offered puck lines when they wager on hockey and run lines to bet on baseball. When wagering on pre-game puck lines, bettors give up minus 1.5 goals to back the favorite and receive +1.5 goals to bet on the underdog.
When making these bets it's important to pay attention to the puck line juice as it can be expensive. Favorites in hockey receive plus juice pricing while the underdogs are posted with a negative number. Baseball works similar favorites begin the game with a 1.5 run deficit while the underdog is up by 1.5 runs prior to the first pitch.
So is it worth taking these bets- that's up to you but let me break down an example for you.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
If Chicago is chalk, giving up minus 1.5 runs, - bettors need to wager $100 to earn a $140 return on the Cubs. - not bad but lets say Philadelphia is the underdog, receiving +1.5 runs, it costs betters $160 to win a $100 wager on the Phillies.- not as desirable.
Laying pucks or runs is a best bet when wagering research shows one side being greater than the other. In the end, it's called gambling so we say go for it! But if you need help make sure to bookmark Sports Illustrated's Glossary of terms and tune in for another gambling 101 here on SI.com
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