LINE DEFINITION

What is a betting Line?

Line (also known as 'spread' or 'handicap') is a figure set by the sportsbook to counter the perceived bias in abilities of opponents. By giving each team a points/goals/runs handicap, this creates a market in which the chances of success for both teams are deemed to be even. An example of this is an NBA game between the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors in which the underdog Knicks could be given a +12.5 point line, whereas the favored Warriors would be given a -12.5 point line.

Check out our Spread Converter if you’d like to learn more about lines and to be able to convert lines values into approximate moneyline odds.