Core betting
Line
The number a sportsbook posts on a market — a spread, a total, or a price.
'Line' is used loosely for whatever number defines a bet: the −6.5 on a spread, the 47.5 on a total, or the −110 price attached to either. Context makes it clear which is meant.
Lines are not predictions. A book sets a number designed to attract action on both sides and moves it in response to money and information, so the line reflects a blend of what the market believes and what the market has bet.
See also
- Point spread — A margin handicap that makes an uneven matchup close to a coin flip.
- Total — A bet on whether combined scoring finishes above or below a set number.
- Opening line — The first price a sportsbook posts on a market, before it takes meaningful action.
- Closing line — The final price on a market immediately before the event starts.