Super Bowl XLIII promises to be an exciting game between two teams worthy of getting to the title game. Everyone bets on the big football matchup. But, what if you are a betting novice and aren't quite sure how to wager in the first place? Luckily for you SuperBowlOdds.org has your back. Below are simple and easy-to-follow explanations on how to on the big day. It's almost February 1, 2009, time to lay your bets down and get in on the excitement.

Explaining Wager Types

Straight

The most common type of sports wager is on the final outcome of a single game, known as a straight wager. One team is typically favored over the other by a point spread; the favorite gives the underdog points as a head start, for betting purposes. The favorite is always indicated by a minus sign (-4) and the underdog by a plus sign (+4). The amount of points a customer must give or take is estimated to be the amount, which will generate equal wagering on both the underdog and the favorite. For betting purposes, the result of the game is determined by taking the actual score and subtracting points from the favorite's score or adding points to the underdog's score. So, a favorite can win the actual game but lose the bet by not covering the spread; an underdog can lose the actual game but win for betting purposes by covering the spread.

Totals

A client can also bet whether the combined number of points or goals scored by the two teams in the game will be over or under the total set by the oddsmaker. For example, if the total is 40 and you believe that the combined points scored by the two teams will exceed that number, you would bet on the over. You would bet under if you believe the total points score will be less than 40.

Money Line

A money line is used in addition to or instead of a point spread on a match up between two teams. In this case, a bettor must bet more to wager on the favorite. For example, the Boston Red Sox are a -140 favorite over the Toronto Blue Jays. The client must lay $140 in order to win $100. If Boston loses, the customer loses $140. However, the customer could bet on Toronto , in which case the client would lay $100 in order to win $130 (10 cent line). If Toronto loses, the client only loses $100, and if Toronto wins, the client would win $130. Most sportsbooks offer both money line and point spread options on most sports.

Parlay

A parlay is a wager on two or more teams or selections. The client can combine different sports, point spreads and money lines. In a parlay your original stake and winnings are re-invested on the next game and all selections must be correct - one loss and your parlay loses. In the event of a push (tie), game cancellation or a pitcher that you have specified not starting, the parlay reduces to the next lower number, e.g. a four-team parlay becomes a three-team parlay. A winning parlay wager will pay many times more than the initial wager. 

Teasers

A Teaser is a bet on two or more teams or selections. The difference between a teaser and a parlay is that in a teaser you adjust (tease) the line in your favor.

For example:
 
If Denver Broncos are favored by seven points in one game and the San Francisco 49ers are favored by 10 points in a second game. A six-point, two-team teaser would adjust the point spread six points in the client's favor; i.e. Denver would now be favored by one point (7 - 6 = 1) and San Francisco would now be favored by four points (10 - 6 = 4).
 
You could make a two-team, six-point teaser bet with San Francisco and Denver. In this example are betting that San Francisco will win by more than four points (10 - 6 = 4) and Denver will win by more than one point ( 7 - 6 = 1). In the case of a tie or push in a two-team teaser, your wager is refunded. ANY LOSS IN A TEASER CONSTITUTES A LOSS FOR THE ENTIRE WAGER.


Note: A tie or push in a three-to-seven team teaser will reduce the wager to the next lowest level. i.e. a six-team teaser with a push becomes a five-team teaser.