noob section?

[jamesgott]

I have been searching for a place to learn about the basics of sports betting. I realize that this site is a bit over my head, because for one thing, i don't understand what the basics are. I need to find information on how to figure out what something like this means:
New York Mets 9 - 7:05 PM Matchup
Philadelphia Phillies -119 -

because i just don't get it. you guys can flame on me all you want, but you gotta start somewhere, and I haven't found that "somewhere" yet. if you could just point me in the right direction.

Thanks tons!

James

[gm2022]

First welcome, Second -119 means the Phils are the favorites 119 bucks to win 100. Maybe someone else can explain it better but either way good luck!

[biggamer3]

Welcome to a world of pain like never before, watching a latenight affair between the Royals and Rangers as if it were a game 7.

basically the minus (-) means how much you have to bet to win 100 and a plus (+) means how much you get if you bet 100

So if Philly is -119 (119 dollars gets you 100) if the Mets were +110 (than 100 dollar wager gets you 110)

though it goes without saying you dont have to bet 100, the Mets for a 50 dollar wager would get you 55 for example

[Doc JS]

New York Mets
P Martinez -R +1½ -190 +113 Action
+113 Listed Pitchers Over 9 -120
952 Philadelphia Phillies
J Moyer -L -1½ +160 -123 Action
-123 Listed Pitchers Under 9 +100

For the example listed above:
There is a run line, a moneyline, and total runs.

The moneyline is the easiest to understand. This is just which team do you think is going to win the game. In this example, the Mets are +113. This means if you wager $100 and the Mets win, you are paid $113. If you think the Phillies (at -123) are going to win, you have to wager $123 to win $100.

The total runs is next easiest to understand. The toal is 9. If you think the total number of runs the two teams will score is over 9, you bet the over at -120 (which means you have to wager $120 to win $100). If you think the total runs scored will be less than 9, you wager the under at +100 (even money. You bet $100 to win $100).

I saved the run line for last. The Mets are +1.5 at -190. If you think the Mets are going to lose by no more than one run, you can bet the run line at -190 (meaning you have to wager $190 to win $100). If you think the Phils are going to win by at least two runs, you can bet the Phils at +160 (meaning if you wager $100, you win $165, if you win your bet).

Hope this helps!

Doc

[AnotherLoan]

Quit while you're ahead pal.

[Willie Bee]

JamesGott, that's a pretty good start that Doc JS has provided. Don't be afraid to ask questions; sure, some of the 'pros' are going to give you a hard time, but there are a lot of good folks here who remember when they were newbies and won't treat you like dirt.

Welcome to SBR

[fiveteamer]

don't gamble.

[jamesgott]

don't gamble.

thanks, dad.

and thanks to everyone else!

[fiveteamer]

You can't win. I'm trying to help you.

Look at Nicky, he is the sharpest cat here, its not even close actually, and the guy is down big time.

You can't win, why even get started?