In the context of sports wagering, a negative sign preceding a number indicates the favorite in a particular matchup. This number represents the amount of money one must wager to win $100. For example, a line of -150 means a bettor needs to risk $150 to profit $100, in addition to receiving the initial wager back upon winning. The larger the negative number, the bigger the perceived advantage the favorite holds.
Understanding this notation is crucial for interpreting betting odds and making informed wagering decisions. The negative sign provides a quick and easy way to identify the team or individual considered more likely to win. Its presence has been a staple in sports betting for decades, providing a standardized method for communicating odds across various sports and bookmakers. This standardized notation allows bettors to quickly compare the potential payout for different wagers and assess the risk associated with backing the favored outcome.
