Straight Bet

A straight bet is the most fundamental type of wager in sports betting. It involves placing a single bet on one specific outcome, whether that is a moneyline winner, a point spread result, or a game total (over/under). Unlike parlays, teasers, or round robins, a straight bet does not combine multiple selections into one ticket. Your bet either wins or loses based on the result of that single market.

Straight bets are the foundation upon which nearly every other bet type is built. Professional bettors and recreational bettors alike rely on straight bets because the math is transparent, the risk is contained, and the evaluation is simple. You know exactly how much you stand to win before the event begins, and you are not dependent on multiple outcomes all going your way.

The vast majority of straight bets in American sports betting are placed at standard -110 odds on spreads and totals. This means you risk $110 to win $100, with the extra $10 representing the sportsbook’s commission (known as the vig or juice). Moneyline straight bets have variable odds based on each side’s perceived probability of winning.

Example

You place a straight bet of $110 on the Philadelphia Eagles -3.5 at -110 odds. If the Eagles win the game by 4 or more points, your bet wins and you collect $100 in profit plus your $110 stake. If the Eagles win by exactly 3 points or fewer, or if they lose outright, your bet loses and you forfeit the $110. There is no other game result or bet outcome involved – just this single wager on this single spread.

Key Points

• Single selection: A straight bet covers exactly one outcome. There are no additional legs or conditions that must be met.
• Three common forms: Straight bets are typically placed on the moneyline, the point spread, or the game total (over/under).
• Lower risk than parlays: Because only one outcome needs to hit, straight bets have a higher probability of winning compared to multi-leg wagers.
• Standard pricing: Most spread and total straight bets are offered at -110 odds, meaning you risk $110 to win $100 before accounting for line shopping.
• Preferred by professionals: Experienced bettors favor straight bets because they offer the clearest edge calculation and the most consistent long-term results.