How The Hell Does Sports Betting Work?

Sports betting is kind of like a drug.  When you're up, you feel really, really good.  But when you're down, life sucks.  You will often find yourself saying, "If I could just get one more bet in, I know I'd win it all back."  Regardless, betting on MMA events can add a whole new dimension to the fights.  It's fun to root for your favorite fighter.  It's a LOT of fun to root for your favorite fighters when you've got some money on the line.  If you'd like to get in on the action, but aren't sure how it all works, then you came to the right place.

UFC (as well as most, if not all, US sports I believe) betting is done using something called "the line".  It looks awfully confusing at first, but it makes a lot of sense once you see how it works. 

The fighters odds are ranked as either a - or +.  The fighter with the - number is seen as the favorite to win the fight, while the + fighter is the underdog.  Let's take a look at some of the upcomingfights from UFC 108 to see how it's done.

Rashad Evans -220   So this means that a $220 bet would net you $100 profit if Evans wins.
Thiago Silva + 175      So this means that a $100 bet would net you $175 profit if Silva wins.

Jim Miller -450              So this means that a $450 bet would net you $100 profit if Miller wins.
Duane Ludwig +325    So this means that a $100 bet would net you $325 if Ludwig wins.

Get it?  Get used to this, and in a few weeks we'll bring you to the bright, shiny world of parlaying!  One more thing.  Sports betting is illegal throughout many states, so PLEASE check before you make any bets.