so I fully admit to being an idiot when it comes to betting. So are those points they are expected to win by?
I'm with you Wheels. Never gamble, always have trouble figuring out what spreads mean and how the line can change just by the amount of people betting.
Its not that tough. -19.5 means Oregon wins by 20 and you win. +19.5 and Oregon's opponent would have to win by 20.
Not understanding wagering and lines is probably a good thing! A line is adjusted so that equal money is placed on both teams to win. If the house can keep it equal, then win the most - since they take a small % of winnings and the losings is used to pay the winners. A line adjusts as more money is put on one team. If Oregon line opened at -19 it means the oddsmakers (who are crazy accurate) have mathematical reasons to believe Oregon wins by 19 (Cal would be +19). More people are putting money on Oregon because the line has increased in point spread. A -19 is a large line (spread) and I honestly would have expected it to be closer to say... -6 (given the teams records, how Cal played us last year, etc.). Games also have an over/under and set point amount which gamblers can bet on.
That's like asking what's the over/under of the Clippers winning the championship.... it just never happens.
