Underdog
by Kris Lazaro
Definition
The underdog, in the sports betting industry, is defined as the team that is not favored to win a game. The underdog bet is usually not played by the general public and thus has inherent value.
ATS and Moneyline
The underdog, in terms of against the spread (ATS), is the team who is given points. For example, in the 2005-06 Superbowl, the Seattle Seahawks were the underdog in the event. They were given anywhere from 3 points to 4 points, meaning that a bettor who played them were betting that the Seahawks would win or lose by no more than 3 points (or 4 points, depending on the bet). For bettors who are a bit more adventurous may also opt to play the moneyline. To bet the moneyline on the underdog means to bet that such a team will win the game straight up. The odds for the underdog Seahawks ranged anywhere from +140 to as high as +165 (meaning that a $100 bettor could have won anywhere from $140 to $165, depending on where he placed his bet). Betting on the moneyline is a little bit more riskier, but the rewards are that much more greater.
Public games
Games that are on national television are usually given inflated lines for the favorite. As such, the astute, sharp gambler often looks at the underdog in such events. If a team is getting ‘too much respect’ (usually the favorite), the underdog bet may be a good bet to play. In these situations the line may be inflated in favor of the underdog. Favorites in these spots often win the game but do not cover the game. As stated in another entry, underdogs in these types of situations often get fired up and play over their heads / potential, and combined with line inflation, they usually cover the spread.
Baseball
In Major League Baseball, one consistent moneymaker is to play the underdogs on the moneyline exclusively. It has been the author’s experience that playing underdogs has been profitable over the years; for example if a sports gambler picks 4 games and one goes 2-2, one may still show profit if one plays all underdogs. One note of caution: playing >+200 consistently will result in one losing, since heavy-juiced favorites in baseball usually win. One must be able to pick the correct spots for one to win money.
Summary
In closing, the underdog is the team designated by oddsmakers that is not favored to win a game. The underdog bet in general is a good bet, since the general public loves to bet the favorite.
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