Chicago Southland Casino

Sports Betting 101

Main Markets

Moneyline

A Moneyline bet is the simplest type of wager.

You are simply betting on which team will win the game outright.

Example:

  • Team A: -150
  • Team B: +130

If Team A wins, moneyline bets on Team A win.

No point spreads or margins matter — just the winner.

Point Spread

A Point Spread bet levels the playing field between teams.

The sportsbook assigns a margin that a team must win by (or stay within).

Example:

  • Team A: -6.5
  • Team B: +6.5

If you bet Team A (-6.5) They must win by 7 or more points.

If you bet Team B (+6.5) They can win OR lose by 6 points or fewer.

Total (Over/Under)

A Totals bet focuses on the combined score of both teams.

Example:

Total: 47.5 points

  • Over 47.5 points = You win if the teams score 48 or more
  • Under 47.5 points = You win if the teams score 47 or fewer

It does not matter what team wins the game.

Tips for Wagering

Before placing bets, smart bettors often research key factors:

  • Team statistics
  • Player injuries
  • Weather conditions (especially for outdoor sports)
  • Recent team performance
  • Home vs. Away trends

Good information can help you make more informed wagers.

While placing bets at the window or kiosk, there are process and steps that can help ensure you receive the proper wager with no hassle, leading to a smooth wagering experience.

  • Have wagers ready to getting to the window or kiosk
  • Always double check your tickets prior to leaving the window, double check prior to printing your ticket at the self service kiosk.
  • Be courteous of others guest wagering near you.

Positive Odds (+)

Example: +150

  • Bet $100
  • Win $150 profit
  • Total Payout = $250

Positive Odds usually represent the underdog,

Negative Odds (-)

Example: -150

  • Bet $150
  • Win $100 Profit
  • Total Payout = $250

Negative odds usually represent the favorite.

How Odds Work

Most sportsbooks in the United States use American Odds.

Positive Odds (+)

Example: +150

  • Bet $100
  • Win $150 profit
  • Total Payout = $250

Positive Odds usually represent the underdog,

Negative Odds (-)

Example: -150

  • Bet $150
  • Win $100 Profit
  • Total Payout = $250

Negative odds usually represent the favorite.

Bet Types

Parlays

A Parlay combines multiple bets into one wager.

  • All selections must win
  • Higher risk
  • Higher potential payout

Example: 3 winning bets in one parlay can produce significantly larger winnings than single bets.

Parlays can be done in the same event (Same Game Parlays) and for Future Wagers!

Teasers

A Teaser is similar to a parlay, but you can adjust point spreads in your favor.

Example:

  • Move a spread from -6.5 to -2.5
  • Move another from +3.5 to +7.5

Because the odds are improved for you, the payout is smaller than a parlay.

Prop Bets

A Prop Bet (Proposition Bet) focuses on specific events within a game.

Examples:

  • First touchdown scorer
  • Total passing yards
  • First team to score
  • Player rebounds or assists

These bets are popular for football, basketball, and major events.

Round Robins

A Round Robin automatically breaks a group of selections into multiple smaller parlays.

Example:

If you select 4 teams, the system can create multiple 2-team or 3-team parlays.

This gives you more chances to win, even if one selection loses.

Futures

A Future Bet is a wager on an outcome that will happen later in the season or event.

Examples:

  • Championship winner
  • League MVP
  • Season win totals

These bets often offer large payouts but require patience.

Responsible Gaming

Sports betting should always be fun and entertaining.

Please remember:

  • Only bet what you can afford to lose
  • Set limits for time and money
  • Take breaks when needed

If gambling stops being fun, help is always available.