Glossary
Favorite
The favorite is the side a sportsbook judges more likely to win. On the moneyline it carries minus odds and pays less than an even bet, because you are trading a smaller payout for a higher chance. On the spread, the favorite is the team giving up points.
The favorite is whichever side the market expects to win. You can spot it two ways. On the moneyline it has a minus price, such as -180. On the spread it has a minus number, such as -6.5, meaning it is giving points to the other side.
A favorite pays less because it is judged more probable. Backing favorites can feel safe, and often they do win, but the short prices mean a single loss erases the small returns from several wins. Bettors sometimes call heavy favorites the chalk.
A favorite is never automatically a good bet. The only question that matters is whether the price is fair for the true chance. A favorite priced too short can be a worse bet than a live underdog priced generously.
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