How to Read a Sports Book Ticket
Though legal only in some states and localities, sports gambling is an exciting way to potentially make money by betting on the outcomes of sporting events. To the novice gambler, however, betting at a sports book in a casino can seem like a daunting task. After placing a bet on a money line, prop bet or spread, you will be handed a claim ticket, which will serve as proof of your bet if you happen to get lucky and win. While the markings on the ticket may seem foreign, they reflect the specifics of your bet.
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Instructions
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Look at the top of the ticket to find the name of the casino or sports book establishment at which the bet was placed.
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Move one line down on the ticket to find the amount and type of bet placed. There will be a dollar amount, signifying how much money was put down on the bet, and the type of bet -- like "Straight Bet" -- will follow.
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Read the next line down for the event or outcome for which the bet is placed, such as "2011 World Series Champions" or "Virginia vs. Duke College Basketball, 1/10/2010."
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Read one line down for the sports line, which will show the number of the team or outcome (such as 429. Bills) and the odds or point spread for the event.
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Look below the sports line for the event date and an explanation of potential winnings. This will be determined by the odds or spread and will tell you how much you have to bet to win a certain amount, such as "Bet $500 to win $550."
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Read the final line on the ticket for a rehash of how much the ticket cost -- i.e. the bet amount.
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Tips & Warnings
Sports gambling is illegal in most states and locations in the United States, so check the laws in your area to avoid prosecution.
References
- Photo Credit basketball image by Kit Wai Chan from Fotolia.com
