Asking the pack...someone explain the numbers behind betting as in +2 or -14.5

[photodawg]

So it's obvious I've never gambled on sports and don't plan to either but I keep seeing post that state so and so is under by x. Are the numbers based on how many people are betting for one team and not the other? Is it generated by a computer or is there a formula? Is it a fixed number or could it change during the week by news of an injury or suspension?

 

[dogfan96]

+2 means that team is a 2-pt underdog.. bet on them if you think they'll lose by 1 pt or win the game outright. -14.5 is just the opposite.. it means that team is a 14.5 pt favorite.. bet on them if you think they'll win by 15 pts or more. The lines are influenced by betting action as well as things like injuries/suspensions. Not sure how the lines get set initially

 

[DrKennethNoisewater]

Adding to it:

One thing tokeep in mindis betting lines are notset based on who "they" think is going to win. They are set to encourage betting.

Over/under refers to the total number of points predicted to be scored in the game between both teams. If the over/under is 100 and you think the total between the 2 teams will be less than 100 you would bet the under.

I get confused on parlay (sp?) and other stuff, but I understand the straight betting on the spread and the over/under.

 

[Tds & Beer]

After research, Vegas sets the line where they think they can get equal action from both sides. As bets are made, the spread adjusts slightly to the side where more bets are being made. </p>