In the world of sports betting, the point spread is one of the most popular and commonly used formats, particularly in sports like football and basketball. If you're new to sports betting or want to understand how to read and place bets using the spread, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.
What is a Point Spread in Sports Betting?
A point spread is a type of wager where the sportsbook sets a margin of victory that one team must win by (or not lose by) for a bet to succeed. It helps create a more balanced betting field, even if one team is heavily favored to win.
Why Do Sportsbooks Use Point Spreads ?
Point spreads level the playing field between two teams. Instead of just picking the winner, bettors wager on how much a team will win or lose by. This gives both sides of the bet a near 50/50 chance, which is better for both bettors and sportsbooks.
How Does a Point Spread Betting Works ?
Let’s look at a typical example from the NFL:
Example:
New England Patriots -6.5 vs. New York Jets +6.5
In this scenario:
The Patriots are favored by 6.5 points.
The Jets are underdogs with +6.5 points.
If You Bet on the Patriots (-6.5):
They must win the game by 7 points or more for your bet to win.
If You Bet on the Jets (+6.5):
They must lose by 6 points or fewer, or win the game outright, for your bet to win.
Understanding Key Terms
1. Covering the Spread
A team is said to “cover the spread” if they meet the expectations set by the spread.
2. Push
If the spread is a whole number (e.g., -7) and the favorite wins by exactly 7, the result is a push, and all bets are refunded.
3. Juice or Vig
Usually, you’ll see odds like -110 next to a point spread. This means you need to wager $110 to win $100. The extra $10 is called the vig or juice, and it’s how sportsbooks make money.
Point Spread in NFL
Most commonly used in the NFL. Spread betting makes even a lopsided game interesting.
Example:
Alabama -17.5 vs. Vanderbilt +17.5
Here, Alabama must win by 18 or more points to cover the spread.
Point Spread in Basketball
High-scoring nature makes spreads tight and outcomes more volatile.
Example:
Lakers -4.5 vs. Warriors +4.5
If you bet on the Lakers, they must win by at least 5 points.
Point Spread in Football (Soccer)
Makes the bets interesting when one strong team and one comparably weak team is playing.
Example:
Manchester United + 1.5 vs Wolves -1.5
If you bet on Manchester United, then they must win by two or more than two goals.
How to Read a Point Spread Betting Line
A betting line might look like this:
Dallas Cowboys -3 (-110)Green Bay Packers +3 (-110)
Dallas is a 3-point favorite.
Green Bay is a 3-point underdog.
The -110 indicates you must bet $110 to win $100.
Strategies for Betting the Spread
Understand Team Matchups: Injuries, defense vs. offense strength, and location can affect performance.
Look for Key Numbers: In football, margins like 3, 6, and 7 are common winning gaps.
Monitor Line Movements: A spread that moves before kickoff can signal insider info or heavy betting action.
Consider Home-Field Advantage: Typically worth around 3 points in football.
Pros and Cons of Point Spread Betting
✅ Pros:
Evens out mismatched games
More strategic than moneyline bets
Widely available across sportsbooks
❌ Cons:
Can be risky if teams are unpredictable
Hook (.5 point) can lead to narrow losses
Vig reduces payout value over time
Point spread betting adds a strategic layer to sports wagering by focusing not just on who wins, but by how much. Whether you're watching the Soccer, NFL, NBA, or college games, understanding the spread helps you make smarter, more informed bets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if the game ends exactly on the spread?
This results in a push, and all bets are refunded.
Is point spread betting better than moneyline?
It depends. Spread bets offer better payouts for favorites but carry more risk. Moneyline is simpler but less profitable in mismatched games.
Can you bet points spread live?
Yes, many sportsbooks offer live in-game point spreads that adjust based on the score and time remaining.
Must Read |
