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Point Spread Betting
Wondering if you should give point spread betting a go? This way of betting is one of the most common and popular. However, many new bettors may believe it's a complicated option that is only available to experienced professionals. We're pleased to share that point spread bets are in fact, extremely simple to make and have created this guide to prove just how easy they are.
Point Spread Betting Explained
Point spread betting is one of the most popular types of bets, so it's extremely important to know how they work. As you'll find in this point spread betting explained guide, proper use of this betting option is a part of many bettors' winning strategies for a good reason.
What is Point Spread Betting?
A point spread bet is a type of wager that backs whichever team might score higher than its predicted performance. Essentially, each sportsbook will create a line that estimates how they expect each team to play during the game, and bettors select which team will perform better.
They are commonly used for NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games. They will differ from sport to sport since each has a different scoring system. For example, the number on hockey game point spreads represents goals, while the numbers for baseball point spreads will represent runs.
These are great betting options because you don't need to predict exactly how much a team will score to earn a payout, just that they will score higher than what the sportsbook predicts. And if this sounds complicated, then don't worry. In the following section, we've provided an example of a point spread bet layout.
Point Spread Examples
As with moneyline bets, there will be a favorite and an underdog to back in point spread betting. If there is a minus (-) beside a team's spread, it represents a favorite, while a plus (+) will indicate the underdog. The number of points will be the same for both teams.
One common term you may read or hear is the "negative point spread". This simply refers to the minus next to a team's name, which indicates the favorite. The point spread is calculated to essentially even out the odds of two opposing teams.
In addition to the score value, you will also see a value representing how much you must bet to win $100. This is often the same, but not always. Below, we've listed an example of how a point spread bet may be displayed at a betting site for an NFL game.
NFL EXAMPLE TABLE
This means the 49ers are the favorites and expected to win by 10 points. If they win by this much or more, they have "covered the spread", and if you back them, you'll earn a payout. However, if the Seahawks lose by less than 10 points or win, then you will lose.
On the other hand, if you back the Seahawks and they lose by less than 10 points, then you will win. This can make backing an underdog an enticing option, as the team doesn't necessarily have to win the game for you to win the bet.
We have listed an example of an NBA game below.
NBA EXAMPLE TABLE
In this scenario, the Raptors are the favorites, and the Hornets are the underdog. You'll notice the point spread payout value in brackets; the win on a $100 bet is different for each team. This can indicate that the odds of one outcome are slightly higher than another.
Sports With Point Spreading
You can commonly make point spread sports bets on football, basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, and ice hockey. That said, these aren't necessarily your only options. The availability of these markets depends entirely on if the sportsbook has calculated an even odds system for their performance.
One major element you'll need to be aware of before making these wagers is the scoring units for each sport. For example, points are used for basketball and football, goals are used for hockey and soccer, and runs are used for baseball. This is why the score values may be represented differently from sport to sport.
Due to several factors, score values may also not be predicted using week-on-week results. For example, previous pair-ups between two soccer teams may rarely produce more than three goals, so the values may usually be lower. This could be despite the fact the favorite has recently won by three or more goals.
It could, therefore, be worth your while to research recent pair-ups, whether it's a home or away game or recent team performances, before deciding which sports betting point spread team to favor.
Point Spread Rules
As long as you wager at a legal online sportsbook, you can be certain that your payouts will be fair when betting on the point spread. That said, there may be several rules outlined by the betting site to consider before you wager. A point spread explanation may be found in the site's terms and conditions or FAQs.
For instance, if the final score of a game lands precisely on the value of the spread, this will be considered a "push", and all bets will be refunded. For example, if the favorite wins 10-6 on a four-point spread, this will be a push. Furthermore, payouts will be paid according to the odds at the time of your bet placement, regardless of whether the odds have fluctuated.
5 Terms You Need to Know
Even explanations of point spreads might confuse you if you're unfamiliar with the lingo. Here, we'll unpack key phrases and concepts, ensuring you're well-equipped to navigate the nuances of point spreads confidently and make informed betting decisions.
- Push: If the final score difference exactly matches the point spread, the result is a "push." All bets are refunded, as neither the favorite nor the underdog has covered the spread.
- Half-Points (or "Hooks"): Sportsbooks often use half-points in spreads to avoid a push. For example, a spread of 3.5 points ensures that there will be a clear win or loss on the bet, as no team can win by half a point.
- Adjustments: Bookmakers may adjust the point spread for a game based on various factors, such as changes in the lineup, injuries, or betting patterns. It's important to keep an eye on the spread if you plan to bet close to the event start time.
- Come under the spread: Typically refers to when the underdog has lost by fewer points than the point spread or if the underdog wins the game outright, favoring bettors who wagered on that team.
- Cover the spread: means that the team or player you've bet on meets or exceeds the conditions set by the point spread for your bet to win. This term applies to both underdogs and favorites.
Pros & Cons
There are both advantages and disadvantages of betting point spread wagers, but for the most part, these remain an excellent option for all levels of bettors. One of the best things about this betting option is that bookmakers have calculated even odds for both outcomes, so backing either a favorite or underdog is worthwhile.
The advantage of backing an underdog is that it doesn't necessarily need to win the game to payout. Instead, the team only needs to come under the spread to cover it. Additionally, favorites can cover the spread and payout by earning more points than expected.
They are also available for the most popular sports leagues in the USA. As for disadvantages, sometimes the payouts aren't as high as moneylines, for example. Sports point spread markets can also fluctuate dramatically, which could alter the value of your bet.
Point Spread Strategies
There are several tips and strategies to consider before you pick your point spread wager in the betting lobby. To get started, comparing spreads on multiple betting sites is always good. Be sure to research which of these is the most favorable before placing your bet.
You can also claim bonus offers through different sites and use them to your advantage. These can give you extra funds to bet with and can even offer no-risk betting opportunities. These markets generally provide favorable odds and are easy to learn so they can be a great low-risk wager.
You should also consider several game factors before backing a team, such as which team has the home advantage. This can greatly impact the result of a game that may be overlooked in spread calculations. Don't necessarily favor the higher-placed team or discount the underdog without considering who has the home-game advantage. If you utilize early cash out then this becomes all the more important.
Furthermore, understand that the spread numbers don't hold the same weight from sport to sport. For example, in football, games are usually won by three, seven, or ten points. Therefore, the difference between a 2.5-point spread and a 3.5-point spread is vast, as a field goal could win a game.
FAQ
Do you need quick, straightforward responses regarding point spread betting and its strategies? In this section, we have answered the most common queries and will explain the point spread in easy-to-read and concise terms. Use the jump-links in each to find more details.
What does point spread mean in sports betting?
A point spread bet is a type of wager that predicts which team will score higher than it's expected to perform. Sportsbooks will create a line that estimates the difference in final scores between a favorite and an underdog, with the odds for each outcome usually around -110.
How does point spread betting work?
In this point spread explained guide, we have listed some examples of how point spread betting works from sport to sport. Essentially, you will see two teams listed in a market, with a value next to each name alongside a plus (+) or a minus (-) symbol. The plus represents the underdog, while the minus represents the favorite.
What does a negative point spread mean?
As is the case with moneyline bets, you'll be able to back a favorite or an underdog with point spread betting. If there is a minus (-) beside a team's spread, this is the favorite team. Because of the minus symbol, this is called the negative point spread. There are also other terms important to understand before you try this kind of wager.
What are the best sports to utilize a point spread?
Point spread bets are commonly available for football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer games. One of the most essential elements to consider is that each sport uses a different grading system. Therefore, the values will have different significance from game to game.
Conclusion
Now that we've reached the conclusion of this point spread betting explained guide, you should be ready to place your bets. Once you understand point spread bets, you can strengthen your wager with a strong knowledge of the sport, the teams, and the game itself. For example, a home game can drastically improve an underdog's chances of winning despite its ranking.
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Take your time to do the research, and you'll find that your results will be more consistent. It's also wise to consider how each sport scores its games, as the spread values will differ from sport to sport. Be sure to explore other important topics found in our betting guides which can further develop your knowledge.