If you are new to sports betting, there are probably a ton of terms you are not familiar with, one of which is the point spread. If that is the case, you are in the right place, as our guide will break down what a point spread is, how it works, and what to expect when making this type of bet.
Point Spread Definition?
The definition of a point spread is simply the handicap given to each team in a particular matchup, which is designed to help equalize the game.
What is a Point Spread in Betting?
A point spread is the most common market to bet on when it comes to sports betting. It is used to make the teams more equal by essentially giving the underdog a head start.
How Do Point Spreads Work?
In basic terms, the point spread will require the favorite to win by a specified margin or the underdog to win outright or lose by the same specified margin.
What Happens If the Spread Is Not Covered?
If the team you bet on does not cover the spread (either the favorite not winning by the margin set or the underdog losing by more than the margin set), your bet will be graded as a loss, and you will lose the amount you bet on that team.
How to Read a Point Spread
Example:
- Team A: -5.5 (-110)
- Team B: +5.5 (-110)
Team A is the favorite (minus sign “-”), so they must win by at least 6 points. Team B is the underdog (plus sign “+”), meaning they can win outright or lose by 5 or fewer points.
What Does -110 Mean Next to the Spreads
The (-110) after the spread are the odds. This is standard for spread bets.
At -110, you must wager $110 to profit $100. The extra is called the juice (vig), which is how sportsbooks take a cut.
Is it Better to Bet on Favorites or Underdogs?
It depends. Sometimes the spread is too high on a favorite, making the underdog the better play.
Example: If a college football team is -30.5, betting the underdog may be safer since covering 31+ points is difficult.
How Are Point Spreads Calculated & Made?
Oddsmakers compare strengths and weaknesses between teams. Spreads can shift closer to game time due to injuries, location, or betting volume.
Example: Team A may be -9.5 at home but only -5.5 on the road.
What Factors Influence the Spread?
- Home/away factor
- Injuries (key players missing)
- Weather (outdoor sports)
- Public betting money (lines may shift if one side is heavily bet)
What Does Covering the Spread Mean?
- Favorite wins by more than the spread → covered.
- Underdog wins outright or loses by less than the spread → covered.
What is ATS?
ATS = Against The Spread. Bettors analyze how often a team covers, not just wins.
What is Alternative Spread Betting?
Alternative spreads let you adjust lines:
Example:
- Original: Team A -7.5 (-110)
- Alternative: Team A -8.5 (+100) → tougher line, better payout.
- Alternative: Team A -6.5 (-125) → easier line, but worse payout.
How Point Spreads Work in Different Sports
Baseball – Run Lines
Run lines act like spreads, typically -1.5/+1.5.
- Favorite -1.5 = must win by 2+ runs.
- Underdog +1.5 = can win or lose by 1.
Sometimes, big mismatches may use -2.5.
Hockey – Puck Lines
Similar to baseball, usually -1.5/+1.5. Risky because empty net goals can change outcomes.
Soccer – Goal Lines
Work like run/puck lines, often -1.5/+1.5.
Soccer also uses Asian Handicap lines with 0.25 and 0.75 spreads for more complex betting.
Final Word: Is Point Spread Betting for You?
Spread betting adds strategy by balancing favorites and underdogs. It can be profitable if used smartly, but requires analyzing matchups.
Best advice: try spreads yourself, learn how teams perform ATS, and see if it fits your betting style.
Quick Glossary
- ATS: Against the Spread
- Favorite: Team expected to win, shown with “-”
- Underdog: Team expected to lose, shown with “+”
- Push: When the game ends exactly on the spread → bets refunded
- Vig: Sportsbook’s cut, usually making spreads -110