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
Reading a point spread looks complex, but in reality, it is pretty simple. Take the following example:
Team A: -5.5 (-110)
Team B: +5.5 (-110)
In the above example, Team A is the favorite, shown by the minus sign “-” in front of the 5.5. In this case, if you were to bet on Team A, they would need to win by at least six points or more for you to win your bet.
That means Team B is designated as the underdog. This is indicated by the plus sign “+” in front of the 5.5. Being an underdog means that Team B can win the game outright or lose by five points or less. Doing one of these options means you would win your bet if you bet on Team B. However, if Team B loses by six points or more, you would lose the amount you bet on them.
What Does -110 Mean Next to the Spreads
Having explained how to read a point spread, the next step is to explain what the odds mean. Take the example from above:
Team A: -5.5 (-110)
Team B: +5.5 (-110)
Using the same example from above, we will now be focusing on the (-110) that is listed after -5.5 and +5.5. The -110 are the odds for this particular bet. Having odds of -110 is the standard for point spread bets and determines how much your profit will be, depending on how much you bet.
With -110, you would need to bet $110 in order to win $100. Basically, in this case, for every $11 bet, your return will be $10. The extra money bet is what is known as the juice, and a way for the sportsbooks to take a cut from each bet made.
Is it better to bet on favorites or Underdogs?
There is no clear answer to this, as betting a favorite or an underdog can be better depending on the situation. If a team, for example, is a -30.5-point favorite in a college football game, it may be worth looking at the underdog as covering 30.5 points is a lot to ask and a lot can go wrong, which would prevent your team from covering.
How Are Point Spreads Calculated & Made?
Most of the time, point spreads are calculated by examining a team’s strengths and weaknesses compared to the strengths and weaknesses of the team they are playing.
For some sports, this is done well in advance, which means that when the game gets closer to starting, the point spreads could change drastically based on any new information that comes to light.
What Factors Influence the Spread?
Many different factors can influence a point spread, all of which are determined by the oddsmakers. Most notably, where the game is being played and which team is home or away.
Team A could be -9.5 in a game at home against Team B, but if Team A is on the road, they might be -5.5.
Another determining factor for a point spread is injuries. If Team A is missing their best player, they are likely going to be much less of a favorite against Team B, who is at full strength.
Other factors include weather and even the amount of money being bet on one side or the other.
If Team A is getting the majority of bets at a spread of -6.5, the oddsmakers may move the line to something like -7.5 in order to adjust to the money being wagered.
What Does Covering the Spread Mean?
When a team, such as a favorite, wins by more than the point spread that was given to them, this means they have covered the spread.
Conversely, if an underdog wins the game outright or loses by less than the point spread that was posted, they have covered the spread.
What is ATS?
The term ATS simply means “against the spread”. This can be a way to handicap a game, as people often look at how much success or lack of success a team has against the spread.
What is Alternative Spread Betting?
Alternative spread betting works the same as point spread betting, with the difference being that you are choosing a different line to bet on.
For example, if Team A is a 7.5-point favorite at -110 odds, one of the alternative spread options could be -8.5 at odds of +100. In this case, Team A would need to win by more points than their original spread, but you would get better odds for making this bet.
Alternative spread betting can work the opposite way as well. Using the same example, you could bet Team A at -6.5, but in this case, the odds might be -125. In this scenario, Team A would need to win by fewer points compared to their original spread, but you would have to bet more to win the same amount if you bet them at the original -7.5.
How Point Spreads Work in Different Sports
Point spreads are one of the most common betting markets in sports, but generally speaking, each sport has a different way to present point spreads.
Below, we have listed a few of the sports that offer point spread betting, while explaining how they all work differently compared to normal point spread betting.
Point spread betting in baseball – What are Run Lines
Starting with baseball, they have what is called the “Run Line”. This is a handicap given to both teams, much like a point spread in football or basketball. However, in baseball, the run line is almost always “1.5”.
This can be shown as “-1.5” for teams that are the favorite or “+1.5” for teams that are the underdog.
A “-1.5” run line means that the team must win by two or more runs. Alternatively, a “+1.5” run line means the underdog can win outright or lose by one run. Betting a run line generally brings better odds, especially for the favorite. This can therefore be an option when a team has odds that are too risky to bet outright.
Sometimes when the favorite is massive, the run line could be “-2.5”, so keep that in mind before placing your bets.
Point spread betting in hockey – Puck Lines?
Another sport with what is essentially a run line is hockey. In hockey, such as the NHL, this is called the puck line. It works the same as the run line and is usually listed as “-1.5” or “+1.5”.
However, in hockey, betting a puck line can be a risky play as the empty net goal always comes into play.
Point Spread betting in Soccer
Spread betting in soccer is called the goal line and also works much like the run line in baseball and the puck line in hockey.
Goal lines tend to be -1.5, which means the team that is the favorite must win by at least two goals, while the underdog in this scenario would need to win outright, lose by one goal, or tie.
Most soccer betting also has what is called “Asian Handicap” lines, which are essentially goal lines, but they introduce 0.25 lines and 0.75 lines. These tend to be much more complex, so you should make sure to understand how they work before placing this type of bet.
Final Word: Is Point Spread Betting for You?
This will always be a hard question to answer, as it truly depends on the user to determine if point spread betting is right for you. Betting point spreads can certainly be profitable, as it gives you a certain margin of error for underdogs and reduces the odds on favorites who might be unbeatable otherwise.
The best thing to do is to try betting point spreads for yourself to get a feel for how it works, and if it is something you enjoy, make it one of your regular bets.
Quick Glossary
ATS
Against the Spread
Favorite
The team expected to win the game while covering the point spread (indicated by a minus sign “-“).
Underdog
The team being given points and expected to lose the game (indicated by a plus sign “+”).
Push
When the game you are betting on lands exactly on the point spread listed. In this situation, all bets are refunded.
Vig
Also known as the “juice”, the vig is the amount the Sportsbook adds to accept your bet.
This is why most point spread bets require you to bet more in order to win less, as well as have odds of -110. Keep in mind that the Sportsbook only collects the vig if your bet loses.