What Is A Point Spread? Sports Betting Terms Explained

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In sports betting, the point spread is a fundamental concept that levels the playing field between two teams of differing strengths, making wagering more engaging and equitable. This system, particularly prevalent in sports like football and basketball, assigns a handicap to the favored team, compelling them to win by a certain margin, while providing the underdog with a theoretical advantage.

These odds serve to attract balanced betting action on both sides. Below you can see two examples of this on both FanDuel and BetMGM.

Understanding the Point Spread

The point spread represents the expected margin of victory as determined by oddsmakers. It is denoted by a positive (+) or negative (−) number alongside each team’s name:

  • Favorite: The team anticipated to win is assigned a negative point spread (e.g., -7.5).
  • Underdog: The team expected to lose is given a positive point spread (e.g., +7.5).

How Point Spread Betting Works

When placing a bet on the point spread, you’re wagering on whether the favorite will win by more than the spread or if the underdog will lose by less than the spread or win outright.

  • Betting on the Favorite (-7.5): For your bet to succeed, the favorite must win by more than 7.5 points (i.e., 8 points or more).
  • Betting on the Underdog (+7.5): Your bet wins if the underdog wins outright or loses by less than 7.5 points (i.e., 7 points or fewer).

Point spreads often include half-point increments (e.g., 7.5) to prevent a tie, known as a “push,” where all bets are refunded. This ensures a decisive outcome for each wager.

Example Scenario

Consider a football game between Team A (favorite) and Team B (underdog) with the following point spread:

  • Team A: -7.5
  • Team B: +7.5
  • If Team A wins by 8 points or more, a bet on Team A covers the spread, resulting in a win for those who wagered on the favorite.
  • If Team A wins by exactly 7 points, a bet on Team B covers the spread, as they have effectively “won” with the additional 7.5 points.
  • If Team B wins outright or loses by 7 points or fewer, a bet on Team B covers the spread.

Key Terms in Point Spread Betting

  • Covering the Spread: When a team performs well enough relative to the point spread to make a bet on them successful.
  • Push: A tie between the bet and the point spread, resulting in a refund of the wagered amount.
  • Vigorish (Juice): The commission charged by the bookmaker, typically around 10%, ensuring the house makes a profit regardless of the game’s outcome.

Strategic Considerations

  • Assess Team Performance: Analyze factors such as recent performance, injuries, and matchups to make informed bets.
  • Monitor Line Movements: Point spreads can shift due to factors like player injuries or significant bets placed by the public. Staying informed can provide betting advantages.
  • Understand the Vig: Be aware of the bookmaker’s commission, as it affects potential payouts.

Conclusion – Point Spread

The point spread is a pivotal element in sports betting, offering a balanced wagering field between mismatched teams. By grasping how point spreads function and the associated terminology, bettors can make more informed decisions and enhance their betting experience.

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Eamonn KeenanEamonn Keenan
Eamonn Keenan, with a Digital Arts Degree from the University of Tampa, brings over a decade of sports betting experience to his role as Creative Director at BettingHero.com. Starting with Betting Hero in the Fall of 2020, Eamonn has been deeply involved in the industry, assisting customers with major sportsbook and casino operators like BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and others. A self-proclaimed sports fanatic, he has a keen interest in professional hockey, MMA, NFL, NCAAB, NCAAF, and MLB. Eamonn enjoys researching teams and players to predict game outcomes, highlighting his passion for sports betting.