What is Spread in Sports Betting? A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re new to sports betting, one of the most important terms you’ll encounter is the “spread.” The point spread is a type of bet that levels the playing field between two teams or competitors of different strengths, giving both sides a fair chance at betting action. In this guide, we’ll break down what a spread is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most popular betting options in sports.
What is the Spread in Sports Betting?
In simple terms, a spread is a point-based handicap placed on a team by the sportsbook. It’s designed to even out the betting odds between a favorite (the stronger team) and an underdog (the weaker team). Instead of simply betting on who will win, you bet on whether a team will “cover the spread,” meaning that they’ll win by a certain number of points or lose within a specific margin.
For example:
- Team A (-7.5): This team is favored to win by more than 7.5 points.
- Team B (+7.5): This team is the underdog and must either lose by less than 7.5 points or win the game outright.
In this scenario:
- If you bet on Team A (-7.5), they must win by 8 points or more for your bet to win.
- If you bet on Team B (+7.5), they can either win the game or lose by 7 points or less for your bet to win.
Why Do Sportsbooks Use the Spread?
Sportsbooks use point spreads to create balanced action on both sides of the bet. In most matchups, one team is stronger than the other, so without a point spread, most bettors would simply pick the favorite, and sportsbooks would be exposed to significant risk. The spread helps ensure a more even distribution of wagers by incentivizing bets on both the favorite and the underdog.
How to Read the Point Spread
To read the spread, you’ll see two key numbers next to the teams:
- A positive or negative point value (e.g., +6.5 or -6.5)
- The odds (usually displayed as -110)
Let’s break down these components:
- The positive or negative point value refers to how many points the favorite must win by or how close the underdog can stay.
- The odds next to the spread (often -110) represent the payout. Betting $110 would yield a $100 profit if you win. The sportsbook takes a small percentage (known as the “juice” or “vig”) for facilitating the bet.
Example of a Point Spread Bet
Imagine a game between the Miami Dolphins (-6.5) and the New York Jets (+6.5). The point spread is 6.5 points, meaning:
- If you bet on the Dolphins (-6.5), they must win by 7 points or more for you to win the bet.
- If you bet on the Jets (+6.5), they must either win outright or lose by less than 7 points for you to win.
Let’s say the final score is Dolphins 30, Jets 24. In this case:
- The Dolphins won by 6 points, which means they did not cover the spread. If you bet on the Dolphins, you would lose your wager.
- The Jets, despite losing, covered the spread since they lost by fewer than 7 points, so a bet on the Jets would win.
Common Variations of Spread Betting
While point spreads are most common in football and basketball, you’ll find similar concepts in other sports as well:
- Run Line in Baseball: Instead of a point spread, baseball uses the run line, typically set at 1.5 runs. The favorite must win by 2 runs or more, while the underdog can lose by 1 run and still win the bet.
- Puck Line in Hockey: In hockey, the puck line is usually set at 1.5 goals.
- Alternate Spreads: Some sportsbooks offer alternate spreads, which allow bettors to choose different point spreads with adjusted odds.
Key Strategies for Betting the Spread
- Understand the Teams: Make sure to research the teams involved. How do they perform in different game situations? Are there injuries or other factors that could impact the outcome?
- Home/Away Performance: Some teams perform better at home than away. Take this into account when betting the spread.
- Public Perception: In many cases, the public will bet heavily on popular teams, which can skew the point spread. Betting against the public can sometimes provide value.
What is Spread in Sports Betting FAQ
1. What is the difference between the moneyline and the spread?
A moneyline bet is simply betting on which team will win the game, regardless of the score. The spread involves betting on how much a team will win or lose by, which adds an extra layer of strategy.
2. What happens if a team wins by exactly the spread?
If a team wins or loses by exactly the point spread, it results in a “push,” meaning all bets are refunded. However, spreads often have half-point increments (like 3.5 or 7.5) to avoid this outcome.
3. Why are spreads different at various sportsbooks?
Different sportsbooks may adjust their point spreads based on their own liability (the bets they’ve taken), or as a reflection of the betting activity they’ve seen on either side of the game.
4. What is an alternate spread?
An alternate spread allows you to bet on a point spread that’s different from the main one offered. It adjusts the odds accordingly, with lower spreads offering worse payouts and higher spreads offering better payouts.
5. What sports commonly use point spreads?
Point spreads are most commonly used in football and basketball, but similar spreads or lines are used in other sports like baseball (run line), hockey (puck line), and soccer.
