Point Spread Sports Betting
One of the most popular forms of sports betting online is point spread betting. When spread betting, bettors are electing which team they feel will “cover the spread”. Oddsmakers at online betting websites place a spread at the start of each game. Spreads are done in football and basketball. Baseball and hockey do not typically have spreads, but they have run line and puck lines, which means win by more than 1.
When sports betting on point spreads, those that are betting should have an even chance to win. Odds makers will predict who they think will win the game, and bettors will select which team they feel will win and by how much. The team that is the “underdog” will be given more of an advantage because they will “get points”
Best Sports Betting Sites For Point Spread Bets
Learn all about how point spreads work with our guide below:
Examples Of Sports Betting Point Spreads
- New England Patriots –6.5 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Los Angeles Lakers -4.5 vs. Chicago Bulls
- Indiana vs. Michigan -11.5
What do the above point spreads mean?
These three examples show point spreads at sports betting sites. In the first example, in the National Football League, the New England Patriots are playing at the Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots are shown as the favorite. The (-) means, whatever points they score during the game, subtracted by the points they are giving. So in this case, the New England Patriots are a 6.5 point favorite. If they were to win the game 28-21, they would “cover” the spread. If the game was 34-28 Patriots, they would not cover and any bet on them would lose.
In the second point spread sports betting example, the Los Angeles Lakers are a 4.5 point favorite on the road in Chicago. The Bulls would be indicated as the underdog with a (+). This means, however many points they scored add the number they were underdog by. So, if the Bulls lost the game 93-90, they would have “covered the spread” of 4.5. If Chicago straight wins the game, they also cover. If the Lakers win 100-95, they covered their 4.5 point favorite role. Most point spreads pay out -110, which would mean every $11 you wager, you would win $10.
In the third and final example, the Indiana Hoosiers are playing at the Michigan Wolverines in college football. Michigan is a 11.5 point favorite, and Indiana is the underdog. The Wolverines would have to win the game by 12 points or more to cover the spread.
Tips For Sports Betting On Point Spreads Online
Point spread betting is one of the toughest forms of betting on sports. When you are looking to make a wager with point spreads, be sure to check all the latest injury reports and splits at home or on the road. Many teams have had the ability to win against the spread, despite not winning the game. Be sure to check out those teams and bet accordingly at the best places to bet online.
One last piece of advice, while you may feel you have an advantage on every game out there odds makers are not dumb. Only bet the games, you feel you have a DEFINITE advantage.