What is Sports Spread Betting? Exploring the Mechanics and Strategies

Introduction 

Sports spread betting is the process of wagering money on the outcome of a sporting event. In this type of betting, a bettor bets not only on which team will win or lose but also how much by. This form of betting can be seen as an alternative to traditional fixed-odds sportsbetting, offering potential for bigger payouts due to its higher risk profile. In this article, we explore the mechanics and strategies behind sports spread betting in detail so that readers have a better understanding of what it entails and how they could potentially benefit from using it.

What is a Point Spread?

A point spread is the most common form of sports spread betting and refers to the number of points by which a team will “cover” in order for the bettor to win their wager. The point spread essentially creates an even playing field between two teams that may otherwise have different odds due to factors such as past performance or form. For example, if Team A has been performing well in recent matches and therefore are likely to win, they may be given a point spread of -7. This means that Team B needs to cover at least 7 points in order for the bettor who wagered on them to win their wager.

How to Read a Point Spread

The Handicap

Handicap column in a sportsbook will show the point spread associated with each match. The team on the left side of the line is given a negative number, while the team on the right side is given a positive number. For example, if it says “Team A (-7) Team B (+7),” then Team A must win by at least 8 points for anyone who bets on them to win their wager, and Team B must cover 7 points or less for anyone betting on them to win.

The Favorite and Underdog

In sports spread betting, the team given the negative number is called the “favorite” and the team given the positive number is referred to as the “underdog.” This does not necessarily refer to which team has better odds of winning; rather, it simply indicates which team will be expected to cover a larger point spread. In addition, teams can also be listed without any associated numbers which means that they are equal contenders and have an even money chance of winning or covering.

Covering the Spread

In order to win at sports spread betting, the bettor needs to correctly predict which team will cover the point spread. For example, in a game between Team A (-7) and Team B (+7), if a bettor places a wager on Team A and they win by 8 or more points, then they win their wager. However, if the score is close — for example 7-6 — then the bettor who wagered on Team A would lose as they did not “cover” the 7-point spread.

How to Bet Against the Point Spread

Which Team Will Cover the Spread?

The key to successful sports spread betting is predicting which team will cover the spread. This can be achieved by studying the matchup closely as well as considering factors such as recent performance, form, injuries and motivation levels of both teams. It is important to note that when placing a wager against the point spread, there are no ties; a bettor must choose one team or another in order for their wager to have an outcome.

Why Does the Point Spread Change?

The point spread is not static and can fluctuate throughout a match depending on the money being wagered and any changes in the matchup. For example, if it becomes clear that one team has an advantage over the other, then the point spread may move to reflect this. It is important for bettors to take into account any movements in the point spread before placing their wager as it could affect their chances of winning or losing.

What Does -110 Mean?

The -110 number next to a point spread is the “juice” or vigorish associated with that wager. This number represents the amount of money that a bettor must pay in order to win $100. For example, if a bettor placed a wager on Team A (-7) and they covered the spread, then they would receive their original stake back plus an additional $90.10 (based on -110 odds).

How Much Can I Win?

The amount a bettor can win from a wager is determined by the point spread and the juice associated with that wager. For example, if Team A (-7) has -110 odds, then a successful bet of $100 would return $190.10—$90.10 in winnings plus the original stake back. In addition, some sportsbooks offer bonuses and promotions which can increase potential returns for successful spreads bets.

Spread Betting Example

Football Spread Betting ‘Buy’ Example

Team A are playing Team B in an upcoming football match. The bookmaker has issued the following point spread: Team A (-7) Team B (+7). This means that if a bettor places a wager on Team A, they must win by more than 7 points for them to cover the spread and for the bettor to receive their stake back plus any potential winnings. For example, a bet of $100 would return $190.10 ($90.10 in winnings plus the original stake). However, if Team B covers the 7-point spread then the bettor loses their stake.

Football Spread Betting ‘Sell’ Example

In this example, a bettor places a wager on Team B (+7) in the same football match. In order for them to win their wager, Team B must cover the 7-point spread or lose by 6 points or less. If they win, then the bettor would receive their original stake back plus any potential winnings (based on -110 odds).

Spread Betting vs. Fixed Odds Betting

Spread betting is different from fixed odds betting as it is based on the point spread rather than the likelihood of a team to win (which is determined by the bookmaker). This means that bettors can still win their wager even if their chosen team does not win, as long as they cover the point spread. In addition, with spread betting, bettors do not know exactly how much they will win until after the match has ended due to fluctuations in the point spread.

Getting Against a Favourite

It is important to note that it can be difficult and risky to bet against the favorite in a sports spread betting as they are generally expected to cover the point spread. Therefore, when attempting to get against a favourite, bettors should consider factors such as form, performance and motivation levels of both teams before placing their wager. In addition, it is also wise for bettors to use strategies such as line shopping or hedging in order to reduce any potential losses.

How is a Point Spread Determined?

Point spreads are determined by a bookmaker who takes into account factors such as a team’s overall performance and the likelihood of them winning, as well as any potential changes in the matchup which may increase or decrease their chances of success. In addition, the point spread can also be influenced by public opinion and how much money is wagered on each side.

Point Spread Betting in Baseball

Baseball spread betting is slightly different to other sports as it involves predicting the total number of runs scored in a match. For example, a bookmaker may issue a point spread such as: Team A (-2.5) Team B (+2.5). This means that if a bettor places a wager on Team A and they win by 3 or more runs, then they will cover the point spread and the bettor will receive their stake back plus any potential winnings (based on -110 odds). However, if the score is close—for example 2-1—then the bettor who wagered on Team A would lose as they did not “cover” the 2.5-point spread.

Point Spread Betting in Basketball

Basketball spread betting is similar to a point spread bet in football, as bettors must predict which team will cover the point spread. However, basketball is unique as it involves predicting the total number of points scored in a match rather than who will win. For example, a bookmaker may issue the following point spread: Team A (-7) Team B (+7). This means that if a bettor places a wager on Team A and they win by 8 or more points, then they will cover the spread and the bettor will receive their original stake back plus an additional $90.10 (based on -110 odds).

Point Spread Betting in Hockey

Hockey spread betting is similar to baseball and basketball as it involves predicting the total number of goals scored in a match. For example, a bookmaker may issue the following point spread: Team A (-1.5) Team B (+1.5). This means that if a bettor places a wager on Team A and they win by 2 or more goals, then they will cover the spread and the bettor will receive their original stake back plus an additional $90.10 (based on -110 odds).

Conclusion

In conclusion, sports spread betting is a popular form of wagering that involves predicting which team will cover the point spread. This type of betting requires knowledge and understanding of how to read odds and use strategies such as hedging or line shopping in order to reduce potential losses. In addition, it is important for bettors to take into account any movements in the point spread before placing their wager as it could affect their chances of winning or losing. By learning more about this form of betting, bettors can increase their chances of success when placing bets on sporting events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is spread betting in sports, and how does it differ from traditional betting?

Sports spread betting is a type of wagering where bettors predict which team will cover the point spread. This differs from traditional betting as it does not involve predicting who will win, but rather how much they will win or lose by.

How does the spread work in sports spread betting, and what role does it play in determining the outcome of a bet?

The spread is the number of points that a team must cover in order for a bettor to win their wager. The bookmaker determines the spread based on factors such as a team’s overall performance and the likelihood of them winning, as well as public opinion and how much money is wagered on each side.

What are some popular sports on which spread betting is commonly practiced?

Spread betting is commonly practiced on popular sports such as football, baseball, basketball and hockey.

Are there any specific strategies or tips that can help improve success in sports spread betting?

Yes, there are many strategies and tips that can help improve success in sports spread betting. These include using line shopping or hedging in order to reduce potential losses, as well as taking into account factors such as form, performance and motivation levels of both teams before placing their wager. Additionally, bettors should also consider any movements in the point spread before placing their wager as it could affect their chances of winning or losing.

What are the potential risks and rewards associated with spread betting in sports, and how can bettors manage their risks effectively?

The potential rewards associated with spread betting in sports can range from receiving your stake back plus an additional amount (based on the odds) to making a large profit. However, there is also the risk of losing a wager if you fail to correctly predict which team will cover the point spread. To effectively manage these risks, bettors should consider factors such as form, performance and motivation levels of both teams before placing their wager. In addition, it is also wise for bettors to use strategies such as line shopping or hedging in order to reduce any potential losses.