What is Spread Betting? A Complete Guide to Point Spread Betting in Sports

Point spread betting is one of the most popular and widely used sports betting formats, especially in NFL, college football, NBA, NCAA basketball, baseball, and hockey. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a beginner looking to understand point spread betting, this guide will break down everything you need to know about the point spread, how it works, and how to leverage it for smarter sports betting decisions.

What is Point Spread Betting?

Point spread betting, also known as spread betting, is a betting format where sportsbooks assign a handicap to teams in an attempt to equalize the odds. This is designed to make betting on mismatched teams more exciting by balancing the competition. When you bet on a point spread, you're not simply betting on a team to win, but on whether the team will win by more than a set number of points (for favorites) or if they can keep the game close enough to "cover" the spread (for underdogs).

Point spread betting is most common in NFL betting, college football betting, NBA betting, and NCAA basketball betting. In baseball, this is known as the run line, and in hockey, it's called the puck line.

 

How Does Point Spread Betting Work?

Point spread betting works by assigning a handicap to both teams in a matchup. Oddsmakers set the point spread to balance the competition between teams with unequal skill levels. The favorite is given a negative (-) point spread, and the underdog is assigned a positive (+) point spread. The point spread is the margin of victory or defeat that you need to bet on in order to win your wager.

Favorite Team (Negative Spread)

The favorite team is given a negative (-) number in the point spread. For example, if a team has a point spread of -3.5, they must win by 4 or more points for the bet to be successful.

Underdog Team (Positive Spread)

The underdog team is given a positive (+) number in the point spread. For example, if a team has a point spread of +3.5, they can either win the game outright or lose by 3 points or fewer to cover the spread.

 

How to Read a Point Spread: Examples and Explanation

Let’s break down a simple point spread example to understand how to read and interpret the spread correctly:

Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers:

• Kansas City Chiefs: -1.5 (Kansas City is the favorite).

• San Francisco 49ers: +1.5 (San Francisco is the underdog).

The Favorite Team

In this example, the Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites. With a -1.5 point spread, the Chiefs need to win the game by at least 2 points for the bet to be successful. Even if they win by just 1 point, the bet will lose.

The Underdog Team

The San Francisco 49ers are the underdogs. With a +1.5 point spread, the 49ers can either win the game outright or lose by 1 point and still cover the spread. If they lose by 2 points or more, the bet will lose.

 

The Vig (Vigorish or Juice)

When placing a point spread bet, you'll also need to consider the vig or juice, which is the price sportsbooks charge for placing the bet. The vig is often set at -110, meaning you need to wager €110 to win €100. The vig applies to both the favorite and the underdog teams, and it’s an important factor to understand when betting on point spreads.

 

Betting on Point Spreads: Key Steps

If you’re new to point spread betting, follow these key steps to make informed decisions:

1. Which Team Will Cover the Spread?
   The first decision you need to make is whether you think the favorite will win by enough points to cover the spread or if the underdog will lose by fewer points than the spread or win outright.

2. Monitor the Spread Movement
   Point spreads can change as game day approaches, influenced by factors like injuries, weather, or professional bettor activity. Keep an eye on any line movement to determine if you should place your bet now or wait.

3. Understand the Vig
   Always check the vig or juice associated with your point spread bet. If the vig is -110, it means you need to bet €110 to win €100. Understanding this fee is essential to calculating your potential returns.

Why Does the Point Spread Change?

Point spreads are dynamic and can change based on several factors:

• Professional Bettors: If professional bettors are placing large wagers on one side, the sportsbook may adjust the spread to balance the action.

• Breaking News: Injuries, team news, or changes in weather conditions can affect how oddsmakers set the point spread.

• Market Activity: The spread can also be influenced by the amount of money wagered on either team.

How Much Can I Win with Point Spread Betting?

The potential winnings from point spread betting depend on several factors:

• The amount of your wager.

• The vig or juice attached to the bet.

For example, if the vig is -110, you would need to wager €110 to win €100. If the vig is -120, you would need to wager €120 to win €100. Use a betting calculator to estimate your winnings based on different odds and wager amounts.

 

Point Spread Betting in Other Sports

While point spread betting is most commonly associated with NFL, college football, and NBA betting, it is also used in other sports with similar mechanics:

Point Spread Betting in Baseball: The Run Line

In MLB, point spread betting is known as the run line. The run line is typically set at 1.5 runs. The favorite team must win by at least 2 runs to cover the run line.

For example:

• Houston Astros (-1.5): The Astros need to win by 2 or more runs for the bet to win.

• Washington Nationals (+1.5): The Nationals can either win outright or lose by 1 run to cover the spread.

Point Spread Betting in Hockey: The Puck Line

In NHL betting, point spread betting is known as the puck line, typically set at 1.5 goals. The favorite team must win by 2 or more goals to cover the puck line.

For example:

• Boston Bruins (-1.5): The Bruins must win by 2 or more goals.

• Dallas Stars (+1.5): The Stars can win or lose by 1 goal to cover the puck line.

 

Conclusion: Mastering Point Spread Betting

Point spread betting is a powerful tool that can level the playing field in sports betting. By understanding how the point spread works, reading spreads accurately, and making informed betting decisions, you can improve your chances of success. Whether you’re betting on NFL, NBA, college football, or MLB, understanding the point spread is crucial for any serious bettor.

To start placing point spread bets, visit trusted sportsbooks offering competitive odds and bonuses, and always remember to bet responsibly. With the right strategies and knowledge of point spread betting, you'll be better equipped to navigate the world of sports gambling and increase your chances of a successful wager.