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Point Spread Betting in Sports

Point spread betting levels the playing field between two teams, ensuring that even a heavily favored team must win by a certain margin for bettors to cash in. Bettors can win by either betting on the favorite to win by more than the spread or on the underdog to either win or lose by less than the spread.

Understanding how teams cover the spread, what happens in a push (tie), and the various betting options available can help bettors make more informed wagers. Below, we break down how point spread betting works, how to interpret the odds, and key strategies for success.

How Point Spread Betting Works

A point spread, also called “the spread,” is a handicap set by oddsmakers to create a more balanced betting market. It ensures that both teams attract wagers, even when one is significantly stronger than the other.

• The favorite (stronger team) is assigned a negative (-) spread and must win by more than that number to cover the spread.
• The underdog (weaker team) is given a positive (+) spread and must either win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread for the bet to win.

Example:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Vs.	Chicago Bears
-7.5	Point Spread	+7.5

• If you bet on the Buccaneers (-7.5), they must win by at least 8 points for your bet to win.
• If you bet on the Bears (+7.5), they must either win outright or lose by 7 points or fewer for your bet to win.

Covering the Spread

When a team wins by more than the spread (for favorites) or loses within the spread (for underdogs), they have covered the spread.

Example:

• If the Buccaneers win 30-20 (-7.5 spread), they cover the spread because they won by 10 points (more than 7.5).
• If the Bears lose 28-24 (+7.5 spread), they cover the spread because they only lost by 4 points (less than 7.5).

Push (Tie)

A push happens when the final score margin equals the spread exactly. In this case, the bet is refunded since neither team covered the spread. To avoid pushes, sportsbooks often set spreads with half-points (e.g., -7.5), ensuring a definitive win or loss.

Example:

• If the spread is -7 and the favorite wins 27-20, the bet is a push, and bettors get their money back.

Sports where the point spread is most popular

Point spread betting is most popular in football and basketball, as these sports feature frequent scoring and wide variations in outcomes, making them ideal for this type of wager.

• Football (NFL and college): Point spread betting helps balance the odds between teams of varying skill levels. The NFL, for instance, frequently sees spreads around key numbers like 3, 7, or 10 points.
• Basketball (NBA and college): Basketball also heavily utilizes point spreads due to its high-scoring nature. NBA spreads often range from 2 to 8 points, with late-game fouls sometimes impacting the final score and spread outcomes.

While point spread betting is less prominent in other sports, it is also used in baseball (run line), hockey (puck line), and even emerging markets like golf and tennis

Variations of Point Spread Betting

Point spread betting isn’t limited to just wagering on a team to cover the standard spread. There are multiple variations that allow bettors to customize their bets, adjust risk levels, and explore alternative ways to wager on games.

Below are some of the most common point spread betting variations and how they work:

Alternate Point Spreads

Alternate point spreads allow bettors to adjust the standard spread in their favor, either by buying points (making it easier to win but lowering payouts) or selling points (making it harder to win but increasing payouts).

• Buying points: Adjusting the spread in your favor reduces risk but comes with lower odds and payouts.
• Selling points: Taking on a riskier spread with a greater margin increases potential payouts.

Example:

Teaser Bets

A teaser bet is a type of parlay where bettors adjust point spreads in their favor—but in exchange, they receive lower odds than a standard parlay. This variation is popular in football and basketball, where spreads can be adjusted by 6, 6.5, or 7 points.

• A teaser bet must include at least two games.
• Bettors move the spread in their favor to increase the chances of winning.
• All selections in the teaser must win for the bet to be successful.

Example:

Quarter/Period Spreads

Instead of betting on the full game, bettors can wager on point spreads for individual quarters or periods, making this an ideal option for those who prefer short-term betting opportunities.

• Basketball & Hockey: Bettors can wager on first-half, second-half, or quarter/period point spreads.
• Football: First-half and first-quarter spreads are commonly available.

Example of a Quarter Spread (NBA Game):

Reverse Spreads (Alternate Reverse Lines)

Also called “alternate reverse lines,” this strategy flips the conventional spread, allowing bettors to bet against the consensus but for much higher payouts.

• Instead of betting an underdog at +7, you can bet them as a favorite at -2.5 for higher odds.
• Instead of betting a favorite at -7, you can bet them as an underdog at +3.5 for lower payouts but a safer bet.

Example:

Pros and Cons of Point Spread Betting

By understanding these pros and cons, bettors can approach point spread betting with a more informed strategy, balancing excitement with calculated decision-making.

Pros:

• Adds Excitement to Lopsided Games: Point spreads make even one-sided matchups engaging by leveling the playing field. This format ensures both sides of the bet remain competitive throughout the game.
• Higher Potential Payouts Compared to Other Bets: Point spread bets often offer better odds than moneyline bets, especially when wagering on favorites.
• Flexibility with Adjustments: Bettors can use variations like teasers or alternate spreads to adjust the margin in their favor, increasing their chances of winning at the cost of lower payouts.

Cons:

• Impact of Late-Game Variance: Unpredictable events like garbage-time scores or last-minute turnovers can drastically affect whether a team covers the spread. 
• Public Perception and Line Movement: Lines are often influenced by public betting trends rather than actual probabilities, leading to “trap” spreads that entice casual bettors but may not reflect true value.

Strategies for Beating the Point Spread

Many bettors fall into common traps, such as blindly backing favorites or ignoring against-the-spread (ATS) trends, which can lead to missed opportunities. By applying strategic approaches, bettors can improve their success rate and maximize long-term profitability.

Below are three proven point spread betting strategies:

Strategy #1Betting on Underdogs in Close Matchups

Underdogs are often undervalued by the public and sportsbooks, creating opportunities for savvy bettors. Many bettors instinctively favor favorites, which can lead to inflated spreads that provide value on the underdog side.

Tip: Monitor line movements to see if public betting trends have skewed the spread in favor of the underdog.

Strategy #2Evaluating Team Performance Against the Spread (ATS)

A team’s ATS record measures how often they cover the spread, which may differ significantly from their win-loss record. Teams with strong ATS records are often more reliable bets, even if they don’t win games outright.

Tip: Use ATS data to identify teams that consistently outperform expectations set by oddsmakers.

Strategy #3Comparing Spreads Across Sportsbooks for Value

Sportsbooks often list slightly different spreads or odds. Finding and betting on the most favorable line can make a big difference in your long-term success.

Tip: Focus on games where small differences in spreads (e.g., +3 vs. +3.5) can significantly impact your chances of winning.

Ready To close the gap?

Point spread betting remains one of the most popular forms of sports wagering due to its potential for higher payouts. By focusing not only on which team will win but also on the margin of victory, point spreads introduce a layer of strategy and analysis that appeals to both casual and experienced bettors. Understanding how spreads work and employing disciplined strategies help bettors enhance their chances of success.