What is a Point Spread Bet? Meaning, Examples & Guide

Boston’s 117 points plus 5½ equals 122½, which defeats Miami’s 120 points. On the other hand, a bet on Miami’s 120 would lose as their final score after the spread amounts to just 114½, which loses to Boston’s 117 points. The minus number indicates how much is subtracted from the favorite.

Betting the spread allows bettors to bet on either team on equal grounds, as opposed to the moneyline, which often leans heavily towards favorites. But spread betting comes with its own intricacies and can be more challenging than straight-up betting. For instance, if the final score of a game lands precisely on the value of the spread, this will be considered a “push”, and all bets will be refunded. For example, if the favorite wins 10-6 on a four-point spread, this will be a push. Furthermore, payouts will be paid pinup casino according to the odds at the time of your bet placement, regardless of whether the odds have fluctuated.

If the spread were a whole point, as it sometimes is, the result is a draw and all bets are refunded if it ends up on the number. For example, Super Bowl 56 featured the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams were installed as a 4.5-point favorite in the NFL championship game at several sportsbooks. Remember that gambling is for fun and not a way to financial freedom.

• If you wagered a favorite to cover the spread, you would win if that team won by at least the amount listed.
• You don’t have to break down every play, but breaking it down into quarters, intervals or even drives is a good start.
• You can spot the underdog as the team with a plus sign in front of the point spread, and the favorite is the team with a minus sign preceding the spread.
• The most important part of point spread betting and gambling, in general, is setting a budget.

This cut is known as “juice” or “vig” in the sports betting industry. Much like casino games, sports bets are designed with a house edge that allows the sportsbooks to exist as profitable businesses. When wagering on the game, sports bettors could bet on either Cincinnati (+4.5) or Los Angeles (-4.5). The point spread added 4.5 points to the Bengals’ final score, or subtracted 4.5 points from the Rams’ final score depending on the perspective of the bet. While the concept of point spread betting is the same everywhere, it is used in the UK differently from how it is perceived in the U.S. Point spread is one of the most popular betting options alongside moneyline and totals in the U.S.

Why Sportsbooks Use Point Spreads

If the spread is “-7” for example, seven points will be deducted from this team’s final score. You can also claim bonus offers through different sites and use them to your advantage. These can give you extra funds to bet with and can even offer no-risk betting opportunities.

Placing an NBA Point Spread Bet

On the other hand, a plus number indicates how much is added to the underdog. A spread of “+5” means five points are added to their final score. There are several tips and strategies to consider before you pick your point spread wager in the betting lobby.

How to calculate arbitrage bet?

But watching the losses pile up can be even more dangerous — and we all go through cold spells. But if you don’t know how to bet the spread — or are confused by the plusses and minuses — you’ve come to the right place. In that case, everyone knows their likelihood of winning is extremely high. Our editorial team is run by individuals with many years of experience in digital publishing, editorial, and content production.

Moneylines, according to many gamblers, aren’t worth the risk unless you solely play favorites. Consider giving up some points, even if it’s not the whole spread, if you’re the sort of bettor who likes to play the favorites. This will raise your rewards and decrease the risk-reward gap marginally. All forms of betting, including point spread betting, involve risk.