The Point Spread is a betting term commonly used in sports gambling, particularly in games like football and basketball. It is a way to even the odds between two unevenly matched teams. Bookmakers or sportsbooks will determine a favorite to win by a certain number of points and an underdog. The point spread represents the margin by which the favorite team is expected to win or lose. Bettors can either bet on the favorite to win by more than the point spread or the underdog to lose by less than the spread or even win the game outright.
FAQs:
How does Point Spread betting differ from Moneyline betting?
Moneyline betting involves simply picking the winner of an event, with potential returns based on the odds set by bookmakers. In contrast, point spread betting is about the margin of victory or defeat, making the bet more about the game’s competitiveness than just its outcome.
If I bet on a favorite with a point spread, when do I win?
If you bet on a favorite with a point spread, they need to win by more than the spread for your bet to be successful. For example, if Team A has a point spread of -7, they need to win by 8 or more points for your bet on them to pay out.
What happens if the victory margin matches the point spread?
If the victory margin matches the point spread exactly, the bet is typically considered a “push,” and bettors receive their original wager back without any profit or loss.
Why do bookmakers use point spreads?
Point spreads are used to level the playing field in a match where one team is significantly favored over the other. By introducing a margin of victory, it entices bettors to place bets on both teams, ensuring balanced action on both sides, which is beneficial for bookmakers.
Can the point spread change after it’s been set?
Yes, the point spread can change based on various factors like player injuries, betting patterns, or other relevant news. If a significant number of bettors are betting on one side, bookmakers may adjust the spread to balance the action.
