A Guide to Betting Against the Spread
Betting the spread, also known as “point spread betting,” is a common type of wager in sports betting. It involves predicting the margin of victory in a particular sporting event, rather than simply picking the winner.
In point spread betting, the sportsbook sets a “spread” or “line” for the event, which represents the perceived gap in ability between the two teams or players. The favorite is given a negative spread, while the underdog is given a positive spread.
For example, if the spread for a particular football game is -7, this means that the favorite is expected to win by at least 7 points. If you bet on the favorite, they must win by more than 7 points for you to win your bet. If you bet on the underdog, they can either win outright or lose by less than 7 points for you to win your bet.
If you bet on the favorite and they win by exactly 7 points, the bet is considered a “push” and your stake is returned.
To calculate the potential return on a bet with a spread, you can use the following formula:
(Spread x Stake) + Stake = Potential Return
For example, if you place a bet of $100 on the favorite at a spread of -7, and they win by 8 points, your potential return would be:
(-7 x $100) + $100 = $300
Betting the spread allows bettors to even out the odds and potentially win more money, even if they are not confident about the outright winner of an event. However, it is important to consider the spread and the odds of the particular event when placing a bet. A larger spread may indicate a greater gap in ability between the teams or players, and may be riskier to bet on.
It is also important to note that the spread may change over time, depending on factors such as the performance of the teams or players and injuries. As a result, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest spread and be aware of any changes that might affect your bets.
In addition to betting the spread, there are many other types of bets available in sports betting, including moneyline bets, over/under bets, and parlay bets. It is important to understand the different options and the risks and potential returns of each type of bet in order to make informed decisions and manage your bankroll effectively.
Betting involves risk and it is important to always bet within your means and consider the risks and potential consequences of your bets. It is also important to be aware of the laws and regulations governing sports betting in your jurisdiction.
