Point Spread Betting Explained:How to Bet on the Spread?
What Is a Point Spread Bet?
A point spread wager involves predicting the score difference between two teams or players in a match, known as the margin of victory. The sportsbook establishes a spread, allowing you to support either the favorite or the underdog.Spread betting ranks among the simpler types of sports wagers, second only to moneylines. It may also be referred to by various names depending on the sport, including puck line (hockey), run line (baseball), and handicap (soccer).
How Does the Point Spread Work?
Typically, you’ll encounter point spread lines, as well as betting odds alongside moneyline and total lines. The image below illustrates how point spreads appear on online betting platforms.
In the realm of point spread betting, the moneyline favorite is assigned a hypothetical disadvantage to overcome, while the underdog is given a conceptual head start. In the example mentioned earlier, the Miami Dolphins are considered -3.5 favorites, whereas the Jacksonville Jaguars are +3.5 underdogs.
Bookmakers determine point spreads by analyzing numerous factors, including statistics of teams/players, recent performance, and historical matchups. Their goal is to create a balanced competition and entice equal wagering on both teams.
How You Win a Point Spread Bet
Winning a point spread bet can happen in two scenarios. First, you can back the favorite to win by at least the margin defined by the bookmaker. If your bet is successful, it means you’ve successfully 'covered the spread.' Second, if you wager on the underdog, you win if they either win the game outright or lose by less than the spread margin set by the bookmaker.
Let’s delve deeper into the previous NFL example.
NFL Point Spread Example:
The Miami Dolphins (-180) are anticipated to win against the Jacksonville Jaguars (+115), with a point spread set at 3.5. Since Miami is the moneyline favorite, they’re considered to start with a -3.5 disadvantage. Conversely, Jacksonville, as the underdog, has a +3.5 advantage. With this balancing act, both teams are quoted at -110. To cover the spread, the Dolphins need to secure a victory by at least four points. Should they win by only three points, they wouldn’t meet the -3.5 criteria. For the Jaguars’ bets to be deemed successful, they must either win the game or lose by three points or less.Our Top Pick For Beginners in Point Spread Betting
BetUS Top Option for Point Spread Wagers
BetUS is our top recommendation for those new to point spread betting. By claiming an attractive 125% welcome bonus up to $3,125, you can place wagers on spreads across various sports and leagues like the NFL, NBA, NCAAB, and NGL.
We also encourage novice bettors to explore the BetUS Locker Room. There, you’ll discover news, detailed analyses, free picks, and valuable insights on point spread betting.
Welcome Bonus 125% up to $3,125
Crypto Sign-Up Bonus 200% up to $5,000
Three Decades of Experience Established in 1994, BetUS is among the most reliable online betting platforms.
Wide Range of Bonuses BetUS offers a wide range of promotions for both newcomers and returning customers, including welcome incentives and weekly specials.
Suboptimal Payout Options While cryptocurrency withdrawals usually process within 24 to 48 hours, traditional check and bank wire withdrawals may take as long as 10 days.
Basic Point Spread Betting Tips
Ready to dive into point spread betting? Look no further. We have beginner-friendly strategies specifically designed to get you started. Even seasoned bettors may find value in these insights, but you might want to stay tuned for our advanced strategies coming up later.
Research Your Picks Diligently
Doing thorough research significantly boosts your chances of accurately predicting point spreads. Pay attention to team and player performances, recent trends, head-to-head match outcomes, among other significant data.
Start Point Spread Betting with Familiar Sports
Focusing on sports you know well will aid in making more informed betting choices. For instance, understanding a team's strengths and vulnerabilities will enhance your ability to forecast the spread more accurately.
Avoid Incorporating Point Spreads into Parlays
A parlay A parlay consists of several bets, requiring all bets to be successful for you to receive a payout. Including point spreads complicates the situation, so we advise keeping spread bets as standalone wagers.
Budgeting and Bankroll Management
Establishing a budget will help you manage your spending, allowing you to enjoy point spread betting for the long term. By looking after your bankroll carefully tracking your expenditures, you can maintain consistent profits.
Compare for the Best Point Spread Odds
Different sportsbooks provide varying point spreads, odds, and lines. Hence, we suggest checking multiple sportsbooks to discover the best value for your wagers.
Get Started with Point Spread Betting Using the Geek’s Picks
See the Latest AI PicksComprehensive Advanced Point Spread Betting Tips and Strategies
What does the point spread signify in betting? How does it function exactly? We’ve already addressed these queries in this guide. Now, let’s present our advanced point spread betting insights. Here are our expert strategies :
Team/Statistical Analysis
Employing data for informed analytical decisions is one of the most effective strategies for point spread bettors. When analyzing the spread, prioritize a team’s ATS (Against the Spread) statistics rather than their overall record. This will reveal how well a team generally performs concerning the spread.
Tracking Market Movements
Bookmakers frequently adjust their lines from opening to closing, influenced by various factors, including team updates, injuries, and even weather conditions. If you plan to place a point spread bet, monitor the lines closely and select the optimal moment to bet.
Value Betting
Understanding sports betting value increases your likelihood of winning point spread bets. This involves identifying scenarios where the odds of the spread bets might be inflated compared to the actual likelihood of the outcome occurring. Essentially, search for bets that yield better returns than the odds imply.
Specialized Bankroll Management Approaches
There are numerous bankroll management strategies to ensure consistent profits over time. These could involve staking just 1-2% of your bankroll on each bet, or dividing your bets into units . Also, think about setting daily, weekly, or monthly limits to prevent overspending.
Hedging
Hedging your bets allows you to address all potential outcomes. For instance, if you make a $100 bet on the Dolphins to cover a -3 spread against the Jaguars and the Dolphins lead by four in the fourth quarter, you could place a $50 wager on the Jaguars +4.5. If the Dolphins triumph, your initial bet wins. If they win by a margin of 1-3 points or lose, your hedge bet will help limit your losses.
Learn How To Fade the Public
Fading the public means betting contrary to the majority view. While this often implies supporting the underdog, it allows you to capitalize on inflated point spread odds.
Sportsbooks modify their point spreads in response to general betting patterns observed in the public. By conducting your own thorough research, you can exploit the bookmakers’ mispriced lines.
Point Spread Betting — Takeaways
Numerous factors contribute to the widespread popularity of point spread betting among sports enthusiasts. Spreads balance the competition, making both sides of the bet appealing. They also present more favorable odds compared to many other bet types. moneyline wagers and strategic betting opportunities.
We’ve provided an explanation of point spread betting and shared an array of tips to assist newcomers. Additionally, we've introduced advanced strategies for bettors seeking to elevate their game further. The next step is for you to place a point spread wager. Best of luck!
