The point spread is probably the most common bet when you think of wagering on a single sporting event. That is because it's designed to bring the two teams to an even playing field through the use of a handicap installed by oddsmakers. The point spread bet is a bet designed to give each team an equal chance of winning a particular game. Obviously, not all teams are equal, so the sports-books have devised a mechanism to even up the teams, and that is by taking points/runs/goals off the team who is favored. The more a team is favored, the more the gambling site will take off.
Spreads are often listed with a half-point (ex: 9.5) in order to prevent the final margin from landing exactly on the spread number (ex: 3-point spread, final score of 17–14). The most popular way to bet for the two most popular sports, basketball and football, is with the point spread, also known as the 'side.' The point spread was created to attract more action on a.
What is a Point Spread or Side Bet?
A point spread is used in sports betting to even the odds between two unevenly matched teams. Each team is given a point total by the oddsmaker that can either be added or subtracted to the final score, thus factoring into if the bet was won or lost.
Point Spread Meaning On Basketball
Example:
The point spread for Super Bowl XLI was:
Points Spread Meaning
Colts –7
Bears +7
The (-) before the 7 indicates that the Colts were the point spread favorites. The (+) indicates that the Bears were the point spread underdogs.
Football Spread Definition
If one were to bet on the Colts, the Colts would have to win by a total of 8 points for the bettor to win. If one were to bet on the Bears, the Bears would have to win outright or lose by no less than 6 points for the bettor to win. A 7 point victory by the Colts would equal a push or tie.
