Point spread betting is a common wagering format designed to balance sports matches and events where one team is seen to be clearly superior to the other. This creates a more even betting market for both bettors and the sportsbook.
In this short guide we’ll cover all the basics so you know what to expect, and approach the practice of points spread betting, able to make an informed choice. You’ll see how it all works and we’ve included some examples so you can see how it would work if you were to place points spread bets of your own.
IMPORTANT:
You may have seen points spread betting also referred to as line betting or handicap betting. While the terms are different, the concept is exactly the same, and the phrases are fully interchangeable in many circumstances.
Point spread betting markets are found at almost every sportsbook for almost every sport. It is where the sportsbook applies a numerical points handicap to a team or individual that appears, on paper at least, to have a clear advantage over their opponent. Rather than back the winner with moneyline or head-to-head betting, you will wager on a win or a loss once the handicap is taken into consideration.
Negative and Positive Spreads
The favorite in any mismatched contest is given a negative spread, meaning they need to win by at least a specified number of goals or points for the bet to be a successful one. For instance, a highly successful soccer team might have to win by two clear goals rather than just beat the underdog for a points spread bet to win. Less common is for the underdog to be given a positive spread, allowing them to lose by a certain margin but still ‘covering the spread’.
The overall aim of sportsbooks is to create a more even contest for bettors, which is why you are likely to see very similar odds for both sides of the spread.
How Point Spread Betting Works
When you’re placing a point spread bet, you select both your team and the applied handicap. The final result of the bet is decided when the final score is adjusted to reflect the size of that handicap. As with all wagers, correct research is key to deciding which team to bet on and if the spread accurately matches your perception of how the event will resolve.
📈 Half Point Spreads
To provide a more in-depth example, if an AFL team is shown at -12.5 points, it means they need to win by 13 points or more for your bet to win. On the flipside, an underdog with a 12.5-point next to their name can lose by up to 12 points, tie, or even win the game and still cover the spread for your bet to be a winner. Half-point spreads are commonly used to eliminate the possibility of the bet remaining unresolved, in a similar way to over/under markets never being defined by whole points.
📊 Point Spread Odds and Variables
As we explained, odds for spreads are usually very similar and close to even, typically around $1.90 in the odds format you will be most familiar with. This means the main variable here is the actual spread, and when looking for the best wagers, a difference of just a few points between sportsbooks can affect the likelihood of your bet being successful.
Point Spread Bet Examples
Below shows a hypothetical spread betting market for an AFL match:
Team
Point spread
Odds
Notes
Brisbane Lions
-18.5
$1.90
Lions need to win by at least 90 points for your wager to be successful
West Coast Eagles
+18.5
$1.90
The Eagles need to win the tie or lose by 18 or fewer points for your wager to win
In this scenario, the Lions are perceived as the stronger side and need to win convincingly to cover the spread. On the other hand, the Eagles are such underdogs that they can lose by up to 18 points, and your wager on them would still be a winner.
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Conclusion – Understanding Point Spread Betting Is Key to Making Informed Decisions
Understanding how point spread betting works is a key element in making informed decisions about which wagers to place, and by extension, gambling responsibly. Knowing all the factors involved in placing a point spread bet means you can manage your expectations and cut down on impulse decisions, which can often lead to further bad choices. Once you are fully informed about point spread betting, it can add an extra dimension to your wagering experience, offering a layer of excitement in sporting events that would normally be considered over before they even started. If you are looking for a sportsbook that offers this specific market, you can find one of our recommended
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Point Spread Betting FAQs
Yes, you are likely to hear point spread betting referred to a line or handicap betting, and while the terminology and odds formats might vary around the world, the principle of applying a points adjustment is the same.
Another yes. If a team or individual loses the event by less than the applied spread, that handicap allows any points spread bet placed on that team to still be a winner.
The whole point of point spread betting is to provide a more even market for bettors, with the big variables being the size of the spread itself, not the odds. That way, the odds will typically look similar and often be very close to even.
