Are you new to sports betting and wondering, What Is A Spread In Betting? At WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide clear and concise answers to all your questions, ensuring you understand the intricacies of sports betting. This guide breaks down the point spread, vigorish, and various betting options, giving you the knowledge to bet confidently. Unlock your betting potential and explore the world of sports wagering with key insights into money lines and prop bets.
1. What Is A Point Spread In Sports Betting And Why Does It Often End In .5?
The point spread represents the predicted difference in scores between two competing teams. It is expressed using both negative and positive numbers; for example, a 3-point spread is displayed as -3 and +3. The favorite, expected to win, is assigned the negative value (-3), while the underdog receives the positive value (+3).
The numerical value, regardless of the +/- sign, is consistent for both teams because it indicates the anticipated margin of victory.
For instance, if Team A is favored by 3 points over Team B, Team A must win by more than 3 points to “cover” the spread. Conversely, Team B can either win the game outright or lose by a margin of one or two points (but not more) to “cover” the spread.
In scenarios where the final score difference matches the point spread exactly (e.g., a 3-point margin), the outcome is considered a “push,” resulting in the return of the wagered amount to the bettor. This situation, where neither the bettor nor the sportsbook wins, is why sportsbooks frequently incorporate “the hook” (.5) into point spreads to prevent such ties.
Consequently, with a point spread of 3.5, the favored team is required to win by more than 3.5 points—effectively meaning a victory by four or more points, as half-points are not feasible in scoring. This .5 addition serves primarily to eliminate the possibility of a push outcome.
2. Understanding -110 And Other Numbers Next To The Point Spread
The numbers next to the point spread, like -110, represent the vigorish, also known as the betting juice. This is the fee you pay to place a bet and is how sportsbooks make money.
With point spreads, the spread tells you how many points a team needs to win by, while the vigorish tells you how much money you actually win if that bet cashes. Standard “juice” on a point spread or total is -110.
These vigorish numbers are based around $100. A minus-number is what you have to risk to win $100, plus your original bet back. A plus-number is what a $100 bet makes you in profit if that bet wins.
-110 means you bet $110 to win $100, in addition to your original bet back, because -110 is a minus-number.
+110, on the other hand, would be the reverse, because it’s a plus-number — meaning you bet $100 to win $110 and your original bet back.
The math works the exact same way with smaller amounts. Most people are far more comfortable betting $10, which is great. In that case, you can just divide the vigorish by 10. -110 would mean you bet $11 to win $10 ($21 total, with your original bet back), and +110 would mean you bet $10 to win $11 in profit.
Sometimes, a sportsbook will move the juice to a split like -120/+100, depending on how bets are moving and the relative strength of the two teams. In that scenario, you would bet $12 to win $10 on -120 but would be doubling your money at +100 (bet $10 to win $10).
Your opinion might vary, but for most beginning bettors, this isn’t a major consideration at first. As you become more sophisticated, you’ll start to realize how those numbers really matter, just by virtue of placing your own bets.
3. What Is An Over/Under Bet In Sports Betting?
An over/under bet, also known as a totals bet, involves wagering on the combined total score of both teams in a game. Sportsbooks set a number, and you bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number. This type of bet focuses on the total points scored rather than which team wins.
For example, if the over/under is set at 55, you can bet whether the total points scored by both teams will be higher (over) or lower (under) than 55.
4. How Does The Moneyline Work In Sports Betting?
The moneyline is a straightforward bet where you pick the winner of a game or event. The odds are adjusted to reflect each team’s likelihood of winning, with favorites having negative odds and underdogs having positive odds. The vigorish, or betting juice, is also factored into the moneyline.
For example, if the Kansas City Chiefs are playing the Cincinnati Bengals, the moneyline might be Chiefs -350/Bengals +275. This means you would have to bet $35 to win $10 on the Chiefs simply winning the game. A $10 bet on the Bengals to beat the Chiefs would win $27.50. You also get your money back every time you win a bet.
5. What Is A Prop Bet And What Are Some Examples?
A prop bet, short for proposition bet, is a wager on a specific event within a game that is not directly tied to the final outcome. Prop bets can be based on individual player performances, team statistics, or even more whimsical occurrences.
Examples of prop bets include:
- How many passing yards will the quarterback have?
- Will the running back score a touchdown?
- How many points will Team A score?
- Will Team B get shut out?
- What color will the Gatorade poured on the coach of the Super Bowl-winning team be?
Prop bets add an extra layer of excitement to sports betting, allowing you to wager on specific aspects of a game.
6. What Is A Parlay Bet And How Does It Work?
A parlay is a bet that combines multiple wagers into one larger bet. Each individual wager within the parlay is known as a “leg.” To win a parlay, all legs must be successful. The payout for a parlay is higher than individual bets, but the risk is also greater.
For example, you could combine wagers on multiple games into one bigger bet for a bigger payday, but where you must win all those wagers to get paid.
- A standard, two-team parlay pays around +260.
- Three-teamers pay +600.
- Four-teamers pay around +1300.
If you lose any of the legs, the parlay is dead.
7. What Is A Teaser Bet And How Does It Differ From A Parlay?
A teaser is a multi-team bet that allows you to adjust the point spread or total in your favor. Unlike a parlay, where the odds are fixed, a teaser lets you move each individual wager by a certain number of points, such as 6, 6.5, or 7 points. However, like a parlay, all legs of a teaser must win for the bet to be successful.
For example, you could tease the Chiefs, who are 7.5-favorites, down to 1.5, as well as the 49ers from 3.5-point underdogs up to 9.5, which seems decently enticing.
8. What Are Key Numbers And How Do They Impact Betting Strategy?
Key numbers are the most common final margins of victory, particularly in football. The most important key numbers are 3 and 7, because those are the respective values of a field goal and touchdown (plus the extra point).
Many NFL games are decided by either 3 or 7 points specifically. Point spreads are often structured around a team being 3- or 7-point favorites.
Key numbers are something to remember when betting a teaser as well. You really want to strive to tease your bets “through” key numbers by teasing the Chiefs down through both 7 and 3, and teasing the Niners up through 7.
9. What Is A Futures Bet And How Does It Work?
A futures bet involves wagering on an event that will happen in the future, such as a team winning a championship, division, or conference. These bets can be placed well in advance, and the odds will fluctuate based on a team’s performance and sportsbook liability.
For example, the Chiefs are currently +125 to win the Super Bowl. The Rams are +200, the 49ers +450 and Bengals +750.
Sportsbooks also have player futures for markets like MVP, Rookie of the Year and more.
10. Understanding Buying Points In Sports Betting
Buying points allows you to move a point spread in your favor, but you must pay extra juice. It can cost 15 to 20 cents (so -110 becomes -125 or -130) to move a half point, and that juice adds up quickly. Buying points is often done to move a spread to a key number like 3 or 7.
11. What Is Live Betting And How Does It Work?
Live betting, also known as in-game wagering, allows you to place bets during a game. Sportsbooks offer new point spreads and odds based on the current state of the game, providing opportunities to capitalize on momentum shifts and predictive algorithms.
If Team A is beating Team B 14-0 with six minutes in the first quarter, you’re offered a brand-new point spread at that exact time. And if Team B was a 4-point underdog at kickoff, you could potentially bet on the same team but at +10 or +10.5 on the live line.
12. How Do Sportsbooks Set Lines And Odds?
Sportsbooks primarily aim to balance their financial exposure rather than achieving an equal number of bets on each side. They adjust lines based on the volume of money wagered, with larger bets having a greater impact on line movement. Balancing the money is more critical than balancing the number of tickets.
13. How Much Should A Beginner Bet?
Beginners should bet amounts they are comfortable with and stay within their means. Professional bettors often adhere to disciplined bankroll management, risking no more than 2% to 5% of their total bankroll on a single game.
So if you set aside $1,000 to gamble with for a football season, a wise guy will tell you that your individual bets should roughly range from $20 to $50 a game.
But if you just want to bet $5 on a Sunday with the understanding you are OK to potentially risk no more than $100 total all season long, that’s great, too — especially since you’re going to win some of those bets, after all.
14. What Is The Easiest Way For A Beginner To Start Betting On Games?
Beginners should start with straight bets, focusing on understanding the basics of picking against the spread or betting on the over/under. Specializing in one sport or a specific group of teams is also a good approach.
Focusing and specializing on one sport or a specific group of teams is a great way to get started. Wagering around your favorite NFL team (or a hated rival) is a good first step.
15. Top Advice For New Sports Bettors
Do your homework and don’t drink a lot of juice. Research and understanding the sport, teams, and players are crucial for making informed betting decisions.
FAQ About Spread Betting
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is spread betting? | Spread betting is a form of wagering where you bet on the direction of the price movement of an asset, without actually owning the asset. Profits or losses are based on the accuracy of your prediction and the amount the price moves. |
| How does the point spread work in sports betting? | The point spread is the expected final score difference between two teams. The favorite to win gets a negative number (-), and the underdog gets a positive number (+). To win your bet, the favorite must win by more than the spread, or the underdog must lose by less than the spread (or win outright). |
| What does “covering the spread” mean? | “Covering the spread” means that the favorite team wins by more than the point spread, or the underdog team loses by less than the point spread (or wins the game outright). |
| What is a “push” in spread betting? | A “push” occurs when the actual score difference matches the point spread exactly. In this case, no money is won or lost, and your initial bet is typically returned to you. |
| What is vigorish (or juice) in spread betting? | Vigorish, or juice, is the commission that sportsbooks charge for taking your bet. It is the difference between the true odds of an event and the odds that the sportsbook offers. Vigorish is how sportsbooks make their profit. |
| How do I calculate potential winnings in spread betting? | To calculate potential winnings, you need to consider the odds (usually -110) and the amount you are betting. If the odds are -110, you need to bet $110 to win $100 (plus your original bet back). If you bet $11, you win $10 (plus your original bet back). |
| What factors should I consider when placing a spread bet? | When placing a spread bet, consider factors such as team form, injuries, head-to-head records, home advantage, and any other relevant information that could influence the outcome of the game. |
| Can I bet on the spread in different sports? | Yes, you can bet on the spread in various sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and baseball. The specific rules and terminology may vary slightly depending on the sport. |
| What are some common mistakes to avoid when spread betting? | Common mistakes include betting without doing proper research, chasing losses, betting more than you can afford to lose, and not understanding the terms and conditions of the bet. |
| How can I improve my chances of winning in spread betting? | To improve your chances of winning, focus on researching teams and players, understanding key numbers, managing your bankroll effectively, and being disciplined in your betting strategy. |
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