Point spreads definition
Point spreads, also called “the line” or “the spread”, are margins used in sports betting to even the odds between two unevenly matched teams. The oddsmakers give each team a point total, predicting that the favorite team will win by a certain number of points (this is the point spread). The favorite is always indicated by a negative number next to their name (Yankees - 5.5) and the underdog is indicated with a positive number (Angels +5.5).
If a player bets on the favorite, they win their bet if the favorite wins and the margin of victory is greater than the point spread. If a player bets on the underdog, they win if the underdog wins or if the favorite wins but can’t cover the point spread. The standard for point spread bets in most sports is that the player will win $110 for every $100 he wagers.
The over/under number that appears next to a point spread signifies how many points both teams are expected to score combined. The players can bet on both teams scoring more or less points than the predetermined amount.
Point spreads in football
Here’s an example of a typical point spread in football: if a player bets on the Baltimore Ravens -5 and they only win by 4, 21-17, then the player would lose the bet. In this case, the Ravens have to win the game by more than five points for the player to win the bet.
Point spreads in basketball
Point spreads make betting on professional or college basketball more difficult to predict, which adds excitement to the betting experience. However, the excitement of winning is better.
Here is an example of a point spread in basketball.
Let’s say that the San Antonio Spurs are playing the Cleveland Cavaliers at San Antonio. A few years ago the spread for this game would have been -7 in favor of the Spurs. This means that at the end of the game, you remove 7 points from the Spurs’ final score. If the Spurs still beat the Cavaliers with the new score then you will win your bet. If removing the 7 points gives the Cavaliers a higher score, then the Cavaliers will cover the point spread and you will lose your bet.
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Tags: Gambling, NFL Betting, sports betting
