Sports Betting 101: What Is A Point Spread?

Betting 101: What is a Point Spread?

We’ve already talked through opening lines and underdogs ,but what is a point spread regarding sports betting? In a handful of sports, like the NBA and NFL for example, the point spread is the primary way to bet a side, since the moneyline might be too juicy to wager on. 

The point spread is the number by which one team is lined to beat their opponent by. When placing a bet on the spread, you’re betting on how many points, goals or runs a team will win by. The bigger the mismatch the larger the spread will be. For example, if the Eagles are favorites over the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, bookmakers will offer both moneyline and spread to bet the game.

Spread

• Eagles -2
• Chiefs +2 

Moneyline

• Eagles: -130 
• Chiefs +110

In this example, bookmakers made the Eagles two-point favorites, or -2 on the spread. If you want to bet the Eagles on the spread, they have to win by more than two points for you to cash your bet. That’s different than the moneyline, where a team just needs to win, without covering a specific number. If you like the Chiefs on the spread, you can win your bet even if the Chiefs lose, but it has to be by less than two points in this instance. If the game ends with the Eagles winning by two points (or the Chiefs losing by two points), you would push (tie) your bet on the spread and your bet will be refunded.

Even in sports where the moneyline is still the most traditional or popular way to bet, like hockey and baseball, spreads are still offered. The favorite will be lined at -1.5 (has to win by two or more goals or runs), and the underdog is lined at +1.5 (you win your bet on the spread with the underdog – puckline or run line – if your team loses by less than two). You’ll usually be required to risk $110 (if the odds are listed at -110) to win $100 when betting on the spread. You can check all the point spreads on the live odds page at FTN Bets and see a team’s record ATS (against the spread). Remember, good teams win but great teams cover. 

Be sure to check out FTN’s entire Betting 101 series.