How to Read Betting Spreads: A Beginner's Guide
If you’re stepping into the exciting world of sports betting, you’ve probably encountered the term “betting spreads.” At first glance, it might seem confusing, but understanding betting spreads is crucial for making informed wagers and increasing your chances of success. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to read betting spreads, breaking it down into simple steps. By the end, you’ll feel confident navigating this essential aspect of sports betting.
What Are Betting Spreads?
Sportsbooks use betting spreads, called “point spreads,” to level the playing field. Some teams are much more powerful or weaker than their opponents. Spreads level the playing field, making both sides equally appealing.
For example:
- A stronger team is called the “favorite,” they’ll have points deducted from the betting spread.
- A weaker team is the “underdog,” they’ll receive extra points in the betting spread.
The goal is to predict who will win and how much or whether the game will be closer than expected.
How Betting Spreads Work
Betting spreads are represented by a number with a plus (+) or minus (–) Sign attached. Here’s how to interpret them:
- Minus Sign (–): This indicates the favorite. The number shows how many points they must win for your bet to succeed.
- Plus Sign (+): This means underdog. The number displays how many points they can lose while covering the spread.
Example:
Let’s say you’re looking at a basketball game with this spread:
- Los Angeles Lakers: -6.5
- Boston Celtics: +6.5
- The Lakers must win by seven points or more for you to win if you wager on them.
- If you bet on the Celtics, your wager must be successful if they win by a margin of victory or lose by six points or less.
The half-point (.5) is called a “hook” and eliminates the possibility of a tie, ensuring a definitive win or loss on your bet.
Why Betting Spreads Are Popular
Betting spreads are one of the most popular types of bets because they balance the odds and make games more exciting. Even if one team is heavily favored, the spread allows both sides of the wager to be competitive. This dynamic makes spread betting attractive for beginners and experienced bettors alike.
Learning to read betting spreads will unlock opportunities to bet on various sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and more.
How to Read Betting Spreads: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simple step-by-step process for understanding and using betting spreads:
1st Step: Know the Basics
- Identify the favorite and the underdog: The favorite will always have a minus sign (-), and the underdog will have a plus sign (+).
- Understand the spread number: This is how many points the underdog can lose or how many points the favorite must win.
2nd Step: Learn the Terminology
- “Covering the spread” means the team you bet on met the conditions of the spread. For example, if you bet on a -7 favorite, they must win by eight or more points to “cover the spread.”
- “Pushing” the bet: If the spread is a whole number (e.g., -7 or +7) and the result matches precisely, the bet is a tie, and your stake is refunded.
3rd Step: Look at the Odds
In addition to the spread, sportsbooks will include odds showing each bet’s payout. For example:
- Dallas Cowboys -5.5 (-110)
- New York Giants +5.5 (-110)
The -110 indicates the amount you need to bet to win $100. In this case, you’d need to wager $110 to win $100, and the sportsbook keeps the 10% (called the “vig” or “juice”) as their fee.
4th Step: Analyze the Matchup
Before placing a spread bet, consider factors such as:
- Team performance history
- Injuries
- Home or away games
- Recent form
Understanding the context behind the numbers will help you make smarter bets.
Common Sports for Betting Spreads
Betting spreads are used in many sports, but the most popular include:
Football
Point spreads are extremely common in football, particularly in the NFL. For example:
- Kansas City Chiefs -7
- Denver Broncos +7
If the Chiefs win by exactly 7 points, it’s a push. If they win by eight or more, they cover the spread. If the Broncos lose by six or less, they cover the spread.
Basketball
In basketball, spreads are often smaller due to the high-scoring nature of the sport. A typical NBA spread might look like this:
- Golden State Warriors -3.5
- Phoenix Suns +3.5
Basketball spreads are dynamic and can shift quickly based on injuries or player rotations.
Baseball and Hockey
While spreads (known as “run lines” in baseball and “puck lines” in hockey) are less common, they function similarly. The favorite often starts with -1.5, and the underdog gets +1.5, making the spread smaller than in other sports.
Tips for Beginners Learning How to Read Betting Spreads
Start Small
As a beginner, stick to low-stakes betting until you’re comfortable with how spreads work. This enables you to gain knowledge without running the risk of suffering significant losses.
Pay Attention to Line Movement
Betting spreads can change before a game based on factors like injuries, weather, or heavy betting on one side. Pay attention to these developments and, if necessary, modify your wagers.
Research, Research, Research
Understanding the teams, players, and context of the game is critical. The more informed you are, the better your chances of making a winning bet.
Manage Your Bankroll
Never bet more than you’re willing to lose. Establish a budget and follow it for your betting activities.
Shop for the Best Line
Different sportsbooks may offer slightly different spreads for the same game. Compare options to find the best line and maximize your potential returns.
Mistakes to Avoid
When learning how to read betting spreads, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Betting with Your Heart: Don’t let your personal preferences for a team cloud your judgment. Base your decisions on research and analysis.
- Ignoring the Odds: Always consider the odds alongside the spread. A great spread might have poor odds, reducing your potential payout.
- Overcomplicating Things: Stick to one or two sports and keep your bets simple as you learn.
The Bottom Line
An essential skill for anyone new to sports betting is knowing how to read betting spreads. The idea is simple once you break it down, even though it could initially appear complicated. In addition to adding excitement to games, betting spreads provide a fair opportunity to place bets on favorites and underdogs.
You will be well on your way to becoming an expert at betting spreads if you adhere to the procedures and advice provided in this tutorial. Start small, keep yourself informed, and relish the excitement of the game because, as they say, practice makes perfect!
FAQs on How to Read Betting Spreads
Meaning of "cover the spread"?
“Covering the spread” means the team you bet on won or lost by better than the spread. The favorite covered the -6.5 spread if they won by seven points or more.
Can the betting spread alter after I bet?
No, you lock in the spread and odds when you wager. Future spreads may change owing to injuries or strong betting on one side.
If the final score matches the spread, what happens?
A “push.” occurs when the final score matches the spread, a total number (e.g., -7 or +7). No victory or loss occurs since your bet is reimbursed.
Sportsbooks utilize half-point spreads—why?
Half-points, or “hooks,” prevent pushing. The final score cannot tie a -6.5 spread; hence, the bet has a winner or loss.
Are spreads the same throughout sports?
Sports use spreads, although scoring systems and spread amounts vary. Basketball and football have bigger spreads than baseball and hockey, which employ run or puck lines.
