Point spread betting or handicap betting stands out as the overall type of betting. Unlike moneyline bets, which involves simply betting on a team’s victory or defeat, the point spread designates one team as the favorite and another as the underdog. It establishes a line by subtracting points from the favorite’s total to equalize the competitive balance.
How Does a Point Spread Work?
A point spread is a handicap that aims to even the playing field between two teams with differing strengths. It’s a numerical value that’s added or subtracted from a team’s final score to determine the outcome of a bet.
Let’s consider the upcoming matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the Atlanta Hawks. The oddsmakers have set the Point spread at -6.5 for the Atlanta Hawks, indicating they are favored to win by more than six points. It means that if you bet on the Atlanta Hawks -6.5, they need to win the game by at least 7points for you to win your bet.
Conversely, if you bet on the San Antonio Spurs +6.5, they can either win the game outright or lose by less than 7points for you to win your bet.
To illustrate this further, let’s say the game’s final score is Atlanta Hawks 110 – San Antonio Spurs 101. In this scenario, the Atlanta Hawks have won by 9 points. Since their point spread was -6.5, they have covered the spread, meaning that bets on the Atlanta Hawks -6.5 would be winning bets. On the other hand, bets on the San Antonio Spurs +6.5 would be losing bets, as the Spurs did not cover the spread.
The point spread system helps balance the odds in NBA betting, making it more engaging for bettors and adding an extra layer of excitement to the game.
How Odds Work on Point Spread Betting
Point spread betting is one of the popular type of bets in which the sportsbook sets a handicap for the game, attempting to level the playing field between two teams with different strengths. This handicap is represented by a numerical value, either positive or negative, known as the Point spread.
Understanding the Point Spread
In Point spread betting, the favorite team is assigned a negative point spread, while the underdog receives a positive one. For instance, if the L.A Lakers are favored by 7 points against the G.S Warriors, the spread would be displayed as “Lakers -7” and “Warriors +7.”
Negative and Positive Odds
Negative odds are typically associated with the favorite in Point Spread Betting. Exploring what these negative numbers signify is crucial for gauging the level of dominance the favored team is expected to display. In addition, positive odds relate to the underdog, revealing the potential payout and the degree of competitiveness attributed to the less-favored team.
Calculating Payouts
To calculate the payout for a point spread bet, you’ll need to consider the odds associated with each side of the spread. Typically, Point spread bets have odds of -110, which means you must risk ₱110 to win ₱100. If you bet on your favorite team and they cover the spread, you’ll win ₱100 for every ₱110 you wagered. Additionally, if you bet on the underdog team and they cover the spread, you’ll also win ₱100 for every ₱110 you risked.
Pushes and Ties
In certain scenarios, a point spread bet may result in a “push,” meaning the bet is considered a tie and your original wager is refunded. It occurs when the final score margin exactly matches the Point spread. For example, if you bet on the Lakers -7 and they win by exactly 7points, the bet would be a push.
Odds Adjustments
Sportsbooks may adjust the point spread based on factors such as public betting trends, injuries to key players, or changes in weather conditions. These adjustments aim to maintain the balance between the two teams and ensure fair odds for both sides.
Point spread betting can be an exciting and rewarding way to engage with sports, but it’s crucial to approach it responsibly and within your financial limits. Always set a betting budget and stick to it. Remember, gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a means to make a living.
Sports Where Point Spread Betting is Common
Point spread betting is a versatile wagering option that can be applied to various sports. It’s particularly popular in sports where scoring is relatively high, and margins of victory are high. Here are some of the sports where Point spread betting is available:
American Football (NFL, NCAA FBS) – Point spread betting is a staple in American football due to the high-scoring nature of the game. The point spread typically ranges from a few points to multiple touchdowns, reflecting the potential for wins.Basketball (NBA, NCAA MBK) – Basketball is another popular sport for point spread betting, as games often feature large scoring margins. The Point spread in basketball is typically expressed as a half-point increment, such as -6.5 or +8.5, reflecting the possibility of close-fought matches.Baseball (MLB) – While baseball is generally considered a lower-scoring sport than basketball or football, Point spread betting still holds a significant presence. The Point spread in baseball is often expressed as a run or a run-and-a-half, reflecting the potential for one-run or two-run games.Ice Hockey (NHL) – With its fast-paced action and high-scoring potential, ice hockey is also popular for point spread betting. The Point spread in hockey is typically expressed as a goal or a goal-and-a-half, reflecting the possibility of close-fought matches.Football (MLS, Premier League, La Liga) – Point spread betting is less common in football than in other sports due to the lower scoring average. The Point spread in soccer is typically expressed as a goal or a half-goal.
Beyond these major sports leagues, point spread betting is also available for various other sports, including boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), tennis, volleyball, and golf. The specific point spread mechanics may vary depending on the sport, but the concept remains the same.
How to Bet on Point Spread
Point spread betting is a popular and exciting way to bet on sports. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to place a point spread bet:
Choose a Reputable Sportsbook: Select a licensed and regulated online sports betting that offers a wide range of betting markets, including point spread bets.Create an Account: Register for an account with the chosen sportsbook, providing accurate personal information and completing the verification process.Fund Your Account: Deposit funds into your sportsbook account using a secure payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, or e-wallet like gcash or paymaya.Select a Sporting Event: Browse the sportsbook’s menu to find the event you want to bet on. Point spread betting is commonly available for major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.Choose a Point Spread Bet: Identify the matchup you want to wager on once you’ve selected a sporting event. The Point spread for each team will be displayed alongside the moneyline odds.Review the Point Spread and Odds: Carefully review both teams’ points and odds. Understand the implications of the point spread and ensure you comprehend the payout structure.Enter Your Bet Amount: Decide how much you want to wager on your Point spread bet. Enter the desired amount in the designated field.Place Your Bet: Review the details of your bet, including the team, point spread, bet amount, and potential payout. Once you’re satisfied, confirm the bet placement.Monitor the Outcome: Follow the sporting event closely to determine whether your point spread bet was successful. If the team you bet on covers the spread, you’ll receive a payout according to the odds.
Responsible Betting Practices
Set a Budget: Allocate a specific amount of money you’re comfortable risking on sports betting. Stick to your budget and avoid chasing losses.Understand the Risks: Point spread betting, like all forms of gambling, involves inherent risks. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the teams, players, and trends in the sports you’re betting on. Research and analyze matchups before placing bets.Seek Help if Needed: If you feel your gambling habits are becoming problematic, seek help from organizations that specialize in gambling addiction.
