The point spread evens out a mismatch. The favorite gives points (-6.5) and must win by more than that. The underdog gets points (+6.5) and can lose by less and still win the bet.
Results against the spread are written ATS. A team that's 8-3 ATS has covered the spread in 8 of 11 games.
Most spread bets are priced around -110 on both sides. A whole-number spread can push. The same idea is called a run line in baseball and a puck line in hockey.
How it works
The spread's job is to make both sides roughly equally attractive. The sportsbook sets a number it thinks splits the game, then lets the market move it.
Spreads have different names by sport:
| Sport | Name | Typical line |
|---|---|---|
| NFL, college football | Point spread | Any number, often near 3 or 7 |
| NBA, college basketball | Point spread | Any number |
| MLB | Run line | Usually 1.5 |
| NHL | Puck line | Usually 1.5 |
| Soccer | Asian handicap | Often in quarter goals |
In the UK, the general term is handicap.
Because spread bets are usually priced near -110 on both sides, you need to win about 52.4% of them to break even. Many sportsbooks also offer alternate spreads, giving more or fewer points at a different price.
Spreads interact with key numbers, so half a point near 3 or 7 in football can matter more than a whole point elsewhere. Tracking your results "ATS" (against the spread) is the standard way to measure spread betting.
Examples
- Example 1
Chiefs -6.5. The Chiefs must win by 7 or more for the bet to win.
- Example 2
Eagles -3.5 at -110. They win 24-20, a 4-point margin, so Eagles bettors win and +3.5 bettors lose.
- Example 3
Ravens -7. They win 27-20, exactly 7. The bet is a push and both sides get their stakes back.
- Example 4
A $55 bet on an underdog +6.5 at -110 wins $50 if they lose by 6 or fewer, or win outright.
Common questions
What does +7 mean in betting?
The underdog gets 7 points. Add 7 to their score: if they then finish ahead, the bet wins. If they're level, it's a push.
Do you get paid more for betting the underdog on the spread?
Not usually. Both sides are typically priced around -110, because the points already even out the matchup.