Spread betting is a popular form of sports wagering that focuses on the margin of victory rather than just picking winners. The spread represents how many points a team needs to win or lose by for a bet to be successful.

A spread is shown with (-) for favorites and (+) for underdogs. For example:

Cleveland Browns (-3) (-110) Cincinnati Bengals (+3) (-110)

In this case:

• Browns must win by more than 3 points for a (-3) bet to win
• Bengals can lose by up to 2 points or win outright for a (+3) bet to win
• If Browns win by exactly 3, it's a "push" and bets are refunded

Half points (like -3.5) eliminate the possibility of pushes since teams can't score half points. This ensures there's always a winner.

Key considerations:

• Common margins in football are 3 and 7 points (field goal/touchdown)
• Basketball spreads are typically larger (7-9 points)
• Low-scoring sports like baseball/hockey have smaller spreads
• Line movement through key numbers (like 3 in football) is significant

FAQ:

What is "covering the spread"? Successfully winning a spread bet by meeting the point margin requirement.

Are spread bets available for all sports? Yes, though margins vary by sport. Basketball tends to have larger spreads than baseball.

Are spread bets better than moneyline bets? Neither is "better" - it depends on your strategy. Spread bets typically offer closer to even money odds.

Remember: Understanding key numbers and line movements is crucial for successful spread betting. Always consider scoring patterns in your chosen sport.

If you're looking to bet responsibly, call 1-800-GAMBLER for support.

Related Articles

Previous Articles