There are several factors that go into building a point spread.įirst off, oddsmakers have mathematically calculated ratings on each team entering a given season.

The American odds next to the set run line will fluctuate based on the strength of the teams. In this example, bettors would need to wager more to win $1 for the Red Sox to lose by one run or less than betting on the Yankees to win by two runs or more. Here’s a hypothetical example to understand run lines in baseball.

Sports with less scoring, such as baseball and hockey, have point spreads that are almost always set at +1.5 and -1.5. In this scenario, the Knicks would cover the -7.5 point spread since they won by 10 points. Hypothetical Final Score: Knicks 112, Pistons 102

Pistons +7.5 (must lose by seven or fewer points, or win).

Knicks -7.5 (must win by eight or more points).

In this Week 17 matchup of the 2021 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs are 5-point favorites at WynnBET Sportsbook against the Cincinnati Bengals. In order to win a bet on the point spread with an underdog, they must lose by fewer points than the point spread or win the game outright. There is also the underdog, which is the team that is perceived as the weaker team and expected to lose the matchup. In order to win a bet on the point spread with a favorite, the team must win by a certain number of points/goals/runs for the bet to cash. There are two sides to every point spread.įirst, there is the favorite, or the team that is expected to win the game/perceived as the better team. This is the most popular bet when betting on the NFL, College Football, College Basketball or NBA. When betting on a point spread, you are betting on the margin of victory in a sporting event.

Point Spread Explained & How Point Spreads Work Here is everything you need to know about betting on the point spread.

Whatever you choose to bet on, it is important that you understand what each type of bet means and what needs to happen in order for you to win. You can bet on the spread, moneyline, total or decide to wager on some prop bets. When betting on a sporting event, there are several different wagers that a bettor can place on a game.

What does point spread mean in gambling