If you’ve spent any time looking at sportsbook odds, you’ve likely seen teams listed with a “+” or “–” number next to their name. That’s called the spread, and it’s one of the most common and important concepts in sports betting. Whether you’re betting on football, basketball, or another high-scoring sport, understanding the spread helps you go beyond just picking winners and losers.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the spread means, how it works, and how you can use it to place more strategic bets.
What Is the Spread?
The point spread is a way for sportsbooks to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. Rather than betting on who will win outright, you’re betting on how much a team will win or lose by.
For example:
- Team A -6.5 means they are the favorite and must win by 7 points or more for your bet to win.
- Team B +6.5 means they are the underdog and can lose by 6 points or less (or win outright) for your bet to cash.
The spread doesn’t affect the final score of the game—it only affects the outcome of your bet.
Why Sportsbooks Use the Spread
Spreads allow sportsbooks to balance betting action on both sides of a matchup. In games where one team is clearly stronger, a moneyline bet (picking the outright winner) wouldn’t offer much value.
By setting a spread, sportsbooks make betting on either team equally appealing, encouraging:
- Action on both sides
- More competitive odds
- Greater unpredictability
This is especially common in sports like NFL, NBA, and college football, where blowouts and high-scoring games are frequent.
Key Terms to Know
When dealing with spread bets, a few key terms help make sense of it all:
- Cover the Spread: When a team meets the spread condition. For example, a -6.5 favorite winning by 10 points has “covered.”
- Push: If the spread is a whole number (like -7) and the team wins by exactly that amount, the result is a “push,” and your bet is refunded.
- Juice/Vig: The small fee charged by the sportsbook, often shown as -110 odds. This is how the book makes money regardless of the outcome.
Understanding these terms helps you read the lines properly and spot value in the odds.
Tips for Betting the Spread
Betting against the spread (ATS) can be profitable, but it requires research and discipline. Here are a few smart strategies:
- Track team performance ATS: Some teams consistently beat the spread, even if they don’t always win.
- Watch injury reports and line movement: Sudden spread shifts can indicate insider knowledge or public overreaction.
- Consider home-field advantage and momentum: These factors often influence close spreads and late-game outcomes.
- Shop for the best line: Different sportsbooks may offer slightly different spreads—getting an extra half-point can matter.
Over time, successful spread betting comes down to analyzing matchups, stats, and situational factors rather than betting on team reputation alone.
Final Thoughts: Bet Smarter with the Spread
Understanding the spread opens up a whole new world of strategic betting opportunities. It allows you to find value in games that might otherwise seem one-sided and makes every possession count—especially in the final minutes.
Whether you’re new to sports betting or looking to refine your approach, mastering point spreads gives you a stronger foundation and a smarter way to play.