Fancy a flutter on your favourite sport but feeling a bit dizzy with all the betting jargon being thrown around? You are not alone.
Betting spreads might sound like a complicated concept if you are new to the world of betting. But there is no need to worry. This Mega Reel guide aims to gently steer you through what a spread is in betting, helping you understand its basic idea and how it works in practice.
Whether you are a complete beginner or just need a refresher, read on to explore this key betting term in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
What Does Spread Mean In Betting?
In betting, a spread is a way to make a game more interesting and balanced. It is often used in sports like football and basketball.
The spread is like a handicap given to the team expected to win, typically labelled “the favourite”. This means the favourite must win by a certain number of points to cover the spread (i.e. overcome the virtual deficit placed upon them) and for your bet to pay out.
For example, if a football team has a spread of -3 points, they must win by more than 3 points to cover the spread. If they win by exactly 3 points, it's a draw or "push", and your stake is usually returned.
The other team, known as the underdog, gets the same number of points added to their final score. This means if they lose by fewer points than the spread or win outright, they cover the spread.
The spread helps even out the odds, making matches that may be landslide a bit more exciting to bet on and watch, no matter who wins or loses. It is a way to create a more balanced and level playing field between teams with a glaring skill gap. Essentially, it helps ensure both teams have an equal chance to win the bet, which means more fun and challenge for punters.
What Is a Negative Spread In Sports Betting?
A negative spread in sports betting indicates the favourite team - i.e. this team is expected to win the match.
If you see a negative number next to a team, like -5, it means they are favoured to win by more than 5 points or goals.
Your bet on the favourite will only win if they triumph by more than this margin. If they win by exactly 5, it’s a “push”, and you usually get your stake back; anything less than that and your bet loses.
For example, if Team A has a -5 spread, they need to win by 6 or more for your bet to pay out.
The negative spread helps level the playing field in betting, so both teams have an equal chance at winning in terms of betting, which can generate interest among punters in a match that is one-sided otherwise. It’s not about who wins outright but by how much, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game.
How Do You Read a Bet Spread?
Reading a bet spread may seem tricky at first, but it's easier than you think once you get the hang of it.
Start by looking at the numbers next to the teams involved in a match. For instance, you might see something like Team A: -7 and Team B: +7.
The minus sign (-) indicates the favourite. This team must win by more than the spread number, in this case, 7 points, for your bet to pay out.
The plus sign (+) shows the underdog. Here, Team B can lose by less than 7 points or win outright, and your bet would be successful.
If the favourite wins by exactly the spread number, it’s a "push". This means you usually get your money back, but no extra winnings.
Essentially, the spread gives both teams a fair chance in the eyes of a punter, adding a bit of challenge and excitement. Once you’ve grasped these basics, you may find reading a bet spread a bit easier and see how it can make placing on a match that would normally be somewhat of a foregone conclusion a bit more interesting and competitive.
How Do You Calculate Spread On a Bet?
Calculating the spread on a bet involves looking at the difference between the final score of the two teams playing.
Let’s say you have Team A with a spread of -4 and Team B with a spread of +4.
To calculate if Team A covers the spread, subtract 4 points from their final score. If Team A still scores more than Team B, they have covered the spread, and any bet on them to win is successful.
For Team B, you add 4 points to their score. If this new score beats Team A’s adjusted score, then Team B covers the spread and bets placed on them to win are successful.
If the final difference in the score matches the spread, for example Team A wins by exactly 4 points, it’s a "push", and you typically get your money back.
This method helps you see not just who wins the match but how the spread affects the outcome. By getting your head around this calculation, you can become more confident in approaching this type of bet and in making betting decisions that are right for you and your budget.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.