Point Spreads Explained for Beginners
A point spread gives the weaker team a head start so a game becomes a close call. Here is how the numbers work, with real scores to show it.
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Favorites give points, underdogs get points
The favorite carries a minus number, such as -6.5. That team must win by more than 6.5 points. The underdog carries the matching plus number, +6.5, and can lose by up to 6 points and still succeed on the bet.
Beating the spread is called covering. It is about the margin, not just who wins the game.
Worked examples with a final score
Say Team A is -6.5 against Team B. If A wins 27-20, the margin is 7, which is more than 6.5, so A covers. If A wins 24-20, the margin is 4, so A wins the game but does not cover, and a bet on B at +6.5 cashes.
Most spread bets are priced at -110. A bettor risks $110 to win $100, or $11 to win $10. An $11 bet that wins returns $21 in total, the $10 profit plus the $11 stake.
- Favorite at -6.5: must win by 7 or more
- Underdog at +6.5: wins the bet if it wins outright or loses by 6 or fewer
Why the half-point matters
That .5 is often called the hook. No game ends with half a point, so a line like -6.5 can never land exactly on the number. A whole-number line such as -7 can, and if the favorite wins by exactly 7 the bet is a push and the stake is returned.
Football and basketball use spreads that change by game, from under 1 point to more than 20. Baseball uses a fixed run line of 1.5 runs, and hockey uses a fixed puck line of 1.5 goals. Because the number is fixed there, the price changes instead.
Before you place a bet
Check the number and the price, since a half-point can matter. Today's picks are on the picks page at /picks.
Bets can lose. Never bet money you cannot afford to lose. Bettors must be 21 or older where betting is legal. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Questions
What does covering the spread mean?
It means a team finished better than the line says. A -6.5 favorite covers by taking the game by 7 or more. A +6.5 underdog covers by taking the game outright or losing by 6 or fewer.
Can a team win the game and still lose a spread bet?
Yes. If a -6.5 favorite wins by only 3, it won the game but did not cover. A bet on the favorite loses in that case.
Why is the spread usually priced at -110?
The extra 10 is the book's fee for taking the bet. Risking $110 to win $100 on both sides lets the book earn a small margin either way.
More guides
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