Most sports events have favorites. As a result, sportsbooks apply a spread to the game to create an even field. Also, point spreads are typical in football and basketball betting. Therefore, we made a guide to betting against the spread.
When betting against the spread, it is not enough for the favorite to win the game. Instead, players need to win by the specified number to cover the spread.
Point spread betting is about balancing the playing field between two teams. Instead of picking the winning team, the margin of the win determines the result of the wager. The spread is the great equalizer when engaged in online sports betting. Make sure you keep in mind that betting on the winning team doesn’t mean you won the spread wager.
Factors that Affect Betting Against the Spread
According to sports news coverage, point spreads can change based on what bettors are wagering on, and injury reports. Sportsbooks will adjust the spread if one side is getting the most wagers to reduce risks. Also, they would change the spread if an injury sidelined a star player for the game.
For instance, if Tom Brady injures his ankle the day before the game, Tampa Bay might struggle to score. As a result, the spread might decrease. In some cases, the sportsbook might lower its vig to attract more wagers on a particular side.
You can quickly know when a bookie reduced its vig. Its spreads are at -105 instead of -110. Also, you can be lucky if the sportsbook offers point spreads at +100 odds. That means that the bookie is not making any money from the wager. If the team covers the spread, the payout is the same as the wager.
Aside from basketball and football, you can bet against the spread in other sports. However, point spreads in other sports have different names. In baseball, it is the run line. In Soccer, it is the goal line. Lastly, it is a puck line in hockey.