Spread betting is a popular wagering method where bettors predict whether a team will win or lose by a specific margin. The spread is shown as a positive (+) or negative (-) number next to each team.

A negative spread (-) indicates how many points a favored team must win by, while a positive spread (+) shows how many points an underdog can lose by while still winning the bet.

Example: Cleveland Browns (-3) (-110) Cincinnati Bengals (+3) (-110)

In this case:

• Browns must win by more than 3 points to cover the spread
• Bengals can lose by up to 2 points or win outright to cover
• A 3-point Browns win results in a push (bet is refunded)

Half-point spreads (like -3.5) eliminate the possibility of a push since teams can't score half points. This ensures there's always a winner.

Key considerations:

• Spreads vary by sport based on typical scoring patterns
• Basketball and football often have larger spreads
• Soccer and hockey typically have smaller spreads
• Key numbers (like 3 and 7 in football) are important spread values
• Line movement through key numbers is significant

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does "covering the spread" mean? Successfully winning a spread bet by meeting or exceeding the point margin.

Can you bet spreads on all sports? Yes, though spread sizes vary by sport. NBA spreads are often 7-9 points, while soccer may be 1-2 goals.

Are spread bets better than moneyline? Spread bets typically offer close to even money payouts, while moneyline odds vary significantly. Neither is inherently better - it depends on your betting strategy.

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