Betting on spreads is a popular form of sports betting where you are not just betting on who will win a game, but also by how much one team will beat the other. This is known as the point spread. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bet spreads:
### Understanding the Point Spread
1. **Identify the Favorite and Underdog**: In spread betting, there is always a favorite (the team expected to win) and an underdog (the team expected to lose). The favorite will have a minus (-) sign next to their spread, while the underdog will have a plus (+) sign.
2. **Reading the Spread**: The number next to the plus or minus sign is the spread. For example, if the spread is -7 for the favorite, they are expected to win by 7 points or more for you to win your bet. If the spread is +7 for the underdog, they can either win the game or lose by 6 points or fewer for your bet to win.
### Placing a Spread Bet
1. **Choose Your Sport and Game**: Decide which sport and game you want to bet on. Spreads are available for most major sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and more.
2. **Research**: Before placing your bet, research both teams. Look at their recent performance, injuries, home-field advantage, and any other factors that might affect the game.
3. **Decide Your Bet**: Once you’ve done your research, decide whether you think the favorite will win by more than the spread or if the underdog will keep the game close or win.
4. **Place Your Bet**: Go to your sportsbook (online or in-person) and tell them the game you want to bet on, the spread, and how much you want to bet. For example, you might say, “I’ll take the Cowboys -7 for $100.”
### Key Points to Consider
– **Line Movement**: The spread can change as more bets come in or if there are significant developments (like injuries) before the game.
– **Covering the Spread**: To win a spread bet on the favorite, they must win by more points than the spread. For the underdog, they must win the game or lose by fewer points than the spread.
– **Payouts**: Typically, spread bets have -110 odds, meaning you need to bet $110 to win $100. However, this can vary.
– **Pushes**: If the game lands exactly on the spread, it’s considered a push, and you get your money back.
### Bankroll Management
– **Bet Responsibly**: Only bet what you can afford to lose.
– **Unit Betting**: Many experienced bettors use a unit system, where a unit is a percentage of their total bankroll. For example, one unit might be 1% of your bankroll.
Remember, sports betting should be fun and not a way to make money quickly. Always bet responsibly and within your means.