TOTAL BONUSES:

{{currentCountry.code}}

Change your location

{{ c.title }}

What Does Spread Betting Mean & How to Bet the Spread?

Spread betting is a form of wagering in sports where punters try to predict the winning margins. You can bet on the favorites to win and cover the spread or win by a margin more narrow than the limit. This betting guide explains this concept and teaches you what spread means in betting.

Unlike classic fixed odds bets, you go beyond picking winners. In many markets, it is associated with the Asian handicap betting, as underdogs get an advantage while favorites are handicapped. Spread betting also works for game totals and exotic markets, which makes it a versatile form of wagering.

Summary of the article

Best Bookmakers for Betting on the Point Spread in 21 November 2024 – Updated List

Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Safe & Trusted
Rating
Get Started
1

Stake Sports

Exclusive 10% Rakeback
Yes
Rating 9.99 out of 10
See moreGet bonus
2

Goldenbet Sports

100% up to 500 €/$/£
Yes
Rating 9.95 out of 10
See moreGet bonus
3

Megapari

Welcome bonus on your 1st deposit up to 100 EUR
Yes
Rating 9.93 out of 10
See moreGet bonus
4

Betandyou

Exclusive: 130% up to €143
Use Promocode: GAMBLINGJUDGE
Yes
Rating 9.90 out of 10
See moreGet bonus
5

22Bet Sports

100% bonus up to €122
Yes
Rating 9.80 out of 10
See moreGet bonus
6

1XBet

100% up to €100
Yes
Rating 9.65 out of 10
See moreGet bonus
7

SpinBetter

Exclusive: 100% up to €130
Use Promocode: JUDGE
Yes
Rating 9.52 out of 10
See moreGet bonus
8

Betwinner

Exclusive: 100% up to €130 Use Promocode: GJBET
Yes
Rating 9.26 out of 10
See moreGet bonus
9

Vave

100% up to 500 USDT
Yes
Rating 9.18 out of 10
See moreGet bonus
10

Bzeebet

Welcome Package 100% Up to 100EUR
Yes
Rating 9.12 out of 10
See moreGet bonus

How Does Spread Betting Work?

To understand how spread betting works, you need to focus on the game’s performance metrics. Online bookmakers unveil the opening odds on various options. They include the team’s winning margin, the total number of points, and individual player performance stats. Punters decide if the outcome will be above or below the predicted range. The spread betting results are based on whether the team covers the spread.

Spread betting is about predicting the total number of points scored in a match. If you wager on a team to score above 90.5 points in an NBA game, and it scores 100, you win. Any outcome below the line, 90 points included, will result in the lost wager. Spread betting allows you to adjust the line above or below the initial offer if you are unhappy with how the bookies set odds.

You can “buy” points if you predict the outcome will exceed the spread. This results in better odds, but the team must cover a more ambitious handicap. Conversely, you can “sell” points if you expect a closely contested match designed by a narrow margin and settle for low odds.

Most bookmakers and the best sports betting exchanges offer spread in betting. The system is the same, but the deviations from the original line can differ greatly. That’s why it pays off to have accounts at several sportsbooks. To better understand what a spread means in betting, it is worth looking at a few typical scenarios:

  • Total points scored – you bet on whether a game’s score will be above or below a certain range. For example, you can bet on over 2.5 goals in a match or settle for lower odds and go for over 1.5.
  • Winning margin – if a favorite in a football match has odds of 1.30 to win, you can consider a spread betting option. You can get odds as high as 2.20 on the same team to cover the -1.5 goals spread. You win if the team prevails by two goals or more, regardless of the scoreline.
  • Player performance – NBA spread betting is a shining example of betting on player performance. You can wager on the total points, assists, or rebounds. Also, you can bet on these figures to be above or below the betting line and win regardless of the match outcome.

How Do You Read Spread Betting Odds?

To be successful with these types of sports betting, you must be able to read the spread odds. These can be displayed in decimal, American, or fractional formats. Odds betting calculator can help you convert them from one format to another based on your preference. As for the spread betting itself, the principles are simple and are easily summarized in this example:

  • Dallas Mavericks get odds of 1.90 to cover the -8.5 points spread against San Antonio;
  • You need to bet $100 to win $190, for a net profit of $90 on the favorite for a game outright;
  • Dallas is the favorite and must win the game by nine points or more to cover the spread;
  • San Antonio is the underdog and can win or lose by 8 points or fewer for the bet to win;
  • The odds are also 1.90 for San Antonio; the difference to even value represents the house edge.

How to Make a Spread Bet?

Players and betting enthusiasts are always on the search to make money with sports betting. Players can do so by following these simple rules to enhance their betting experiences:

Step 1
Choose your sport of interest to place your bets on.
Step 2
Select the desired point spread in the module of the game chosen.
Step 3
Reach out for the bet slip visible on the screen.
Step 4
Find your bookmaker’s complete guide to secure the bet.

Leverage and Margins in Spread Betting

To properly have the sports betting spread explained, you must focus on the leverage and margins. These betting terms refer to the risks taken and potential profits. Leverage allows you to control a larger position with a smaller bet, just like in financial bets. The difference between the betting line and the spread determines the odds multiplied by the stake.

The margin requirements differ from one bookmaker to another and also change throughout the game. Live betting sites are just the spread bet odds in real time that mirror the outright winner. In basketball spread betting, you have more leeway in choosing the margins, as more points are scored.

Football is one of the best sports to bet on when spread wagering and this is a simple example:

  • You choose a Premier League game with a starting line of 2.5 goals and odds of 1.60;
  • You expect more goals to be scored, so you choose a spread bet of over 4.5 goals around 5.50;
  • The stake is $10.70, and potential winnings are 10 × 5.50 = $55, with a profit of $45;
  • The match ends 3-2 for the hosts, so the spread is covered, and your bet wins.

When to Use Spread Betting?

Spread betting is a useful instrument that can help people make money with sports betting. Not all sports are just as suitable for this market, with NBA spread betting being superior to tennis spread betting or football. However, there are ways to leverage its power and turn a point spread wager into winnings:

  1. Bet on sports and markets; you know well and understand the specific conditions that can affect the outcome, such as penalties in football matches. This is not a good choice when you learn how to place an online bet.
  2. Focus on matches where wide fluctuations are expected, not predictable ones. Use the accept “all odds” feature to seize the desired odds.
  3. Take advantage of in-play opportunities and use spreads to augment your live betting strategies. Watch the games as they unfold to act quickly and decisively.
  4. Juggle the positive and negative spread for arbitrage and strategies for hedge betting. When you are certain of making a profit, don’t hesitate to cash out betting positions that are winning.
  5. Stick to straight bets, but if you choose accumulators, play at bookmakers that have accumulator insurance. The top priority is to reduce the risks as much as possible.

Spread Betting Across Various Sports

Any point spread betting guide will highlight the versatility of this betting market. It is particularly popular in North America, where NBA and NFL betting reign supreme. However, you can find great odds for football betting and use them to make money betting on football. The system is the same, but the lines determined as fair by most sportsbooks differ greatly based on sport.

  • Football betting strategies use average lines of -1.5 goals as handicap spreads on the favorite. In lopsided games, you can expect even odds that the underdog will not lose by two goals or more. The line revolves around under/over 2.5 goals for game total markets with odds around 1.90.
  • American football sees more goals scored in the match, so the point spread betting line is wider. 5.5 and 6.5 are the average thresholds, with odds around even value. You can use the negative point spread bet for the underdog to cover and enjoy odds of similar value.
  • Basketball is the most exciting choice for positive spread betting, as an average of more than 200 points are scored per game. The spread usually ranges between one and 15 points, but it can be pushed higher for parlay betting. The momentum, fatigue, and player matchups are key elements to consider for the point spreads.

Strategies for Spread Betting

Once you understand what point spread is in betting, you can move on to the next level. This is where betting strategies come into play, helping you maximize the return on investment. There is no substitute for thorough research, so begin by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team. The learning process never ends, so you must stay updated with the latest news.

  • Shop around for odds – when you read point spread odds, you must decide if they have value. Open an account with most sportsbooks to use the best betting odds available. Spread betting allows you to adjust the line for odds worth the risk.
  • Timing is critical – the odds always move, so solid betting advice is to bet on the favorite early on. Wager on them to cover the spread once the odds are posted to get positive odds. For the underdog, you can wait for the betting line to move in the opposite direction and lock in top value.
  • Use home advantage – playing in front of the fans is the greatest motivation for most teams. This is when an Asian handicap is worth considering for better odds. This is the point spread definition, so take advantage of the home advantage for teams to cover.

Financial Spread Betting

When having the spread betting explained, a distinction must be made between sports and financial spread betting. The latter is a speculative trading method that allows you to bet on the price movements of various assets. The best-spread betting platform will feature them alongside classic sports. In this way, you can enjoy them and make picks for profitable football betting from the same account.

These are three of the most common financial spread betting examples:

  • Stock prices: you can bet on Nvidia’s future price rising above $150 by the end of the year.
  • Commodities – you can bet on the oil price to sink below $70 per barrel within three months.
  • Indices – you can use spread betting on the performance of the FTSE 100 and bet on it to move above 7500 within two quarters.

Managing Risk in Spread Betting

Whether you bet for fun or profit, the odds of spread wagers are exciting. They work on many sports betting markets and can increase potential winnings by producing bigger odds. To be successful in the long run, you need to find ways to minimize risks, and these are the three pillars of success:

  • Stop Loss: a stop-loss strategy is just as important for football betting or financial markets. A classic standard stop-loss action will close your active bet at a preset level. Some crypto-betting sites offer betting tools that automate the process, but you need to do it manually in most cases.
  • Bankroll Management: even the best sports betting strategies will fall flat unless you bet within your means. You can’t bet more than a percentage of the entire budget, usually between one and 5%. This is a guiding principle for all types of wagering, including spread betting stocks.
  • Risk Strategies: betting tips and strategies work in the long run, but you also need a long-term system. Negative progressive ones like the Martingale are dangerous. On the other hand, strategies like the Kelly Criterion are safer and can help determine the optimal bet size.

Pros and Cons of Spread Betting

PROS

  • Some forms of spread betting are tax-free in such jurisdictions.
  • Commission fees are lower at the best spread betting platforms.
  • Leverage allows you to aim for bigger winnings with a smaller investment.
  • Flexibility is enhanced as you are not restricted to the standard closing odds.

CONS

  • Leverage is a two-edged sword and can lead to bigger losses.
  • Some mobile betting sites offer disadvantageous odds on spreads.
  • Beginners can lose large amounts quickly due to insufficient knowledge.

Unlock the Thrills of Sports Spread Betting

Predictable games can turn into exciting matches once you understand what is spread betting. You no longer have to settle for negative odds and bet larger amounts. Use the spreads to buy points and go for bigger winnings when you are confident a team will win. Move the original betting line in any direction and expertly juggle risk and reward.

Spread betting gives you unlimited freedom, and you can even bet on both teams. Remember to exercise proper bankroll management and don’t bet outside your means. Play responsibly and use the spreads to boost your sports betting budget.

FAQ’s About Spread Betting

Spread betting is a wagering method in which you bet on a spread of points instead of a preset outcome. You can bet on a team to win by a certain margin, the total number of points, or player performance.

Bookmakers provide a spread for the outcome, and bettors choose to "buy" or "sell" points. It means you go for higher odds and take more chances or settle for lower odds and reduce the risks.

In trading, this bet involves speculating on the performance of stocks, indices, or commodities. Winnings and losses depend on whether the price moves above or below a certain threshold.

Hedging is possible if you place opposing best odds that guarantee a profit. You need to track line movements and have accounts at several bookies to take advantage of these rare opportunities.

This varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as gambling winnings are treated differently. Bettors are advised to consult local tax laws to determine their legal obligations.

Spread betting offers many options, such as winning margins, total points, or player performance stats. It is a versatile bet that allows you to engage with various sports and markets.

Other related articles: