Sports betting spread is a smart strategy that helps players take advantage of the difference in odds between bookmakers to ensure profits regardless of the outcomes of the matches. This is a popular betting method, applied by many experienced players to minimize risks and maximize profits. Understanding and using this strategy properly can bring great advantages in sports betting, but it also requires knowledge and agility in tracking fluctuations in odds. To help you better understand what a sports betting spread is, how it works, and how it can be applied. In the following article, Wintips experts will provide full information, let's follow along.
What is a sports betting spread?
Sports betting spread is a unique betting strategy that helps players achieve stable profits regardless of the outcomes of the matches. This method is based on exploiting the difference in odds offered by bookmakers for the same sporting event. Players can ensure a win without risk by betting on all possible outcomes. However, to successfully implement this strategy, players need to be sharp, calculate accurately, and have a good understanding of the odds.
Each sportsbook usually has its method of evaluating a match, so the odds between bookmakers can vary significantly. This creates opportunities for those who know how to take advantage of the difference to make a safe profit. Players will bet on different outcomes at bookmakers with the best odds for each scenario. For example, if bookmaker A has good odds for team A and bookmaker B has good odds for team B, you can bet on both sides to ensure you do not lose.
Spread betting is not illegal, but it is often restricted or discouraged by some bookmakers. When bookmakers detect that players are using this strategy too often, they may restrict accounts or adjust regulations to prevent it. Therefore, those who participate in arbitrage betting need to know how to handle it delicately to avoid detection while choosing the right bookmakers for their strategy.
A major challenge of arbitrage betting is that players need to have enough capital to spread their bets evenly while still ensuring profits. Since the odds are often similar, the profit per bet may not be too high. Therefore, to achieve long-term results, players need to be patient and focus on implementing this strategy over a long period.
Thus, arbitrage sports betting is an attractive method for players to make profits without having to face the risk of match results. However, to be successful, players need to be vigilant in monitoring the odds market, careful in betting, and have an effective capital management plan. If done correctly, spread betting can provide a steady source of income for those looking to get into the professional sports betting industry.
How does the spread work in sports betting
When looking at games with a point spread, you will typically see one team listed as a positive number and one as a negative number.
Let’s take the NFL as an example:
- Pittsburgh Steelers +6.5 (-110)
- Kansas City Chiefs -6.5 (-110)
Let’s start by explaining the '+' and '-' symbols that precede 6.5. You will see both symbols when looking at any point spread game, with “-” indicating the favorite and “+” indicating the underdog.
In this example, the Chiefs are the favorite, with -6.5 indicating that the betting market believes Kansas City will beat Pittsburgh by 6.5 points in this particular game. Betting on the Chiefs at -6.5 means that you need them to beat the Steelers by at least seven points to win the bet.
If KC wins by six points or less — or loses outright — Pittsburgh covers the spread, and Steelers bettors get paid.
Here are some of the pros and cons of spread betting.
Pros
- They are generally better value bets than moneyline bets.
- Can add value to parlay bets.
- They may have higher maximum betting limits.
- It adds excitement to games with a better team playing an underdog.
Cons
- It can take longer to evaluate a bet.
- A winning team in real life doesn’t necessarily win a bet.
How to Read the Spread in Sports Betting
Point spreads have many nuances. Learning how to read them, as well as sports betting spreads, can help you gain an edge in your betting strategy. Let’s take a look at what’s involved in reading the spread.
For consistency’s sake, we’ll continue to use the Steelers-Chiefs example. Here’s what we know:
- The Chiefs are the heavy favorites, expected to beat Pittsburgh by about a touchdown.
- Kansas City bettors know that their team is theoretically at a 6.5-point disadvantage.
- Steelers bettors are hoping that, by the end of the game, the Chiefs won’t be able to make up that 6.5-point deficit.
You can think of the point spread in terms of 'fantasy points' to help you visualize it. When the game ends, you apply the fantasy points to the final score to see if your bet has won or lost.
If you bet on the Steelers, you will add 6.5 to their final total. If you bet on the Chiefs, you will subtract 6.5 from their total. Here are some hypothetical outcomes and how the spread is calculated:
- Steelers won, 30-27: The Steelers cover the spread. They do not even need fantasy points — they win outright, which in betting parlance is called a 'reversal.'
- Chiefs won, 30-24: The Chiefs won the game, but Pittsburgh covers the spread because their loss margin is only 6.5 points.
- Chiefs won, 28-14: The Chiefs won and covered the spread, as their 14-point margin of victory easily covered the 6.5-point spread.
As the second example above makes clear, if you bet on the underdog — again, the team with the ' + ' symbol — that team doesn’t necessarily have to win the game on the scoreboard for you to win the bet.
This is one reason why many professional bettors tend to target the underdog. This is in addition to the general public’s tendency to bet on the favorite regardless of the point spread.
Can you win money on spread betting?
The answer is yes, you can win money on spread betting. However, there are a few easy strategies you can implement right away to help you win money.
Shopping Lines
If you are in a state with multiple sportsbooks, we recommend that you take a close look at each one to see which one offers the best value based on the type of bet you want to place. This will give you not only more options but also optimize your chances of getting a higher return.
Whether you are finding a better spread or adding 0.5 or a full point, this is a smart strategy to identify attractive bets. Taking advantage of these small differences can add up to a big advantage in the long run, especially if you bet frequently.
Looking at Alternative Spreads
Alternative line betting may not be available at all sportsbooks, but it is something to consider. With this type of bet, you can wager on different spreads, with the line value reflecting those changes. You can sacrifice some line value for an extra point or two.
Leverage Bonus Offers
Most online sportsbooks offer a variety of bonuses or promotions. These offers, ranging from no deposit bonuses and deposit bonuses to free and ‘risk-free’ bets, help players experiment with bets they might not have considered. This is a great way to take advantage of new betting opportunities without having to worry about losing too much money.
Some promotions are also linked to specific bets, requiring players to participate in certain events or bet types. Taking part in these promotions not only increases your chances of winning but also provides a great way for players to expand their betting strategies, especially when trying out markets or events they are unfamiliar with.
Conclusion
Sports spread betting is a smart strategy that helps you maximize your chances of winning and minimize your risks. By doing your research and taking advantage of small differences in odds from different bookmakers, you can maximize your profits in the long run. However, it is important to stay calm, remain informed, and not let emotions dictate your decisions. With proper preparation and planning, spread betting can be an effective tool to increase your chances of success in sports betting. Good luck!
See more: Parlay Sports Betting: What It is and How It works
