What is Spread in Sports Betting?

Spread Explained in Detail

The point spread exists to create balanced action on both sides of a game. Without it, everyone would simply bet on the better team. By giving the underdog a head start in points, sportsbooks make both sides equally attractive to bettors, which is how they manage their risk.

When you see a spread of -7 on a team, that team must win by more than 7 points for your bet to cash. If you take the other side at +7, that team can lose by up to 6 points and your bet still wins. If the favorite wins by exactly the spread number, it is called a push and all bets are refunded.

Spreads are typically set with a half-point (like -3.5 or +6.5) to avoid pushes. This half-point is called the hook. The spread moves before the game based on betting action and new information like injuries or weather. Sharp bettors watch line movement closely because getting a better number by even half a point can make a significant difference over time.

In football, the most common spreads cluster around 3 and 7 because those are the most frequent margins of victory due to field goals (3 points) and touchdowns with extra points (7 points). Understanding these key numbers is essential for profitable NFL betting.