What Does the + and - Mean in Sports Betting Spread
If you're new to sports betting, you may have come across a betting line that includes a plus sign (+) or a minus sign (-). These signs are commonly used in sports betting to indicate the point spread. Understanding the meaning of these signs is essential for anyone who wants to bet on sports.
What is Sports Betting Spread?
Sports betting spread is a way of evening out the odds between two teams in a game. The sportsbook sets the point spread, which represents the number of points by which one team is favored over the other. Bettors can place their bets on either the favorite or the underdog.
For example, let's say the point spread for a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics is -7.5. This means that the Lakers are favored to win by 7.5 points. If you bet on the Lakers, they would have to win by eight or more points to cover the spread. If you bet on the Celtics, they would have to lose by seven or fewer points or win the game outright for your bet to be a winner.
What Does the + Mean in Sports Betting Spread?
The plus sign (+) is used to indicate the underdog in a game. It represents the number of points by which the underdog is an underdog. Using the same example as above, if the point spread for a game between the Lakers and the Celtics is +7.5, it means that the Celtics are the underdogs, and they are being given 7.5 points. If you bet on the Celtics, they can lose the game by up to 7 points, and your bet will still be a winner. If the Celtics win the game outright, your bet will also be a winner LeoVegas.
What Does the - Mean in Sports Betting Spread?
The minus sign (-) is used to indicate the favorite in a game. It represents the number of points by which the favorite is favored over the underdog. Using the same example as above, if the point spread for a game between the Lakers and the Celtics is -7.5, it means that the Lakers are the favorites, and they are giving 7.5 points. If you bet on the Lakers, they would have to win by eight or more points to cover the spread. If they win by seven or fewer points, your bet is a loser.
How to Read the Sports Betting Spread
To read the sports betting spread, you need to combine the point spread with the plus or minus sign. The favorite is always indicated by a minus sign (-), while the underdog is indicated by a plus sign (+). The number next to the plus or minus sign represents the point spread.
| Lakers | Celtics | |
| Point Spread | -7.5 | +7.5 |
| Bet on Lakers | Win if Lakers win by 8 or more points | Lose if Lakers win by 7 or fewer points |
| Bet on Celtics | Win if Celtics win outright or lose by up to 7 points | Lose if Celtics lose by 8 or more points |
For example, if the point spread for a game is -3.5, it means that the favorite is favored to win by 3.5 points. If the point spread is +3.5, it means that the underdog is being given 3.5 points.
Why Use Sports Betting Spread?
Sports betting spread is used to level the playing field between two teams that are unevenly matched. It gives bettors an opportunity to bet on the underdog and still win if the underdog loses by a certain number of points. On the other hand, it also gives bettors an opportunity to bet on the favorite and win if the favorite wins by a certain number of points.
Without sports betting spread, many games would be unattractive to bettors because the outcome would be too predictable. By setting a point spread, sportsbooks can generate interest in games that would otherwise be one-sided.
In conclusion, understanding the meaning of the plus and minus signs in sports betting spread is crucial for anyone who wants to bet on sports. The plus sign (+) indicates the underdog, while the minus sign (-) indicates the favorite. The number next to the plus or minus sign represents the point spread. By leveling the playing field between two teams, sports betting spread generates interest in games that would otherwise be too predictable.
What is sports betting spread?
Sports betting spread is a way of evening out the odds between two teams in a game. The sportsbook sets the point spread, which represents the number of points by which one team is favored over the other.
What does the plus sign (+) mean in sports betting spread?
The plus sign (+) is used to indicate the underdog in a game. It represents the number of points by which the underdog is an underdog. If the point spread for a game is +5.5, it means that the underdog is being given 5.5 points.
What does the minus sign (-) mean in sports betting spread?
The minus sign (-) is used to indicate the favorite in a game. It represents the number of points by which the favorite is favored over the underdog. If the point spread for a game is -5.5, it means that the favorite is favored to win by 5.5 points.
How to read the sports betting spread?
To read the sports betting spread, you need to combine the point spread with the plus or minus sign. The favorite is always indicated by a minus sign (-), while the underdog is indicated by a plus sign (+). The number next to the plus or minus sign represents the point spread.
What does the point spread mean?
The point spread represents the number of points by which one team is favored over the other. Bettors can place their bets on either the favorite or the underdog.
What does it mean to cover the spread?
To cover the spread means that the team you bet on wins the game by more points than the point spread. For example, if the point spread for a game is -7.5 and you bet on the favorite, the favorite would have to win by eight or more points to cover the spread.
What happens if the favorite wins by exactly the point spread?
If the favorite wins by exactly the point spread, it is considered a push, and all bets are refunded.
What happens if the underdog wins the game outright?
If the underdog wins the game outright, all bets on the underdog are winners.
What happens if the favorite wins the game, but doesn't cover the spread?
If the favorite wins the game, but doesn't cover the spread, all bets on the favorite are losers.
What happens if the game ends in a tie?
If the game ends in a tie, all bets are refunded.
Why use sports betting spread?
Sports betting spread is used to level the playing field between two teams that are unevenly matched. It gives bettors an opportunity to bet on the underdog and still win if the underdog loses by a certain number of points.
What are the risks of sports betting?
Sports betting involves risks, including the possibility of losing all of your money. It is important to gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
How do I calculate my winnings?
To calculate your winnings, multiply your bet by the odds. For example, if you bet $100 on a team with odds of +150, your potential winnings would be $150.
Can I bet on sports online?
Yes, many sportsbooks offer online betting. However, it is important to only use reputable and licensed sportsbooks to ensure the safety of your money and personal information.
Is sports betting legal?
The legality of sports betting varies by country and state. It is important to check the laws in your area before placing a bet.