What Is Pointspread?

If you are a sports fan, you might have heard of the term “pointspread” and wondered what it means. A pointspread is the number of points that a team is expected to win or lose by in a game. It is also known as the spread, the line, or the handicap. A pointspread is a tool that oddsmakers use to create a balanced betting market and attract bets on both sides of a game.

How Does a Pointspread Work?

A pointspread works by giving points to the underdog team and taking points away from the favorite team. The underdog team is the team that is expected to lose the game, while the favorite team is the team that is expected to win the game. The pointspread indicates how many points the underdog team can lose by or the favorite team can win by for a bet on that team to win.

For example, let’s say that the New England Patriots are playing against the Miami Dolphins in an NFL game. The oddsmakers set the pointspread as follows:

• Patriots -7.5 (-110)
• Dolphins +7.5 (-110)

This means that the Patriots are the favorite team and the Dolphins are the underdog team. The Patriots have to win by more than 7.5 points for a bet on them to win, while the Dolphins can lose by less than 7.5 points or win outright for a bet on them to win. The -110 next to each team is the moneyline odds, which shows how much money you have to bet to win $100. In this case, you have to bet $110 to win $100 on either team.

How to Read a Pointspread?

A pointspread can be read by looking at the sign and the number next to each team. A minus sign (-) means that the team is the favorite and has to win by more than the number of points indicated. A plus sign (+) means that the team is the underdog and can lose by less than the number of points indicated or win outright.

For example, let’s say that the Los Angeles Lakers are playing against the Boston Celtics in an NBA game. The oddsmakers set the pointspread as follows:

• Lakers -3.5 (-110)
• Celtics +3.5 (-110)

This means that the Lakers are the favorite team and the Celtics are the underdog team. The Lakers have to win by more than 3.5 points for a bet on them to win, while the Celtics can lose by less than 3.5 points or win outright for a bet on them to win.

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Pointspread?

A pointspread can have some benefits and drawbacks for your betting. Here are some of them:

Benefits:

• A pointspread can create a balanced betting market and attract bets on both sides of a game, as it gives the underdog team a chance to win and the favorite team a challenge to overcome.
• A pointspread can offer more value and opportunities, as you can find more favorable lines and markets for your bet, especially if you have done your own research and analysis on the game or event.
• A pointspread can reduce your exposure and risk, as you can win your bet even if your team does not win the game, as long as they cover the spread.

Drawbacks:

• A pointspread can have a higher risk than a moneyline bet, as you have to consider the margin of victory or defeat in addition to the outcome of the game.
• A pointspread can be affected by unforeseen factors, such as injuries, weather, or referee decisions, that can change the outcome of the game or the performance of the teams.
• A pointspread can be more difficult and challenging, as it requires more knowledge and skill in sports betting. You might have to do more research and analysis, and have more confidence and discipline, to place a pointspread bet.

To Sum Up

A pointspread is the number of points that a team is expected to win or lose by in a game. It is a tool that oddsmakers use to create a balanced betting market and attract bets on both sides of a game. A pointspread can have some benefits and drawbacks for your betting, depending on your preferences and strategies.