Point Spread Explanation

The point spread is a betting device that is determined by oddsmakers in order to attract bettors to uneven competitions of sporting events such as football. Point spreads make lopsided games as fair as possible to bettors.

Favorite

Teams regarded as favorites typically have a negative number next to their name where point spreads are published. This number signifies how many points that oddsmakers expect the favored team to defeat its opponent.

Underdog

If underdogs have a number next to their name, it's with a plus value. In other words, if it's +11, the team is given an additional 11 points by the oddsmakers against its favored opponent.

Over/Under

The over/under is next to a point spread, and signifies how many points are expected in a game. You can bet on both teams totaling more or fewer points than the predetermined amount.

How to Win

Regardless of who wins the game, if you bet on the team that would have won had they scored their actual points plus or minus the point spread, you win the bet. For example, if you bet on the favored Chicago Bears -5, and they only win by four, 21-17 for example, you would lose that bet.

How Much You Win

Casinos will take wagers in increments of $11 in order to win $10. If betting with your friends, you can come up with your own point spreads and dollar amounts.

References

• CasinoPlayer.com