In gambling, a point spread is a type of wager used in sports betting, particularly in American football and basketball. It is a margin of victory that is set by the sportsbook to create a more balanced betting market.
Here’s how it works:
1. **Setting the Spread**:
The sportsbook sets a point spread for each game. For example, if the point spread for a football game is “Team A -7,” it means Team A is favored to win by more than 7 points.
2. **Betting on the Favorite**:
If you bet on the favorite (Team A in this case), you must wager that they will win by more than the point spread. So, if you bet on Team A -7, they must win by 8 or more points for your bet to be successful.
3. **Betting on the Underdog**:
If you bet on the underdog (Team B), you are wagering that they will either win the game outright or lose by less than the point spread. So, if you bet on Team B +7, they can lose by 6 points, win, or tie, and your bet would be a winner.
4. **Push**:
If the favorite wins by exactly the point spread, the bet is a “push,” and you get your original wager back, with no profit or loss.
The point spread is designed to balance the betting action on both sides of the game, ensuring that the sportsbook makes a profit regardless of the outcome. It reflects the perceived difference in skill or ability between the two teams.
Disclaimer: This content was assisted by AI and reviewed by humans.
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