Spread Betting Guide US, How it Works and What it Means
Understand the key terms of how Spread Betting works at the top sports betting sites in the US here with our walkthrough guide. Spread betting is a popular bet type that you can expect to see at all sportsbooks, often placed on on sports fixtures in the NFL, and NBA, for example.
By LiveScore Desk, Editorial team for sports, betting and casino What is Spread Betting?
Point spread betting is a popular form of sports wagering where oddsmakers assign a numerical margin to level the playing field between two teams. The "spread" acts as a projected difference in score, allowing bets to remain competitive regardless of team strength. For instance, if a team is listed at –7, they must win by more than seven points to cover the spread. Conversely, a +7 underdog can either win outright or lose by fewer than seven points for that bet to succeed.
Think of the spread as a theoretical head start for the underdog; it doesn't impact the actual outcome of the game but balances the odds for betting purposes. This approach encourages equal action on both sides, creating a more dynamic and strategic form of wagering. Spread betting is widely used in football and basketball, where point differentials are common and impactful.
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Things to take into consideration
A team covers the spread if it wins by more than the assigned margin or loses by fewer points than the spread number.
Oddsmakers create the point spread to keep wagers balanced and may adjust it depending on how people are betting.
A team can win the actual game but still fail to cover the spread if they don't win by the required margin.
When the final score matches the exact spread, it results in a push, meaning all bets are refunded.
Spread betting is different from moneyline wagers, which are based solely on which team wins the game outright.
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How does "Covering the Spread" Work?
In spread betting, “covering the spread” refers to a team either exceeding or staying within the margin set by oddsmakers. If the favorite is listed at -7 and wins the game by more than seven points, they’ve successfully covered the spread. However, if they win by fewer than seven or lose outright, the bet loses, benefiting those who backed the underdog.
Interestingly, an underdog can still cover even in a loss as long as they keep the game within the spread. For example, if the underdog loses by just six points, they’ve covered, and bettors win. This concept is key for anyone learning how point spread betting works in NFL, NBA, or college sports.
What Happens If the Spread Is Not Covered?
When a team fails to cover the spread, it means they didn’t meet the expectations set by the oddsmakers. For example, if the underdog has a +7 spread but ends up losing by 14 points, they’ve missed the mark, and anyone who bet on them to cover loses the wager.
Another scenario is known as a push, which happens when the game’s result lands precisely on the point spread. In this case, bets are typically refunded. To avoid pushes, sportsbooks often set half-point spreads, like -6.5 or -7.5, making it less likely for the final score to hit the exact margin.
What Factors Influence the Spread?
Various factors influence how oddsmakers set and adjust the spread of online sports betting. These include team performance, injuries, weather conditions, travel schedules, and home-field advantage. Public perception also plays a major role, if bettors heavily favor one side, sportsbooks might shift the spread to encourage equal betting on both teams, helping to manage their risk.
Some platforms allow buying or selling points, letting bettors adjust the spread in their favor. For instance, if you believe the favorite will dominate, you can increase the spread for a higher payout. Conversely, buying points to lower the spread gives you a better chance of winning, but at reduced odds. Spreads may also move closer to game time due to late-breaking news, such as player injuries or roster changes, making it essential to monitor updates before placing your bet.
Example of Covering the Spread
An example of covering the spread is in a 2025 NFL regular season matchup; the Dallas Cowboys were listed as -4.5 favorites against the Miami Dolphins, who entered as +4.5 underdogs. This meant Dallas needed to win by at least five points to cover the spread. The final score ended 30-24 in favor of Dallas, a 6-point victory. Since they won by more than the 4.5-point spread, Dallas covered, and bettors who backed them against the spread won their wagers.
Spread Betting vs. Money Line Bet
Spread Betting
Spread betting involves wagering on the margin of victory rather than simply who wins. For example, in a 2025 NFL matchup, the Dallas Cowboys were favored by -4.5 points against the Miami Dolphins. This meant Dallas needed to win by at least five points to “cover the spread.” They ended up winning 30-24, a 6-point difference, which covered the spread. Bettors who backed Dallas against the spread won, while those who picked Miami lost the bet.
Money Line
Moneyline bets focus solely on which team will win, without attention to the final score margin. In the same Cowboys vs. Dolphins game, if you placed a moneyline wager on Dallas, you would have won because they secured the outright victory. This type of bet is straightforward: betting on the team you believe will win the game, regardless of the point differential. Payouts are determined by each team’s odds as favorite or underdog.
Spread Betting Summarised
Understanding how to cover the spread is essential for all online sports bettors. Covering the spread adds complexity to wagering, making it more strategic than simply picking winners and losers. By analyzing trends, managing risk, and staying informed, bettors can improve their chances of long-term success.
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