An estimated 35 billion dollars was estimated to be bet on the NFL in the 2024 season (ESPN)! Are you excited to be part of this magic?
If you’re new to NFL betting, one of the first terms you’ll encounter is the “point spread.” This is a key component of sports wagering, and understanding it is essential for making informed bets.
The point spread is designed to level the playing field between two teams of varying strengths, creating a more balanced betting experience.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to read and interpret an NFL point spread in beginner football betting software.
The NFL point spread is a betting line set by oddsmakers to predict the margin by which one team will win or lose. Essentially, it’s a way to even out the odds between a favorite (the team expected to win) and an underdog (the team expected to lose).
For example, a typical NFL point spread might look like this:
In this example:
The point spread requires the favorite to win by a certain margin for bets on them to pay out.
Conversely, the underdog can lose by less than the point spread or win outright for a bet on them to succeed.
Not sure about all this yet? Let’s break it down further.
If you bet on the Chiefs at -7.5, they need to win the game by at least 8 points for your bet to win. Here’s how it plays out.
If you bet on the Broncos at +7.5, they can either, lose by 7 points or fewer, and your bet still wins. Or they could win the game outright, and your bet also wins.
If you wish to be comfortable speaking about spreads with the experts, there are some key terms you need to know as a beginner. Here they are.
A push occurs when the final margin of victory equals the point spread. This typically happens when the spread is a whole number (e.g., -7 instead of -7.5). In this case, all bets are refunded.
The “hook” refers to the half-point in a spread (e.g., -7.5 or +3.5). It eliminates the possibility of a push and ensures that one side will win the bet outright.
The juice or vig is the commission charged by the sportsbook for taking your bet. It’s usually displayed as a three-digit number like -110, meaning you need to wager $110 to win $100.
Imagine a matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants with the following spread.
Here are some betting scenarios to consider.
If the Giants win outright, bets on them win regardless of the score
Point spreads are designed to balance the betting action. Without spreads, most bets would be placed on the stronger team, leaving sportsbooks vulnerable to significant losses. By introducing the spread, oddsmakers aim to create equal interest in both teams, ensuring that the sportsbook profits regardless of the game’s outcome.
Find a reputable local bookie or become one with the best bookie software, whether online or in person, that offers NFL betting options. Locate the NFL game you’re interested in and examine the spread. Most sportsbooks display it alongside the game matchup.
Decide whether you want to bet on the favorite or the underdog, and place your wager. Remember to account for the juice when calculating potential payouts. Follow the game to see if your chosen team covers the spread.
Research both teams to assess their performance trends, injuries, and matchups.
Point spreads can shift based on betting activity or breaking news. Pay attention to how the lines move before placing your bet.
Teams often perform differently at home versus on the road. This can influence the spread and your betting decision.
Factors like rain, snow, or extreme heat can impact scoring and play styles, potentially affecting the spread outcome.
It’s easy to let fandom influence your bets. Stay objective and focus on the data.
Always factor in the juice when calculating potential returns. A bet with higher juice (-120 instead of -110) requires a larger stake to win the same amount.
Blindly placing bets without understanding the teams or the matchup can lead to consistent losses.
Don’t place too much emphasis on one or two games. Look at a team’s overall performance to make informed decisions.
If a bet doesn’t go your way, avoid the temptation to immediately place another wager to recoup losses. Stay disciplined and stick to your strategy.
Do you wish to take advantage of the craze around NFL betting? Now that you’ve learned a bit about NFL Point Spread, do you wish to go further in the game?
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