What Is Sports Spread Betting? Point Spreads Explained 2025

If you’ve scanned a sportsbook and spotted numbers like -3.5 or +7.5 beside a team, you’ve already seen a point spread. But what is spread betting? 

It’s a wager on the margin of victory rather than just who wins. Point spreads make mismatched games more competitive for bettors.

In 2025, spreads remain one of the most popular bet types, appearing across various sports, including football and basketball, on Jackpot.bet’s sportsbook.

To make smarter and strategic bets, we will explain everything from the basics to advanced tips to help you navigate spreads like a pro.

What Is a Point Spread?

A point spread is the line a sportsbook sets to balance a game between a favorite and an underdog. 

Instead of just picking who wins, you bet on whether the favorite will win by more than the spread or if the underdog will stay within it. 

For example, if Team A is -6.5 and Team B is +6.5, Team A must win by at least seven for its backers to cash in. 

The format keeps games competitive, which is why spread betting has become a popular betting option.

How to Read & Interpret Spreads

Every spread shows two things: the favorite with a minus and the underdog with a plus. The number is how many points the favorite must win by or how many points the underdog can lose by and still “cover.” 

To illustrate, -3.5 means the favorite must win by at least 4. A +3.5 underdog can lose by three or less and still pay out. 

If the result equals the spread exactly, it’s called a “push,” and your stake is usually refunded.

Spread Betting Across Different Sports

Point spreads aren’t just for football. In basketball, they’re used to balance fast-scoring games; a team might be -7.5 or +7.5, depending on its form. 

Similarly, baseball calls it the “run line” and hockey the “puck line,” but the idea is the same: a margin set to even the matchup. 

Even football sometimes uses goal spreads when one team is significantly stronger than the other. 

So, the sport’s scoring pace helps you read these lines correctly, since a small spread in baseball can be as impactful as a large one in football.

Odds, Vig & Payouts in Spread Betting

Spread bets usually come with standard odds, such as -110 on both sides. Such numbers indicate two key aspects: the amount you win and the built-in margin (or vig) that the sportsbook retains.

• Standard odds: Most point spreads list -110, meaning you risk $110 to win $100. It keeps the book balanced.

• The vig (“juice”): The small edge sportsbooks charge for taking bets. It’s why payouts are slightly less than even money.

• Payout example: A $50 bet at -110 returns $45.45 profit if it wins. Different lines (-115, +100, etc.) shift your return.

Strategies & Tips for Using Spreads

The numbers are only half the job. The other half is how you approach them. The following tips could help you make smarter, steadier spread bets:

• Shop the line: Different sportsbooks may post slightly different spreads (-3 vs. -3.5). A half a point can change a win into a push.

• Track line movement: Spreads shift when injuries, weather, or betting volume change the market. Watching early and late moves can reveal better value.

• Don’t chase heavy favorites: Big spreads can be traps. A -14 favorites may still win but not “cover.”

• Check matchups and context: Injuries, travel schedules, and playing style all affect whether a team covers the spread.

• Manage your bankroll: Keep stakes consistent (1-3% of bankroll per bet) so that one bad result doesn’t wipe out your balance.

Common Misconceptions & Pitfalls

Point spreads may seem simple, but several common misunderstandings can quickly drain a bankroll. One of the biggest is thinking that a spread bet is only about picking the winner. 

In reality, the favorite can win the game and still fail to “cover,” leaving your bet unpaid. Another trap is ignoring the “hook,” that extra half point (e.g., -3.5) designed to prevent a push. 

Bettors also fall into the habit of taking underdogs just because of the points without checking whether the line is fair. 

Finally, always remember that if the result exactly matches the spread, it usually counts as a push, and your stake is refunded.

Conclusion

Sport spread betting gives you a clear edge when approaching any sportsbook line. 

Instead of guessing at numbers beside a team’s name, you now understand that they show the points margin between the favorites and underdogs. They also indicate whether each side can “cover” the spread. 

By reading spreads correctly, respecting the vig, and managing stakes, you turn a common bet type into a calculated decision. 

On Jackpot.bet, you’ll find point spreads across football, basketball, and more, making it easy to apply this knowledge and bet with greater confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a spread in sports betting?

A spread in sports betting is the number of points oddsmakers give to balance a game between a favorite and an underdog. 

It shows how much the favorite must win by or how close the underdog can keep the score to “cover.”

What does spread mean in sports betting?

It means you’re betting on the margin of victory rather than just the outcome. If a team is -3.5, it must win by at least four points for your wager to succeed.

How do sports betting spreads work?

Sportsbooks set a line to even out mismatched teams. Bettors choose whether the favorite will exceed that margin or if the underdog will stay within it. 

On Jackpot.bet you can see updated spreads and odds before placing a bet.

What is an example of a spread bet?

If Team A is -6.5 and Team B is +6.5, Team A backers need a win by seven or more points to cash. Conversely, Team B backers win if the team loses by six or less, or wins outright.