How Do "Point-Spreads" Work.....For NFL, NHL Games, Etc.

[Blitz]

My friend is getting me into this whole "sports-gambling" world....looks cool.

But I want to know how Point Spreads work.....

Like "Miami 3 Detroit"

What does that mean?

Any info/links would be appreciated, thanks.

[torsten]

A point spread is simply who's favored and by how much. The spread matters because if you bet on a team that's favored, they have to cover the point spread, while the underdog doesn't even have to win.

For example: If Dallas is favored over Houston by 8 and you bet on the Cowboys --- and they win by 4, then you lose. So the point spread is theoretically an equalizer designed to make the game "even." That way you can bet realistically even on games that are mismatches.

Go here:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/gaming/odds/index.htm
to find the current odds/lines. They have a small explanation near the bottom of the page called odds primer.

[Blitz]

Originally posted by torsten
A point spread is simply who's favored and by how much. The spread matters because if you bet on a team that's favored, they have to cover the point spread, while the underdog doesn't even have to win.

For example: If Dallas is favored over Houston by 8 and you bet on the Cowboys --- and they win by 4, then you lose. So the point spread is theoretically an equalizer designed to make the game "even." That way you can bet realistically even on games that are mismatches.

Go here:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/gaming/odds/index.htm
to find the current odds/lines. They have a small explanation near the bottom of the page called odds primer.

Thx man.
Now I heard that you can go against the point spread.......true? How does that work?

[Blitz]

Also, I just checked your link, it shows Dallas favoured by "8.5".....whats up with the ".5" ?

So, if I bet on Dallas, and they win 20-12........?

[torsten]

I think betting against the spread just means using the point spread as a basis for the bet instead of just betting on whether a team wins or loses.

This page (http://www.coverwire.com/gambling_wagers.htm) explains it better than I did, including the half points.

[Blitz]

Originally posted by torsten
I think betting against the spread just means using the point spread as a basis for the bet instead of just betting on whether a team wins or loses.

This page (http://www.coverwire.com/gambling_wagers.htm) explains it better than I did, including the half points.

Awesome site.
This is exactly what I wanted, thank you.

Its gonna be a great year for NFL :D

[downhill]

It's a LOT harder than it looks.....

Orgeon has an NFL football lottery. I'm not rich, yet.