Point Spread Betting Explained

Point spread betting is a popular form of sports betting at legal and regulated online sportsbooks in Kentucky. This type of betting involves wagering on the margin of victory in a particular game or event, with the favorite team being given a handicap (or point spread) to level the playing field with the underdog.

When placing a point spread bet, a bettor must choose either the favorite or underdog and bet on whether they will win by more or less than the designated point spread. The odds for each side will be adjusted accordingly to balance out the betting action.

Legal and regulated online sportsbooks in Kentucky offer a safe and secure platform for placing point spread bets, with a wide range of sports and events. These sites also provide top KY sportsbook bonuses, promotions and rewards to enhance the betting experience. Read more about point spread betting at legal Kentucky sportsbooks below.

What is a point spread bet?

Point spread betting is a popular and exciting way for sports fans in Kentucky to engage in sports betting. The point spread is set by oddsmakers and is designed to balance the betting action on both sides of the matchup. The point spread provides a level of excitement and strategy to the betting experience, as it requires bettors to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each team and make an informed decision.

For example, if a bettor were to wager on the Kentucky Wildcats football team with a -6.5 point spread, they would need the Wildcats to win by seven or more points for their bet to be successful. Conversely, if they bet on the opposing Louisville Cardinals, they would win if the Cardinals win outright or lose by fewer than 6.5 points. This type of betting offers a range of possibilities and can be a profitable way to enjoy sports betting in Kentucky.

What does betting ‘against the spread’ mean?

Betting “against the spread” is a common phrase that gets used in a couple of different ways. Most often, when you ever hear people talk about how a team performs “against the spread” (or ATS), they’re referring to whether a team covered their spread. The Kentucky Wildcats, for instance, could be 10-2 on the season straight up, but 7-5 against the spread, meaning they won three games where they didn’t cover.

Betting “against the spread” is popular because it evens out the playing field between two teams that may not be evenly matched, making the game outcome more unpredictable and exciting for bettors. It also allows for a wider range of betting options and strategies for bettors.

You might also hear people talk about betting “against the spread” vs. “with the spread.” In this case, “against” means you’re backing the underdog and taking the points cushion. Betting “with” means you’re backing the favorite and giving up the points.

What does ‘covering the spread’ mean?

“Covering the spread” is a term used in sports betting to describe a situation where a team wins a game by a margin greater than the point spread set by oddsmakers or loses by less than the point spread. When a team covers the spread, it means that they have performed better than expected by bookmakers and have beaten the point spread.

For example, let’s say that the point spread for a game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals is -6.5 in favor of the Wildcats. If the Wildcats win the game by seven or more points, they have “covered the spread,” and a bettor who placed a wager on the Wildcats “against the spread” would win their bet. Conversely, if the Cardinals lose by six or fewer points, they have “covered the spread,” and a bettor who placed a wager on the Cardinals “against the spread” would win their bet.

Covering the spread is an essential concept in sports betting, and it is often used to measure a team’s performance and the accuracy of oddsmakers’ predictions. It is also important for bettors when deciding which team to bet on and how to structure their bets.

How do point spread odds work?

Point spread odds are an essential aspect of sports betting in Kentucky, as they determine the potential payout for a successful bet and help balance the betting action on both sides of the matchup. The point spread is designed to level the playing field between the favorite and underdog teams, so the odds are usually the same for both sides.

However, some Kentucky sportsbooks may offer better odds on one side or the other to encourage betting on that side and balance out the betting action. Sportsbooks may also adjust the betting spread to achieve the same result while leaving the odds unchanged.

Point spread odds are typically close to even money, with a small profit margin built in for sportsbooks. For instance, most point spread bets at Kentucky sportsbooks are offered at standard -110 odds, where bettors need to wager $110 to win $100. This standard odds structure allows sportsbooks to earn a 4.5% profit, regardless of which side ultimately wins the game or event.

Understanding point spread odds is crucial for bettors in Kentucky, as it helps them make informed decisions about their bets and evaluate the potential payout for a successful bet.

Do point spread odds change?

Yes, point spread odds can change in response to various factors that affect the outcome of the game or event. Sportsbooks may adjust the point spread and odds based on factors such as injuries, weather conditions, player performance and other variables.

Moreover, sportsbooks may adjust the point spread and odds to balance the betting action on both sides of the matchup. For instance, if many bets are placed on one side of the betting line, sportsbooks may adjust the point spread or odds to encourage more betting on the other side, thus balancing out the betting action.

Bettors in Kentucky need to stay up-to-date with any changes to the point spread or odds before placing their bets. They can monitor changes to the point spread and odds by checking sportsbook websites, following news and updates related to the game or event, and consulting with expert handicappers or bettors.

Point spread betting outcomes

There are three possible outcomes when placing a point spread bet. These outcomes are:

• Win: If the team you bet on covers the point spread, you win the bet. For example, if you bet on the Kentucky Wildcats -6.5, and they win the game by seven or more points, you win your bet.
• Loss: If the team you bet on does not cover the point spread, you lose the bet. For example, if you bet on the Kentucky Wildcats -6.5, and they win the game by six or fewer points, you lose your bet.
• Push: In some cases, the final score may result in a tie with the point spread, which is known as a push. In this situation, the bet is refunded, and neither the bettor nor the sportsbook wins or loses money.

It is essential to understand these outcomes when placing a point spread bet, as they can affect the potential payout and the amount of risk involved in the bet.

What sports use point spread betting?

Betting the spread is a popular form of sports betting that is offered on a variety of sports, including:

• Football (NFL and college)
• Basketball (NBA and college)
• Baseball (MLB)
• Hockey (NHL)
• Soccer (MLS, Premier League, La Liga, etc.)
• Tennis (ATP and WTA)
• Golf (PGA Tour and European Tour)
• Boxing and MMA

In each sport, bettors can place point spread bets on the margin of victory or defeat for a particular game or event. Point spread betting is a popular way for bettors to engage with their favorite sports.

When placing a sports spread bet, bettors choose whether to bet on the favorite or underdog team while considering whether the favorite will win by more or less than the designated point spread. The odds for each side will be adjusted accordingly to balance out the betting action on both sides.

Examples of point spread betting by sport

In Kentucky, legal and regulated sportsbooks offer point spread betting on various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, MMA, tennis and golf.

For instance, in football, a Kentucky sportsbook may set a point spread for an NFL game or college football game. Let’s use an example between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers with Dallas at -3 (-110) and Green Bay at +3 (-110). Bettors can place bets on whether they believe the Dallas Cowboys will win by more than three points or if the Green Bay Packers will either win outright or lose by fewer than three points.

Similarly, in basketball, a Kentucky sportsbook may set a point spread for an NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics with Los Angeles at -5 (-110) and Boston at +5 (-110). Bettors can wager on whether they believe the Lakers will win by more than five points or if the Celtics will either win outright or lose by fewer than five points.

In tennis betting, a Kentucky sportsbook may set a point spread for a match between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka with Williams at -2.5 (-110) and Osaka at +2.5 (-110). Bettors can place bets on whether they believe Serena Williams will win by more than 2.5 games or if Naomi Osaka will win outright or lose by fewer than 2.5 games.

Regardless of the sport, point spread betting offers bettors a chance to bet on the margin of victory or defeat, providing an exciting and strategic approach to sports betting in Kentucky.