How Does Sports Betting Work?
Point spread betting is a popular form of wagering in sports betting that levels the playing field between two teams, making games more interesting for bettors. Unlike a straight-up bet, where you simply pick the team you think will win, point spread betting involves handicapping the favored team by a certain number of points. This point spread serves as a hypothetical margin of victory, making it more challenging to predict the outcome accurately. That makes it more exciting for those looking for thrilling risks or bigger rewards. Boot Hill Casino is pleased to offer point spread betting among our many sportsbook betting options, giving both new and experienced players fun options to enjoy the game.
How Does a Point Spread Work?
In point spread betting, the sportsbook sets a line representing the margin of victory that the favored team is expected to have over the underdog. If you bet on the favorite, they must win by more points than the spread for your bet to be successful. On the other hand, if you bet on the underdog, they must either win the game outright or lose by fewer points than the spread for your bet to win. The point spread essentially evens out the odds between the two teams, making the betting more competitive and enticing. The system also requires you to have more knowledge and insight about the teams to be successful in your betting.
Key Components of Point Spread Betting
To successfully bet on the point spread, you will need to learn a few of the key components. Knowing these terms and how these concepts come into play will help you make informed decisions that can improve your chances of making a bet that pays off.
Favorite and Underdog
In every match, there is the favored team and the team that few people are backing, known as the underdog. The favored team is expected to win, while the underdog is expected to lose. The point spread is applied to both teams to level the playing field in terms of betting odds. You need to know who the favorite and the underdog are so that you know how to read the spread and which way it should go.
The Spread
In point spread betting, the spread is the number of points by which the favored team is expected to win. For example, if the spread is -6.5 for Team A, that team needs to win by at least 7 points for point spread bets placed on them to be successful. Conversely, if the spread is +6.5 for Team B, that team needs to win the game outright or lose by 6 points or fewer for point spread bets placed on them to win.
The Moneyline
While the point spread provides a handicap for the teams, the moneyline represents the odds associated with each team winning the game outright. Positive and negative values indicate the underdog and favored teams, respectively, with the corresponding amount indicating the potential profit for a winning bet. To understand what these numbers will mean in terms of payouts for a particular bet, simply ask one of the representatives at the sportsbook. The friendly team at Boot Hill Casino are always happy to answer your questions and help you understand your betting options.
How To Make A Point Spread Bet
Point spread betting involves understanding the odds, assessing the teams’ performance, and predicting the game’s outcome based on the spread. To place a point spread bet, you choose the team you believe will cover the spread. If you think the favored team will win by more points than the spread, you bet on them to “cover.” If you believe the underdog will either win the game or lose by fewer points than the spread, you bet on them to “cover.” Once you make your selection, you place your wager, and if your chosen team meets the conditions, your bet is successful, and you receive your winnings.
Understanding the nuances of point spread betting allows bettors to engage more effectively in sports wagering, enhancing their overall experience and potentially increasing their profits. As with any form of gambling, responsible betting practices are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience.
How to Read Point Spreads
Understanding how to read point spreads is essential for successful point spread betting. Point spreads are presented in the format of “+/- X,” where X represents the number of points by which the favored team is expected to win. If the point spread is -4 for Team A, it means they are favored to win by 4 points. Conversely, if the spread is +4 for Team B, they are considered the underdog and are expected to lose by no more than 4 points for bets on them to win. These numbers will change by team and by match, so always check them first and compare them to what you expect the outcome to be based on your own analysis of past games.
The Potential Outcomes
When point spread betting, there are three possible outcomes to consider:
Favorite Covers the Spread
If you bet on the favored team, they must win by more points than the spread for your bet to be successful. For instance, if you bet on Team A with a spread of -6.5, that team needs to win by at least 7 points for your bet to win. This bet always requires that the favored team win by more than the number of points indicated. Just a win is not good enough.
Underdog Covers the Spread
If you bet on the underdog, the team must either win the game outright or lose by fewer points than the spread for your bet to win. Using the previous example, if you bet on Team B with a spread of +4, the team needs to win the game or lose by 3.5 points or fewer for your bet to be successful.
Bet Results in a “Push” and Becomes Void
Sometimes, the actual game result aligns exactly with the point spread, resulting in a “push.” So, if the favored team had a point spread of -6, and the team won by exactly 6 points, the bet would be considered void, and the wagered amount would be returned to the bettor. No winnings or losses occur in the event of a push.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even practiced sportsbook bettors can make mistakes and bad calls. Excitement and the heat of the moment can cloud your judgment and have you betting on impulse or emotion. Beginners are even more subject to mistakes since they don’t have the wisdom of experience to help them make decisions. Fortunately, you can rely on the wisdom of others to help you when you’re starting out or to keep you focused when you are getting carried away in the sportsbook. Here are a couple of common mistakes to avoid when point spread betting:
Overvaluing Favorites
Many sportsbook bettors make the mistake of overvaluing favorites. While a team might be the favorite, it doesn’t guarantee that they will crush the win or even cover the projected spread. Make sure you spend some time assessing the teams’ recent performances, matchups, and other relevant factors before placing your bet, rather than relying solely on their favored status. Look at both the short and long term history when considering the team’s likely performance.
Ignoring Injury Reports
Injuries can significantly impact a team’s performance, yet some bettors overlook reports of injuries. Make sure you are staying up to date on injury reports for key players, as their absence or limited participation can influence the game’s outcome and the point spread. Take injuries into account with other factors when determining the team’s likely performance. The more informed you are, the more likely you are to choose a winning bet.
Bet The Point Spread at the DraftKings Sportsbook at Boot Hill Casino
Sportsbook betting is a thrilling way for sports fans to get in on the action with their favorite team with point spread betting. Betting on their favorite teams or players can make them feel like they have a stake in the game alongside the professionals. The DraftKings Sportsbook at Boot Hill Casino offers a comfortable and inviting lounge for watching your favorite games and placing your bets – whether you want to place a point spread bet or just pick your outright winners.
With a diverse selection of sports, competitive odds, and a user-friendly interface, the DraftKings Sportsbook offers an excellent platform for both beginners and seasoned bettors. Watch games on large, high-definition screens from comfortable lounge chairs, and order delicious snacks and meals from one of our many dining establishments.
Boot Hill Casino offers a world-class entertainment experience, whether you are visiting for a day of fun or you are looking for your next vacation getaway. Visit us today!