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Point Spread Betting Explained: A Beginner’s Guide to Betting the Spread
If you’re new to sports betting, point spread betting can feel confusing at first. Unlike moneyline bets, you’re not just picking who wins — you’re betting on how much a team wins by.
This guide explains what a point spread bet is, how point spreads work, and when betting the spread makes sense for beginners. By the end, you’ll understand spreads well enough to decide if they’re right for your first bets.
What Is a Point Spread Bet?
A point spread bet is a wager where the sportsbook adds a handicap to even out the matchup between two teams.
- The favorite must win by more than the spread
- The underdog can either win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread
The point spread exists to make betting on both sides more balanced.
How Point Spreads Work
Point spreads are shown with a plus (+) or minus (–) number.
- – (minus) = the favorite
- + (plus) = the underdog
Example: Point Spread Bet
- Eagles –3.5
- Cowboys +3.5
If you bet:
- Eagles –3.5: They must win by 4 or more points
- Cowboys +3.5: They can win outright or lose by 3 points or fewer
The half point (.5) prevents a tie, also called a “push.”
Why Sportsbooks Use Point Spreads
Point spreads exist to:
- Balance betting on both sides
- Make mismatched games more interesting
- Offer better payouts on favorites
Instead of favorites having extremely expensive moneyline odds, point spreads give bettors another option with more reasonable payouts.
Point Spread vs Moneyline: What’s the Difference?
The key difference comes down to risk vs simplicity.
- Moneyline bets: Pick the winner only
- Point spread bets: Pick the winner plus the margin
Moneyline bets are simpler and better for beginners.
Point spreads offer better odds but require more accuracy.
👉 See our Moneyline vs Point Spread guide for a side-by-side comparison.
Favorites vs Underdogs in Point Spread Betting
Betting the Favorite (–)
- Higher chance of winning the game
- Must win by a certain margin
- Slightly more risk than moneyline
Betting the Underdog (+)
- Can lose the game and still win the bet
- Requires fewer things to go right
- Often attractive to beginners once they understand spreads
Understanding which side of the spread you’re betting is critical before placing a wager.
When Point Spread Betting Makes Sense
Point spread bets are a good choice when:
- You believe the favorite will win comfortably
- The underdog is competitive and likely to keep it close
- Moneyline odds are too expensive
- You understand the sport and scoring patterns
They’re especially common in NFL and NBA betting, where spreads are tightly priced.
👉 If you’re betting football, start with our NFL betting beginner guide.
Common Beginner Mistakes With Point Spread Bets
Beginners often struggle with point spreads because they:
- Forget the margin of victory matters
- Bet favorites without considering value
- Ignore half points (.5)
- Jump into parlays before mastering straight bets
Learning spreads slowly helps avoid unnecessary losses.
Where Do You Place Point Spread Bets?
Point spread bets are placed inside sportsbook apps or websites. Most sportsbooks clearly list point spreads next to each game once you open the betting menu.
If you’re new to betting, using a beginner-friendly sportsbook makes spreads much easier to understand.
👉 See our recommended sportsbooks for beginners
Can You Use Point Spread Bets in Parlays?
Yes. Point spread bets are commonly used in parlays, where multiple bets are combined into one wager.
Important for beginners:
- Every leg must win
- Risk increases quickly
- One loss kills the entire parlay
If you’re still learning spreads, it’s best to avoid parlays until you’re comfortable.
👉 Read our Parlay Betting Explained guide before trying them.
Point Spread Betting Tips for Beginners
If you’re just getting started:
- Start with straight bets
- Bet small while learning
- Focus on one sport
- Avoid emotional betting
Point spreads reward discipline and patience more than excitement.
What Should Beginners Do Next?
If you’re new to sports betting, here’s a simple plan:
- Learn moneyline betting first
- Add point spreads once you’re comfortable
- Start with small wagers
- Avoid parlays early
Understanding point spreads is a big step toward becoming a smarter bettor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Point Spread Betting
What does –3.5 mean in betting?
It means the favorite must win by at least 4 points for the bet to win.
Can you win a point spread bet if your team loses?
Yes. If you bet the underdog and they lose by fewer points than the spread, your bet still wins.
Are point spreads harder than moneylines?
They’re more complex, but they often offer better odds. Beginners should learn moneylines first.
Why do sportsbooks use half points?
Half points prevent ties, also called pushes, and ensure every bet has a clear outcome.
Final Thought
Point spread betting adds strategy to sports betting, but it’s best learned after mastering moneyline bets. Take your time, start small, and focus on understanding the margin — not just the winner.
Ready to Try Point Spread Betting?
Once you understand how spreads work, choosing the right sportsbook makes placing these bets much easier.
👉 See our recommended sportsbooks for beginners