Point spread
What does "point spread" mean in sports betting?
The point spread is a handicap that evens out a matchup: the favorite has to win by more than the spread, and the underdog covers by losing by less than it or winning outright.
The favorite is listed with a minus number (for example -6.5) and the underdog with a plus number (+6.5). Most spreads are priced around -110 on both sides.
Spreads that end in .5 can't tie. Whole-number spreads can end in a push, where the bet is refunded. In the NFL, 3 and 7 are the most common final margins, so a half point on either side of those numbers matters a lot.
Example
Lions -6.5 vs Jets +6.5. If Detroit wins 27-20 (by 7), Lions bettors win. If Detroit wins 23-20 (by 3), Jets bettors win, because New York lost by less than 6.5.
Related terms
Alt line
An alt line (alternate line) is a spread, total or player prop set at a different number than the main line, with the price adjusted to match.
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is a wager on which team or fighter wins outright, with no point spread involved.
Push
A push is a tie against the betting line. Your stake is refunded, with no win or loss.
Hook
The hook is the half point on a spread or total, like the .5 in -3.5. It removes the chance of a push.
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