Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Betting Spread
1. What does the – mean in sports betting spread?
The – symbol in a sports betting spread indicates the favorite team in a matchup. The favorite must win by more than the point spread for the bet to be successful.
2. How do I interpret the – in the betting spread?
When you see a – sign before a team's point spread, it shows the number of points that team is expected to win by. For example, if the spread is -3, the favorite must win by at least 4 points to cover the spread.
3. Does the – in sports betting spread mean the team will definitely win?
No, the – does not guarantee a win. It only indicates that the team is favored to win by a specific number of points. Upsets can and do happen in sports.
4. What happens if the favorite wins by exactly the spread?
If the favorite wins exactly by the point spread (e.g., a team with a -3 spread wins by 3), this results in a push. In this case, all bets are typically refunded.
5. Can the spread change after it is posted?
Yes, the spread can change due to various factors such as injuries, weather conditions, or betting patterns. The – symbol will still indicate the favorite team in the updated spread.
6. Do all sports betting spreads use the – symbol?
Most sports betting spreads use the – symbol to indicate the favorite, but the format might slightly vary across different platforms or sports. Always check the specific rules of the sportsbook you are using.
7. What does it mean if a team has a + sign instead of a -?
A team with a + sign is the underdog. In this case, the team is expected to lose, and a bet on them would require them either to win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread.
8. Why is the – important in sports betting strategy?
The – is crucial as it helps bettors understand the minimum margin needed for a favored team to successfully cover the spread, allowing for informed betting decisions.
9. Are the point spreads the same across all sportsbooks?
Not necessarily. Different sportsbooks can have varying spreads based on their analysis of the teams. However, the – symbol will still indicate the favorite across these platforms.
10. How can I find out the current spreads for games?
You can check various online sportsbooks or sports betting apps for the current spreads. Look for the – symbol next to the favorite team to understand how they are expected to perform.