Betting on spreads in football is a popular form of sports betting where you’re not just picking the winner of the game, but also the margin of victory. The spread is a number set by oddsmakers that represents the expected margin of victory for the favorite team. Here’s how to bet on spreads in football:
### Understanding the Spread
When you see a spread, it will look something like this:
– **Favorite (-7)** vs. **Underdog (+7)**
The minus sign (-7) indicates the favorite, and the plus sign (+7) indicates the underdog. The numbers represent the points that will be subtracted from the favorite’s final score or added to the underdog’s final score.
### Betting the Favorite
– **To Win the Bet**: The favorite must win the game by more than 7 points. If they win by exactly 7 points, the bet is a push (tie), and you get your money back.
– **To Lose the Bet**: If the favorite wins by less than 7 points or loses the game, you lose the bet.
### Betting the Underdog
– **To Win the Bet**: The underdog can either win the game outright or lose by less than 7 points. If they lose by exactly 7 points, it’s a push, and you get your money back.
– **To Lose the Bet**: If the underdog loses by more than 7 points, you lose the bet.
### Placing the Bet
1. **Choose Your Bet**: Decide whether you want to bet on the favorite or the underdog.
2. **Decide on the Amount**: Determine how much money you want to bet.
3. **Place Your Bet**: Go to a sportsbook, either online or in person, and place your bet on the spread for the game you’re interested in.
### Key Considerations
– **Line Movement**: The spread can change before the game starts due to various factors such as injuries, weather, or changes in public perception.
– **Covering the Spread**: This term refers to the margin of victory. If the favorite “covers the spread,” they’ve won by more than the spread amount. If the underdog “covers the spread,” they’ve either won the game or lost by less than the spread.
– **Home Field Advantage**: Oddsmakers often take home field advantage into account when setting the spread.
– **Public Opinion**: The amount of money bet on one side or the other can influence the spread, especially if a large portion of the public bets on one team.
– **Bankroll Management**: It’s important to manage your money wisely. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose, and consider the size of your bets relative to your overall bankroll.
Remember that sports betting involves risk, and it’s essential to bet responsibly. Always be aware of your local laws regarding sports betting and ensure that you’re of legal age to participate.