The point spread (also called the runline in baseball or the puck line in hockey) is a handicap set by oddsmakers to level the playing field between two teams. By applying this “head start” to the underdog, both sides of the matchup become more balanced for betting.
Favorite (-): Must win the game by more than the spread for bets to win.
Underdog (+): Can either win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread for bets to win.
Push (Tie): If the final margin equals the spread, all bets are returned.
Patriots -3 vs Rams +3
If the Patriots win by 4 or more, bets on Patriots win.
If the Rams lose by 2 or fewer, or win outright, bets on Rams win.
If the Patriots win by exactly 3, all bets are a push (stake returned).
Each spread has a price (the “juice”):
Negative odds (e.g., -110): How much you must risk to win $100.
Positive odds (e.g., +150): How much you win on a $100 stake.
Odds may shift if one side attracts more betting action.
Point spread betting isn’t limited to the full game. You can also bet on adjusted spreads for:
First half (1H)
Second half (2H)
Quarter lines (Q1, Q2, etc.)
5th inning (Baseball)
In each case, the spread applies only to the scoring during that period.
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