Against the Spread Betting Guide - ATS Betting Explained

NFL Point Spread Explained & Example

Spread betting is popular in football because most teams are mismatched in performance. In an NFL point spread, the weaker side gets an advantage of several points. A +7 spread is common in football betting because of the touchdown and extra point awarded. In spread betting, the weaker team must win the game or lose by less than the spread (+7). For instance, in a game where the New England Patriots take on the Vikings, the sportsbook offers the Patriots a spread of -9.5. So, the odds would be:

• Patriots -9.5 (+110)
• Vikings +9.5 (-110)

NBA Point Spread Explained & Example

Spread betting in the NBA works similarly to the NFL. Due to the fast-paced action in basketball, point spread bets are available quarter-by-quarter, but you can also wager on the half or full game. For example, in a game between the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, the Heat might attract a -9 point spread, meaning the Magic are at -9. Alternatively, you can stake money on the first quarter, where the Heat has a -2 against the spread.

NHL Puck Line Explained & Example

Hockey is a low-scoring sport. Hence, spread betting doesn't work the same as in basketball and football. A spread in NHL betting is referred to as a puck line and is almost always at 1.5. Additionally, odds are adjusted depending on a team's ability. So, you don't get -110 on both. An example: Nashville Predators vs Anaheim Ducks with Predators as favorites at -200, a betting site can offer a puck line of Predators -1.5 (-110). However, with a more evenly matched opponent like the Lightning, the odds for Predators as favorites might be -115, and the puck line could be -1.5 (+190).

Possible Outcomes of a Point Spread Be

In spread betting, expect the following results:

• Your selection against the spread wins, which returns the initial wager plus winnings. For instance, a $110 stake earns $100 in profit, meaning the payout is $210.
• A loss means you burn your entire stake.
• The game ends in a tie, called a push, which requires the sportsbook to refund your original stake. So, if you wagered $50, you get $50 back.

Examples of ATS Bets

The following hypothetical ATS wagers should clarify how the bet type works for different sports.

Football

• Arizona Cardinals +7.5
• Los Angeles Rams -7.5
• Final score: Cardinals 20 - Rams 28

If you backed the Cardinals against the spread, then you lose because they lost by 8 points. You would have won if you took the Rams, who covered the spread.

Basketball

• OKC Thunder -9
• LA Lakers +9
• Final score: Thunder 105 - Lakers 100

If you took the Lakers against the spread, then you win since they lost by 5 points.

Baseball (run lines)

• NY Yankees -1.5 (-120)
• Boston Orioles +1.5 (+160)
• Final score: Yankees 5 - Orioles 4

If you wagered on the Orioles to cover the spread, then your ticket wins because they lost to the Yankees by one run line. Like hockey, baseball uses a standard 1.5 spread (run line).

Spread Number

Learning the key numbers in spread betting helps you make informed selections. Sportsbooks use algorithms to come up with point spreads and are correct most of the time. In NFL betting, for example, a majority of games has a three- or seven-point difference. The most used is a +7 spread due to touchdowns. Half-points are added to avoid ties or pushes. Basketball has competitions where the spread can be as much as 20 points. The spread number can change as betting sites receive new information about an event. Hence, watching the line movement can give you better value.

Choose a Site with Low Vig

The vigorish (vig) or juice is how sportsbooks earn profits. When reading spread bet odds, you will see another number apart from the handicap. For example, -9.5 (-110). This figure indicates the amount you are laying. You have to wager $110 to make $100, meaning the operator takes $10. If you are to get good returns, the fee going to the betting site should be as little as possible. So, when shopping lines and odds, focus on websites with low vig.

Player Injuries

One aspect that influences the point spread is the players' well-being. The physical fitness of different players determines a team's capabilities. A star player suffering an injury can move a team from huge favorites to almost even-matched with their opponents. Conversely, players who were out with injuries may return earlier than anticipated. So, follow team news of the event you intend to wager in to keep up with every change. Player injuries could mean getting an extra half-point advantage, which makes a significant difference in spread betting.

Power Rankings

Betting websites have power rankings for varied sports used to set point spreads. This rating system considers different elements to identify how far apart in strength different sides are. The spread size depends on the ranking difference between two units. You can make your own rankings and use them when spread betting. This list tells you how teams perform, hence, enabling you to make sensible selections. Power rankings shift over time with each game. You can even calculate point spreads and compare them with what sportsbooks are offering. Remember to watch factors that affect power rankings, like player injuries.

Current Form

You must be able to analyze a team's current form before going all in on ATS betting. Look at the most recent performances. How was the team? Break down the different types of competitions played and the strength of the opponents. Don't focus too much on the statistics, though, because they can be misleading. Evaluate the coaching style and motivation because it affects how a team carries itself. For instance, negative news on social media might mess with a team's morale. Learn how to pick out the offensive and defensive units.