Sports betting
Point spread
A handicap applied to the favorite so that both sides of a game are roughly even-money bets.
If the Chiefs are -6.5, they must win by seven or more for a bet on them to pay; the underdog covers by losing by six or fewer or winning. Books price both sides near -110. Prediction markets list spreads as "Team covers -6.5" Yes/No contracts, where the price shows the probability directly.
Spread markets react to injuries, weather and sharp money. The closing line, the spread just before kickoff, is the most efficient number and the benchmark bettors use to judge their own picks.
Half-point spreads avoid pushes; whole-number spreads can land exactly and refund both sides.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does "Point spread" mean?
- A handicap applied to the favorite so that both sides of a game are roughly even-money bets.
- Why does point spread matter for prediction markets?
- Half-point spreads avoid pushes; whole-number spreads can land exactly and refund both sides.