In sports betting, a -3.5 point spread indicates that the favored team (the one you’re betting on) must win by more than 3.5 points for your bet to be successful.
You might wonder, “How can a team win by half a point?” Well, that .5 is there to exclude the possibility of a tie or ‘push.’
If the favored team wins by exactly 3 points or less or loses the game outright, then you lose your bet.
How does this affect your betting strategy?
A -3.5 point spread should significantly influence your betting strategy.
When faced with such a spread, you need to critically evaluate whether the favorite team can win by more than 3.5 points.
This analysis involves examining past performances, considering player injuries, and pondering other factors that could affect the game’s outcome.
Although betting on a -3.5 spread may seem less risky than higher spreads, it still requires careful consideration and strategic planning.
Let’s put this into perspective with a real-world example of a $100 bet
Imagine you place a $100 bet on Team A with a -3.5 point spread at odds of -110.
If Team A pulls off a victory by more than 3.5 points, you’ve won! Your total return would be approximately $190.90 (your initial $100 stake plus $90.90 in winnings).
However, if Team A only manages to win by exactly 3 points or less, or even loses the game, then you’d lose your $100 bet.
When should you consider this type of bet?
You should mull over a -3.5 point spread bet when you strongly believe that the favored team will win by more than 3.5 points.
This conviction could be based on their recent form, historical performance against the opponent, or other relevant factors.
However, don’t forget that there’s always a risk involved in betting, and therefore, it’s crucial to wager responsibly.
Finding the spreads with the most profitable odds
To find the most beneficial point spreads, I highly recommend using odds comparison tools, such as OddsJam.
These tools allow you to compare odds from different bookmakers, helping you identify the best value for your bets.
By using tools like OddsJam, you can potentially maximize your returns, making your betting strategy a lot more efficient and profitable.