In sports betting, a -8 point spread refers to a scenario where the team you’re backing, known as the ‘favorite,’ must win by more than 8 points for your bet to pay out.
This is often phrased as ‘covering the spread.’ The number (-8) signifies the margin of victory required for your bet to be a winner.
How Does This Affect Your Betting Strategy?
A -8 point spread holds significant implications for your betting strategy. It means you’re not simply wagering on a team to win but to win by a specific margin.
This demands a thorough understanding of the teams’ past performances, their current form, and other influencing factors.
You need to assess whether the favorite can overcome the underdog by more than eight points to make an informed bet.
Let’s Put This Into Perspective With a Real-World Example of a $100 Bet
Imagine you’ve placed a $100 bet on Team A with a -8 point spread. If Team A wins the match by 9 or more points, you’ll win the bet.
But if Team A wins by exactly 8 points, the bet results in a ‘push’, and you get your original stake back.
If Team A wins by less than 8 points or loses the game, you will lose your $100 bet.
When Should You Consider This Type of Bet?
This type of bet is worth considering when you have a strong conviction, based on your analysis of recent games, player form, head-to-head records, and so on, that the favorite will win by a considerable margin.
It’s also worth considering when the payout offered on a straight win doesn’t compensate for the perceived risk, making the point spread bet a potentially more profitable option.
Finding the Spreads with the Most Profitable Odds
One way to improve your betting strategy is to use odds comparison tools such as OddsJam.
These tools let you compare the odds offered by different bookmakers in real-time, enabling you to find the most profitable spreads.
By doing this, you’re not just relying on your knowledge of the sport but also leveraging data to make smarter betting decisions.