The minus sign in sports betting typically indicates the favorite team, suggesting they are more likely to win.
Therefore, a -1 point spread means that the favored team must win the game by more than one point for the bet to be successful.
In other words, if you place a bet on a team with a -1 point spread and they win by only one point, the result is a ‘push’, and your stake (bet amount) is returned.
However, if they win by two points or more, congratulations! You’ve won your bet.
How does this affect your betting strategy?
Understanding point spreads is crucial to formulating an effective betting strategy.
For example, if you believe the favored team will win by a significant margin, betting on them despite the -1 point spread can provide good returns.
Let’s put this into perspective with a real-world example of a $100 bet
If you were to place a $100 bet on a team with a -1 point spread, several outcomes are possible.
If the team you bet on wins by more than one point, you win your bet and the payout will be determined by the odds given by the bookmaker.
If the team wins by exactly one point, it’s a push, and you get your $100 back. However, if the team ties or loses the game, you lose your $100 bet.
When should you consider this type of bet?
Point spread betting, including -1 point spreads, can be a smart choice when you believe the favored team will win by more than the spread.
This type of bet can also add an extra layer of excitement to the game, as it keeps things interesting even when one team is heavily favored to win.
Finding the best point spreads with the most profitable odds
To maximize your returns and ensure you’re getting the best value for your bets, it’s always a good idea to compare odds across different bookmakers.
Odds comparison tools like OddsJam can assist in finding the best point spreads with the most profitable odds.