A point spread in sports betting is a way for oddsmakers to make a matchup between two unevenly matched teams more balanced.
When you see a -5 point spread, it means that the favored team (the team with the negative spread) must win by more than 5 points for a bet on that team to pay out.
If they win by exactly 5 points, the bet is a “push” and the wagered money is returned.
How Does This Affect Your Betting Strategy?
Understanding point spreads is crucial to strategic betting.
In the case of a -5 point spread, you would need to consider whether you believe the favored team can win by a margin of 6 points or more.
If you’re confident in their ability to do so, betting on the favored team would be a good move.
However, if you think the game will be close, or the underdog could pull off an upset, you might want to put your money on the underdog.
Let’s Put This Into Perspective with a Real-World Example of a $100 Bet
Say you place a $100 bet on Team A, who has a -5 point spread.
If Team A wins by 6 or more points, you’ve won your bet and will receive your wager back plus your winnings.
The amount you win depends on the odds given by the sportsbook. If Team A only wins by 5 points, it’s a push and you get your original $100 bet back.
If Team A wins by less than 5 points or loses the game, you lose your $100 bet.
When Should You Consider This Type of Bet?
Consider betting on a -5 point spread when you believe the favored team will win by a comfortable margin.
Factors to consider may include team form, injuries, home advantage, and historical performance against the opposition.
It’s always important to do your research before placing any kind of sports bet.
Finding the Spreads with the Most Profitable Odds
There are several tools available online that allow you to compare odds across different sportsbooks.
One such tool is OddsJam.
By using OddsJam or a similar tool, you can find the most profitable spreads and ensure you’re getting the best possible return on your bets.