In sports betting, a -7 point spread means that the team you’re backing, often referred to as the ‘favorite’, must win by more than 7 points for your bet to be successful.
This is what’s known as ‘covering the spread’. The number (-7) represents the margin of victory necessary for a winning bet.
How Does This Affect Your Betting Strategy?
A -7 point spread has a significant bearing on your betting strategy. It indicates that you’re not just betting on the team to win but to win by a specific margin.
This requires an in-depth understanding of the teams’ performance capabilities, their past records, and current conditions.
You would need to judge whether the favorite team can surmount the underdog by more than seven points to make a knowledgeable bet.
Let’s Put This Into Perspective With a Real-World Example of a $100 Bet
Suppose you’ve placed a $100 bet on Team A with a -7 point spread. If Team A wins the match by 8 or more points, you’ll win the bet.
However, if Team A wins by exactly 7 points, the bet is considered a ‘push’, and your original stake is returned.
If Team A wins by less than 7 points or loses the game, you lose your $100 bet.
When Should You Consider This Type of Bet?
This type of bet should be considered when you have a strong belief based on your analysis of recent performances, player form, head-to-head statistics, etc., that the favorite will win by a substantial margin.
It’s also worth considering when the payout offered on a straight win does not match the perceived risk, making the point spread bet a potentially more lucrative choice.
Finding the Spreads with the Most Profitable Odds
Utilizing odds comparison tools like OddsJam can be a significant advantage in your betting strategy.
These tools allow you to compare the odds offered by various bookmakers in real-time, helping you find the most profitable spreads.
This way, you don’t just rely on your sports knowledge but also use data to make smarter betting decisions.