In sports betting, a point spread of -8.5 means that the favored team is expected to win by 8.5 points.
This figure is set by the bookmakers to level the playing field between two teams of differing skill levels.
If you bet on a team with a -8.5 point spread, they would need to win by 9 or more points for your bet to be successful.
How Does This Affect Your Betting Strategy?
Understanding how the point spread works will help you make more informed decisions when placing your bets.
It’s essential to consider how much risk you’re willing to take on. A higher point spread like -8.5 involves more risk as the team must win by a significant margin.
However, it also potentially offers higher rewards if your chosen team performs as expected.
Let’s Put This Into Perspective With a Real-World Example of a $100 Bet
Suppose you place a $100 bet on a team with a -8.5 point spread at odds of -200. If your team wins by 9 or more points, you stand to win your bet.
However, the odds of -200 mean that you would only gain approximately $50 from your $100 stake. This is because negative odds show how much you need to bet to win $100.
In this case, you’d need to bet around $200 to make a $100 profit.
When Should You Consider This Type of Bet?
You should consider betting on a -8.5 point spread when you have strong confidence that the favored team will outperform the spread.
This could be based on their recent performance, player statistics, or other factors.
Remember, the higher the point spread, the more points the team must win by for your bet to pay off.
Finding the Spreads With the Most Profitable Odds
In order to maximize your potential returns, it’s advisable to use an odds comparison tool such as OddsJam.
This platform allows you to compare the odds offered by different bookmakers for the same bets, helping you find the most profitable spreads.
By taking the time to do this, you can increase your chances of winning and getting the best possible return on your bets.