In sports betting, a -9 point spread means that the team you’re backing (usually referred to as the ‘favorite’) must win by more than 9 points for your bet to be successful.
This concept is often termed as ‘covering the spread’. The number (-9) represents the margin of victory required for your bet to yield a profit.
How Does This Affect Your Betting Strategy?
A -9 point spread significantly impacts your betting strategy. It means you’re not merely wagering on the team to win but to win by a specific margin.
This requires a comprehensive understanding of the teams’ past performances, their current form, and other influential factors.
You need to evaluate whether the favorite can surpass the underdog by more than nine points to place an informed bet.
Let’s Put This Into Perspective With a Real-World Example of a $100 Bet
Let’s suppose you’ve placed a $100 bet on Team A with a -9 point spread. If Team A wins the match by 10 or more points, you’ll win the bet.
However, if Team A wins by exactly 9 points, the bet results in a ‘push’, and your original stake is returned.
If Team A wins by less than 9 points or loses the game, you lose your $100 bet.
When Should You Consider This Type of Bet?
You should consider this type of bet when you have a strong belief, based on your analysis of recent games, player form, head-to-head statistics, etc., that the favorite will win by a substantial margin.
Also, it’s worth considering when the payout offered on a straight win doesn’t sufficiently cover the perceived risk, making the point spread bet a potentially more profitable choice.
Finding the Spreads with the Most Profitable Odds
Using odds comparison tools like OddsJam can significantly improve your betting strategy.
These tools allow you to compare the odds offered by different bookmakers in real-time, helping you find the most profitable spreads.
By doing this, you’re not just relying on your knowledge of the sport but also utilizing data to make smarter betting decisions.