In sports betting, a point spread is a way for oddsmakers to balance a matchup between two uneven teams by giving points to or taking points away from teams.
A +1.5 point spread means that the underdog team (the team predicted to lose) is given a 1.5 point advantage before the game even starts.
For instance, if Team A (the favorite) is playing against Team B (the underdog), and the point spread is +1.5 in favor of Team B, then Team B starts the game with a 1.5 point lead.
This means that for a bet on Team B to win, they can either win the game outright, or they can lose by exactly one point.
On the other hand, for a bet on Team A to win (who is -1.5), they must win by two points or more.
How Does This Affect Your Betting Strategy?
Knowing the meaning of the +1.5 point spread can significantly impact your betting strategy.
It allows you to make a calculated risk based on the predicted performance of the teams rather than simply betting on who will win or lose.
If you’re confident that the underdog will either win or only lose by one point, you might choose to bet on them.
However, if you believe the favorite team will win by two points or more, then betting on them would be a good choice.
Real-world Example
Let’s say you place a $100 bet on Team B (the underdog) with a +1.5 point spread. If Team B wins the game, or if they lose by exactly one point, you win your bet.
However, if Team B loses by two points or more, you would lose your bet.
When Should You Consider This Type of Bet?
The +1.5 point spread bet can be a good option when you believe that the game will be closely contested.
It’s also a good choice when you think the underdog team is likely to outperform the predictions.
Finding the Best Point Spreads
To find the best point spreads and other bets with the most profitable odds, it is recommended to use odds comparison tools.
One of the best odds comparison tools around is OddsJam.
These tools allow you to compare odds from different sportsbooks and find the best value for your bets, which a lot of time can tell you whether or not you’re making the right bets.