Point spread betting is a common form of sports betting, especially in football, basketball, and other matches. It refers to a betting company setting a benchmark for giving points or goals, and bettors can choose to support either the side giving the points or the side receiving the points. The final outcome is determined by the match result plus the preset point spread value.
The purpose of point spread betting is to balance the odds between the two sides. By giving a certain number of points to the weaker side, they have a similar probability of winning as the stronger side, thus attracting bettors to place wagers.
For example, suppose in an NBA basketball game, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing against the Sacramento Kings. The betting company expects the Lakers to be stronger, so they set the point spread at Lakers giving 6.5 points.
This means:
- If you bet on the Lakers, they must win the game by more than 6.5 points for you to win the bet.
- If you bet on the Kings, as long as they win the game, or lose by less than or equal to 6.5 points, you win the bet.
Assume the final game result is Lakers beating the Kings 120-110.
- For those who bet on the Lakers: The Lakers won by 10 points, which is greater than 6.5 points, so those who bet on the Lakers win the bet.
- For those who bet on the Kings: Although the Kings lost the game, they lost by 10 points, which is less than the given 6.5 points, so those who bet on the Kings also win the bet.
Through point spread betting, betting companies can adjust the odds to attract bets, while bettors can choose their betting targets based on their own judgment, adding fun and strategy to the betting process.