point spread
Oddsmaker's predicted difference
A point spread is a betting line that handicaps a favored team by a specified number of points.
The favorite must win by more than the spread for bets on them to pay out; the underdog can lose by less than the spread and still "cover." The Patriots are favored by seven, so they need to win by eight or more to beat the spread.
Point spreads make lopsided matchups more interesting to wager on by equalizing the perceived chances.
- bettingStaking money on outcomes
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
- handicapImposed competitive disadvantage
- lineContinuous mark or queue
- closing lineFinal statement concluding something
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