A point spread is a handicap applied to the favorite to level the betting field. Here's what spreads mean, how they work, and how they differ from moneylines.
A point spread (or just "spread") is a handicap assigned to the favored team in a game. Instead of picking who wins outright, you're betting whether the favorite wins by more than the spread — or the underdog loses by less.
Example: Chiefs -6.5 vs. Raiders +6.5 at -110 each.
Both sides are priced at -110, meaning the vig is equal on each side. The spread is designed to make both outcomes equally likely to attract balanced betting action.
Spreads often include ".5" (a "hook") to eliminate pushes. A spread of exactly -6 risks a push if the favorite wins by exactly 6. The -6.5 forces a definitive outcome.
| Spread | Moneyline | |
|---|---|---|
| Win condition | Cover the spread | Win the game outright |
| Payout | Usually close to even (-110) | Varies by favorite/underdog gap |
| Best for | Equal-looking games | Lopsided games |
For the full breakdown of bet types, read our guide to how sports betting works.
This is part of our complete guide. Read the full breakdown for the complete strategy.
Read: How Sports Betting Works: A Beginner's Guide (2026) →