People who follow sports betting probably know there is more than one way to win money at a casino. Besides the usual odds of hitting a top-rated sports team or player, there is also the exciting world of betting on the spread. The spread can be defined as the difference between the point spreads for two competing teams. When choosing whether to bet on the spread, you have the option of either betting against or plus the spread. In most cases, it’s easier to bet against the spread since you are essentially risking less. Let’s take a closer look at the math behind the spread wagering.
The Math Behind The Spread
When putting together a betting lineup, you have to keep in mind that odds are constantly changing. Just because a team is a favorite doesn’t mean that the odds are always in their favor. Sometimes, the favorite team can be a huge underdog. In other cases, a team might be a complete long shot and you would be better off taking the points. To determine how well the spread is performing, you have to look at the recent history of the game and the current betting trends. Combining that with just a little bit of statistics and you can get an accurate read on whether or not to bet on the spread in a particular game. In the sections that follow, we will discuss some simple tips on how to maximize your chances of winning when betting on the spread.
Don’t Rush Into A Decision
Every year thousands of people rush out to buy a new car or house before the end of the summer because they think the prices will go down. While it is true that prices tend to drop during the offseason, you should wait until all the available choices are on the table before making a decision. In the same way, you don’t want to decide to bet on the spread without first taking a good look at all the options. Depending on the matchup, the spread might not be the best choice for your needs. It’s always a good idea to let time pass and see how things shake out before making any commitments. It would be best to check out the Vegas ratings for both teams and see which one holds the advantage at this point in time. A lot can happen between now and the end of the season and since you can’t control the outcome of the game, it might be wise to look for alternative options. When the seasons change and there is a new set of odds, you will be able to make the right choice for your personal situation.
Choose Your Poison
If you are unfamiliar with the term poison, it essentially refers to the mixture of drinks or foods that is capable of killing you. For example, if you drink a glass of wine you might be prone to developing a headache, blurred vision, or gastrointestinal issues. When it comes to betting, the same concept applies. Some spreads are more dangerous than others because of the combinations that can cause problems for the average person. When choosing what to bet on, it is important to keep in mind what your weaknesses are and steer clear of those combinations. Certain sports such as cricket don’t mix well with alcohol, for example, so if you are a fan of the game, you might want to avoid betting on it when you’re drinking. The same goes for other games where the ball is in play. For instance, the combination of roulette and alcohol is extremely dangerous and can cause all kinds of problems. Always be mindful of what you are consuming when betting and if you start to feel unwell, it might be best to cut your losses and leave the stadium. In some cases, it is possible to be perfectly healthy while betting and drinking but in other situations, it is best to avoid these fluids completely. A lot of sports drink companies put out alcohol-free versions of their products, so if you’re concerned about getting drunk, you don’t have to because there are other options available to you.
Understand The Risks
Just because a team is a favorite doesn’t mean they won’t disappoint you. For every favorite there is an underling team that will do their best to upset them. When it comes to sports betting, this phenomenon is known as the ‘underdog effect’. Just because a team is ranked highly or is supposed to be an excellent football squad doesn’t mean that they will live up to your expectations. This is why you have to be careful about choosing which NFL team you back and why you should always check the ratings and see how the rest of the league is doing before making any kind of commitment. In some cases, teams can perform well against the spread even if they are overrated like the Patriots, who are currently 5.5 point favorites over the Dolphins. In other cases, teams can perform poorly even if they are underdogs like the Texans, who are currently favored by 7 points over the Steelers. Even if you’re a diehard Steelers fan, you might want to avoid betting on them this week since they are 6.5 point underdogs at home against the Texans.
Use Your Head
When it comes to betting, your gut instinct isn’t always the best guide. Even among experts, there is no clear-cut answer as to which side of the spread you should choose. If you use your head, you can eliminate a lot of the guesswork and increase your chances of winning. You have to weigh all the pros and cons of each team and decide which one is the best for your needs. One of the things that make sports such a fun and exciting game to bet on is that even though there is a clear winner, there is still uncertainty as to what will happen next. When you are presented with multiple options and you have to make a decision, you should always go with the underdog since they are the ones you can least predict. Going against the grain might surprise you with a win once in a while, but overall it is better to avoid risking larger amounts of money on long shots. The key is to make the right choice based on your needs and situation rather than just following the herd mentality and hoping that your choice will somehow turn out well. With the right information and the right team, you have a chance at winning. Even with the spread, odds are always in your favor to some extent since you can’t truly predict the outcome of any game, you just have to do your best and follow the rules.